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    Danny Simpson reveals football rival DM’d him to set up fight… and backs ex-Man Utd team-mate to make boxing switch

    DANNY SIMPSON is already being called out to an all-footie fight ahead of his boxing debut. The 2016 Premier League winner with Leicester faces YouTuber Danny Aarons on Saturday night in Dublin.Danny Simpson is already being called out to an all-footie fight ahead of his boxing debutCredit: Getty – ContributorMisfits Boxing – headed up by YouTuber KSI and his manager Mams Taylor – welcome stars from the social media, celebrity and sports world to fight in crossover-style bouts. But Simpson – a former team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo’s at Manchester United – becomes the first footballer to cross over. And he expects several others to follow his lead having already been challenged behind-the-scenes by Prem rival James McLean. Simpson told SunSport: “I think if anything you’ve got to be quite brave in in general. But to be the first…READ MORE IN boxing “I hope so, because I said a lot of lads watch love boxing.They go, you always see the footballers at the boxing events ringside and stuff.”So yeah, I think they’re probably waiting to see what happens first! “I’ve had James McLean, I mentioned him in an interview and he DM’d me saying when he finishes, he’ll come down, spar and get in the ring.”So I think a few lads will probably get into it.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSimpson – during his time with Newcastle – infamously clashed with then-Sunderland forward McLean. And he has had his fair share of online feuds too, including one he recently put to bed with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher. Simpson said: “Me and James McLean had some beef when we played and he’s DM’d me. “I think I had beef with Carra in the past but that we sorted that out. Obviously, everyone knows Wazza is a good boxer. “So, yeah there’s names that are popping up so we’ll we’ll see if you know any of them in the future fancy it.”Wayne Rooney – nicknamed Wazza – was once knocked out in a drunken kitchen spar by Phil Bardsley. And Simpson – who came up the United ranks with Bardsley – backed the hardman full-back to have the makings of a boxer. He said: “I think my mate Phil Bardsley. I was with him last week and he’s grew up boxing and around boxing.”I’d back him to beat anyone I think on on on these cards. So I’d throw him in the mix and and put pressure on him.”James McLean clashing with Simpson in a 2012 matchCredit: Getty Images – GettyPhil Bardsley had a hardman reputationCredit: Visionhaus More

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    Danny Simpson agrees to put Premier League winner’s medal on the line in boxing fight against YouTuber Danny Aarons

    DANNY SIMPSON has agreed to put his Premier League winner’s medal on the line in his first ever boxing fight.The former defender – who was part of the Leicester team that overcame odds of 5000-1 to win the title – faces YouTuber Danny Aarons.Danny Aarons has a bet with Danny Simpson in their fightSimpson risks losing his Prem winners medalIt marks the first time Simpson or any football star has stepped foot in the Misfits Boxing ring.And the stakes have been raised after Tottenham fan Aarons put up a wager ahead of Saturday’s bout.The gamer agreed to put up the gold plague he received after earning 1million subscribers on YouTube.In return he would win the gold medal Simpson famously earned in 2016.READ MORE IN boxingAarons said: “It would mean everything to me. It means even more now I get his Premier League medal.”I can’t believe he said yes to that. You can’t go back on that, handshakes are on camera. “So if I didn’t want to win already, I know want to win now.” Simpson, whose Foxes side pipped Spurs to the title, fired back: “I don’t mind shaking hands because that’s not gonna happen. Most read in Boxing”You’re only saying that because it’s the closest time Spurs will ever get to a medal.” Aarons replied: “One hundred per cent, one million per cent. I’ll have a Premier League medal before my own club, I have to have it. I’ll take it.” Simpsons joked: “You caught me off guard with that, but that’s not going to happen.” Danny Simpson reveals football rival DM’d him to set up fight… and backs ex-Man Utd team-mate to make boxing switch More

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    I was on Riyad Mahrez’s stag when I got boxing fight offer… I don’t want my daughters to watch, says Danny Simpson

