More stories

  • in

    Two Man City stars sent home early from international duty as huge Premier League title clash with Arsenal edges closer

    MANCHESTER CITY stars Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias have returned to the club midway through the international break.Both players starred as Portugal earned a 5-2 win over Sweden in Guimaraes on Thursday.Ruben Dias (R) has been sent home from international dutyCredit: GettyBernardo Silva is also set to return to ManchesterCredit: GettyAnd while manager Roberto Martinez was impressed with the performance, he revealed that eight players will be sent home ahead of Tuesday’s match against Slovenia.Among those players are Silva, Dias, Rafael Leao and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.Martinez said: “We have eight arriving for the second game. It’s important to work on different concepts.”Bernardo [Silva], Ruben Dias, [Joao] Palhinha, [Nelson] Semedo, Toti [Gomes], Rafael Leão, Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos are leaving.”Read More on FootballMatheus Nunes, who scored one of Portugal’s five goals against Sweden on Thursday, is set to remain with the squad.Silva and Dias’ return to Manchester will be a huge boost for Pep Guardiola.City face Arsenal in a huge Premier League title clash next weekend.Kevin De Bruyne was forced to withdraw from the Belgium squad before the international break due to injury.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Erling Haaland suffered a scare during Norway training this week.Meanwhile, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was forced to withdraw from the England squad on Thursday due to an injury issue.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title race More

  • in

    England star Jack Grealish posts from ‘lonely’ international break of rehab… but fans can’t stop looking at his hair

    “LONELY” Jack Grealish has bewitched fans with the mystery of his perfect hair – even UNDERWATER.The Manchester City hero shared incredible photos of his solo plight as he misses two prestigious England friendlies for special training.Fans were amazed Jack Grealish kept his hair looking good, especially underwaterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1Grealish needs distractions even as he knuckles down to rehabCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1The Man City hero’s followers are impressed with his perfect hairCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1Grealish aims to regain peak shape this monthCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1Etihad boss Pep Guardiola wants the winger to finally shake off injury niggles during extra rehab this month.And Grealish showed himself sitting at the bottom of a pool amid what he labelled a “lonely month working my way back”.But amongst a flood of good wishes, many of his 9million Instagram followers seemed more fascinated by how the 28-year-old maintained his hairstyle even when “practically drowning”.His look remained unchanged no matter what his fitness workout.READ MORE ON JACK GREALISHBut when he switched to the pool, fans were stunned by his immaculate underwater undercut.One joked: “Still looks good and he is practically drowning…. give normal blokes a chance Jack lol “Another asked: “How do you keep your hair untouched even under water?”And a third summed it all up: “The hair is still alwaysss on point.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, a few others were focused on his underwear rather than his undercut.One wrote: “Things I love. 1) Jack Grealish 2) Puma briefs 3) Jack Grealish in Puma briefs.”How does Gareth Southgate solve Phil Foden dilemma, with Jack Grealish possibly missing out on Euro 2024And the overall verdict from fans on his well-groomed array of training shots? How about: “This is cold, man.”Meanwhile, having shrugged off his main problem of a groin issue, Grealish hopes to return at his peak for City’s title push and for the Three Lions at this summer’s Euros.The Man City hero has varied his recovery routineCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1He’s spent more time alone than he might likeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1The ex-Aston Villa captain shared his time in the gym onlineCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1The winger hopes to be flying after the international breakCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ygXJ9IaU1/?img_index=1 More

  • in

    Man City ace Erling Haaland signs new two year contract as he boosts career away from the pitch

    FOOTIE ace Erling Haaland has netted again — this time a tasty deal promoting his home nation’s seafood.The Norwegian super-striker has proved to be a prize catch for Manchester City, scoring 81 goals in 87 games so far.Man City ace Erling Haaland has netted a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood CouncilCredit: Instagram / @herrelandslagetHaaland in the Seafood Council advertCredit: PressworksAnd now the Leeds-born 23-year-old has landed a whopper, signing a contract to be an ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood Council.The deal will run until October 2026 and see the goal machine appear in TV commercials, posters and digital ads worldwide.Haaland, who signed for City from German side Borussia Dortmund in a £51million deal in 2022, said: “Seafood has been part of my upbringing and my diet growing up.“Norwegian seafood, which I consider to be the best in the world, still has a natural place in my life. READ MORE ON ERLING HAALAND”The Norwegian Seafood Council does an important job of inspiring and building knowledge about tasty and healthy seafood, globally and at home in Norway.”Haaland has also scored 27 goals in 29 games for Norway’s national team and is expected to face the Czech Republic today.NSC chief executive Christian Chramer said: “Haaland is recognised as one of the world’s best footballers, and is a gigantic profile with unrivalled global visibility.“The match with Norwegian seafood is obvious. Being able to combine two of Norway’s best exports and strongest brands fills us with enormous pride.”Most read in FootballBut it is not just seafood that fuels the Nordic net-buster.The Sun revealed last week that Haaland is inspired by a lucky hat-trick pasta dish he eats at his favourite Italian restaurant.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralHe regularly tucks into a special of pasta, cream and mushrooms cooked for him by Beppe Piccoli, owner of Vero Moderno in Salford, Greater Manchester.The 6ft 4in goal monster has eaten at the restaurant once a week, almost every week, for the last two years and credits its signature dish for his prowess.Beppe said: “When I first gave it to him the very first time I met him, it was before the season kicked off. I said, ‘When you score a hat-trick on Sunday, please thank Beppe and Vero Moderno’. He scored a hat-trick, didn’t he? It was funny.” More

  • in

    Lucas Paqueta breaks silence on betting scandal hell that scuppered West Ham star’s £80m move to Man City

    LUCAS PAQUETA has opened up for the first time on his betting scandal hell – paying tribute to the support shown by “special” David Moyes.West Ham star Paqueta, 26, has been under an FA investigation since August over allegations of suspicious gambling activities.Lucas Paqueta has spoken ahead of Brazil’s clash with England this SaturdayCredit: PAPaqueta, 26, opened up on his relationship with Hammers boss David MoyesCredit: AFPThe furore prompted Manchester City to back out of a proposed £80million move for the playmaker – but they have been tipped to rekindle their interest this summer.It also saw him left out of the Brazil squad for all six of their autumn matches, though he is now back with the Samba Boys for this month’s friendlies against England and Spain.Paqueta revealed how tough the ordeal has been for him but praised Irons chief Moyes for his handling of the situation.The former Lyon ace said: “In the beginning it was hard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But now I have grown a lot mentally and now I can live with that. I have left that behind and I can now focus on my performances.“(Moyes) was special for me. I have a good relationship with him. And his support was important for me.“He said he wanted me playing in the team. That confidence was very important for me.“Without a shadow of doubt, the support he gave me to leave all this behind, it was essential.”Most read in FootballPaqueta’s probe relates to bets placed on the midfielder to receive a yellow card in various Premier League matches.He denies any wrongdoing and was said to be shocked by the allegations when they first emerged – though could not elaborate on the ongoing investigation.Europa League quarter-final draw in full as Liverpool and West Ham learn their fate The former AC Milan attacker added: “I was told not to comment on this subject.“It’s been seven months since it happened and I’m cooperating, doing what’s in my power so that it can be resolved.”Paqueta has managed to be one of West Ham’s star performers this term, despite the probe, netting three goals and grabbing five assists in the Premier League.It has kept him on City’s radar who could look to exploit an alleged £85m release clause in his contract this summer – especially with Bernardo Silva’s future up in the air.Paqueta is just relieved to be back with his Selecao team-mates after his exile earlier this season.New boss Dorival Jnr brought the 42-cap ace straight back in for his new squad, which includes no fewer than ELEVEN uncapped players.(Moyes) was special for me. I have a good relationship with him. And his support was important for me.Lucas PaquetaManchester United midfielder Casemiro, not involved due to injury, took the time out to see his international colleagues at their Sopwell House base near St Albans.Paqueta said: “I’m very happy to be back. I hope I can help [the youngsters] in the best way possible.“I worked with the coach at the end of my time at Flamengo and it was an incredible experience. I’m happy to be called up for his recognition of my work.“Being in the national team has always been my dream, so when I return I feel even more privileged.”Paqueta will come up against West Ham team-mates past and present at Wembley on Saturday.Irons winger Jarrod Bowen, 27, is making a great case for inclusion in England’s Euros squad with 18 goals in all competitions.While Declan Rice, 25, is scaling new heights since his £105m switch from the London Stadium to Arsenal last summer.Paqueta added: “I have a lot of respect for them and I am fond of them. They are very good professionals.“Bowen is having an amazing season. I am happy to help him.“Declan is a great player. I am sure they will do the best they can for England and I will try to do the best I can for Brazil.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Brazilian team will always be favourites, because of the history we have, the players we have.“It’s going to be a great game because there are two great teams and that respect has to be there.” More

