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      Even Micah Richards admits Man City were lucky to be awarded last-gasp winner vs Wolves as fans fume at ‘robbery’

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      MICAH RICHARDS has admitted Manchester City were lucky to see their last-gasp winner against Wolves count.There was major controversy in the 95th minute when John Stones powered in a header from a corner to put the champions 2-1 up.Bernardo Silva appeared to impede Jose SaCredit: Sky Sports But the City star had moved out of the way by the time Stones’ header flew inCredit: Sky Sports The 95th minute goal won the game for the championsCredit: AlamyMicah Richards felt City were lucky to see the goal standCredit: GettyBut as the centre-back ran away celebrating, the officials decided to chalk off the goal offside due to Bernardo Silva’s interference.He was judged to have been impeding Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa as the ball travelled into the box.The stopper pushed him away and by the time Stones headed the ball, Silva had moved clear of Sa and ducked out the way.But following a VAR review, the referees decided the goal should stand because the City star was no longer in the way of the Wolves No1 as the ball travelled towards goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn on-field review saw Chris Kavanagh go over to the monitor and then award the goal.There was huge complaints from the Wolves players, who remain bottom of the table with just one point after the defeat.And City cult hero and Sky Sports pundit Richards admitted his old club were fortunate to pick up all three points.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I would like to see the goal given for this because I do not think there is too much contact.Most read in Football”But the fact of the matter is that he is still in the keeper’s way so it has affected the play.Love rat Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner fires first warning shot of divorce after secretly meeting with lawyers”I think we go back the word ‘consistency’. I have seen them given and I have sometimes not.”It is just that nudge that sends him [Sa] off balance and then he is not set, so I understand why Wolves feel aggrieved in this particular moment.”Fellow pundit Daniel Sturridge added: “That used to be my role to be fair and Bernardo has played it perfectly.”As the header has gone into the back of the net, he is off the goalkeeper.But the fact of the matter is that he is still in the keeper’s way so it has affected the playMicah Richards”So it’s almost like ‘I’ve done my job guys, but I have not impacted him’.”But for me, I do believe he has impacted the goalkeeper, slightly, if I am being honest.”He has had to push him away and then go back on his line to set himself.”Wolves boss Gary O’Neil seemed to suggest Premier League match officials have a subconscious bias towards Manchester City and other big clubs. “There’s no chance that people are purposely against Wolves,” said O’Neil, who saw his side have a goal chalked off in similar circumstances against West Ham last season.”But is there something in the subconscious around decision-making or, without even knowing it, are you more likely to give it to Manchester City than Wolves?”My focus and my senses are heightened when we’re facing Man City and Pep (Guardiola) and (Erling) Haaland. Are the officials the same, when it’s Haaland and when it’s Manchester City?”Is there something in there that influences decision-making? And I’ve spoken to them about this as well, and they obviously guarantee me there isn’t. They are human.”But Manchester City scoring a last-minute winner is a big thing. It’s a bigger thing than Wolves scoring a last-minute goal against West Ham. So maybe there’s something subconsciously that means that you are less likely to get them.Ref Chris Kavanagh went to the monitor and overturned the decisionCredit: Rex”I might be miles off, but if I had to upset someone in a street and there was a little guy and a big guy, I’m upsetting a little guy. Nothing against little guys.”But there is something in there and they definitely don’t do it on purpose. I know they’re 100 per cent honest, and they’re doing the best job they can, and I respect them fully.”But maybe there’s something that just edges it in that direction when it’s really tight.”City boss Pep Guardiola had less to say on the incident, other than stating Jose Sa’s vision was not impacted when Stones made contact with the ball, which echoed the Premier League’s explanation.Guardiola said: “At the moment the linesman raised the flag, I said, ‘It’s a corner, how can it be offside?’.”The situation, at the moment of the impact from John, Sa is watching perfectly the actions so it’s well-given.”City remain undefeated in the league this seasonCredit: AFPThe Premier League released a statement trying to clear up the controversy and it read: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision. “The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Fans are split over the decision, with one saying: “Wolves robbed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “He’s stood offside in front of keepers eye-line, and actually nudges him yeah it would be harsh but that is offside all day long.”But others felt it was the correct call, commenting: “Nothing wrong with this goal in the slightest, why is everyone kicking off?”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. 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      Arsenal fans rage ‘it’s laughable’ as Chelsea star Tosin escapes red card against Liverpool for ‘same foul’ as Saliba

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      OUTRAGED Arsenal fans claim Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo escaped a red card for an identical offence that saw William Saliba sent off 24 hours earlier.Tosin ended Diogo Jota’s surge through against Liverpool on mid-pitch – just like Saliba had done when fouling Evanilson at Bournemouth on Saturday.Tosin Adarabioyo was only shown the yellow card for his foul on Diogo JotaCredit: AFPGunners’ supporters blasted as “laughable” referee John Brooks’ decision to only show the Blues’ defender a yellow card.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Premier League release statement on why John Stones’ goal for Man City against Wolves was given

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      THE Premier League have released a statement following Manchester City’s controversial winner against Wolves this afternoon.City snatched all three points from Wolves through a last-gasp header from John Stones – with the goal awarded after a lengthy VAR review.Wolves fans felt Jose Sa was impeded by Bernardo Silva when Man City scored their winnerCredit: Sky SportsJohn Stones rose up above the crowd and nodded home a late goalCredit: Sky SportsStones celebrated the late winnerCredit: RexWolves players and fans felt that their goalkeeper Jose Sa was being impeded by Bernardo Silva at the corner kick while the City midfielder was standing in an offside position.The officials seemed to agree and chalked the goal off on-field.However referee Chris Cavanagh was subsequently advised to head to the monitor by VAR Stuart Attwell.After review, Cavanagh awarded the goal and spared Man City from an embarrassing draw to rock bottom of the table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Wolves bench were incensed by the decision with Gary O’Neil getting booked for his protests on the sidelines.While fans online and in the stadium were sent into meltdown.But the Premier League have now released a statement explaining exactly why the decision was made.Via the Premier League Match Centre X page, they wrote: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review. “The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”Man City & Premier League BOTH claim victory in landmark court case as legal battle continuesBernardo Silva seemed to be some distance away from Sa by the time Stones headed the ball goalward. While the shot-stopper had a clear view over Silva’s head thanks to the significant height different between the pair.However, fans and even pundits seemed to think the goal should have been ruled our after seeing footage that showed Silva back into Sa during the corner routine.Sky Sports pundit and former Man City star Micah Richards said: “The fact of the matter is he’s [Bernardo Silva] still in the keeper’s way so it has affected the play, in my opinion.”Adding: “It’s just that nudge that sends him off balance and Sa can’t get set. So I understand why Wolves would be aggrieved at this particular moment.”City’s 2-1 win will have come as a huge sigh of relief with the Etihad outfit close to failing to take advantage of title rivals Arsenal’s shortcoming yesterday.The Gunners fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Bournemouth after William Saliba was sent off in the first half.Stones was some distance away from Sa by the time Stones got his head on the ballCredit: AFPGary O’Neil was booked for his complaints in the aftermath of the decisionCredit: Getty More

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      Neymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hell

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      SOBBING Neymar revealed he has “suffered every day”  after injury deprived him of his greatest love for 11 months.The Brazil icon is eyeing a return after rupturing his ACL shortly after joining Al-Hilal and screaming in pain during rehabilitation.Tears flowed as Neymar explained his anguish at being out for so longAnd he cried as he explained how much he has missed playing.Neymar, 32, has been linked with a shock return to Barcelona next year.But for now he’s just relieved to be nearing full fitness again in Saudi Arabia.The 128-cap star told his image management company NR Sports: “What I love most in life is playing football. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I suffer with each day I stay away. This is what hurts me the most.”Neymar swapped Paris Saint-Germain for Al-Hilal in August 2023.But thee months later and after just five games, he hurt his knee, meaning surgery and a lengthy absence.Looking back, Neymar said: “My arrival in Al-Hilal, the birth of my daughter – it was all adding up for a great year then this happened.Most read in FootballThe Al-Hilal star is itching to return after an intensive training routineCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I felt a huge pain. At that moment I knew it was serious.”However, as Neymar gears up for his Saudi Pro League comeback, he is feeling positive again.Neymar ‘set to buy £7million six-acre private ISLAND’ which has four spectacular villas in tropical waters off BrazilHe said: “My focus is here.”Most important in my life are my friends, my family, and football.”I get back up after every time I get injured.” More

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      Messi could face Europe’s elite again as his 11-minute hat-trick fires Beckham’s Inter Miami into Fifa Club World Cup

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      LIONEL MESSI scored a stunning 11-minute hat-trick to book Inter Miami’s spot in the Fifa Club World Cup.The expanded 32-team tournament will take place from June 15 to July 3 in the United States.Inter Miami won the MLS Supporter ShieldCredit: APThey have accumulated the most points in a single season in MLS historyCredit: AFPDavid Beckham’s side have qualified for the Club World CupCredit: ReutersFifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed their spot in the revamped competitionCredit: ReutersElite European sides like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all in the competition.And now Inter Miami have secured their spot in the competition by winning the MLS Supporters Shield.The trophy is given to the team who finish the regular season with the most points in either conference, with the subsequent play-offs deciding the league’s actual champion.Inter Miami secured the Supporters Shield by thrashing New England 6-2.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi scored three goals in 11 second-half minutes to take his tally to 22 goals in 22 games.But ex-Premier League and DC United star Christian Benteke is a goal ahead of him at the top of the scoring charts.Inter Miami have finished the season with the highest ever points tally with 74.Messi celebrated the successful season by lifting the trophy on the pitch and was joined by club owner David Beckham, his wife Victoria and daughter Harper, 13.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, his son Cruz, 19, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, watched on from the stands.But Fifa chief Gianni Infantino was on the field and announced their spot in the Club World Cup, saying: “You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play.David Beckham imposes strict fashion rule on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates leaving Rio Ferdinand stunned”Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new Club World Cup 2025.”Beckham then took the microphone and delivered a rousing speech, saying: “Firstly, thank you to our coach Gerardo Martino and your staff.”To our incredible team, our players, our captain has led us during times where it has been difficult.”Tonight, we celebrate. But tomorrow we prepare for the play-offs.”This was always about creating history for Miami, this was always about our family, the people in this stadium, the people in this city. “Tonight is about you guys because you supported us in the tough times and now the good times.”Let’s make this a great year and an even better year than it already is because it is already a special club.”Cruz Beckham was seen with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel celebrating the victoryCredit: APThey have been dating for five monthsCredit: APMessi netted a hat-trick against New EnglandCredit: ReutersInter Miami now go into the play-offs as the favouritesCredit: Reuters More

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      Wolves 1 Man City 2: Match ends in major controversy as John Stones’ last-gasp winner STANDS after VAR review

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      JOHN STONES was Manchester City’s saviour as he powered home a last-gasp winner to spark bedlam at Molineux.Stones’ wild celebrations were initially cut short as his goal was seemingly chalked off for an offside decision against Bernardo Silva, who was lurking a couple of yards from goal.Manchester City beat Wolves with another last-gasp goal by John StonesCredit: ReutersWolves ace Jorgen Strand Larsen opened the scoring after just seven minutesCredit: GettyMan City equalised with a stunning finish by Josko GvardiolCredit: GettyBut after VAR Stuart Attwell ordered ref Chris Kavanagh to take a look at his pitchside monitor the official decided Silva hadn’t obscured Wolves keeper Jose Sa’s view.He sent City wild and Wolves even wilder as he awarded the late winner which saw the visitors set a club record of 31 league games without defeat.But they didn’t half ride their luck as rock-bottom Wolves pushed them all the way and, in truth, thoroughly deserved the point they thought they had earned.Unfortunately this game will not be remembered for a masterclass in defending but for that contentious moment when Silva appeared to tangle with Sa – only to be cleared of any wrong-doing.Read More on FootballWhen a giant Norwegian opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes it wouldn’t have come as the greatest surprise to those not actually in attendance at Molineux.But their jaws would have dropped when news filtered through that it was Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen who had broken the deadlock – NOT his international teammate Erling Haaland!Perhaps City have grown bored after lifting four successive titles.But if we didn’t know better we might start to ask if Pep Guardiola’s men were indulging in a spot of “football chicken,” this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBecause this was the FIFTH time in their last seven top-flight games that City have given their opponents a goal of a start.However from a Wolves’ point of view it was a thing of great beauty.Inside hidden meaning behind Man City star John Stones’ incredible leg tattoo that he says shows his ‘dreams come true’Santiago Bueno swept a long pass wide to Nelson Semedo who was surging down the right flank.The former Barcelona man broke City’s backline before firing in an exquisite low centre which had “finish me” written all over it.Ruben Dias, Stones and Rico Lewis all failed to cut out the danger, leaving Strand Larsen to gleefully steer the ball home from eight yards at the far post.City had been successfully filleted with just seven minutes on the clock.Worryingly for Guardiola, his defence hasn’t managed to keep a clean sheet in any of their seven league games since they kicked off their season with a 2-0 win at Chelsea.Typically, the champs refused to panic and set about painstakingly trying to break down a Wolves side which now had a lead to defend.Wolves’ defensive masterclassAnd boy how they defended it!Wolves Manager Gary O’Neil has had two weeks to plan how to survive the expected City siege and he clearly used his time wisely.His team produced a masterclass in defending as this game turned into almost a training ground exercise in attackers vs defence.And behind the two banks of defence was an inspired goalkeeper who wasn’t deemed good enough at the start of the season and was unceremoniously dumped to make way for new signing Sam Johnstone.Johnstone failed to recover from a slight adductor strain which ruled him out and forgotten Portuguese stopper Sa grabbed his chance with both gloves.He was simply outstanding as he stepped up to the plate and produced heroics.Jose Sa stands outTwo minutes after Larsen’s opener he hurled himself to his right to brilliantly push Ilkay Gundogan’s low shot away for a corner.It was a feat he repeated twice to defy Savinho and Dias, either side of the break as he reminded Wolves fans what he was capable of.On each occasion the keeper saw the ball late as it flew through a sea of legs and displayed incredible reflexes to thwart City’s disbelieving hitmen.As City puzzled how to break down a Wolves side camped around Sa’s goal, the hosts almost suckered them again.Matheus Cunha sent Semedo surging through on goal as he burst beyond Stones and Dias, leaving Josko Gvardiol frantically giving chase.Fortunately the Croatian did just enough to force the full-back into a heavy final touch and Ederson sprinted from his goal line to bravely block Semedo to deny Wolves a certain second.Gvardiol’s piece of brillianceBut Gvardiol managed to surpass that piece of defensive work with a piece of brilliance at the other end of the park as he drew City level just beyond the half hour.The big defender exchanged passes with Jeremy Doku at the edge of the Wolves penalty area.Then he took a sure touch out from his feet and unleashed an unstoppable right footer which was heading straight for the top bin.Sa somehow managed to get his fingertips to the ball but couldn’t prevent it ripping into the top corner of his net.It was the latest away-day special from Gvardiol who has now scored five of his six City goals away from the EtihadBut the expected City recovery never came.Stones’ late winnerSavinho fired well over from 22 yards, then cursed his luck as Sa defied him one-handed on the stroke of half-time.Incredibly City completed 218 successful passes in the final third to Wolves’ FIVE.The pattern after the break stayed the same with City pummelling Wolves without ever looking as if they could beat Sa again.At one point after Doku blazed wastefully over, Pep slumped in his seat, head in his hands.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe needed a miracle and it came five minutes into five minutes of stoppage time – in the most controversial way possible.Wolves battled heroically. But City proved they have enormous Stones!Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa stood out in his return between the sticksCredit: PAMan City scored a controversial late equaliser that was reviewed by VARMan City dominated most of the match against Wolves More

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      Douglas Luiz and Alisha Lehmann have £416,000 worth of watches and jewellery stolen during burglary

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      FOOTBALL power couple Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz were the victims of a burglary at their home in Turin on Saturday night.The pair, who play for Juventus’ men’s and women’s teams, were hit by thieves who made off with over £416,000 worth of their possessions.Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz have had their home in Turin burgledCredit: INSTAGRAM @alishalehmann7The pair had over £416,000 worth of possessions stolen during the burglaryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alishalehmann7/According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the burglars stole 11 WATCHES owned by Luiz as well as diamond necklaces belonging to Lehmann.Luiz, 26, is said to have returned home from Juventus’ 1-0 win over Lazio to find the property “in disarray” from the burglary.The midfielder was playing in the fixture, while Lehmann, 25, is believed to have been in her team hotel with her Juventus women’s team-mates.Juve’s women’s side faced Inter Milan on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reported that an alarm was raised around 1.30am and police and forensics teams attended the property to investigate the burglary.The couple aren’t the first victims of similar crimes in the Juve setup with Moise Kean, Kaio Jorge and Angel Di Maria also suffering the same fate in recent years.Lehmann and Luiz became the first ever “couples transfer” this summer when they both made the switch from Aston Villa to Juventus.The pair had been dating on-and-off for a while in the UK but took their relationship and footballing talents to Italy.Most read in FootballSpeaking at the time, Lehmann said: “For Douglas and me to be together in the same club is a dream.”We have often played in different cities, so being able to have these great adventures in the same place is something wonderful.”Douglas Luiz was playing for Juventus against Lazio on Saturday nightCredit: AlamyLehmann was away with the women’s team for their clash with Inter Milan on SundayCredit: RexGlam footballer Alisha Lehmann looks stunning as she shows off skills in a bikini leaving fans ‘jealous of Douglas Luiz’Despite making the switch together, Lehmann has previously spoken out about the couple’s pay disparity at Juventus.Luiz, who swapped the Midlands for Turin in a £50million deal, reportedly signed a contract with Juve worth around £100,000-a-week.While Lehmann’s salary isn’t known, she was believed to be on £200,000-a-year at Villa Women.The Swiss international told of her dismay at the pay gap in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, she said: “Everyone would like to have the same salary.”I often speak to Douglas at home about this and tell him it’s not fair.”We do the same job, but he gets paid a hundred times more than me.”It’s something that affects me because I’m a woman. Obviously, there’s still a long way to go on the path we’re on because there may never be equal pay.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There will have to be a very strong will to make a change in this direction.”Lehmann has earned a huge following away from the football pitch with the former West Ham forward boasting a whopping 17MILLION followers on Instagram.Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz became the first ever ‘couples transfer’ when they both moved from Aston Villa to Juventus this summerCredit: INSTAGRAM @alishalehmann7The pair have been dating on-and-off since 2022Credit: instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann boasts over 17m followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The Swiss international described it as ‘wonderful’ for the pair to be able to play for the same clubCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann has also spoken out about their pay gapCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7 More

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      Victor Boniface rushed to hospital after car crash as Bayer Leverkusen star shares video of smashed vehicle

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      VICTOR BONIFACE was involved in a terrifying car accident after Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga victory on Saturday.The Nigeria international posted photos on his social media showing the wreckage from the collision.Victor Boniface shared a video of his smashed up carAnother angle showed just how bad the damage wasBoniface was left with a nasty hand injuryThe star shared an update with his fans from hospitalBoniface, 23, appeared to be taken to hospital after the incident as he shared a selfie from a hospital bed.Fortunately, the star appears to have avoided serious injury as he took to X to share an update with his followers.He simply wrote: “God is the greatest”.Boniface didn’t escape completely unscathed, however.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Union SG striker posted a video of his bloodied hand which appeared to have been badly cut during the accident.The same video showed just how bad the damage was to his car with the front bonnet completely smashed in.Boniface had played for Leverkusen just hours before the incident as Xabi Alonso’s side beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1.The bagsman even found the back of the net, scoring the winner in the 71st minute.Most read in FootballBoniface’s crash comes just a matter of days after being locked in an abandoned airport with the Nigerian national team for 18 HOURS.Nigerian players and staff were left without food, water or access to phone connections at the abandoned airport which had its gates locked.remier League stars claim they are being ‘held hostage’ in ‘abandoned airport for 12 hours with no food and water’The unbelievable moment happened prior to the Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations clash with Libya.The match was ultimately postponed following the whole ordeal.Boniface scored for Leverkusen just hours before the crashCredit: APBoniface was one of the Nigeria stars to be stuck in an abandoned airport during the international breakCredit: X @WTroostEkong More