Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Simone Inzaghi LEAVES Inter Milan just three days after Champions League final heartache and set for lucrative new job

      by

      INTER MILAN have announced the exit of manager Simone Inzaghi, just days after losing the Champions League final.Inzaghi, 49, leaves Inter having led the club to two Champions League finals, one Serie A title, two Coppa Italias and three Italian Super Cups.Simone Inzaghi has left Inter MilanCredit: GettyInzaghi Inter Milan were beaten 5-0 by PSG in the Champions League final on SaturdayCredit: GettyThe Italian manager spearheaded a new era for Inter since his arrival in 2021, but saw his team swept aside in a 5-0 thrashing to PSG in Saturday’s Champions League final.Now the retired striker looks set for a lucrative roll managing in Saudi Arabia after coming to a mutual agreement with Inter execs to call time on his spell as boss.A club statement read: “The Club and Simone Inzaghi’s paths separate. This is the decision taken by mutual agreement after the meeting that took place a few minutes ago.”Inzaghi’s management at Inter will be remembered by fans, players, managers and employees as being characterised by great passion, accompanied by professionalism and dedication.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile club president Guiseppe Marotta added: “On behalf of our shareholder Oaktree and the entire Club, I would like to thank Simone Inzaghi for the work done, for the passion shown and also for the sincerity in today’s discussion, which led to the common decision to separate our paths. “Only when we have fought together to achieve success day by day can we have a frank dialogue like the one that occurred today.”MORE TO FOLLOW…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Raul Asencio accusers want Real Madrid defender jailed for FOUR YEARS over ‘video of minor having sex with team-mates’

      by

      THE lawyers representing a girl who has accused Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio of sharing a sexual video without consent believe that he should be sentenced to four years in jail.In September 2023, the defender was arrested for allegedly sharing a sexually explicit video involving two women – one of which was 16-years-old.Raul Asencio could face four years in jailCredit: GettyThree Real Madrid reserve team players – Ferran Ruiz, 22, Andres Garcia, 22, and Juan Rodriguez, 23 – were also arrested.The trio reportedly filmed the video, which also involved an 18-year-old.They are being accused of “disclosure of secrets without consent, and violation of privacy, distributing and sending videos to third parties without consent, capturing and using minors for pornographic purposes and possession of child pornography” in the case.Meanwhile, Asencio is charged with “revealing secrets in conjunction with another of child pornography” and could face several years in jail.Read More in FootballSpanish outlet AS reports that if found guilty, the 22-year-old could face around four years behind bars.Meanwhile, Cadena Cope says that the alleged victim’s lawyers want £48,900 in compensation for her and a £16.86 fine per day for 10 months.The 18-year-old woman also involved is expected to make the same request.Asencio fiercely protested his innocence regarding the ongoing legal case last month.Most read in FootballIn a lengthy statement on social media, he wrote: “I have not participated in any behaviour that violates the sexual freedom of any woman, much less minors.”The defender also said the “presumption of innocence must continue to prevail.”He added: “Should charges ultimately be filed and a trial commence, I will continue to defend myself before the Courts and Tribunals, in which I have full confidence, reaffirming my innocence of any criminal conduct.”All of this is without prejudice to the utmost respect for the conduct of the judicial proceedings as a whole, including those of the other persons under investigation.”I want to reiterate, once again, my absolute respect for the rights to sexual freedom and privacy of all women.”Asencio also claimed that he was not at the reported location at the time of the June 2023 incident.But despite the judge making it clear that he is not being charged for recording the footage, he remains indicted on charges of sharing it.The initial complaint was filed by the mother of the 16-year-old in the Canary Islands.Read More on The SunIt was stated that while the sexual activity was consensual, the alleged recording was not.Since breaking into the Real Madrid first team at the start of the season, Asencio has made 42 appearances for Los Blancos. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool ‘saved £13MILLION’ by not giving Nunez final Premier League start with striker not record signing after all

      by

      LIVERPOOL saved a whopping £13MILLION thanks to a genius business decision regarding Darwin Nunez.Nunez, 25, joined the Reds from Benfica in 2022 following a huge deal that was expected to reach a club record £84million due to a series of clauses involved.Liverpool saved £13m on Darwin Nunez after not starting him in the final Premier League matchNunez is no longer Liverpool’s most expensive signingAccording to A Bola, however, that price will never be met after manager Arne Slot opted against starting the striker in the Merseysiders’ final match of the season.Liverpool drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Anfield two weeks ago – on the same day they lifted the title in front of the Kop.And Slot decided to bench Nunez in favour of Luis Diaz, who played as a false nine against Palace.A Bola report Benfica won’t be receiving one of the clause payments which were agreed three years ago.Read More on FootballThe Portuguese giants were set for a major cash windfall worth £13m that would have been triggered if the Uruguay international had started just one more Premier League or Champions League game.However, the centre-forward instead came on as a second-half substitute against the Eagles.Ultimately, Nunez cost the Premier League champions a total of £71m.That means the Uruguayan is no longer Liverpool’s most expensive signing of all time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat honour returns to captain Virgil van Dijk, who cost a staggering £75m in 2018 following his move from Southampton.Nunez has so far failed to live up to expectations at Anfield as he has only managed a total of 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 appearances since his arrival three years ago.Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fansThe forward registered seven goals and seven assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season.This continues to cast doubt over his future at Liverpool, even though his contract runs out in 2028. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Nottingham Forest plummet, shock team in top five and Man Utd boost – how Premier League table would look without errors

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED surge up the table and Nottingham Forest fall in the error-free Premier League.Goalkeepers and defenders wish their mistakes leading to goals could be forgotten about.Manchester United would be better off if individual errors did not countCredit: GettyManchester City would also rise up the tableCredit: GettyAnd number crunchers at AceOdds.com have made that possible by wiping all strikes from existence that came from individual direct errors.A total of 186 howlers have been erased and it changed the results of 65 matches across the season.Brighton are the biggest climbers and rise up the league to fifth to earn a Champions League spot.The Seagulls would have five points more as their No1 Bart Verbruggen made more blunders (five) leading to goals than anyone else.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United and Southampton are the other big movers up the table.Ruben Amorim’s side shot themselves in the foot far too often and it cost them eight points.United would have finished in 13th place without mistakes.And it is a similar story for Southampton, who threw away 11 points due to individual errors.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe boost would have even been enough to see them come 19th and Ipswich bottom instead.Nottingham Forest were in the hunt for Champions League qualification until the final day before eventually settling for a Conference League spot.Tottenham’s subtle reference to lasagne scandal in new kit launch hailed by fansThey punished opponents’ mistakes better than any other side in the division.Taking away those goals would have seen Forest plummet four places to 11th and record 13 points less.Similarly, Arsenal picked up eight extra points from rivals’ defensive errors.Without them, Mikel Arteta’s side would have come behind Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.Bart Verbruggen made more errors leading to goals than any other keeperCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘That’s where I hit rock bottom’ – David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following TWO-HOUR meeting

      by

      DAVID RAYA has opened up on the lowest point of his Arsenal career in an honest interview with former England goalkeeper Ben Foster.Raya, 29, has been one of the Premier League’s top shot-stoppers since his move to North London, winning consecutive Golden Glove awards in between the sticks at the Emirates Stadium.David Raya has opened up about the ‘rock bottom’ of his time at ArsenalCredit: YouTube/FOzcastBut the Spaniard revealed that it hasn’t always been easy, explaining that a poor game against Luton Town last season made him hit “rock bottom”.Even though Arsenal won the game 4-3, thanks to a late Declan Rice header, Raya was left feeling that his performance was the worst of his career – shipping three goals against the newly promoted outfit.He told Fozcast: “It was a turning point against Luton. That game was one of the worst games I ever played and that’s where I hit rock bottom. “From there, the only way was up with changing my habits and trying to change my mindset.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”From that game, I said, ‘Listen, this is not me.’ I think there’s been a massive change from there.”For Raya, that meant setting up an almost immediate meeting with Gunners goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana to pinpoint what was going wrong and fix it.He added: “I met with the goalie coach after the game at the training round and we were there for two hours, talking about things that we could change.”He helped me a lot in that situation and he just believed in me. We had to change things.Most read in FootballRaya conceded three times during a 4-3 win over Luton TownCredit: AlamyRaya made a memorable mistake when trying to claim a ball that led to Luton’s second goalCredit: EPAJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”[I was] working with him, working with a sports psychologist and relying on my missus and my family to try to help me as much as possible. That’s when I started feeling better.Raya was battling with outside noise about his arrival when he first joined the Gunners, with many fans questioning if he was a necessary addition given the presence of Aaron Ramsdale at the time.David Raya’s fiancee Tatiana Trouboul relaxes and dances along to music on holiday with Arsenal starBut now he has cemented himself as the number one for Mikel Arteta, so much so that Ramsdale’s permanent exit from the Emirates was sealed last summer.Raya reckons this past campaign has been the best of his career, and he is ensuring that he is keeping himself in the best nick possible to continue his flying form.The goalkeeper, who formed the base of the Premier League’s most formidable defence this term, revealed: “I’ve changed my routines in the morning.”Since I came back from pre-season I wanted to be waking up earlier in the morning and doing some stuff at home. Like an ice bath in the morning.”Raya has won consecutive Premier League Golden GlovesCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG hero’s home ransacked in shocking burglary attempt just hours after he celebrated Champions League final win

