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    Phil Foden looks distraught as he hobbles off injured in worrying scenes during Man City’s clash vs Real Madrid

    PHIL FODEN was distraught after being subbed off in the 87th minute of Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid.The 23-year-old midfielder was hobbling as he was withdrawn, which will concern City fans going into the business end of the season.Foden was not happy as he was helped off the pitchCredit: TNT SportsHe was closely helped by two medicsCredit: TNT SportsFoden starred in the 3-3 classic with Madrid, scoring a wonderful goal in the 71st minute to make it 2-2.The England international earned his start after Kevin De Bruyne pulled out of the starting XI before kick off.De Bruyne was ill before the game, with Pep Guardiola saying that he had “vomited” in the changing rooms.Fortunately for City fans, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Foden’s injury was not as bad as it first appeared.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said to TNT’s Becky Ives after the game: “It was [just] a knock, he was grumpy with me because I made the substitution.”When asked if City could emulate their feat last season and beat Madrid on home turf, Guardiola said: “We have to win the game.”It will not be like last season but we will have our people. Our fans will be there. It will be sold out. “We need all of them, the energy during 95 minutes to try and beat the king of this competition. Most read in FootballCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Our people in Manchester will go for it and yeah. The people will be there. They [Madrid] will score one goal that’s for sure.”City fans will be eagerly awaiting Pep’s next press conference ahead of the weekend’s clash with Luton.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridThey are one point off Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League with seven games to go.They also face Real Madrid in the second leg next week. More

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    Man City forced into last-minute change as Kevin De Bruyne drops to BENCH for huge Real Madrid clash

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been benched for Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid tonight.De Bruyne is unwell and will only be fit to play a role as a substitute.Kevin De Bruyne reported that he felt ill before the gameCredit: RexPep Guardiola was involved in an awkward interview with Jules BreachIn his pre-match interview, City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed that the 32-year-old has been vomitting.But it was somewhat of an awkward interview with TNT presenter Jules Breach, who misheard what the Spaniard said at first.Phil Foden has been restored to the starting line-up after being rested for the 4-2 victory against Crystal Palace.The two midfielders had been rotating in the XI, with De Bruyne playing City’s last game against Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe midfielder shone in a man-of-the-match performance, scoring twice.That came after Foden put in his own stunning performance mid-week against Aston Villa, scoring a hat-trick with De Bruyne being consigned to the bench.De Bruyne missed the early part of this season with a hamstring injury which had been plaguing him since the Champions League final last season.He returned in the New Year and has been eased back into the City first-team, largely sharing his minutes with Foden.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDe Bruyne was named City captain last summer after Ilkay Gundogan left the club.But his long-term absence saw him pass the responsibility along to Kyle Walker.Kevin De Bruyne and stunning wife Michele in ad City play Real Madrid at 8pm tonight in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.The club are still looking to put together a never-done-before back-to-back treble.In an unprecedented move, Real Madrid have opted to close the Bernabeu roof in a bid to create a hostile atmosphere at their iconic stadium. More

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    Former Chelsea star Joao Felix says he ‘has convinced’ Bernardo Silva to make Barcelona transfer from Man City

    JOAO FELIX claims he has “convinced” Portugal team-mate Bernardo Silva to join Barcelona.Manchester City star, Silva, 29, was heavily linked with a move to the Catalan giants in 2022 and last summer.Joao Felix, right, believes he has convinced Bernardo Silva, left, to join BarcelonaCredit: GettySilva’s stats in the Premier League so far this seasonIn August, he seemingly quashed any talk of a departure by signing a new deal to keep him at the Etihad until 2026.But Barcelona forward Felix, 24, has now reignited that talk by claiming he has spoken to Silva who has been asking a lot of questions about the city.Speaking to Catalunya Radio, the former Chelsea loanee said: “I think I’ve convinced Bernardo Silva to join Barca, that’s all true. But it doesn’t depend on him right now.”He asked me about places to live, places to eat, safety… everything.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If he comes, Barca will be delighted with Bernardo.”Silva joined Man City from Monaco in a deal worth £43million back in 2017.He has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most successful signings, racking up 345 appearances, 64 goals and 63 assists.The Portuguese playmaker has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow the title run-ins compareIt’s going to go right down to the wire with just one point separating the top three – but how do Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City’s run-ins compare?
    ARSENAL: Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A) Chelsea (H), Spurs (A), Bournemouth (H), Man Utd (A) and Everton (H)
    LIVERPOOL: Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), Everton (A), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H)
    MAN CITY: Luton (H), Brighton (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H) and Tottenham (A TBC)

