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    I feared I’d never win a trophy but lifting the Bundesliga with Harry Kane makes it extra special, reveals Eric Dier

    ERIC DIER feared he would never lift silverware — before finally winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich.The centre-half and pal Harry Kane, both 31, have been on similar journeys after suffering painful losses with Spurs before both celebrated hoisting the plate-like German championship trophy on Saturday.Family man Eric Dier celebrated title glory with wife Anna ModlerCredit: GettyHarry Kane and Dier marked the occasion their trophy drought endedCredit: GettyBut now they will be going their separate ways.For while England captain Kane will remain at Bayern for a third season, Dier is joining French giants  Monaco this  summer.But the defender has loved his 18 months in Bavaria where he has played 47 games — and due to his good form he  has not given up hope of getting an England recall.Dier said: “To win a trophy feels good and it feels better than anyone has ever described.READ MORE TOP STORIES“Obviously, it’s been a long time coming. The longer you go, the more you wonder if it’ll happen.“And I think that is normal, especially when you have close calls and you don’t get it.“I think back a lot to the first season at Spurs when we were in the Carabao Cup final in 2015 and we lost that.“There are always a lot of ‘what-ifs’ in your life and your career.“And if I had got a trophy that early on, then who knows what would have happened.Most read in FootballDier is bowing out of Bayern on a huge highCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But it doesn’t matter now, I’ve got it. It’s been an amazing year. Being in an environment where you learn how to win and what it takes to do it, does help.“There’s an aspect of relief that you’ve finally done it.Thomas Muller has Bayern Munich fans howling with risque funeral joke in retirement speech on pitch“It’s a huge weight off my shoulders in that sense but obviously it is not about me or any individual, it’s a huge collective effort.”Dier followed Kane from Spurs in January 2024, initially on loan before signing a one-year deal.So has it felt sweeter to finally win silverware with his buddy?He said: “Yes, for me to win it with Harry is incredibly special.“We’ve played together since we were 20 and in the England national teams before that.“We were together when we officially won it the other night and that was a special moment for us.”Dier received a presentation ahead of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach before the club paid tribute to legend Thomas Muller, who is leaving Bayern after 25 years at the club.Bayern did offer Dier a one-year extension but he has chosen to move to Monaco, where he has agreed a two-year deal.Dier, who started his career with Sporting Lisbon before spending a decade at Spurs, said: “We had good conversations with the club but just couldn’t find an agreement so then I started to look at what  I thought would be the best  opportunity for myself.Monaco really, really wanted me and I appreciated that. They made all the effort.Eric Dier“Now I’m very excited.  You don’t have regrets but when you’re in one place for a long time, you don’t realise the big world out there.“Football is very big in lots of different countries and you can learn a lot just by moving around and into different cultures, different types of football, different leagues —  so I think it’ll  do me good.“Monaco really, really wanted me and I appreciated that.“They made all the effort for me to go there so I’m talking about it but I don’t think it’s official yet!”Dier has 49 England caps but his last appearance was against Senegal at the 2022 World Cup.Asked if he could feature under  new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, he said: “I hope so. I think I’m playing my best football.”Meanwhile, like Kane, Dier will be rooting for Tottenham in  the Europa League final against Manchester United on May 21.Read More on The SunHe added: “It will be incredible and  I still know a lot of the players and so much of the staff.“So I’d be incredibly happy for them to win and for the club.” More

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    ‘Show me the money’ – Anthony Cacace celebrates with a cigar in the ring after landing huge pay day with Leigh Wood win

    ANTHONY CACACE celebrated in style as he snatched his latest world-champion scalp with a ninth-round stoppage of Leigh Wood.The pair of 36-year-olds clashed at super-featherweight at Woods’ local Nottingham arena.Antony Cacace vacated his IBO super featherweight title to take on Leigh Wood in Nottingham on Saturday nightCredit: REUTERSCacace won their Midlands melee via ninth-round TKOCredit: REUTERSThe Northern Irishman celebrated his stunning title defence with an in-ring cigarCredit: GETTYFrank Warren joined in the celebrationsCredit: GettyBut the Belfast beast – who beat Joe Cordina and Josh Warrington in his previous two outings – overpowered his fellow veteran just before the championship rounds.He marked the money-spinning win by posing in the ring with his team, Frank Warren and some big cigars.Forest fan Wood had got his jab firing off quickly, tagging Cacace to head and body.But the Northern Ireland ace was clever and spiteful, slashing right hands in when Wood dared get too close.READ MORE BOXING NEWSCacace settled into the second and started to land his left hooks.But, right on the bell, Wood rolled under an attack and seemed to crack his rival with a perfect left hook.Wood’s double jabs in the third were crisp and caused switch-hitter Cacace to turn southpaw for the first time.It was a nip-and-tuck affair until Cacace took over and in round nine he put one foot on Wood’s neck and the other on the accelerator.