Longtail

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares127 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton won’t last two years at Ferrari, predicts Bernie Ecclestone who says 7-time champ has ‘lost motivation’

      by

      BERNIE ECCLESTONE doesn’t believe Lewis Hamilton will be a success at Ferrari. The seven-time F1 champion is making the switch from Mercedes to the Italian giants for the 2025 season.Bernie Ecclestone has talked down Lewis Hamilton’s chances of an eighth F1 championshipCredit: SplashThe 40-year-old has joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 seasonCredit: GettyHamilton, 40, won his last title in 2020 but is eager to top the standings again. He recently piloted his new Ferrari for the first time ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 16. But ex-Formula 1 CEO Ecclestone, 94, doesn’t believe the move will prove a success.Ecclestone told The Telegraph: “He won’t last [two years].READ MORE ON F1″Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing. “I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”Ecclestone believes Hamilton’s age will prove a hindrance for the legendary driver.And he isn’t convinced the Stevenage-born star has the same drive he had during his youth. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEcclestone continued: “I have thought with Lewis, ‘He’s getting tired. He has lost motivation.’”If he had never won a world championship, it might be different, because then there would be an incentive to win one. But he has won seven.”Fans miss Lewis Hamilton’s first lap in a Ferrari as thick fog engulfs iconic F1 circuit Even Hamilton’s fashion sense wasn’t safe from Ecclestone’s ire in the bombshell interview. He continued: “Lewis gets himself up front in a way where you can dislike him. “How a guy who has won a few world titles and has a few dollars in the bank can dress the way he dresses. I’m not a fan of that.”He has a lot of talent as a driver. As much as people credit him with? No, but still enough to win races. “I don’t know why he does all this other nonsense. He needs to get out of the music business and whatever else.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton will join his fellow F1 drivers in London next month to kickstart the season at a new launch event. For the first time in the sport’s history, all ten teams will come together at the O2 Arena to unveil their new liveries. More

    • 200 Shares111 Views

      in Boxing

      Saudi boxing chiefs plan fights at outrageous venues including Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and inside infamous prison

      by

      TURKI ALALSHIKH has revealed stunning plans to host fights at venues including the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and inside an infamous prison. Alalshikh helped spearhead the recent boom in the sport by offering up huge sums to finally make the best fights happen. Turki Alalshikh has revealed stunning plans to host fights at outrageous venuesCredit: GettyBut his Riyadh Season and personal promotion have also started staging events outside of Saudi – including in London and Los Angeles. Now Alalshikh has plans to take the sport to outrageous venues across Europe and America. He told ESPN: “What do you think if there is [an] event, fight in Alcatraz jail one day?“It is like a museum now. You know, sometimes I get in my mind I want different places to do [fights]. READ MORE IN BOXING”Sometimes in mountains, maybe someday in the Pyramids in Mexico, someday in Eiffel Tower in France, Coliseum in Italy. You understand this concept?”AlcatrazThe correctional facility in San Jose has imprisoned some of the world’s most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone. It closed in 1963 because it became too expensive to maintain and operate – since turning into a museum and touring spot. No sports event has ever been held on the island – but inmates were known to play baseball and softball while locked up. Most read in BoxingAlcatraz prison closed and is now a tourist attractionCredit: GettyEiffel TowerThe 1,000-foot tower cost £1.2billion to construct in 1889 – which equates to £30BILLION in the current day. In 2024, the Eiffel Tower stadium was built for the Paris Olympics with the landmark attraction standing over the pitch. Beach volleyball and blind football were played there – but the temporary stadium was dismantled after the Games ended. The Eiffel Tower stadium was built for the 2024 OlympicsCredit: GettyThe ColosseumThe ancient amphitheatre – in Italy’s capital of Rome – was constructed nearly 2,000 years ago in AD 70–80. It hosted several Roman sports events, including gladiator games and wild animal hunts but was NOT used in the 1960 Olympics. But in 2023, UFC boss Dana White tried to get a sensational MMA fight between tech moguls Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk staged at the Colosseum. The Colosseum in Rome was built nearly 2,000 years agoCredit: GettyMexican PyramidsMexico has several historic pyramids, including the Mayan and Aztec. There have been live music events staged by the pyramids but not sports events like pro wrestling. Instead, boxing matches are usually held in arenas or stadiums – including the 80,000-seat Azteca. The Pyramid of Kukulkan in the archaeological zone of Chichen Itza in MexicoCredit: AlamyAlalshikh also named Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, The Intrepid aircraft carrier in New York and the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood as other options. National Memorial sculpture Mount Rushmore has the carved heads of US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.Mount Rushmore once had an an amateur baseball team but no games were ever played on site. The Intrepid is a military and maritime history museum in New York City – located at Pier 86 at 46th Street. And in 2001, a boxing card was televised from the flight deck of The USS Intrepid. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Chinese Theatre – in LA – is a movie palace on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame.No sports events have been staged inside or outside the theatre, but ceremonies have including for the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant. National Memorial sculpture Mount Rushmore in South DakotaCredit: GettyThe Intrepid aircraft carrier in New YorkCredit: GettyThe Chinese Theatre in HollywoodCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares148 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Kyle Walker’s life in Milan, from five star Melia Milano hotel stay to dining at rival footballer’s restaurant

      by

      KYLE Walker is settling into life at AC Milan with ease.The England defender, 34, joined the Serie A giants after eight trophy-laden years with Manchester City.Kyle Walker has settled into a new life in MilanCredit: GettyWalker is currently staying at the five-star Melia MilanoCredit: Gary StoneThe hotel is in the heart of the city and close to the San SiroBut, a new challenge in Italy is just the ticket for Walker in his twilight years.He made his debut against fierce rivals Inter in a 1-1 draw last weekend, and followed that up with an impressive performance in the 3-1 Coppa Italia win over Roma.Away from the pitch, Walker is enjoying his stay at the five-star Melia Milano hotel.It’s a 40-minute journey to the training ground, while he’s closer to the San Siro Stadium, which is a 10-minute drive.Read more football news Walker, who has amassed a £27million fortune, has already enjoyed the fine cuisine of Milan.Recently, he dined out at the exclusive Coraje restaurant – owned by a rival Inter Milan footballer.SunSport takes a look into Walker’s life in the industrial city.Where he’s stayingWhile Walker is acclimatising to his new surroundings, he is staying at the five Melia Milano hotel in the city centre.Most read in FootballIf his six-month loan is a success, and the deal becomes permanent, expect him to splash the cash on a lavish place of his own.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner set to get £750k to star in Celeb Big Brother – but only if bosses agree to strict ruleRooms at the sleek and stylish Melia Milano start at £400-per-night and can cost as much as £880-per-night for a business suite.It is believed that AC Milan negotiated a deal for Walker to have a premium room at the hotel.The Italian club regularly house new arrivals there, when the player’s arrive from foreign shores on loan.On the hotel’s website, it claims it boasts ‘innovative design and elegance’.It is perfectly located – just 15 minutes drive from fashionable boutiques, including Prada, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci.While restaurants Hollywood and Crazy Pizza are close by – and firm favourites for Milan’s stars and their Wags.The Melia Milano boasts innovative design and eleganceRooms start at £400-per-night at the luxury hotelMilan have reportedly put Walker up in a premium suite in the hotelThe Melia Milano boasts plush furniture in their coffee shopread more sport featuresWhere he’s playingLuckily for Walker, the Melia Milano is just an eight minute drive to the San Siro, where his club play their home games.He could even walk the 1.1 miles distance in next to no time.However, Milan’s stunning training ground is a bit more of a trek.The Milanello Sports Center is found on a 300 metre high hill, some 31 miles away from the centre and close to the old town of Varese – famed for its art-nouveau villas.Surrounded by a pine forest and pond, not only does it offer its players tranquility – there’s state-of-the-art gyms, medical facilities and numerous pitches.The most interesting of those is ‘the cage’ – which is surrounded by a 2.30 metre wall and a 2.50 metre high fence.The idea is for the ball to stay continuously in play, which increases the speed of handling the game.Walker’s office is the Milanello Sports Center training groundCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe training ground is surrounded by a lush forest in a picturesque settingState-of-the-art facilities gives the players all they needUtilising its location, there is a 1,200 metre path in the woods used for physical training, like jogging and cycling, and for the rehabilitation of injured players.Who he’s playing withWalker should feel at home in Milan – thanks to some familiar faces.For he is one of four English players currently on Milan’s roster.That includes starting striker Tammy Abraham, who is on loan from Roma, ex-Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and England defender Fikayo Tomori.Better still, Milan also boast a who’s who of former Premier League talent, who Walker will have come up against in the past.The like of Christian Pulisic, Emerson Royal, and fellow loanee Joao Felix all will ply their trade at AC Milan as Walker settles in.Walker is surrounded by English teammates including Tammy AbrahamCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek also plays at AC MilanCredit: AlamyWhere he’s eatingWe mentioned Hollywood and Crazy Pizza as the places as hotspots for Serie A’s finest, but in his first few days in the city Walker dined at the posh Coraje eaterie.Intriguingly, for an AC Milan star at least, a visit there is like treading on enemy territory.It is co-owned by Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez and his gorgeous Wag Agustina Gandolfo.Walker was joined by an entourage of Milan officials, which meant safety in numbers.And they would have enjoyed a hearty meal with plenty of mediterranean favourites.Walker dined at posh eaterie Coraje with Milan officials recentlyThe restaurant is owned by Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez and his Wag Agustina GandolfoHearty risotto meals are served at CorajeCustomers can also enjoy a rib eye steak with vegetablesFrom rib eye steak to vegetable risottos, seafood, and more the menu is extensive.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou also don’t need to earn a footballer’s salary to dine there – with mains costing anywhere between £17 to £30.It’s safe to say, Walker’s got it made in Milan. More

