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      Cole Palmer left stunned as he finds out family member had UK number one single with 70s soul icons

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      COLE PALMER has been left speechless after learning he has “musical royalty” in his family. The Chelsea midfielder’s great-uncle scored a coveted No. 1 way back in 1974. Cole Palmer was stunned to find out his great-uncle had a UK No. 1 hit singleCredit: X / footballontntThe 22-year-old was unable to pick out his uncle after being shown footage of Top of the PopsCredit: X / footballontntPalmer was taken on an unexpected trip down memory lane in an interview with TNT Sports. The 22-year-old joined Kenny Allstar for a chat, with the host revealing the Palmer family has a storied musical history.Bringing out a vinyl record, Allstar explained: “This record is from a band called Sweet Sensation.”Your great uncle was in this band. They had a No.1 in the 1970s. This vinyl here went No. 1 here in the UK.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA stunned Palmer replied: “I didn’t even know that.”The England star was shown a clip of the band playing the hit Sad Sweet Dreamer on Top of the Pops. His great uncle St. Clair Palmer was the lead singer – but Palmer couldn’t pick him out on screen. He added: “He’s too young there I can’t recognise him!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Obviously people in my family have talked about.”But I’ve never listened to it or researched it.”Enzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer Palmer has enjoyed a meteoric rise since swapping Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer of 2023.The England star headed to Stamford Bridge in a £42.5million transfer just under two years ago.He has since become one of the Premier League’s most impressive young stars.Chelsea player ratings vs Aston VillaBy Graham HillBLUES keeper Filip Jorgensen’s awful underarm howler saw Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Prem.Enzo Fernandez’s rapid opener inside nine minutes came from Pedro Neto’s stunning breeze past Ian Maatsen.But the Blues soon fell apart after Man Utd loanee Marcus Rashford’s blistering introduction at half-time.Rashford provided two assists for fellow January signing Marco Asensio to leave Chelsea in sixth with two Prem wins from nine games in 2025.FILIP JORGENSEN – 4Horrible error for Villa’s late winner as Asensio’s shot squirmed under his body and through his gloves- ironically he had made a crucial save before that.MALO GUSTO – 6 Failed to get a decent touch on Cash’s ball – and that led to Villa’s second half equaliser. Struggled to deal with Rashford’s presence.TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3The defender suffered a huge blow as he had to come off after just six minutes clutching his ribs following a challenge from Asensio.LEVI COLWILL – 6Found himself with a new central defensive partner early in the game and looked uncertain at times.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Defending Chelsea’s left flank was not as troublesome as the right hand side, and the Spaniard looked stylish as Villa applied more pressure.REECE JAMES – 6Stepped in for the injured Noni Madueke and took the captain’s armband, had a good battle with Cash.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Right place, right time to open the scoring, a real threat early on, took a booking for the team, lucky to escape a second.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Provided a strong presence in midfield, spotted danger early and halted a number of Villa raids.His second-half ball should have provided Chelsea with their winner.COLE PALMER – 6Largely quiet game but wasted his chance to win the game when he collected a Caicedo through ball – but stumbled – that allowed Konsa to clear the shot PEDRO NETO – 7Great work for the opening goal when he left Maatsen standing before crossing to find Fernandez.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU- 5Hugged the left touchline, should have been involved more, not as much of a threat as Neto, subbed with 14 minutes to go.SUBSTOSIN ADARABIOYO: (for Chalobah, 6mins) – 6Needed some time to fit in at the back after Chalobah’s injury.JADON SANCHO: (for Nkunku, 76mins) – 5Did little to affect the game after coming on for an ineffective Nkunku.Palmer recorded 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances during his debut season in West London.It saw him given a lucrative contract extension last August. READ MORE SUN STORIESPalmer received a huge boost to his previous £60,000-a-week wage.And he signed on to remain with Chelsea until 2033. More

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      I could still play for Man Utd aged 33, Sir Alex Ferguson said I was better finisher than Ronaldo, says Federico Macheda

