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      in Soccer

      It’s grim down south as London’s so-called football elite lose out again and keep the capital a trophy-free zone

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      FROM Hackney Marshes to Wembley Stadium, London is a city which eats, sleeps and breathes football.Forget the supposed heartlands and  hotbeds of the north, England’s capital boasts more professional clubs than any metropolis outside South America — 16 of them in the top five tiers, with seven in the Premier League.Arteta’s hopes of domestic silverware look to have gone againCredit: RexMaresca has a long way to go to make Chelsea top boys once againCredit: GettyAnge’s hopes of a trophy rest with the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyYet Erik ten Hag won more silverware during his dismal Manchester United reign than the whole of London put together.And after a major February meltdown, it’s highly likely that no London club  will lift a domestic trophy for a fifth  consecutive season.Arsenal have blown another title, the Gunners and Spurs lost the League Cup semi-finals, while only Fulham, Crystal Palace and Millwall remain in  the FA Cup — with none of them having previously lifted the trophy.Arsenal don’t have a striker and don’t have any discipline, Chelsea’s owners have spent a billion and don’t have any senior players, while Tottenham don’t even want to be referred to as Tottenham any more.READ MORE FOOTBALLWest Ham are the worst Premier League team in the capital after sacking their best manager in decades — and David Moyes is the only boss to have won a major trophy for a London club in front of a full stadium since 2018. If Uefa’s Conference League even counts.Chelsea won the Champions League in front of a post-pandemic sprinkling of supporters in 2021 but the Blues have lost six successive Wembley finals, while Arsenal haven’t  won the title since 2004 and Spurs have won nothing since 2008.So with London such a des res for footballers, and with more than a third  of the Premier League based in the  capital, why do all major domestic  trophies head north?The winner of next month’s Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle will be the 14th consecutive English trophy-winner from north of Watford.Most read in FootballOne common factor, a perennial  problem for all of the capital’s clubs, is the sheer weight of derby fixtures.How Mo Salah bamboozled Man City with genius ‘backpedal trick’Derbies tend to be levellers which take their toll — and while Arsenal are top of this season’s London derby table, they have lost at home to West Ham twice in succession and failed to beat Fulham this term or last.Since the exits of Arsene Wenger and Roman Abramovich — the two most  influential figures in London football over the previous half-century — the city is becoming a trophy-free zone.Wenger took the Premier League by storm with his genius during his early years at Arsenal — and kept winning FA Cups even in his dog days.By then, Vladimir Putin’s pal  Abramovich had arrived at Stamford Bridge and, as Arsenal director David Dein put it, “parked his Russian tank in our front garden and fired £50 notes at us” — before we’d even heard of FFP or PSR.With Manchester City in meltdown, this ought to have been Arsenal’s time for a first title since Wenger’s heyday. Yet five red cards have cost them up to ten points and the lack of a fit striker, or any authentic No 9, means their chances of catching Liverpool were always remote.Under Abramovich, Chelsea collected five Premier League titles and the only two European Cups ever won by any London club.Since he scarpered into exile, the Blues have become prisoners of their own dogmatic business model — signing young players on extremely long contracts, with no senior pros to guide them.Now Cole Palmer, the 22-year-old