    DANNY SIMPSON was on Riyad Mahrez’s stag do when he got the offer to box – and does not want his daughters to watch. The 2016 Premier League winner with Leicester faces YouTuber Danny Aarons on Saturday night in Dublin. Riyad Mahrez and Danny Simpson won the Premier League together at LeicesterCredit: PA:Press AssociationDanny Simpson with his eldest daughter SkyeCredit: InstagramHe took the fight on just over a month’s notice when KSI was forced to pull out of his main event after suffering a hand injury. And Simpson was on a series of boozy holidays culminating in Mahrez’s stag when he got the call from Misfits Boxing chief Mams Taylor. He told SunSport: “I had my friends stag do. “So I was in Marbella and then Ibiza and then from Ibiza, I went to Riyad Mahrez’s stag do in Lake Como. READ MORE IN BOXING”And then it was pretty much after that I got a call. It was probably the right time after that holiday.”Simpson had just left ex-Foxes team-mate Mahrez when he accepted the boxing offer – but has been wished well by the likes of Jamie Vardy. He revealed: “I’m in the WhatsApp group, still with all the Leicester boys, called reunion, because it’s nearly ten years since we won the league.”Everyone’s just been saying good luck like Vards, Andy King – Wes Morgan was gonna try and come but he can’t make it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Ben Chilwell, all the lads have got games and stuff, so they they can’t make it.”But everyone just said, listen, they said they wouldn’t do it so good luck and and enjoy it.”Simpson has two daughters, Skye, 13, and Vienna, four. His eldest Skye knows full well who his social media sensation opponent Aarons is – but he does not want either watching the fight. Simpson said: “I don’t want them to watch. “Watching your dad have a a fight, you know it’s not ideal when they’re used to watching me playing football forever.Danny Simpson in training for his boxing fightCredit: @dannysimpsonSimpson won the Prem title in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty”Especially Skye knows Danny Aarons and the world. But they’re supportive and just told me to do my best.”Simpson has been training under veteran coach Pat Barrett – an ex-British champ – for the last four weeks. And after being forced to cut out the booze and unhealthy food, the former footballer is out for more fights in the future. Simpson said: “I’ve loved it. It’s been tough. “The dieting, trying to lose the best part of 8/9 kilogrammes in that time has been difficult but I’ve had the right people around me.”So I keep thinking, imagine having a 12 week camp, not already overweight, already at a decent walking around weight. I’d feel even better.”So I’m looking forward to having a full camp in the future and and keeping fit actually while I’m not preparing for a fight. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because I think that’s one thing that’s given me this is, it’s put me back on the right path in terms of my diet and my food and not drinking and and eating clean.” More

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    Carabao Cup draw LIVE: Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea land dream round-three fixtures as Liverpool dealt tough tie