  • in

    Joao Cancelo pulls out of Barcelona clash due to ‘serious personal problem’ as team-mates dedicate win to Man City star

    JOAO CANCELO was forced to miss Barcelona’s clash at Atletico Madrid last night due to a reported “serious personal problem”.Barca loanee Joao Felix scored the opener against his parent club to inflict a first LaLiga home loss of the campaign of Diego Simeone’s side.Scorer Fermin Lopez dedicated Barcelona’s win to an absent team-mateCredit: GettyOn-loan Joao Cancelo reportedly missed out due to a ‘serious personal issue’Credit: APHe gave the visitors the lead on 38 minutes, just before his manager Xavi was sent to the stands for dissent. Robert Lewandowski doubled the advantage in the second half before Fermin Lopez ensured the 3-0 victory to move Barcelona above Girona into second in LaLiga.Before the game, it was revealed that defender Cancelo was ruled out due to an injury.However, several outlets then reported that the 29-year-old Portuguese star, who is on loan from Man City, did not in fact travel due to a personal issue.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he was in Lopez’s thoughts after the final whistle as he dedicated the win in the Spanish capital to his colleague.The goalscorer, who was due to start on the bench until Andreas Christensen was hurt in the warm-up, said: “I wanted to dedicate this victory to Cancelo, who is having a hard time.“We’ve got second place back, we now need to close the gap to Madrid and fight for the title.“I was a bit surprised starting, despite not being in the original XI but I did my best from the first kick.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“We are on a great run and want to continue it for as long as possible.”Meanwhile, manager Xavi added: “Joao Cancelo is a very sensitive boy, an extraordinary person with a very big heart.Fans fear Joao Cancelo has been ‘possessed’ after ‘terrifying’ interview of Barcelona star emerges – laliga“Not being able to be with the team today has affected him a lot.”Cancelo moved to the Premier League in 2019 and has tasted three title triumphs but he had a major bust-up with boss Pep Guardiola at the start of 2023.He spent the final six months of last season on loan at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga to go with his Premier League crown, but they opted not to pay the £61.5m option to make the deal permanent, leading to his switch to Barca last summer. More

  • in

    Pep Guardiola facing huge Jude Bellingham dilemma as Man City boss devises plan to ‘control’ Real Madrid star

    PEP GUARDIOLA admits he faces a massive headache over how to stop Jude Bellingham.Manchester City and Real Madrid square up for the third year running, this time in the Champions League last eight. Pep Guardiola admits he faces a massive headache over how to stop Jude BellinghamCredit: RexBellingham’s Real Madrid face Man City in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: GettyBut this time City must deal with Bellingham. Asked about the Three Lions star, Guardiola said: “The impact has been massive. “It’s a different team from last season. His influence is obvious, we have to try to discover what he does and control it.”The Euro heavyweights met in the semi-finals in the previous two years.Madrid went on to win the competition in 2022 with City finally lifting the trophy for the first time last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham brings a new dimension though — the England ace has netted 20 goals in 31 games for Madrid since joining them from Borussia Dortmund last summer.The first leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 9, the same night that Arsenal host Bayern Munich.The second legs are on April 17. And there is no respite for the winners — they will play each other in the semi-finals!While Guardiola’s men are defending champions, the City boss knows they are still rookies compared to their Spanish rivals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReal have won the Champions League in five of the last ten seasons.Guardiola added: “It looks like a little bit of a tradition, three years in a row playing the kings of the competition.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024“With them winning 14 Champions Leagues, it’s not necessary to say what Real Madrid are in this competition.“For us, it’s a little bit new. For Real Madrid, it’s not special to play quarter-finals of the Champions League.“The last years we have been consistent — many times semi-finals, final, now quarter-final again — and we start to be in this routine to play in the latter stages.“And when you play latter stages you play against the best teams in Europe, Real Madrid are totally there.“This one is special and makes you feel like you go to Europe and play your best football. It’s so nice.”In the other half of the draw, Jadon Sancho’s Borussia Dortmund landed Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals while Paris Saint-Germain will face Barcelona. More

  • in

    Jack Grealish lands massive megabucks deal to become the face of kitchen cupboard staple

    JACK Grealish has landed a tasty new brand deal – after signing up for a new Hellman’s mayonnaise advert campaign.The Manchester City ace filmed the ad last week with some of his England teammates.Jack Grealish has signed a deal to become the face of a kitchen cupboard stapleCredit: GettyThe Man City winger is now representing Hellman’s MayonnaiseCredit: AlamyInsiders said the mayo ad would air in the run up to the Euros in Germany this summer.A source said: “Jack is a man in demand off the pitch and he’s the star of a new Hellman’s mayo ad.“He took part in a video shoot alongside some other England players in Manchester last week.“The details of the shoot are being kept under wraps but it’ll show Jack and his teammates enjoying a squirt or two of the white stuff.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJack is a big fan of sauce and last year even got his own brand of Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce at a party.The chain chicken shop created Super Jack’s Sauce for the winger who loves a takeaway after a game,He said last summer he ordered the same Chinese restaurant, Spinningfields’ Wing’s Restaurant, after each game at the Etihad.Jack said: “I love Chinese. After every game, I get one.Most read in Football“I go to Wings’ in Manchester. I usually get a takeaway. I have Singapore chow mein, I have egg-fried rice, I have salt and pepper chips, I have salt and pepper prawns and then curry sauce.Is this the moment Jack Grealish is told of his family’s terror at £1m jewellery break-in raid at his mansion?“Then I just mix it all in and have a big free for all.”Last month Jack, 28, signed a seven-figure-deal to become the new face of Pepsi.He joined the campaign with ex footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones. More

  • in

    Man City star Erling Haaland’s success on pitch fuelled by ‘hat-trick pasta’ dish at favourite Italian restaurant

    SUPER striker Erling Haaland’s hunger for goals is inspired by a lucky “hat-trick pasta” dish he eats at his favourite Italian restaurant.Man City’s 23-year-old Premier League scoring machine regularly tucks into a special of pasta, cream and mushrooms.Erling Haaland’s hunger for goals is inspired by his favourite Italian restaurantCredit: The Mega AgencyErling has eaten at Vero Moderno in Salford, once a week, almost every week, for the last two yearsCredit: Instagram/VeroModernoNordic net-buster Haaland’s meals are cooked for him by Beppe Piccoli, owner of Vero Moderno in Salford, Greater Manchester.The 6ft 4in goal monster has eaten there once a week, almost every week, for the last two years.Beppe said: “When I first gave it to him the very first time I met him, it was before the season kicked off.“I said, ‘When you score a hat-trick on Sunday, please thank Beppe and Vero Moderno’. He scored a hat-trick didn’t he? It was quite funny.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Then he came back and asked for the same pasta and I said to him, ‘Last time you didn’t thank me. Please do it when you do another hat-trick on Sunday’. Same pasta, another hat-trick.“That’s how everything started with him and we developed a big friendship.“We joke now about the ‘hat-trick pasta’. He’s a world class player, a world class guy. You can’t buy that.”Haaland scored 52 goals in all competitions last season.Most read in FootballSo far this season his tally is 29. And his lucky dish appears to have inspired his team mates — with the likes of Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias and Rodri also hanging out at the same restaurant.Erling Haaland reveals secret talent after childhood vid goes viralCity boss Pep Guardiola even visited last month.Beppe said it all began when the club’s Italian team doctor Max Sala came in for a bite to eat.He said: “I think that’s how it started as they have three Italians working in the medicine department and they were looking for good, authentic Italian food.“They are all very good guys, and very kind and generous customers. They just want to be treated as normal customers and naturally we treat everyone in the same way here.”Haaland previously attributed his goal-mouth success to his dad Alfie’s lasagne, saying; “There has to be something special he adds to it.” More