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON boasted a stacked attack of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez when Manchester United won the Premier League in 2009.But the legendary Scot insisted Federico Macheda was his best finisher at the club – and the Italian striker believes he could still get into the current Red Devils team.Federico Macheda made his name with his dramatic winner against Aston Villa in 2009Credit: Getty – ContributorHis crucial goals helped Manchester United win the Premier LeagueCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson insisted Macheda was the best finisher at the clubThe Italian striker is now playing for Asteras Tripolis in GreeceCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda, 33, wrote his name into Old Trafford folklore with his dramatic 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa on his debut aged 17 in April 2009.He repeated the trick a week later at Sunderland as United won the Premier League by four crucial points from Liverpool.Macheda was the unlikely hero despite sharing a dressing room with legendary forwards Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov and Tevez – as well as a teenage Danny Welbeck.His natural instincts in front of goal, demonstrated by his iconic turn and curl beyond Brad Friedel, earned a prestigious title from Fergie.Macheda, who received an unexpected catch-up phone call from Ferguson this month after seven years without contact, told SunSport: “Sir Alex would tell everybody I was the best finisher in the club.“I was surprised. It was the best team in the history of Manchester United with the names and quality.“He must have some special feeling for me and for sure hoped things would be different for me.”The Villa goal made Macheda a household name overnight and he acknowledges that magic moment will always be “part of me”.But he failed to kick on from his “perfect” start, totalling five goals in 36 appearances, intertwined with loans to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham.Macheda admits it was his loans and lack of effort that meant he remained a cult hero rather than a club legend in Manchester, despite having the example of Ronaldo, the epitome of dedication, to learn from.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ He said: “My dream was to keep going like I started but I knew it was impossible. I had not just one striker in front of me but four stars of crazy value, talent and history.“Cristiano was an idol. It was never enough for him.“Ronaldo was working next to me, swimming for one hour, but at 18 I didn’t understand this big mentality. I did what I was told but was not looking for extra steps.“I never reached my full potential. Never.“My United career should have been more. You get chances but I didn’t take some.“The biggest regret is I didn’t focus fully or work as hard as I should.“Football came naturally. It wasn’t arrogance, I just didn’t know.“Sir Alex liked me lots as a player but I didn’t give him extra reasons to keep going with me.“You must work 200 per cent every day to stay at United because they can have any player they want. I had the ability but you must give more than everything to stay.“I understand this now I’m older.”Federico Macheda’s career in numbersCLUB (ALL COMPS)2008–2014 – Manchester United: 36 appearances (5 goals)2011 – Sampdoria (loan): 16 (1)2012 – Queens Park Rangers (loan): 6 (0)2013 – VfB Stuttgart (loan): 18 (0)2013–2014 – Doncaster Rovers (loan): 15 (3)2014 – Birmingham City (loan): 18 (10)2014–2016 – Cardiff City: 33 (8)2016 – Nottingham Forest (loan): 3 (0) 2016–2018 – Novara: 52 (11)2018–2022 – Panathinaikos: 116 (40)2022–2024 – Ankaragucu: 41 (6)2023 – APOEL (loan): 17 (2)2024– – Asteras Tripolis: 21 (6)INTERNATIONAL2006–2007 – Italy U16: 10 (2)2007–2008 – Italy U17: 3 (0)2009 – Italy U19: 1 (0)2009–2012 – Italy U21: 10 (4)HONOURSManchester UnitedPremier League: 2008-09, 2010-11League Cup: 2009–10Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year: 2008–09PanathinaikosGreek Cup: 2021–22Macheda left United in 2014, joining his ex-academy coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Cardiff.The “highlight” of his “rollercoaster” career was, interestingly, a four-month unemployed stint in 2016 when the then-25-year-old couldn’t find a club and “changed everything about myself” including hiring a mental coach.FROM GOAT TO GOATSHe has since had stints in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus before returning to Greece in September.Macheda signed for Asteras Tripolis during Claude Makelele’s 25-day managerial reign and fittingly took the vacant No41 jersey, the same number he wore for his famous breakthrough.It is a far cry from the grandeur of Manchester United: the man who once played with a GOAT now trains next to a field of sheep and goats.Just like 16 years ago, though, Macheda wants to fire his team to glory, either in the Greek Cup or a strong league finish, to take Asteras back into Europe.Asteras, against whom Harry Kane went in goal and Erik Lamela scored that rabona in 2014, face Crete’s OFI on Wednesday in the cup semi-final first leg.Star-man Macheda loves Greece and, fit and healthy, thinks he could play for another decade.And with his six goals in 18 league games this term, he is matching United’s top scorers Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo in the Premier League and outperforming both Joshua Zirkzee (three) and Rasmus Hojlund (two).Macheda received a phone call out of the blue from Ferguson this monthCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe striker managed five goals in 36 appearances for UnitedCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was just 17 when he had his magic moment against Villa at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press AssociationMacheda revealed he did not realise the sheer hard work required to succeed at UnitedCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesThe striker left in 2014 and reunited with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at CardiffCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe backed up his Villa winner with another crucial goal at SunderlandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMacheda reckons he was too young to appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo’s hard workCredit: Action ImagesThe United team of that era boasted outrageous talentCredit: GettyAsked if he could do a better job in the current Red Devils starting XI, Macheda was candidly confident but admitted even Robert Lewandowski would struggle.He replied: “Now? At 33? I think I could play there. Yes. Do better? I don’t know.“I must say it’s not easy to play for Manchester United now but I think I could still play there.“Personally, I like Zirkzee and Hojlund. The club is under pressure. The situation is not easy for any striker, even if you put Lewandowski in the team.“But as a player, I can see myself playing there at the moment. A couple of games if Ruben Amorim needs me!“I know the Premier League level. It’s very difficult but I could play there. Why not?”Keeping tabs on his old employers has been more painful viewing this season with the fallen giants languishing 15th in the table despite Amorim replacing Erik ten Hag.Federico Macheda’s goal vs Aston VillaFEDERICO MACHEDA’S life changed forever when he scored a 93rd-minute winner to secure a crucial 3-2 win over Aston Villa on April 5, 2009.Sent on for Nani at 2-1 down, Macheda came up trumps with his epic turn and finish into the corner – a goal that lives long in the memory for all United fans. Here’s what Macheda remembers of that special day…On finding out he would play“We were short of strikers because Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov were unavailable. We had a reserve game at Newcastle on the Wednesday. Sir Alex said if I did well I might be in the first team on Sunday. I scored a hat-trick. Against Villa we were 2-1 down and on 60 minutes he called to me. I thought he was calling Danny Welbeck but he shouted again. It was my time. I went on and I was so sure of myself. I told all my friends that if I played, I would score.”On the finish“It just came in a moment. My technical abilities were pretty good. At this moment I wasn’t thinking about too much when I had the ball. It just came and I knew I had the chance to try and do something good. My instinct told me to do this. It was perfect.”On Martin Tyler’s commentary“The goal and the commentary are iconic. It’s the moment and the celebration from the fans. It’s something that remains. It’s not easy to have those kinds of moments in football.”On the dressing room“The dressing room was electrifying. When you win a game, it should be like this. But it was more than this. I was all over the place. I don’t know if I’ve seen this atmosphere again. Everybody was coming around me, kissing me, hugging me. Big players came to me to celebrate me. Sir Alex hugged me.”On the man-of-the-match champagne and celebrations“I didn’t drink it, I still haven’t. Gary Neville gave it to me afterwards. But I never drank it. Now it’s in my family’s house. My mother and father still love it. We went to a restaurant with my family. My goal was showing everywhere. I felt shy to see myself on TV. Everybody was talking about the goal.”On the goal’s legacy “It’s part of me of course. It was probably the most famous goal I scored. For sure it changed my life. My target when I went to Manchester was to play only one time for this club in this stadium. I was dreaming about a moment like this. Maybe that moment was even better than my dreams. Because everything was perfect.”Macheda thinks no manager, not even Ferguson, could get a title-winning tune out of the current squad which features just three leaders.But speaking at Asteras’ 6,500-seater stadium, he is adamant Amorim can deliver a Premier League within “two to three years” on three conditions.Macheda added: “I believe yes he can. Amorim has a special connection. He’s one coach that can get Manchester United to fight for everything.“I like Amorim even if you don’t see the results, maybe sometimes they play bad football.“It’s difficult because for a club to be successful, you need great players.“United doesn’t have the team at the moment to win the Premier League. They have good players but if you put any coach in, it wouldn’t change a lot.“There are only a few leaders: Bruno, Maguire, Lisandro. But it’s not enough. Maybe the others are not ready to play for this club.“Amorim should keep the legacy and history at Manchester United going by rebuilding like they used to with young players. Then I believe the wind will change.“If they trust Amorim and give him time, bring in the right players and change some things in the club like the bad mentality, I believe Manchester United will be back in two to three years.”Macheda returned to Greece with Asteras Tripolis in SeptemberCredit: Asteras TripolisHe has scored six goals in 18 league gamesCredit: Asteras TripolisJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are struggling under the pressureCredit: GettyMacheda reckons he could get into the current Red Devils teamCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda sat down with SunSport at the 6,500-seater Theodoros Kolokotronis StadiumCredit: Asteras TripolisSunSport visited Macheda in the build-up to their Greek Cup semi-finalCredit: Asteras TripolisThe first-team training pitch is next to a field with sheep and goatsCredit: SunSportAsteras are desperate to get back into Europe once againCredit: SunSportThe set-up at Asteras is a far cry from Old Trafford and CarringtonCredit: SunSportThe club have a loyal fanbase in the city in the middle of the Peloponnese region of GreeceCredit: SunSport More

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      Man Utd appoint new transfer guru on ‘reduced wage’ just hours after plans announced to slash 200 more jobs

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have made former Chelsea chief Christopher Vivell their permanent director of recruitment on a REDUCED salary.The 38-year-old German initially joined on a short-term contract last summer.Christopher Vivell has been made Man Utd’s director of recruitment on a permanent basisCredit: PAAnd he played a big role in helping United land several promising youngsters including Sekou Kone.Vivell’s old deal was set to expire at the end of the season.But after United sacked sporting director Dan Ashworth in November, Vivell’s role as director of recruitment has been made permanent.The ex-RB Leipzig man has penned a long-term deal and will report directly to technical director Jason Wilcox, claims The Athletic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Vivell’s new agreement has seen him take a pay cut a day after United announced they are set to make a further 200 redundancies.Vivell will oversee club recruitment around the world, while also taking charge of United’s scouting system and young talent operation.He will be hoping to last longer in the role than his previous job at Chelsea.Vivell was appointed technical director in December 2022 as a replacement for Marina Granovskaia.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut he lasted just seven months after Todd Boehly decided to hand all power to co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.Vivell’s sole transfer window at Chelsea came in January 2023 and saw plenty of activity.Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts He helped Chelsea sign players like Benoit Badiashile in January 2023Credit: GettyVivell lasted just seven months before being axed by the BluesCredit: GettyA then-record fee of £105million was spent on Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, who had just won the World Cup with Argentina.Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana were also signed permanently, while Joao Felix arrived on loan.There were few exits though, with Jorginho the only senior star to depart.It left then-Chelsea boss Graham Potter with a hugely-bloated squad featuring unwanted misfits including Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic.The Blues finished the season with Frank Lampard in charge as interim boss.And Vivell paid the price when Mauricio Pochettino arrived in West London. More

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      How Jesse Lingard has bounced back with move to South Korea by embracing Asian culture and releasing a rap song

