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      Meet the Conference League final WAGs as Chelsea take on Real Betis…from Spain’s Posh & Becks to beauty with unusual job

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      THOUSANDS of football fans have descended on Wraclow, Poland for tonight’s hotly anticipated Europa Conference League final.Chelsea will take on Spanish side Real Betis – and the players will, of course, be cheered on from the stands by their devoted WAGs.Connie Grace will be there to cheer on Cole Palmer in the finalCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_She and the football ace have been Instagram official since last yearCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_Cole met Connie Grace at school but the pair didn’t start dating until recentlyCredit: SplashIt may be the third tier of continental football in Europe, behind the second tier Europa League and the first tier Champions League, but that doesn’t mean the glamour is any less dazzling – with the teams’ wives and girlfriends including a movie star.And the women certainly boast brains as well as beauty, with a law graduate, tax expert and entrepreneur amid their ranks.Here we take a look at the WAGs who are building up a fan base of their own.CHELSEACole Palmer and Connie GraceLike Cole, 22-year-old Connie hails from Manchester, where she runs a nail salon.READ MORE SPORT FEATURESShe has built up an impressive social media following thanks to posts showcasing her stunning figure on sun-kissed trips to Jamaica, Ibiza and Dubai.The cute couple have known each other since they were 17, but romance appears to have blossomed last summer when they were spotted together on a luxury boat in Ibiza after flying to the island on a private jet.They finally went Insta-official in November at the GQ Men of the Year awards where she dazzled with the Blues midfielder in a daring cut-out dress.In the documentary England’s Lions: A New Generation, blonde Connie opened up about their relationship, saying: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.Most read in Europa LeagueShe added: “Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”She later explained that fame hasn’t changed her partner, adding: “Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17. Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Marc Cucurella and Claudia RodriguezHarry Maguire’s wife Fern leads Man Utd Wags flocking to Bilbao for Europa League final with TottenhamClaudia often take the kids to see their dad play in matches around the worldCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella met Claudia in 2018 and the couple have married and welcomed three childrenCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella and Claudia’s love story began in 2018 in Barcelona when the left-back played for the Catalans.The defender and model Claudia now share three children – Mateo, Rio and Bella – and she has recently opened up to fans about Mateo’s autism diagnosis.Stunning Claudia, 25, allowed cameras into their family home as part of the TV show Married to the Game, and said: “We saw something different about Mateo when he was small, about 13 months old, but it was a long process to get the diagnosis. When he was smaller it was easier but now he’s growing up, it’s more difficult.“When we moved to Chelsea, we started him at school and he was very upset, and we didn’t know the solution. You have to find it yourself, and you feel very bad because you are not prepared for it.”Despite the family’s struggles, Claudia maintains a positive outlook and regularly posts glam pictures and snapshots of their daily lives on Instagram where she has amassed more than 130,000 followers.Filip Jorgensen and Noemie RomeeNoemie worked for the Ministry of Finance in HollandCredit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1She moved to London with her goalkeeper Beau in 2024Credit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1Stunning Noemie joined goalkeeper Filip in London when he signed for the Blues last year.Before that the stunning brunette worked in the tax department of the Ministry of Finance in Holland, and it is not known if she has kept on that role.But the hard-working young couple certainly know how to play hard too, regularly sharing posts on social media of their travels, trips to theme parks and their pet Pomeranian dog.Noemie is also Filip’s biggest fan, posting videos of herself wearing a Chelsea shirt with his name emblazoned across the back. In one of her posts she gushed: “You have my heart Filip Jorgensen”.Reece James and Mia McClenaghanStunning Mia has a law degree from Royal HollowayCredit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanThe couple went public with their relationship in 2020Credit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanStunning blonde Mia is not just a pretty face – she studied law at Royal Holloway, University of London, and graduated in 2021.She then went on to advise prisoners at HMP Coldingley about family matters.Away from her legal career Mia has been dating Chelsea captain Reece for years, and they made their relationship public in November 2020 when James, 25, posted a picture with Mia on her birthday, calling her his “best friend”. Since then they’ve shared glimpses of their life together, including celebrating milestones and luxury holidays.But Essex-born Mia recently decided to step away from the spotlight, making her social media profiles private.REAL BETISIsco Alcaron and Sara SalamoSara has over a million Instagram followers and appeared on hit TV showsCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe couple opted to have a secret wedding ceremony after years togetherCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe Real Betis star and his wife have been dubbed the Spanish ‘Posh and Becks’. Sara, 33, is a leading Spanish actress with more than 35 film and TV credits to her name.Her popularity from hit shows El Favor, Stories to Stay Awake, The Year of Fury and Drug Squad: Costa del Sol has won her almost a million Instagram followers.The couple have been together since 2017, but finally tied the knot last year in a secret ceremony.Posting incredible snaps from their fairytale wedding, Tenerife-born Sara wrote: “Seven years, three children, four dogs… And a few days ago we said that we love each other again in front of the altar.”Stunning Sara regularly posts pictures detailing her incredible career on social media, but also gushing comments supporting her husband in his football.Antony and Rosilene SilvaRosilene is regularly seen at football games supporting her boyfriendCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_The couple are childhood sweethearts who met as children in BrazilCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_Manchester United star Antony has had a career renaissance since going on loan to Real Betis last season, after being frozen out by the Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim.In the run-up to this week’s final, he broke down as he detailed his struggles at Old Trafford where he was so unhappy he went for days without eating.But no doubt his loyal WAG Rosilene Silva was there to provide support. The couple were childhood sweethearts who met during their school days in Sao Paolo, Brazil. In 2019 Rosilene and Antony welcomed a baby boy named Lorenzo. And last year the couple added a baby girl, Lavinne, to their brood.The mum-of-two regularly shares photos enjoying days out with their young family on social media, with both parents besotted with their babies.And her posts documenting their glamorous lives have earned her an impressive 112k followers on Instagram.Pablo Fornals and Tania Lara VelascoTania and Marin have a two sons together, one born before their marriageCredit: Instagram/tannialvThe couple regularly enjoy luxury holidays abroadCredit: Instagram/tannialvMidfielder Fornals married Tania in their native Spain in 2023, just 48 hours after helping his former club West Ham lift the Europa Conference League trophy. Before the big day, Fornals took to Instagram to post a short message joking: “Best week of my life for sure. No worries my love, I’ll be there.”The couple, who already had one son, Martin, recently welcomed their second son Mateo into the world, with Tania posting a loving picture on social media captioned: “Welcome to the world little prince. You have arrived to complete us. Seeing you and your brother together is the most beautiful thing our eyes have ever seen.”The family returned to Spain when Fornals moved to Real Betis in 2024.With her model looks, Tania regularly posts about their family life along with breathtaking snaps of luxury holidays to Thailand, the Maldives and Paris.Johnny Cardoso and Lela ObinoStunning Lela is often seen on trips abroad to places like ParisCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoHer boyfriend Johnny hails from New Jersey in the United StatesCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoAmerican midfielder Johnny joined Real Betis in December 2023 and prefers to let his football do the talking, keeping his private life under wraps.But his Instagram posts reveal his long-term love is Lela Obino.Blonde Lela has almost 35k Instagram followers herself and regularly posts snapshots of the couple’s glamorous lifestyle including a city break to Paris, a ski trip to the French alps, and beach holidays in Portugal, Marbella and Greece.Read More on The SunAnd she likes to keep super-active, sharing pictures of her practising yoga, skate-boarding and water-skiing.It isn’t known what Lela does for a career, but with her stunning good looks and burgeoning social media followers, she could soon be counted amongst the ranks of WAG influencers. 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      Why Real Betis are the NEWCASTLE of Spanish football as they gear up for Chelsea clash in Conference League final

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      CHELSEA face Real Betis in the Conference League final. Spanish football expert Andy West gives the lowdown on the Seville-based club and reveals their similarities to a Premier League side.Real Betis have never made it beyond a European quarter-final beforeCredit: ReutersFormer Premier League winner Manuel Pellegrini is their bossCredit: ReutersReal Betis are seen as a regional powerhouse, attracting an average attendance of more than 50,000 loyal fans.They also have a passionate wider fanbase scattered across the country, who display their famous striped shirts as a proud symbol of identity.But their big-club status has rarely been matched by on-field success, with several stints in the second tier testing the patience of long-suffering supporters.Yes, there is a strong case for arguing that Betis are Spain’s equivalent of Newcastle United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd after Toon’s trophy drought ended with March’s Carabao Cup glory, Betis fans are praying the comparison continues as they seek European silverware in the Conference League final against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.The Spanish side are enjoying the most consistently successful spell in their history, qualifying for Europe every season since the 2020 arrival of coach Manuel Pellegrini.They have also claimed domestic silverware, winning the Copa del Rey in 2022.But the Blues clash is a first chance at continental glory for a club that had never progressed beyond European quarter-finals until this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCHELSEA VS REAL BETIS – CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL STREAM AND TV INFOOn the subject of success, one big difference between Betis and Newcastle is that the former have a major rival in their own city.And it is cross-town Sevilla who have hogged the headlines in recent years by winning the Europa League SEVEN times since 2006.However, Betis are the better supported of the two clubs, as Seville native Javier Gancedo explained: “Within the city, there’s an even split between Betis and Sevilla fans.“But across the rest of Andalusia, nobody else supports Sevilla because they are the traditional team of the city’s ruling class who controlled everything.“On the other hand, Betis have always been for the working class. And their green and white colours are the same as the Andalusia flag, showing how they represent people from all over the region.”Andalusia saw around 1.5 million people emigrate there during the 1950s and 1960s to find work in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.They took their love for Betis with them.Andalusia is culturally unique — tapas and flamenco, hot sun and hotter emotions, fed by strong traces of Muslim and Gypsy cultures.That mix comes together — expressive and creative football is a given, best embodied in the club’s greatest ever player, Joaquin.When he retired two years ago after making 528 appearances, the  winger said: “We Beticos are different. It’s a way of life united by passion and love… a completely different way of seeing football.”Their fans have a heart-warming Christmas tradition of throwing soft toys on to the pitch at half-time, so they can be collected and donated to local underprivileged children.Read More on The SunSwap the fog on the Tyne for scorching sunshine, and exchange Geordie grit for Spanish flair. But the intensity of support — and the long wait for silverware — is the same.And if the comparison between Newcastle and Betis continues with a trophy, the celebrations will be just as memorable.Ex-Real Madrid man Isco is their key playerCredit: GettyBetis will hope to end their long wait for silverware like NewcastleCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Antony’s loan masterclass as Man Utd misfit goes from zero to hero at Real Betis after battling inner demons

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      FEW players get the chance to redeem themselves after being labelled an outright flop.But following his disastrous £86m move to Manchester United, Antony has gone from zero to hero thanks to a spectacular loan switch to LaLiga side Real Betis.Antony has had an incredible revival since joining Real Betis on loanCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was unable to live up to his mammoth price tag when he swapped Ajax for Old Trafford in 2022, scoring just five league goals in 62 appearances for Man Utd.And when he was sent on loan to Real Betis in January it felt like a move to help remove distractions and take hefty wages off the books at United amid Ruben Amorim’s upheaval of a failing squad.Instead, it turned out to be the revival of Antony’s career.The switch has seen Antony’s reputation do a full 180 flip, earning him a return to the national team fold with Brazil and an army of adoring Betis fans begging for him to stay.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDANCING WITH THE DEVILSAntony, 25, had battled with poor form, the heavy weight of his mega transfer fee and the pressure of playing for a club under the brightest of spotlights during his time at Manchester United.Fans had been calling for him to be dropped and pundits and ex-pros were scathing in their assessments of his time in the Premier League. It was something that was clearly getting to the former Sao Paolo winger, who revealed this week that he would go DAYS without eating while at United as he “couldn’t take it anymore”.In an emotional interview with TNT Sports Brazil, Antony revealed: “I wanted to do things [at Man Utd], but they didn’t see to work out because I wasn’t happy.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”I didn’t feel that desire to play football, and I needed to find myself and be happy again because playing football was always something I loved.“I went through difficult times when I no longer felt that pleasure. I even always told my brother, I told him that I couldn’t take it anymore.“[My brother] told me to hold on a little longer, that things were going to change. It even made me emotional, because they were very hard days for me.“Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room.