    On a personal level, he was also named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2019 and 2022, while he made the Champions League Team of the Season following Man City’s triumph last season.Barcelona sit eight points adrift of Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table with just eight games remaining.Watch Bernardo Silva change mind on Premier League title race after Sky Sports reporter corrects him mid-interview But they are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League and will travel to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their tie on Wednesday.Manager Xavi has confirmed he is leaving at the end of the season, with his replacement yet to be confirmed.Hansi Flick, Mikel Arteta and Roberto De Zerbi are among the frontrunners, according to the bookies. More

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    Ellie Roebuck opens up on hope of making ‘safe and quick’ return to football after suffering a stroke

    ELLIE ROEBUCK’S outlook on life has taken “a massive shift” after she suffered a stroke.It is ten days since the England goalkeeper, 24, bravely opened up on her “road to recovery” from a left occipital infarct – a type of stroke caused by a blood clot clogging an artery in the brain, often causing problems with vision or even loss of sight.Ellie Roebuck says being on the road to recovery from a stroke has altered her outlook on lifeCredit: GettyThe Man City and England goalkeeper has no intention of putting herself under pressure as she targets a ‘safe and quick’ return to footballCredit: GettyRoebuck, who has made 92 top-flight Manchester City appearances, said: “At the start, it’s kind of scary because your understanding is not really there.”I’m not a doctor so I didn’t really, fully understand what was going on.”I went through a period of time where I wasn’t feeling too well, and I was struggling to perform.“I knew something was wrong, but it was never something that crossed my mind in order to realise it would be something as serious as that.Read More Football Stories “But I’ve been surrounded by great medical professionals, and I’m able to follow their advice on this road to recovery.”I’m in a fortunate position where my support network of medical health experts has been amazing.”I’m able to follow their advice on this road to recovery.”Football’s my love and my passion.Most read in Football”It’s something that I’m glad I’ve got to focus on, in order to get back to the pitch and get back playing – it’s a great aim.”As a professional athlete, you always like to have targets and challenges. And for me, there is no better challenge.”This is just a powerful reminder that life is super unpredictable.”Three years ago, it would have been unthinkable to imagine Roebuck not being a starter in goal for club and country.Back in February 2021, the Sheffield-born shot stopper had signed a new three-year deal with WSL giants City.That contract came two months after the then-England starter had been shortlisted for Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper gong.Roebuck’s nomination had followed a 2019-20 season where she kept ten WSL clean sheets – miles ahead of any of her rival goalkeepers in the English top-flight.However, the Man City ace has not played a competitive club game since last May when she was sent off during a 2-1 loss to Manchester United.For Roebuck, whose City contract expires at the end of this season, her hope is to make a comeback on the pitch in the safest way possible.Roebuck hopes Man City make their end to this WSL season a title-winning oneCredit: GettyThe tests that uncovered her having suffered an occipital infarct, also concluded there was no lasting damage to her brain or vision.Roebuck, who reportedly attracted January transfer from Barcelona, added: “I’m at a time where I’ve got to listen to my body.“But I’ve got great medical professionals who I listen to. “For me it’s about getting back to football as quickly and as safely as possible – that’s my priority. “But I’m not putting any pressure on myself.”It’s no secret I’m out of contract with Man City at the end of the season, but I’m excited for what’s around the corner.”It is two years since Roebuck was named in the England squad that won the 2022 Women’s Euros.However, the goalkeeper, who also was part of the Lionesses group that reached last summer’s World Cup final, was left out of Sarina Wiegman’s squad last November.Today will see Roebuck’s England pals play the Republic of Ireland with both teams targeting their first win in the qualifiers for next year’s Euros.And in the future, she hopes to again be part of a Lionesses group vying for European glory.The 11-cap England keeper said: “To be a part of the squad that won (the Euros) was incredible. And to do that back-to-back would just be a dream.”My perception on life has taken a massive shift and this is something I’d be grateful to be a part of again.“I’m excited to watch the girls and support them in the Euros qualifiers.”Roebuck insists her health concerns has given her extra food for thought around planning for the future in particular when it comes financial matters. I really look after my body. I’ve been performing at high level for so long that I never really expected something like this to happen.Ellie Roebuck Off the pitch the WSL ace is hoping to encourage members of the public to learn about individual savings accounts and financial planning.The City keeper is collaborating with the free-to-use smart money app Plum.According to its creators, it aims to improve people’s financial resilience.Roebuck said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to live without any health scares up to now.”This current period of my life has made me understand more about how important looking after your money is.“For anybody I would really affirm that it is important to have these kinds of things in check because you never know what’s around the corner. “I’m young, fit, healthy and I really look after my body and take care in everything I do. “I’ve been performing at high level for so long that I never really expected something like this to happen. “I guess if I use it as a learning curve, then I would reiterate how important it is to look after the money you and try and make sure you have some financial stability.”On the pitch, Roebuck hopes to see Man City win their first Women’s Super League title since 2016.Gareth Taylor’s side are currently top of the WSL ahead of their clash with West Ham next Sunday.However, title holders Chelsea, who are second and three points behind, have a game in hand and host Aston Villa on April 17.For Roebuck, a Man City title win this term would be the perfect send-off for club heroine Steph Houghton.The City skipper, who turns 36 this month, will retire at the end of this season – ending a trophy-laden career spanning more than 20 years.Roebuck adds: “I refer to Steph as a superhero because, on and off the pitch, she’s overcome so many challenges. “She has been a driving force for the women’s game.”She’s such a special person and to watch how she has put her stamp on the game is inspiring. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The buzz around the training ground is massive and it’s nice to be a part and get into the nitty gritty end of the season.“It’s a nice refreshing challenge.. hopefully we can get some silverware and that would be nice with the skipper announcing her retirement to get something special.”Roebuck hopes Man City can be crowned WSL champions this term with Steph Houghton retiring at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters More

