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    Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axe

    GARY Lineker teared up as he bid an emotional farewell to the iconic Match of the Day show following the BBC’s controversial decision to axe him.The popular presenter thanked his co-workers and the Match of the Day staff for his 26 years presenting the show.The presenter struggled to fight back the tears in an emotional farewellCredit: BBCCo-hosts and friends Micah Richards and Alan Shearer presented Gary Lineker with a golden boot in a heartfelt farewellCredit: BBCGary Lineker was seen wiping away tears after watching tributes pour inCredit: BBCTributes poured in from former legendary teammates, managers, players, colleagues and family in a heartfelt farewell montage that closed the show.Man City boss, Pep Guardiola, told the presenter: “You won’t believe it but you will be missed! “You have my Barcelona shirt – you can send it to me!”Claudio Ranieri, former Leicester manager, was another to send his praises to the former Foxes player.read more on sportHe said: “Well done for the amazing job you have done.”2016, we will always remember.”His co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards then presented a tearful Gary Lineker with a golden boot.MOTD legend Alan Hansen also praised the outgoing presenter, saying his “sharp, intelligent” skills on the pitch carried over into the studio.Most read in Football”It was a seamless journey,” he added.During the show, the former England football captain interviewed Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who offered words of praise for the presenter.Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next week”And thank you for being such a great host of a BBC show I’ve watched many times,” Arne Slot said.The Liverpool manager added: “I’d like to give you a Liverpool shirt instead of the other club you played for!”The emotional Gary Lineker bowed out of MOTD, praising the staff behind the scenes. I’m sorry your team is always last onGary LinekerHe said: “Let me thank for all the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the 25 years…”Thank you for all the people on the show you don’t see.. Thank you all.”Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work.”He then shared a special message with viewers, thanking them for their support and jokingly added: “I’m sorry your team is always last on!”At the start of Match Of The Day, Gary Lineker opened by saying, “It wasn’t meant to end this way” before referencing the title race being over and Champions League qualification being all there was to focus on.The programme opened with clips of the former footballer in action on the pitch, followed by the words “The end of an Era”.Gary was spotted earlier looking relaxed in a checked shirt and jeans, smiling as he arrived at the studios.The BBC online preview for tonight’s MOTD said: “The best of the action from the final day of the Premier League season presented, for the last time, by Gary Lineker.”However, it came after he recently left colleagues in no doubt about his feelings on BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.He was seen to snub his boss and made remarks about him, which were described as “blunt”.The 64-year-old was due to cover next year’s FA Cup and World Cup but bowed out early.It follows a controversial row over his use of social media.The BBC have come up with a new format but tried and tested presenters to replace Gary Lineker next season.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will have big shoes to fill.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous presenters at the corporation, was temporarily suspended in March 2023.He was embroiled in an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.I would never consciously repost anything anti-SemiticGary LinekerIn November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby.It was illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked.A statement from Lineker read: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season.The broadcaster added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.But the ex-England captain suggested he wants to step away from traditional television when asked in an interview about his post-MOTD schedule.Just days before announcing his exit from the BBC on Monday, Lineker told the Beyond The Title podcast: “Professionally, I’ve got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now.“It’s really exciting and it’s a lot of fun. We’re doing really well. I don’t think I’ll do much television.‘Really proud’“Hopefully I’ll be in a position where I can just pick and choose things I quite fancy doing. So the podcast world really I think.”Lineker also insisted his broadcasting career has made him prouder than his on-pitch heroics for teams such as Leicester, Everton, Spurs and Barcelona.He added: “I’m actually probably a bit more proud of what I’ve done in broadcasting than possibly football because I always said I was born to be in the box, not on the box.“I had to work really hard at television.“ I had to work hard at football but it came naturally, whereas television didn’t come naturally.“It took a lot of hard work and effort and determination and studying and stuff of other people and how they do it.Read More on The Sun“Eventually I got there. Probably I’m proudest of the fact I made it to the top in broadcasting.”Leicester fan Lineker runs production company Goalhanger Podcasts which is behind hit series The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.How Gary Lineker became the BBC’s highest paid starGary Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day for more than 25 years but will leave the role earlier than expected following a row over his use of social media.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous and highly-paid presenters at the corporation, began his career at Leicester City, the club he had supported since childhood, in 1978.The 64-year-old striker scored 103 goals for the Foxes in all competitions before signing with Everton for £800,000 in 1985.He scored 40 goals in 57 games for the Toffees in his only season with the Liverpool-based side, before his six goals for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico won him the competition’s golden boot award and attracted the attention of Spanish football giants Barcelona.Moving to the Catalan side in 1986, Lineker went on to become the highest scoring British player in La Liga, Spain’s highest football division, under English manager Terry Venables.His record 42 goals was only beaten by Welsh winger Gareth Bale in 2016.Lineker spent three years in Spain before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in July 1989 for £1.1 million.He played a part in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which resulted in a defeat on penalties against West Germany.After the match, Lineker, who captained the Lions from 1990 to 1992, coined the phrase: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.”He won the 1991 FA Cup final with Spurs, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 despite having a goal controversially disallowed for offside and Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley saving a penalty.In 1992, Lineker became the first English footballer to play in Japan’s highest division, the J League, when he joined Nagoya Grampus Eight for £2 million.He retired after an injury-hit two-year spell at the club which saw him play just 23 times.Throughout his career Lineker was renowned for never receiving a yellow or red card booking from the referee.Following his retirement, Lineker joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a football pundit before becoming a team captain on the sports game show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.In 1997 he took over as host of Grandstand when then-presenter Desmond Lynam was at Aintree for the Grand National which was abandoned due to a bomb alert.He replaced Lynam as presenter of the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day in 1999, when Lynam defected to rival ITV.Lineker would later become the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, with the BBC’s annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year.He was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early, however, after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season and added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman will share the presenting role on the football show from the next Premier League season.The former England striker is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.Lineker was seen smiling as he headed into the studios for his final showGary Lineker presenting Match of the Day for the last timeCredit: BBC More

