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      in Soccer

      Amorim and Ratcliffe’s reputations have been minced by a rotten, stinking Man Utd – who’d blame them for walking away

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      THEY brought in the second-richest man in Great Britain and the hottest young coach in Europe.And yet, as the fans mourned the 20th anniversary of the Glazer family’s takeover yesterday, Manchester United are worse than ever.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has endured a nightmare first 16 months at Man UtdCredit: PARuben Amorim looks like a broken man at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAnd United fans are at the end of their tether with it allCredit: GettyIt is easy to forget, after Ruben Amorim laid bare United’s desolate  soul in his latest brutally honest press conference, what a coup it had been to land him in the first place.How Amorim had been hailed as a cross between a young Jose Mourinho and Jesus Christ, when he oversaw a 4-1 Champions League demolition of Manchester City in his final home match  in charge of Sporting Lisbon just six months ago.Sporting boasted a 100 per cent record in the Portuguese league and Amorim was a charismatic tactical mastermind who was going to transform Old Trafford.And what a game-changer it was supposed to have been when Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of United’s footballing operation just 16 months ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis ruthlessly brilliant businessman, this local-boy-made-good, was going to lead the Red Devils back to the place he once held in the Forbes Rich List.Now Ratcliffe’s ruthlessness is regarded as hateful penny-pinching, that business acumen has not translated into football  — and United are two places above the  relegation zone.This rotten, stinking football club minces the reputations of the best of men. As Amorim seems to have realised, according to his extraordinary round of media interviews in the wake of Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat by West Ham.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordWords which left you seriously wondering whether Amorim wants out this summer.The 40-year-old offered up the idea that if United could not change things “really fast, we should give our places to different people”.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at clubAfter all, the trend is clear: leave United and start enjoying football again.Aaron Wan-Bissaka, instrumental in both Hammers goals, has been voted West Ham’s player of the season by a landslide and is just one of many players to have left Old Trafford and thrived.Scott McTominay is a key figure in table-topping Napoli’s bid for the Serie A title, Antony has inspired Real Betis to the Conference League final and Dean Henderson is heading for an FA Cup final with Crystal Palace.You can list a composite starting XI of players who left United, either permanently or on loan, in the last two years — all of them considered either dead wood or wrong ’uns — which would probably beat Amorim’s team on current form.The group includes: Henderson (Crystal Palace); Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), Willy Kambwala and Eric Bailly (both Villarreal), Tyrell Malacia (PSV Eindhoven); McFred (Napoli and Fenerbahce); Antony (Real Betis), Mason Greenwood  (Marseille), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa), Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest).United have become a vast footballer recycling centre which buys good players and makes them bad, before selling bad players who become good again.Aaron Wan-Bissaka was instrumental in both West Ham goals on SundayCredit: GettyLike Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag before him, Amorim has identified a kind of concrete cancer at United which feels incurable once you have been inside the place for any length of time.Win next week’s ‘Hell Clasico’ Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao and Amorim will have something to build upon.Champions League qualification would significantly increase the budget, as well as the desirability of moving to United this summer.Lose it and Ratcliffe is in the same ­position as last summer — wondering whether to back a manager who is failing badly in the Premier League.Having erroneously handed Ten Hag a new deal and a hefty transfer kitty last year, would he dare do the same again?Amorim is bright enough to realise this predicament, describing it as “a decisive moment in the history of the club.”Like all good managers, he had the ego to believe he could turn around United.Once inside, however, he realised the full scale of that task was beyond him. Perhaps beyond anyone.Man Utd suffered their 17th Prem defeat of the season on SundayCredit: PAAnd Amorim hinted that he’s prepared to QUIT if he can’t turn things aroundCredit: ReutersUnder the ruinous Glazers, so many things have been wrong at United for so long that nobody even knows where to start when it comes to putting things right.Dan Ashworth, one of the finest sporting directors in the game, was in and out of Old Trafford within months. Amorim may well follow suit.Amorim was correct to suggest that United’s players have been turning it on for Europa League matches on Thursday nights and tossing it off in the Premier League on Sundays.He was also bang-on when he identified that United players are no longer scared of losing and that not possessing “that fear” is “the most dangerous thing a big club can have”.What does the idea of ‘bigness’ actually mean when home defeats in the Premier League have become so routine that everyone knows they can beat you?Since the start of last season, United have lost domestic matches at Old Trafford to Brighton, Crystal Palace (twice), Manchester City, Newcastle (twice), Bournemouth (twice), Fulham (twice), Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and West Ham.When Aston Villa win at Old Trafford on Sunday week it will mean that, of the 16 clubs United have faced in the Premier League both this season and last, only Chelsea, Everton and Brentford won’t have won at Old Trafford.And only Everton will have failed to beat United either home or away.United have been consistently terrible in the Premier League for two years now.Read More on The SunShould they fail to win the Europa League and should any one of the promoted clubs show any serious ambition, United will be genuine relegation candidates next term.So we should not blame Amorim if he doesn’t fancy being around to oversee it.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham as Ugarte awful and Mainoo invisible in latest horror showMANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.United gave fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford… More

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      in Soccer

      Don’t criticise Marinakis’ antics after Nottingham Forest owner erupted in tunnel – it’s what football needs

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      HERE’S to going to the football and whingeing and whining and booing and hollering.Here’s to losing your rag, chucking your toys out of the pram and going completely apes**t.Nuno Espirito Santo was on the end of some heated words from Evangelos MarinakisCredit: AFPMarinakis was criticised for his actions after the draw with Leicester CityCredit: AFPThe incident occurred due to confusion over Taiwo Awoniyi’s injuryCredit: AFPHere’s to Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis storming on to the City Ground pitch and throwing a wobbler at manager Nuno Espirito Santo.Here’s to Liverpool fans jeering Trent Alexander-Arnold for being a Scouser and having the temerity to want to play for someone else.Here’s to Ruben Amorim ranting at Manchester United players, who play like princes on Thursday nights and clowns on Sunday afternoons.Because what is football without passion? What is it all about if nobody really cares?READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhat sort of escapism is it if we can’t scream our hearts out and lose all reason?And so why are many people claiming Nuno should quit over Marinakis’ little tantrum?Why are so many berating Liverpool supporters for booing Alexander-Arnold?And why is Amorim criticised for speaking the glaringly obvious truth that his players pick and choose which matches to turn up for?Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMarinakis, the larger-than-life Greek shipping magnate who has hauled Forest from the Championship into Europe, is a controversial and often unloveable figure.This Hellenic Captain Pugwash spent like a drunken sailor after promotion, sailed close to the wind of PSR and has been forced to walk the plank on more than one occasion because of his behaviour towards referees. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fansTrent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyHe was booed by Liverpool fans against ArsenalCredit: ReutersBut what would you prefer from an owner?Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who cuts costs and has a heart of ice, or Marinakis, who splashes out and clearly cares?On Sunday, Marinakis confronted Nuno after the 2-2 draw with Leicester City — which simultaneously confirmed European football for Forest after a 30-year absence and seriously dented the club’s hopes of reaching the Champions League.Marinakis was fuming about an amateur-hour episode which meant Forest briefly playing with ten men.This was due to a communication breakdown between Nuno and the medical staff over whether Taiwo Awoniyi was fit to carry on.The striker collided with a goalpost after a linesman hadn’t flagged for an obvious offside in another glorious triumph for VAR protocols.Sure, Nuno could have done without a public dressing-down out on the pitch.But he is a well-paid big boy with the placid temperament needed to work for a volcanic owner.The Portuguese has done an outstanding job but a top-five finish was on the cards all season.West Ham compounded Manchester United to another Prem defeatCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim has often been critical of the teamCredit: GettyAnd since Leicester are both local rivals and completely hopeless, Forest’s inability to beat them at home was cause for understandable frustration.Later in the afternoon, there was an outcry over an outcry at Anfield, when Alexander-Arnold arrived as a sub against Arsenal and was subjected to resounding boos for having agreed to join Real Madrid.Now, Real are the one club in the world which clearly represents an upgrade on Liverpool.The England right-back clearly fancies a pay rise, some sunshine, a new adventure and a superior chance of winning another European Cup.But equally, Liverpool supporters cherish having a local lad in their side. Every football fan does.When that local lad doesn’t swallow the club propaganda that ‘This Means More’, there will be indignation from many supporters.Because, as a Scouser, Alexander-Arnold did mean more to them and they believe that Liverpool should mean more to him.And so they booed — even after the title had been secured and ‘rivals’ Arsenal had given their team a little clap on to the pitch, because even when the entire Premier League season has pretty much flatlined, this thing still matters.For the vast majority of football supporters, our default setting is misery, anger and frustration.And if we don’t have our match-going release, we would end up being permanently miserable, angry and frustrated about important things in life.Arne Slot did not have a problem with the fans’ opinionsCredit: APAndy Robertson said it was ‘not nice’ to see his team-mate’s receptionCredit: GettyOn Saturday, I went with my son to watch our team, Fulham, after a very difficult week for our family.We thought they might cheer us up a bit by beating Everton and keeping our hopes alive of reaching the Conference League.And we really did hope for that because my boy has never watched Fulham play in Europe and it would have been fun.But Fulham tossed away a lead for the umpteenth time this season, conceding three shocking goals, as what had promised to be an excellent season fizzles out into a pretty average one.We howled and raged during the match, then scowled and sulked on the way home.Because ranting and raging about something so unimportant is actually good for us.And even when your team is half-decent, what’s wrong with dreaming for a little bit more?Why shouldn’t Marinakis be annoyed about missing out on the Champions League?Why shouldn’t Liverpool fans want a Scouser in their team?Read More on The SunWhy shouldn’t Amorim tell the truth about the attitude and application of his players?Criticise them and you fundamentally fail to understand why football matters. 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      in Soccer

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

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

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      in Boxing

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

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

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      in Soccer

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

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

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      in Soccer

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

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

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      in Soccer

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

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

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

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