    THE Carabao Cup third-round draw has concluded – and there are some huge ties to look forward to.Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all landed dream ties, with the Red Devils hosting Barnsley, while Bolton head to the Emirates and the Blues take on Barrow at Stamford Bridge.Holders Liverpool were dealt a tough Carabao Cup third-round clash against Premier League rivals West Ham, with Arne Slot’s men welcoming the Hammers to Anfield.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…When will the Carabao Cup third round ties take place?The third round fixtures are due to take place W/C September 16 and 23, with fixtures in the Champions League (W/C September 16) and Europa League (W/C September 23) also scheduled during this period.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedPick of the tiesThe standout fixtures of the third round have to be Barrow and AFC Wimbledon’s respective clashes with Chelsea and Newcastle United.The League Two outfits will be huge underdogs to dump out the Premier League duo.But stranger things have happened in football, so don’t rule out a couple of monumental upsets coming to fruition.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedThe draw in fullLiverpool vs West Ham Manchester City vs Watford Arsenal vs Bolton Manchester United vs Barnsley Wycombe Wanderers vs Aston Villa Coventry City vs Tottenham Hotspur Walsall vs Leicester City Brentford vs Leyton Orient Blackpool vs Sheffield Wednesday Preston vs Fulham Everton vs Southampton QPR vs Crystal Palace Stoke City vs Fleetwood Town Brighton vs Wolves AFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle Chelsea vs BarrowCopy linkCopiedChelsea vs BarrowLeague Two side Barrow have landed a historic tie against Chelsea.Copy linkCopiedAFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle UnitedLeague Two outfit AFC Wimbledon will face yet another Premier League side in the Magpies.Copy linkCopiedBrighton vs WolvesYet another all Premier League tie has been made.Copy linkCopiedStoke City vs Fleetwood TownCharlie Adam will return to the Potteries with his Fleetwood troops.Copy linkCopiedQPR vs Crystal PalaceYet another London derby.Copy linkCopiedEverton vs SouthamptonAnother all Premier League tie is in the books.Copy linkCopiedPreston vs FulhamFulham will travel to Deepdale to take on PrestonCopy linkCopiedBlackpool vs Sheffield WednesdayA tasty clash, thisCopy linkCopiedBrentford vs Leyton OrientA London derby has been finalised.Copy linkCopiedWalsall vs Leicester CityThe League two side have landed the 2015-16 Prem winners.Copy linkCopiedCoventry City vs Tottenham HotspurCoventry will will face Premier League opposition in Spurs in their third-round clash.Copy linkCopiedWycombe Wanderers vs Aston VillaWanderers will plat host to the Champions League outfit.Copy linkCopiedManchester United vs BarnsleyBarnsley, who knocked out Sheffield United, have landed a big trip to Od Trafford.Copy linkCopiedArsenal vs BoltonArsenal will welcome their former Premier League bogeyside to the Emirates.Copy linkCopiedManchester City vs WatfordThe Premier League champions will welcome Watford to the Etihad in their third-round clash.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool vs West HamThe holders will welcome their Premier League colleagues to Anfield in their third-round tie.Copy linkCopiedHere we go!The draw is underway.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedWhen will the Carabao Cup third round ties take place?The third round fixtures are due to take place W/C September 16 and 23, with fixtures in the Champions League (W/C September 16) and Europa League (W/C September 23) also scheduled during this period.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedMoments awayWe are just a matter of moments away from learning the Carabao Cup third-round ties.The draw will be getting underway momentarily.Copy linkCopiedBall numbers CONFIRMEDHere are all the confirmed ball numbers for the Carabao Cup third round draw after tonight’s second round fixtures:1 Arsenal2 Aston Villa3 Barnsley4 Barrow5 Blackpool6 Bolton Wanderers7 Brighton & Hove Albion8 Chelsea9 Coventry City10 Crystal Palace11 Everton12 Fleetwood Town13 Fulham14 Leicester City15 Leyton Orient16 Liverpool17 Manchester City18 Manchester United19 Preston North End20 Queens Park Rangers21 Sheffield Wednesday22 Stoke City23 Tottenham Hotspur24 Walsall25 Watford26 AFC Wimbledon27 Southampton28 Brentford29 Newcastle United30 Wycombe Wanderers31 West Ham United32 Wolverhampton WanderersCopy linkCopiedForest vs Newcastle (Pens) – 3-4 – Newcastle go through!Sean Longstaff cooly slots the ball past Carlos Miguel to send the Magpies into the third round.Copy linkCopiedForest vs Newcastle (Pens) – 3-3 – Advantage NewcastleTaiwo Awoniyi BLAZES his spot-kick over the bar. My oh my what a poor pen.Copy linkCopied More

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    Danny Simpson vs Danny Aarons – Misfits 17: Start time, live stream, TV channel as Premier League ace makes boxing debut

    PREMIER LEAGUE winner Danny Simpson is back in action THIS WEEKEND – but not on the football pitch.The former Manchester United and Newcastle United right-back, 37, who won football’s top-flight prize with Leicester City in 2016 is set to make his boxing debut.Danny Simpson (right) is swapping the football pitch with the boxing ring this summerSimpson will take on social media influencer Danny Aarons on the Misfits 17 card which KSI was originally meant to headline.KSI was supposed to face Anthony Taylor and Slim in a two-on-one handicap match.But the entertainment mogul will now perform a mini-concert instead, with a seven-fight bill to accompany the musical performance. Elsewhere on the card, TikTok star HStikkytokky is in action, as is former Love Island contestant Jake Cornish. When is Simpson vs Aarons?Simpson’s clash with Aarons will take place on Saturday, August 31.The fight will be held at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. A ring-walk time for the fight has yet to be confirmed.HStikkytokky vs George Fensom is set to headline the event. What channel is it and can it be live streamed?Simpson vs Aarons will be shown live on DAZN PPV in the UK and US.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £14.99 ($19.99) per month, which commits you to an entire year of action.You can also pay £99.99 ($124.99) for the year up front, and this is the lowest cost option.The fight is available for live streaming on your mobile or tablet device from the DAZN app.You can also watch DAZN 1 HD on Sky channel 429 in the UK.The PPV price is £19.99 in the UK and $64.99 in the US.Alternatively, SunSport will LIVE BLOG the entire night from inside the arena.Misfits 17 full cardHStikkytokky vs George FensomDanny Simpson vs Danny AaronsDeen The Great vs Dave FogartyAnthony Taylor vs Gabriel SilvaSami Hamed vs Jesse ClarkeBen Williams vs Warren SpencerJake Cornish vs Mike EdwardsDTG vs Minikon More

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    Carabao Cup third-round draw simulated with Man Utd landing horror draw but Arsenal getting easy ride

    ARSENAL have been predicted to get an easy ride in the Carabao Cup draw.The Gunners and the other teams from the Champions League and Europa League will enter the draw in the tournament tonight.The third round draw of the Carabao Cup has been simulatedCredit: GettyArsenal could have an easy tie against WalsallCredit: GettyMan United could have a nightmare trip back to BrightonCredit: AFPThe Seagulls smashed Crawley Town 4-0 to reach the third roundCredit: GettyClubs that compete in European competitions get a bye until the third-round draws in the League Cup.This means that the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Chelsea will find out their first opponents.However, they will not be able to face each other just yet in the tournament due to new rules implemented by the EFL.The major change has been made in order to help with the European club’s fixture congestion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe draw will be made with two bags, the first bag will include the European sides while the second will have the remaining clubs.A simulation of the draw has taken place and has sprung up some interesting ties to excite fans.Mikel Arteta’s side have been predicted to face League Two outfit at the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners’ last game against the West Midlands side came in 1983, when they actually lost 2-1 in the FA Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManchester United however have been picked for a horror tie against Brighton and Hove Albion.The Red Devils have already played against the Seagulls in the Premier League this season and lost 2-1 after a late goal from Joao Pedro.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25Simulated Carabao Cup drawHere is what the simulated draw of the Carabao Cup has thrown up…Arsenal vs WalsallQPR vs Aston VillaLiverpool vs Wolves or BurnleyBrighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester UnitedTottenham vs Coventry CityChelsea vs Nottingham Forest or NewcastleStoke City vs BarnsleyEverton vs BarrowSheffield Wednesday vs Bolton WanderersWest Ham or Bournemouth vs Leyton OrientFleetwood vs Wimbledon or Ipswich TownFulham vs Crystal PalaceCardiff City or Southampton vs Swansea City or Wycombe WanderersColchester or Brentford vs WatfordLeicester City vs Preston North EndAnother potential exciting tie could happen at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea could host either Nottingham Forest or Newcastle.The official draw will take place after the clash at the City Ground tonight after the match between the two Premier League sides.West Ham could have an enticing fixture against East London rivals Leyton Orient if they beat Bournemouth at the London Stadium.The League One strugglers made it through to the third round thanks to a shock win against Championship side Millwall at the Den.There could be another all Premier League clash between Fulham and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.The Eagles impressed in their 4-0 demolition of Norwich City, while Marco Silva’s side beat Birmingham City 2-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere could also be a repeat of the 1987 FA Cup final as Tottenham have been simulated to face Coventry City.Spurs last faced the Sky Blues in 2013 in the FA Cup and ran out 3-0 winners with Clint Dempsey netting a brace and Gareth Bale also on the scoresheet.Crystal Palace thumped Norwich City 4-0 in the second roundCredit: GettyIliman Ndiaye scored his first goal for Everton to knockout DoncasterCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More

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    How football has changed since Oasis’ last gig, from their beloved Man City’s 115 charges to Chelsea signing 133 players

