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    Declan Rice reveals he ‘DEFIED’ Arsenal orders by shooting from free-kick against Real Madrid after chat with team-mate

    DECLAN RICE revealed his stunning free-kick against Real Madrid was not part of the plan – after he defied Arsenal’s set-piece guru. Rice curled a stunner past Thibaut Courtois before matching it moments later with an equally sensational top corner strike.Declan Rice defied Arsenal’s set-piece coach to shoot against Real MadridCredit: EPANicolas Jover urged Rice to crossCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video SportInitially, fans online gave credit to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover – who has played a huge part in Arsenal’s success from corners this season. But Rice revealed it was actually words of wisdom from team-mate Bukayo Saka that inspired the first of his two stunners.The midfielder was given instructions to deliver the ball into the box but thought better of it. Told that he “defied” Jover, Rice said: “Yeah, I know! Bukayo said, the actual words were, ‘If you feel it, go for it.’READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I looked at the wall and looked at the keeper and thought I could bend it and that’s what happened.”As it turns out, Jover was not the only one telling him not to shoot – ignoring even his captain. Rice said: “I don’t know if it will ever sink in. “I fancied both (free-kicks) and to have the confidence, I am a bit speechless. “Martin [Odegaard] was saying to cross, I said it doesn’t make sense to chip it like that. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We practice them all the time, Jover is telling me to cross and it didn’t make sense.”Rice and Mikel Merino help Arsenal take a commanding 3-0 lead to Madrid in Wednesday’s quarter-final return tie.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsBefore the game, Rice had only taken 12 free-kicks as a professional without scoring – but two came in one match. Manager Mikel Arteta said: “Declan’s been very determined because we have said in the last few months that we have not scored a direct free-kick in three-and-half years.“So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of that magnitude and of that quality from the same player, a player that has never scored a free-kick before in his career, what are the odds?“This night was all about two factors; one is the atmosphere that we created 15 minutes before kick-off with something I haven’t seen before.”And then the magic, the individual moments that decide all matches. And the first two goals from Declan sums up the night.”Rice revealed Bukayo Saka urged him to shootCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Should be illegal to charge that’ – Fans just realising price of Champions League final tickets after huge price hike

    FOOTIE fans have branded Uefa a “total disgrace” after spotting a huge price hike in Champions League final tickets.This season’s showdown on May 31 will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena – and some tickets will cost a fortune with the best seats priced at a whopping £816.Uefa has unveiled the cost of tickets for this season’s Champions League final in MunichBut footie fans have immediately hit backThis season’s showdown will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz ArenaCredit: GettyThere has also been a slight annual increase in Europa League and Europa Conference League final tickets. Gold dust ticket sales for all three men’s finals have already started via Uefa’s website and will run until 10am UK time on April 11.  Both clubs who make the final will each be allocated a total of 18,000 seats in Bayern’s 64,500 capacity stadium, with 38,700 going to fans or the general public.Using a ‘Fans First’ policy, Uefa has announced that fans of the two clubs involved in the final will be offered tickets at a frozen cost of £60, via a lottery system.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut spectators hoping to secure premium seats will have to fork out significantly more.The price of tickets in Category 1, the most expensive section, has boomed by 33 per cent to €950 (£816), up from €713 (£612). While, Category 2 seats come in at €650 (£558), 30 per cent higher than the €500 (£429) price from last season.In Category 3, tickets have decreased slightly to €180 (£154) from €186 (£160).Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd, of course, as always, hotels are also expected to see a massive hike in their nightly rates, while flights alone are often costly enough.But social media users have accused Uefa of trying to “rip people off”.Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeatOne wrote: “It should be illegal to charge that much, regardless of the occasion.”A second said: “Surely not? That’s absolutely mental. How will anyone afford it?”While another added: “How can those prices be justified. It’s a total disgrace 😫.”And one more wrote: “It’s nothing more than pure greed!”The Premier League has two teams left in Europe’s most elite competition: Arsenal and Aston Villa.Arsenal will be hoping to make a strong start against Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates on Tuesday.While Aston Villa take on Liverpool conquerors Paris Saint-German in Paris on Wednesday.Bayern, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are the other four teams fighting for a place in this year’s final on May 31.As for the Europa League, which takes place on May 21 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, a total of 41,000 of 49,600 tickets will be available for fans and the general public.’Fans First’ tickets are priced at €40 (£34), while Category 1, 2 and 3 come in at €240 (£206), €160 (£137) and €65 (£55) respectively.The Europa League presents a last chance of silverware for both Manchester United and Tottenham this season.Ruben Amorim’s side play Lyon next and Spurs take on Eintracht Frankfurt in their quarter-final.Read More on The SunWhile Chelsea are favourites to win the Europa Conference League final at Wroclaw Stadium in Poland on May 28.And ‘Fans First’ tickets are €25 (£21), Category 1 is priced at €190 (£163), Category 2 is €140 (£120) and Category 3 is €45 (£38). More