“So, for me it was very complicated, but thank God, with the help of my family and mainly with the help of God, I managed to get ahead and today I am very happy here.”Antony broke down in tears as he recalled what it was like at Man UtdCredit: TNTBET-IS ON MEIt looked like Antony was down and out at United, a player that wasn’t going to return to the form that earned him his Premier League move in the first place.That was until Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis came knocking, offering to pay in excess of 84 percent of Antony’s £130,000-per-week salary to give him a shot at redemption.Antony jumped at the opportunity, telling the club’s official outlet when he first signed: “When the opportunity arose to come to Betis, my head was already here”.Betis needed a spark, finding themselves on a run of nine games with just one win in LaLiga – Antony would be the man to provide it.After just six appearances for his new club, Antony had made five goal contributions – helping the Spanish side return to form and book a spot in the Last 16 of the Conference League.Things looked like they could have got off to a shocking start when he was shown red in just his fourth La Liga game for a lunge on Getafe defender Juan Iglesias during a 2-1 win.Fortunately, that decision was overturned retrospectively and Antony returned to the side the following week to help Betis pull off a shock 2-1 victory over Real Madrid.Real Betis agreed to cover the majority of Antony’s wages when he joinedCredit: AFPFEEL GOOD, PLAY GOODAntony was enjoying football again, playing the best he had since his time in Ajax some three years ago.The Brazilian, who recently claimed he doesn’t feel pressure thanks to his upbringing playing football against ‘drug traffickers’, was seeing the results of his clear mind play out on the pitch.Conversation is Spain has put Antony as one of La Liga’s best players in the second half of the season.His efforts helped Betis secure a Europa League place for next season, finishing sixth as they lost just three league games since his arrival from United.That run included a win over Real Madrid, a draw against champions Barcelona and a victory over bitter local rivals Sevilla.It was that 2-1 win over Sevilla that prompted Betis teammate Isco to tell Dazn: “We’ll have to do a crowdfunding to bring him here another year at least”.While Antony had fallen in love with the club, saying: “I love the club, the city, everything. The sunshine, the people, the food: it reminds me of Brazil. “And most importantly, I’ve found myself. I wasn’t playing much [at United]. I needed to be happy in myself.”EUR THE MANIt isn’t just in La Liga where Antony has shone, but also in the Conference League.Betis have earned a place in Wednesday’s Conference League final against Chelsea, the club’s FIRST EVER European final.And they wouldn’t have done it without Antony.The silky dribbler has made seven goal contributions during the knockout phases of the competition – including crucial influences in the semi-final against Fiorentina. A stunning winner in the first leg and a breathtaking freekick and assist in the second leg made Antony the stand out star across the tie.Now he has the opportunity to cap off what has been a fairytale loan spell with European silverware and a place in the history books at Betis.Antony was crucial as Betis earned a spot in their first ever European finalCredit: GettyREAPING THE REWARDSAntony has scored nine goals and provided five assists in his 25 appearances for Betis this term.That form hasn’t gone unnoticed.This week Antony earned his first callup to the Brazilian national team since 2023. The 16-time Brazil cap will wear the famous yellow shirt once again after new boss Carlo Ancelotti was impressed by what he has seen from the winger in La Liga.Antony will join the likes of Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Junior in Ancelotti’s squad for Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifying clashes with Ecuador and Paraguay. Antony hasn’t played for Brazil since 2023Credit: GettyANT GOING ANYWHERENaturally, with those spectacular performance comes a clamor for the 25-year-old to stay at Betis.Los Verdiblancos fans are keen to see the Antony remain at the Benito Villamarin stadium, so much so they have begun chanting for him to stay put. The former flop is regularly mauled by supporters in Spain and they can often be heard chanting: “Antony Stay!” from the stands.It’s not just fans that have voiced their opinions on Antony’s future either, Betis legend Joaquin joked that he was prepared to “kidnap” the star man in order to prevent him returning to Man Utd.He told Movistar TV: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. However it happens, he has to stay.”The Athletic report that representatives from Man Utd and Betis are set to discuss Antony’s future at the end of the season, having already spoken during the Conference League semi-finals.It’s thought that United would require a £32.5m fee to avoid a loss on Antony under the Premier League PSR regulations.That fee is understood to be a stretch for Betis, who could instead offer to pay Antony’s full wage packet to convince the Red Devils to let him leave on loan again next term.Read More on The SunBetis president Angel Haro recently told COPE radio: “To buy Antony outright would be very, very difficult.”We’ll have a meeting with Manchester to extend the loan for another year, to be able to share a percentage of the player… it’s about seeing the predisposition of the player, and of Manchester.”Man Utd could sell Antony permanently in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      Marc Cucurella was so unpopular at Barcelona his team-mates couldn’t even look at him – now he’s undroppable at Chelsea