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    Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte ‘to leave Napoli despite guiding them to Serie A title with replacement lined up’

    ANTONIO CONTE is set to leave Napoli this summer despite guiding the club to the Serie A title this season, according to reports.Conte, 55, masterminded Napoli’s fourth ever Scudetto as they pipped Inter Milan to the title by a point on the final day of the season.Antonio Conte is set to leave Napoli despite leading the club to the Serie A titleCredit: GettyThe Italian tactician, who only joined the club last summer, is under contract with the Napoli until 2027.But it now seems like he is going to part ways with the champions two years prematurely.According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Conte is set for talks with the Napoli hierarchy but there is a feeling that the meeting will end in his departure.Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is thought to be keen on securing European success in the Champions League next season and Conte may not be the man to stick around and lead the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, De Laurentiis has reportedly already lined up a preferred replacement for the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss.It’s claimed that the Napoli chief would like to bring in Massimiliano Allegri to take over should Conte leave.Reports have suggested that Conte and De Laurentiis have had a fractured relationship in recent months after disagreements over player recruitment plans and training facilities.It was one of Conte’s summer signings that made the difference as Napoli won the title in dramatic fashion on Friday.Most read in FootballScott McTominay scored a super scissor kick as Napoli won Serie ACredit: Shutterstock EditorialMcTominay was named Serie A Player of the Season for his contributions over the campaignCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSScott McTominay, who arrived in a £25m deal from Man Utd in the summer, scored a breathtaking scissor kick to put Napoli a goal ahead against Cagliari.While Romelu Lukaku bagged a second to put Napoli out of sight and finish off the 2-0 victory.Wild scenes in Naples as fans celebrate after Scott McTominay wins Serie A for NapoliAnd midfielder McTominay has been named Serie A Player of the Year thanks to his mammoth contribution across the title-winning campaign.He scored 12 goals and has been ever-present this year with 34 league appearances.Despite reports of not seeing eye-to-eye and claims that Conte will be leaving, De Laurentiis left the door open for the the manager to stay put next term.Asked by DAZN about Conte’s future after the title success, the 75-year-old said: “Never say never.”Coaches have their own character that must be respected and in my view you should never oblige them under iron-clad contracts. Napoli is Napoli, it deserves respect. “If he wants to put himself at the disposal of the club the way he has done this season, then we say welcome, we are ready to follow him like a great leader.”Next year, I would be very pleased if he made his mark in the Champions League, which since they modified the format has become even more important.”Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has left the door open for Conte to stayCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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    Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured and fans will LOVE what Caicedo says

