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      Real Betis 1 Chelsea 4: Cole Palmer masterclass sees Blues come from behind to win Conference League final

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      ENZO MARESCA emerged triumphant from football’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.Chelsea’s boss will enjoy winning the Conference League, his first trophy at the end of his first season in charge and making history.Chelsea have won the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyAbde Ezzalzouli scored the opening goal for Betis within 10 minutesCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez headed home the equaliser from close rangeCredit: ReutersBut he now wants nothing to do with this tinpot competition ever again as he sets his and the club’s sights on much loftier ambitions in the Champions League next season.It’s a notable achievement to become the first club to win all four existing European competitions as Chelsea have now done.Maresca also believes that however minor this third-tier tournament is, he hopes it will ignite the fires for long term success within his youthful squad.But in five years’ time it’s highly unlikely many people will remember the heady night in Poland when the youngest squad in the Premier League this season came of age by coming from behind to see off Real Betis.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe trophy itself will easily masquerade as a waste-paper bin in the manager’s office and time will move on for a club convinced it is on the way back to greatness as it should be after more than £1billion of investment in the squad.Yet it almost wasn’t so. Maresca had to make drastic changes to his team and to the mentality in order to get over the line.His young team was a bag of nerves in the first half and as such went behind inside ten minutes to a team comprised of veterans and cast offs, managed by a bloke exactly the same age as Maresca’s dad.They were run ragged by the sublime skills of Isco, a former Real Madrid great who showed Chelsea what it is to stay cool and calm on a big night.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThey shot themselves in the foot with nervy, slack passing as they struggled to get to grips with the occasion and could have been more than the one goal down they were at half time.But when you play with kids you can win things and they learn quickly.Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference finalNicolas Jackson scored the second for ChelseaCredit: APJadon Sancho fired the third into the top-right cornerCredit: GettyMaresca pulled the plug on right back Malo Gusto at half time, the architect of destruction for the first goal and it brought certainty and surety. He surgically removed Benoit Badiashile and Pedro Neto and Chelsea grew into the game.To the extent that Cole Palmer, who had been taught a lesson in dribbling and poise by the elder statesman of Isco suddenly sprang to life with vigour and confidence instead of being an interested spectator.Two goals in five minutes, the 65th and 70th, saw Chelsea come roaring back and both were teed up by Palmer from the right hand side.The first was a delicately floated cross that found the head of midfielder Enzo Fernandez who nipped in ahead of defender Marc Bartra and glanced the ball into the back of the net.The Argentinian World Cup winner has been at this club for more than two years and is part of the furniture now. Despite scoring he knew the nerves had been there for all to see and immediately called for calm among the delirious celebrations.But he needn’t have worried because Palmer, who had mustered the only shot on target for Chelsea in a dreadful first half, was in full flow now.A roll of a defender on the edge of the box and he dashed in a cross for Nicolas Jackson to divert the ball past ex-West Ham and Liverpool keeper Adrian.It was a sweet moment for the striker who was drafted back in to the team to redeem himself after getting sent off in a crucial Premier League match at Newcastle earlier this month.He’ll tell you he headed it but it came off his left breast but it counted and from then on it was Betis trying to stem the tide of a rampant Chelsea side suddenly believing in themselves.Sub Jadon Sancho came on to make it 3-1 with seven to go before Moises Caicedo added a fourth for good measure on the stroke of 90.Chelsea have now officially won it, or bought it all depending on your viewpoint. But their squad is priced at around £750 million, more than five times that of their opponents here.Next season instead of Betis it will be Barcelona or Bayern Munich at the other end of the pitch which means it will be considerably harderNot that they didn’t struggle when faced with the first decent team to confront them the entire time. It shows there is still a lot to do.Read More on The SunBut goodbye to Shamrock Rovers, Noah of Armenia and Astana of Kazakhstan, the 15 game, 9,800 mile odyssey to win a competition Chelsea never wanted to be in in the first place has come to a successful conclusion.Oh and good riddance.Reece James lifted the trophyCredit: GettyThe players will be celebrating long into the nightCredit: AFPChelsea have become the first team to win every European trophyCredit: GettyIt was heartbreak for Real BetisCredit: EPAMoises Caicedo sealed the win in added timeCredit: AP More

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      ‘Honour and a privilege’ – Arsenal cult hero, 36, announces retirement after record-breaking career

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      CARLOS VELA has announced he is retiring from football aged 36.The Mexican striker spent the first seven years of his two-decade career at Arsenal. Carlos Vela has announced his retirement from footballCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal striker was a cult hero at the EmiratesCredit: AFPVela scored a hat-trick on debut after being made to wait three years for his debutCredit: PA:Press AssociationVela was signed by the Gunners from Mexican side Guadalajara’s youth team in 2003. It took THREE years for the club to get the forward a work permit, resulting in several loans to Spain. Vela would become a cult hero at the Emirates, appearing in 62 games and scoring 11 goals. He began his Arsenal career in stunning fashion, netting a hat-trick on his debut in a 6-0 win over Sheffield United in 2008. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVela was dubbed a “world class striker” by then boss Arsene Wenger – only for his Gunners career to stall in spectacular fashion.He made just three starts over the next three seasons. And it wasn’t until a move to Real Sociedad in 2012 that Vela rediscovered his scoring touch. The 36-year-old netted 73 times in 250 games for the Spanish club.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd he became Los Angeles FC’s first-ever signing in 2017, becoming even more prolific over the pond.Vela’s time in the MLS has seen him become the face of LAFC.Ex-Arsenal star Carlos Vela’s Malibu home destroyed in LA wildfires as his stunned wife shares emotional messageIn 2019, he netted 34 goals in 31 games, by far the best return of his pro career.After seven years in California, he has decided to call it quits after failing to find a new club as a free agent. Vela said in a statement: “Throughout my career, I have experienced very special moments, but the time has come to officially retire from professional soccer. “There are not enough words to express my gratitude to my family, all the clubs that gave me a chance, and the fans for their support and affection. “It has been an honour and a privilege to share my career with all of you.”Antoine Griezmann, who played with Vela at Real Sociedad, responded: “I love you very much, Carlitos, thank you for your friendship.”Mexican stopper Guillermo Ochoa added: “An honour to share the field with you, always a legend! You’ll be missed on the pitch.” More

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      Chelsea star Malo Gusto hauled off at HALF TIME of Conference League final after ‘generational disasterclass’

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      CHELSEA star Malo Gusto was hooked at half-time following a horror performance in tonight’s Conference League final.The Frenchman, 22, had been selected ahead of Reece James for the clash with Real Betis.Malo Gusto endured a difficult evening in PolandCredit: APGusto was guilty of giving the ball away in the build-up to Abde Ezzalzouli’s ninth minute opener.The former Lyon ace then failed to atone for his error, with Ezzalzouli running him ragged.Travelling Chelsea supporters sang James’ name ahead of half-time.And they were granted their wish after the interval, with boss Enzo Maresca turning to his skipper.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSSupporters watching on at home were also relieved to see Gusto hooked.One wrote on X: “This is a generational disasterclass from Malo Gusto, my eyes are literally hurting, Enzo Maresca this is 100% on you especially when Reece James has been on insane form. Ridiculous.”While a second huffed: “Sell him this summer.”And another added: “That’s why you don’t play Malo Gusto over your captain.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAhead of the final, Gusto admitted that he has endured a difficult season.The France Under-21 international told L’Equipe: “There is competition, you can’t hide behind that. But on my season… there were events that meant that I played a lot and then less. Fuming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca delivers two-word X-rated response to critics in fiery press conference”Those are the risks of playing at a big club. The objective is now to remain well established. I have confidence in myself.”I haven’t always shown it, and I haven’t always had the attitude to reflect that. You have to first convince yourself before convincing others.””Doubts? Never. I know that, if I am here, it is because I deserve to be. You have to make steps to be even better.”In the first season, everything was beautiful and rosy, everything went well.”This year has been a lot more difficult, especially from a personal point of view, for different reasons.”It has allowed me to learn, especially to understand what my priorities should be. I am very far away from where I should be. It is my responsibility.”Read More on The SunJames’ introduction helped Chelsea turn the contest around.Goals by Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo saw the Blues run out 4-1 winners to lift the Conference League. More

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      Plymouth in furious statement as manager Miron Muslic, 42, ‘breaks promise’ to join ex-Champions League semi-finalists

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE launched a furious statement after their manager “broke promises” to walk out for former Champions League semi-finalists. Miron Muslic, 42, only took over at Home Park in January, replacing Wayne Rooney in the dugout.Miron Muslic infuriated Plymouth Argyle by walking out on the club to join SchalkeCredit: RexHe masterminded the famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool before a valiant defeat against Manchester City in the fifth round.But the Bosnian was unable to avoid relegation from the Championship as Argyle finished 23rd – three points from safety. However, the club were willing to stick by Muslic and had already began making plans to back him in League One and push for promotion next season.That was until he suddenly told the Pilgrims he wanted to leave for FC Schalke in Germany’s second tier.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Argyle “reluctantly” gave him permission to enter negotiations with Schalke.But their statement blasted Muslic for seemingly betraying his word months into his contract which ran until 2028.Plymouth fumed: “Argyle can confirm that we have reluctantly allowed Head Coach Miron Muslic to open talks with a 2. Bundesliga side after he expressed his desire to speak with the German team and not return to England.”Despite regular communication since the end of the season, and no mention of any issues, Miron has now made it clear that, after extended periods away from his family, this opportunity provides him the chance to be closer to them after four years on the road.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We are frustrated by this decision, having implemented clear structures, processes and personnel to aid Miron and his coaching staff as we look to return to the Sky Bet Championship at the earliest opportunity.”Not only that, the club have also moved quickly to bring in new signings and received repeated verbal promises from Miron that he was committed to Argyle and would do everything to help the club bounce back to the second tier.’When we go down…oh God’ – Red-faced Plymouth owner accidentally admits club are getting relegated with 15 games left”Muslic joined the Greens in January 2025, on a three-and-a-half-year contract, after a period out of the game having departed Cercle Brugge. “He will now leave Argyle just four months into that long-term commitment.”We wish him the best for his future career.”We will be making no further comment at this stage.”In Muslic’s press conference after the final game of the season, he openly said he needed backing.The club responded by appointing David Fox as head of football operations and Tom Randle – who Muslic had worked with previously – as head of recruitment.Jamie Paterson and Caleb Watts signed last week – the former citing his conversations with Muslic as a major reason behind joining. One fan took to Wikipedia to edit his page name to “Plymouth Snake” in response to the shock bombshell news, which will reportedly see Argyle receive £1million in compensation. Seven-time top-flight runners-up Schalke suffered two relegations from the Bundesliga in three years from 2022 to 2024. Read More on The SunThey finished 14th in the 2 Bundesliga this term – with the likes of ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius and Rasmus Hojlund’s brother Emil in the squad.Die Konigsblauen are six-time German Cup winners, won the Uefa Cup in 1997 and reached the Champions League semis in 2011, losing 6-1 on aggregate to Manchester United. Muslic was in charge when Argyle beat Liverpool in the FA CupCredit: Getty More

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      Melissa Reddy breaks silence on Sky Sports exit as she blasts ‘the abuse never ceases’ and reveals new career path

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      MELISSA REDDY has broken her silence after leaving Sky Sports.SunSport exclusively revealed earlier today that the broadcaster has left the company in major shake-up alongside five colleagues.Melissa Reddy has opened up on her decision to leave Sky SportsCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddyReddy lifted the lid on the challenges she has facedCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddyReddy has been working as Sky Sports’ senior football reporter in recent years, regularly covering Manchester United and Liverpool.In a lengthy statement, she wrote on Instagram: “ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I’ve called time on three years at Sky.”I’ll still be doing bits and bobs for them but I’m genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I’ll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions 🥰”For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years (😅) YES – that will include new books 🤓.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReddy also opened up about the abuse and challenges she has faced in the industry.She continued: “After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said “why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick 👅 don’t you?!””I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas… the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. “I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work.Most read in Football”You can’t dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark.”The messages I’ve received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues – people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade – carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let’s cook.”Presenter Natalie Pike commented: “Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry.”Commentator Pien Meulensteen said: “Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next.”Fellow host Reshmin Chowdhury wrote: “Keep shining, my lovely! Can’t wait to see what’s cooking.”Reddy is hoping to write a new bookCredit: INSTAGRAM @melissa_reddy More

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      Horror stat reveals Man Utd transfer target Matheus Cunha spent more time WALKING than any other Premier League player

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      MANCHESTER UNITED target Matheus Cunha spent more time walking than any other player in the Premier League this season.The 26-year-old is on the verge of completing a move to Old Trafford.Matheus Cunha has spent more time walking than any other Prem player this seasonCredit: GettyUnited agreed terms for a deal on Tuesday after initially being knocked back by Wolves.Club officials first proposed the idea of paying Cunha’s £62.5million release clause over a five-year period, but Wolves made it clear that they wanted the full amount by the end of the 2026-27 season.Following additional discussions, a deal was eventually struck and the Red Devils were given permission to speak to Cunha himself.Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with the Brazilian understood to be keen on the switch.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut one perhaps concerning stat has emerged about his Premier League campaign.Cunha spent more time walking than any other player in the league this term.Overall, he spent 77.1 per cent of his time on the pitch walking.Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is next having walked for 76.6 per cent of his game-time.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordNottingham Forest centre-back Murillo is third on the list with 74.3 per cent, with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa having recorded 74.2 per cent.Forest full-back Ola Aina completes the list with 73.8 per cent.Matheus Cunha gifts Wolves team-mates Joao Gomes and Andre a Rolex ahead of Man Utd transferMan Utd head coach Ruben Amorim regularly demands a high work-rate from his players, so it is unlikely he will accept walking on the pitch – especially from a winger.Amorim remained tight-lipped about the club’s move for Cunha.Following United’s 1-0 loss to ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia on Wednesday, he said: “You have to wait for that.”I won’t confirm anything. I have no news. We will see. There will be some changes.” More

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      Alan Shearer breaks silence on Match of the Day future after Gary Lineker’s emotional BBC exit

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      ALAN SHEARER has opened up on Gary Lineker’s emotional Match of the Day exit – and his own future on the show. Lineker, 64, signed off from his role as MOTD host after 26 years on Sunday night. Alan Shearer has broken his silence on his Match of the Day futureCredit: GettyGary Lineker signed off on the show for the final time on Sunday after 26 yearsCredit: BBCThe England legend revealed his intention to quit from the Beeb show back in November. But his exit was overshadowed by an antisemitism storm, which saw Lineker step away from the BBC completely. Shearer, 54, made his BBC punditry debut back in 2006 and has worked alongside Lineker ever since. Shearer told The Daily Mail: “He got a really emotional send off on Sunday, and one he deserved.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER”He’s a brilliant broadcaster, and he’s a great friend of mine, and we will all miss him.”The Toon icon confirmed he will continue to appear on the iconic BBC show. Shearer and Lineker are also set to carry on with their hit podcast The Rest Is Football.They are joined on the pod by Micah Richards, another popular Beeb pundit.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShearer admits Lineker’s farewell didn’t hit too hard – as they’ve already recorded two more episodes since. The Newcastle legend continued: “It’s different for myself and Micah, because it’s not as if we’re not ever going to see him again. Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 years”I mean, we’ve done two recordings of our podcast as well, so we’re still going to be sort of working together.”Lineker’s production company Goalhanger Productions are reportedly in talks with DAZN ahead of the summer. The discussions are based around “launching shows featuring MOTD-style match clips of the Club World Cup.”TV insiders also believe Lineker moving to a rival such as ITV or Sky Sports is “highly unlikely.”Lineker faced a huge backlash after he re-posted a video earlier this month which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbyeGary LinekerMOTD The Three Lions legend agreed to leave the BBC for good and apologised unreservedly.Lineker was given a seven-minute tribute during his final Match of the Day broadcastTearing up, he added: “It’s been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It’s been utterly joyous.”I’d like to wish Gabby [Logan], Mark [Chapman], and Kelly [Cates] all the best when they sit in the chair.”The programme is in the best of hands. My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It’s been so special. “I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye.” More

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      Glum Man Utd stars take part in humiliating ‘open-top bus parade’ with no trophy and hardly any fans

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flops were forced to take part in a humiliating open-top bus ‘parade’ in Malaysia.The Red Devils ended the season without a trophy after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham and they finished in their lowest ever Premier League position of 15th.Man Utd flops boarded an open-top bus on their post-season tour of AsiaThe parade came before they suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeatBut despite a campaign so bad it made Ruben Amorim apologise, some players took part in a tradition normally saved for champions.A few members of the squad boarded an open-top bus that cruised through the streets of Kuala Lumpar this afternoon.A low number of supporters lined the streets to get a glimpse of their heroes in a bizarre victory-less parade.Joshua Zirkzee was seen waving to fans as Matthijs De Ligt and Ayden Heaven stood glumly next to him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn some social media footage posted online people in the street can be heard laughing at the sight of the Manchester United players on board the bus.Fans online slammed the parade, with one saying: “Banter Club FC lives on.”Another added: “They’ve became the laughing stock of the Premier League.”A third commented sarcastically: “That is in no way embarrassing in any way, shape or form.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe players took to the bus before their embarrassing 1-0 post-season friendly defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars.Amorim took aim at his players after the loss, saying: “Yes, a disappointing result, but no injuries and a tough pitch.Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim’s claim that the ‘good days are coming’ for Man Utd”We don’t have it in us not to choke in every exercise, in every game, that is what happened. “We should win these kind of games, no matter what. We need to bring that inside of us in every game.”The important thing is no injuries with this weather and to arrive here in this day. It is not an excuse, we should perform better.”United travel to Hong Kong next to play the country’s national team on Friday afternoon.Manchester United lost to the ASEAN All-Stars 1-0Credit: Reuters More