who has carried the club for 18 months, faces another season without Champions League football.And with six years to run on his Blues deal, a player who sees himself as Ballon d’Or material might soon be getting itchy feet. A Conference League title won’t cut it.Then there’s the football club formerly known as Tottenham who, in a bizarre missive, requested broadcasters no longer refer to them as “Tottenham”, only as “Spurs” or by their full name, Tottenham Hotspur.We knew Ange Postecoglou’s men were having a poor season but we didn’t realise they needed to seek a new identity under the witness  protection programme.All in all, it’s grim down south.Pep Guardiola made the north football’s dominant region – and Arne Slot is making sure things stay that wayCredit: RexEven Erik ten Hag lifted two trophies as Man Utd bossCredit: ReutersDIFFERENT LEAGUELAST season, the clubs promoted to the Premier League all went back down.While two of those relegated to the Championship came straight up and the third, Leeds, lost the play-off final.This term, the three promoted clubs look relegation certs.And all three were  hammered at home this weekend by an aggregate scoreline of 12-1.Opposition players aren’t even properly  celebrating their goals against Southampton or Leicester any more.Meanwhile two of last season’s relegated clubs — Sheffield United  and Burnley — sit in  the Championship’s top three, along with Leeds.If it seems the gap between the top two divisions is widening again, then how on Earth do you explain the plight of Luton Town?The Hatters  made a decent stab at top-flight survival last year but are rock-bottom of the Championship right now.Luton could be set for two drops in a rowCredit: RexASH CLOUDOVERTURNING the injury-time penalty awarded to Everton’s Ashley Young against Manchester United proves the supposed VAR ‘high bar’ has been forgotten and matches are again being re-refereed from Stockley Park.And, after ref Andy Madley had made an honest, instinctive on-field decision on a 50-50 call in awarding the spot-kick, it’s also possible his VAR might have had time to take into account Young’s previous for taking a tumble.Which wouldn’t be right.Ashley Young thought Everton had won a penalty against his old sideCredit: GettyLEAKY BUM TIMEIF you thought Manchester United were bad on the pitch, consider the mess behind the scenes.Chief executive Omar Berrada is threatening to sack any United employees who turn whistle-blower and leak news of plans to axe even more staff.These job cuts will help pay for billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s disastrous decision to offer a new contract to Erik ten Hag, then sack him, and to poach sporting director  Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, only to fall out with him and pay him off five months later.Ratcliffe’s chum Sir Dave Brailsford is apparently sick of hearing about the Sir Alex Ferguson era.Brailsford reckons it puts unfair pressure on the Ratcliffe regime to mention that, under Fergie, United dominated the English game, winning 13 Prem titles and two European Cups.In which case, why didn’t Ratcliffe buy a club which had never won so much as a raffle prize, and run that one into the ground instead?Ratcliffe and Berrada are trying to stop the leaksCredit: GettyHOME RULE?YOU’VE got to turn your home stadium into a fortress because it’s always tough to win  on the road in the Premier League, isn’t it?Well, hardly any tougher than winning  at home, actually.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere were seven away wins in the top flight this weekend, meaning a total of 101 home victories and 95 away successes this season.With plenty of teams enjoying success on the counter-attack, with defensive ‘low blocks’ difficult to break down and away ends invariably out-singing home fans, home advantage is a thing of the past. More

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      in Soccer

      Meet stunning DAZN presenter Eleonora Incardona who has been hailed as the ‘next Diletta Leotta’ and dates a footballer

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      ITALIANS are spoiled when it comes to their football presenters.And they don’t come any more beautiful than DAZN host Eleonora Incardona.Eleonora Incardona is the new face of DAZN’s coverage of Italian footballCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eleonoraincardona/Stunning Eleonora was a former model and is now an influencerCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora is followed by 1.1 million fans on InstagramCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaGlamorous Diletta Leotta is DAZN’s usual Italian football presenterCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe pretty brunette regularly turns heads when she’s reporting on the touchline at stadiums including the San Siro in Milan and the Allianz Stadium in Turin.It’s led to admirers hailing her as the “next Diletta Leotta” as the 34-year-old continues to grow her fanbase.On Instagram she has over one million followers who stay tuned to her glam life on and off the pitch.That includes dating Italian international Samuele Ricci, who stars for Torino.Read more football newsSunSport invites you to get to know a bit more about Eleonora in case you haven’t been tuning into Serie A (until now). Sicilian beautyEleonora hails from Sicily, where inhabitants are considered hot-blooded by their fellow Italians.But it’s the gorgeous former model who stirs emotions.She graduated in law and appeared destined for a life in the courtroom.Most read in FootballHowever, in 2010 she appeared in the Miss Italia competition and it changed her life forever.Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast She scored modelling gigs and it appeared her life was set as an influencer.However, her calling with presenting came when Sportitalia offered her a job in her homeland.Last year, DAZN brought her into the mainstream when she began hosting their Giro d’Italia coverage.But it was no surprise that the streaming giant encouraged her to try her hand at football.Eleonora made her debut for DAZN this monthCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaPretty brunette Eleonora was a former Miss Italia contestantCredit: GettyPresenting soon became Eleonora’s dream jobCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaread more sport featuresMaking a splashEarlier this month, DAZN’s viewers were treated to Eleonora’s talents.She stepped in for Diletta Leotta to present the channel’s coverage of Juventus against Inter Milan.Comments online called her “the new Diletta” – with some even suggesting she could replace the regular host.Most recently, she spoke about football being her real passion.She told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “The stadium is something special for me.“The opportunity to be close to the action, to study the details, to understand what is happening by listening to the voices of the protagonists, gives something extra that is difficult to explain.”Obviously, I cannot forget the first matches I saw live in Catania.”Beautiful Eleonora wowed fans with her stunning outfit during her DAZN debutCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eleonoraincardona/Beauty Eleonora was hailed by fans for her appearanceCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaWith her stunning looks, Eleonora has been likened to Diletta LeottaCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaIntriguing love lifeIt’s not just Eleonora’s professional life that is thriving.She is currently in a romance with Italian international midfielder Ricci.They went public with their relationship on Instagram in 2024.Astonishingly, Eleonora was engaged to Diletta Leotta’s stepbrother Mirko Manolo before she met Ricci.READ MORE SUN STORIESEleonora shows off her trendy side at the Allianz StadiumCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora is in a romance with an Italian footballerCredit: InstagramTorino star Samuele Ricci and Eleonora went public with their romance in 2024Credit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora was once engaged to Diletta Leotta’s stepbrotherCredit: InstagramShe revealed in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I am very happy with him. I met him in one of the most complicated periods of my life.”I was only thinking about work to distract myself from everything else. And instead I met a wonderful person, with sound principles and strong values.” More

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      in Boxing

      ‘There’s going to be blood shed, and it ain’t gonna be mine’ – Anthony Joshua still thinks Tyson Fury fight will happen

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has vowed to spill Tyson Fury’s blood in an epic Battle of Britain – if his rival comes out of retirement.The pair’s long-overdue domestic dust-up seemed finally set to come to fruition after Fury’s back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk last year.Tyson Fury was on course for a grudge match with Anthony Joshua before announcing his retirement last monthCredit: GETTYAJ isn’t buying the Gypsy King’s retirement and reckons he will fight againCredit: GETTYThe Watford warrior insists he’ll shed Fury’s blood if they do end up fightingCredit: AFPBut Fury threw a major spanner into the works last month by announcing his FIFTH retirement, although AJ isn’t giving up hope of putting a brutal beating on the Gypsy King.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion told iFL TV: “I feel like it’s the best fight [for me].”People might say [Joseph] Parker, people might say – I don’t know.”But I think Fury, commercially, is a great fight and it’s a great man’s fight as well. So I think it makes sense.READ MORE ON AJ”You could say it’s been years in the making. But listen, the heavyweight division has been thriving.”And why I say it’s probably still a great fight is as I said Parker is, for me, a great story of someone that never gives up.”And the thing is, there is going to be one winner and one loser and there’s going to be bloodshed. And it ain’t gonna be mine.”Fury, 36, has remained radio silent on his fighting future since his latest hanging up of the gloves.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Joshua isn’t convinced we’ve seen the last of the Wythenshawe warrior.”Has he retired with the possibility of coming back?” Joshua asked when quizzed about Fury’s retirement “Yes.Anthony Joshua gives cryptic update over future amid Tyson Fury fight talk in interview at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2″Has he retired? Yes. Is he going to come back next month? No. In short, he might come back but he is retired.”Saudi boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh is desperate to make the fight, telling The Stomping Ground: “I want Joshua vs Tyson.”I spoke with Fury but not about boxing. I just checked about his health and his family.”I think he maybe will return. I hope so.”Joshua, 35, hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his brutal fifth-round KO defeat to former sparring partner Daniel Dubois last September.A February rematch with Triple D was on the cards before his team convinced him to rest and recover from niggling injuries.And he’s keeping his cards close to his chest over when he’ll next be back in the squared circle.When asked about his ring return, AJ said: “More fights, this is my life, this is what I do.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Right now I sit outside and I watch and then I’ll make my return one day.”Right right I sit back as a fan and watch the great people in the sport I love.” More

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      in Soccer

      Brenden Aaronson so at home at Leeds after getting engaged to high-school sweetheart and winning over doubters

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      YORKSHIRE will forever have a special place in Brenden Aaronson’s heart.Not only is he enjoying the best season of his career with Leeds but it is the county where he got engaged to his high-school sweetheart Milana D’Ambra.Brenden Aaronson has enjoyed a redemption season with LeedsCredit: GettyThe American has been an ever-present for Daniel Farke’s Championship leadersCredit: PAAaronson has even found time to get engaged to partner Milana D’AmbraCredit: Instagram @baaronson7The USA international, 24, got down on one knee in the famous Harrogate park, The Stray, and the happy couple are due to “march up the aisle together” next year.He told SunSport: “It was so nerve-racking. It was the whole build-up to asking the question but thankfully she said, ‘Yes.’”Getting ready for the wedding will be more stressful than any game of football. “But Milana has helped me a ton in my life so it’s really great we’re getting married.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is an exciting time for Aaronson and he hopes to make this season one to remember by helping to shoot Leeds back into the big time.And next year is set to be his greatest yet – playing in the top flight again then almost immediately after the nuptials across the pond he hopes to appear for USA at the World Cup on home soil.Top-of-the-table Leeds travel 36 miles south down the M1 on Monday to take on second-placed Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.It’s a far cry from the 5,500 miles-plus journey and a six-hour time difference he negotiated when the two sides last met at Elland Road in October.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAaronson had played a full 90 minutes for USA in Mexico, playing at high altitude in Guadalajara, in a game that did not finish until just before 6am UK time on the Wednesday.Yet he remarkably started against the Blades on the Friday night in a 2-0 win.Leeds manager Daniel Farke gives his reaction to draw with Burnley And the midfielder has so far played in all 33 Championship games this season, which is testament to his remarkable stamina.He said: “It’s always tough with the national team, going all the way to the US and back, but I’ve done it for the last four and a half years playing club football in Europe so I’m used to it.”We played that game at high altitude in Mexico and it was so difficult.”Then that night I got on a private jet with a bunch of European-based Americans, flying either to London or Amsterdam.”It’s a good little system where all the clubs from Europe and the US football federation chip in to charter the planes to allow us to get back home a day earlier.”I got back for Thursday and was available to play Friday.”Afterwards I felt dead! But I knew if I could get through the game and play at my level then get through to the next week and have some days to relax and sleep I could do it.”And that’s what I’ve been doing all season. I’ve been able to keep confidence in what I’m doing.”World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarAaronson has turned around fan opinion this season. Having played 36 games in the Premier League after joining from Red Bull Salzburg in May 2022 in a £24.7million deal, he activated a relegation-release loan clause to spend last season with Bundesliga club Union Berlin to anger supporters.And there was a hostile response on social media when it was announced Aaronson had decided to come back this season.He said: “It’s tough when you see people are doubting you but I stayed away from the internet and focussed on myself. “I’m a people pleaser and care about other people’s feelings. I like to make people happy and prove to them how good I am.”I learned from the Prem season when I was first here and when I came back I learned a ton on focusing on myself and believing in myself. “I’ve let myself work over the fans and continue being like that.”Aaronson has scored eight times this season for LeedsCredit: GettyAaronson – nicknamed the Metford Messi back home – bucked the trend in the small New Jersey town by taking up “soccer” while most of his friends were into baseball and American Football. While his younger brother Paxten, 21, also has become a professional footballer and got a senior USA cap to his name, currently on loan at Dutch club Utrecht from Eintracht FrankfurtAnd although he is half-decent at basketball, and has played Lacrosse, football has always been his passion.He grew up supporting Liverpool while idolising the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Philippe Coutinho. He also had a soft spot for Tottenham when Luka Modric was strutting his stuff in North London.Aaronson – whose dad Rusty is a football coach – progressed through the ranks of MLS side Philadelphia Union and has gone on to win 47 caps for his country.The 24-year-old has already earned 47 caps for the United StatesCredit: APThe Leeds star is so excited that the World Cup will be co-hosted by his homeland alongside Canada and Mexico – and has enjoyed working under new coach and former Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over in September.He said: “I cannot speak highly enough about Poch. I’ve only had him for two camps now and each one I’ve learned new things.”The formation, the way he wants to play, suits me. That’s what I like about it. Learning new things.”Although Aaronson was not even born when the USA staged their last World Cup in 1994, he has read, watched and listened to many stories about that tournament.He said: “It’s crazy England didn’t even qualify for that one. Dad always tells me how amazing the vibe was.”It kickstarted soccer in America. It made everything boom a lot more. This one will make it even bigger. “We’ve got some great stadiums and the whole atmosphere is going to be amazing.”But Aaronson hopes his home nation does not repeat part of the opening ceremony of that tournament .. when Diana Ross famously shot at an open goal and missed!He laughed:”“We should definitely avoid that this time around!READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it’s hopefully going to be a great year for me – playing in the Premier League, getting married and playing at a home World Cup.”It’s going to be awesome.” More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil makes shock career change after retiring from football

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      FORMER Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from football.The German-born Wold Cup winner has entered the world of POLITICS.Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from footballOzil  made 244 appearances for the Gunners between 2013 and 2021Ozil has been a longtime supporter of Turkish president Recep Tayyip ErdoganOzil has become a member of Turkey’s ruling AK Party’s central council at a congress meeting in Ankara.The legendary midfielder was one of 39 new appointees into a key decision-making body called the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK).Ozil, who ended his club career in 2023 with Istanbul Basaksehir, has been a longtime supporter of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.Tens of thousands gathered in a sports hall congress as Erdogan secured his ninth re-election as AKP’s leader.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe congress was attended by 31 representatives from 16 political parties across 13 countries, along with 62 ambassadors and 34 mission representativesIn 2019, Ozil chose Conservative leader Erdogan as the best man at his wedding to Amine Gulse, a former Miss Turkey.But his association with Erdogan has previously sparked controversy.A 2018 photo of Ozil and fellow German star Ilkay Gundogan alongside Erdogan triggered a political backlash in Germany.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOzil, previously held up as a symbol of a multicultural Germany, retired from the German national team soon after.He said: “I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose.”Mesut Ozil shows off incredible body transformation in new video as ex-Arsenal star takes fans inside insane workoutsThe third-generation Turkish-German was born in Gelsenkirchen and was a key member of his country’s 2014 World Cup-winning side.He won 92 caps and was voted the national team’s player of the year five times since 2011 by fans.Now, with his political career taking shape, Ozil is set to play a new role within Turkish politics under Erdogan’s leadership.But in his prime, he was regarded as one of football’s best playmakers.Ozil scooped trophies with Werder Bremen, Madrid and Arsenal during a glittering club career.His incredible body transformation made headlines last September.He wowed fans when he lifted up his top to show his ripped six-pack, captioning an Instagram post: “1 year very hard work.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReacting to the body transformation, one follower wrote: “Animal.”Another added: “Bro is going to WWE.”Ozil’s sensational body transformation made headlines last SeptemberThe German has undergone a crazy body transformation More

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      in Soccer

      ‘The problem wasn’t him, it was the coaching’ – Inside Antony’s career revival after leaving Man Utd hell for Real Betis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Antony is back on the road to glory – all thanks to a manager still hailed as an Etihad hero.The Brazilian winger finally found an escape route from his Old Trafford hell with a six-month move to Real Betis in January.Antony has found his goalscoring boots at Real BetisMan Utd flop Antony looks a far happier prospect playing in La LigaCredit: PAThree goals in his first four games made him an immediate hit with fans, in a flying start to life in La Liga.According to one Betis legend, it is all because Antony’s new gaffer has put the freedom and fun back in his game…and that man is ex-City boss Manuel Pellegrini.The Chilean manager has an eternal place in the hearts of City fans as the man who led them to the title in the season always remembered for Steven Gerrard’s slip.And Antony should be just as thankful at swapping the shackles and stress of United for a boss who believes in him again.Read more football newsGabino Rodriguez is a Betis great, after nearly 200 games for his boyhood club, and the man who had a key role in David de Gea’s career during his days as Spain’s Under-21 coach.Now a respected pundit, Rodriguez is convinced Antony has struck gold and in the perfect place to rediscover the form which made him one of the world’s top wide boys.Rodriguez insisted: “It is obviously a bit too soon for a full assessment, but this footballer has class, no doubt about it. Technically he is a very gifted player.“The initial impression is he’s landed on his feet at Betis. He scored in his first game, I can see hunger in him and the fans are very happy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Personally I have no doubts that Antony will adapt really well to Pellegrini’s system because the manager likes to play attacking football.“Betis continuously go down the wings and Antony is the type of player who suits this coach well.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers ever“Under another one he would struggle in all aspects, and that’s what happened at United. For me, Antony’s problem wasn’t him, but a coaching one.”While Pellegrini – replaced by Pep Guardiola in 2016 – had a cautious public profile, his side were full of in-your-face flair, hitting 102 goals as he led City to their second Prem crown.It is an approach he has stuck with in four years at Betis, and Rodriguez reckons Antony couldn’t have a better manager to get him back to the top.He added: “Watching how he has developed in the few matches he’s played so far, I think he’s one for a very distinct kind of coach – and the clearest and closest example is Pellegrini.“There are others who take a more defensive approach and focus more on running and marking or covering.“They are the ones who tend to have a more direct style and use long balls. Players like Antony completely disappear in those sort of matches.”The born-again Brazilian is a world away from the one which left Manchester without starting a Premier League game all season.Ruben Amorim decided to let Antony leave on loan in JanuaryCredit: GettyBrazilians Vitor Roque and Antony have developed a good relationship on the pitchCredit: RexInsiders say he is already a popular figure in the dressing room, and a squad containing another couple from his homeland made settling in much easier.Rodriguez revealed: “He has a very good relationship with his compatriot Natan and don’t forget Victor Roque is also Brazilian.“There are other South Americans like Giovanni Lo Celso, Cucho Hernandez and Chimmy Avila too, which does help at the start when you are in a new place.“I’m told Antony has been well-received in the team and didn’t walk in with an air of superiority just because he came from United.“He’s been quite the opposite, very humble, with a real eagerness to work. Things like that are highly valued at Betis.“Antony just needed the type of coach who could spark him – and under Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorin, everything surrounding United looked like a funeral.”Antony has scored three times in four games for Real BetisPrevious Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag failed to get the best out of the £80m signingCredit: GettyWhether Betis have the cash to turn the loan move into a permanent one is debatable. Rodriguez reckons they will certainly give it a go.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I believe there is no definite buying option to his loan, but if he continues playing at this level, I am sure the club will try and find a way to keep him.“The player clearly likes the club and Sevilla is a very welcoming and friendly city. I am sure he is very comfortable here with his family.” More

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      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea and Tottenham star now living completely new life as a supply teacher

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      EVERY day is a school day for former left-back Clive Wilson now he works as a permanent supply teacher at Roding Valley High School in Loughton in Essex.Manchester-born Wilson has been at Roding since 2019 — teaching year 11-16s.Today, Clive Wilson is a supply teacher at a school in EssexCredit: RexClive Wilson starred at Tottenham Hotspur in the 1990sCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 63-year-old said: “I started to work in education in 2008.”After retiring from football in 2000, the ex-defender worked for Le Coq Sportif and Ted Baker before going to university and getting a degree in sports science.He revealed: “The odd thing was I fell into teaching by pure fluke.“I was at a golf driving range one day and there was a lovely guy there who was a Fulham fan and recognised me as a former footballer and asked what I was doing.read more on chelsea“He talked to me about the possibility of teaching. He suggested I should pop to a couple of local schools and have a look at them with no pressure, purely just to see what I thought.“I went along more as something to rule out really.“However, it had the complete opposite effect and I really thought it would be the type of job that I would enjoy.“I’m so grateful for his advice at the range. I haven’t looked back!Most read in Football“The odd thing is I have two brothers and a sister and two of them are teachers, too.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter “I used to be one of those people who would tease them about them having the best job with a quarter of the year off with holidays.“Then I started teaching. Wow, was I mistaken! Believe me, you need that time.”Growing up, Wilson always wanted to be a footballer but thought it had passed him by when he had not been spotted by the age of 14.He left school at 16 and went to college to study electrical and electronic engineering with the intention of becoming an electrician.But in the last year of college he was spotted playing at Hough End — Manchester’s equivalent to London’s Hackney Marshes.He said: “Len Davies was a Manchester City scout in the days when people would scout the local talent.“And it went from there. I am a case in point that it’s never too late to chase your dream. “I joined at the time of Alex Williams, Andy May, Steve Kinsey, Tommy Caton — sadly no longer with us — and Steve Mackenzie, a 17-year-old Malcolm Allison signed from Crystal Palace, who went on to score one of the great FA Cup final goals.“The club reached successive FA Youth Cup finals in 1979 and 1980.“Sadly we lost them both to Millwall and Aston Villa. I played in the latter final.”Wilson still remembers his City debut — a League Cup tie against Stoke in October 1981 at Maine Road.Left-back Wilson made his debut with Man CityCredit: PAWilson is fondly remembered at Loftus Road where he played for QPRCredit: Getty – ContributorHe recalled: “I was excited at the thought of maybe getting a chance on the bench. Back then there was only one or two subs at the most.“But when I saw manager John Bond had named me in the team, reality suddenly hit me knowing I then had to go out and do it. All of a sudden I was playing alongside players who I thought were on a different level. But it all went OK and we won 2-0.”Clive spent eight years at Maine Road along with a small loan at Chester City for a season.Then he took on a new challenge in 1987 when he headed south to Chelsea.He said: “I liked the idea of playing for a club in London but then I had the biggest culture shock in terms of trying to find anywhere affordable to live!“I realise it’s nearly 40 years ago but you could get a three-bedroom house in Sale for £35,000.“In London I was lucky if I could buy a garage for that!“The first season at Stamford Bridge wasn’t great after being relegated from the top flight.“Not only that but we had the agony of losing a relegation play-off.“They were those two seasons when teams from the top flight would go into two-legged semi-final and final play-off games against teams from the second tier.Wilson hung up his boots in 2000 after a stint at Cambridge UnitedCredit: Getty“Sadly, we lost against Middlesbrough over two legs in the final.“However, we bounced back the following season — scoring 99 league points from our 46 games.”Wilson maintains his best playing years were under Gerry Francis at QPR between 1991 and 1994.He said: “In reflection, I think so. We finished fifth in the first all-new Premier League campaign in 1992-93 followed by another top-half finish the following season.“Then I think Gerry had a falling out with the club over the sale of Les Ferdinand and soon after he moved to Tottenham as manager.”Wilson ended up reuniting with Francis at White Hart Lane in 1995.He said: “Rangers boss Ray Wilkins wanted me to stay but, with no offence to QPR, I was 34 and I saw the switch to Spurs as possibly my last opportunity of playing at one of English football’s big clubs.“Working again with Gerry made it familiar for me, too.”He spent four years in North London but by the time he switched to Cambridge in 1999, he knew his football career was slowing down.Wilson admitted: “I was 38 and was picking up niggly injuries.Wilson is now enjoying life as a supply teacherCredit: RexWilson played for Spurs between 1995-199Credit: PA:Empics Sport“I was still undecided in that 1999-2000 season whether that would be my final year, but realised a few weeks after the end of the season that was it.“I never did go into my last game with any fanfares about it being my finale. And it suited me that way.“I loved my time as a player and I often get kids ask me why I am a teacher when I used to be a top-flight footballer. There is a concept that top-flight footballers have always been well paid.“It was a different time in English football. But I would never complain about it.“The game gave me a great grounding in my life. I am extremely proud of my 20-odd years in the game.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis last week has been an opportunity for Wilson to take a well-earned break from the classroom for half-term.He said: “It’s been a nice pause but I’ll enjoy going back in and mixing with children who, in the main, are a pleasure to teach and work with on a daily basis.”Wilson occasionally returns to Loftus Road and makes guest appearancesCredit: RexNow 63, Wilson leads a different life to his football careerCredit: Rex More

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      Zhilei Zhang brutally knocked out by Agit Kabayel as Chinese warrior, 41, stopped for first time in career

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      AGIT KABAYEL climbed off the deck to chop down 20-stone, 6ft6in Zhilei Zhang.The underdog gave away six inches in height and three stone in weight but beat the breath and enthusiasm out of the loveable veteran inside six fun rounds.Agit Kabayel beat Zhilei Zhang in a desert dust-up in RiyadhCredit: GettyThe German picked himself off the canvas to beat the giant Chinese veteranCredit: GettyZhang was unable to take anymore punishment in the sixth roundCredit: GettyBarring a fifth-round knockdown, Kabayel showed exactly how a good little’un beats a good big’un, flooding Zhang’s basement until the Great Wall fell.China’s 41-year-old southpaw started the bout like a man who knew time was not on his side.FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOGZhang chased the Kurdish German around the ring, slashing at his head from every angle.READ MORE ON BOXINGKabayel, 32, was clever and stayed out of range, he stabbed at Zhang’s body and threw the occasionally looped right hand.Twenty stone Zhang started to fatigue from as early as the second but every punch Kabayel connected with his shaven bowling-ball of a head bounced right off.The better shots from the 2017 Derek Chisora conqueror were the whipped hooks to Zhang’s never-ending torso.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost read in BoxingMoments after Callum Smith and Josh Buatsi had put on a valiant show of light-heavyweight body punching, these two titans gave us an XXL version, in slower motion.Kabayel seemed confident that surviving the first half of the bout would allow him to pick off an exhausted veteran late on.Worrying new footage shows moment Deontay Wilder gets brutally KO’d by Zhilei Zhang while COMPLAINING to refereeKabayel poured on the pressure thick and fast in the fourth, like chilli sauce on kebabs, his self-confessed guiltiest pleasure.But Zhang was far more resilient than the sort of late-night pitta bread that melts limply in your hands at 3am.Kabayel was coasting the fifth after a minute of one-way action.But Zhang threw a three-punch combination that looked clumsy when the first two missed, but the final right hook shot landed flush and Kabayel was decked and had to crawl up after eight seconds.Kabayel rallied though and almost burst Zhang with a body assault as soon as the sixth started.It looked like Zhang was beaten and needed to take a knee but he battled on and kept taking blows.Eventually, Kabayel toppled the giant and Zhang folded into the canvas and could not rise in time to continue.Kabayel had hit the canvas during a dramatic fifth roundCredit: Getty More