    OASIS announced one of the most eagerly-anticipated reunions in British music history on Tuesday morning.The legendary rock band will play a series of shows next summer as brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher put their differences to one side, 15 years after splitting up in acrimonious circumstances.Oasis split in the summer of 2009 after a backstage fightCredit: GettyLiam and Noel Gallagher announced the reunion on TuesdayCredit: EPASince the band broke up, the Gallaghers’ beloved Manchester City have gone from strength to strength.After winning their first top-flight league title in 44 years in 2012 and regaining it in 2014, the arrival of Pep Guardiola has brought six triumphs in as many years.And it is not just at the Etihad where huge changes have occurred, but across the football landscape as a whole.Here are 15 ways the game has [or has not] changed since Oasis’ split.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan City chargedThe Gallagher brothers have watched their beloved Man City win EIGHT Premier League titles since the band split.Yet a number of those could be in jeopardy if they are found guilty of the 115 charges – which they vehemently deny – facing them.A hearing into alleged financial irregularities is scheduled for November, with relegation from the Premier League potentially on the cards should they be on the wrong end of the ruling.Manchester City are facing allegations of financial irregularitiesCredit: ReutersChelsea sign 133 playersBack in 2009, Chelsea were still in the early years of their Roman Abramovich era, spending at will and competing for Premier League titles.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNowadays, they are continuing to splash the cash but with less on-field success under new American owner Todd Boehly.All told, they have spent more than £2.5BILLION and signed a remarkable 133 PLAYERS.Liam and Noel Gallagher reveal UK tour dates for huge Oasis reunion shows – and when tickets go on saleMore than £1bn of that has come since Boehly took over just two years ago.Chelsea have spent an astonishing amount over the past 15 yearsCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo returns to Man UtdCristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Real Madrid just two months before Oasis’ final gig.He spent nearly a decade in Spain, establishing himself as one of the all-time greats, before enjoying three years in Italy with Juventus.In 2021, he returned to Man Utd for a second spell and scored 27 goals in 54 games, but ultimately left just over a year later after falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.From England to Spain to Italy and back, Ronaldo is now winding down his career in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in 2021 after 12 years awayCredit: PALeicester win Premier LeagueLeicester’s last 15 years have been an astonishing rollercoaster ride.In the season before Oasis split, the Foxes had just been promoted into the Championship.Five years later they made it into the Premier League and within two years their fairytale was complete as they became champions in the most breathtaking fashion.And their story did not end there. They narrowly avoided the drop, won the FA Cup, got relegated and promoted back to the Premier League all within the following decade.Leicester’s last 10 years have been a remarkable rollercoasterCredit: PAEngland reach back-to-back Euros finalsIn 2009, England were coming off the back of failing to qualify for the Euros.They had not reached the semi-final of a major tournament since 1990 and things continued to look bleak when Fabio Capello’s men were thrashed 4-1 by Germany in the last-16 of the World Cup 12 months later.Enter Gareth Southgate in 2016, who led England to the semi-finals of World Cup 2018, before back-to-back Euros finals.Unfortunately, he departed this summer without a trophy, but the progression from laughing stocks to the nearly men of international football is stark.Gareth Southgate reached successive Euros finals as England head coachCredit: GettyRecord transfer fees and wage increasesThe money in football has risen to astonishing heights over the last 15 years.Ronaldo’s world record transfer from Man Utd to Real Madrid had just been completed for £80m in 2009.Eight years later and that record had more than doubled to £198m when Neymar moved from Barcelona to PSG.And it is not just transfer fees that have soared. Wages have also gone to stratospheric levels.Carlos Tevez was the highest-paid player in the Premier League when Oasis split, receiving £250,000 per week.Nowadays that would not even see him make the top 10 in England’s top flight.The record transfer fee more than doubled from 2009 to 2017Credit: AFP or licensorsCarlos Tevez was the best-paid Premier League player 15 years ago on £250,000 per weekCredit: AFPTottenham fail to win a trophyA lot has changed in football over the last 15 years but some things remain the same.Tottenham’s last trophy triumph came 18 months before Oasis split when they beat Chelsea to lift the 2008 League Cup.Since then they have