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAntony Cacace is eyeing big-money fights at this stage of his careerCredit: REUTERSA left hook robbed Wood of his balance and his soul.And trainer Ben Davison expertly threw in his white towel, to save his man and spark wild celebrations back in Andytown.IBF World Champion Anthony Cacace shows Josh Warrington what he’s facing Saturday night The former world champ, who relinquished his title to face Wood, said: “I took this fight purely for money.”It was for double what the world title defence of my old belt would have been.”I am 36 now, so ‘Show me the Money!’”I would love a Belfast homecoming but it’s my time now to keep on trucking.”Wood was gracious in defeat, telling Dazn afterwards: “I don’t want to make any excuses, I promised I wouldn’t.”It was hard tonight, maybe harder than usual, maybe it was the lay-off, I don’t know. He’s a really good fighter and hopefully he goes on a good run.” More

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    ‘I’ll be watching and hoping’ – Harry Kane sends message to Spurs fans after finally ending his own trophy drought

    HARRY KANE is desperate for Tottenham to win a European trophy to complete his dream season.The England skipper lifted his first piece of silverware after scoring the first goal in Bayern Munich’s 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.Harry Kane made it a family day to remember as he posed with the Bundesliga trophy alongside wife Katie Goodland and their childrenCredit: GettyKane’s former team Spurs face Man Utd in the Europa League final on May 21 after a 2-0 win at Bodo/Glimt completed their 5-1 aggregate triumphCredit: ReutersKane says Katie later stayed away from him when he ‘stunk’ of beerCredit: EPAKane became the first ever player in Bundesliga history to score 25 goals in their first two seasons and he was soaked with beer in the jubilant post-match celebrations.But afterwards, Kane admitted that he is rooting for his former club to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21.Kane, who joined Bayern for £104m from Spurs in 2023, said: “They’ve obviously had a tough season, there’s no hiding from that. “But to reach the Europa League final is a great achievement. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s not an easy feat to beat the teams that they’ve beaten so full credit to them.“I’ll be watching and hoping they can win. “It could be a good month for a lot of Spurs fans, because I know a lot of them have reached out to me and they’re happy to see me lift this title. “And of course, I think we’d all be happy to see Spurs win that.”Most read in FootballKane made it 81 goals in 90 Bayern games in Saturday’s 2-0 winCredit: ReutersBayern team-mate Leon Goretzka covered Kane in beerCredit: GettyKane had a go himself as he dowsed winger Jamal MusialaCredit: EPABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKane goes into the final game of the season at Hoffenheim having scored 81 goals in 90 games for Bayern.And the striker admitted that he has felt under a lot of pressure after failing to win a career title.Harry Kane puffs on cigar as Bayern champions drink champagne and dance to Michael Jackson in early hours of morningHe said: “It’s been a long time coming. My first championship is obviously a big feeling, a big thing for the club as well, so I’m just waiting to enjoy it as much as possible. “I wanted to win, I wanted to make sure we had a good result and then we could really enjoy it and that was the case.“Just having my hands on that trophy feels special and I’m going to enjoy the next couple of weeks, for sure.“It just feels amazing. It was a weight on the shoulders, so it’s nice to have that lifted and now we can enjoy it. “We feel like it’s the start of something that we can really build on and that goes straight into the Club World Cup.“This is better than an individual award. I think it’s no secret that this is one thing that’s kind of been missing from my CV. “I’ve had plenty of individual accolades and been close on many occasions to team trophies, but for one reason or another, it hasn’t quite worked. So this is a better feeling for sure.Kane’s parents were there to share his first ever taste of major silverwareCredit: EPA“I’ve had plenty of ups in my career as well without winning the biggest trophies.”But of course I’ve had some sad moments and some tough moments, but resilience is something that I’ve had to show throughout my whole career and even with this title, it doesn’t change me as a player. Of course, now I have a team trophy, but I’ve still got the same work ethic. “I’m still going to keep pushing the boundaries to see how good I can become and how I can be.”Kane also took part in Bayern’s tradition of the players pouring beer over each other’s heads after winning a title.He said: “It was cold. I was freezing out there once I got wet. And once my wife and I got on, she was staying away from me because I stunk of beer.Read More on The Sun“But all these occasions, that’s what I’ve been waiting for. I knew, coming here, that’s how they celebrate it, that’s how we celebrate. “Obviously, it wasn’t to be last year, but now to have that, have the videos, have the pictures, have those memories, it’s things that people can’t take away from you.”Kane is looking to win much more after breaking his trophy duckCredit: GettyThe joy is clear to see for the Three Lions captainCredit: Getty More

