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      ‘That will live with me forever – Boxing champ reveals crazy party with Chelsea stars after 2012 Champions League final

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      BOXER Darren Barker spent his 30th birthday watching Chelsea win the Champions League – and celebrated with the players afterwards. Barker flew over to Germany in 2012 on his big day as the Blues faced Bayern Munich looking to make history. Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League winning squadCredit: Times Newspapers LtdBoxer Darren Barker partied with the players afterBarker pictured parading his IBF middleweight title in 2013Credit: GettyAnd the former world middleweight world champion beams as he recalls Chelsea’s dramatic penalty shootout victory. The West Londoners became the first side from the capital to win the Champions League – and Barker spent the night with the players. He told SunSport: “We won the Champions League on the 19th of May in Munich. I was there.”I witnessed us winning the Champions League, the only London club to do so, and I partied with the players after because I’m Billy big b*****s! READ MORE IN BOXING”That will live with me forever.”Asked if it was the best party he has been to, Barker replied with a grin: “Yeah, it was yeah it was up there.”A year after Chelsea’s Munich heroics, Barker had his own Cinderella moment coming from behind to beat Daniel Geale to win the IBF title. And he admitted only that victory in New Jersey and the birth of his four children can top Chelsea’s first Champions League trophy. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBarker, now 42, said: “No, winning the world title for sure but that’s up there. “I’ve got four children, so it’d have to be in the top six moments of my life.Chelsea legend John Terry goes on 5k run in preparation for London Marathon “I probably better keep most of those stories to myself or watered down versions of it anyway.”Barker – a friend of former Chelsea player Jody Morris – backs current Blues boss Enzo Maresca despite a recent dip in form and results. He said: “Too much chopping and changing has gone on in the past. I think stick with him, I’m not impressed with the football. “I was so impressed with PSG the other day, I text my brother saying, ‘How good are PSG?’ “The way they quickly move the ball, the touch, the flare, the individual skill and the way it all came together. “Then you watch Chelsea and it’s like, ‘Come on lads! Flipping heck.’ “But, however, I don’t think chopping and changing is going to change anything right now – so stick with him.” Barker backs Chelsea manager Enzo MarescaCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He’s so famous’ – Pep Guardiola gives blunt nine-word answer when asked about Jack Grealish’s night out at social club

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      PEP GUARDIOLA appears to be growing frustrated with Jack Grealish’s high jinks off the park.The £100million star was pictured in the North East’s North Biddick Social Club on Sunday night clearly enjoying himself.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola appears to be growing frustrated with Jack GrealishMan City star Grealish was pictured in the North East’s North Biddick Social Club on Sunday nightCredit: X @footballbreakzHe is understood to have put at least £500 behind the bar for the locals of the club that describes itself as “Washington’s No 1 entertainment venue”.Last month, he was snapped leaving a swanky London eatery at the same time as a mystery blonde, quipping: “She’s not with me!”Guardiola insists he is happy to let his players lead their own lives when they are off duty.When asked about Grealish’s night out near Sunderland, he acidly replied: “He’s so famous. People follow him. Nothing to comment.”Read More on FootballThe Manchester City boss went on to suggest that being Jack the lad is one thing,  producing performances on the pitch is quite another.Asked about his players’ behaviour when they have time to themselves, he said: “They know what they have to do.“A day off is a day off, there is no training. They have private lives to do whatever they want. I’m not going to control what they do in their private life.“I judge what I see on the pitch, the training sessions and the performances in the game.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGuardiola’s judgement of Grealish, who turns 30 in September,  in terms of the number of games he is selecting him for, indicates that he is far from entertained.City visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday in a clash crucial to both clubs’ chances of making next season’s Champions League.Man City boss Pep Guardiola apologises to Jack Grealish with England man playing just 604 Premier League minutes Grealish impressed in a central midfield role the last time the sides met on December 4, with City winning 3-0.But reminded of that display, edgy Pep replied: “That was a long time ago.”Since then, Grealish has started only one Premier League game, in a 2–1 defeat against the Aston Villa team he left for City four years ago.Pep did apologise to the Treble winner a month ago for not giving him enough minutes on the pitch, saying  the performances of Jeremy Doku and Savinho had forced his hand.But he also added: “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I play Savinho.“You can say it’s unfair. If you think that, it’s fine, but you have to prove, ‘OK, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’, every single day, every single week and every single month.”Sympathy fadingAny lingering sympathy Guardiola still had for Grealish appears to be fading.And he stressed: “I wanted Jack at his best. But he had setbacks and didn’t play. “That was sometimes for the injuries, he could not get the rhythm that you need for being ready every three days.”Grealish did start in last Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round win over Plymouth but as part of an eleven–change team.But while Guardiola says he is fit to face Forest after seven days without a game, he is far from guaranteed a start.Grealish’s dip in form this season — he has only two goals in 26 appearances — means he is sweating on being selected for Thomas Tuchel’s start as England manager.Grealish wants England returnHis first squad will be announced on Thursday for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Guardiola said: “I want the best not just for Jack but for everyone.“Jack played really good the last game and hopefully he can have the consistency and I understand all the frustrations of all my players.“It’s so good to have a dream to play in the World Cup with his national team. I’m not bothered with that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What happens in terms of Jack, in terms of everyone, they will be treated at the end of the season but now we are playing for many important things.”Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed defender Nathan Ake will miss the rest of the season after foot surgery and now faces a race against time to be fit for this summer’s Club World Cup. More

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      World Cup final is the greatest show on earth – it doesn’t need half-time show or Janet Jackson Nipple-gate to prove it

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      FIFA have never been one to shy away from spectacle but their latest decision to introduce an American-style, star-studded half-time show for the 2026 World Cup final has sparked controversy.For football’s purists, this is a step too far — an unnecessary intrusion into the most sacred match in the sport.The 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time showJanet Jackson was involved in a wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime showColdplay have been asked to choose the artists for next year’s finalFor others, it’s a modern evolution, bringing football in line with the commercial juggernaut that is the Super Bowl.Readers of a certain vintage will recall the FA Cup final was always adorned by a half-time musical break, but it was more the band of the Coldstream Guards than Coldplay.Next year, at the final in New Jersey, the boys from Coldplay have been asked by Fifa president Gianni Infantino to cobble together some ‘artistes’ to entertain the fans during the half-time break, just like they do at the Super Bowl.Let’s hope there isn’t another Janet Jackson boob, or ‘wardrobe malfunction’ as it was called back in 2004, when Justin Timberlake ripped off Ms Jackson’s bodice, revealing rather more than the quarterback’s master-plan.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn the basis Fifa won’t want a rerun of that infamous Nipple-gate, you can be damned sure Dolly Parton won’t be getting the gig.But the World Cup final has always been about the football, not the half-time show.It is the pinnacle of the sport, watched by billions worldwide, where history is written and legends are made.The idea that Fifa now wants to shoehorn a Hollywood-style entertainment break into what should be an intense, uninterrupted battle for glory feels unnecessary, if not entirely out of place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Super Bowl’s famous half-time show regularly attracts more TV viewers than the game itself and previous performers have included pop royalty like Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga.Other than Janet Jackson, they’ve all managed to keep their clothes on.World Cup winner’s Wag dubbed ‘hottest woman in the world’ and ‘from another planet’ after stunning in series of bikinis Traditionally, half-time in football is a 15-minute tactical reset.Players regroup, managers deliver crucial team talks and fans either hold their breath or take a moment to recover from the first-half drama.  Or at least get a quick beer in.How will players feel about potentially waiting longer to restart the biggest game of their careers? Will the spectacle detract from the sporting drama?Do fans, emotionally invested in the match, want a pop concert when they are dissecting their team’s performance?After an eight-minute VAR delay at the Bournemouth vs Wolves FA Cup match last weekend, add a lengthy half-time show at the Vitality Stadium and supporters would have been in danger of missing the last bus home. And who is going to pay for it? A glance at ticket prices for the World Cup final show the cheap seats already start at £3,000 each, so it’s pretty clear who will be forking out for the fun — the supporters.Next year’s World Cup is hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico and Fifa’s decision to introduce a showbiz-style interval seems to be a clear nod to American sports culture.The Super Bowl half-time show is a global event in itself, with A-list performers, jaw-dropping production and millions tuning in just for the spectacle.But football isn’t American football. Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl performance has gone viral for weeksTennis icon Serena Williams danced at the Super Bowl last monthAnd while Fifa are clearly eyeing new commercial opportunities, the World Cup isn’t in need of a marketing boost.This move is part of a wider trend — football, increasingly, is being shaped by commercial interests.Expanded tournaments, mid-season World Cups, club competitions that stretch calendars to breaking point — decisions are being driven by revenue rather than the rhythm of the game.Fifa will argue this move will “enhance the fan experience” but it feels like an attempt to sell an already premium product to an even bigger audience.Football doesn’t need a headline act at half-time. The real stars are on the pitch, not on a stage.If Fifa get their way, will we see DJs at full-time? Fireworks before penalties? Commercial breaks for VAR decisions?The fear is that once this door is opened, football’s traditions will continue to erode in the name of spectacle.This all feels a far cry from the days when you huddled around your cup of Bovril while reading the club programme at half-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd over the tinny PA would be the crackly sounds of Shakin’ Stevens or Sade.The World Cup final is already the Greatest Show on Earth. It doesn’t need a half-time act to prove it.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the major change More

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      ‘For the better? I don’t know’ – Match of the Day legend, 87, ‘surprised’ by BBC’s Gary Lineker replacements

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      BARRY DAVIES made his name talking about the stars – he never dreamt he would be joining them.The commentating great has become the first from his trade to be inducted into the National Football Museum hall of fame.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe Beeb have replaced hom with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby LoganCredit: BBCIconic MOTD commentator Barry Davies has been left surprised by the decisionCredit: PAA day in his company and it is not long before it is clear that being pipped to few too many FA Cup finals by John Motson still grinds.But Davies, 87, now has an honour no other broadcaster can boast.Davies, sitting in his London home surrounded by a number of accolades from his career, cannot hold back a smile when he is asked how it all happened.He told SunSport: “Flabbergasted I was, absolutely.”I couldn’t believe it. When I looked at the list of people who are already members, it’s extraordinary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I heard through my son who really sort of looks after me like an agent these days.”And better than at least one of the agents that I had in my time, I might have got more Cup finals if he’d been there in the role!”Key Barry Davies MomentsFIRST GAME: August 9, 1969 – Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester United Davies made his Match of the Day debut nearly 56 years ago from the gantry at Selhurst Park – though it never should have been that way.He said: “It’s extraordinary. It shouldn’t have been the first one.”I was in Leeds. It should have been Leeds against Tottenham which I thought was quite amusing as a Spurs supporter.”I knew quite a lot about Manchester United and had commentated on them several times.”But Crystal Palace had just been promoted and we didn’t do matches outside the top division. So that was a test and it was a good match.”LAST GAME: August 23, 2014 – Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham A decade after he officially left Match of the Day, Davies was called back into action to celebrate the 50th anniversary.That game was the final in an incredible career covering football, with one clear highlight.Davies said: “If I could watch England playing Holland in Euro 96, which I think is the best England performance I’ve ever seen, I would love to see that again.”Euro 96 was my favourite tournament by a distance. They should have been in the final.”I don’t know how we didn’t get there. It was amazing. I used the expression, I don’t believe that.”Davies added: “I have no idea why the decision was made.”I did two, and I took over David Coleman’s interview role for quite a time.Most read in Football’Won’t be able to look him in the eye’ – Christine Lampard and MOTD’s Kelly Cates in hysterics over ‘Frank’s hot sauce'”I didn’t hold anything against anybody who was involved in the decision.”Davies may have had to play second fiddle at Wembley, but his voice still accompanies a great many iconic moments from sporting history – not just football.That variety made him the best in the game, but presented the odd challenge.Davies and his wife, Penny, recently totted-up that there were 17 different sports he put his voice to, with some of them requiring a fair bit of swatting up.He said: “I was asked to be involved with badminton. I learnt about that as I went on.”I did rather reach the stage where I hoped when I turned up that they would say, ‘Oh not him again!’ But they never did.”I usually got persuaded to do other sports, I mean the Olympics I went from hockey to gymnastics.”But I loved that. I just loved sitting in the chair.”Davies now sits in a rather different chair, in his living room, still consuming plenty of sport.Though he feels there is probably a bit too much football nowadays and certainly too much talking over it.He added: “The television over there gets well looked after.”I would say it’s all a bit too much.Barry Davies began working for the BBC all the way back in 1969Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDBarry Davies was pipped to several FA Cup finals by fellow icon John MotsonCredit: PADavies covered several World Cups for the BeebCredit: PA”I think your man in the street would say the same. He wants to see his team, of course.”But it has changed an awful lot.”I don’t like some of the tackling, that’s certainly going through a bad stage. And the acting. I find that very off-putting.”There are one or two very good commentators around, but too many in the chair at a match, in my opinion.”The viewer wants time to make his own decisions.”If we’re sitting down and watching a match on television there probably will be a couple of points where you’ll make a point or I’ll make a point.”But if we both keep doing it, I would say shut up for a minute. That is my attitude of watching now.”There are too many words. There are good commentators but it’s not their fault, it’s the producer’s fault.”It’s the decision that they think that’s the way it should be done. I don’t think I would have kept a job very long.”Despite not liking the way football has gone since the start of his career with Match of the Day in 1969, Davies can still find some gems.Barry Davies opened up about his iconic career in an exclusive interview with SunSport’s Jack RosserCredit: THE SUNDavies is extremely proud of his accomplishmentsCredit: THE SUNHaving grown up a Tottenham fan with goalkeeper Ted Ditchling his idol, before adoring any chance to commentate on Glenn Hoddle, there is one current player Davies would like to see join him in the hall of fame.He said: “The chap I enjoy watching most of all is Jack Grealish of Manchester City.”I’m very disappointed how things have worked out for him.”Obviously, his manager is considered to be the top in the land, if not in the world.”But Grealish is the sort of player you have to put in and let him play and offer what he can offer.”Sticking him out on the wing I find appalling.”Their last match on the air, I remember, every flipping attack City had in that match started from him.”His ability to see where to go and so on and so forth.”But if he’s being told, you do this, that and the other, I think some players have to be left.”And too many attacks have to go back to the goalkeeper to start again.”The number of passes going back in football now is so different. I don’t quite understand it, I must admit.”One thing Davies does have a deep understanding of is Match of the Day, having started working on the show in 1969 and ending in 2004 before being called back for one more gig in 2014.Huge changes are being made to the BBC’s flagship sports show, with Gary Lineker departing after 25 years to be replaced by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman.Davies said: “I’m surprised at the decision that’s been made.”But then I’m quite surprised at the jobs that are given to various people these days, and the need apparently to use people.Barry Davies will be inducted to the National Football Museum Hall of FameCredit: THE SUN”They’re very good broadcasters, but I’m surprised that they think it’s better to have three people doing it.”Gary himself would feel that he’s done long enough.”They’re all very good broadcasters, and they know about the games, no doubt about that.”It should go on forever. Because it’s very popular, it’s recorded matches, some of the matches I’ve been watching these days are much better recorded!”I’m sure, as sure as I can be, television has changed and football has changed.”For the better? I don’t know, no.”Davies will be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame at Selhurst Park on Saturday, with his family watching from the stands.Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: “Barry Davies is a true legend of the game.”His commentary has provided the soundtrack to some of football’s greatest moments and has brought joy to millions of fans.”To honour his incredible contribution to the sport at a venue that means so much to him is truly special.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’re thrilled to celebrate Barry’s legacy at Selhurst Park and soon welcome him into the Hall of Fame.” The application window for the Hall of Fame is open, and football fans, communities, and clubs across the country are encouraged to nominate the players, coaches, contributors and key figures in football who have made an extraordinary impact on the game. You can find the form at: nationalfootballmuseum.com/hall-of-fame. More

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      ‘They wear you down’ – Romelu Lukaku reveals lengths Chelsea went to to get rid of him

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      ROMELU LUKAKU has opened up about his Chelsea departure, admitting he was completely frozen out of the squad.The 31-year-old joined Chelsea in a huge £97.5million transfer from Inter Milan back in 2021 – seven years after initially leaving Stamford Bridge.Romelu Lukaku has opened up about his Chelsea exitCredit: GettyThe striker now plays for Napoli having completed a permanent move last summerCredit: ReutersAfter a promising start, his form began to drop and Lukaku quickly fell out of favour as a result of a bombshell interview whereby he revealed he was unhappy.He was subsequently sent out on two successive loan spells before completing a permanent transfer to Napoli for £38m.Now, seven months on from his exit, Lukaku has opened up about what happened in his final months in West London.The Belgium international told Corriere dello Sport: “I wasn’t alone at Chelsea. Aubameyang and Ziyech were also out of the project. Read More in Football”They made us change in the youth locker room. It’s business, the club tells you it doesn’t want you anymore and often also where you’ll end up.”But if you want to leave, even for serious reasons, you don’t have the option. They drag it out until the last moment, they wear you down. “Clubs have relationships with the media, and it doesn’t take much to put a player in a difficult position or create the wrong image. “Believe me, I’ve seen things I never thought I would. One day, I’d like to explain all of this to younger players, who is really working for them and who is working against them.”Most read in FootballThe striker also claimed that he was misinterpreted by fans and pundits during his time at Stamford Bridge.He continued: “In England they had the wrong idea. For them I was lazy, but I never reacted to the attacks.Conference League last 16 draw sees Chelsea face Copenhagen “I am someone who does his job and then goes home. “In Italy the opinion has been reversed, here I am a worker. Now I am better than when I was at Inter.”Lukaku has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 27 appearances for Napoli so far this season. More

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      Arsenal files: Update on Raheem Sterling’s future after impressing coaches and historic North London derby on the cards

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      RAHEEM STERLING joined Arsenal on loan with the hope of getting more minutes under his belt and lifting his confidence.However, it hasn’t quite worked out that way.Raheem Sterling has had limited minutes at Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyHaving fallen out of favour at Chelsea, the winger was looking for a new challenge to get his smile back.But with limited minutes to his name, Sterling could leave the Emirates feeling disappointed.In this weeks edition of Arsenal Files, Jordan Davies looks at Sterling’s time at the club as well as Ethan Nwaneri’s influence and potential pre-season tour plans.STERLING’S LACK OF CHANCESMore than anything, Sterling was desperate to build a real bond with the Arsenal fans when he joined on Deadline Day last summer, excited to start over after falling out of favour with Chelsea’s ownership.A player in much need of love and support, the Emirates could have been the perfect fit.Sterling has started just nine games so far this seasonCredit: GettyThe forward is yet to score in the Premier League this seasonUnfortunately, seven months into the season, it feels like he will never feel it – purely because he has had very few chances to build any momentum to leave a lasting impression on the Gunners supporters.The call to switch from West to North London was a late one, and so the expectations of what Sterling was going to achieve had to be rational and realistic.A unique opportunity presented itself that Sterling took with open arms, especially because the alternative was sitting in the reserves with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wanting a different profile of winger, or going to the Middle East – something that was never a considerationAt 30 years old, Sterling knew what his role would be under Mikel Arteta – a man he grew to respect and admire when working under him at Manchester City as an assistant under Pep Guardiola.It was not about being the main man, the hero – a title he earned during an impressive seven-year stint at City that saw him lift four Prem titles and score 131 goals in 339 appearances.Mikel Arteta makes light of Arsenal goal rush after PSV thrashing At Arsenal, it was more about being a valuable asset to an already talented squad, using that winning mentality to help Arsenal go on to do the same.And in many aspects, off the pitch in particular, he has executed that part as well as anyone.SunSport understands that he is highly rated and respected by the coaching staff purely for his professionalism and work rate in training, setting standards high.He has worked tirelessly to be a mentor for the young players coming through like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly – a real calming influence in what is a pressurised, cut-throat environment.He has been a likeable and happy presence around London Colney, building a real rapport with staff, thanks partly to his son being in the academy set-up there and loving life in London.He has a great and honest relationship with Arteta.He has never felt frozen out like he did at Chelsea, even when chances have not been presented to him – which is where the real issue lies.Sterling never expected to start every week, but there is a recognition that had he been given more time to prove his worth, to build his confidence, Arsenal would be reaping more rewards, especially given their injury concerns now.He has started just two games back-to-back this term, in October at home to Southampton and then away at Bournemouth – subbed off in the first half of the latter in a 2-0 defeat after William Saliba’s early red card.From November 2 to January 12, he started just once – a 3-2 Carabao Cup victory against Crystal Palace – albeit with two weeks out during that period due to a minor knee issue.Since then, opportunities have been rare. In one of just TWO games where he has played the full 90 minutes so far this season, he put in a promising performance in a 2-1 Champions League win at Girona on January 29, seeing a late penalty saved.After a challenging display in the 2-0 Prem victory at Leicester on February 15, Arteta told reporters that Sterling needed to have a “big impact” on games with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli all out injured.Sterling has been a mentor for young players like Ethan NwaneriCredit: APAnd yet, in the next three matches, he was given a combined 41 minutes from the bench to do so.Critics will say that one goal in 22 appearances is nowhere near good enough, but you can’t do much when you are consistently on the bench, thrown on as an impact sub looking to see out a game.This is down partly to Arteta’s stubbornness as a coach, very rarely rotating even when he has an opportunity to do so – yet that could change for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against PSV next week with a comfortable 7-1 advantage.The latter stages of that competition is where Sterling has historically shown up in his career, with eight goals in the knockouts, something Arteta should take into account.Fellow Englishman Harry Kane has only recently overtaken that tally, scoring his ninth this week for Bayern Munich.So, where does his future lie? SunSport understands that Sterling remains incredibly calm and focused on the present, knowing there are still plenty of games left this season to make his mark.No conversation between club and player regarding his future has taken place just yet, nor has Chelsea been engaged.Perhaps he will only be recognised fully for his achievements for club and country – winning 82 caps for England – once he hangs up his boots, yet Sterling is far from contemplating that just yet.BAGS PACKEDArsenal’s players were filmed boarding the plane for Eindhoven on Monday afternoon following a light training session at London Colney.It is a familiar scene on Prem club social media platforms ahead of a European trip – footballers all smiles strolling across the tarmac, usually clutching a shiny leather holdall or travel bag.Riccardo Calafiori was seen boarding a flight to Eindhoven with an Arsenal-branded bag earlier this weekCredit: Instagram / arsenalThe bag is valued at £90 on Arsenal’s websiteCredit: arsenaldirect.arsenal.comSome of these bags are eye watering in price. In the clip, Brazilian defender Gabriel’s appears to be a carrying a brown Louis Vuitton bag that usually costs around £2k.And yet, when the camera flicks to Italian Riccardo Calafiori, he has – slumped over his right shoulder – an Arsenal-branded bag from the club retail shop costing just £90.SunSport understands that Calafiori sometimes opts to use club retail range luggage on match days instead of a more luxurious personalised one.It appears to be doing the trick, the full-back scoring the seventh of Arsenal’s record-breaking 7-1 win over PSV – popping up on the right wing with an Erling Haaland-style finish.With a Champions League quarter final spot all-but confirmed, Calafiori should be getting some more use out of that bag in the coming weeks.ASIA SUMMER PLANSArsenal are putting together their pre-season plans, with a switch from the United States to Asia this summer potentially on the cards. Hong Kong is an option.Last year, the Gunners played Bournemouth and Manchester United in Los Angeles and Liverpool in Philadelphia across seven days in late July.The Gunners could jet to Asia this summer for a pre-season tourCredit: GettyThe Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong could host a matchCredit: APBut the staging of the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA from June 14 to July 13 across 11 host cities has complicated another trip across the pond.There are suggestions Asia could now play host to the first ever North London Derby outside of the UK with Tottenham likely to be in that area with Aussie boss Ange Postecoglou.One of the venues that could hold the match is the newly-developed Kai Tak Sports Park – the 50,000 capacity stadium with a customisable pitch system and retractable roof was only opened on March 1.And a spokesperson from the Hong Kong government has exclusively told SunSport: “We are in active discussion to bring world-class football matches to be staged at the new Kai Tak Stadium. Details will be announced in due course.”Arsenal’s last pre-season in Asia was in the summer of 2018 – Unai Emery’s first months in charge after replacing Arsene Wenger – where they played Atletico Madrid and PSG in Singapore.WAYNE’S WORLDEthan Nwaneri is growing into his role as one of the Prem’s most exciting young players, scoring his eighth goal of the season in all competitions away in Eindhoven.He is now just one behind matching Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen’s record of netting nine senior goals before turning 18.Nwaneri is on the verge of matching a record held by Wayne Rooney and Michael OwenCredit: GettySeventeen-year-old Nwaneri has 14 days to go and beat that before his birthday on March 21.Rooney – the Manchester United and England great – was a pundit for Amazon at the Philips Stadion to watch Nwaneri find the net in the 7-1 thumping of PSV, and was very impressed.But how do the pair compare? There is a pleasing symmetry in terms of their first senior goals – both scoring twice in a League Cup tie.Rooney got his for Everton away at Wrexham in a 3-0 win in October 2002. Nwaneri bagged his brace in September 2024 in a 5-1 victory at home to Bolton.Where Nwaneri perhaps has the edge is that Rooney’s other seven came solely in Prem games – home and away against Arsenal as well as the likes of Leeds and Newcastle.Nwaneri meanwhile has strutted his stuff in the Champions League already, scoring against PSV and also Girona in January.Rooney would likely argue that he was scoring against the reigning Prem champions Arsenal in October 2002 when he was still only 16.Owen perhaps was on another level entirely, scoring a hat-trick against Grimsby in the League Cup in November 1997 as part of his nine, going on to share the Prem Golden Boot with Dion Dublin and Chris Sutton with 18 goals as well as the Prem Player of the Season.How fitting would it be if Nwaneri scores his ninth goal to equal the record at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Sunday – the place where Rooney become a global superstar.Also, both Rooney and Owen had their breakthroughs a year before going to light up a major tournament for England at Euro 2004 and the 1998 World Cup respectively.Will Nwaneri do enough to get his chance under Thomas Tuchel in 2026? More

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      Former EFL star who won trophy at Wembley now runs £10MILLION business after breakdown prompted him to quit football

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      LEE BROWN enjoyed one hell of a career in the Football League.Two Wembley wins, more than 400 EFL appearances and a reputation as one of football’s nice guys.Lee Brown during AFC Wimbledon’s match with Salford City, one of the last games of his careerCredit: RexBrown celebrates securing Bristol Rovers’ promotion back to League One with a 92nd minute winnerCredit: PA:Press AssociationBrown, left, celebrates winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley in 2019Credit: ReutersStarting out at QPR, he really made a name for himself at Bristol Rovers, scoring a dramatic 92nd minute winner on the final day of the 2015-16 season to secure back-to-back promotions for The Gas.He moved across to Portsmouth in June 2018, winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley the following season in front of 80,000 fans, before returning to his London roots and finishing his career at AFC Wimbledon.At 33, Brown rejected a new deal at Plough Lane, instead opting to pursue “other business interests”.Dubbed ‘Lee from football’ wherever he went for his bubbly personality and jokey antics on the pitch, Brown has now lifted the lid on the man behind the mask in a candid new interview.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking to the Portsmouth News’ chief reporter Neil Allen, the former Pompey man revealed football “had to go” as two worlds collided.He admits he could have easily carried on playing, and was still a regular in the AFC Wimbledon defence, but behind the scenes all was not well.He said: “I had to quit for my own sake. I was in a dark place, I’d had a mental breakdown, something had to give.‘I could no longer juggle football full-time and run a full-time business.”Most read in FootballNow 34, Brown runs a thriving property business called B3 Homes. He employs 20 staff, and boasts an impressive portfolio of luxury pads, with many selling for well in excess of £1million.B3 Homes “develop niche, high-end residential homes across London and the South East”Credit: Instagram b3.homesInside one of the properties Brown’s property portfolio has builtCredit: www.b3homes.co.ukJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAmong the current projects are a £1.3million house in Purley, a plot of three more houses in the same area and an ultra-modern detached family home in Warlingham.It all started when, at 26, he used his £25,000 savings pot to buy a house in the Filton area of Bristol, and built another house in its garden.Harry Redknapp phoned me up out of the blue to sign for ‘f***ing s****’ team – it was one of best moves of my careerHe had no money left to pay people to help build the house for him, so ended up doing it in his spare time while still playing League One football!Brown continued: “I’d never held a tool in my life, but I have this obsessive nature where I need to learn about everything.” If I was doing the plumbing, I would research how to be a plumber and, all of a sudden, knew how to run pipes. I would sit there until 3am until it sunk in.”Lee Brown wheels away in celebration after scoring for PortsmouthCredit: RexThe business grew and grew, but eventually Brown reached breaking point.He recalled former working from as soon as training finished until extremely late at night, and working again before hitting the training pitches the following morning.But it all became too much for him, and football had to go.”I was building six houses over in Purley, two in Cobham, while training every day and playing matches on a Saturday.”I lived in a pressure cooker, rocking in the chair at points because of so much stress.”I could not cope, physically or mentally. I had to give up football – or I would have been a goner.”Brown admits he shut off those around him, and the tipping point was when he broke down in tears in AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson’s office.Lee Brown lifts the Vanarama Conference Playoff Final trophy as Bristol Rovers secured their return to the Football LeagueCredit: Getty Images – GettyEx-Spurs and Charlton man Jackson gave Brown a fortnight off, regularly checking in on the veteran defender.He returned to the Wombles team in November 2024, making a further 22 appearances before bidding football farewell at the end of the season.Now almost a year into his post-football life, Brown is back to his bubbly self and is reaping the rewards of his hard work.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished: “I had to sacrifice my football career after biting off more than I could chew. But, sitting here now, I am good.Actually, I’m more than good. I’m happy.” More

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      British Boxing card hit by ‘uncalibrated’ scales storm as furious trainer BOYCOTTS weigh-in after interrupting presenter

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      TRAINER Joe Gallagher threatened to BOYCOTT the weigh-in before his fighter’s world title bout due to “uncalibrated” scales. Natasha Jonas – coached by Gallagher – faces Wales’ Lauren Price for the unified 147lb welterweight world titles tonight at the Royal Albert Hall.Joe Gallagher said the scales were not calibrated correctlyCredit: ReutersHe was ready to boycott the weigh-insCredit: PABut drama unfolded when Gallagher claimed the official scales used at the weigh-in one day before fight night had not been correctly calibrated – meaning it could produce incorrect results. He interrupted Sky Sports’ MC and said: “No, there’s no weigh-in until these scales have had calibration.”I need to a see a certificate of calibration on these scales. Everyone’s weighed light on it today and usually these scales come with a calibration sticker on it. “Until that calibration sticker is here today, that they’re bang on weight, then there will be no weigh-in for the main event. READ MORE IN BOXING”Them scales need a calibration sticker on it. They’re the rules, I’m only playing by the rules.” Price later came in at 10st 5lb while Jonas – fully clothed – came in at 10st 6lb.Boxxer, promoting the event, said in a statement: “The scales were calibrated and the British Boxing Board of Control are happy that everything is correct” The all-women’s card is topped by Jonas and Price, an Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPromoter Ben Shalom said: “I think Joe believes that they were half a pound too light.”Ultimately, Lauren has come in lighter than Natasha so really it doesn’t make too much of a difference. When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?”I think Joe is protecting his fighter ahead of an unbelievable night tomorrow night and a huge pressure fight for both of them.”The pressure is on. It’s as much a battle of the trainers as it is a battle of the fighters – two of the best trainers this country has ever produced going head to head. It’s fascinating.”Price added: “There’s been drama all week. Gallagher is trying to make it about himself, but it’s Jonas vs Price.”Cool, calm, collected. Just looking forward to going out and showing how good I am.”I make the weight perfectly every camp, I’m a professional, it’s my natural weight as well.”It makes for a great fight, I respect Tash, I’m proud to be part of it. I’m in my prime, it’s my time and I’ll be taking those belts back to Wales.”Jonas and Price fight for the welterweight titlesCredit: PAControversy surrounded the weigh-insCredit: PA More