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    Man City ‘agree personal terms with Lucas Paqueta but have not spoken to West Ham yet over summer transfer’

    MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly agreed personal terms with Lucas Paqueta despite not having spoken to West Ham over a transfer yet.Paqueta, 26, has been one of David Moyes’ shining lights this season with eight goals and six assists in all competitions.Man City have struck terms with Lucas Paqueta but are yet to talk to West HamCredit: GettyThe Brazilian superstar, who has 44 caps for his country, was strongly tipped for a move to the Etihad last summer.City were set to splash £85million on Paqueta after their Treble win.But they backed out when the FA opened an investigation into potential betting-rule breaches, which is yet to be resolved.However, City reignited their interest in February amid doubts over Bernardo Silva’s future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Foot Mercato claim the champions have now gone a step further by already wrapping up personal terms with Paqueta over a long-term contract.The tenacious playmaker can play anywhere in the four behind Erling Haaland.And his past experiences at AC Milan and Lyon mean he will be at home alongside seasoned stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri.However, it’s added that City are yet to open talks with West Ham over a transfer fee.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMoyes’ men are likely to demand an eye-watering figure.And it could even exceed the £85m City were prepared to pay last year.Football icons’ strange hobbiesShould he arrive, Paqueta will be the second Brazilian signed by Guardiola this summer.City have already struck a deal to land winger Savio from sister club Toyes.He has eight goals and seven assists in 29 games for LaLiga’s surprise package Girona, another City Group side.But fans are still patiently waiting for an official announcement.Lucas Paqueta’s career statsThose numbers in full:

    Flamengo, 2016-2018: 95 games, 18 goals

    AC Milan, 2018-2020: 44 games, 1 goal

    Lyon, 2020-2023: 80 games, 21 goals

    West Ham, 2022-24: 77 games, 13 goals

    Brazil, 2018-2024: 44 games, 10 goals

    Trophies: Carioca Championship, Guanabara Cup (Flamengo); Europa Conference League (West Ham); Copa America (Brazil) More

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    Leeds ‘make contact with Kalvin Phillips over emotional transfer return’ to end two-year nightmare