    CHELSEA let out wild celebrations in their dressing room after securing Champions League qualification.But Moises Caicedo knows the job is not done yet. Chelsea let out wild celebrations in their dressing room after securing Champions League qualificationIt comes after a 1-0 win over Nottingham ForestLevi Colwill with Moises CaicedoColwill with third-choice keeper Marcus BettinelliThe Blues finished fourth after holding their nerve to see off Nottingham Forest thanks to Levi Colwill’s second-half winner. And the England centre-back took Chelsea’s Instagram account into the jubilant dressing room to speak to his team-mates. Colwill warned the players were being “pretty calm” ahead of their Conference League final against Real Betis on Wednesday. And record-signing Caicedo said: “Thank you for your support. One more!” READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis reference to Chelsea’s focus on the final game of the season was echoed by Colwill who added: “One more final Wednesday.” Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, let out a scream while third-choice keeper Marcus Bettinelli shouted “let’s go!” And Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall said: “Hello Champions League.” With Aston Villa and Newcastle losing on the final day of the season, Chelsea’s win saw them finish inside the top four. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Colwill said: “When I scored, I stayed calm because we still had more minutes to play but I stayed calm and helped the boys.”What I got taught in the academy is you have to fight. We try to get these clean sheets to win and that’s what we did today.”We had to win. We knew we had to win and that it wasn’t going to be a hard atmosphere but we did it.”This club deserves to be in the Champions League.”Manager Enzo Maresca said: “I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. “All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League.“They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced.“Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything.“So in English, how do you say? Eff off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.”Colwill secured Chelsea’s top four finishCredit: PA More

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    Match of the Day LIVE: Gary Lineker breaks down in tears in his final appearance following anti-Semitism row