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    Harry Kane DRENCHED in beer in TV interview as he celebrates with proud family on pitch after FINALLY lifting a trophy

    BEER-SOAKED Harry Kane toasted the first trophy of his career — then beamed: It won’t be the last.It was a family affair for the England captain, 31, as he celebrated on the Allianz Arena pitch with wife Kate and kids Ivy, Vivienne and Louis as he finally got his hands on silverware.Harry Kane finally got his hands on a trophy after winning the Bundesliga with Bayern MunichCredit: GettyA team-mate drenched Harry Kane with beer in a post-match interviewKane enjoyed a massive glass of Bavarian beer on the pitchCredit: AFPThe striker makes a small piece of kiss-tory for himselfCredit: ReutersKane celebrated on the pitch with wife Kate and three of their kids, Ivy, Vivienne and LouisCredit: GettyKane shared a kiss with wife KateCredit: GettyAnd posed for a photo with his proud parents Kim and PatickCredit: GettyMum Kim and dad Patrick, as well as brother Charlie, were also on the pitch as Kane lifted Bundesliga’s ‘Meisterschale’ with Bayern Munich on Saturday night.And while he proved during the week he cannot sing to save his life, Kane wasted no time in reminding everyone that he is half decent at scoring goals.Bayern clinched the Bundesliga title six days earlier without kicking a ball as Bayer Leverkusen drew with Freiburg. Kane celebrated with his team-mates in a posh Munich restaurant before murdering ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis time it was less plush – as a colleague drenched him in bear during a live TV interview after his opener helped sink Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0.Beers had flowed in the stands from an hour before kick-off, with a Bavarian party well underway in Bayern’s penultimate game of the season by the time Kane struck in the 31st minute before former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise got a late second .After the game, Kane and his team walked back onto the pitch along a red carpet and onto the podium.Kane’s frustrations over a trophyless first season at Bayern, the pain of not winning anything with his boyhood team Spurs and devastating two losses in major finals with England were replaced by the joy of finally being a winner.Most read in BundesligaKane fired the opener in a 2-0 win over Borussia MonchengladbachCredit: ReutersKane was ecstatic after finally picking up major silverwareCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking afterwards, a beaming Kane was delighted his much-publicised wait for a trophy was finally over.He said: “It feels amazing. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of hard work throughout the season, and I’m just proud.Harry Kane puffs on cigar as Bayern champions drink champagne and dance to Michael Jackson in early hours of morning”Look, it doesn’t change the player that I am. It doesn’t change how hard I work.”Of course, it’s been one of the only things that has been missing from my resume.”But hopefully it’s the first of many with this great club and with this great team as well.”He added: “I’m proud of the boys and my family. My wife and kids are here. It’s just a great feeling.”I’m looking forward to enjoying the next week.”Kane’s latest goal also broke yet another record. His header saw him become the first player in German history to score 25 goals or more in his first two Bundesliga seasons. It feels amazing. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of hard work throughout the season, and I’m just proud.Harry KaneIt was an 81st goal in 90 games since leaving Bayern for Spurs for £104million.Despite receiving criticism in some quarters for not scoring in big games – although he did strike against Inter Milan in the quarter-finals – the 31-year-old has already become the club’s main man.Equally, it was also a special day for Eric Dier who followed his pal from north London to Bavaria 18 months ago and has also won his first title.The defender is now heading to Monaco after turning down a one-year contract to stay in Germany and he featured in a presentation on the pitch before the game and was given a standing ovation.Once the game started, Bayern were lethargic and seemed to be paying the price for their boozy celebrations.Yet Kane scored with his first chance and it was very much made in England as the player delivering his 14th assist of the season was Olise.Michael Olise