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    Aston Villa 1 Ipswich 1: Ten-man Tractor Boys grab crucial point through Delap as Rashford plays huge role in equaliser

    LIAM DELAP showed why he is one of the hottest young talents in the country when he struck his 10th goal of the season to earn 10-man Ipswich a valuable point.But it was one of the hottest talents from yesteryear who saved Villa from a shock defeat as Marcus Rashford started to pay off his hefty wage bill.Liam Delap showed why he is one of the hottest young talents in the countryCredit: PAMarcus Rashford helped Aston Villa rescue a pointCredit: AFPThe on-loan Manchester United forward came on at half-time and showed enough to convince Villa fans they are on to a winner.His fiercely struck free kick crashed off the bar and Ollie Watkins tucked away the rebound to earn Villa a point.But it was his workrate and pace which impressed as he showed he is not the lazy dud he was written off as by Ruben Amorin, who couldn’t wait to get him out of Old Trafford.The first half was messier than a two-year-old with a brush and a set of paints, with precious little quality on show.READ MORE IN football In fairness the game was disrupted after quarter of an hour when both sides lost a player to injury.Julio Enciso had made the mistake of going into a crunching tackle with Villa’s pocket rocket John McGinn after 13 minutes.Although the Ipswich winger came out with the ball and managed to send in a 25-yard shot which Emi Martinez gathered with ease, he didn’t come out unscathed.Two minutes later he hit the turf and, after treatment, he hobbled off with his left sock at his ankles, clearly distressed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEnciso may have got a sympathetic round of applause but he was in floods of tears as he trudged towards the tunnel.Meanwhile, unnoticed to most of the crowd, Boubacar Kamara had headed to the home dugout to report that he too was injured.Carlos Cuellar reveals leaving Rangers was ‘hardest’ day, why stunning return didn’t happen and why he’s dreaming of being Gers MANAGERHe was replaced by Tyrone Mings and a match which had started slowly became even more disjointed.There were only two minutes on the clock when Morgan Rogers raced clear on goal and went down as Town goalie Alex Palmer raced out of his box.However VAR confirmed there was no contact from the keeper, although Rogers could have been awarded a foul as chasing defender Jacob Greaves shoved him off balance.Kalvin Phillips fired a free kick straight at Emi Martinez and Lucas Digne blazed over from distance.But it was scrappy stuff and Axel Tuanzebe went into the book for taking a tug at Rogers who toppled to the turf.That was to have major implications for this match as 12 minutes later Tuanzebe completed a nightmare return to his former Villa Park stomping ground.The former Manchester United defender spent three loan periods at Villa.But it didn’t gain him any sympathy from the home fans when he was given his marching orders five minutes before half-time.Axel Tuanzebe was sent off for IpswichCredit: GettyJacob Ramsey set off on a thrusting run and Tuanzebe laid his right hand on his shoulder to try to prevent his progress.The Villa kid was shrewd enough to tumble which gave ref Robert Jones a decision to make.He decided another yellow card was merited, followed by the inevitable red.Ten-man Ipswich now had their backs to the wall.They had been fortunate to survive earlier in the half when Axel Disasi, on his debut, launched a long pass out of defence.It cleared the Ipswich defence and Watkins held off Dara O’Shea but screwed his shot wide of the far post.Then, one minute before half-time Watkins cut the ball back to Rogers who seemed certain to score.But he was when Alex Palmer somehow got his fingers to flip the ball over from point blank range.Liam Delap opened the scoring for IpswichCredit: ReutersThe striker is in fine formCredit: ReutersEmery had seen enough and sent for reinforcements to stretch Ipswich, who were bound to sit deep after the break.Marcus Rashford and Ian Maatsen replaced Ramsey and Digne and Villa fans sat back and waited for the goals to arrive.Rashford was first to show with a shot which Palmer palmed away before Maatsen fired a long-ranger wide.Greaves was booked for hauling down Andres Garcia on the touchline.However Villa Park was silenced when, against all odds, Ipswich swept into the lead just before the hour.Omar Hutchinson got round the back of Maatsen and fired in a low cross.Then Liam Delap showed why he is going to be targeted by all the big boys this summer.The 22-year-old smelled a goal and when Mings failed to cut out Hutchinson’s centre the striker pounced to beat Disasi and McGinn to the ball.Marcus Rashford’s shot set up Ollie Watkins levellerCredit: ReutersWatkins was quick to follow upCredit: ReutersThe game was back onCredit: PAAnd he beat Emi Martinez with a deft flick of his boot to steer the ball into the far corner.It was the youngster’s 10th goal of the season and it proved enough to earn his side a point.Villa were rocked but came back to lay siege to the Tractor Boys goal.Maatsen had a shot pushed over by Palmer and Rashford was roared on by his new supporters when he sprinted back 25 yards to put in a sliding tackle to prevent an Ipswich break.Emery sent on another big name as he unleashed Marco Asensio on Ipswich’s dogged defence.The three-times Champions League winner was brilliant but showed signs of ring-rust as he passed up a hat-trick of chances.But it was Rashford who had a major say in Villa grabbing a point.His free kick after 69 minutes was hit with a wicked whip and dip and crashed off Palmer’s crossbar.READ MORE SUN STORIESOllie Watkins was on the rebound in a flash to slam it home.But despite laying siege to Town’s goal, Palmer kept out everything Villa threw at him. 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    Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez could split huge £160MILLION purse for shock fight as Eddie Hearn reveals PPV prediction