    GARY LINEKER broke down in tears at the end of his very last Match of the Day after quitting the BBC following an explosive anti-Semitism row.And the ex-footballer also made a cheeky dig at the BBC in his opening address.He began with: “It wasn’t meant to end this way.”He paused for a second, before continuing: “But with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about.”The ex-Leicester and England forward’s departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post that caused him huge backlash.And MOTD’s highest-paid presenter, reportedly at £1.35million a year has revealed that he will not front BBC’s World Cup coverage either.A statement from Lineker read: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”Start time: 10:30pm BSTLive stream: BBC iPlayerTV channel: BBC ONEMicah ‘star struck’ by LinekerMicah Richards won 13 England caps, plus the Prem crown and FA Cup with Manchester City.But he insists he was in awe of Lineker when he first joined MOTD.Richards popped up regularly during the Beeb’s tribute reel to Lineker.And at one stage he admitted: “I was a little bit star struck.”Richards also told the outgoing host: “Thank you very much for all the advice.”Copy linkCopied’The one person I could rely on’Amongst all the tributes to Lineker, one stood out for its simplicity.Ex-England keeper Peter Shilton won a record 125 England caps – including two years alongside the striker.And he told Lineker’s final MOTD show that the 64-year-old had been “the one person I could rely on”.Copy linkCopiedBoceli joins in a ‘Time to Say Goodbye’Iconic Italian singer Andrea Bocelli joined the tributes – as MOTD faded out to his music.Bocelli is most famous for his song “Time to Say Goodbye”.Credit: BBCCopy linkCopied’Great tribute segment’Viewers generally loved the BBC’s moving montage of Lineker’s contribution – to football and the Beeb itself.Here are a few responses as fans come to terms with his 26 years as MOTD host ending..One fan posted: “Absolute legend, every plaudit is deserved… a heart of gold.” Congratulations Gary, enjoy whatever is next.”A second added: “He plays down what a great player he was too as well as a great presenter, get yourself to Ocean beach and make up with your bro, life’s too short!”And a third wrote: “A great tribute segment. Thanks Gary, Alan and Micah for making Saturday nights special.”A fourth said: “Sad to see Gary Lineker go. Intelligent, witty and warm… #MOTD and the BBC will be a poorer place without him.”Copy linkCopiedHere’s how tearful Lineker said goodbyeGary Lineker’s final farewell to the Beeb was done in typical style – modest but with sharp humour… combined with a tear in his eye.Copy linkCopiedGary wishes next season’s THREE presenters wellLineker is being replaced by three well-respected presenters from next season.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan were all in the running for the individual job – until the Beeb decided to split it.Lineker’s words of thanks also included an “I wish you well” message as he name-checked all three successors.Copy linkCopiedFamily tribute to LinekerLineker’s family praised him as a father – and as “a brilliant human being”.The Beeb showed clips from when Lineker’s then-young son was able to see him perform his MOTD role in the studio. Copy linkCopiedBeeb blends his two careersMOTD peaked its farewell to Lineker with a rapid rundown on career highlights – from his playing days to the studio.The late Sir Bobby Robson popped up in an old clip from the 1980s when he was bossing England to say: “Once again Lineker will get all the praise!”And Ian Wright reveals the help he got from Lineker – as a player and then as a pundit.Lineker’s formative years with Leicester were also shownCopy linkCopiedEmotional Lineker ends with surprise ‘apology’Gary Lineker bowed out of MOTD – and the Beeb – with self-effacing words as he praised the “people you don’t see”.He said: “Let me thank for all the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the 25 years… “Thank you for all the people on the show you don’t see.. Thank you all.”Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work….”He finished off with a special message for viewers.Lineker said: “Thank you for all of you… and I’m sorry your team is always last on!”Copy linkCopiedHansen says Lineker transition was ‘seamless’MOTD legend Alan Hansen praised the way Gary Lineker switched from playing to punditry so smoothly,The former Liverpool defender reckons Lineker transferred his “sharp, intelligent” skills on the pitch to the studio.Hansen said: “It was a seamless journey.”Copy linkCopiedFrom Gazza to GaryPaul Gascoigne was also shown – and jokes if Lineker ever needs help he knows where to find it.Copy linkCopiedLegend is now booted outLineker added to his wealth of medals and honours with two more – from Richards and Shearer.After 80 England caps, Lineker finally gets the headwear he really wantedHe’s handed a special Match of the Day cap – and boots!Shearer also has a dig over his goal record compared to the fellow England striker’s.He also picked up a pair of gold…ish bootsCopy linkCopiedLegendary Foxes boss salutes GaryClaudio Ranieri was Leicester manager when Lineker’s favourite team stunned the world with Premier League glory nine years ago.Ranieri pops up here to say: “Well done for the amaxing job you have done. “2016, we will always remember.”Copy linkCopiedPep verdict on LinekerPep Guardiola is one of the talking heads.The Man City boss tells Lineker: “You won’t believe it but you will be missed!  “You have my Barcelona shirt – you can send it to me!”Here’s one of the touching memories MOTD finished withCopy linkCopied’I don’t know if I can speak..’We’ll show you many of the tributes – and images – but for now here’s how an emotional Lineker began his final words.”I don’t know if I can speak I’ll try… For the final time the league table…”Copy linkCopiedTributes flowing…We’re hearing from legends like Paul Gascoigne and Pep Guardiola – and Lineker’s family…Copy linkCopiedLineker has casting vote on goal of seasonShearer and Richards can’t be split on who bagged the goal of the season.In the end Lineker has the deciding vote – and goes for a sublime finish from Brighton winger Kaoru Mitouma against Chelsea on Valentines Day this year.Copy linkCopiedGary exit compared to demise of Top GearViewers are having their say on Lineker’s fast-looming exit from the BBC.And one came quite close to comparing the ex-England striker to… Jeremy Clarkson!The fan posted: “Genuinely can’t see the next crop of ‘lead presenters’ holding the fort for too long, as good as they are as broadcasters/presenters, it all feels very Top Gear 2016.”Copy linkCopiedLineker says Bowen snub ‘unfortunate’After Jarrod Bowen fired a stunner for West Ham, Lineker gives his verdict on the winger not being picked for the Three Lions next two games.The presenter reckons the “very consistent” performer is “a bit unfortunate to miss out on the England squad”.We’ve moved onto Bournemouth vs Leicester now.Copy linkCopiedThe Art of improvementLineker queries Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s assertion that only a small improvement is needed next term.And Shearer chips in: “It’s not a title-winning attack that Arsenal have got.”The comes highlights from relegated Ipswich’s 3-1 loss at home to West Ham.Copy linkCopiedCountdown begins…Lineker has mainly been in a supporting role tonight – as all good hosts are.Shearer and Richards have done most of the talking.But there’s not much supportive you can say of bottom side Southampton’s dismal season, which includes a record 30 defeats.Yes – MOTD is going through the highlights of the Saints against Prem runners-up Arsenal.Copy linkCopiedWolves vs Brighton nowWe’ve long gone through the crucial games for Champions League qualification.So now the big question is: What have the BBC got in store for Lineker’s send-off?Copy linkCopiedAnge insists Spurs had ‘outstanding’ seasonWe’re watching Europa League winners Spurs slump from 1-0 up to 4-1 down at home to Brighton as they finished fourth bottom.Asked to sum up the season, straight-faced Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou called it “outstanding”.He then explained: “We won a trophy after 17 years and qualified for the Champions League.”Lineker asks the panel if they think Postecolgou will still be boss next season.Shearer says no, but Richards is just as quick to say yes.Copy linkCopiedSlot hails Lineker – but did he forget name of the show?Lineker interviewed Arne Slot – and the Liverpool boss couldn’t resist a fulsome tribute.But Slot seemed to hesitate and stumble when it came to mentioning Match of the Day.Is it possible he suddenly couldn’t remember the name of the show?!The smiling Dutchman made a cheeky reference to Lineker’s spell at Liverpool’s rivals Everton – with an offer of a Reds shirt.Slot began the chat by revealing he is busy with transfer plans, even claiming: “This is the most important part of the season for getting the squad you want.”And he then launched his words of praise for Lineker.HERE’S WHAT HE SAID:And thank you for being such a great host of a BBC show I’ve watched many times.I’d like to give you a Liverpool shirt instead of the other club you played for!Copy linkCopiedReady for a party?MOTD is off to Anfield now – to look back at how Liverpool celebrated their title success on the day they faced Crystal Palace.The Reds certainly had a party afterwards – but no so much in their comeback 1-1 draw.Copy linkCopied More