finished second in the Premier League, reached a Champions League final and two League Cup finals… but a trophy has still eluded them.Tottenham have not won a trophy since the 2008 League CupCredit: GettyMessi and Ronaldo win 12 Ballon d’OrsWhen Oasis split, up Lionel Messi did not have any Ballon d’Or awards to his name.His first came four months later and he has gone on to pick up another SEVEN – the last of which came after he led Argentina to World Cup glory.Yet despite his dominance, he has been pushed all the way by long-time rival Ronaldo who has won the award five times – four of which came after Oasis broke up.Luka Modric and Karim Benzema are the only players outside Messi and Ronaldo to have won the Ballon d’Or since 2009.Lionel Messi won eight Ballon d’Or awards between 2009 and 2023Credit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo has five Ballon d’Or trophies, the first of which came one year before Oasis splitCredit: AP:Associated Press24 Watford managersMalky Mackay had just begun his second stint with Watford when the Gallagher brothers called it quits.He was at the helm for two years, longer than all of the 23 managerial spells that have followed over the course of the last 15 years.From Sean Dyche to Gianfranco Zola, Marco Silva, Claudio Ranieri, Roy Hodgson, and now Tom Cleverley – who had not even made his Man Utd debut when Oasis broke up – it has been non-stop change at Vicarage Road.Watford have had 24 managerial changes including caretakers since 2009Credit: ReutersVARRemember football without VAR?After Oasis ceased to exist, football remained without VAR technology for another 10 years.Goal-line technology was introduced in 2014, but it was not until 2019 when VAR came into the Premier League.It remains up for discussion whether it has helped or hindered the game.VAR was implemented in the Premier League at the start of the 2019/20 campaignCredit: AlamyLuis Suarez’s bitingLuis Suarez had not even signed for Liverpool when Oasis split. He had just scored 28 goals for Ajax and was about to bag 49 in 48 matches in the 2009/10 season.He would go on to enjoy a storied career at Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but it is his habit of BITING opposition players that he also made headlines for.He first sunk his teeth into PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal in 2010, before he came to England and did the same to Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in 2013.But he did not learn as he then bit Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup and received a four-month suspension from all football which delayed his Barcelona debut.Luis Suarez bit Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic in 2013Credit: Sky SportsHe then did the same to Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World CupCredit: BBCRooney didn’t have hairWayne Rooney was at the peak of his powers back in 2009 and about to score 34 goals in the 2009/10 season.But it is safe to say his hairline was struggling despite the England striker being just 24 years old.Now in 2024, the new Plymouth boss has a far stronger head of hair thanks to a transplant.Wayne Rooney was losing his hair in his mid-20sCredit: ReutersThe Manchester United legend now has a far stronger head of hairCredit: PAMilner set to win Young Player of the YearIn 2009, James Milner was about to kick off his third season with Aston Villa – a Premier League campaign that would earn him the Young Player of the Year award.A decade and a half on and Milner is still playing in the Premier League.The Brighton man, 38, a three-time Premier League and Champions League winner, is now just 17 shy of Gareth Barry’s Prem appearance record of 653.James Milner was named the Young Player of the Year one year after Oasis splitCredit: PA:Press AssociationMilner is now closing in on becoming the record Premier League appearance makerCredit: GettyNeville and Carragher still enemiesManchester United legend Gary Neville and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher were still bitter rivals facing off against one another 15 years ago.Fast-forward to the present day and they are now good friends working together on a weekly basis for Sky Sports.Many would have said back in 2009 a Neville-Carragher partnership was less likely than an Oasis reunion.How times change.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have gone from rivals to friendsCredit: Getty Images – GettyNeville and Carragher are now Sky Sports colleagues and good palsCredit: GettyLamine Yamal was two years oldSpain superstar Lamine Yamal won the European Championship this summer as he scored in the semi-final and was named the Young Player of the Tournament having started the competition aged 16.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd rewinding to Oasis’ break-up is a good way of demonstrating just how young the Barcelona forward is.Yamal had just celebrated his second birthday when the Gallagher brothers’ bust-up caused the band to split.Lamine Yamal had only just celebrated his second birthday when Oasis split upCredit: Rex More

