Manchester City transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Kyle Walker reveals former England star ‘couldn’t stop crying’ after manager sacking with whole dressing room in tears

      by

      KYLE WALKER revealed the whole Tottenham dressing room burst into tears when former boss Andre Villas-Boas was sacked.Villas-Boas was given his marching orders after a chastening 5-0 home defeat against Liverpool in December 2013 – but one former England star was particularly distraught.Kyle Walker revealed a former England star ‘couldn’t stop crying’ in 2013After then manager Andre Villas Boas was sacked amid a poor run of resultsThe Manchester City defender, who spent eight years at Spurs between 2009-17, described his former manager as “so, so nice”.On the latest episode of the You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker podcast, he said: “I can remember when he left, Levy sacked him and he came downstairs and was sort of crying in front of us.”He started crying. I’ve got tears running down my eyes… Michael Dawson is welling up and couldn’t stop crying, like emotionally crying. “Because that’s how much he meant to the lads. Now we probably did not do him justice on the pitch because that’s why he got the sack.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But for 10 or 12 men to be crying because the manager’s gone. He’s done something well in the dressing room and I think a footballer’s side is connected with us as well.”England defender Dawson was Tottenham’s captain at the time and was particularly close with Villas-Boas.Walker – who is now managed by the fair but ruthless Pep Guardiola – also explained that perhaps Villas-Boas was “too nice” and would text players on their birthdays.The England star added: “I think that [niceness] probably killed him.”Most read in FootballWhile nearly 12 players cried, it was Michael Dawson who was the most distraughtFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVillas-Boas enjoyed a good first season at White Hart Lane during 2012-13, taking Spurs to the brink of the Champions League with a squad that included an emergent Gareth Bale.But Bale was sold to Real Madrid for £85.3 million after the North London side missed out on qualification for Europe’s elite competition by one point to rivals Arsenal.The Welshman’s fee – a world record at the time – was invested badly and Villas-Boas soon found himself under pressure, with Luka Modric sold to Madrid for £33m during the previous summer.Boy Wonders: Spurs star Will Lankshear the next Harry Kane?Spurs replaced Bale with Christian Eriksen, Paulinho, Roberto Soldado, Nacer Chadli, Etienne Capoue, Erik Lamela and Vlad Chiriches. Walker admitted he regrets the fact the team did not perform well enough to keep Villas-Boas in his job.The 34-year-old added: “Bale was a massive, massive loss.”They signed seven players off the back of the Bale money. There’s a lot of changes there and we just never really gelled in time for the manager to then do well.”Walker left Spurs for Man City in 2017 for £45m, where he established himself as one of the world’s best right-backs, and became the Etihad’s captain at the start of last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Villas-Boas took over at Zenit Saint Petersburg shortly after leaving the Premier League, going on to manage Shanghai SIPG and most recently Marseille in Ligue 1. The 46-year-old is now the president of Porto, the club where he captured a treble that included the Europa League before he moved to England with Chelsea in 2011.Kyle Walker has gone onto to win everything in football with Man City More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘make Rodri priority transfer target’ in stunning move with Man City star yet to commit to new deal

      by

      REAL MADRID have made Rodri a priority target ahead of next summer, according to reports.The midfielder has been one of Manchester City’s most important players in recent years and finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or last year.Real Madrid have made Rodri a ‘priority’ signingCredit: GettyHe played a crucial role in City winning their fourth Premier League title in a row this year before helping Spain win Euro 2024.That has sparked interest from Real Madrid, who are still in search of a long-term successor for Toni Kroos.Real could make a move for Rodri next summer after making him a “priority” target, report AS.The Spanish outlet claim a move to the Bernabeu would appeal to Madrid native Rodri.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever he has also been offered a bumper new deal by City with the club willing to make the midfielder their joint highest paid player on £375,000-a-week.Rodri, 28, still has nearly three years left on his deal but City are keen to tie down his long-term future after he admitted Spain’s contingent of Real players tried to lure him to the Bernabeu.City are even willing to re-structure De Bruyne’s contract to make sure Rodri is level with the Belgian as the highest earner in the squad.That would involve reducing midfielder’s base salary but offering lucrative bonuses to make up for the loss.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCity also want De Bruyne to sign a new deal as his contract expires at the end of the season.That means he would be able to talk to clubs outside the UK in January, including Saudi Arabia where teams have shown interest previously.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shreds More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City forced to play twice in 49 hours as police refuse to budge on Carabao Cup clash