      by

      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE hero Fabian Ruiz’s home was ransacked by burglars just hours after he celebrated winning the trophy.The midfielder helped Paris Saint-Germain to an epic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in Saturday’s Munich final.Fabian Ruiz had his home ransacked after the Champions League winCredit: AFPThere were clashes with police during the team’s trophy paradeCredit: AFPFan turned up in their numbers to celebrate the iconic winCredit: APRuiz, 29, then enjoyed the victory parade through the French capital on Sunday.But the Spain international’s mood was shattered the following day when two teenage robbers broke into his upmarket property in Paris’ western suburbs.Luckily alarm systems alerted police to the brazen daylight raid just before midday.They raced to the scene, and arrested the two suspects in the act.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA police source told Le Parisien newspaper: “We found the player’s home in total disorder.”The two minors had rummaged through every room before we caught them red-handed.”Ruiz joined PSG from Napoli in 2022, and has since helped them lift three Ligue 1 titles and two French Cups as well as their first-ever Champions League.Capped 37 times, he previously played for Spanish clubs Real Betis and Elche.Most read in FootballPSG hold Victory Parade following Champions League win against Inter MilanHis PSG teammate Willian Pacho had his home burgled in March while on international duty with Ecuador.Ex-Manchester United winger Angel di Maria suffered a burglary during his PSG stay in 2021.Widespread disorder broke out in Paris and across France as soon as Luis Enrique’s side had wrapped up their record-breaking win on Saturday.Two people died, and hundreds were arrested.But the direct attack on midfield ace Ruiz’s home – even though unsuccessful – will particularly sicken the vast majority of PSG’s fans. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Son Heung-min ‘could LEAVE Tottenham’ as club look to cash in on transfer before big-money squad overhaul

      by

      TOTTENHAM legend Son Heung-min is set to leave the club, according to reports.The Spurs skipper lifted the Europa League in what could prove to be his final appearance. Son Heung-Min looks set to leave SpursCredit: GettySon has been in North London for the last ten years, playing 454 games and scoring 173 goals.But his time now appears to be up as Tottenham are looking to cash-in on him before his contract expires this time next year.The Telegraph report that a sale would bolster their summer transfer budget and fund a squad overhaul.Clubs from Saudi Arabia are interested in a deal for the Korean winger.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChiefs view him as a “recognisable world star” that could boost the Pro League’s growth in Asia.The Sun exclusively revealed last week that Son was a target for the Saudis.Tottenham triggered a one-year extension in the 32-year-old’s contract in January.Son’s future may be on hold for now though as the club are yet to make a decision on who will manage them next season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnge Postecoglou has not received assurances from above with the Aussie boss currently away on holiday.The club have been talking to other managers like Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Fulham’s Marco Silva.Earlier today Tottenham unveiled their kit for next season and gave little indication Son is heading for the exit with the forward among those modelling the strip. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Has Mikel Arteta signed off on this?’ – Premier League reveal new ball for next season after major brand change

      by

      PUMA today unveiled the brand-new 2025-26 Premier League match ball.But it didn’t take long for fans to use the opportunity to make fun of Mikel Arteta.Fans are torn on the changeCredit: PumaPuma has unveiled the new Premier League match ballCredit: PumaThe sportswear company reached a partnership agreement with England’s top division just under two years ago.It will now supply official match balls for the Premier League from the upcoming season.It sees Nike’s deal come to an end after 25 years with the US-based brand failing to agree an extension.The first edition of the new-look Puma match ball has now been unveiled.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith purple and pink detailing, the ball has a white base colour with a bold Prem logo.The Puma logo also takes up plenty of space on the surface.The change comes at the end of a season in which Arsenal boss Arteta memorably criticised Puma match balls, which were used in the Carabao Cup.Arteta said: “It’s just different. Very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”When you touch it the grip is very different as well so you adapt to that.”As a result, fans have poked fun at the manager following the unveiling of the new Premier League ball.Mikel Arteta bizarrely appears to blame Carabao Cup BALL for Arsenal’s missed chances as trophy drought set to continueOne person took to X to write: “Has Mikel Arteta signed off on this?”Another joked: “Did Arteta approve this ball?”While a third said: “Arteta will complain about ball again.”Fans were torn on the style of the new ball, with one person commenting: “Thats a stunning ball.”While others slammed: “Puma is not good at making anything. Look at the jerseys they produce for teams. Horrible.”Mikel Arteta was critical of Puma this seasonCredit: AFPArteta said the Carabao Cup ball was completely different to the Premier League and Champions League footballsCredit: Getty More