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      Inside the multi-million pound transformation of famous stadium where Celtic won European Cup in Lisbon

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      IT’S the site of Celtic’s most famous triumph – with thousands of Hoops fans still visiting Lisbon each year for their very own Portuguese pilgrimage. But the contours of the famous Estadio Nacional where Billy McNeill once held the European Cup aloft are set to change – to the tune of a cool €25MILLION Euros modernisation.An aerial view of how the stadium will lookCredit: AFL architects Inside the sleek lounges at the refurbished venueCredit: AFL architects It’s a stylish upgrade to the famous old stadiumCredit: AFL Architects The good news for Hoops fans, though, is that the 81-year-old stadium won’t be getting bulldozed and rebuilt and will rather undergo a ‘sensitive and innovative redesign’.Led by Jock Stein and legendary skipper Billy McNeill, the Lisbon Lions triumphed over Italian giants Inter Milan in the Portuguese capital to become the first side from the Britain to win the biggest prize in club football.Goals from the great Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers saw the Hoops come from behind to win 2-1.The stadium where the match took place is a listed heritage site which was originally built six miles west of the city between 1939 and 1944 to designs by Portuguese architect Jacobetty Rosa.Located in close proximity to two massive stadia neighbours in the form of the Estadio da Luz and Jose Alvalade – the homes of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon respectively – the Estadio Nacional isn’t used so regularly these days. It still plays host to the Portuguese cup final – as well as rugby games.But refurbishment has been on the way since at least 2012 and while there is no start date for the work as yet, it’s closer than ever with AFL Architects winning the job for their designs.AFL are working with Lisbon-based Aires Mateus and Gonçalves Vieira Cruz after they won a competition with their designs – with the Portuguese Football Federation the client.Most read in FootballOne thing that will change with the new development is a new suspended canopy ROOF suspended over the stands. This will use a Pratt truss structure supported by four strategically braced points.Rangers and Celtic fans react to news away fans are BACK at Old Firm gamesThe stadium capacity will change too, actually coming down from 39,000 to 36,388.The architects claim that the stadium’s ‘unique integration into the natural landscape’ of Vale do Jamor will be retained.Estadio Nacional refurbishment – at a glanceKey features of the proposed refurbishment include: A striking new roof inspired by the stadium’s original design and site topography.VIP and VVIP lounges for premium experiences. State-of-the-art media facilities. Updated football, rugby, and athletics facilities. Enhanced accessibility throughout the venue. Extended toilet and concession areas. Improved sightlines for spectators. Refurbished landscaping that blends seamlessly with the Vale do Jamor.Back in 2022, the Lisbon Lions were named the best club side EVER.It topped a poll ahead of a Barca side led by Pep Guardiola and spearheaded by the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, who won La Liga with 96 points and secured the Champions League.Manchester United’s famous 1998/99 side came a distant third with 14 per-cent of the vote.Billy McNeill holds aloft the European CupCredit: AFL architects How the covered main stand will now lookCredit: AFL architects Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes’s season OVER as defender needs surgery on hamstring injury sustained in Fulham clash

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      GABRIEL MAGALHAES is set to miss the rest of the season after it was confirmed he needs to go under the knife.The Brazilian injured his right hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.Gabriel Magalhaes injured his right hamstring in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham earlier this weekCredit: EPAThe 27-year-old will miss the rest of the season as he needs to have surgeryCredit: AFPIt soon emerged that the centre-back would miss both legs of the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid.But the club have now confirmed the 27-year-old needs to have surgery and is unlikely to return to the field again this season.A club statement read: “Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhaes has sustained a hamstring injury which requires surgery.”Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with the aim to be ready for the start of next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Everyone at the club will be fully focused on supporting Gabi to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”The Emirates faithful were quick to react to news of Gabriel’s season-ending injury.One wrote on X: “Rest up. Player of the season. Another said: “Just end the season now.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd another said: “Get well soon, Gabi.”One remarked: “Come back stronger, king.”Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final Arsenal’s next five fixturesAnother chimed in: “THREE hamstring injuries so severe they require surgery in the same season.”That begs some serious questions of the fitness/conditioning team. “That’s completely ridiculous.”Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is now facing a defensive crisis ahead of next Tuesday’s visit of Real Madrid following injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber, who also picked up a knock against the Cottagers.Jakub Kiwior will likely deputise for the crocked Gabriel, with Oleksandr Zinchenko in line to fill in for Timber at left-back.Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed Tuesday’s visit of Fulham and are also doubts for next week’s showdown with Real.Mikel Arteta now has a massive injury headache ahead of Real Madrid’s visit next weekCredit: REX More

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      I customise boots for Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice and more – but I’ve still not had my dream customer

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      NO two footballers are the same.And for Jordan Dawson, their boots shouldn’t be the same either.Jordan Dawson has designed boots for some of the biggest names in the Premier League – including Enzo FernandezCredit: Instagram @jordan.dawsonHe has also created a pair for Darwin NunezCredit: Instagram @jordan.dawsonThe artist has customised boots for some of the biggest names in the Premier League.From Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice to Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella – Jordan has catered for them all.And it all starts with just a message.SunSport followed Jordan through the process of customising a pair for Premier League icon Willian following his return to Fulham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So how it all works is I’ll get a message from a footballer, obviously asking for a customised pair of boots,” the designer explained.”Some may have some sort of idea of what they want, some will have no clue.”Brazilians are known for being out there and skilful, having a bit of flair. So I created this design.”I wanted to be able to express the skill that I have, but it was just a little bit too much for him. So this is where we started and now we’ve toned it down a little bit and now it’s where it is now.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJordan’s first draft of the boots for WillianCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportJordan started customising shoes after working for NikeCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportJordan first got into customising when he worked at Nike and was given several pairs of shoes.He then took it upon himself to start personalising them from his own house.Football Fixers | Cutting it with Premier League Football StarsAfter designing his first pair – some plain white Nike Air Forces – he started building a portfolio.Despite being knocked back by a number of different brands, he took his work back to Nike and the sportswear company offered him a space to design at its flagship Nike Town store in central London.Jordan was then enlisted to help design boots for Mason Mount and Phil Foden ahead of their respective England debuts.That gig seemingly opened a world of possibility for the entrepreneur, who then received more work from Adidas and the FIFA video game franchise.But it was his work for Declan Rice that really helped the business snowball.For Jordan, the highlight so far has been working with Brazil legend Kaka at a FIFA event.He said: “I think a pinch me moment was when I did work with Kaka.The artist designed a pair of trainers for KakaCredit: YouTube/The Sun Sport”I remember players queuing up to meet him and at that moment I was like, OK, this is professional footballers wanting to meet their idol.”I grew up watching Kaka as well, that Brazilian team with Ronaldinho, Kaka, Rivaldo.”And I remember his manager coming up to me saying, I hear you’ve got a pair of trainers for Kaka.”So then being able to present that to him in person as well was, yeah, that was a pinch me moment.”A lifelong Chelsea fan, Jordan hopes to one day work with Cole Palmer.Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is also a dream client: “Guaranteed to get pictures of him scoring goals!”There has even been some suggestion that his boots have helped players find their goalscoring form.Jordan continued: “I gave a couple of pairs of boots to Darwin Nunez and Marcus Rashford at very similar times.”Darwin Nunez just wasn’t scoring, he hit this really bad patch and all of a sudden he puts on these boots and he’s scoring backheel goals against Real Madrid, he’s scoring thunderbolts against Newcastle.”Marcus Rashford then couldn’t stop scoring when he was wearing them.Dawson drew a portrait for Declan Rice ahead of the World CupCredit: Instagram @jordan.dawson”So I had a lot of direct messages saying: ‘Maybe your boots are giving them superpowers,’ which I laughed at, but I’ve kind of just gone with it as well.”The best part of the process, however, is handing the boots over to the Premier League star.”I love meeting the players in person. I get to sit down with them and have a normal conversation, get to know who they are on a personal level and then also seeing their natural reaction to seeing the boots for the first time.”You get those goosebumps feeling because you see their face light up. I’ve delivered boots to Darwin Nunez at his home and he kissed the boot and you knew it meant something to him. So that was a great feeling.”On Willian’s reaction to his customised boots, Jordan said: “His response was amazing. He’s played for Chelsea Football Club, which is my boyhood club.”So meeting him, seeing his reaction, he opens the box and you see his whole face light up. That’s the best reaction I can ask for.”A nice signed shirt for the collection. So that will be going on the wall framed in my new flat.”And the ultimate goal for the businessman?Read More on The Sun”To create my own shoe. I would love to have that feeling of walking down the street and someone pointing to my shoe and saying: ‘What are you wearing?'”And I’d be like, ‘it’s my shoe,’ I think that would be the ultimate flex for me. “Willian loved the pair that Jordan designed for himCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportThe winger gave him a signed shirtCredit: YouTube/The Sun Sport More

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      Premier League announce latest TV picks with Arsenal clash rescheduled and Liverpool’s day to lift the title