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      MANY British footballers keep to themselves and refuse to embrace local culture when they move abroad.But not Jesse Lingard. The former Man Utd midfielder was released by Nottingham Forest in 2023, after an underwhelming time at the City Ground.Jesse Lingard is living his best life in South Korea playing for FC SeoulCredit: RexEx-Man Utd star Lingard shares his culinary experiences like eating Korean BBQ onlineCredit: InstagramBy embracing local culture, Lingard has made himself a fan favouriteCredit: InstagramHe was stuck in a football free agent’s abyss, until he surprisingly moved to South Korean side FC Seoul in February 2024 on a two-year deal – taking a huge pay cut on £17,500-per-week. At Forest, he was was earning a whopping £180,000-per-week.Although it was a tough start professionally, with coach Kim Gi-dong publicly criticising him for his fitness and a subsequent knee injury ruling him of action early on in his career, he soon won over the fans.However, it isn’t just Lingard’s football skills that have scored him admirers in The Land of Han.The midfielder has immersed himself in Asian culture – not just indulging in Korean BBQ – but also releasing music.read more football newsWhile, his epic social media posts – in partnership with CGI firm Vertex – have made him and the K League appear cool, as well as drawn millions of eyes through social media to his experience.Asian football expert and author John Duerden has seen first hand the impact Lingard has had from his home in Seoul.He told SunSport: “Not many foreign players make the national news in South Korea for actions on and off the pitch but Jesse Lingard has not been any normal signing.”For a start, he is the biggest name import to play in the 42-year-old K League and, therefore, has had more expectations and pressure than others.Most read in Football”In the early days, it looked as if it wasn’t going to happen at FC Seoul, one of the country’s big clubs that has struggled a little in recent years.Watch Jesse Lingard score screamer as former Man Utd star proves he’s still got it in South Korean league “He took time to settle, leading to a rebuke, of sorts, from the coach but most don’t appreciate how big a cultural difference there is between South Korea and the UK both on and off the pitch.”Just take the weather, absolutely freezing in winter and very hot and very humid in the summer and then there is the rainy season.”Culture clubLingard adapted. After all, he would have been use to a rainy day or two in Manchester, so that wouldn’t have hurt.But, he seemed particularly enamoured with the local culture and has brought cool to a country that is producing award-winning TV in shows like Squid Game.No sooner had he made the move to the Far East, he was sharing his dining experiences on Instagram to his nine million followers.Lingard then realised there was a market for a video diary of his career in South Korea, and he rebooted his YouTube channel last year.On there, and on his Instagram, he has shared his epic lifestyle. From cruising on a boat to making music and creating epic CGI clips.One of those clips dropped in December shows ‘J Lingz’ performing some kick ups, before volleying a ball into the sky towards a ribbon that drops a sheet to reveal a gold statue of his famous J-L hand celebration.Another sees the ex-Three Lions winger show off his dance moves, before Moonwalking out of shot.Before the end of the year, Lingard revealed his single KamsahamnidaA CGI viral video Lingard uploaded to Instagram in December has been watch 4.5 million timesIn another clip, Lingard can be seen showing off his dance movesread more sport featuresThe former has been liked almost 4.5 million times, while the latter has drawn almost 240,000 likes since it was uploaded in November.Lingard even found time to release his first rap single before the end of last year.Kamsahamnida, which means ‘thank you’ in Korean, was well received by his fans and is incredibly catchy.Duerden explained: “It is off the pitch though that Lingard has been different to any signing in the past.”His music single Kamsahamnida was a surprise but his CGI video, released in December, attracted hundreds of millions of clicks, went down very well in Korea and made national news.”Usual interactions with foreign players have usually not progressed much past questions such as ‘do you like kimchi?’ Or ‘how good is Son Heung-min?’ and comments about chopstick wielding competence. “This is not something that has happened in the K-League before, it is a competition that is solid but seen by many, at home and abroad, as lacking a little in the excitement and coolness stakes.”Officials at Seoul and at league headquarters were delighted. Lingard may not rival some of the megastars in Saudi Arabia in terms of talent and achievements, but he has brought a certain coolness and street cred that wasn’t really thought about when Seoul decided to try and sign him.”It helps that he is here at a time when there is huge global interest in Korean music, food, television, beauty products, fashion, technology and movies and getting involved in that culture is always going to go down well.”Too many foreign players stay in their bubbles and rarely experience, let alone embrace, the culture. Lingard has shown what can be done. Like anywhere, the more you put in, the more you get out.”Lingard has been credited with bringing cool to the K LeagueWhile on his YouTube channel, Lingard has shown he’s not afraid to try new experiencesPlaying in the K LeagueIn terms of his football, Lingard is clearly loving life on and off the pitch.After scoring his first goal of the season, with the K-League running from February to November, he performed FIVE goal celebrations in the 2-1 win over Anyang.Lingard’s popularity is bigger than ever, but it’s a tough league to adapt to.Duerden explained: “Few coaches speak English and they have historically tended to be quite conservative tactically, liking to counter-attack and players who work hard, run hard and listen well.”The league is of a good standard, physical and fast but you have to work for goals and games often only open up in the latter stages. “The average league attendance was 11,000 last season but with Lingard Seoul attracted over 27,000.”The K League does not have the same central place in Korean culture as the Premier League in England but those that go are often hugely passionate and will support their players through thick and thin, if they give their all on the pitch.Lingard arrived in Asia to much fan fare and took a pay cutCredit: APEx-England star Lingard suffered a set back when he required knee surgery last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C57gyVmtuXw/?img_index=2Lingard scored his first goal of the season last weekendCredit: Rex”There is no doubt that Lingard has done this and his performances have improved. Being made captain in June and then officially getting the nod ahead of his second season was a reflection of that. Seoul coach Kim Gi-dong is not the type to hand out the armband on a whim.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The new season has started well with a goal in the first home game in front of 40,000 fans.  “It looks as if there is more to come.” More

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      Controversial moment Euro giants ‘give away penalty by throwing second ball on to pitch’ in never-before-seen blunder