sealed Bayern’s win the the final minuteCredit: GettyThomas Muller enjoys his send-off in his final Bayern home game, as Kane and Leon Goretzka join in the celebrationsCredit: GettyWhile he plays for France, Olise grew up in London and played for Reading and Palace before making a £50million move last summer. He then delivered a deft finish for his 16th goal in the 90th minute.Certainly for Bayern fans, apart from paying tribute to their new goal hero, this day was all about saying farewell to 35-year-old Thomas Muller, who is ending his 25-year association with the club.Bayern were hoping that Muller, 35, would score a 249th goal on what was his 751st appearance. He had a couple of moments but on both occasions his shots were blocked.And in the 83rd minute, Muller – who could end up playing in MLS – left the Allianz pitch for the last time and was given a guard of honour by the subs and coaching staff before a few of the first-team belatedly joined in.Kane was replaced in injury-time and received a big hug from his manager Vincent Kompany who must be thankful Thomas Tuchel signed the striker a couple of years ago.For ex-Manchester City defender Kompany, this was also an unforgettable occasion.Read More on The SunAnd this was in stark contrast to a  year ago when as manager of Burnley, Kompany suffered a 2-1 loss to Spurs for a 23rd Premier League defeat of the season.If you had told him that 12 months later, he would have been doing a victory lap around the pitch at the Allianz, you have to wonder what the reply would have been.Muller shows his emotions as he hugs Kane, with Dier in the backgroundCredit: ReutersRecord-breaking Kane saluted fans amid a carnival atmosphereCredit: Getty More

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    Mikel Arteta does a Benitez as he rants about xG and tells Luis Enrique ‘look at the stats’ after bold Arsenal claim

    MIKEL ARTETA doubled down as he insisted KO’d Arsenal WERE the Champions League’s best team —  and told Luis Enrique to ‘look at the stats’.Arteta was mocked by Paris Saint-Germain boss Enrique for claiming his men were better than the Munich-bound side — despite losing their semi 3-1 on aggregate.Mikel Arteta reckons the Gunners were unlucky in ParisArteta is basing his Arsenal verdict on figures like expected goals – and told everyone to look at the statsCredit: PARafa Benitez hit Alex Ferguson with his ‘facts’ in his infamous 2009 rantThe Arsenal chief — stopping just short of Rafa Benitez’s infamous ‘facts’ rant —  reiterated: “I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.“When you look at all the important stats, the ones that give you the best platform to win football matches, it’s crystal clear who was better.“With an expected goals of five against three, which we had over the two legs, normally you’re in the final.”Arteta’s statistical claims echoed then-Liverpool boss Benitez’s 2009 rant about Alex Ferguson, when the Spaniard blasted the Manchester United chief with a list of ‘facts’.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArteta said: “If you face PSG and they blow you away, you shake hands and say, ‘We’re not ready still’.“When you look them in the eye, suffocate them in the way we did there, you were the better team.“But it’s not about the winning probability, it’s actually making it count.”But the Gunners chief did accept Liverpool “deserve” to be crowned Prem winners  because his side have taken a “step backwards”. Most read in Champions LeagueMartin Odegaard and Co were shattered by their semi-final KOCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKArteta had been under fire for claiming Liverpool’s title-winning tally — they can still reach 91 points — was less than the 89 his men racked up last term or 84 in 2022-23, when they were again runners-up to Manchester City.He said: “It’s true. With the amount of points we had, we could have been champions twice.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final“But we were not. In the Premier League we’ve gone a step backwards. Liverpool deserve to be champions.”While the thought of telling his team to line up on the Anfield pitch and give Liverpool their guard of honour on Sunday will be hard to swallow, the Spaniard knows it is something his players MUST do.To realise how close they came. To dig deeper to make sure the boot is on the other foot next term.Another campaign of near-misses has left Arteta wounded, no question.It is now five years and counting since the Basque watched his players parade round an empty Wembley with the FA Cup, the “Covid Final” win over Chelsea something from another age.I stand by what I said, 100 per cent. I’ve watched it back, seen all the stats.Mikel ArtetaSince then, while Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all won trophies, Arsenal have not, falling short at the moment of truth.Being the unwitting walk-on extras at an Anfield party tomorrow will rub home that point, as Arteta knows.He said: “Paris was a very emotional moment.“It was one of the saddest but one of the proudest moments that I have had as an Arsenal manager.“We put a lot of hope and energy and work into that and we didn’t get the outcome. You need to go through that to become stronger and better and that’s what we do.