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    Brazil and Inter Milan legend Lucio, 47, rushed to hospital and in intensive care after suffering multiple burns

    BRAZIL legend Lucio was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care after suffering burns to various parts of his body.The former Inter Milan defender is being treated at a hospital in Brasilia following the incident which occurred on Thursday. Lucio was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care after suffering burnsCredit: PA:Empics SportIn a statement, the facility said 47-year-old Lucio was “stable, conscious, and under constant observation.”A further statement shared on Lucio’s Instagram story read: “He is stable, conscious and receiving all necessary medical care. “His injuries are being treated with specialized care, and his clinical condition is improving positively”We are immensely grateful for the affection, prayers and messages of support that we have received at this delicate time. READ MORE IN football “We ask that our family’s privacy be respected and we will inform you of any relevant news through official channels.”With faith, strength and God’s support, he will recover soon.”According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lucio suffered the burns in a domestic accident at home.But the extent and cause of his injuries have not been disclosed.Most read in FootballLucio is best known for being a staple in Brazil’s defence from 2000-2011 – helping them win the World Cup in 2002.He made 105 international caps over the 11 years – scoring four goals.At club level, he started his career at Guara and SC Internacional before joining Bayer Leverkusen and later Bayern Munich in Germany. The centre-half moved to Inter from Munich in 2009 and spent four years in Italy following a brief move to Juventus. He was part of Jose Mourinho’s famous 2010 treble-winning side that lifted the Champions League that season. Lucio finished off his career back in Brazil – barring the 2015-2016 season in India with FC Goa.The defender finished off his playing days in 2020 with Brasiliense FC. But he did play in the Infinity League – which aired on DAZN and featured ex-pros playing with content creators in a five-a-side format. His Bayern side went on to win the league. Lucio won the Champions League with Inter MilanCredit: AP:Associated PressHe retired from playing in 2020Credit: @lucio_l3 More

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    Emotional moment Eddie Howe chokes up as he thanks hero NHS staff who cared for him during pneumonia battle

    EDDIE HOWE choked up as he returned to the hospital where he was treated for pneumonia.The Newcastle manager was hospitalised in April and was forced to miss three matches as he fought the severe infection.Eddie Howe has visited the hospital where he was treated for pneumoniaCredit: x @premierleagueHe thanked many of the medical staff who helped treat himCredit: x @premierleagueHe missed three Premier League games while he was hospitalisedCredit: x @premierleagueHe gave a Burnley shirt to his consultant who supports the clubCredit: x @premierleagueHowe, 47, made his return to the dugout as the Magpies beat Ipswich 3-0.He has since overseen his side’s draw against Brighton and win over Chelsea to boost their hopes of Champions League qualification.The manager returned to the hospital where he was treated to thank the medical staff.Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given joined him as he spoke to doctors and nurses.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn a video shared by the Premier League, Howe could be seen thanking the workers who helped him.The English boss showed his gratitude to the many workers with kind words of thanks and hugs.He even spoke to one doctor who admitted he was more nervous treating Howe due to his love of Newcastle.Howe was given the chance to video call his consultant, Charlotte, and offer her a special gift.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Burnley supporter was gifted a Clarets shirt by Howe, who managed the club between 2011 and 2012.The Magpies boss also invited Charlotte to St James’ Park when Burnley visit next season.How Newcastle bamboozled Chelsea in battle for Champions League He was very grateful for all the help he receivedCredit: x @premierleagueHe started to choke up when speaking to his consultantCredit: x @premierleagueHe said: “Just for a massive thank you for how you and your team looked after me. Really grateful”To which Charlotte joked: “I don’t wish to do it again but it was a pleasure.”Howe then admitted that he was “getting a bit emotional” as he choked up over the phone call.He also spoke about how he was doing with Given in the car on the way to the hospital.He said: “I am feeling pretty good. Every day I feel stronger.”I was seen to straight away and was diagnosed really quickly with pneumonia and the scan has come back with something on it.”And that treatment would start straight away.”Howe is now back in the dugout for NewcastleCredit: Alamy More

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    Nottingham Forest give Taiwo Awoniyi injury update after ‘urgent surgery’ and hail Marinakis for showing ‘deep care’

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering “well so far” after undergoing “urgent surgery”.Awoniyi, 27, suffered a horrific abdominal injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Premier League at City Ground.Nottingham Forest announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering after undergoing surgeryAwoniyi’s injury and the way it was handled led to a furious reaction by Forest owner Evangelos MarinakisForest insist there was no confrontation between Marinakis and manager Nuno Espírito SantoThe striker crashed into the post on 87 minutes after stretching to meet a brilliant pass from Anthony Elanga on the right flank.But following several minutes of treatment the Nigeria international was cleared to continue even though he did not look fit to play. Forest told SunSport that was what led owner Evangelos Marinakis’ intense talk with manager Nuno Espírito Santo at full-time as he wasn’t happy with the way Awoniyi’s injury was handled.And the Nigerian was rushed to hospital on Monday for emergency abdominal surgery after the Tricky Trees’ medical staff discovered the full extent of his problem.Read More on Football Thankfully the centre-forward’s operation went well and he is currently recovering.Forest shared the following statement: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.”Nottingham also explained Marinakis’ angry reaction, which was met by criticism from the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, came as a result of “deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe statement continued: “At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us.”That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday. “His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence. In the final ten minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. “His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain -something no one with genuine care could ignore – triggered him to go onto the pitch.”Forest stated there was no confrontation with Nuno but instead there was a “shared frustration” regarding the medical team’s decision to allow Awoniyi to continue.’There was no confrontation’The statement also suggested Marinakis “would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur”.The announcement added: “It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur. “The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context. “Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one — least of all the injured player. We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.Read More on The Sun”At Nottingham Forest, we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence — over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion. “In moments like these, the game must unite around those who put their bodies and minds on the line every week. That’s what real leadership looks like in our game.” More

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    ‘I thought I was minutes away from lights out’ – Rio Ferdinand breaks silence on horror bug that put him in hospital

    RIO FERDINAND has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalised last week, revealing he thought he was close to “lights out”.The former Manchester United defender spent days in hospital and was forced to miss his punditry duties with TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalisedCredit: PAThe former defender shared an update from his hospital bed last weekCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Ferdinand, 46, was set to provide analysis of Arsenal’s visit to Paris Saint-Germain before acting as co-commentator as United reached the Europa League final.Instead he was forced to watch on from a hospital bed and updated fans on his condition by sharing a photo of himself with his thumbs up.That was the aftermath of a serious ordeal for the former England defender, who had been suffering from a horrific stomach bug.The “crazy” illness left Ferdinand vomiting while he also experienced migraines and vertigo, making him feel like the “lights were out”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I had a mad virus. I thought lights were out at some point, I thought it was gonna happen. I thought I was minutes away from lights out, seriously.”I was in my house, I was in my bed like this [pained expression] and I couldn’t even open my eyes.”Then, the headache I had… I don’t get migraines or nothing else so I don’t know what they’re like. I thought my head was in a vice and my eyes were going to pop out.”Then, I was being sick, projectile vomiting in the toilet, I got back to bed and I was having vertigo. I was holding onto the sheets, I didn’t know where I was. It was crazy.”Most read in FootballFerdinand also revealed he went into a state of panic after doctors told him he would need a brain scan.He was even offered an ambulance, making the ex-England star even more nervous.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City Ferdinand continued: “I had to go to hospital and the doctor even said to me, “Do you want an ambulance”? So that’s when I knew.”He went, ‘We’re going to get your brain scanned’. I thought it was a virus or a flu or something so when he mentioned brain scan and the ambulance, the panic was nuts.”I went to hospital and I was in there for a few days. I couldn’t even enjoy the hospital food. The soup and the ice cream normally does wonders.” More

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    Ex-Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson undergoes heart surgery after suffering health complications in League Two clash

    AFC Wimbledon star Sam Hutchinson had heart surgery after suffering complications following a League Two clash against Grimsby.The ex-Chelsea man was taken to hospital after scoring the goal that clinched the Wombles’ place in the play-offs on May 3.Sam Hutchinson had a tight chest during AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win over GrimsbyCredit: RexFormer Chelsea star had heart surgery after suffering complicationsThe 35-year-old defensive midfielder played the full 90 minutes of AFC Wimbledon’s 1-0 win at fellow play-off chasers Grimsby.And his close range effort in the 52nd minute secured fifth in the table and a first round promotion play-off clash with Notts County.But Hutchinson was forced to miss the Dons’ first leg 1-0 win on Saturday at Meadow Lane after having heart surgery in London.The former Cobham star complained of chest problems in his post-match interview at Blundell Park.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said: “To be fair, I felt like rubbish during the game for some reason. I had a really tight chest.”I wanted to come off in the first six minutes but I had to battle on like an old warhorse.”Hutchinson was taken to hospital on the journey back where he was treated and assessed in Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham.A club statement read: “Sam then had a successful procedure at the end of last week in London and he now has a clear return to play plan in place. Most read in FootballHutchinson and Ryan Bertrand on the way to the Chelsea victory parade following their UEFA Champions League and FA Cup victories in May 2012Credit: Getty”Everyone at Wimbledon extends their best wishes to Sam who is now recovering at home with his family. “Hutchinson has played a key part of the team’s success this season.”Whilst he is recovering, Sam continues to have an impact on the squad and we are hopeful we can end the season positively for Sam. “The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks for the support and care provided at Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham, as well as Cleveland Hospital in London.”After coming through the ranks at Chelsea, Hutchinson made just five appearances for the first team between 2007 and 2014.He was loaned out to Nottingham Forest and Vitesse Arnhem during that time before permanently joining Sheffield Wednesday. Hutchinson has had a turbulent career that saw him forced to retire in 2010 after severe knee problems troubled his formative years.Playing as a defender for Chelsea back then, Hutchinson called time on his career at just 21 years old.Read More on The SunBut some 18-months later the former England youth prospect returned to Stamford Bridge following extensive rehab.After eight years at Wednesday, Hutchinson joined Reading where he spent the last two seasons. More