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      PANATHINAIKOS ace Daniel Mancini may have committed the biggest blunder of the year, and ended his team’s title hopes.Mancini, 28, and his team-mates visited bottom-of-the-league Lamia on Sunday in a match where the Greek giants needed the three points to maintain pressure on bitter rivals Olympiacos at the top.Panathinaikos ace Daniel Mancini may have committed the biggest gaffe of the yearCredit: RexMancini thought the ball went out for a throw-in against LamiaBut it was still in play as it never went over the line so Gustavo Furtado chased after itThe Panathinaikos ace Mancini kicked another ball onto the pitchAs per a rather unknown rule, that led to a penalty for Lamia who sealed a 3-1 winRui Vitoria’s side endured a horrendous start that saw them conceding after just four minutes by ex-Reading and Aston Villa ace Aaron Tshibola.Panathinaikos equalised on 72 minutes with Filip Djuricic but Lamia fought back and regained the lead just six minutes later with Gustavo Furtado, who used to play for the visitors.The Athens outfit pushed hard for another equaliser but disaster struck three minutes before full-time.Ex-Grimsby Town ace Sebastian Ring tried to find Furtado with a through ball.Read More on FootballMancini, who was playing out of position at right-back thought the ball went out for a free throw.But Ring signalled towards Furtado that the ball was surprisingly still in play as it never went over the line, while the Panathinaikos ace was getting ready for the throw-in the referee never awarded.Furtado gained possession and broke into the box with his marker completely oblivious to what was happening.The Lamia star tried to beat goalkeeper Bartlomiej Drągowski from a tight angle but the Poland international denied him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, Mancini’s woes were about to become much worse as, for some reason, he decided to kick another ball into play before Furtado’s shot.Referee Angelos Evangelou stopped the match and awarded the hosts a penalty, as per the rules, before booking the winger.EFL goalkeeper concedes ‘most embarrassing goal ever seen’ as fans fume ‘get him off that pitch now’ Furtado took spot kick and beat Dragowski to seal only Lamia’s second win of the season.The rules state that if another ball or object is thrown onto the pitch by another player then the referee awards a set piece for the opposing team at the spot where it landed.Because the ball was thrown inside the Panathinaikos area, where the action was taking place, the ref awarded a penalty.Two years ago, Valencia got away with a similar piece of ‘s***housery’ against Real Madrid.As Vinicius Jr approached the hosts’ penalty area, a defender kicked a second ball against the one he was dribbling with before the Brazilian could enter the box.Furtado enjoyed quite the redemption as he was offloaded by Panathinaikos last year after going viral in a clip showing him chasing after the B team’s bus, which forgot about him and almost left him behind.PAO are now third in the table with eight points separating them from the top. More

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      I was abandoned by my parents in an orphanage at two, now they ask me for money for life, says former Arsenal star

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      FORMER Arsenal striker Lucas Perez has opened up about his difficult upbringing and strained relationship with his parents.Perez kicked off his professional playing career with Rayo Vallecano in 2010 and went on to play across Europe with the likes of Karpaty Lviv and PAOK.Lucas Perez has revealed why his strained relationship with his parents contributed to his Deportivo exit last monthCredit: GettyPerez made 21 appearances for Arsenal after joining in 2016Credit: AFP AFP or Licensors AFP or LicensorsHe spent another year in Spain with Deportivo La Coruna before sealing a huge move to Arsenal, where he scored seven goals in 21 appearances.The striker then joined West Ham and spent another season in London before returning to his homeland with Alaves.Following short spells with Elche and Cadiz, Perez eventually found his way back to Deportivo.However, he was forced to leave last month due to personal reasons.Read More in FootballIn a recent interview with El Partidazo de Cope, Perez revealed that his strained relationship with his dad, who abandoned him as a child, was a key factor behind his shock exit.He also opened up about his difficult childhood and explained that both of his parents now demand money from him.The 36-year-old divulged: “I was raised by my grandparents, my father’s parents.”When I was two, my parents left me in an orphanage because they couldn’t or didn’t want to take care of me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This season, I received a complaint from my father demanding that I pay maintenance for the rest of his life.”From then on, I spent several months until I left Deportivo with a lot of stress and a lot of anxiety because I had to relive very difficult moments in my life.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bid”When I signed for Arsenal, my mother also sent me a burofax demanding money… but she can’t claim it because she’s not listed in the joint custody.”My grandparents asked for custody and, later, my grandmother allowed my father to take over. I was lucky to have my grandparents, but they couldn’t last as long as they should have.”Discussing his recent exit from Deportivo and move to PSV Eindhoven, he continued: “I’m leaving now because the issue with my father continues. I’ve met him several times this Christmas and it’s not a pleasant experience.”Given that the situation at the club wasn’t right, because I didn’t feel valued or supported, I decided to be honest and tell them that I’m having a hard time stepping aside.”The club and I spoke… There were two games left to reach the 20-year mark with which I was going to renew and I didn’t want to.”Two days later, after saying that we were going to take a break, I received a letter from the club asking me to sign a written commitment with them.”I consider that they don’t know what Deportivo means to me and when there is doubt like that, the best thing to do is to step aside.”Perez also disputed claims that he left Deportivo for financial reasons, insisting he actually stepped away due to his personal situation.”What father doesn’t want to be close to his son? Obviously I want to be close, but if my job doesn’t allow it… I was already far away from him,” he added.”What happened is that they (the media) have echoed a lie and I am partly to blame for having allowed them to buy that lie. The person who released that information did so to hurt me.”Perez signed a short-term deal upon his arrival at PSV earlier this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is set to remain at the club until June unless his contract is extended.But the striker will NOT be eligible to play against Arsenal in the Champions League round-of-16 because PSV are unable to add him to their already-submitted squad list.Perez signed for PSV earlier this weekCredit: Instagram / psv More