“We are providing the numbers that win you titles. We have to be a little bit luckier or still do better.“Again, with what we did in the Champions League, with those  numbers, you have a big probability of winning it. That’s why a lot of people were thinking that we could go all the way.Last-eight hero Declan Rice couldn’t quite help Arsenal past PSGCredit: Shutterstock EditorialArteta consoled Jurrien Timber as the Gunners missed out on the finalCredit: Reuters“Those two words, ‘success’ and ‘failure’, they are not part of my vocabulary.“But not winning trophies bothers me a lot because I love winning and absolutely hate losing.“If it doesn’t hurt then it means you don’t love winning as much as I do, that’s for sure.”The fear of some Gunners fans is that Arteta might end up as another North London “nearly man”, the sort of jibe they loved to throw at Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs when their most bitter rivals were in the local ascendancy but could not get over the winning line.Arteta and his “trust the process” mantra retain the backing of most of the Emirates faithful but the manager wants his players to feel as bad as the travelling fans shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday.He added: “Liverpool have been the best team, the most consistent team. When somebody is better you have to applaud and accept and try to reach that level.I have no doubts about these players and their attitude. I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight.Mikel Arteta“Something that has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use.“When you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, usually it is a motivation for next season.“We cannot win the Premier League, that is clear. But over the last 16 days, with three games to go, we must make sure that we do ourselves proud and compete to the end in the manner we deserve.”For many Arsenal fans — and  outside critics — it was the failure to address the elephant in the room in January, the club’s lack of an  out-and-out striker, that ended up being exactly as costly as was widely predicted. Pressed on that and the fact that Mo Salah’s goals for Liverpool have been one of the key differences in the campaign, Arteta did bristle.He asked: “Did I have to make it more clear in January? Was it clear or not?“If you score over 90 goals you have a high probability of winning the Premier League.“It doesn’t guarantee you, but you have a high probability if your defensive record is very good and very dependable.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.“Of course, there’s not that many who can put up those numbers in the Premier League, so I must improve and love the ones we have right now.“This is not the moment to judge players.”That is on Arteta himself as well. He said: “I have so much to achieve and do. That is what drives me every day.“The only way to achieve what you want is to have really high standards and demands.“We are very, very close to achieving it. I understand the disappointment, and the criticism. That is all part of it.“At the end there is one winner and the rest of them aren’t going to win, so they need to reinvent themselves and do better.“But I have no doubts about these players and their attitude.Read More on The Sun“I know how much they are still hurting — now we have to show the fight and how much we care about what is happening.“And what we still have to achieve, which is a big thing because we haven’t done it yet.”Thomas Partey gave his all in vain in the return leg at PSGCredit: Alamy More

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    Arsenal files: How Gunners snubbed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transfer as emergency William Saliba replacement is prepared

    ARSENAL passed up the opportunity to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia four years ago because of doubts about how good he would become.According to a former Gunners scout, the Georgian superstar’s ceiling was something that divided opinion at the club.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia caused Arsenal problems throughout their Champions League tie with PSG – but he could have been playing for the GunnersCredit: GettyKvaratskhelia was playing for Rubin Kazan at the time and was beginning to attract the interest of top European clubs.Napoli took a risk by paying £10m for the winger in 2022 — a fortnight after Arsenal shelled out £3.5million for Marquinhos.The Brazilian never made the grade at Emirates Stadium while Kvaratskhelia made a stunning impact in Naples.He helped to end the Serie A club’s 33-year title drought in his first season, landing the league’s MVP award as well as being named UEFA’s Champions League Young Player of the Season.And in the week that the Georgian played a major role in destroying the Gunners’ Champions League dreams, it has emerged that Arsenal were aware of him well before Napoli or PSG.Tomasz Pasieczny, who scouted for Arsenal in Eastern Europe for seven years until 2021, initially spotted Kvaratskhelia by chance.He told weszlo.com: “Georgia’s youth team visited Poland, there was a qualifying tournament.“My job was to pay attention to other teams, but when you saw them — Khvicha and Zuriko Davitashvili — we had long discussions with other scouts about who was better.“Then I watched both of them in Russia, so I followed their development for a long time.“I was at the old stadium in Kazan for a match with Dynamo Moscow, Khvicha came off the bench, made two completely unsuccessful dribbles and the fans reacted very negatively.“At that stage he couldn’t cope with it. Every next move was bad, from start to finish. He got lost, the ball bounced off him, you could see that he had lost his confidence.“He overcame it, but if it had continued, it would have been a problem. Being affected by a few thousand people in Kazan doesn’t lead to a good rating…”Everyone knew he would be mega good, but they wondered how good. Whether he would be the absolute top or a bit lower”Few had any doubts that he wouldn’t be anything at all. However, at that stage I had to write how it is, draw conclusions, write where the problems are.”Pasieczny takes pride in the fact that as many as eight of the Arsenal side that overcame Real Madrid in the quarter-finals were signed under his watch, although he did reveal he was totally convinced by only seven.He added: “Leandro Trossard — I thought he was not a player for Arsenal, but after his time at Brighton it turned out very well.“I simply thought he was a player for a good English club, but not a top one. Something was missing, a bit of quality. Trossard was versatile, but he was a bit short of the top level.“Nevertheless, I will give credit to the fact that he has proved to be very useful. “Of course, it is difficult to judge now whether he reached this level thanks to Brighton, or whether I was wrong and he was ready then.”SECOND CHANCEJAKUB KIWIOR seemed certain to be heading out of the exit door at the Emirates this summer.But the Polish defender has impressed manager Mikel Arteta so much that he could still have a future at Arsenal.Kiwior, 25, has not exactly been a blazing success since his £21million move from Italian side Spezia in January 2023.Although he has made just 25 Premier League appearances, he has improved recently and impressed when filling in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes.While there could be several arrivals and departures at Arsenal this summer, Arteta might consider that Kiwior is a useful squad player.Although the centre-half has been looking at leaving, he could now be persuaded to stay.Asked about Kiwior by a Polish journalist at his pre-match press conference before the Champions League second leg tie at PSG.Arteta said: “He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much for many months and sadly, he’s been thrown into the difficult situations at the highest level, playing against the best opponents.“That is tough when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it so he’s been exceptional.”Jakub Kiwior has fought his way back into Mikel Arteta’s plansCredit: GettyTOUGH SALKIWIOR’s resurgence could prove timely, with Real Madrid preparing a summer move to prise William Saliba out of Arsenal.The Spanish giants, set to be under new management with Xabi Alonso lined up to replace Carlo Ancelotti, are ready to jettison former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger after his latest disciplinary flare-up brought a six-match ban for throwing ice at a referee from the bench.France star Saliba is their prime target, despite the fact that the defender has two years left on his Gunners deal.Arsenal are keen to open talks on a contract extension for Saliba, 24, in a bid to tie him to the club long-term.But Madrid’s appeal to any world star has not abated, proven by the recent captures of Saliba’s France team-mate Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.Expect to read suggestions that he is “keen on a move” from Spain any time soon. The softening up process is about to begin.Real Madrid are desperate to lure William Saliba to the clubCredit: GettyFAN-NING THE FLAMESARSENAL had 2000 supporters inside the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night and each of them were handed a free red and white scarf by the club.Sadly, they did not have too much to cheer about during the game.The away supporters were then kept at their seats for an hour after the final whistle and after being told they could leave, were then held in a separate area for a further 15 minutes.Meanwhile, while the Londoners headed back to their hotels or for a quiet drink, it was all going off along the Champs-Elysees.While PSG fans flocked to the famous street in their thousands, there was a car-ramming incident with three people injured as the celebrations got out of hand. The Parisian supporters were so angry that they set the car on fire.Arsenal fans were kept inside the Parc des Princes for more than an hour after the match had finishedCredit: AlamyCUP A LOAD OF THATARSENAL look like a team desperate for the campaign to end, and desperate for a summer break with their silverware dreams crushed.Thoughts turn immediately to transfers. Owners Stan and Josh Kroenke are set to provide a hefty kitty — around £200m — to Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta to bring in several world class players in an attempt to end 19 years of league title hurt.And the Club World Cup could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners – forcing them to take action in the market sooner rather than later and giving them a better chance of landing their top targets.Because of Gianni Infantino’s new ludicrous, US-based champions of champions competition – from June 14 to July 13 – the transfer window is going to be split in two this summer.It will open between June 1 and June 10, then close for five days before running again from June 16 until September 1.That first 10-day period should see plenty of teams – including Prem Club World Cup attendees Manchester City and Chelsea and other European sides – attempt to cash in quickly so they can take their new purchases to the States.This will no doubt encourage Arsenal to do the same, to get ahead of their rivals and get some early business done before the ‘second’ window.SunSport understands that Arteta is keen to get deals done earlier than usual this summer, especially after the January debacle that saw them spend too long on long-shot targets that they were not able to get over the line.Talks with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in mid-January came to nothing and then a late £40m bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins went the same way.It left Arsenal dangerously short up top, and has ultimately cost them both domestically and in Europe.It is understood that the first 10 days of the summer window should see £51m midfield signing Martin Zubimendi join from Real Sociedad.And significant ground work will also be made in getting an elite No.9 nailed down.Especially as Sesko, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak are in high demand by Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona.Arteta is also known to prefer having all his new signings through the door and fully acclimatised BEFORE their pre-season tour, which this summer is in Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19 to July 31.So, do not be surprised if Arsenal decide to avoid a long, drawn-out bidding war for Isak and go straight for the slightly cheaper options of Sesko or Gyokeres, or even Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.There is hope that while City and Chelsea battle it out across the pond in a gruelling competition, Arsenal can welcome a few new faces to London Colney and get to work straight away.Martin Zubimendi could join Arsenal within weeksCredit: GettyIN GOOD MIKNOT only has Mikel Merino been a saviour of sorts on the pitch – filling in as a striker these past few months – but he has also pleased the club with his willingness to engage in media activities, even after defeats.Following Arsenal’s first leg 1-0 semi-final defeat to PSG at the Emirates, the Spaniard faced reporters in the mixed zone, and he did the same minutes after their 2-1 second leg loss in Paris.He spoke of the need to learn from the mistakes, and insisted that this group would be ready to go again and win major trophies next year.SunSport understands that Merino has become a reliable and trusted voice to sum up the emotions of the dressing room and to give positive, reassuring messages to journalists post-match, especially when results have not gone to plan.It may sound like a small thing, but Merino’s commitment to this has not only left a good mark on reporters, but has also taken the weight off his teammates in these moments.Arteta knew Merino would be a valuable squad member, and he is proving just that in more ways than one.Mikel Merino is proving his worth off the pitch as well as on itCredit: Getty More

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    Scott McTominay’s net worth revealed as Napoli star’s Manchester United millions take a hit after botched investment

    HE’s the man on the moment in Naples.Scotland star Scott McTominay is leading the charge towards the Scudetto for Napoli – but how is his net worth looking as he stands on the cusp of history in his first season in Italy?Scott McTominay is fast-approaching cult hero status with NapoliCredit: GettyAlready fans have dedicated a shrine to him in the city of NaplesCredit: EPAThe 28-year-old made a £25.5million switch from Manchester United to the Serie A club last summer.That transfer has since been derided by several former United stars, who believe those at Old Trafford must now regret the decision to sell him.McTominay has established himself as a fans’ favourite with the Partonopei faithful – fans have gotten tattoos of him, a pizza has been named in his honour and there’s even a SHRINE dedicated to the Scot in the city he now calls him.The midfielder has scored 12 goals for Napoli so far this season (11 in the league), with many coming in vital moments.His form has been so impressive it’s led to a tactical shift by boss Antonio Conte and it’s helped put Gli Azzuri on the verge of a fourth Serie A title.McTominay earned a pay rise when he moved from the Premier League to Serie A.He was on around £60,000 a week at Man Utd, raking in about £2.5million per year.But he now makes just over £91,000 a week at Napoli with an annual salary of £4,779,287. That figure would put him below 15 United stars in terms of yearly earnings.His wages aren’t all that make up his net worth, of course.He has a company set up for off-the-field investments, Scott McTominay Ltd, and back in February we revealed it had funds of £4,745,160.’How can you sell him?’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Man Utd for Scott McTominay’s transfer to NapoliThat would put his net worth riches north of £8million – not including sponsorship and endorsement deals.However, his business’ accounts took a hit this week after a botched investment in which he loaned cash to a collapsed firm run by his Wag, Cam Reading.McTominay loaned £1million in cash plus £1.32million from his own investment company to Ashley Reading and Wag Cameron’s Fortress Capital Partners.Scott McTominay’s careerBorn in Lancaster on December 8, 1996Joined the Manchester United youth system aged five and signed his first professional contract in 2013Made his Premier League debut against Arsenal in May 2017McTominay went on to win Carabao Cup and FA Cup with Man UtdMade 255 appearances and scored 29 goals for the Red DevilsMcTominay joined Napoli in August for £25.7millionBorn in England, he qualified for Scotland through his dad who’s from HelensburghMcTominay was called-up by Scotland in March 2018 and has gone on to become a huge Hampden favouriteHe was part of the squad at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024He won his 50th cap while playing against Germany at Euro 2024McTominay has scored some huge goals for Scotland, including an injury-time winner against Israel and his famous double in the 2-0 win over Spain in GlasgowCam and her dad are facing fraud allegations and Cam has been told to hand over hundreds of thousands of pounds from sales of two pads in Dubai and a Spanish villa.McTominay himself is among creditors owed around £20million by Fortress after it went bust.But it’s understood investors stand to get just 3p back for every £1 — meaning McTominay would receive just £66,000.With all that accounted for, McTominay’s net worth can be estimated at around £5.8million to £6million.McTominay and Wag Cam ReadingAnd with Ashley ReadingKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    ‘I was faster than the boys’ – Alisha Lehmann opens up on her football beginnings and ‘moment everything changed’

    JUVENTUS ace Alisha Lehmann looked back at her football beginnings before reaching fame on the pitch and social media.Lehmann, 26, has been a pro footballer since 2016 and saw her career take off when she started combining her day job with modelling on various platforms, such as Instagram.Alisha Lehmann looked back at her football beginningsLehmann combines her career in football with social media modellingLehmann came a long way until she joined JuventusLehmann started playing football from the age of sixThat earned the forward an audience of 16.4million followers and the nickname of the “world’s sexiest footballer”.The Switzerland international claims she knew she had a calling from the age of six when she played football with boys.The ex-Aston Villa ace even claims that she was “faster than the boys” and that led to her playing for a local club.Everything changed when Young Boys scouted her at the age of 11 as that was when her career officially began.Read More on FootballLehmann recalled her beginnings in football: “When I was six or seven, I joined a club. “As a child, I was very fast, faster than the boys. I started in my village and always wanted to play. “The moment everything changed was when I joined Young Boys: I was 11 or 12 years old. “At that time, we trained with the boys in the mornings and played with the girls on weekends…Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I had fun, but I didn’t think I could become a real footballer. Women’s football wasn’t like it is today, and I believed that in Switzerland I would earn more with a normal job than as a footballer. “I never thought I would make it; I lived my life.Fans baffled as Mark Goldbridge ‘chats up Alisha Lehmann’ on Baller League live watchalong”I’m a girl, I’m feminine, and I like nails. I’m not a full-back, I don’t have to take throw-ins. “People talk about these things too much; they don’t influence what happens on the pitch in any way. “I’m always criticised for these things. I don’t care what they write.”Scroll down to see more of Alisha’s glam lifeAlisha Lehmann played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has millions of Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha posed for her 2024 calendarCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snapsCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She plays as a forwardCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann likes to travelCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Fans will be cheering her onCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Alisha has joined the Prime teamCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann looks delighted to be partnering KSI and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the world.Credit: instagramLehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She received a surprising request from rapper DrakeCredit: instagramAn A-list celebrity had offered her £90,000 for a night of passionCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More