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      Sky Sports presenter leaving after 43 years on TV as he gives ‘final goodbye’ in emotional statement

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      LEGENDARY Sky Sports presenter Nick Powell is rolling credits on a glittering 43-year broadcasting career.Powell, 65, spent 29 years with Sky and will be retiring later this week on his 66th birthday.Sky Sports presenter Nick Powell is retiring after a glittering 43-year broadcasting careerPowell puts his mic down after 29 years with SkyCredit: GettyThe popular broadcaster has covered some of the greatest sporting events, such as England’s Ashes triumph in 2005, London 2012 and Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win in 2013.The journalist issued a long farewell message on Sky Sports’ website where he also looked back at unforgettable interviews with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Muhammad Ali and Princess Anne.Powell wrote: “And there you have my job in a nutshell: holiday irrelevant; knowledge, authority and quick reactions essential.”I have built all that up over 43 years of live broadcasting, good and bad.Read More on Sport”The good – being there for England men’s first Ashes win in 20 years at The Oval in 2005, Super Saturday at the 2012 London Olympics and Andy Murray’s 2013 Wimbledon triumph.”The bad – the Bradford fire, the Hillsborough disaster and the premature loss of sportspeople like Gary Speed.”And the surreal – interviewing Archbishop Desmond Tutu and covering a Bruce Springsteen concert on the same afternoon for Yorkshire Television, or explaining The Hundred to viewers of Sky Germany. In German.”Powell looks back at his career very fondly without regretting even the hardest times that saw him working under difficult circumstances.Most read in FootballBut there were also some very pleasant experiences along the way, such as when he covered Liverpool’s first ever Premier League triumph in 2020.Powell wrote: “And now it’s a final goodbye.Premier League giants give update on £300m, 60,000-plus-capacity stadium expansion with area turned into building site”Favourite moment? So many, but as a born and bred Liverpool fan, it’s hard to beat being on air for their first league title in 30 years.”As it turned out, between the final whistle going on Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea, which meant Liverpool could not be caught, and the start of a special programme fronted by David Jones to mark Liverpool’s triumph, I had precisely 12 seconds.”But that’s live television for you.” More

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      Former Championship star, 38, now a train driver in ‘new career to last the rest of my life’

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      A former Brighton star has swapped the pitch for the train tracks.Jake Robinson made 144 appearances for the Seagulls after coming through the club’s academy.Jake Robinson has hang up his boots to become a train driverCredit: Andrew Gardner. Contact andrew.gardnr@gmail.comThe former striker beat hundreds of applicants to the role at SouthernCredit: Andrew Gardner. Contact andrew.gardnr@gmail.comRobinson made 144 appearances for BrightonCredit: GettyHe became Brighton’s youngest-ever goalscorer when he scored against Reading on the opening day of the 2004-05 Championship season aged just 16.It is a record he still holds to this day and one he is very proud of.Robinson, 38, scored 20 goals for his boyhood club including a hat-trick in just his second FA Cup appearance against Northwich Victoria.He later joined Shrewsbury and played for Torquay and Northampton in the EFL before spending ten years in non-league, finishing his career at Worthing at the end of last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter hanging up his boots Robinson is now a trainee train driver, having been tipped for a job at train company Southern by his Dad, who saw a job advert go up while working at Brighton station.Robinson once dreamed of playing for England and earning enough to retire on, and although his career did not pan out as hoped he is still proud of what he has accomplished.He told BBC Radio Sussex: “The money never quite went to the level it needed to if that was to be my goal [to retire].”I’m very proud of my career, I wouldn’t change it for the world. All I ever wanted to do was be a professional footballer, I’m lucky I lived out that dream.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Scored in every league from the Championship down to County One so that is a nice record I have.”Now Robinson will be responsible for transporting fans to and from Brighton’s Amex, something he is eager to do despite the challenges of dealing with thousands of fans on train platforms.Kaoru Mitoma is on fire as he trains with Brighton Asked about taking fans to Brighton, he said: “I believe that is quite likely. Being based in Brighton that is one of my core routes.”It would be like the story being complete for me. “From training there as a kid to now my new career that will hopefully last the rest of my life is taking people there, dropping them off and picking them up again. So almost like full circle.” More

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      Wayne Rooney lands first job since Plymouth sacking amid tug-of-war over Man Utd legend

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      WAYNE ROONEY has landed his first job since being axed by Plymouth Argyle – and he will return to TV screens tomorrow.The 39-year-old left Home Park on New Year’s Eve following a terrible run of results which left Plymouth rock bottom of the Championship table.Wayne Rooney will return to punditry this weekCredit: GettyRooney has since admitted that he would like to return to management one day – but only if the right opportunity comes up.While he is yet to secure a new full-time job, the Manchester United legend will return to TV this week.Amazon Prime has confirmed that Rooney will join the line-up of pundits for Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid tomorrow.It will be his debut on the streaming service.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney has already had some experience as a pundit on various channels.The ex-striker has also featured on The Overlap with the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane on several occasions.Rooney is currently understood to be in the midst of a four-way battle among broadcasters.Last month SunSport reported that he was in talks over a punditry role on Match of the Day and could demand up to £200,000-a-year depending on appearances.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has also been approached by Sky Sports and TNT Sports as well as Amazon Prime.Sky and TNT are the chief broadcasters of the Premier League in the UK and would be able to offer a busier role.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to Carrington More

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      Fuming Ange Postecoglou covers face with hands as he loses it over reporter’s question after Tottenham’s FA Cup KO

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU was left with his head in his hands after being grilled about Tottenham’s alarming form.Spurs’ season went from bad to worse last Sunday when they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa.Pressure is growing on Tottenham boss Ange PostecoglouCredit: RexThe Aussie was left with his head in his hands after Spurs’ FA Cup defeat to Aston VillaThe fourth-round exit came just three days after they were battered in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Liverpool.Postecoglou has shown signs that Spurs’ woeful form is getting to him on several occasions this season and did so again when it was put to him that his troops aren’t playing in his image.After putting his head in his hands, the Aussie said: “I don’t know how else to explain it.”I don’t know how else to explain it if you can’t see that this team is just trying to play its hardest in the most extreme of circumstances.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Two and a half months of asking 18-year-olds and 17-year-olds and senior players, with no rest, to play Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday.”I’ll keep going for two-and-a-half months and if you think that is not at all a factor of how this team is performing then there’s nothing else I can say.”There’s nothing else I can explain.”When asked if it’s wise to stick with his current style of play, the 59-year-old added: “No, because they’re tired mate.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham are toiling in 14th place in the Premier League tableCredit: GETTY”Do you think they can press like [we would]. If we hadn’t played Thursday night and I hadn’t rotated that team we wouldn’t have been pressing aggressively today?”Fair chance, unless you don’t think they’re human beings. ‘I just cannot get my head round it’ – Jamie Redknapp baffled by embarrassing Tottenham stat in Liverpool humiliation”Unless you’re superhuman and you think no, after playing Liverpool on Thursday night they should be flying tonight. It doesn’t happen. They’re human beings.”Why do you think Liverpool and others rotate 11 players? Why? There’s a reason and I wish I could do the same.”So you can bring a freshness to the team. Of course they’re not playing anywhere near the levels that we want or expect, but that’s not because they’re not trying.”It’s because they can’t. I think this group of players once we get the rest of the group in, will be an outstanding team.”I have no doubt about that. Whether other people can’t see that, that’s of no interest to me.”If you want to measure anything on what they’re doing at the moment, other than the extreme situation they’re dealing with then I think your analysis is skewed and it’s not objective. That’s my opinion.Spurs will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, welcoming Manchester United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. More

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      Forgotten wonderkid, 33, who got Chelsea a transfer ban joins his 14th club and is unveiled with bizarre GOT-style video

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      FORMER Chelsea wonderkid Gael Kakuta has seen his career plumb new depths… by joining a struggling second-tier club in Turkey.The Blues were fined and given a transfer ban after they signed the winger from Lens in 2007.Gael Kakuta has signed for SakarayasporCredit: @SakaryasporThey announced his arrival with a Game of Thrones style videoCredit: @SakaryasporKakuta declared he has come to fight for the Turkish clubCredit: @SakaryasporKakuta, 33, was once labelled the most talented player of his generation.He made 16 Chelsea appearances, and also had Premier League spells on loan to Fulham and Bolton.The France-born player left Iranians Esteghlal last month after they tore up his contract.Kakuta has now signed a deal until June 2025 with Turkish minnows Sakarayaspor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBased at Adapazari, 80 miles east of Istanbul, they are 15th in the second-tier TFF 1. Lig – and at risk of relegation.Sakarayaspor proudly announced his arrival in a Game of Thrones style video.Kakuta declares: “Hello Sakaraya, I have come to fight for you.”The player appears wearing a suit of armour, carrying two swords and a shield bearing the club crest.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe strides through a fiery and battle-scarred landscape, and holds up a gold crown before placing it on his head.A video caption reads: “Welcome, Gael Kakuta.”Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training Sakarayaspor are the FOURTEENTH different club of the well-travelled winger’s career – and Turkey is his eighth different country.He has played in Spain, Italy, France, Holland and China as well as England and Iran.Sakarayaspor last played in Turkey’s Super Lig in 2006, and boast 11 top-flight campaigns in all.But now their social-media team appears to outshine their football team – with Kakuta’s video not their first over-the-top production.The club’s website depicts an open-top bus celebration with the caption “Loving From The Heart Of Madmen Team.” More

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      Brazil legend’s son heartbreakingly admits ‘it’s hard to even reach 10% of my dad’s level’ as he leaves Romanian minnows

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      THE son of Brazil legend Rivaldo has admitted there is “no way” he will be able to match his father’s level on the pitch.Rivaldo Vítor Mosca Ferreira Junior – also known as Rivaldinho – left Romanian side Farul Constanta to join Chinese outfit Qingdao Red Lions last week.Rivaldinho admits he has struggled with the high expectations placed on himCredit: GettyRivaldinho’s dad is Brazil legend RivaldoCredit: ReutersThe 29-year-old scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 72 appearances for Farul during his 18-month stay.But he was sold earlier this month for around £208,000.Last year, Rivaldinho admitted he has struggled with the high expectations placed on him throughout his career.He told Orange Sport: “The world has high expectations. People thought I would be at my father’s level, there’s no way, neither my child nor his child will be what Rivaldo was.Read More in Football”It’s hard for the world to understand this, that he doesn’t exist, he won’t exist anymore.”If I’m his child, it doesn’t mean I’ll be the same. It’s hard to even reach 10% of his level.”Rivaldo enjoyed a playing career than spanned over 20 years and even won the Ballon d’Or in 1999.The Brazilian played for the likes of Corinthians, Palmeiras and Cruzeiro in his home country.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe also made 235 appearances for Barcelona and 40 for AC Milan.On the international stage he scored 35 goals in 76 outings for Brazil and won the World Cup in 2002.Football royalty including Kaka, Seedorf and Rivaldo unite for legends match More

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      Man Utd fans baffled by Fred’s reaction to team-mate having object thrown at him in fiery Fenerbahce clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left gobsmacked by Fred’s reaction to his Fenerbahce team-mate having an object thrown at him.Anderson Talisca was pelted by a bottle in the first half of Fenerbahce’s trip to Alanyaspor after doubling the Super Lig side’s lead.Fenerbahce star Anderson Talisca wa shit by a water bottle during their trip to AlanyasporCredit: GettyEx-Manchester United midfielder Fred appeared to goad the louts who threw objects seconds after the incidentCredit: GETTYThe bottle leaked upon hitting the back of the Brazilian’s neck.Talisca, who joined the club during the January transfer window, immediately went down after being struck by the missile.And Fred, bizarrely, goaded the riled-up Alanyaspor fans by waving his arms up and down before beating his chest.Footage of his weird reaction to his countryman being struck down spread like wildfire on social media and quickly came to the attention of Red Devils fans.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSOne wrote on X: “Look at how Fred reacts.”Another said: “Just a chill guy. Cheering the fans.”And another said: “Would never see pastor fred go down like that.”One remarked: “Why is he laughing?”Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother chimed in: “That’s a violation.”Fred left Manchester United for Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023 after a five-year stay at Old Trafford.Man Utd player ratings vs LeicesterHe made 213 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and racking up 18 assists.The midfielder currently has seven goals and 12 assists in 64 Fenerbahce appearances to his name.He’s has yet to win any silverware with the Turkish giants, who are managed by his former United gaffer Jose Mourinho. More

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      Mad moment Premier League manager stuns his own players with ’10 out of 10 dive’ off top board

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST manager Nuno Espirito Santo left his players in awe as he showed off an unexpected talent.Nuno, 51, joined his team in the pool at their training facility in Wilford Lane.Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo joined his players in the club’s poolCredit: TwitterAnd Nuno went on to become viral in front of the Forest camerasCredit: TwitterNuno put together an excellent dive in front of his playersCredit: TwitterNuno left his players and fans in absolute awe with his stuntCredit: TwitterAnd the Portuguese tactician left his stars open-mouthed as he launched himself from the top deck of the diving board.The ex-Wolves boss jumped from the highest board available and dropped expertly head first in front of his stunned squad.Forest TV recorded Nuno’s stunt and shared it on social media, leaving fans in amazement.Some of them even used that incredible scene as an opportunity to throw shade at rival managers, such as Liverpool’s Arne Slot, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou.Read More on FootballOne Forest supporter tweeted: “Nuno’s legendary status grows further.”Another commented: “Omg. Wow.”A third wrote: “Pep would be stood at the side talking about the best way to get in the water is to just go down the steps.”This fan said: “Big Ange & Arne would be doing laps round the lazy river.”Most read in FootballAnd that one exclaimed: “Nuno doing 10/10 dives off the top board.”Forest have been enjoying a stunning campaign after two turbulent seasons back in the Premier League that saw them just avoiding relegation back to the Championship.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralThe Tricky Trees are the Premier League’s surprise package as they sit third in the table with three points separating them from second-placed Arsenal.High fliers Liverpool are nine points ahead with a game in hand. More