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY are set to play twice in the space of 49 hours later this month.City meet Watford in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, 25 September.Pep Guardiola will have to manage a hectic fixture scheduleCredit: AlamyPep Guardiola’s side face Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday, 22 September, before travelling to Newcastle on Saturday, 28 September.But neighbours Manchester United are playing their Europa League group stage opener against FC Twente on Wednesday night, when City’s game against Watford would have beenmost suitable.Therefore, City will be forced to play twice in three days because Greater Manchester Police are reluctant to let them play at home on the same night.Not since October 2015, when City thumped Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and United lost on penalties to Middlesbrough, has that happened.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has been confirmed that the clash with the Hornets will take place on the Tuesday.By the time the match at the Etihad Stadium kicks off, it will be just over 48 hours after City’s crucial meeting with the Gunners finishes, meaning Guardiola will have to utilise his talented squad.The fixture comes during a hectic period where the reigning Premier League champions play five times in 15 days following the return of the Champions League.City host Inter Milan on September 18, four days before playing Brentford at home after the international break.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan City has started the season perfectly as they aim to win their fifth Premier League title in a row.The Citizens won the curtain-raising Community Shield over rivals Man United. Micah Richards explains awkward exchange with Erling Haaland live on Sky Sports after Man City’s win over ChelseaGuardiola’s side have since won all three of their league matches, starting with the victory over Chelsea.City then followed up on the win at Stamford Bridge with successes against Ipswich Town and West Ham.Erling Haaland has been sensational so far this season in front of goal.The Norweigian striker has already scored seven goals in his three league matches.This includes back-to-back hat-tricks against the Tractor Boys and the Hammers.Pep Guardiola set for final Man City seasonBy Martin BlackburnAFTER eight glorious years of stability, Manchester City now head into an uncertain 12 months.And Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to neighbours United was a reminder that this glittering and unforgettable era will not go on for ever.Around this time in 2025, City will be preparing for the highly-lucrative Fifa Club World Cup in the US.Yet in all likelihood they will also be getting ready to say their goodbyes to manager Pep Guardiola, who has brought so much success to the east side of Manchester.Meanwhile, there could be a verdict on 115 charges of financial irregularity which have been levelled at the club by Premier League chiefs.The suggestion is the hearing could start later this year but is likely to take several months to reach a conclusion.City continue to deny any wrongdoing and are confident they will be cleared by the independent commission.Read Martin Blackburn’s full column here. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona chief breaks silence on Ilkay Gundogan’s shock transfer return to Man City and reveals real reason he left

      by

      BARCELONA transfer chief Joan Laporta has revealed the reasons behind Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Manchester City.Gundogan, 33, left Man City as a treble-winner last summer to join the Catalan outfit when his contract expired.Ilkay Gundogan returned to Man City after a season with BarcelonaCredit: GettyGundogan left following the big money signing of Dani OlmoCredit: EPABut Barcelona chief Joan Laporta insists Gundogan’s exit was down to ‘sporting’ reasonsCredit: GettyHowever, just one year later, he sealed a move back to his old stomping ground on a free transfer to reunite with Pep Guardiola and co.His time in Catalonia came in a season in which Barcelona desperately struggled across the board.It also saw Gundogan brutally call out his team-mates after their exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, with his wife later forced to defend his “treble mentality”.The German was reportedly the eighth-highest earner in the squad on £165,000 a week, but Barcelona needed to make room in their budget in order to register new signing Dani Olmo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Blaugrana chief Joan Laporta has insisted Gundogan left for sporting reasons, following a discussion with new manager Hansi Flick.Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, he said: “[Gundogan is] a great player and an excellent person. The year we spent with him showed us what he’s like. “But after a meeting with [Hansi] Flick and assessing the situation of the squad, he decided he wanted to leave.”The signing of Dani Olmo [meant] he was a player who performs a similar function to that of Gundo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s purely a sporting decision. It wasn’t a financial one, but the financial repercussions have been good for us. It’s a sporting decision by Barca and Gundogan.”He came without a transfer fee and it was fair that if he wanted to go to City there wouldn’t be a fee.Ilkay Gundogan points blame at two Barcelona team-mates on live TV after nightmare Champions League exit to PSG”It has had an impact on our accounts, but the reason was a sporting decision by the player.”Gundogan made 51 appearances for Barca last season, scoring five goals and adding 14 assists – the most in the squad.He has made two appearances off the bench for the Cityzens this season.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City star Phil Foden moves house weeks after late night party at £3m mansion as removals firm shows off gift

      by

      PHIL Foden has moved out of his £3million mansion just weeks after police were called to the property about a rowdy party.Removal firm Warrens shared a photo of a signed jersey from the Man City star on social media.Phil Foden left the removal firm with a signed Man City shirtCredit: InstagramStaff members said they were delighted with the giftsCredit: InstagramWarren’s removal firm helped the footballer and his family move out of his £3million mansionCredit: InstagramThe message from the young footballer thanked the firm for helping his family move. The firm replied: “Normally Phil provides the goals and assists but on this occasion, we provided the assist and achieved our goal.”Staff members from the firm were honoured to help the Foden move home and many left heartfelt messages to the England footballer.The move comes after reports that police were called to a late-night party at Foden’s house in Prestbury, Cheshire.read more on footballA neighbour called 999 to complain about the loud music, with one resident saying it was “like being in a nightclub”.Locals said the kids’ party began around 4pm and continued until midnight.Cheshire police confirmed they received a noise complaint but no officers visited the property.One neighbour in his 80s, who lives near the Premier League footballer, claimed the music was “excessively loud,” even though he had turned his TV up to full volume.Most read in SportAnother neighbour claimed the young footballer had other “parties with loud music” but added that it was not a regular occurrence.The disgruntled resident claimed that it was as if the Foden was “hosting a music festival”.MADDISON’S LUXURY MANSIONA Cheshire Police spokeswoman said: “We received a call on Tuesday evening about a noise issue at an address in Prestbury. “However the caller was advised that it was a matter for the council.”Foden’s former £3million mansion featured five bedrooms, a swimming pool, a cinema room, a gym and a large garden with a hot tub and trampoline.Wayne Rooney used to live nearby until he moved to a £20million mega-mansion nearby.A source told The Sun back in 2022: “Phil loves living in Cheshire but felt it was time to fly the nest now he has two young children with his partner, Rebecca.“It’s in his old neighbourhood so they feel very settled in already.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt comes after a lucky football fan secured a £3.5million house in Cheshire’s footballers’ paradise – from just a £10 raffle.And James Maddison is flogging his jaw-dropping house that comes with its own football pitch for just £2.5million.Phil Foden’s signed England jerseyCredit: Instagram More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City jokers sick of all Erling Haaland’s hat-tricks as they sign ‘f*** off’ on match ball

      by

      ERLING Haaland’s Man City team-mates are sick of signing the match ball after he nets another hat-trick — because he scores so many.Prem stars keep the ball if they achieve the feat — and teammates sign it as a memento.Erling Haaland’s Man City team-mates showed they were fed up with his hat-tricks by scrawling ‘f*** off’ in black marker on the match ballErling scored another hat-trick at West Ham on SaturdayCredit: ReutersBut one City player showed they were fed up of the tradition by scrawling “f*** off” in black marker after Erling’s latest hat-trick at West Ham on Saturday.The 24-year-old Norwegian posted a selfie with it on his private jet.It was his second of the season after he also hit one against Ipswich.On that match ball, one of his colleagues scrawled: “I’m sick of writing these match balls.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity fans speculated over who the serial marker fiend is — with most pointing the finger at Jack Grealish.One joked: “This can only be Jack. Someone has to bring Haaland down a peg or two.”Erling has 11 hat-tricks since joining City in 2022.The ace has smashed home seven goals in three games – four more than any other player – in his best ever start to a season.Most read in FootballSpeaking after hitting the treble, Haaland said: “I feel good, I feel energised.“I had a long vacation and pre-season. Now I’m ready for more.”How to stop Erling Haaland: Five tactics every Premier League team must use vs Man CityErling has 11 hat-tricks since joining City in 2022Credit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League fixtures CONFIRMED with Arsenal handed rarely-seen Thursday night fixture as new format kicks in

      by

      THE dates for this season’s Champion League fixtures have been confirmed – with a major change to scheduling also being announced.Europe’s elite club competition – which was won by Real Madrid last season – returns next month.The new format Champions League draw took place on ThursdayCredit: GettyArsenal learned their fate in the draw along with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Man CityCredit: APThe Gunners have been handed a rare Thursday night fixture to kick off their campaignCredit: GETTYPremier League quartet Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City learned their fates for this season’s instalment of the competition, the first outing of the new 36-team league format, this week.But for the first time in the modern era, there’s been a major change to the scheduling of games.Due to the increased number of teams in the tournament, games will now be played on Tuesday, Wednesday and THURSDAY nights.And Arsenal will be the first English team to play Champions League footie on a Thursday night.READ MORE UCL NEWSThe Gunners will kick off their campaign away to last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta on Thursday, September 19.Aston Villa and Liverpool will both be in action on Tuesday, September 17, travelling to Switzerland and Italy respectively to take on Young Boys and AC Milan.Premier League champions Manchester City, meanwhile, will welcome Inter Milan to the Etihad the following night.As well as their match with Atalanta, the Gunners will also be on the road for their clashes with Inter, Girona and Sporting Lisbon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikel Arteta’s troops will welcome Shakhtar Donetsk, GNK Dinamo, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates.In addition to their trip to Young Boys, Villa will be on the road against RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Monaco.The new Champions League format explainedBayern Munich, Juventus Bologna and Celtic will be the 1982 tournament winners’ opposition at Villa Park.Liverpool’s proverbial ‘Group of Death’ will also see them travel to Spain, the Netherlands and Germany to take on Girona, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig.Arne Slot’s lot will welcome Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Bologna at Anfield.Manchester City, meanwhile, face away days to Juventus, Sporting Lisbon, Slovan Bratislava and Paris Saint-Germain.The 2022/23 winners will also host Club Brugge, Feyenoord and Sparta Prague at the Etihad.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Doting Jack Grealish shares touching birthday message as Man City star’s little sister Hollie turns 21

      by

      JACK GREALISH has shared a heartwarming post celebrating the 21st birthday of his sister, Hollie.Manchester City star Grealish posted a collection of photos of him and his younger sibling to commemorate the milestone.Jack Grealish shared a heartwarming 21st birthday post for sister HollieCredit: Instagram @jackgrealishIn June he spoke of his pride for Hollie, who has cerebral palsy, as she landed her first jobCredit: InstagramThe 28-year-old captioned his post: “@Holliegrealish. Happy 21st birthday to my lovely little sister.”Love you loads,” as he added three light blue heart emojis.Doting Grealish celebrated lifting the Premier League title last season by sharing a hug and kiss on the cheek with Hollie in a heartwarming photo.Hollie captioned that post on her Instagram page and captioned it: “The best.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGrealish and Hollie are very close, with the former Aston Villa star previously referring to her as his “best friend”.Hollie was born with cerebral palsy – a condition which affects movement and balance.She was born three months premature and was not expected to be able to walk or talk.However, she incredibly defied the odds and can now do both.Most read in FootballIn June, Grealish spoke of his pride for his sister after she landed her first job as a waitress.Alongside a set of heart emojis, Grealish captioned a picture: “Go on Hols. First job… Birmingham’s best waitress. Proud of you.”Jack Grealish sneaks out of Bernardo Silva’s birthday party in underground tunnel as Man City stars hit town with Wags (1)After being left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, Grealish has returned to the Three Lions fold under Lee Carsley.Carsley, who officially has the England job on an interim basis, named his first squad after being promoted from the Under-21s job.He named four uncapped players in his team; Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento.Grealish’s Man City team-mate Kyle Walker was a surprise omission from the squad, even though he is yet to play for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.The Spaniard handed Grealish his first minutes of the season as he came off the bench in the 71st minute of their 4-1 win over Ipswich last weekend.City play West Ham away tomorrow before the first international break of the season.Inside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationshipSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish are set to become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15. Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”. The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down. In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas. Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7. More