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    Fuming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca delivers two-word X-rated response to critics in fiery press conference

    FUMING Enzo Maresca told the snipers to Eff-off during an explosive press conference – in front of his young daughter.The raging Chelsea boss let rip after his youthful side held their nerve to win 1-0 at Nottingham Forest to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League.Enzo Maresca told the snipers to Eff-off during an explosive press conferenceMaresca has endured widespread criticism from fans and critics all season and his playing style has often come under fire.But after sealing Chelsea’s return to the Champions League after a two-year absence – with the youngest squad in Premier League history – Maresca stuck two-fingers up to his detractors.Then dropped the F-bomb in front of stunned reporters and his child, who he had brought into the press room with him.”I didn’t have any doubt to be honest about the players,” Maresca rapped. “The doubt was from outside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough.”They were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League.”They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced.”Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So in English, how do you say? Eff-off to all of them!”Maresca will now take his triumphant players to Poland for Wednesday’s Uefa Conference League final against Real Betis with their confidence soaring.Levi Colwill SWEARS in live Sky Sports interview as Chelsea ace hits out at pundits after Champions League qualification_1 “We are in business where the people judge us because of the results,” he said.”City lost here. Arsenal drew here. Liverpool drew here. Chelsea won. It’s not easy. The players showed how good they are.”Today, in case we were not able to win the game, probably all of you judge this season a disaster, but it was not a disaster.”We have all been going in the same direction – the noise was more from outside than inside.”From January onwards we played many good games, today we achieved an important target for this club and we’re happy.”Now from tomorrow we start to prepare for the Wednesday final and then it’s time to prepare for next season.In English, how do you say? Eff-off to all of them!Enzo Maresca on Chelsea critics “For sure we deserve to play in the best European competition and that is the Champions League.”If we are able to win on Wednesday, overall we can say it has been a very good season.”Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo couldn’t hide his disappointment after his side’s stellar season fizzled out at the end as they failed to win any of their last four home games.But their total of 65 points was more than double last season’s 32 points.He said: “We are disappointed. But in a couple of hours you will look back and realise it’s been a good season.“It has been very demanding, especially for the players. I don’t know how many have started more than 30 games.Read More on The Sun“We knew the last day was going to be tough for all the teams involved in this fight. We came short.“They gave it their all. That’s why I say we should be proud. Now we have to rest.”Maresca led the Chelsea celebrationsCredit: Getty More

