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      ‘You guys are my heroes’ – Emotional moment Michail Antonio meets paramedics who saved his life after horror car crash

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      WEST HAM star Michail Antonio touchingly sat down with the “hero” paramedics who helped save his life after his terrifying car crash.The 35-year-old crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in Epping, Essex on a stormy December 7 and was rushed to hospital.Michail Antonio met the paramedics that saved his lifeCredit: BBCAntonio sat down with first responders Rob Moon and Dr James MoloneyCredit: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance TeamThe West Ham striker went to Essex and Herts Air Ambulance HQAntonio crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in December and broke his legThe striker required surgery on a shattered femurHe suffered a broken leg in the accident and underwent surgery the following day.And now the Hammers’ record Premier League goalscorer has personally shown his appreciation to the men who helped him cheat death.Antonio met with the two first responders Rob Moon and Dr James Moloney on the BBC’s Morning Live show.The striker cannot remember the crash so he met with the heroic Essex and Herts Air Ambulance crew to “fill in the blanks”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAfter meeting them in an ambulance hangar, Antonio began: “I want to say thank you because I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.”So you guys are basically my heroes.”Antonio’s accident happened during Storm Darragh, which meant the air ambulance helicopter couldn’t take off due to strong winds. Dr Moloney and Moon – who were dispatched to the scene in a rapid response car – said they thought they recognised the Premier League footballer straight away.Most read in FootballAntonio was shocked to learn that the medics found his lifeless body in the back seat after noticing his fractured femur bone.As football fans, the paramedics clocked that they were helping a Premier League striker.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashBut their suspicions were confirmed after spotting a clue – his No 9 ‘Antonio’ shirt in the foot-well. Dr Moloney said: “We treat everyone the same whatever happens. But not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.”To get Antonio talking, the medics spoke to him about football, including his different managers and career highlights.The pair revealed that he was talking a lot and speaking repetitively, which is common when people bump their heads. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.Michail AntonioBBCThe medics put him on a trolley before boarding him onto the ambulance, and tried to keep him warm.Antonio added: “For me, personally, I could never do your job. “If I go there and see blood or people in trouble, I would just panic or faint. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t be able to do.”The seriousness of it hit home when the forward saw the remains of the car at a scrapyard a few weeks ago.The former Nottingham Forest star explained: “Being involved in a major accident can have life-changing physical and mental effects.”I’ve processed it to a certain degree, but I think the emotions are going to take a long time. Mentally, trauma lasts a long time.”Antonio was shocked to find out that the medics found his body in the back seatCredit: BBCThe West Ham striker signed merch for the crewAntonio said the medics were his heroesHe also revealed that it was harder for his loved ones to see him that way.He said: “My family probably experienced the incident more than I did. “They had to see how I was in the hospital. I don’t remember my face being cut or going down for surgery the next day. “They lived it. They have those memories.”While there was some initial doubt as to whether or not he would ever play football again, Antonio is determined to get back on the pitch.He previously told the BBC: “The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children.”It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.”During this, we kept it away from the kids. My eldest saw it, and he struggled with it.”Not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.Dr James MoloneyBBCAntonio would watch West Ham games weekly throughout the early stages of his recovery to motivate him.The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters “helped him massively”.Read More on The SunHe made an emotional return to the London Stadium for West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last month.Antonio has also been able to return to light training. More

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      in Boxing

      Frank Warren claims Joe Joyce ‘needs to have a serious think’ about retiring with risk of ‘consequences down the road’