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      LIVERPOOL’s potential title party date has been decided after the latest round of TV picks.The Premier League have announced top-flight fixtures set to be shown on the box for the rest of April and May.Liverpool could be set to lift the Premier League for the first time since 2020Credit: GettyArsenal will now visit Anfield on May 11 – which could be a title party for the hostsCredit: GettyArne Slot’s Liverpool are running away with the title and lead second-placed Arsenal by 12 points. The Reds host the Gunners in their penultimate home game of the season.From their remaining eight games, Liverpool need just 13 more points to guarantee the title regardless of other results. Anfield will now play host to Arsenal on Sunday, May 11, with a 4.30pm kick-off.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. If results go their way, Liverpool could potentially lift the Premier League trophy while the Gunners watch on.But it is more realistic the Reds are presented with the trophy against Crystal Palace on May 25, the final day of the season. Should Slot’s side win the title, it will be the first time the club’s supporters will have seen their side lift the trophy in person since May 1990.Most read in FootballLiverpool’s last title win came amid COVID restrictions in 2020, with no supporters allowed inside Anfield for the celebrations. In another change to the schedule, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will now face Crystal Palace on Wednesday, April 23, at 8pm. Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq The all-London clash has been moved after Palace qualified for the semi-final of the FA Cup. In a similar vein, fellow semi-finalists Man City will now host Aston Villa on Tuesday, April 22, while Nottingham Forest take on Brentford on Thursday, May 1.Forest continue to be this season’s surprise package, with that contest at the City Ground getting underway at the earlier time of 7.30pm. Thomas Frank’s Bees have seen their clash with Manchester United moved to Sunday, May 4, as a result of Forest’s FA Cup adventure.Premier League fixture changesHERE’S a full rundown of the latest raft of TV changes as we approach the Premier League run-in. Tuesday 22 April8pm – Man City vs Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Wednesday 23 April8pm – Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Thursday 1 May7.30pm – Nottingham Forest v Brentford (Sky Sports)Sunday 4 May2pm -Brentford v Man UtdSaturday 10 May12.30pm – Newcastle vs Chelsea (TNT Sports)*Fulham vs EvertonIpswich vs BrentfordMan Utd vs West HamSouthampton vs Man City Spurs vs Crystal PalaceWolves vs Brighton5.30pm – Bournemouth vs Aston Villa (Sky Sports)*Match will move to Sunday 11 May 12:00 BST and remain live on TNT Sports if Chelsea play in UEFA Conference League on Thursday 8 MaySunday 11 May2.15pm – Nottingham Forest vs Leicester (Sky Sports)4.30pm – Liverpool v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Later in the month, Chelsea will take on Newcastle in the early kick-off on Saturday, May 10. But should Enzo Maresca’s men reach the next stage of the Europa Conference League, the match will move to midday on May 11.Regardless of when it kicks off, the game at St James’ Park will be shown live on TNT Sports. More

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      ‘I will go back’ – Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq

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      STEVEN GERRARD has opened up about his managerial future after he left Al-Ettifaq.The Liverpool legend stepped down as boss of the Saudi Arabian side in January after 18 months in charge.Steven Gerrard opened up about his managerial futureCredit: YouTube/That Peter Crouch PodcastGerrard quit Saudi side Al-Ettifaq earlier this seasonCredit: ReutersPressure was beginning to mount on him at the time of his departure as Al-Ettifaq were languishing just five points above the relegation zone.Since leaving the club, Gerrard was linked with vacancies at Derby County and Blackburn in the Championship.But the ex-Rangers and Aston Villa boss is happy to be away from the dugout, telling That Peter Crouch Podcast: “I don’t want to be back in work, not at the moment.”I’ve just come out, so I am happy waking up, being free, doing the family stuff and being free from the stress.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I will go back in at some point but when it is round the clock for 18 months, I just want to be free and do normal things that you can’t do when you are coaching like a game of golf or go down the boozer.”I want to do normal things that you can’t really do when you’re coaching, so I am all good.”I’m good and stress free. I’m out of work in terms of the coaching and management, which is obviously 24/7.”Gerrard is unlikely to be out of the dugout for long though as he still “loves” football.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut he admitted he does not get the same buzz in the dugout as he did on the pitch back in his heyday.Gerrard explained: “I miss it everyday, every single day, I would love to run it back and do it all again.Steven Gerrard mercilessly BOOED by Al-Ettifaq fans after losing local derby with Liverpool legend on brink of sack”Coaching and management does not fill the void, it is just not the same.”Don’t get me wrong it is a great job to still be around it, but in terms of the buzz of playing, I didn’t appreciate it enough.”Gerrard admits he did not appreciate being a Liverpool player enoughCredit: Getty More

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      Leicester break dismal record that’s stood for 32 years as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side hurtle towards relegation

