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      Premier League club set to double size of stadium by 2028 as they reverse controversial decision after two decades

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      BOURNEMOUTH are buying back their stadium as plans to more than double the capacity gather pace.The Cherries were a cash-strapped League One club when they sold Dean Court to property firm Structadene for £3.5million in December 2005.Plans for Bournemouth to double their ground capacity have acceleratedCredit: ReutersIt comes after the club revealed they are set to buy back their stadiumCredit: AlamyAmerican owner Bill Foley revealed the club want to have a massive capacity upgrade within two-and-a-half yearsCredit: GettyNews of the purchase was announced at the official opening of the the clubs new training facility at Canford Performance CentreCredit: GettyOwner Bill Foley has revealed they will repurchase what is now known as the Vitality Stadium in a big season on and off pitch.The Vitality is currently the smallest stadium in the Premier League by some distance, with a capacity of 11,307 – almost 6,000 seats fewer than Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.But Foley is overseeing significant investment in infrastructure as well as bankrolling the club’s ambitions on the pitch.The American billionaire, speaking at the official opening of Bournemouth’s state-of-the-art £40m Performance Centre, said: “I’m pleased to inform you that we have come to terms on the acquisition of Vitality Stadium and we should be closing that shortly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“And we also are preparing our pre-application to the council with regard to expanding and renovating the stadium, with the goal being within two and a half years, we’ll have 20,000 seats.“With the further goal, if things work out well, to go into 23,000 seats.“It’ll allow us to provide more hospitality, it’ll allow us to take care of some of the 15,000 people that are currently on our waiting list and the stadium will be completely renovated. “It’s going to be beautiful. And we looked at other options. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We looked at building a new stadium and working that out, we finally decided it would take us about five or six years.“So in this case, we will renovate this stadium and we’ll do it in such a way that no fans will be disrupted, it won’t be shut down, everyone will have their seat and then we’ll move forward and be able to start expanding our base.”The Cherries recently unveiled their new state-of-the-art training centreCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe new facility cost £40m and has been likened to a James Bond villain lairCredit: Getty More

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      Salah stats show he’s ready to get Anfield rocking but Maddison could be in a foul mood  – Weekend Wager’s best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and detailed analysis to find the best value bets this weekend.And it could be a party for our experts, as well as at Anfield, if their tips come off – as Liverpool bid to seal the Premier League title.Mo Salah has an incredible 27 goals in 33 Prem games this termCredit: AlamyJames Maddison & Co aim to delay Liverpool’s title party with a shock Tottenham win at Anfield on SundayCredit: RexSunSport’s Will Pugh was joined by football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair expert Sam Rosbottom to give their verdicts on this weekend’s most enticing selections.Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa, FA Cup, Saturday 5.15pmKweku: Rashford three or more shots 7/5″It’s hard to gauge Villa because that was a really good win against Newcastle but against Man City they failed to really capitalise.”If you look at Marcus Rashford, a player rejuvenated at Villa and Unai Emery seems to be getting the best out of him, and the stats back that up as well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Rashford has had at least three shots on target in both of his FA Cup starts for Villa this season which suggests he’s going to be heavily involved if he does start.”I expect Villa to win and Rashford to have a very, very good game.”Marcus Rashford is in hot form on loan for VillaCredit: PABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVilla might feel the omens are goodWill: Game to be decided via a penalty shootout 9/2″Villa are having a brilliant season and this presents that opportunity to go that one step further and lift the cup that their fans are longing for.Most read in Boxing”Villa have won none of their last four matches against Palace in all competitions, drawn one and lost three, conceded 13 goals and Palace knocked them out of the League Cup.”Everyone’s going for a Villa win but I just can’t see it.”I think Palace are a bit more switched on than people give them credit for. “A bit of a sluggish start to the season but coming into their own – a great performance, very much deserved that point at Arsenal. And I just think it will be a cagey one that goes to pens.”Sam: Konsa to have one or more shots at 5/4″Villa have got an unbelievable squad – one of the best in the Premier League. On Tuesday night they brought on Ollie Watkins and Marco Asensio!”It’s a semi-final at Wembley. These games are always cagey and tight. But I do think Villa will have just enough to get over the line with that squad depth. “With it being cagey and tight I can see set-pieces being absolutely crucial in this one and Villa have a good couple of threats in their team. “Looking at the centre-halfs, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa – I am going to side with Konsa to have a shot at 5/4. Villa defender Ezri Konsa could be a big menace from set-piecesCredit: Alamy”I think that’s a really nice bit of value, especially when we’re looking at corners. He’s had four shots in his last four games, four shots on target in his last nine matches. “It could be one of those (games) where a defender pops up and makes the difference.”Liverpool vs Tottenham, Prem, 4.30pm SundayKweku: Liverpool to score 3 or more goals 4/6″For Spurs forget about progressing or getting decent results in the league – it’s all about the Europa league, so I’m very much backing Liverpool in this one.The goal stats could be ominous for Spurs”Liverpool have been by far the best team in the Premier League this season. Arne Slot has done a fantastic job since coming in. “Liverpool have scored at least one goal in each of their last 29 Premier League games – stretching back to September, when they lost 1-0 against Nottingham Forest, their only home defeat this season.”Spurs have conceded 10 goals against Liverpool this season, losing 6-3 in the league and 4-0 in the League Cup semi-final second leg. “We expect Liverpool to be in celebratory mood and I expect them to score a few goals as well.”Sam:  Salah, three or more shots on target 2/1″My bet’s not much braver, to be fair!”Mo Salah’s had seven shots in his last Premier League game, that 1-0 win over Leicester.”And he had four shots on target the last time Liverpool played Spurs, that 4-0 victory in the League Cup. I really fancy this bet.”Mo Salah will hope to again be the Reds’ main manCredit: ReutersLiverpool hitman Salah has been peppering in goal attemptsSam: Maddison to commit two or more fouls at 6/4 “Anfield is going to be in jovial, celebratory mood.”Spurs, while their eggs are very much in the Europa League basket, are going to want to spoil a little bit of the party, so they might want to stink the place out a little.”I’m thinking fouls here and there, and if there’s a player who absolutely loves a little niggly foul it is James Maddison!”And for him to commit two or more fouls at 6/4 is something that I really like.”Maddison has committed seven fouls in his last three Premier League appearances, so again he could be the one for the fouls.”Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn, middleweight boxing, Saturday. from 10pmSam: Eubank Jr to win by a ninth-round stoppage 13/1″There’s a hydration clause. This is something that’s a little bit new for him (Eubank Jr.)”We have odds boosted of him to win by TKO or KO at 23/10.”When you look at the records, these guys do love knockouts.”Conor Benn has got a record of 23 wins, 14 knockouts, no losses, so he’s in good form.”Looking at that family history, Eubank Jr to win by a ninth-round stoppage 13/1, which would replicate Eubank Senior (against Nigel Benn) in 1990.”Here are some of the big-fight flutters that could be temptingKweku fight verdict:Read More on The Sun”If Conor Benn gets it done, he gets it done early… but I think Eubank has got too much experience, and it’s been at a higher level than Benn. “And we don’t know what Conor Benn would look like if he’s dragged into deep waters with Eubank, so I’ve got Eubank to win on points.”Eubank Jr is odds-on to win the family grudge fight More

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      Luis Figo ‘SPLITS’ from Swedish model Wag with pair ‘leading separate lives’ as football icon ‘moves out of family home’

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      LEGENDARY Portuguese footballer Luís Figo and his stunning Swedish model wife Helen Svedin have reportedly separated, according to Spanish media.The former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, 52, and the 50-year-old blonde beauty, who tied the knot in 2001, have ended their romantic relationship.Luis Figo is regarded by many as one of the best talents of his eraCredit: EPAHelen Svedin has three children with Luis FigoLuis Figo was so good he won the Ballon D’orCredit: Getty ImagesFigo, who has attended events with his wife over the years, was recently spotted alone at the Laureus Awards, where he named his daughters Daniela, Martina and Stella as the best thing to have ever happened to him, but left out his wife.Spanish outlet Vanitatis has reported that both Figo and Svedin are now “leading separate lives,” although there has been no official confirmation of a separation.Spanish publication Marca adds that Figo had already temporarily left the family home for two weeks three years ago.Marca also reports that Figo had been linked to model Claudia Bavel, who previously claimed to have had a relationship with his former teammate Iker Casillas. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the 2000 Ballon d’Or winner denied these rumours and threatened legal action.Figo and Svedin, who have three children together, appeared to have it all. A glamorous marriage filled with lavish holidays, red carpet events, and more. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYet, behind closed doors, there seemed to be trouble brewing.Most read in FootballFigo, who has kept a relatively low profile since his retirement from football, has been focused on his post-soccer ventures. While Svedin has continued to enjoy the limelight in the fashion industry.The couple’s love story captured the public’s imagination. Figo, one of football’s most dazzling stars, met Svedin in 1996.Luis Suarez appears to try to BITE player… but quickly stops when he realises it’s his own team-mate When she was at the height of her modelling career. It wasn’t long before they fell head over heels for each other, and their whirlwind romance led to a marriage that seemed straight out of a fairytale.But, as with everything in life, it seems that the end has come, and both will have to go their separate ways.Figo is undoubtedly one of the most gifted players of his generation, winning 16 trophies in total, including the UEFA Champions League, playing for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. More