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      MARC CUCURELLA has faced rejection many times in his career but he just doesn’t give up.When he signed from Espanyol nobody at Barcelona would talk to him for weeks because he celebrated wildly after beating them in a youth cup game. Cucurella has had to overcome adversity but he’s living his best life at ChelseaCredit: GettyHis start to life at Chelsea was tough but he’s overcome his problemsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportCucurella was such a massive hit at Brighton when he first arrived in EnglandCredit: AFPHe’d come to training but would never talk to anyone and mostly sat in the changing room by himself.In an exclusive interview, his old team-mate at Barcelona, Carles Alena, told SunSport: “He took his shirt off, went wild and the crazy thing is, a month later, he had signed for Barcelona so you can imagine how we felt.“When he came to Barca for preseason, I remember I couldn’t even look at him. Neither could many of my team-mates and he didn’t want to look at us either.“He was kind of embarrassed and I remember those first few days, he’d sit in the locker room without even making eye contact, like ‘Damn, what have I done?’”READ MORE IN CHELSEABut football has a unique way of joining people and it wasn’t long before his new team-mates started to understand it was all done in the spirit of competitiveness. His second immediate challenge was to break into the first team, every player who comes through their La Masia academy dreaming of playing for Barcelona. If they don’t, it can crush them – but Cucurella’s story is proof that sometimes to win, you have to lose first.The first-team league debut never came. So in the summer of 2018 with the transfer window about to close, he got a phone call from Eibar sporting director Fran Garagarza.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeHe said: “Hey, I know you want to play at Barcelona but maybe you can play at Eibar first, then you can show them what you’re made of.”Most young players at La Masia would hesitate but Cucurella was hungry to play so he didn’t dwell on it for long. Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo’s autismHe had come from Espanyol and after a difficult start won over everyone but he had a feeling it was time to go big time.Alena, who had become his best friend in the squad, revealed: “He didn’t want to play in Segunda B again.”Then the opportunity with Eibar came up, and I think he made the right choice because he had a coach there, Mendilibar, who really trusted him. “He became even more of a footballer there than he already was.”The meeting to leave Barcelona lasted just two hours, that was it. From that moment, his life and mindset changed.He went from waiting for opportunities to creating them himself. Sometimes that’s all you need.He was one of the popular faces at La Masia, but there were others seen as more talented or higher in the pecking order – but still he was more aggressive, more driven.Cucurella and his family are settled in London nowCredit: instagram/@_claurodriBarcelona agreed to a loan with Eibar, with a £2million option to buy, and a £4m buy-back clause. Everyone was satisfied.Eibar coach Jose Luis Mendilibar, who gave him his debut, told Marca: “He’s a kid who’s neither fast nor strong.“In all the measurements we do with the many machines we have, he doesn’t fit into any of them.“You’d never sign him based on that but he’s a footballer, very smart. He chooses well. That’s Marc Cucurella.”In the entire Spanish football pyramid, Eibar is one of the hardest places to play. They’re a small team from a tiny village in the Basque region, known for playing physical, direct football, more like English teams than the typical Spanish style.Cucurella had to leave Barcelona to become his own manCredit: Getty ImagesFor someone from La Masia, that should’ve been a challenge but Cucurella excelled there.They say you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option – so the new challenge tested him and he passed with flying colours.Eibar exercised the buy option and Barcelona bought him back for £4m, making Eibar a £2m profit in just one season.Getafe daysCucurella returned to Barcelona twice as tall, more confident and having proved himself by helping a small club punch above their weight.One team stood out among the clubs interested, Getafe.Ramon Planes, now sporting director at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, knew the Spanish system well and had kept a close eye on Cucurella.He convinced Barcelona to do a similar deal as they had with Eibar but this time for £10m potentially rising to £18.5m.Cucurella spent two seasons at Getafe, playing their memorable Europa League campaign and helping the team cement their LaLiga status.Left-back Marc Cucurella has come through the ranks in Barcelona’s academyCredit: Getty ImagesAmankwaa Akurugu, the backup left-back to Cucurella at Getafe, exclusively tells SunSport: “I was young and he came in with so much experience and energy.“He was exemplary in the dressing room but it was on the pitch where his energy really showed, his pressing was relentless and his defensive work was solid.“He never acted like he was from Barcelona and deserved respect. He was humble, cracked jokes with us and made everything easy.