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    German footballer Tim Lemperle rushed to hospital after being ‘assaulted’ and out of crucial Bundesliga promotion clash

    GERMAN football star Tim Lemperle was rushed to hospital after sustaining injures to his face during an assault on a night out.Koln star Lemperle will likely miss Sunday’s huge promotion final against Kaiserslautern for a place in the Bundesliga next season.Tim Lemperle was rushed to hospital after being assaulted on a night outCredit: RexLemperle reportedly suffered a broken nose and a gash on his face on Sunday evening, according to German outlet Bild.The report claims that the striker was out with friends in a borough of Cologne.A fight broke out in a boathouse bar near the bank of the River Rhine with another group, before things settled down.But Lemperle and his pals were allegedly attacked while leaving the venue later at 9pm local time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 23-year-old former Frankfurt star was taken to a local hospital where he stayed overnight until Monday morning.Koln boss Friedhelm Funkel hasn’t had any contact with Lemperle, who was forced to miss training on Monday afternoon.Funkel said: “I know he was physically assaulted on Sunday. He sustained facial injuries. “The likelihood of him playing on Sunday is slim. It can’t be completely dismissed, but it is slim. I can’t say anything more about it.”Most read in FootballThe police are investigating the incident and appealing for witnesses.Lemperle has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 24 second division appearances this season.And he was nailed on starter for the final, after having been named in the starting XI in 22 out of 24 league games this term.FC Koln finished second in Bundesliga 2, behind Hamburg who were automatically promoted to end a seven-year absence from the German top flight.Lemperle’s team-mates take on Kaiserslautern, who finished just inside the playoff places in sixth, in the final. More

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    Chris Eubank Sr held my hand in hospital and told me I’m the superior fighter, claims defeated Conor Benn

    CONOR BENN said he was comforted by Chris Eubank Jr’s dad from his hospital bed following their brave battle. Eubank Jr beat Benn to walk away from Tottenham’s stadium with a heroic unanimous points win and most vitally family bragging rights. Conor Benn said he was comforted by Chris Eubank Jr’s dad from his hospital bedCredit: YouTube/iFL TVConor Benn with Chris Eubank Sr and his dad NigelCredit: AFPBut both ended up in the same hospital – just a few beds down from each other.And Benn claimed Eubank Sr – who made an emotional return to his son’s corner after their public falling out – was by his side following the thriller. He told iFL TV: “Sr came in to see me, we were chatting. He held my hand. Me and Sr were chatting away, kept telling me I’m the superior fighter.”We were just talking, man. He’s a vibe. He’s a vibe. I mean half of it I don’t know, half of it I couldn’t understand what he was trying to say.READ MORE IN BOXING”Then the other half was me in and out of consciousness. Can’t remember much.”Benn, 28, confirmed that Eubank Jr, 35, was only a few beds down from him after they were sent to hospital for precautionary checks.He said: “I mean, it was a bit of a weird turn out, to be honest. It’s like a family affair all of us at the hospital.”Eubank Sr had been vehemently against the second generation bout – which followed three decades after his win and draw over Benn’s dad Nigel.Most read in BoxingEubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe warned his son’s best days at middleweight were over and Benn should not have been allowed to go up to 160lb. Eubank Jr also missed weight on Friday’s by an agonising 0.05lb – costing him £375,000 – while also being restricted to a 10lb rehydration limit. Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in classy nods to their iconic dads during ringwalks for huge grudge fightBut – like a scene out of WWE – Eubank Sr did reunite with his boy – sending the 67,000 fans at Spurs’ £1billion stadium wild. And he watched as his severely dehydrated and exhausted son walked away with a famous victory. A rematch clause is included in the contract but even Benn himself could turn it down to instead target welterweight champion Mario Barrios. He said: “If the rematch doesn’t happen I’d love to fight Barrios for the WBC world title, for sure.”I’d love that to be my next fight if it’s not Eubank.”Both men were out of hospital by Monday but Eubank Jr now faces a British Boxing Board of Control investigation just three days after his win. The former super-middleweight world title challenger shared footage of himself using what appeared to be a portable sauna blanket and sweat suit.Both are prohibited under BBBoC rules and although they argue it is not clear when the video was taken – Eubank Jr faces a probe. Benn meanwhile revealed he will fly out to New York to watch Ryan Garcia make his welterweight debut against Rolando Romero. And Benn warned if he does indeed return to the 147lb division for his next fight – it KOs a rematch with Eubank forever. He said: “I’d either do the rematch at 160 next or drop back down to 147 and stay there.Read More on The Sun”I mean, it’s a hard one for me to just accept that he’s beaten me and not avenge the loss. We’ll see but I know the rematch clause is there.”All the terms have been agreed. We shall see.”Eubank Jr beat Benn by unanimous decisionCredit: GettyWBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios is another option for BennCredit: GettyBenn says he will fly out to New York to watch Ryan Garcia fightCredit: Getty More