    EDDIE HEARN says Canelo Alvarez and Jake Paul could put themselves in line to share a massive £160MILLION purse for their shock fight. The boxing great and YouTuber-turned-boxer are reportedly in talks for a surprise bout in May. Eddie Hearn reckons Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez could make $100m each to fightCredit: RexCanelo with promoter Hearn and trainer Eddy ReynosoCredit: Instagram @eddiehearnPaul’s last fight marked Netflix’s first move into live boxing – with over 100MILLION tuning in to watch his points win over Mike Tyson. Despite controversy surrounding the event due to 58-year-old Tyson’s age, it was still a huge commercial success with £14m made in ticket sales too.Hearn believes a fight with Canelo could make £24m just in tickets with another £144m in pay-per-view buys. He told iFL TV: “If it’s on Netflix it’s not pay-per-view. READ MORE IN BOXING”But if it’s on Amazon Prime it would be pay-per-view and with DAZN, I dunno how it’s going to work.”But the fight does on pay-per-view, at $90 the fight does potentially two million buys. Which is $180million (£144m) of revenue, just TV revenue.”Not closed circuit, not the gate, the gate’s another $30million (£24m). You’re looking at over $200million (£160m) in revenue for that fight.”And with the gate of $30million, obviously you have to give a percentage to the broadcaster but with sponsorship and international TV, global pay-per-view, I think that fight generates $200million if it does two million buys. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So potentially Canelo, in my opinion he’ll earn more than Jake Paul but even if it was a 50/50 split, $100million each, oh what a terrible day at the office.”Imagine Canelo Alvarez getting one hundred mill to fight Jake Paul.”Jake Paul’s next fight will be ‘bigger than Mike Tyson’ after emerging as shock contender for Canelo Alvarez bout Journlist Dan Rafael reported that Canelo, 34, was in early talks to face Paul, 28, on May 3 in Vegas.Mexican reporter Julianis Julius meanwhile claimed an agreement to fight was already in place.Canelo was also lined up for a super-fight against unbeaten American Terence Crawford, 34, in September in Las Vegas. But the fight now appears to be OFF – as Hearn admitted the four-division champion will inevitably go where the money is. He said: “Canelo’s super transparent, give him the money and you’ve got the fight. “If he can make more money and certainly in this instance considerably more money to fight Jake Paul than he can to fight, I dunno Charlo, Pacheco, even Bivol, he’s going to do it. “He does not care. He’s got the legacy, he’s got the belts, just give him the money. “It’s all about the deal and if he’s going to get a s*** load of money to fight Jake Paul, he’s taking it. How I know Canelo, I don’t think he’ll want to play around with him, he might do for a couple of rounds but I don’t think he’ll just want to hold him up. I think he’ll want to punish him. Eddie Hearn “And I think, when you think about it the money’s mad.”Canelo currently holds the WBC, WBA and WBO 168lb super-middleweight titles at 12st. Paul meanwhile bulked up to heavyweight at 16st 2lb for his eight-round decision win over 58-year-old Tyson. His last four bouts had been at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb – having been as low as 185lb in his career beforehand. And Paul’s team suggested he would be willing to come back down to as low as 185lb for a 13st 2lb catchweight clash with Canelo. Hearn – who has promoted Canelo in the past – warned the fight will go on for however long the ring icon wants it to. He said: “Canelo will end the fight whenever he wants. READ MORE SUN STORIES”How I know Canelo, I don’t think he’ll want to play around with him, he might do for a couple of rounds but I don’t think he’ll just want to hold him up. I think he’ll want to punish him and it’s massive.” Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: Reuters – USA Today SportsCanelo is the super-middleweight world championCredit: Reuters More