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      FRANK WARREN says Joe Joyce needs to consider retirement for the sake of his long-term health after another punishing loss.The 39-year-old Putney heavyweight lost a unanimous decision to Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic, 32, on Saturday night in Manchester.Frank Warren says Joe Joyce needs to consider retirementCredit: GettyJoyce was beaten over 12 rounds by Filip HrgovicCredit: ReutersThere was no shame in the defeat but it was another ten-round exhibition of Joyce’s steadfast determination to use his own face as his only defence.And promoter Warren — who guided The Juggernaut to excellent wins over Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker — is now concerned what permanent damage defeats to Zhilei Zhang, Derek Chisora and now Hrgovic has done.The Queensberry promoter said: “Joe needs to have a serious think about his future “There’s no rush but that is what he has to do now.“He will want to fight, I know he will, but he needs to sit down with his family and have a real serious think about the future, because it will not be an easy road back for him. Whatever he does, we will support him.READ MORE IN BOXING“But, in boxing, as you get older — and you fight the way Joe does — you have to think about what the consequences could be down the road. “He’s a lovely man, one of the best people I have ever worked with And I just want the best for him now.”Worryingly Joyce, who also did thousands of explosive and gruelling rounds with Anthony Joshua when they were on Team GB, is already thinking about his next fight.He said: “I am still enjoying what I am doing and I feel good. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“A lot of people want to see me fight Dillian Whyte, so I will reflect on this fight, with my team, and see what’s coming next. I will reflect and come back.”But ringside pundit and former British super-middleweight champion Paul Smith pleaded with Joyce to hang up his gloves. My dad is Coronation Street legend Des Barnes – now I’ve swapped acting for pro boxingHe said: “I hope I never see Joe Joyce in a boxing ring again.“I felt uncomfortable watching that because this is an unforgiving sport and it’s his health we are all worried about. “I am not being cruel to him but I didn’t like what I saw in there. It was an entertaining fight but only because of how many shots Joe takes and just keeps going.“In boxing you need people around you who care about you and love you, who will say ‘no more’ because you have got to think about your long-term health.”But he refused to retireCredit: PA More

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      How Martin Odegaard’s Real Madrid career began with Cristiano Ronaldo ‘PR exercise’ under unenthusiastic Carlo Ancelotti

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      IT remains one of the most iconic substitutions in Real Madrid’s long and illustrious history.With 58 minutes on the clock on the final day of the 2014-15 LaLiga season and with Real leading Getafe 5-3 at the Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo’s No 7 lit up the fourth official’s board.Cristiano Ronaldo gave way for Martin Odegaard’s Real Madrid debutCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti’s former assistant Paul Clement spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: GettyReplacing the Portuguese legend, who had scored a first-half hat-trick, was No 41 Martin Odegaard, the youngest Los Blancos player to make a competitive appearance at 16 years and 157 days.It is a record that still stands a decade later.With manager Carlo Ancelotti serving a suspension up in the stands, it was trusted assistant Paul Clement who orchestrated the substitution from the dugout.English coach Clement, 53, told SunSport: “I’ve got a really nice picture at home.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I’m in the background but you can see Cristiano welcoming Martin on to the pitch and he gets a good welcome from the crowd.“Carlo didn’t come down to the dressing room at half-time. We spoke on the phone. “He said, ‘Let’s do the substitution’. I didn’t tell Martin but I did tell Cristiano.“Cristiano asked, ‘Who’s going to come on for me?’ I told him and he said, ‘OK’. I told Martin to go and enjoy it. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Play simple. The last thing he needed was to be bombarded with information. What a moment for a young man to make his debut.“The youngest player in the history of the club, at the Bernabeu, 80,000 fans, coming on for arguably one of the greatest players ever. A special debut, for sure.”Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final Nearly a decade on and Odegaard, now 26, is preparing to lead Arsenal out in a Champions League quarter-final against Ancelotti’s Real Madrid tomorrow.Memories will come flooding back. The Norwegian has said his headline-making £3.5million switch from Stromsgodset to Madrid in 2015 was the making of him — turning down the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool in the process.But he is the first to admit he struggled and there were those who believed it would break him.In his 2016 autobiography Quiet Leadership, Ancelotti described the move as a “PR exercise”.He wrote: “[Odegaard] could go on to be the best player in the world after I’m gone, but I’m not interested in the signing. He is being recruited for the future, for other managers after my time.”On top of that, Odegaard — who already had three senior caps for Norway — was walking into one of the most intimidating dressing rooms in world football with Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.Clement remembers the media frenzy that followed.Paul Clement with Carlo Ancelotti in 2014Credit: GettyHe explained: “Madrid is not an easy club to say ‘no’ to. You’re never sure when it’s going to come around again.“There are many players a lot of people will not even remember or know the names of because Madrid was too big for them and they didn’t make the grade. But Martin dealt with it very well.“I’m sure it was quite daunting. You never know what’s going on internally with somebody. He was quiet, humble but good to coach.“In training, he could hold his own with his technical quality. He was a sensation, wasn’t he? He had the dedication, too.“I would work alongside him. He was constantly practising his weaker foot, passing over different ranges, finishing . . .”Odegaard’s arrival not only ruffled Ancelotti’s feathers but also those of Zinedine Zidane, who was coaching Madrid’s Castilla reserve team and was forced to pick the young rookie despite him spending most of the week training with the first team. Cristiano asked, ‘Who’s going to come on for me?’ I told him and he said, ‘OK’. I told Martin to go and enjoy it. Paul ClementClement, who left Madrid in May 2015 following Ancelotti’s sacking, said: “We tried to find a balance but it was not an ideal situation. It was probably a bit weird for Martin.”By December 2020, Odegaard was 22 and had played just 489 minutes for Madrid in almost six years, having been on loan at Dutch sides Heerenveen and Vitesse, plus LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad, before a six-month stint at Arsenal from January 2021 that led to a permanent £30m switch that summer — two months after Ancelotti’s Madrid return.So, the question remains: was joining Madrid so young the right decision?Clement said: “I’d be interested to speak to him now, as a grown man, about how he was feeling inside. “I don’t think there was any doubt about the talent. It was just his physical maturity, understanding of the game.“When I look back, the best move for him would have been at a club like Ajax. He would have played regularly, really developed.“But the loan moves he took at that time in his career, he needed. He had to take a couple of steps back to go forward. He’s shown great resilience in doing that.Read More on The Sun“You look at what he is now — he’s an elite player at a great club. It worked out well for him.“I was thinking the other day whether Martin could play in Real Madrid’s current team? Yeah, for sure.”Martin Odegaard is now the Arsenal captainCredit: GettyAncelotti is now in his second spell in charge of Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      My dad is Coronation Street legend Des Barnes – now I’ve swapped acting for pro boxing

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      BOXER Alfie Middlemiss returns for his third professional fight in the ring – but he may already be a familiar face. And not because of his two points victories but due to his career as an actor. Alfie Middlemiss returns for his third professional fight in the ringCredit: GettyHe is the son to actor Phil MiddlemissCredit: GettyMiddlemiss played Des Barnes in CorrieCredit: PAHe is the son of Phil Middlemiss – who spent eights years playing Des Barnes in the hit ITV soap. His 21-year-old son is also an actor with TV credits for Emmerdale and Waterloo Road. But Middlemiss’ true calling has been in boxing, turning professional in 2024 with Eddie Hearn after a title winning amateur career. He returns tonight in Manchester on Joe Joyce’s undercard – but the bright lights are nothing new for the super-featherweight. READ MORE IN BOXINGMiddlemiss told BBC Sport: “I definitely think they’re transferable and should come in handy. “There are things I’ve learnt in that field that I can already see are going to be useful now.”They can help me sell a bout and, when I get a little bit further down the line, they’ll also help me in front of the television cameras.”A lot of people can freeze when they’re all pointed at them. I get it because it’s completely out of their comfort zone.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But I’m used to having that spotlight on me so it’s nothing out of the ordinary.” Middlemiss still acts on the side but is ready to pursue boxing full-time. He said: “Acting can be tough but it’s a damn sight easier than boxing.”My family and friends know how competitive I am and my dad has always loved boxing so I don’t think they fell off their chairs when they found out what I wanted to do.”OK, they were probably a bit surprised. But not stunned or speechless, I don’t think, because of how I am.”There are more relaxing ways to make a living but there’s something about boxing which immediately grabbed me. “I think it’s the pressure you have to put yourself under because, in the ring, it’s just you and the other guy so you can’t rely on anyone else.But I’m used to having that spotlight on me so it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Alfie Middlemiss “You have to show focus and have a drive to keep improving. You can never let up.”From the first moment I walked into a gym it just appealed to me. Maybe because, in my eyes, it’s the ultimate and purest test you can ever experience.”Middlemiss won English and North West championships and has now turned pro under ex-boxer Jamie Moore – trainer also to Jack Catterall. He beat Jesus Gonzalez and Caine Singh in his first two bouts and faces Mexican Alexander Morales (6-11-5) in his third. Middlemiss said: “Boxing can be a lonely sport as everything is on you.”As an amateur, it can be a bit overwhelming when you get a loss or a setback.Read More on The Sun”There are injuries too. I’ve had a few minor niggles along the way but, fortunately, nothing serious.”It’s how you respond to all of that which defines you. The same as disappointments in acting or any other walk of life.”Middlemiss is trained by former pro boxer Jamie MooreCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Gvardiol is ‘Crossword King’ who bought his fisherman dad a house and is helping steer Man City through choppy waters

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S alarming slump over this season has been something of a puzzle.Some say the clues had been there for some time — but even the old master himself Pep Guardiola has struggled to solve it.Josko Gvardiol’s development has delighted Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyOne thing the Etihad boss knows is the campaign would have been even more difficult without City’s ‘Crossword King’.Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol was given the nickname by veteran 39-year-old keeper Scott Carson as he has recently started doing word games.And this week Guardiola plucked out a good word to describe his versatile defender — calling him a ‘warrior’.With many of Pep’s backline going down injured, Gvardiol has started all but two of his team’s 30 Prem matches this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former RB Leipzig man has also proved himself to be a box-to-box defender — and is currently joint third in City’s top scorers in the league this term.Earlier this week, Guardiola said: “Josko has been like a warrior — all the time he is there.“I cannot imagine what would happen without him.“I’m grateful for his focus and that he is ready all the time.”Most read in FootballPEP’S STILL THE MAGIC MANBy MARTIN BLACKBURNJOSKO GVARDIOL insists Pep Guardiola is not losing his magic, despite his side’s worrying slide.Gvardiol has worked with the Manchester City  boss for two years but wishes they could have linked up earlier.The Croatian defender feels  Pep’s team talk before last Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final  win at Bournemouth showed why the ex-Barcelona chief is rated so highly.Former RB Leipzig man  Gvardiol, 23, said: “When I got back home from Bournemouth, I was thinking about the meeting we had before the game.“I said to myself ‘I’m  so unlucky I haven’t joined earlier’ — I mean that I didn’t have the opportunity to work with him earlier.“He said something that really changed my mind a little bit. I’m not going to tell you what it was.“But I wish that you could have the opportunity to sit with him and listen to his speech.“It was inspiring, yes, especially after the whole season.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKGuardiola will need his £77million man to stay focussed and ready if his team are to win the FA Cup and claim a Champions League spot over the next couple of months.So in the build-up to Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford,  Gvardiol will have his head buried in a newspaper from back home.Pep Guardiola talks about Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Man City after 10 years Gvardiol said: “I just started doing crosswords a few days ago. So I got a new nickname from Scott Carson, it’s ‘Crossword King’.“I’ve been getting them from newspapers in Croatia.“Kristijan Jakic, who plays for Augsburg in Germany, is a friend of mine and when we were with the national team, one day I went to his room and I saw him doing a crossword.“I was like, ‘what are you doing’ but to be honest I am addicted now.“What I like to do is wake up, grab a coffee and do it for an hour or two.“Even yesterday on the plane, on Saturday, I went to Bournemouth — and on the way back as well.“I feel like we spend too much time on phones and things we should avoid, especially before the game, to stay focused, to stay in the game. And follow the match plan.”Hard work and focus runs in the Gvardiol family.His father Tihomir was a fisherman back in Croatia for many years. Even now, he still gets up in the early hours to sell seafood at Zagreb’s biggest market — with his octopus considered a speciality.Guardiola has lost none of his managerial mastery, says GvardiolCredit: RexWhen the Croatia international got his first pay cheque at RB Leipzig, he fulfilled a promise to buy a house with a garden for his parents back home.Gvardiol  said of his father: “He still works. He’s still doing it and I don’t know why to be honest — I’ve told him that many times.“He needs to wake up at 4am or 5am prepare everything, put the ice, everything has to be fresh.“But yeah, I think that’s just inside of him. He’s proud of the job, I guess.”Gvardiol Sr has lost one customer in recent years — with young Josko moving away and also getting a bit bored of eating up all the leftover fish.The  City centre-back said: “You know what the problem is? When I was younger we used to eat a lot of fish — every two or three days.“Obviously because he works with the fish. I wouldn’t say that I don’t like  it, but I’m a bit sick of it. You eat it every day.“But now when I go home I have it.  He likes to do octopus salad with some potatoes.”Gvardiol has compiled impressive stats this seasonTihomir was an amateur footballer himself and is full of advice for his boy.He will be watching the Manchester derby at home on television as he can get a better feel for it there.For a while the family wondered if Josko might fancy following in his father’s footsteps with a career as a fisherman — but it was clear when he ventured out  to sea the first time that this would  not happen.He said: “I went out just once. I wouldn’t recommend it to you guys. It’s too loud. I was young and I wanted to sleep in the cabin.“But the engine was too loud and the smell and everything, it is just chaos on the boat.”Chaotic is a good word to describe City’s season but Gvardiol has provided some stability in the choppy waters.Yet he almost decided to bail out of football altogether when the former Dinamo Zagreb player was a teenager — and focus on becoming a basketball player instead.“I said, ‘I’m going to wait one more year and see what will happen’. As you can see, I’m still a footballer.”Josko GvardiolHe recalled: “Back when I was 16 or 17 I had some problems with the manager. I wasn’t happy because I was on the bench most of the games.“At that time I was thinking, because I’m good at basketball as well, I wasn’t sure if I should continue with football or move to basketball.“It’s like that in our family, we love every sport. Not just football, but also handball.“My sister plays handball, my other sister plays volleyball.“At the end, I spoke to my father about it. He said that every year there is a new manager coming.Read More on The Sun“I said, ‘I’m going to wait one more year and see what will happen’. As you can see, I’m still a footballer.”Ahead of tomorrow’s trip across Manchester, City fans will be grateful for that. More

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      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker explains why BBC need THREE presenters to replace him on MOTD and gives verdict on trio

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      GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a “massive commitment”.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Lineker will be replaced by three presenters on Match of the DayCredit: BBCMOTD2 host Mark Chapman is among the replacementsCredit: PALogan will be a regular on Saturday nights from now onCredit: PASky favourite Cates is making the switchCredit: PAThe legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.The England great joked that he thinks it’s a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.Read More on FootballSo the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of “top presenters” doing a “great job”.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship status“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts. More

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      Meet £25m Man Utd target Lorenzo Lucca who’s dubbed ‘Tower of Pisa’ at 6ft 7in and annoyed team-mates with selfish act

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      HE is the giant striker known as the “Tower of Pisa” who grew up idolising TWO Manchester United strikers.And while Lorenzo Lucca might have shown he knows how to Pisa-off ALL his team-mates with one act of selfishness this season, he could yet prove to be the answer to Ruben Amorim’s problems up front.Man Utd have made 6ft 7in striker Lorenzo Lucca one of their top targets for the summerCredit: GettyThe Udinese frontman would be a steal at £25mCredit: GettyThe 6ft 7in Lucca, 24, has emerged as a prime candidate as United plan for a cost-efficient summer refit, with a £25m fee mooted.With 12 goals for Udinese this season, catapulting him into the Italy squad for the first time, Lucca has shown he can stand out for more than just his Peter Crouch-like height.And now the boy who had pictures of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his bedroom wall is in line to become the next Old Trafford totem.In Italy, there is excitement about what Lucca can achieve.Italian football expert Tancredi Palmeri told Sun Sport: “What fans like about Lucca is that we don’t produce strikers of his type any more.“He has exploded onto the scene over the past two seasons because he is seen as a classic centre-forward, old school. There is nobody here like him.”Born on the outskirts of Turin, Lucca joined Torino’s set-up at the age of eight, leaving after seven years before returning to the club in 2018, before a prolific loan spell in Brescia’s youth team.A free transfer to Palermo, relegated to Serie D after financial chaos but swiftly ascending the Italian pyramid, was the launchpad – not that he needs one to be noticed.Lucca’s Serie A stats this seasonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLucca scored 13 goals in Serie C to earn a £2m move to Pisa, where his frame brought the nickname comparison with the city’s world-renowned landmark.While Lucca only scored six in his first Serie B season, he caught the eye of Ajax, becoming the first Italian to ever play for the Amsterdam giants.Ruben Amorim’s Garnacho dilemma explained ahead of Manchester derbyLucca scored 13 goals in Serie C to earn a £2m move to Pisa in 2021Credit: GettyIt was, in truth, a mixed stay. Lucca struggled to make an impact under Erik ten Hag’s replacement Alfred Schreuder, making just 16 appearances.Frustrated at one point, Lucca posted – and then swiftly deleted – a photo of him giving a two-fingered salute that was interpreted as a message aimed at the coach.Looking back, Lucca admitted: “Maybe I arrived at the wrong time.It was cold, it rained often. The culture is very different. You eat early. People are closed.”Preparation for Manchester, possibly? But there was a positive impact, too. He added: “Having lived in Amsterdam for a year, I understand English well. And I also learned to speak Spanish.”Lucca spent the 2022/2023 season on loan with AjaxCredit: GettyDespite scoring just twice, Udinese pounced, taking him on an initial one year loan with an £8m option that they took up after eight goals last season, his first in the top flight.Lucca took to the responsibilities, becoming an aerial threat upsetting Serie A defenders but also with the pace to get away from his markers.Palmeri explained: “Lucca had nearly moved to Sassuolo before he went to Ajax but they argued over £2m, when Pisa asked for £12m and they didn’t want to pay that much.“But as soon as he arrived at Udinese people started noticing. He got into the under-21 side and this January he was on the radar of both Juventus and Milan.“They didn’t go for him in the end because Juve signed Randal Kolo Muani and Milan took Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord but Italian clubs will be keen again this summer.”That is despite the moment of notoriety that saw Lucca’s image going viral.It came in a match with Lecce, when Udinese were awarded a first half penalty.Skipper and former France winger Florian Thauvin was the club’s designated penalty taker but Lucca, looking for his 10th Serie A goal of the campaign, took hold of the ball and refused to let go, much to the disbelief and anger of his team-mates.While Lucca smashed into the top corner, none of his team-mates joined his celebrations, with Thauvin ripping off his armband and asking to be taken off.Palmeri added: “It was clear how angry everyone was with him.“Almost instantly, there was a counter-attack chance but the Udinese players simply refused to pass the ball to him.“That was enough for the coach, who took him off when the ball went out of play. Lucca looked like a guilty kid.”Lorenzo Lucca stole a penalty from designated taker and club captain Florian Thauvin in FebruaryThe striker was booked during the incidentIt was a sliding doors moment, with the coach, Kosta Runjaic, making an example of his top scorer.Runjaic recalled: “Sometimes you need rule-breakers – but not at that moment, in that situation.“He didn’t follow the rules, so I took him off. Then, afterwards, we had a very good discussion. He told me how sorry he felt and he’s shown that since.”Lucca did exactly that, making a public apology to Thauvin and his team-mates with a social media post that read: “I wanted to be tough but, on my own, I’m nobody..”There was genuine repentance, demonstrated when, in Udinese’s next game, another spot-kick was awarded.This time, Lucca got involved in a spat with the Parma defenders who were trying to get into Thauvin’s head, forcing them away before the skipper netted and joining in a genuine team celebration.Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic forced Lucca off after he defied the captain’s ordersCredit: RexLucca maintains: “During the games there is so much adrenaline.“I was excited. In that moment I felt like going to the spot and I did it, scored and we brought home the three points.”I’m a striker. I always want to score. If I don’t score, I’m in a bad mood all week.“But before Parma, I spoke to the coach and we cleared things up. I recognised that when it came to penalties, Thauvin had priority.”Runjaic, too, is aware that he must make the most of Lucca before his inevitable departure.He said: “Any coach of any team at a high level would like to have a striker with his profile.“He is so dangerous in the box, great in the air – maybe the best header of a ball in football.“But he is equally good on the ground, too. And he keeps on improving.”Yet still with a mind on those idols of his youth.Lucca idolised Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic growing upCredit: GettyLucca admitted: “In life I would ask to take a photo with only two people, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic.“What I always loved with both of them was their charisma. I would like that to be the way I play as well.“I know what people say about me because of my size but I don’t see myself as a rare pearl.“At the same time, compared to many others, I have a particular physique and technical and aerial qualities.“I am convinced that I can do great things.“For now my priority is Udinese. But I know that if I keep working and scoring goals, opportunities will come. After all, who doesn’t aim for a big team?”READ MORE MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWSUnited need new strikers just two years after signing Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A side Atlanta in 2023 More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I thought you were 40’ – Filip Hrgovic in hilarious back and forth over Joe Joyce’s age as he vows to KO ‘old’ Brit

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      JOE JOYCE is out to prove that age is just a number – after Filip Hrgovic tried to put years on him. Joyce returns on Saturday in Manchester in a make-or-break clash with his career on the line. Filip Hrgovic had a hilarious exchange over Joe Joyce’s ageCredit: GettyJoyce fights Hrgovic in ManchesterCredit: GettyAnd he does so against Hrgovic – who was beaten by Joyce in a 2013 amateur bout. The two go way back, but still the travelling Croatian still does not know how old his British rival is. Hrgovic said: “Man’s, he’s 40 years old.”But Joyce hit back: “Actually, 39. But near enough.”READ MORE IN BOXINGHrgovic, 32, said with a smile: “Okay, I didn’t know. If he’s 39 then he’s young. “I thought you were 40. But, look, he’s definitely not at the peak of his career and fighters get old and that’s just the reality. “I’m seven years younger and I think it’s going to play a role in this fight.”Hrgovic returns as a beaten fighter for the first time having been stopped in eight rounds by Daniel Dubois, 27, last June. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoyce meanwhile lost a punishing points decision to Derek Chisora, 41, a month later to leave his career in the balance. But he looks to KO any retirement talk by getting back to winning ways against Hrgovic. Boxer flips table as Joe Joyce vs Filip Hrgovic press conference descends into chaos Joyce said: “It’s a good fight. It’s good to share the ring with Hrgovic again – we had a good scrap last time, 12 years ago. “The same result is going to happen. I’m going to win and then get elevated back to the top of the sport.”Hrgovic stepped in for Dillian Whyte, 36, who pulled out with an injured finger. He said: “It was short notice. I had just a few weeks. But I was already in good shape. That is why I accepted this fight. “I think it’s a good opportunity for me and this win will hopefully bring me back to the top. “I’m looking forward to winning on Saturday, knocking him out, and getting back to the top. That’s the plan.” Joyce facing off with HrgovicCredit: Getty More