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    Chris Eubank Jr breaks silence after hospital release with 46-word statement following epic Conor Benn victory

    CHRIS EUBANK JR has spoken out for the first time since being discharged from hospital following his victory over Conor Benn.He left Tottenham’s stadium with a heroic unanimous decision against born rival Benn. Chris Eubank Jr has been discharged from hospitalCredit: ReutersEubank was exhausted during the fightConor Benn is back in trainingCredit: https://x.com/ConorNigelBut Eubank Jr – who failed to make the 160lb middleweight limit and had a 10lb rehydration limit the morning of the bout – was taken to hospital.And just after 11am on Monday morning, Sky Sports reported that Eubank Jr had been discharged from after undergoing medical checks. Benn was also placed in hospital but spoke out on social media too on Monday morning – revealing he was already back training again. At 10.19am, Eubank Jr, 35, posted on social media: “Well it took nearly 3 years but we finally got the job done. READ MORE IN BOXING”Big shout out to everyone that supported the fight on Saturday & made it the once in a lifetime event that it was… without the fans none of this is possible, thank you.” Benn, 28, reacted to Eubank being discharged by posting “Great news”, and a hand-clapping emoji.He had already revealed he was back in training despite the gruelling 12-rounder, posting: “Yes, people. Attack the week, make the days count.”School’s never out. Working, learning and staying in shape. The same, really.Most read in Boxing”I watched the fight back. I, personally, have me up a point. I wouldn’t mind a, you know, one point either way.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Four points is a bit wide, in my opinion. But you keep it moving. I ain’t gonna cry over spilt milk. I’ve got to do better than I do.”And work harder, if that’s possible, and work as smart as I can. We gotta keep it moving. We’re just getting started. Just getting started, baby.Conor Benn back in training just 48 hours after brutal fight with Chris Eubank Jr that put both boxers in hospital”Come on, attack the week. Let’s go.”Eubank Jr missed Friday’s 160lb middleweight limit by an agonising 0.05lb – having to fork out a painful £370,000 fine for doing so.But he did hit the 170lb rehydration cap on the morning of the bout – leading to concerns over his health heading into the fight. Benn also jumped from his regular 147lb welterweight fighting weight – causing Eubank Sr to slam the grudge match and threaten to boycott it.But Eubank Sr did emotionally reconciled with his son and watched as his eldest walked away with family bragging rights over 12 gruelling rounds. Eubank Jr vs Benn: SunSport’s verdictTHIRTY-FIVE YEARS of the Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr rivalry was settled with 36 minutes of violence.Yet with all the tremendous heart shown by both boxers, there wasn’t much technique, skill or finesse on display here.After tons of trash talking, egg throwing and mind games that have been played out to the world over the last three years, SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr gives his verdict on what should be the final chapter in one of British boxing’s biggest beefs.Read here to find out why the 12-round slugfest should not be repeated – and why the rivalry should now be put to bed.A rematch clause is in their contract with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh having already eyed Tottenham again for September.But Eubank Jr could choose to move back up in weight while Benn has options down at welterweight to fight WBC champion Mario Barrios.Benn said: “Do I avenge the loss or move back to 147lbs and win a world title? If Barrios is watching, I’d love that.”But I feel like I just want to settle this.”Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn added: “In defeat, he’s become a superstar.”We have to think about what we do next, we’ve seen tonight he’s a world-class fighter and can win world titles.”We’ve got a rematch up at 160lbs but this kid has an unbelievable future and can be a superstar in this country, filling stadiums.Read More on The Sun”I think he can win the rematch but we have to think carefully about what we do because he’s been through an unbelievable amount.”I’d like to see him go back to 147lbs and fight for a world title.”Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn on pointsCredit: Getty More