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    Sven-Goran Eriksson’s former partner moves out of their home as mansion and farm are put up for sale for £1.8million

    SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON’S mansion is up for sale at a “bargain” price – and his former partner has moved out.Football went into mourning last August when the ex-England boss died from pancreatic cancer aged 76.Sven-Goran Eriksson lived in the mansion for 22 yearsCredit: AlamyEriksson bought it for £420k and ‘left his personal mark’ on itCredit: AlamyHis ex-partner Yaniseth Alcides has moved out and returned to PanamaCredit: RexNow his lakeside property on a secluded estate in Sunne, Sweden, has been made available for around £1.8million.  Meanwhile, Eriksson’s long-time girlfriend Yaniseth Alcides has returned to her native Panama.A wave of affectionate memories of the ex-Manchester City and Leicester boss swept across sport following the Swede’s death.David Beckham and Roy Hodgson were then among the mourners at Eriksson’s funeral in his home-town of Torsby, near Sunne.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreparations to sell his seven-bedroom home, which has a private beach, began in September.Eriksson paid £420,000 for the late-19th century home in 2002 when he was Three Lions chief and his partner was Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio.Agent Sotheby’s say he has since “left his personal mark on both the interior and exterior”.The property’s value soared to £3m in the last decade, but it’s now fallen to almost half of that figure.Most read in FootballAgents believe the reduced valuation will help it sell quicklyCredit: AlamyThe home could be a great escape as it’s so secludedCredit: AlamyA sizeable poolhouse is one of the special featuresCredit: AlamyThe home, covering 835 square metres, has multiple reception rooms and a library.And it’s also as sporty as you might expect.Sven-Goran Eriksson filmed his heartbreaking final goodbye alone – and his emotional message left film crew in tearsA 250-square metre poolhouse sits outside, along with a saltwater pool, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and relaxation area.There’s also a tennis court, jetty, a motorized floating platform, a sandy cove and waterside gazebos.Lawyer Anders Runebjer, who was a close friend of Eriksson’s, reportedly expects the home to sell quite easily.Swedish outlet Expressen say Runebjer believes the reduced valuation of £1.8m is more realistic for buyers.He also pointed to the freedom and natural setting offered by the property. This outbuilding is part of the land for saleCredit: AlamyTributes flowed in after the death of Eriksson last AugustCredit: Rex More

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    Julen Lopetegui ‘given two games to save West Ham job’ with ex-Chelsea boss waiting in wings to replace him