    • 250 Shares107 Views

      in Soccer

      Carragher was spot on – Tottenham have been pitiful in knockout stages for years, serial winners couldn’t even crack it

      by

      JAMIE CARRAGHER was spot on – Tottenham simply never win big football matches.They might beat Manchester City for fun and even reach a final once every blue moon – but when silverware is on the line, Spurs are nowhere to be seen.Tottenham crashed to a dismal 4-0 loss against Liverpool in Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: RexSky’s Jamie Carragher believes the mentality at the club is all wrongCredit: Rex”There’s a mental block with the club” – Carragher said.He’s right. This goes back years and is far deeper than Ange Postecoglou and his current flops.Not even serial winners Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte could crack it, so what hope does the Aussie boss have?Managers and players have changed, but the type of abysmal performance we saw at Anfield has been seen time and time again.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLZERO shots on target in a major semi-final? It’s no wonder Tottenham haven’t won a trophy since 2008. They’ll be waiting another 17 years at this rate.Carragher said after the 4-0 Anfield surrender: “It was never in doubt. It’s Tottenham! “When do Tottenham ever win a big game? When do Tottenham ever go and surprise, win against the odds?Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s not just this Spurs team. They never shock you, never do something out of the ordinary.”Whenever they go into a big game, nobody ever believes they’re going to win.”Postecoglou bemoans Tottenham’s lacklustre effort against Liverpool In their slight defence, Tottenham’s injury list is almost unheard of, and even at full strength, they have absolutely no right to rock up at Anfield and win.But that wasn’t Carragher speaking with his Liverpool hat on, his brutal assessment of Spurs was on the money.Since lifting the League Cup in 2008, Tottenham have been nothing short of pitiful in knockout football.Excluding the miracle of Amsterdam in 2019, when Lucas Moura’s hat-trick against Ajax took Spurs to the Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino, it’s been atrocious.Burnley, Sheffield United and Brentford – all outside the Premier League at the time – are the only semi-finals or finals Tottenham have won during that period – in 2009, 2015 and 2021 respectively.Even then, they needed extra time to beat Burnley despite being 4-1 up from the first leg.Spurs’ record with trophies on the line2009 League Cup final – Manchester United 0-0 (4-1 on penalties)2010 FA Cup semi-final – Portsmouth 2-02012 FA Cup semi-final – Chelsea 5-12015 League Cup final – Chelsea 2-02017 FA Cup semi-final – Chelsea 4-22018 FA Cup semi-final – Manchester United 2-12019 League Cup semi-finals – Chelsea 2-2 on aggregate – (4-2 on penalties)2019 Champions League final – Liverpool 2-02021 League Cup final – Manchester City 1-02022 League Cup semi-final – Chelsea 3-0 on aggregate2025 League Cup semi-final – Liverpool 4-1 aggregateAnd tried their best to cock-up the second of those after squandering a 2-0 aggregate lead before Christian Eriksen eventually sent them to Wembley.Basically, any time Spurs come up against half-decent opposition in a high-pressure knockout game, they lose.Take out that trio, who they were expected to beat anyway, they’ve lost every other semi-final or final tie in the last 17 YEARS.That is some going, especially considering Wigan, Portsmouth and Swansea – all currently outside the Prem – have won silverware in that period.Even Newcastle… yes, Newcastle, are just 90 minutes away from ending their 70-year drought. How humiliating would that be if the Toon, dubbed serial losers for decades, have won a trophy more recently than Tottenham?Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine.And it’s not like Spurs haven’t had their chances.For all the stick they get about being trophyless, they’ve had plenty of deep cup runs.Thursday’s embarrassment at Anfield was just the latest in a painful list for Tottenham, which includes one against Portsmouth, one other against Liverpool, one against City, two against Manchester United and FIVE against Chelsea.That’s now 11 defeats from a possible 11 against Premier League clubs in semi-finals or finals since 2008.It’s no wonder no one in the footballing world takes Tottenham seriously.READ MORE SUN STORIESSomehow, Spurs still have two chances left this season – the FA Cup and Europa League – and therefore could ultimately end their trophy drought very soon.But if recent history is anything to go by, you can think again. More

    • 250 Shares84 Views

      in Soccer

      Wembley glory win will be nice… but Newcastle need Champions League to keep £150m Alexander Isak from Arsenal and Co

      by

      A WEMBLEY CUP triumph will be nice – but it’s Champions League football that Newcastle need to hang on to Alexander Isak long-term.The Swedish superstar showed long-term suitors Arsenal once again exactly what he can do as he helped fire the Magpies to a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons.Eddie Howe is desperate to bring the first trophy to Tyneside in 70 yearsCredit: RexBut the Toon manager will be more eager to hang onto Alexsander IsakCredit: GettyIsak, 25, tormented Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba from the first whistle on what proved to be a famous night at St James’ Park.Although he failed to add to his 19 goal haul this term, the forward was at his majestic best as the Magpies won 2-0 to seal a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Gunners.That booked them another date under the arch and provided Isak with an opportunity to achieve legendary status on Tyneside in the final next month.It’s been 70 years since the club last won a major cup, and if he can score the winner at Wembley, don’t bet against a statue of him being resurrected outside SJP.Medals and glory are what every kid dreamed of growing up – but it is regular Champions League football that elite players now need.Isak, of course, has had a taste of that already on Tyneside but the club know they need to return there to stave off interest from the likes of Arsenal and Europe’s top dogs.It’s where the big boys play and the big bucks are paid out.Understandably, fans are starting to get ultra defensive whenever the prospect of his potential departure is brought up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEspecially when Arsenal’s name gets thrown into the conversation.Isak has been continually linked with a move to their Premier League rivals despite being under contract until 2028, a date that leaves Newcastle chiefs quite relaxed about his situation.Arsenal fans will have watched Carabao Cup disaster and wished Alexander Isak was playing for them – he’s unbelievableSun Sport understands that Isak still remains one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets, and that they will try to go all out to try and get him… even if it costs them the reported £150m price tag.He is already one of the top earners at Newcastle on £130,000-a-week as well.Isak, a club-record £63m buy from Real Sociedad in 2022, has earned every penny of those wages with his performances on the pitch.Last season he became the first Toon star since Alan Shearer two decades ago to hit 20 Premier League goals.Even finally ending that long trophy-drought may not quite be enough for Isak.And after a slow start to this season he has rediscovered his top form with his recent eight-game scoring run in the Prem.Although tentative talks over an improved deal may have stalled, they are set to resume in the summer, but it is unlikely to just be the money on offer that proves crucial.And even finally ending that long trophy-drought may not quite be enough for Isak.During a recent interview with Toon’s all-time top marksman Shearer he did little to dampen talk of a potential big-money transfer.When Super Al brought up Erling Haaland’s recent new nine-year deal and asked what was next for Isak, the Magpies ace vaguely replied: “We’ll see. You never know.”Isak has scored 17 goals and counting this seasonCredit: ReutersIsak still remains one of Mikel Arteta’s top targetsCredit: ReutersBut if Newcastle can build on their cup run and secure a top four finish then that could be pivotal… if not then the speculation won’t go away.And it’s fair to say that his manager Eddie Howe would not be the only one devastated to see Isak leave – even if it was for mega money.The Toon Army have always loved No9s, from Jackie Milburn and Malcolm Macdonald to the likes of Andy Cole and Shearer in more recent times.However, Isak is a little different, producing magic with 14 on his back, and he is in no rush to follow in the footsteps of those greats named above.Every top star now wants to play their best on the biggest stage – the Champions League.He said: “Many great players have had the No14. You had [David] Ginola from Newcastle and when I signed, out of the numbers that were available, I think that No14 was the most iconic.“I’m doing well, I’m happy with 14. But, on the other hand, I know the number nine is a special shirt for the fans.”It was not even out-and-out strikers that Isak grew up idolising either.Spain’s LaLiga was the most-covered football during his childhood years, and that meant it was Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo that he tried to emulate.And even now, despite his ruthlessness in front of goal, he has a lot more to his game than just sticking the ball in the onion bag.Isak told Alan Shearer that he and his team-mates want to be back in the Champions League next seasonCredit: ReutersHe explained: “I was more into dribbling, skills… I liked the street football style.“That’s the player I want to be and enjoy my football out there. That’s when I think that I play my best.”And every top star now wants to play their best on the biggest stage – the Champions League.Isak even admitted as much himself at the end of 2024, saying: “The whole team are very ambitious. We played Champions League last year and it is in our mind to get back there.“It is a long way to go until the end of the season so I don’t think we should be looking too much at the table.“The ambition of the team is of course to get in Europe again. We just need to take one game at a time.”ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

    • 275 Shares93 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘People are scared to death’ – David May admits he knows of ‘four or five’ ex-Man Utd stars who are battling dementia

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero David May has admitted that football players are “scared to death of getting dementia” – himself included.Ex-defender May revealed that he personally knows of around “four or five” former United stars from the 70s and 80s with the disease.David May has admitted that professional football players are ‘scared to death of dementia’Credit: PAMay told The Telegraph: “Dementia is an industrial injury. “I speak to players now and they say, ‘Have you been tested?’ They say, ‘No I don’t want to find out’. “People are absolutely scared to death of finding out.”Former team-mate David Beckham was among those who sent a message of support at the group launch of Football Families for Justice last month.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe organisation is demanding urgent action to tackle the beautiful game’s dementia crisis.May added: “Three or four nights before the launch all I could think of is, ‘Oh my God, this will happen to me’. “All I can think if I go in the kitchen and forget something is, ‘Have I got dementia?’ Once that’s passed, I’m fine again. But just those thoughts go through your mind.“I’m 55 this year. I don’t want my kids in 10 years’ time having to look after me, not being able to speak to them and understand them. Most read in Football“I would wish they could come once a week, twice a week, see their dad, know that I’m well cared for.”May decided to become involved after speaking with John Stiles, the son of 1966 World Cup winner Nobby.England and Man Utd legend Stiles died from a neurodegenerative disease associated with head impacts that leads to dementia in October 2020.Former Premier League star Dean Windass suffering from dementia as ex-Man Utd ace reveals diagnosis live on BBC You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. David MayDefenders are FIVE times more likely to be diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, than someone who is not a professional player, according to research commissioned by the FA in 2017.The landmark study by the University of Glasgow also found no decline in that ratio through the eras.Professor Willie Stewart isolated the link last year to heading and head impacts, rather than any outside lifestyle factor.May said that players would take aerial blows “all the time” whether from heading, elbows or clashes of heads.Denis Law and Bobby Charlton both passed away after long battles with dementiaHe revealed: “There’s quite a few players involved in the group who played in the 1980s who talk about their ex team-mates – I’m not going to name names – who are struggling with dementia.“I remember playing for Burnley against Stoke – I got a bang on the head and I can’t even remember who did it.“You look at the 80s and 90s – it was, ‘get on with it lads’ and that’s what we did. It’s like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.David May“You’d probably get two or three free hits before you got spoken to and you would pass it to your other centre-half. And they would do it back to you. It would be a free-for-all.“When I look at the amount of times I must have headed a ball in training, before a game, during a game, as a kid, you are talking thousands and thousands.“I would do 30-40 headers on a Friday – corners and free-kicks. They say that each heading of a ball whether from a goalkeeper or long free-kick is like getting punched off a professional boxer at 80 per cent.”May won seven major honours with Man Utd during the 90sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMay, who started in Man Utd’s FA Cup final-winning teams of 1996 and 1999, has not called for a ban on heading.But the Treble winner wants current players to be fully informed of the risks and for sport to collectively step forward for its former heroes.May revealed that ex-Hull star Dean Windass was diagnosed with stage-two dementia at the age of 55 last month.With permission from Windass, May said: “I asked Deano how he is. “He’s the same age as me and he’s worried sick of how it’s going to be in the future for him.”An application to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council to prescribe neurodegenerative disease in professional football as an industry-related disease has also just passed its fifth anniversary without resolution.Man Utd and Scotland icon Denis Law sadly lost his brave battle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease last month.While Old Trafford and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton had dementia when he died from a fall at his care home, a 2023 inquest heard.The FA did introduce guidance in 2021 that recommended no more than 10 “high-force” headers in training per week. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe PFA is currently working with more than 200 families of former players with dementia.Tony Parkes and Allan Gilliver are two former stars currently suffering with it, while legends Chris Nicholl and Stan Bowles tragically passed away on the same day last year – February 24.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 200 Shares153 Views

      in Soccer

      Ridiculous scorelines, bizarre gaffes, fanatical fans & celebrations with a GOAT… inside Europe’s most bonkers league

      by

      IT’S the most bonkers league in Europe… one that makes even our Championship look predictable.A division where the team currently sitting third haven’t won a home game all season.Fans at Schalke vs FC Nurnberg showed it’s a cracker of a divisionCredit: RexMagdeburg fans haven’t seen their high-fliers win at home all seasonCredit: GettyFans let off firebombs when Schalke faced Magdeburg at the Veltins-ArenaCredit: GettyWhere 8-3 scorelines are not considered unusual.And where one club hands out free tickets to its fans.Welcome to the wacky world of the German Second Division.While Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich have made an unsurprising return to the Bundesliga summit, the division below is once again conjuring its unique brand of chaos and craziness.In 20 matchdays this season, the team leading at the top of the table has changed nine times and in mid-December the gap between first and ninth was just three points.Magdeburg, who are now third, have not won a single league game at home this season in nine attempts – yet they topped the division in late January.Cologne currently lead the way. A city famous for its twin-spire cathedral, Lukas Podolski kebab house and bizarre love of Tony Woodcock – they don’t do things by halves when it comes to football.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis month they will bring out another outrageous kit to celebrate carnival time (they once finished a season with seven different shirts) and the fans will embark on a week-long party in fancy dress.But for Cologne, that is pretty much the norm. This is the club that has a live billy goat mascot, who arrives for every match with the Rocky theme tune blaring and a line of cheerleaders… and then spends the game grazing on the touchline.Cologne star Anthony Ujah celebrates goal by grabbing horns of goat mascot Anthony Ujah once ‘celebrated’ a goal by grabbing the horns of Cologne’s famous goat mascot, HennesHamburg supporters see the famous club languishing in the second tierCredit: GettyHe even unwittingly joined in a goal celebration when former striker Anthony Ujah memorably grabbed his horns a decade ago.Anywhere other than Germany, and you would probably raise an eyebrow.But that is the beauty of the 2. Bundesliga, where every week something bizarre seems to happen.This season, in a match between Magdeburg and Greuther Furth, two penalties were awarded for players inexplicably picking up the ball, believing the whistle had blown.A few years back, VAR awarded a spot-kick to Bochum after a Kiel sub warming up behind the goal put out a leg to stop a wayward shot before it had left the field of play.And Brentford keeper Mark Flekken needs no reminding about the time he turned his back on the action to have a drink, thinking his Duisburg team had scored, only for the goal to be ruled out and Ingolstadt to run down the other end and net themselves.But don’t be fooled into thinking there is a lack of quality. Far from it.Rudi Voller, Jurgen Klinsmann, Marco Reus and Joshua Kimmich are among a host of star names who have all cut their teeth in the German second tier.And a certain Jurgen Klopp made his name there both as a player and manager with Mainz.As for the clubs, it is not just Cologne who are a powerhouse.Brentford keeper Mark Flekken was playing for MSV Duisburg when he famously conceded a goal while getting a drink of waterFlekken was left embarrassed when Ingolstadt scoredHamburg, Kevin Keegan’s old outfit, are second in the table and the other week took 20,000 away fans to another giant Hertha Berlin, resulting in a staggering attendance of 71,500 at the Olympiastadion – which hosted England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.Former Bundesliga winners Kaiserslautern had plummeted into the third division but are now pushing for a return to the top flight, having gone from ninth to third in the space of a week in early December.Hannover are also knocking on the door, just behind Fortuna Dusseldorf, a club that is once again handing out free tickets to its matches as part of its Fortuna For All initiative.Last season, Dusseldorf trialled it for three games and received 350,000 ticket applications. This season, they extended it to four matches, with the Hamburg game in October attracting 135,000 requests for its 52,000-capacity stadium.And then there’s Schalke.Having reached the Champions League in 2019, they were trounced 7-0 at Manchester City and have lurched from one crisis to another ever since.Schalke, who still count former Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny among their ranks, sat top of the table after the first match of this season.But within a month they were flirting with relegation to the third tier of German football.To put that into perspective, they are the third biggest club in the country, akin to an Arsenal or a Tottenham. And when was the last time you saw Spurs mentioned in the same breath as relegation…England legend Kevin Keegan was with Hamburg from 1977-1980Credit: GettyAnother ex-Three Lions striker, Tony Woodcock, has icon status at CologneCredit: GettyDespite Schalke’s woes, their attendances still average just over 60,000.In fact, six clubs average more than 41,000 and as of last weekend, a whopping 5.5million fans had watched a match this season in the division.And where there are German football fans, there is beer and bratwurst – and lots of it.Schalke’s stadium, sponsored by brewers Veltins, has its own three-mile long beer pipeline so their long-suffering supporters are never short of a pint, while the club is still backed by a sausage magnate.The fans aren’t starved of entertainment either.Ridiculous scorelines and incredible comebacks are a regular occurrence, with the second tier averaging 3.19 goals a game. Even our wildly unpredictable Championship has managed only 2.48.On 13 of the 20 matchdays, at least one club scored five goals in a match, and on one of the weeks when it didn’t happen, five teams still netted four each.Nuremberg’s 8-3 win over Regensburg – a match that was 3-3 in the 58th minute – is still the highest scoring this season.But there has also been a 5-3 and a 4-4, while 4-3s are as common as a love of lederhosen.Throw in the fact the average season ticket costs you £170 and you can see the appeal.So if you like your football fast and frenetic, your beer strong and cheap and your sausages a foot long, you know exactly where to go.Magdeburg are dreaming of promotion to the elite domain of Bayern and CoCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares144 Views

      in Boxing

      Derek Chisora reveals new rivalry with childhood pal Anthony Joshua despite pair never considering fighting each other

      by

      DEREK CHISORA loves Anthony Joshua too much to fight him – but he wants to flatten him at the school sports day.The fearless 41-year-old warhorse adopted AJ as a little brother when he spotted him coming through Finchley ABC almost 20 years ago.Derek Chisora loves Anthony Joshua too much to fight himCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunJoshua has a close bond with fellow boxing star ChisoraCredit: GettyChisora is not planning to fight Joshua any time soonCredit: ReutersJoshua, now 35, was a tear-up loving teenage bricklayer teetering on the edge of a life of crime, while Chisora was a Zimbabwean mummy’s boy struggling to fit in anywhere.The pair bonded and – despite incredible records of fighting almost all of the best giants of this era – have never entertained the idea of a mega-money fight between themselves.But now Del’s 10-year-old daughter Angelina and the London 2012 legend’s heir JJ are at the some North London primary school, mentoring and compassion have been subbed off for teasing and competition.Ahead of his 49th professional bout with Otto Wallin on Saturday, Chisora revealed: “I wind AJ up because our kids go to the same school and I tell him they’re organising a dads’ race for sports day.Read More on Boxing“I call AJ and say, ‘It’s sports day – make sure you’re coming!’ I’m serious.“He hasn’t been for the last few but I say, ‘Bro, it’s sports day, you’re coming’.”A fleet of luxury cars belonging to the British ring heroes, as well as JLS star Marvin Humes and comedian David Walliams, drop their kids off to the same posh school.It’s unlikely any of the sporting icons or celebrities use the local bus service.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut 18st hulk Chisora reckons the parents could be in for a shock if they spot him or his boxing-addicted protege hanging about for public transport near the school gates.“Boxing is an addictive sport,” he said with his 50th and final fight looming. I don’t care what you say – it’s a drug sport, it’s like heroin.My champagne lunch date with Derek Chisora turned into a naked chat in a Russian sauna as he was whipped with leaves“You go to the amateur gym for the first time and all of a sudden you’re waiting for the bus shadow boxing.“And people say, ‘What the f*** is wrong with you?’ Every fighter does it, all the greatest fighters do it.“You know who the biggest shadow boxer in the world is? Anthony Joshua.“That mother f***er cannot have a conversation without jumping up and shadow boxing and I’m the same around my house.“People wonder what the f*** we are doing and tell us just to chill out.”Another thing the North London pair have in common is decision defeats to Ukraine’s undisputed heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.Oleksandr Usyk ‘gives PTSD’The 38-year-old Brit basher knocked Tony Bellew spark out, outpointed Chisora, left AJ in tears after back-to-back schoolings, broke Daniel Dubois with a jab and just retired Tyson Fury with two dominant displays.There is something utterly maverick about the God-fearing gap-toothed southpaw, who wears a giant Greek Orthodox cross under his latest Stone Island jumper.And, after 12 hard rounds and a couple of London sauna sessions together, Chisora can explain it better than anyone.“That Ukrainian guy gives you PTSD,” he said“He made my young brother cry on the stage, he made Tyson Fury retire. Nobody can deal with him.“I sat down with him a couple of weeks ago. I asked him where he lives now, he said: ‘Ukraine. Yesterday my security told me to go in the bomb shelter but I said ‘no’. Rockets are flying past my house but me, I sleep’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When he’s telling me this story, I ask myself, ‘What do you have to have to beat him?’ The guy is lying down and rockets are flying past his house.“While you’re in your big house in Knightsbridge where the only problem you have is taxis beeping outside your door. How do you beat a guy like that? You have to have craziness.”How AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch. More