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    Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim’s claim that the ‘good days are coming’ for Man Utd

    ROY KEANE smirked as he told Sky Sports that Manchester United “can’t get any worse next year” following Ruben Amorim’s rallying cry.Amorim told Man Utd supporters that the “good days are coming” when addressing the Old Trafford faithful following United’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.Roy Keane said that Manchester United can’t get any worse next seasonCredit: Sky SportsRuben Amorim told Man Utd fans that ‘good days are coming’Credit: GettyThe Red Devils boss apologised to the fans inside the Theatre of Dreams following Man Utd’s disastrous season that saw them lose in the Europa League final to Tottenham on Wednesday.Amorim told the supporters to put the season “in the past” and “stick together and move forward” as he tried to bury United’s worst league campaign in over 50 years.Before he added: “Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you a storm is coming.”Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDNow club legend Keane has suggested that Amorim is right to be positive about the future of the Premier League giants, claiming it can’t be any worse next term.Asked if he was inspired by Amorim’s words, Keane said: “I’m not sure about inspired, but they can’t get any worse than this next year, can they?”They can’t get any worse. They’ll have to improve. There’s obviously a few players’ contracts up – who will leave. “We go back to recruitment. They certainly need to get players in who know the Premier League. Most read in FootballMan Utd beat Aston Villa 2-0 on the final day of the Premier League seasonCredit: PAJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”I think the majority of signings over the past two or three years are players who have never played in the Premier League and they’ve struggled to adapt.”He added: “This group of players have show this year, with the amount of games they’ve lost – and last year in the league – they’re not up to it.Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apology”That’s not going to change overnight with the manager and the system and having more time to work with them [the squad].”They need certain players to come in who know the league and who are men.”United finished 15th in the table on just 42 points – their lowest place and tally in Premier League history.And new arrivals will be the talk of the town for fans of the 20-time English champions this summer.But at the moment they are having to settle for links to players who have spent the majority of the season battling relegation alongside United – including Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.While there could also be significant exits from United in the coming weeks.Read More on The SunCaptain and star man Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia, while Argentine academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been told to find a new club in the summer.Garnacho, who was left out of the matchday squad alongside Andre Onana for the win over Villa, is one of many players that will be up for sale as United try and resolve their dire financial situation.Alejandro Garnacho was left out of the matchday squad for Man Utd’s win over Aston VillaCredit: PAMan Utd ratings: Diallo needs to be one of first names on Amorim’s team-sheet but Hojlund remains shot-shyMANCHESTER UNITED saved possibly their best performance of a dismal season until the final game by seeing off Aston Villa. More

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    Man Utd confirm three players are leaving just minutes after controversial win against Aston Villa in dismal season

    MANCHESTER UNITED confirmed three players are leaving the club – only minutes after their controversial win against Aston Villa.Villa missed out on a Champions League finish following 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford. Man Utd confirmed three players are leaving the clubCredit: Shutterstock EditorialKeeper Emi Martinez – set to leave the club and linked with a move to United – was sent off after wiping out Rasmus Hojlund. Morgan Rogers then thought he had put Villa ahead after Altay Bayindir fumbled the ball. But the referee adjudged that Rogers illegally dispossessed Bayindir – who got away with a howler. Things got worse for Unai Emery’s side when Amad Diallo opened the scoring before Christian Eriksen’s penalty settled the game. READ MORE ON MAN UTDEriksen was only handed the spot kick as he leaves United at the end of the season.And the club confirmed the Dane, along with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are departing. A statement read: “Everybody at United thanks Victor, Jonny and Christian for their contributions during their time at Old Trafford, and wishes them the best of luck for the future.”Each of them received a great ovation from the appreciative crowd on Sunday.” Most read in FootballMan Utd ratings: Diallo needs to be one of first names on Amorim’s team-sheet but Hojlund remains shot-shyMANCHESTER UNITED saved possibly their best performance of a dismal season until the final game by seeing off Aston Villa.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEvans came United’s academy, spending nine years with the club before leaving in 2015. He played for West Brom and Leicester before re-joining United in 2023 under Erik ten Hag. Evans leaves the club once more after 11 years with United, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League. The centre-back made 241 appearances over his two stints – leaving with eight goals. Eriksen signed in 2022 just one year after suffering a terrifying cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark. The playmaker played 107 times for United, scoring eight and leaving with an FA Cup and League Cup to his name. And Lindelof joined in a £31million move from Benifica in 2017 – making 284 appearances and joining Eriksen as a two-time cup winner. Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof are leaving the clubCredit: AlamyJonny Evans is also departingCredit: Reuters More

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    Gary Lineker’s brutal snub of BBC boss days before he quit revealed as he leaves channel for good in antisemitism row

    GARY Lineker ended his Match of the Day career last night — as details emerged of his parting shot at his BBC boss.The former England football captain, 64, began his final show with a quip about his telly departureGary Lineker was emotional as he said goodbye to the MOTD audienceGary Lineker arrives to present his final Match of the DayCredit: MCPIXLineker was seen to snub his boss Alex Kay-Jelski and made remarks about him in earshot of staff, it was claimedCredit: BBCIt came after he recently left colleagues in no doubt about his feelings on BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.He was seen to snub his boss and made remarks about him which were described as “blunt”.Once cameras began rolling on his final MOTD appearance, Gary used his opening line to aim a cheeky dig at the Beeb.He said: “It wasn’t meant to end this way.”Read More on SportThe legendary striker then continued: “But with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about.”TV frontman Gary then became emotional as he said goodbye to the MOTD audience after a host of former teammates and colleagues paid tribute in a video package.He said: “Let me thank for all the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the 25 years…”Thank you for all the people on the show you don’t see.. Thank you all.Most read in Football”Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work.”He began his role on the highlights show in 1999 alongside Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson and had been due to anchor the BBC’s World Cup coverage next year.But he took the decision to quit the corporation altogether after he was blasted for reposting a video on social media which criticised Zionism with a picture of a rat — used as an insult to Jews by the Nazis.He has repeatedly apologised. Co-stars and close pals Micah Richards and Alan Shearer were also seen arriving at the MediaCity studios in Salford.Insiders said there was no love lost between Gary and his boss Alex, who took over the top job at BBC Sport from Barbara Slater last April.A source said: “By the end of Gary’s tenure at BBC Sport he didn’t have much time for Alex.“When he was working on the FA Cup final, just two days before he quit, Alex came over to where Gary was and he just walked off without a word.Read More on The Sun“He made a couple of remarks about Alex in earshot of people working around them. It’s clear there’s no love lost. “Gary is really well liked and there are plenty of people who joked that they agreed with what he said.”Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next weekGary tried to hold back tears as he signed off for the last timeCredit: BBCLineker with Alan Hansen and Mark LawrensonCredit: BBCAlan Shearer was snapped as he arrived at the studiosCredit: ZenpixMicah Richards arrives for the showCredit: Zenpix More