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    Sven-Goran Eriksson UPDATES: Sir Keir Starmer leads tributes to former England and Man City manager

    SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has died aged 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.The former England manager revealed in January that he had the terminal illness and publicly spoke about his diagnosis and life in a recently released documentary on Amazon Prime.The Swede, who also managed Man City and Leicester City, enjoyed a long career in management that started in 1977 and ended 42 years later with a spell in charge of the Philppines.Tributes from the football world and beyond are now pouring in for the manager.Read our blog for the latest updates and tributes to Sven-Goran Eriksson…‘Eternally grateful’Former West Ham and Man City winger Trevor Sinclair was one of the first ex-footballers to send his condolences to the Swede.Eriksson handed Sinclair his England debut in 2001.Gutted & eternally grateful 💔 RIP Sven pic.twitter.com/k0ZV1Vn8e6— Trevor Sinclair (@trevor8sinclair) August 26, 2024Copy linkCopiedChildren pay tributeEriksson’s long-time agent Bo Gustavsson said Eriksson had lost his battle with cancer early on Monday, surrounded by his family.”We knew it was going to end bad, it all went really fast in the last few weeks,” Gustavsson told Reuters.”I have been fascinated by him for a long time, he has always been so positive and has had time for others and never thought of himself, and he was that until the very end,” the agent added.His two children, Lina and Johan Eriksson, thanked all those who had supported their father who they said had been deeply moved by the warm words he had received.Copy linkCopiedTottenham Hotspur and Everton join tributes to SvenCopy linkCopiedLeicester, Chelsea and West Ham join in with tributesCopy linkCopied’A beloved figure in the game’UEFA has joined in with tributes for Sven-Goran Eriksson with a touching statement on X, formerly Twitter.Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedPrince William pays tribute to ‘true gentleman’ SvenIn an emotional statement, Prince William says he was “always struck by his charisma and passion for the game”.Copy linkCopied’One of the very best’England legend Michael Owen pays tribute to Sven.Copy linkCopied’You will be greatly missed’The official England account has posted a tribute to Sven, who managed the Three Lions from 2001-2006.Full post, below.Copy linkCopied’Extremely sad time’Fans got one last chance to meet Sven when he achieved a lifetime’s ambition in being the manager of Liverpool in a charity ‘legends’ match with Ajax in March.Copy linkCopiedMan City pays tributeIn a statement, the club said it would like to express sincere condolences to his family and friends.Copy linkCopiedSampdoria and LazioSven’s nomadic career took him back to Italy, first with Sampdoria where he signed English stars such as Des Walker and David Platt.He led the club during one of the most successful periods of their history, winning the Coppa Italia in 1994 – which remains the last time they won a major trophy.It turned out to be the longest single tenure of his career, with the Swede taking charge of 198 matches in five years before a move to Lazio.It was during his next role at Lazio that he caught the eye of the Football Association.He won the Coppa Italia and reached the final of the Uefa Cup in his first season, won the Cup Winners’ Cup in his second and then deliver a league and Cup Double in 1999-2000.They haven’t won one since and it was midway through the next season where he was appointed manager of the Three Lions.Sven-Goran Eriksson had a hugely successful spell in charge of Lazio, winning the league and cup Double in 2001 – the last time the Italian club lifted the titleCopy linkCopiedPrime Minister passes on his condolences”Deeply saddened to hear that Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away,” says Sir Keir Starmer.Copy linkCopiedRoma, Fiorentina and back to BenficaA spell in Italy did not bring as much success as he would have hoped. In three seasons in Italy, Sven won just one trophy, the 1986 Coppa Italia, finishing runner-up in the same season.However, they were book-ended by two seventh-placed finishes, before he left for Fiorentina in 1987.Eighth and seventh-place finishes saw Sven then return to Benfica and the good times returned. In three seasons from 1989 to 1992 he finished second twice and delivered another league titles – although failed to replicate any European success. Another return to Italy was then on the cards with Sampdoria.Copy linkCopiedPortugalAfter his Treble winning season, Eriksson first moved to Portugal, rocking up at Benfica and winning two league titles in two seasons as well as reaching the final of the Uefa Cup again – although Benfica would lose to Anderlecht in the final.The Portuguese giants also reached the semi-final of the European Cup, with Eriksson then moving to Serie A which, at the time, was the biggest and most lucrative league in the world.Copy linkCopiedSven’s managerial careerSven-Goran Eriksson enjoyed a 42-year managerial that spanned five countries and four spells in charge of national teams. After his playing career was cut short at the age of 27, Sven first became assistant to Tord Grip – who would later be his assistant with England – at Degrfors IF in 1976. A year later he got the top job, which lasted a year, before a hugely successful spell with IFK Goteborg, making his name while winning four major trophies including the Swedish league title and the 1982 Uefa Cup, upsetting German giants Hamburg in the final.Sven-Goran Eriksson held aloft by IFK Goteborg players after winning the Swedish Cup in 1982 – part of a Treble that season that included the Uefa CupCopy linkCopied’I had a good life’On his Amazon Prime documentary, Sven, which was released over the weekend, the former England boss delivered a poignant message. He said: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well. “You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. “Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. “Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.”Credit: Amazon PrimeCopy linkCopied’Eternally grateful’Former West Ham and Man City winger Trevor Sinclair was one of the first ex-footballers to send his condolences to the Swede.Eriksson handed Sinclair his England debut in 2001.Copy linkCopiedTributes flood inPrince William led tributes for the former Three Lions boss.A statement on social media read: “Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Göran Eriksson. I met him several times as England manager and was always struck by his charisma and passion for the game. “My thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman of the game. W”Copy linkCopiedRIP SvenSven-Goran Eriksson has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.The former England boss, who also had spells in charge of Manchester City and Leicester City, had revealed his terminal diagnosis earlier this year. Credit: APCopy linkCopied More