    JULEN LOPETEGUI has reportedly been given two games to save his job at West Ham.The Spanish manager was named David Moyes’ successor in the summer following the Scot’s exit.Julen Lopetegui has two games to save his job at West HamCredit: PAThe Hammers were smashed 5-0 in their last match against LiverpoolCredit: ReutersLopetegui, 58, has endured a tough start to his tenure, with the Hammers lingering in the bottom half of the table.West Ham have only won six of their 19 league fixtures, with their last result being a 5-0 thumping by Liverpool at the London Stadium.The devasting result has heaped pressure on the former Real Madrid boss.TalkSPORT have claimed that the West Ham board have given Lopetegui two games to save himself from the sack.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis means that Lopetegui will have to pick up positive results from two away trips against Manchester City and Aston Villa in the FA Cup.He has already survived the sack this season with a crucial win over Wolves at the London Stadium.The game was labelled as ‘El Sackio’ as he and former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil were under huge pressure.Both survived the aftermath of the match, although O’Neil was axed just six days later after a defeat to Ipswich Town.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report claims that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is waiting in the wings should the trigger be pulled on Lopetegui.The English coach has been out of management since he was axed by the Blues in 2023.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamGraham Potter is reportedly waiting in the wings to replace LopeteguiCredit: AFPHe was in charge at Stamford Bridge for just eight months despite being poached from Brighton and Hove Albion.Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic and German coach Roger Schmidt have also been linked to the hot seat in East London.Lopetegui has not had a trouble-free time in charge of the Hammers.In recent weeks, he has had to deal with the horrific car crash that has ruled star striker Michail Antonio out for the foreseeable.His dad, Jose, sadly passed away at the age of 94 earlier this month after suffering from health problems.West Ham youth goalkeeper Oscar Fairs also died aged 15 following a battle with cancer.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the loss to Liverpool, West Ham had gone four games unbeaten.This run saw wins over Wolves and Southampton as well as draws against Bournemouth and Brighton and Hove Albion. More

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    Newcastle eye shock transfer swoop for Everton ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin… but are prepared to wait until summer

    NEWCASTLE have targeted Dominic Calvert-Lewin — but are prepared to wait to get him on a free in the summer.The Toon set their sights on the Everton striker, whose deal expires in June, although they are reluctant to pay a big fee next month.Dominic Calvert-Lewin is wanted by the Magpies plus overseas clubsCredit: RexInstead, the Geordies will put all of their cash into a major contract offer for the  one-cap England man to tempt him away from Merseyside. The 27-year-old is happy to stay in the Premier League for family reasons.And he has snubbed approaches from abroad, where Fiorentina are keen on him.The Italians would also offer Calvert-Lewin a huge deal to land him in the summer, with a pre- contract ready and waiting to be signed now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Newcastle are firm favourites and will wait, which also suits their budget plans.Toon boss Eddie Howe may only make one serious move for a player next month and would need to sell one to bring in any more.Ironically, Everton and Newcastle are the two Prem clubs with the most players whose contracts end in the summer.That means they are vulnerable to swoops from overseas clubs in January.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat’s because players with just six months remaining on their contracts can negotiate pre-contract deals with clubs from other leagues. Indeed the Prem could be one of the hardest hit top-flights in Europe.Aston Villa star Jhon Duran kicks water bottle in fury after he is sent off against NewcastleThe Toffees and the Magpies both have eight stars poised for the pre-contract countdown.For the Toon that’s Sean Longstaff, Callum Wilson, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy.And Calvert-Lewin is joined by other household names on the list of Goodison Park aces who might move for nothing at the end of the season.Ex-England wideman Ashley Young, 39, is joined by Abdoulaye Doucoure, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, Seamus Coleman, Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic. More

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    Chelsea looking to snap up Sporting Lisbon midfield sensation Dario Essugo on cheap but face Leeds transfer scrap

    CHELSEA want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.The Sporting Lisbon prospect, 19, is starring for LaLiga side Las Palmas on loan.Chelsea want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheapCredit: GettyBut long-term admirers Blues must act fast as Leeds are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal.SunSport this month revealed how Leeds were keeping tabs on the midfield dynamo. They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.And he scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Leeds are also set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ More