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      ‘I can’t believe they showed that again’ – ITV commentator stunned by Cristiano Ronaldo banner at Nations League final

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      ITV commentators were left stunned after seeing a banner directed at Cristiano Ronaldo at the Nations League final.Portugal claimed their second Nations League crown after beating Spain on penalties on Sunday evening.Cristiano Ronaldo was the subject of a fan’s suggestive bannerCredit: ITVThe fan asked if he could ‘touch’ the superstarCredit: ITVITV commentators Andros Townsend and Seb Hutchinson were left stunnedCredit: xBut it was a supporter’s banner in the stands that caught the attention of ITV commentators Sam Hutchinson and Andros Townsend.In the 87th minute, when Ronaldo went down injured, the cameras panned to the crowd and caught the sign.A Portugal fan could be seen holding up a banner that read “Cristiano, please let me touch you.”The suggestive sign was spotted by the commentators, leaving them stunned.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHutchinson said: “Oh my gosh.”Which prompted the former Premier League star to say: “I can’t believe they showed that again.”Hutchinson replied: “I think we know why.”Townsend then joked: “The director has a very innocent mind”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe sign clearly left an impression on Hutchinson as a couple of minutes later, it was still on his mind.He added: “I am still laughing at that sign.”New footage shows Cristiano Ronaldo’s wild reaction to Portugal Nations League win as Man Utd star is ‘used as shield’ Despite being subbed off injured, Ronaldo still played his part in the final as he netted the crucial equaliser in the second half.Portugal had already come from behind once in the game as Nuno Mendes cancelled out Martin Zubimendi’s opener.After the match, Ronaldo also revealed that he would be staying at Saudi club Al-Nassr amid links of an exit.Ronaldo joined the Saudi side in 2023 and has been the Pro League’s top scorer for the past two seasons.Fifa president Gianni Infantino had suggested Ronaldo could play in the upcoming Club World Cup.Meanwhile, the final was overshadowed by the tragic death of a fan in the stands. More

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      Chelsea complete transfer for star tipped to be ‘world class in two years’ from sister club Strasbourg in 8-year deal

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      CHELSEA have signed Mamadou Sarr from sister club Strasbourg.The French defender, 19, has penned an eight-year contract with the Blues.Mamadou Sarr impressed at Strasbourg last seasonCredit: RexSarr impressed in Ligue 1 last term, playing 27 times as Liam Rosenior’s side finished seventh.The teenager played alongside Chelsea loanees Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic while in Alsace.And he will now head to Stamford Bridge ahead of the Club World Cup.Following six years in RC Lens’ academy, Sarr moved to Lyon aged 13 in 2018.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 6ft 4in defender made three first team appearances for Les Gones, in addition to enjoying a brief loan spell in Belgium with RWD Molenbeek.In the summer of 2024, Sarr moved to Strasbourg for around £8.5million amid Lyon’s financial woes.The French youth international quickly established himself in the team under Rosenior, becoming a regular starter as Strasbourg qualified for the Conference League.Sarr is already Chelsea’s third signing of the summer.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Blues moved to recruit Dario Essugo for £18.5m from Sporting CP last week.Enzo Maresca’s side followed that up by winning the race to sign £30m Ipswich striker Liam Delap.John Obi Mikel on wild Chelsea nights out in central London and his hilarious friendship with Salomon KalouChelsea are set to head to the Club World Cup next week.The Blues will open their campaign against MLS side LAFC on June 16, after their original opponents Club Leon were booted out of the competition.The West Londoners will then head to Philadelphia for further group games against Brazilians Flamengo and ES Tunis of Tunisia.Chelsea could earn a staggering sum from their summer in the States, with nearly £100m in prize money available to the Club World Cup winners.Fans have reacted excitedly to news of Sarr’s arrival.One posted on X: “I don’t think Chelsea fans realise just how good he is. Will be deemed a world class CB within 2 years.”Read More on The SunWhile a second joked: “Better than Saliba already.”Another added: “Chelsea just signed a gem.”Sarr starred as Strasbourg qualified for the Conference LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      Harvey Elliott admits ‘conversation’ needs to be had over Liverpool future to avoid ‘wasting’ career on the bench

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      HARVEY ELLIOTT has warned Arne Slot he won’t “waste” his career and watch from the bench at Liverpool.The attacker, 22, collected a Premier League title medal this term at Anfield but played just 360 minutes across 18 appearances.Harvey Elliott celebrated winning the Premier League with Liverpool last monthCredit: GettyThe star is set for talks with Arne Slot if he cannot get regular first-team actionCredit: GettyThe boyhood Reds fan is in Slovakia as part of the England U21 squad looking to defend their European Championship crown for what could be the start of a big summer.A host of clubs are considering making a move for the £45m-rated ex-Fulham man and he admitted he may have to leave for the good of his career.Elliott said: “It’s just a situation that me and the team on my behalf have to have a conversation about.“I’m coming into an age now where I’m 22, I’m going to be 23 next season and I don’t really want to be wasting years on my career because it’s a short career. You don’t know what’s going to happen. Touch wood it doesn’t, but injuries and things, it could shorten it.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It’s a situation that, as I’ve said before, I need to reflect. I need to see if I’m content in doing what I’m doing and how can I improve as a player because that’s the most important thing. That’s the main thing, really.“I just want to improve and be the best possible version of myself and the best player I can be. If that’s to go somewhere else, then it’s a decision that I’m going to have to make and I just need to see what happens.”Elliott, who came through QPR’s academy before making the move to Fulham prior to being snapped up by Liverpool in 2019, added: “Nothing makes me want to leave. I love the club, I love the fans, the team. I support them as well. But as I said, most importantly, it’s just about what’s best for my career. I just need to make that decision.”One of the highlights of Elliott’s campaign, which was delayed due to a fractured foot, came in the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe scored a last-ditch winner at Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16 first leg just 47 seconds after replacing Mohamed Salah, but even that moment failed to convince Slot to hand him a start in the next game.He said: “PSG was kind of a high for me, especially with the Premier League game coming up a few days later. I thought maybe it was an opportunity for me to get a start and to showcase what I can do and just get a nice run out.Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fans“The boss is the boss. He’s the man in charge. He’s the reason why we’ve won the league, because of his decisions. I can’t complain. I just need to make sure I’m ready and to keep going.”One man who does have total faith in Elliott is Lee Carsley, the man he enjoyed Euro success with two years ago.Elliott and Charlie Cresswell are the only survivors from that squad in Slovakia and the Liverpool man says he is loving the leadership role he has.He added: “I’ve always taken that role in my stride. Not only for myself, I want the whole team to do well. I want all the players to do well.“Everyone’s got quality here. We have one aim and one goal, which is to win it. I’ll try as hard as I can to make sure that happens.”England kick-off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday and then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June.All of the Young Lions’ matches are being broadcast on Channel 4.England football stars’ tattoosThe England squad are known for their love of body art and a lot of them are covered in tattoos. More

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      Nations League final marred by tragedy as spectator dies after falling into tier below during Portugal win over Spain

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      PORTUGAL’s Nations League victory over Spain was marred as a fan died at the match.Tragedy struck as a fan fell from the second tier of the main stand into the seating area below before full-time.A supporter died after a fall at the Nations League finalCredit: GettyThey fell from the second tier in the main standCredit: GettyMedical staff immediately responded to the incident but were unable to save the fan.Uefa confirmed that the supporter sadly passed away after the tragic moment at the Allianz Arena.A statement read: “There was a medical emergency at the Munich arena, and despite the best efforts of the medical team, the person sadly passed away at 00:06 (CET).”Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe sad news of the death reached the teams as Spain coach Luis de la Fuente addressed it in his press conference.After suffering defeat on the pitch, he sent his sympathies to the family.He said: “I want to express my condolences to the family of a fan who has died.”That has made us realise what is important in life.”Most read in FootballLuis de la Fuente sent his condolencesCredit: EPANuno Mendes said the death ‘casts a pall’ over the winCredit: GettyRoberto Martinez called the incident ‘extremely sad news’Credit: GettyMan of the match Nuno Mendes also spoke about the tragedy when he was interviewed.The Portugal star admitted that the death overshadowed the victory.He added: “I would like to express my condolences to the family of the fan who died.”It casts a pall on our victory today.”While manager Roberto Martinez labelled the death “extremely sad news”.Portugal came out as the winners in Germany after a penalty shootout.Martin Zubimendi netted the opener for Spain before Mendes equalised.Spain retook the lead in the 45th minute through Mikel Oyarzabal, only to be pegged back again as Cristiano Ronaldo levelled the match.Alvaro Morata missed the crucial penalty in the shootout, which allowed Ruben Neves to fire his side to glory. More

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      Michael Owen reveals he didn’t know what Ballon d’Or was when he won it and had to ask manager about it

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      MICHAEL OWEN has admitted he had no idea what the Ballon d’Or was – even after winning it. The former Liverpool striker won the prestigious gong in 2001, beating Real Madrid icon Raul into second place.Michael Owen has claimed he had no idea what the Ballon d’Or wasCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe former Liverpool striker won the annual gong in 2001Credit: GettyOwen played 297 times for the Reds over an eight-year stint, scoring 158 goals. He later moved to Real Madrid and Manchester United, as well as earning 89 caps for England. The 45-year-old’s electric pace and lethal finishing made him one of the world’s most feared strikers.Owen bagged 24 goals in 46 Premier League games in 2001, catching the eye of the Ballon d’Or panel.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe award is handed out annually to Europe’s best player. But after beating greats including David Beckham, Luis Figo and Thierry Henry to the award, Owen had absolutely no clue what it was. Owen told talkSPORT: “When Gerard Houllier phoned me and said ‘You’ve won the Ballon d’Or’, I’m like ‘What’s that gaffer’?”I didn’t know what the award was. I never did because I never even knew what it was.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Back in those days it was never in our press.” Owen was just the fourth English player to win the Ballon d’Or, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.People don’t know this’ – Michael Owen breaks silence on ‘well done he’s 13’ meme 27 years on from humiliating teenagerBut it wasn’t until he became a Galactico with Madrid in 2004 that he truly understood its significance. Owen continued: “When I played for Real Madrid, it’s like an MBE, it follows you.”Whenever they mention your name it’s Ballon d’Or winner.”Abroad it is so big and it’s only just cottoned on here for the last five or ten years.”It’s so much bigger in other countries, in foreign countries.”It quickly sunk in how big it was.” More

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      Leicester and England wonderkid Jeremy Monga, 15, snubs Man City interest to stay at King Power Stadium

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      LEICESTER CITY have signed 15-year-old starlet Jeremy Monga on a bumper new contract in a major coup for the Championship club.The news will come as a blow to Manchester City and a string of other Premier League and top continental clubs who were desperate to snap up the teenage prodigy.Jeremy Monga has signed a professional contract with LeicesterCredit: AlamyThe winger became the second youngest player ever to appear in the Premier League earlier this season when he came on as a substitute against Newcastle.And he went on to make seven Premier League appearances for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s relegated Foxes.That sparked interest from Euro giants Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well as interest closer to home, led by Man City.Foxes fans feared Monga would be snapped up before he fulfilled his potential at the King Power.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity could have swooped before he was old enough to sign his first professional contract aged 17 and Leicester would only have received a nominal fee as compensation for developing the young talent. However that would have been worth a fraction of the kid’s true value.Now Leicester have protected their investment by convincing the 15-year-old winger to sign a new scholarship contract with a professional clause that kicks in when he reaches his 17th birthday in July next year.Monga, who joined Leicester’s Academy as a nine-year-old, will now begin his Academy scholarship this summer with his first pro contract kicking in by the summer of 2026.Most read in FootballDespite being just 15 years old, Monga has already featured for the Foxes first team during the 2024/25 season.It means the teenager will be around next season to try and help Leicester return to the Premier League at the first attempt and comes as a huge boost to the relegated Foxes.£67M Real Madrid Star Rodrygo on Gunners Hit List | From The Sports Desk | Sun SportLeicester are also on the brink of signing fellow teenager Jake Evans on a similar deal.Van Nistelrooy said at the end of last season: “It’s important to have these players for the future for a longer time. I think he will be very good for the club.”Polish goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk has seen his contract extended by the Club to 2027 after an impressive campaign that saw the 24-year-old Academy graduate collect 10 Premier League appearances.In total Leicester signed up nine Academy graduates as they prepare for life back in the Championship.But Monga’s deal is by far the most significant as it keeps him out of the clutches of Europe’s leading clubs.Following a 16-minute debut off the bench against Newcastle in the Premier League, Monga went on to make a further six league appearances for the club under Van Nistelrooy.A club statement said: “Nine exciting young talents from our Academy will extend their stays with Leicester City after a combination of new contracts, extension options and scholarship agreements were confirmed…”Meanwhile, Jeremy Monga has committed to commencing his professional career as a Leicester City player, with an agreement now in place to secure the talented teenager’s future at King Power Stadium.”Jeremy will begin his Academy scholarship this summer with his first professional contract scheduled to commence in summer 2026.”Our second-youngest appearance maker and the second-youngest player in Premier League history, having made the first of his seven Premier League appearances against Newcastle United in April, aged 15 years and 271 days, Jeremy is among an exciting group currently progressing on our Academy pathway, which he joined as an Under-9.”History makerThe versatile winger has been captain of England’s Under-16s too and trained with City’s U-21s squad as a result of his potential.But that only helped to catch the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs, with City among those who were hoping to tie up a move this summer.Monga almost made history by becoming the youngest ever Premier League goalscorer against Nottingham Forest, only to be denied by Matz Sels.Van Nistelrooy was boisterous on his future and said at the time: “That would have been some story if Jeremy could have topped his exam week with a winner away at Forest.”If he stays here and this is his future we can build more minutes into his pathway.”I’ve had many conversations with him and his family. And so hopefully he can sign soon – it’s up to him. Read More on The Sun”It’s a joy to work with him and sometimes we speak about GCSEs and mathematics. I even have to help him with his studies sometimes!”But if he had scored the winner against Forest that would have been a real fairytale.”  More

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      Under-21 Euros 2025: Full schedule, tickets, TV coverage and live stream as Young Lions look to retain title

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      SOME of the world’s most talented youth will be on show as the Under-21s Euros returns to the big screens – and all eyes will be on England!Cole Palmer’s deflected free-kick followed by James Trafford’s incredible penalty save in stoppage time fired the Young Lions to a memorable Euro 2023 title win.England are the reigning championsCredit: EPAIt was a historic night for the nation as the 1-0 victory against Spain U21 in the final ended England’s 39 year trophy drought.Since then, several members of that Young Lions squad have made the step up to the seniors as a reward.This has paved the way for players such as Jude Bellingham’s talented little brother Jobe and Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri to try and win back-to-back titles for their country.However, Spain in particular will be desperate to avenge what happened during the thrilling Euro 2023 showpiece match and become the most successful country in the competition.Read more on U21 EurosBut Italy, Germany and Portugal are all determined to get their hands on the huge crown too.There has also been a huge shock in the England camp as Chelsea’s £30million summer signing Liam Delap has NOT made the cut.When is the Under-21 Euro?The Under-21 Euro 2025 gets underway on Wednesday, June 11.Slovakia U21 vs Spain U21 is the curtain raiser for this thrilling Euro tournament and it kicks off at 5pm BST.England’s opening match will take place the following day – Thursday, June 12.This Euros competition is being held in Slovakia.What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?The entire Under-21 Euros 2025 tournament will be broadcast exclusively on Channel 4.Most read in FootballAll of the England’s matches at the tournament will be available to stream for FREE on the Channel 4 app/website and Channel 4 Sport’s YouTube channel.The huge broadcaster will also air another 15 matches from the tournament on 4Seven, and all other games will be available on Channel 4 Sport’s YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport will blog all England games as well as the latter stages of the tournament.Can I still buy tickets?Tickets for Under-21 Euros fixtures are available for purchase through StubHub.*Please note that secondary ticket resale sites such as StubHub may list tickets above face valueUnder-21 Euro 2025 groupsUnder-21 Euro 2025 fixtures and results All times BSTWednesday, June 11Group A Slovakia vs Spain – 5pm Italy vs Romania – 8pmGroup CPortugal vs France – 8pmPoland vs Georgia – 8pmThursday, June 12Group DUkraine vs Denmark – 5pmFinland vs Netherlands – 8pmGroup BCzech Republic vs England – 8pm Germany vs Slovenia – 8pmSaturday, June 14Group ASpain vs Romania – 5pmSlovakia vs Italy – 8pmGroup CPortugal vs Poland – 8pmFrance vs Georgia – 8pmSunday, June 15Group BEngland vs Slovenia – 5pmCzech Republic vs Germany – 8pmGroup DFinland vs Ukraine – 5pmNetherlands vs Denmark – 8pmTuesday, June 17Group CGeorgia vs Portugal – 5pmFrance vs Poland – 5pmGroup A Romania vs Slovakia – 8pmSpain vs Italy – 8pmWednesday, June 18Group DDenmark vs Finland – 5pmNetherlands vs Ukraine – 5pmGroup BSlovenia vs Czech Republic – 8pmEngland vs Germany – 8pmSaturday, June 21Quarter-finalsGroup C winners vs Group D runners-up – 5pmGroup A winners vs Group B runners-up – 8pmRead More on The SunSunday, June 22Group B winners vs Group A runners-up – TBCGroup D winners vs Group C runners-up – TBC More

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      ‘It won’t change anything’ – Cristiano Ronaldo sends clear message over his future after Nations League triumph

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has opened up on his future after Portugal’s Nations League triumph. The 40-year-old won his third national trophy following Sunday’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal win the Nations League on Sunday nightCredit: GettyThe 40-year-old was on target in a dramatic 2-2 drawCredit: GettyRonaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr ends on June 30 – and he is yet to pen a new dealCredit: GettyRonaldo levelled the scores at 2-2 in the second half at the Allianz Arena in Munich.The former Manchester United star was spotted in tears after Portugal went five for five in the shootout, retaining the trophy. An emotional Ronaldo said: “The tears were of joy. “When you win something for Portugal, it’s always special, but there’s nothing like winning for the national team, in my opinion.READ MORE ON RONALDO”This generation deserved it and we were going to have a bit of luck and merit and we were going to win the final. “We knew it was going to be difficult but we deserved it and this gives us confidence and allows us to go to the World Cup with more confidence.”Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr expires at the end of this month. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared to suggest his time with the club was at an end with a cryptic social media post.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe wrote a fortnight ago: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”But now Ronaldo appears to have had a change of heart. Netflix series I Am Georgina sees Ronaldo’s partner balancing motherhood and work When asked about his future on Sunday, he replied: “It won’t change anything. Al-Nassr, yes.”You know how old I am already, I’m closer to the end than I was at the beginning,”But I have to enjoy every moment. If I don’t get seriously injured, I’ll keep going.”Ronaldo joined the Saudi side in 2023 and has been the Pro League’s top scorer for the past two seasons.Fifa president Gianni Infantino had suggested Ronaldo could play in the upcoming Club World Cup.Ronaldo admitted he had received “many invites and proposals” for a quickfire transfer ahead of this month’s tournament in the US.He confirmed on Friday that he will not be appearing in the revamped competition.Ronaldo said: “It’s almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals.”There have been talks, contacts – but you have to think about short, medium and long term.”Al-Nassr sporting director Fernando Hierro indicated last month the club still believe Ronaldo will pen a new deal.He said: “I have to be positive. I don’t think Ronaldo will leave Al-Nassr.”In any case, we are working hard on all aspects.Read More on The Sun”Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr runs until the end of June 30.”We will work to renew his contract so he can continue with us, and there are many clubs interested in signing him.” More