    LEEDS UNITED have reportedly enquired about the possibility of signing Kalvin Phillips.The 28-year-old left Elland Road to join Manchester City in a £45million transfer two years ago.Leeds allegedly want to re-sign Kalvin PhillipsCredit: GettyHowever, he struggled to establish his spot in Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up and has since made just 31 appearances across all competitions.Phillips is currently enduring a nightmare loan spell at West Ham.The midfielder was heckled by fans following the club’s 4-3 defeat to Newcastle after giving away a penalty.And he also lost his spot in the England squad, being replaced by Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo.Read More on FootballPhillips is now in search of a fresh start elsewhere.And according to French outlet Sports Zone, Leeds have enquired about re-signing him.The Whites recently made contact with Man City regarding a possible transfer.City are allegedly willing to accept £25million for Phillips.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhillips has struggled to impress this seasonThe midfielder joined Leeds’ academy at the age of 14 and progressed through the club’s youth ranks before signing his first professional contract four years later.He went on to make 234 appearances for the Whites, scoring 14 goals.Kalvin Phillips responds with furious gesture as he’s heckled by fans on way to team bus after nightmare vs Newcastle, Two other unnamed clubs are also interested in signing Phillips. More

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    ‘Well then it’s done’ – James Rodriguez reveals brutal reason he snubbed transfer to former Premier League champions

    JAMES RODRIGUEZ snubbed the chance to sign for both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in 2014.The Colombian midfielder was in-demand after winning the golden boot at the World Cup in Brazil.James Rodriguez has revealed the brutal reason he snubbed a move to Manchester CityCredit: GettyThe midfielder joined Real Madrid in 2014 after interest from City and Paris Saint-GermainCredit: GettyBoth City and PSG were keen to sign Rodriguez, who was playing for Monaco at the time.However, he would instead complete a £65million move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.A decade on, Rodriguez has now explained the reason for his transfer decision.He explained: “PSG and City wanted me [in 2014], both teams came with more important offers than what Madrid were offering.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Florentino Perez called me and tried to convince me, ‘What do you want? Money or Glory?'”I answered him I wanted glory, and he then said, ‘well then it’s done.'”Real Madrid were fresh off winning their 10th Champions League crown, while both City and PSG had won a league title the previous season.Rodriguez went on to win LaLiga and the Club World Cup in six years in the Spanish capital.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDuring that time, he scored 37 goals and provided 42 assists in 125 appearances.He would later make it to the Premier League in 2020 after joining Everton on a free transfer.Football stars’ weird phobiasDuring his single season in England, Rodriguez scored six goals and added five assists in 23 league matches.Four years on, the 32-year-old now plays in Brazil, having joined Sao Paulo on a two-year deal in July. More

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    Forgotten Man City star told he ‘needs to leave’ after heartbreaking video from bench in Crystal Palace clash

    MANCHESTER CITY fans have been left heartbroken after Pep Guardiola’s brutal substitution U-turn.The champions were leading Crystal Palace 4-1 yesterday when the boss was about to turn to his bench for the third time.Sergio Gomez was ready to come on – only for Pep Guardiola to change his mindSergio Gomez has barely played this seasonCredit: ReutersGuardiola was going to bring on forgotten star Sergio Gomez, who has started just four matches in all competitions this season.The left-back was seen on the bench pulling his shirt on with a beaming smile on his face.But Odsonne Edouard then pulled one back for Palace to make it 4-2.The goal saw Guardiola change his mind and with him not in the mood for taking chances amid the title race, Gomez was told to sit back down in the dugout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans felt sorry for the 23-year-old Spaniard as he again failed to make an appearance.One said: “I feel so bad for him at this point.”Another added: “He’s 23, turning 24 around the start of next season. He has to go in the summer to save his career.”A third commented: “I feel bad for him, not because he didn’t play but because Pep basically said he doesn’t trust him with a two-goal advantage. Must be the worst feeling as a player.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMore reacted: “I feel sorry for him he’s so good. I don’t know why he’s not getting some minutes.”Some fans believe he lost Guardiola’s faith when he was sent off in the Champions League group stage game against Copenhagen last year.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanGomez was a youngster at Barcelona and got his breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund.He convinced Man City to sign him on a four-year deal in 2022 after impressing at Belgian side Anderlecht.Gomez has featured 13 times in all competitions this season and he was in the starting XI on just ten occasions last term as City won the Treble. More