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      Chelsea and Newcastle ‘fighting for Gregor Kobel with Dortmund star’s agent set to fly to London for transfer talks’

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      BORUSSIA Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is reportedly set to leave the club this summer, with both Chelsea and Newcastle United interested.The Swiss shot-stopper has caught the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs with impressive performances in the Bundesliga, and now it looks like his days in Germany are numbered.Gregor Kobel has been brilliant for Dortmund this seasonCredit: GettyGregor Kobel is a man in demand after top performances for DortmundCredit: RexGregor Kobel was sensational in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe 27-year-old has missed only two league games all season, made 72 saves and kept five clean sheets. Chelsea are reportedly in the market to replace No1 goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who divides opinion within the fanbase due to some erratic performances this season.The Blues are expected to be aggressive in the summer transfer window again, despite already spending over £1billion on new players in the last two seasons.Meanwhile, Newcastle United, who are hoping to qualify for Champions League football, are looking to generate some competition for Nick Pope.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to journalist Santi Aouna on X, Kobel’s agent will be in London next week to meet with some clubs with Newcastle and Chelsea already making inquiries.The summer transfer window is just around the corner, all eyes will be on Kobel’s next move.There is no doubt that if he were to depart, it would be a massive blow to Dortmund, who have struggled in the Bundesliga this season.The eight-time German champions are in real danger of missing out on European football entirely next season, and losing one of their few shining stars would be a huge setback.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, the Premier League is a massive pull, with many players dreaming of making a move for a variety of reasons.Chelsea currently have Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli, and Lucas Bergström in their squad, but none have convinced massively.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThis has led to the need for Chelsea to return to the market this summer to try and sign someone with experience and exceptional skill.Since their PIF takeover in 2021, Newcastle have the cash to spend but have bought carefully and wisely.It will be interesting to see what moves Eddie Howe makes in the summer. More

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      EFL star Sam Finley slapped with 13-GAME ban and fined for ‘discriminatory abuse regarding sexual orientation’

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      TRANMERE ROVERS star Sam Finley has been hit with a 13-MATCH suspension for an “aggravated breach” of FA rules. The midfielder, 32, admitted using “abusive and or insulting” language, with a homophobic comment to Walsall striker Jamille Matt during a League Two clash on January 11. Tranmere’s Sam Finley has been given a lengthy suspensionCredit: GETTYJamille Matt headed Walsall in front in the game where Finley made his offensive comment, with the Tranmere player then red-cardedCredit: RexFinley ended up getting sent off in that 5-1 away defeat after just 38 minutes.He saw red after two quick bookings, the second for handball.Jamaican ace Matt had tormented Rovers with the first of his two goals, with the then table-toppers 2-0 up when Finley was dismissed.The Liverpudlian accepted he had breached by making his comment, which has resulted in the FA handing him a mammoth suspension and £2,000 fine.It’s his SECOND offence of this kind following a four-game suspension and fine in February 2016.That was for a homophobic remark to a referee while playing for AFC Fylde.Finley was also fined and banned for eight matches – reduced from 11 – for an offensive comment to a Rochdale player in April 2020 when he was with Accrington Stanley.Tranmere reacted to Friday’s verdict by saying they “condemn all forms of discrimination and will deal with the matter internally”.Most read in FootballThe FA released a statement explaining their decision.It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a 13-match suspension, £2,000 fine and mandatory education programme on Sam Finley for a breach of FA Rule E3 during the EFL fixture between Tranmere Rovers and Walsall on Saturday 11 January 2025.Roy Keane tried putting me in a high chair when he approached me to sign for Sunderland, says EFL cult hero.mov” It was alleged that the midfielder’s language towards a Walsall player around the 23rd minute was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1. “It was further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to sexual orientation.”Sam Finley subsequently admitted the charge against him.”Tranmere responded with a statement of their own. Rovers said Finley had admitted the “charge of misconduct”.Finley’s ban starts immediately – ruling him out of Rovers’ run-in as they fight to to stay in the EFL.Tranmere are just four points above the drop zone ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Crewe. Finley had a spell at Everton as a youngster before cutting his teeth in non-league and TNS in Wales.Read More on The SunAfter a loan spell at Wrexham, he went on to play for Fylde, Accrington, Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers, who he helped to promotion in 2022, before signing for Tranmere last summer.Finley has appeared 37 times this term for the Prenton Park outfit, scoring twice but picking up ten bookings and a red card More

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      Man Utd icon Patrice Evra, 43, comes out of retirement for MMA fight and calls out Luis Suarez after racism storm

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Patrice Evra is making a shock career change as an MMA fighter… and revealed he wants to settle the score with old rival Luis Suarez.Evra will swap kicking a football for kicking an opponent as he prepares to make his MMA debut at PFL Europe Paris at the Accor Arena on 23 May.Patrice Evra will swap kicking a football for kicking an opponent on May 23Credit: PFLmmaEvra has called out Luis Suarez to be his opponentCredit: AFPEvra will make his MMA debut at the Accor Arena in ParisCredit: Instagram / patrice.evraEvra has been training alongside Cédric Doumbé, right, since 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorEvra previously had a boxing match cancelled in 2022Credit: Twitter @EvraThe Frenchman has been training in combat sports alongside PFL French superstar Cédric Doumbé since 2016.The 43-year-old said: “You guys should know by now, I love this game too! “I’ve performed on the world’s biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris will be an incredibly special night for me.”I’ve been training alongside the best in the world for years, and they’ll also tell you I’m ready for this. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on 23 May, so come watch the spectacle.”And after seeing his boxing debut cancelled in 2022, Evra will now fulfil his new dream next month.The former left-back’s opponent is yet to be announced, but he will be fighting on the same card as a number of French fighting superstars.However, taking to social media, Evra called out former Liverpool ace Suarez to face him in the ring.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHe said: “I’m officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope. They will pick my opponent… They asked who I wanna face. “I said: Luis Suárez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me.”Patrice Evra is confident Erik ten Hag can turn it around at Man UtdEvra and Suarez have a history dating back to their respective days in the Premier League, when the Uruguayan was found guilty of racially abusing the defender during a clash at Anfield in 2011.Suarez was accused of using “insulting words” towards the Man Utd star including reference to the colour of Evra’s skin.The striker, now 38, was accused of using the word “negro” seven times in around two minutes, while Evra had told him he would “punch him” after asking him to repeat what he had said.Meanwhile, Suarez claimed he had used the word “negro” once and in a friendly way as is normal in Uruguayan culture, as opposed to the antagonistic way described by Ezra.The FA eventually slapped Suarez with an eight-game ban after a two-month investigation and six-day hearing into the incident.After the ban was announced, Liverpool stars were spotted wearing training shirts with Suarez’s name and picture on them during the warm-up in a display of support.Liverpool decided not to appeal the verdict made against Suarez on January 2012, although they maintained the innocence of the forward.When the pair met on the pitch again in 2012, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s hand before a game at Old Trafford, with prompted an angry reaction from the French international.At the end of the game as the players walked off the pitch, Evra went in front of Suarez to celebrate in his face.The fight night itself will be headlined by the lightweight bout between Mansour Barnaoui (22-6) vs. Archie Colgan (11-0) which could lead to Championship contention.PFL CEO Pete Murray, said of Evra’s inclusion: “I’m told he loves this game as much as us, and we’ll find out on 23 May!Suarez was slapped with an eight-game ban after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice EvraCredit: AFPLiverpool stars wore shirts in support of Suarez after the FA announced the banCredit: AFPThe following year at Old Trafford, Suarez refused to shake Evra’s handCredit: GettyEvra then celebrated in Suarez’s face after the gameCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun”We’re incredibly excited to have the superstar that is Patrice Evra fight under the PFL banner, as we’re all about exciting match-ups and making history. “I can’t tell you how excited Patrice has been putting this together, but I think you’re going to see it at the Accor Arena. “Paris, we’re coming to put on another historic evening of MMA, don’t miss out.”Evra previously showed off his fighting skills during an infamous incident when he was at Marseille in November 2017.The 81-cap Frenchman was sent off when he kicked one of his team’s fans in the head before kick-off of a Europa League clash at Vitoria Guimaraes.He was subsequently charged with violent conduct by Uefa and banned from Uefa competition football until June 2018 before he was sacked by his club.Reacting to the news, one fan said: “NAH THIS GOTTA BE FAKE NO WAY.”A second said: “Weirdest MMA signing… ever?”A third added: “Lmaoooo what.”Another said: “What the heck did I read.”Read More on The SunEvra officially retired from professional football in 2019 following a year as a free agent after his release from West Ham, whom he had joined in February 2018.He enjoyed a glittering career winning 20 trophies with Monaco, Man Utd and Juventus, including multiple league titles in England and Italy and lifting the Champions League with the Red Devils in 2008.Evra was sacked by his club and banned by Uefa after kicking a fan in the head when playing for MarseilleEvra won the Premier League five times with Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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      Former Chelsea starlet quits football aged 24 to join the army after admitting ‘I lost the taste for the sport’

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      FORMER Chelsea goalkeeper Nicolas Tie has quit football aged 24 to join the French army.Tie was on the Blues’ books between 2017 and 2020.Nicolas Tie was on Chelsea’s books between 2017 and 2020Credit: GettyThe Frenchman, now 24, featured for various Blues academy sidesCredit: GettyThe Lille-born stopper did not crack Chelsea’s first team, but did feature for their various academy age groups in the Premier League 2, Uefa Youth League and Under-18 Premier League.Tie, who was called up to the Ivory Coast national team in 2018, left Stamford Bridge in 2020 for Portuguese side Vitoria.After failing to make the first team in Portugal, the 6ft 1in goalkeeper has opted to hang up his boots.In an interview with French paper Ouest France, Tie revealed that he has joined the army.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”I’ve had some good tests, I’ve got the regiment I asked for,” Tie said.”I’m ready, I’m training every day for this.”On what led him to such a drastic career change, the former Blue admitted: “I lost my taste for football.”I always liked military careers, so I said to myself: ‘Why not join the army?’Most read in FootballEUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDS”My stepfather is a paratrooper in Ivory Coast; I would go to the barracks to observe… It inspired me.”Tie, who claimed to be “proud” of his “little career” also revealed that he would be willing to serve in Ukraine.Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final The goalkeeper-turned-soldier said: “I don’t do politics. I have committed to treating the problem at the source.”If the OPEX (external operations) in Ukraine is open, let’s go! It doesn’t scare me.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeTie has signed up for the French armyCredit: AFP More

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      Incredible footage shows 7ft 3in NBA star Victor Wembanyama playing football as Peter Crouch posts one-word verdict

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      INCREDIBLE footage has emerged of 7ft 3in NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama playing football.The Frenchman, 21, has been sidelined since February having been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.Victor Wembanyama has been spotted p[laying football in Costa RicaCredit: X/eurofootcomWembanyama, 21, is a huge aerial presenceCredit: X/eurofootcomNo one was going to win a header over the FrenchmanCredit: X/eurofootcomIn the 2023 No1 pick’s absence, the San Antonio Spurs dropped to 13th in the Western Conference, missing the play-offs for a sixth straight season.Encouragingly for Spurs fans, Wembanyama appears to be fighting fit again after being spotted playing football in Costa Rica.Towering over his opponents, the NBA centre could be seen dribbling with the ball in surreal footage.Wembanyama also easily won a header from a throw-in, and would surely have been a threat in Tony Pulis’ Stoke side of 15 years ago.READ MORE IN SPORTSeeing the footage, former Potter Peter Crouch wrote on X: “Baller.”Hailing from Le Chesnay, around 45 minutes out of Paris, Wembanyama supports PSG.Upon being drafted by the Spurs in 2023, Wemby teased team-mate Jeremy Sochan for being an Arsenal fan.On his relationship with Sochan, who grew up in Milton Keynes, Wembanyama said: “We do talk football from time to time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWembanyama is one of the most exciting players in the NBACredit: Getty”My team is PSG, of course. Jeremy was probably the first one to welcome me to the Spurs even before I was drafted.”I’ve played against him a long time ago, so yeah, we’ve known each other for a long time. We get along well, but it’s a shame he’s an Arsenal fan.”Victor Wembanyama leaves Nikola Jokic with head in hands in NBA All-Star locker room for ‘LeBron James moment’ Wembanyama arrived in the NBA two years ago as the most hyped prospect since LeBron James.The France international has since delivered, being named Rookie of the Year during his first season while also earning a spot on the All-Defence first team.Prior to his blood clot issues, Wembanyama had been named an All-Star for the 2024-25 season and was on course to be the consensus Defensive Player of the Year.That honour has since gone to Evan Mobley, with Wemby having not hit the 65 games played criteria to be in contention.In 46 games this season, Wembanyama averaged 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks in 33 minutes of action.San Antonio fans will be excited to see their man healthy again next season alongside De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and two new lottery picks.Wemby has worn a retro PSG shirt on the bench this seasonCredit: Getty More