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      IN THE midst of a turgid season, Leicester City have picked up another unwanted accolade.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Foxes sit 19th in the table with 17 points from 30 games played, only slightly better than Derby County’s 2007-08 campaign – their 11 points the fewest in Premier League history.Goals from Grealish and Marmoush damned Leicester to yet another defeatCredit: GettyLeicester’s defenders, including Wout Faes, have been heavily criticised as the Foxes are on track for a historically poor seasonCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy seems to be running out of ideasCredit: GettyWhile they may not be the worst Premier League side ever, they have picked up another unwanted piece of history after losing 2-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday night.Jack Grealish opened the scoring after just four minutes with his first goal since December 2023, which he later donated to his late brother. Omar Marmoush doubled the Champions’ lead in the second half.His contribution marked the 25th time this season that Leicester had conceded first in a match, more than any other team in Premier League history.Read more footballThey surpass previous record holders Ipswich Town, who in 1994-95 conceded first in 24 of their 38 games on their way to a 22nd place finish.That record had stood for thirty years.Defence, unsurprisingly, is among Leicester’s leading problem areas as they stare down the barrel at a prompt return to the Championship.They have not kept a clean sheet since since beating Bournemouth 1-0 in their seventh match of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey are also on track to concede a club record number of Premier League goals this season, having shipped 67 so far.The score to beat is 80 goals against, a record set as Leicester were relegated alongside Ipswich in 1994-95.Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy gives his thoughts after Brentford defeat That leaves Leicester with eight matches to concede less than 13 goals – a tall order as Van Nistelrooy’s leaky backline have conceded an average of 2.3 goals per game in their last 10 outings.They failed to score in eight of those 10 matches, most recently finding the back of the net in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford on February 7, almost two months ago.One must look even further back for their most recent win, which came away to Tottenham Hotspur in late January after goals from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss.Van Nistelrooy has won just three of 20 matches since taking over from Steve Cooper in December, with Leicester now twelve points adrift of safety.The Dutchman took over the club after a brief stint as Manchester United’s interim manager during which he won three of four games before Ruben Amorim was signed from Sporting CP. More

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      Chelsea vs Tottenham: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSports, plus 25% boost on your winnings

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      CHELSEA entertain Tottenham tonight in what promises to be another feisty fixture between the sides.Punters who register an account with BoyleSports and stake a tenner on the blockbuster battle will be rewarded with £30 in football free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus!BoyleSports are also offering customers an extra 25% boost on their Bet Builder winnings!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim…BoyleSports offerVisit the BoyleSports website HERE*Register a new account and depositPlace a qualifying bet of £10 or more at odds of Evens or greaterRemember, your qualifying bet must be placed within 30 days of account openingOnce that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonusBoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE*Not got a BoyleSports account? No Problem!Simply visit the BoyleSports website and register for your brand new account.Deposit at least a tenner and then place a tenner or more on any football betting market at odds of Evens or greater.Once that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus.You will also be eligible for BoyleSports’ amazing special, which offers all customers an extra 25% on their Bet Builder winnings – claim that HERE*BoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE**18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. T&Cs Apply 18+. Digital customers only. Min Odds of (3/1). Max stake 20. Available on one bet per selected event. 25% Boost. Boost will be added once all selections have settled. Max boost payout £/€1,000. Offer does not apply to multiple bets. Free/void/cashed out bets won’t qualify. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Derby County star, 27, breaks unwanted all-time record before going off injured four minutes into match

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      A DERBY County star has set an unwanted record after playing against Preston.The Rams won 2-0 to climb out of the Championship relegation zone.Ryan Nyambe broke an unwanted record against PrestonCredit: GettyThey have won four matches in a row under John Eustace, who has transformed the team’s fortunes since being appointed in February.However there was one sour note to their victory over Preston as Ryan Nyambe was forced off after just four minutes.The right-back suffered a hamstring injury, having already missed three months of action earlier in the season after tearing his knee ligaments.To add insult to injury, Nyambe’s short-lived run-out against Preston means he broke an unwanted record.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old has now failed to find the net a single time in 202 Championship appearances – no outfield player has managed more.After the match Eustance described losing Nyambe to injury as a “blow”.He said: “It’s a shame for Ryan. He’s had a bad time with injuries since we’ve come in.“He’s trained really well for the last couple of weeks, looked sharp coming into the game, so losing him after two minutes is a big blow.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“We’ll have to see how he is tomorrow after the scan. It’s his hamstring, so hopefully it won’t be as bad as we think, but we wait and see.”Nyambe signed for Derby 18 months ago and helped them win promotion from League One last season.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsHe has played just 17 times for Derby in the second tier this campaign, with the rest of his Championship games coming for Blackburn Rovers and Wigan. More