“He easily could’ve acted like the boss after all he’d done well the previous season and was still on Barcelona’s books but none of that shows how grounded he is.”BrightonCucurella’s stock kept rising, West Ham showed strong interest but David Moyes didn’t think he would be a good fit for their style.That turned out to be the Irons’ loss and Brighton’s gain.From day one in East Sussex he was a hit. You can spend years sharpening your skills and then when success comes it often happens fast and feels inevitable.Cucurella was excited to be in the Premier League. Brighton was different from Espanyol, Barcelona, Eibar, or Getafe, but it was a good fit. He loved how Graham Potter saw the game.By the end of his first season, he’d been named both Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season.Brighton are renowned for elite recruitment but few players have delivered value on and off the pitch as quickly and effectively as the curly-haired Spaniard.Chelsea beat Manchester City to his signatureCucurella’s breakout Premier League season caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, who reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the player.But once Brighton learned Chelsea were also in the race they raised the price and Manchester City couldn’t match it.Cucurella’s hardwork on the pitch has won over fansCredit: GettyChelsea paid a whopping £60m for him, but like at Barcelona, his start to life in West London was tough.Yet the lessons and experience of a tough beginning meant he stuck with it instead of jumping at the first opportunity to move.Manchester United lost two of their left backs and were looking for stop gap options.And Cucurella, struggling at Chelsea, could have jumped at the opportunity but he stuck and fought his way back from being surplus to requirement to being unstoppable this season. Everything about him has been exemplary at Chelsea, he’s added to his game, scores goals and defends aggressively. Read More on The SunNow when he doesn’t play there is a feeling that something is missing.And he might just be adding a Conference League title to his resume this week. More

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      Why Jude Bellingham’s brother Jobe requested NOT to have surname on Sunderland shirt for Championship play-off final

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      JOBE BELLINGHAM spent this season with his first name on the back of his Sunderland shirt. Bellingham – younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude – helped Sunderland gain promotion back to the Premier League. Jobe Bellingham spent this season with his first name on the back of his Sunderland shirtCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnd he did so wearing the No.7 with Jobe on his shirt – opting not to wear his surname as is usually the case for players. According to the Daily Mail, the reason being is that midfielder wants to create his own identity away from that of his older brother.Players can ask for “appropriate variation” on the back of their shirt – should they wish at the start of the season.Older brother Jude joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and has won the LaLiga title and Champions League in Spain. READ MORE IN footballHe has also become a regular for England – scoring six times in his 42 caps so far. Like Jude, his younger brother also came through Birmingham’s academy before joining Sunderland in 2023. This season, he made 40 appearances with four goals and has attracted attention from across Europe. Dortmund – who helped Jude make his name – are believed to be rivalling Eintracht Frankfurt for his signature. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBellingham wanted to make a name for himself with Sunderland – and achieved that alongside the rest of his team-mates at Wembley. The Black Cats saw off Sheffield United 2-1 thanks to a last-minute Tom Watson winner. Bellingham, 19, said: “I’ve been part of this great team so every player has made a name for themselves here. So really proud.”Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fans

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD broke down in tears in his Liverpool farewell – and received an incredible Anfield send-offThe departing right-back was benched for the Premier League champion’s final game of the season at home to Crystal Palace.Trent Alexander-Arnold shed tears in his Liverpool farewellCredit: GettyLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk embraces with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: EPAAlexander-Arnold won two Prem titles at LiverpoolCredit: GettyHe was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Brighton and faced BOOS at Anfield after coming off the bench against Arsenal. Even Jurgen Klopp – who handed Alexander-Arnold his debut – condemned the boo boys. But in his last game for Liverpool, he came off the bench in place of Conor Bradley and received a warm welcome by fans. Alexander-Arnold was also cheered when he received his winners medal and the boyhood Red kissed the badge in response.READ MORE IN football While on the bench he looked like he was fighting back tears – but he could not hold it in at the final whistle.He peered around Anfield while wearing Liverpool red for the final time and gave his team-mates a farewell hug.He tapped and kissed the badge he has worn for 20 years while cheers echoed around Anfield. And that will be the lasting memory he would have hoped for before stepping out as a Liverpool player for the final time. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold admitted he was not sure what reception he was going to get at Anfield – but demanded one more match in red.He said: “I didn’t know what to expect stepping out at Anfield today after what had happened. “But I wanted to play for the club one more time, I told the manager, and he trusted me. “The reception I got means so much to me. I have never felt more loved and more cared for than today. “I hope that one day the fans and supporters of this club are able to recognise the hard work I put in for this team. “From six to 26, 20 years is a very long time. I have loved every second of it, it has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of this club. “I’ll remember these moments for the rest of my life. This day will go down as the best in my life.”Trent struggled to hold his emotions in checkCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut in 2016Credit: PAHe won the Champions League in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorLiverpool won their first title in 30 years in 2020Credit: AFPIt’s little surprise TAA was so emotional, the defender did come through Liverpool’s academy – making his debut aged 16 in 2016 under Klopp.He later became a first-team regular in the German’s side, winning the Champions League in 2018.One year later and Alexander-Arnold helped Liverpool to the league title – their first in 30 years. In 2021, Alexander-Arnold signed a new four-year Liverpool deal. And despite talks throughout the season, Liverpool could not manage to convince the player to extend it once more.An offer which would have made him one of the highest-paid full-backs in the world was said to have been rejected. Madrid are believed to have made a cut-price £20million bid for the defender in January – but Liverpool rejected it. Alexander-Arnold, though, had his heart set on the Spanish capital where England team-mate Jude Bellingham has been since his £115m move in 2023. Finally, on May 5 Liverpool finally confirmed his exit with a blunt statement. It read: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool FC of his intention to leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his current contract.” Alexander-Arnold said: “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. “I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it.”I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.” He told fans directly: “There’s a lot I would like to say. The main thing is a massive thank you. “You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there.“I’ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I’ve loved every single minute of it. “I hope they have felt that has been reciprocated and that I’ve given everything I could to the club.“I’m just hoping that we’re able to carry on winning games, the noise [around my decision] doesn’t take away from the fact of what we’ve achieved this season.“It has been an amazing season. It has been amazing to be part of it and I just hope that everyone is able to maybe not dwell on this news for too long and be able to celebrate what the rest of the lads have done.”Liverpool legend and former Madrid star Xabi Alonso is expected to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.England team-mates Jude Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold are closeCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is expected to play in the Club World Cup for Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd Reds boss Arne Slot warned: “He’s going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground.”In my opinion there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly.”He’s going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground.”In my opinion there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly.” Alexander-Arnold was defended by fuming ex-manager Klopp after being subjected to boos by his own supporters. Klopp said: “I don’t want to tell anybody what they shall think, I don’t want to tell you what you have to think.Jurgen Klopp spoke out in defence of Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold received his ex-manager’s backingCredit: Getty”But I can tell you what you think is wrong. That’s what I can do. Because I’m an old man and I don’t waste time hiding my opinion.”Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the players that made it all happen.”This boy, 18-years-old, scored a free-kick in Hoffenheim where if he doesn’t score that we don’t qualify for the Champions League.”Against Barcelona he did the most cheeky thing in the world and set up the goal for 4-0, a result and a game which will not happen again.”I don’t tell you that you should not be disappointed, you should not be angry. I tell you don’t forget. “This club doesn’t forget. We are famous for not forgetting, we don’t forget anything. I watched the game where he came on and I heard the booing.”I switched the telly off because, honestly, I could not have been more disappointed in this moment.”This is not us. 100 per cent not us. Be angry, don’t understand, whatever.Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool manager Arne SlotCredit: APSlot gave the inbound Madrid star a farewell against PalaceCredit: Reuters”This boy, I was there everyday, if he didn’t give everything I would tell you now. But everyday he gave absolutely everything to this badge.”Now he decided after 20 years at this club that he wants to go somewhere else.”Why didn’t he sign a new contract?’ I hear this from fans, this money discussion: ‘He goes without a transfer fee’.”If somebody should be angry about that it’s the owners, but they are not.”He wears the Liverpool badge in the skin. But now he plays for another club. We decide how we deal with that.”Read More on The SunThe inbound Real Madrid star held back tears on the benchCredit: ReutersAlexander-Arnold and Mo Salah hug at AnfieldCredit: APCurtis Jones hugs Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold got his hands on the league title againCredit: Getty More

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      Xabi Alonso CONFIRMED as new Real Madrid manager and has chance to win major trophy almost immediately

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      XABI ALONSO has been confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager.Alonso, 43, succeeds Carlo Ancelotti and has signed a three-year contract at the Bernabeu.Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as Real Madrid’s new managerCredit: GettyThe former midfielder will be formally presented as Real’s new boss in a press conference tomorrow.Alonso is set to take charge of his first game at the helm next month, when his new side launch their Club World Cup campaign.It means he could be lifting his first trophy with the club as early as July if Real Madrid can go all the way at the US based tournament.Having signed in 2009, Alonso played 236 times for Los Blancos across a trophy-laden five-year spell.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe elegant playmaker won a LaLiga title, two Copas del Rey and Real Madrid’s famous tenth Champions League crown.After finishing his playing career with Bayern Munich, Alonso launched his coaching career with Real Madrid’s Under-14s in the 2018-19 season.He subsequently landed the Real Sociedad B job, and after three years at the helm moved to Bayer Leverkusen for his first crack at senior management.Alonso oversaw a stunning 2023-24 campaign, in which Leverkusen completed an unbeaten domestic season – winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAlonso, 43, guided Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga titleCredit: ReutersThe former Liverpool star leaves Leverkusen having come second to Bayern Munich this season.Alonso will be tasked with bouncing back from a disappointing campaign that saw Real Madrid fail to win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey or the Champions League.Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid bossThe 43-year-old will have the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham at his disposal – while Trent Alexander-Arnold will join up this summer.Alonso’s first game in charge will come against Saudi side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18.Los Blancos will then face Mexican outfit Pachuca and Austrians RB Salzburg.Upon announcing his exit earlier this month, Alonso said: “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Bayer Leverkusen, my players and staff, everyone at the club, and, last but not least, the fantastic fans.”Our success was the result of an outstanding team performance.”This club, which has placed extraordinary trust in me, thoroughly deserved to win the Bundesliga for the first time.”My thanks and affection go to everyone who helped make this triumph a reality, including the cup victory in Berlin.”Leverkusen are ready for the future. This positive trajectory will continue, and I will follow it with interest.”Read More on The SunThe German side are on the verge of announcing Alonso’s successor.Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has agreed to return to the dugout with the Bundesliga runners-up.Erik ten Hag is set to return to management with Bayer LeverkusenCredit: PA More

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      Real Madrid star Luka Modric, 39, buying £1.1m house in SWANSEA after shock investment as he’s tipped for transfer

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      REAL MADRID superstar Luka Modric is set to buy a £1.1million house on the outskirts of Swansea, leaving excited fans gobsmacked.The Ballon d’Or winner is snapping up a five-bedroom mansion in the Gower village of Three Crosses, according to a well-placed source.Luke Modric is set to leave Real MadridCredit: GettyModric, 39, was spotted at the property and his arrival quickly became the talk of the wealthy neighbourhood.It comes after he confirmed he’s leaving Real Madrid – leaving Swans at fever pitch he’ll soon be joining the Championship side.One neighbour said: “We don’t host many Galacticos in Swansea so it was a bit of a surprise to see him on our doorstep.“But it’s a fantastic house close to the beach and I’m sure he will enjoy exploring the Gower and the local restaurants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I doubt we have as many fancy nightclubs as they do in Madrid, but we have plenty of good pubs where he will be made to feel very welcome.”Father-of-three Modric is buying the huge mansion with a pool table from former Swansea footballer Leon Britton, who put the property on the market in 2017.Modric still owns a £10.1m home in Madrid but decided to create a base in the Welsh city after taking a minority stake in Swansea City, whose training ground is a short drive from the mansion.Former Tottenham midfielder Modric was announced as a co-investor and owner in Swansea City last month having become the most decorated player in Real Madrid history – winning six Champions Leagues, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, and five Spanish Super Cups.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Swans finished 11th in the Championship and it is hoped that the backing of the star – worth an estimated £56m and married to glamorous Vanja Bosnic, who acts as his agent – will help them push for promotion to the Premier League.In a statement released through the club, Modric said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2“Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future.”Modric and Leon Britton were approached for comment.Leon Britton starred for the Swans across two spells between 2003 and 2018Credit: AFP More