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      Man Utd rivals ‘looking to cash in on their financial misery by buying out sell-on clauses of stars sold by the club’

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      SEVERAL CLUBS are reportedly looking to buy Manchester United’s sell-on clauses for players that have already left Old Trafford.The Red Devils have endured a miserable campaign so far and currently sit 15th in the Premier League table.Jim Ratcliffe could decide to make some instant cash by selling the sell-on clauses of some playersCredit: PAHannibal Mejbri has a 50 per cent sell-on clause in his dealCredit: RexScott McTominay has been thriving at NapoliCredit: GettyAmid the club’s disappointing form on the pitch, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been desperately trying to save money behind the scenes.The billionaire has already made 250 employees redundant, with up to 200 more to follow in the coming weeks.He is also set to scrap free lunches for staff members at Old Trafford and reduce food options for those at Carrington to just soup and sandwiches.Ratcliffe could now be handed another way of generating some cash involving players who are no longer at United.Read More in FootballThe Telegraph has claimed that multiple clubs are now considering the possibility of buying sell-on clauses.Man Utd have put sell-on clauses into several transfers over the last few years.Facundo Pellistri was sold to Panathinaikos for around £6.8million last summer with a 45 per cent sell-on clause, meaning the Red Devils will receive almost half of the fee he is next sold for.Similarly, they negotiated a 50 per cent sell-on clause when finalising Hannibal Mejbri’s move to Burnley, although that will reduce over time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMason Greenwood has a 50 per cent sell-on clauseCredit: AFPScott McTominay was let go for £25m plus a 10 per cent sell-on clause.And striker Mason Greenwood has a reported 50 per cent sell-on clause in his Marseille contract.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts Should Man Utd decide to cash-in on the clauses now, it would see them profit instantly.It could be a huge positive for Ratcliffe and Co given the club’s poor financial situation.Several players have enjoyed a resurgence in form after leaving Man Utd.Aaron Wan-Bissaka has impressed since joining West Ham, while McTominay has become a fan-favourite at Napoli.Furthermore, Greenwood has recorded 19 goal contributions in 25 appearances for Marseille.As a result, the striker has attracted some interest from the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in recent months. More

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      ‘I’m dying’ – Dani Ceballos’ antics on Real Madrid bench go viral as he pulls bizarre facial expression

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      DANI CEBALLOS has gone viral after pulling a bizarre facial expression on the Real Madrid bench.The midfielder appeared to let his boredom get the better of him as he sat and watched Real’s 2-0 win over Girona.Dani Ceballos made a bizarre facial expression on the Real Madrid benchThe TV camera zoomed in on Ceballos at the perfect moment to capture a moment of weirdness from the Spaniard.With his chin resting on his hand at an awkward angle Ceballos opened his mouth wide open while rolling his eyes in a scene that would not have looked out of place in a horror film.The clip was shared on X where it quickly racked up millions of views and thousands of likes.Ceballos, 28, responded to the tweet by laughing and commented: “I’m dying.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans found Ceballos’ antics both amusing and unnerving.One reacted saying: “Is bro possessed😭”Another added: “What the hell happened here?”A third wrote: “Highlight of the season.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd another commented: “What are you doing bro?”Ceballos has played himself back into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans this season and has made 29 appearances this season, including eight in the Champions League.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe More