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      in Soccer

      Arsenal and Chelsea ‘block’ stars from joining Thierry Henry’s France Olympics squad but three Premier League aces to go

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      ARSENAL and Chelsea blocked three stars from joining Thierry Henry’s France team for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.Henry, 46, who is in charge of his country’s Under-21 and Under-23 sides, will be managing the national team this summer during the Olympics.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry revealed his France squad for the 2024 Olympic GamesCredit: X@equipedefranceFrance manager Henry was denied three key stars from Chelsea and ArsenalCredit: GettyThe legendary striker revealed his squad for the Games and included a number of Premier League stars but was deprived of three crucial players by the Blues as well as his beloved Gunners.According to The Mirror, Arsenal’s record goalscorer wanted William Saliba in his defence but Mikel Arteta refused to let his top centre-back compete for his country.Chelsea’s new boss Enzo Maresca also needs time to implement his ideas and thus decided against letting Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile link up with Henry.However, there was a compromise as Maresca allowed Lesley Ugochukwu to travel to his homeland as he needs minutes to regain essential form.Read More on FootballHenry won’t have any Arsenal players available, but will get to field former Gunners star Alexandre Lacazette who currently plays for Lyon.The ex-Barcelona star has also included Crystal Palace duo Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise who set the Premier League alight after Oliver Glasner’s arrival at the helm of Selhurst Park in February.There was also talk of Kylian Mbappe leading France during the Olympics but the Real Madrid-bound superstar wasn’t part of the squad.Henry claimed he wanted Mbappe but he didn’t even get to negotiate his inclusion.Most read in FootballThe French tactician said: “The last time I received so many rejections was at the University. “There have not even been negotiations. You go, you ask, they say no, you leave.”Watch Dora the Explorer savage Henry, Carragher and Richards on live TV as fans say ‘I’ve officially seen it all’Here Henry’s full provisional France squad for the Olympic Games:Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Obed Nkambadio, Guillaume Restes, Robin RisserDefenders: Bafode Diakite, Mazime Esteve, Bradley Locko, Castello Lukeba, Kiliann Sildillia, Adrien Truffert, Leny YoroMidfielders: Maghnes Akliouche, Joris Chotard, Desire Doue, Manu Kone, Enzo Millot, Khephran Thuram, Lesley Ugochukwu, Warren Zaire-EmeryForwards: Bradley Barcola, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Michael Olise, Mathys Tel More

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      in Soccer

      Inside abandoned stadium left overgrown and vandalised years after hosting Olympics, Six Nations and TWO euro giants

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      A SPORTS STADIUM that once hosted an Olympic Games, several Six Nations matches and two Serie A giants has been left completely abandoned.The Stadio Flaminio in Rome was once the home of Italy’s national rugby union team, but it has also been used for football.The Stadio Flamino is now in a state of disrepairCredit: RexThe stands of the stadium are crumblingCredit: RexThe stadium has been abandoned and the pitch has become overgrownCredit: RexBuilt on the site of the demolished Stadio Nazionale PNF – which hosted the 1934 World Cup final – it opened in 1959 ahead of the 1960 Olympic Games.It became a hugely popular venue during the 1980s when some of the world’s biggest music artists performed there.Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and U2 took to the stage in the late 80s in front of 45,000 to 65,000 fans.Following the music season, Lazio and Roma temporarily moved there while the Stadio Olimpico was being refurbished.Read More on FootballLower league side Atletico Roma later called it home.Between 2010 and 2011 the Stadio Flaminio hosted Italy’s Six Nations matches.It was due to be redeveloped before the 2012 Six Nations with a 42,000 capacity planned.However, the proposed renovations fell through and the Italian Rugby Federation moved to a new home.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the years that followed, Stadio Flaminio became neglected.It is now in a state of disrepair with an overgrown pitch and crumbling stands.However, there is hope that given the adequate funding it can become a fully-functioning, multi-purpose venue once again.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe stadium previously hosted an Olympic games and Six Nations matchesCredit: RexMusic artists such as Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen have also performed thereCredit: RexThe pitch has become severely overgrownCredit: Rex More

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      in Athletics

      World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt strips to bikini in Bahamas in stunning snaps after qualifying for Paris Olympics

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      ALICA SCHMIDT has shared stunning snaps from the Bahamas after qualifying for the Paris Olympics.The track and field athlete was part of the German team that sealed their spot at this summer’s games earlier this month.Alica Schmidt stripped down to a bikini as she relaxed on a beach in the BahamasCredit: Instagram @alicasmdShe wrote ‘Bahamas it was a blast’ as she shared the stunning snaps to InstagramCredit: Instagram @alicasmdSchmidt and her team-mates qualified for the mixed 4x400m relay event after competing at the World Athletics Relays in Nassau, Bahamas.Following the event, Schmidt stripped down to a bikini as she celebrated on the beach.The 25-year-old uploaded a series of snaps from the Bahamas to Instagram including several of her relaxing on the beach.She stunned in a black bikini as well as posing in her race gear to compete and celebrate with her fellow athletes.READ MORE ON ALICA SCHMIDTGermany were one of 14 nations to qualify at the event, which also saw a Team GB quartet book their place in Paris.Meanwhile, Schmidt also attached a video of herself enjoying a boat ride whilst visiting the beach.Alongside the snaps, she wrote in the caption: “Bahamas it was a blast.”Her followers flooded the comments, with one writing: “You look perfect.”Most read in AthleticsSchmidt qualified for the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old has been dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’Credit: instagram / @alicasmdAnother added: “Absolutely beautiful.”A third fan also commented: “You’re gorgeous.”World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt takes fans inside day in the life on road to Olympics 2024 with amazing breakfastSchmidt, who has been dubbed “the world’s sexiest athlete”, has amassed five million followers on Instagram.She regularly shares glamorous snaps and action shots from athletic events with her fans.However, she previously revealed that despite her social media fame, she turned down a six-figure sponsorship deal.The revelation came after Schmidt admitted she only earns £611-per-month as a professional athlete.That has not stopped her from qualifying for this summer’s Olympics in Paris, though, where she is set to make her debut appearance.Schmidt was part of the German relay team at the previous games in Tokyo but did not compete in the mixed 4x400m relay, where her team-mates were disqualified from the final.Here’s a glimpse into Alica Schmidt’s glamorous life…Schmidt is a German track and field athlete competing in the 4x400m relayCredit: EPAShe has also amassed five million followers on InstagramCredit: instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt was part of the German relay team at the Tokyo Olympic GamesCredit: ReutersThe athlete regularly shares glamorous snaps with her fans on social mediaCredit: GettyShe previously revealed she turned down a six-figure sponsorship dealCredit: Instagram @alicasmd More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal cult hero, 32, in line for shock role at Olympic Games with Thierry Henry ready to call him up to France team

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      FORMER Arsenal Alexandre Lacazette is “on the list” to play a surprise role at the Olympic Games for Thierry Henry.Lacazette, 32, has been capped 16 times by France during his career and scored three times for his country.Thierry Henry could spring a few surprises with his French Olympic squadCredit: GettyLyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could be going for Olympic gold this summerCredit: APHowever, he has not represented Les Bleus for SEVEN YEARS – but that could change at Paris 2024.Lacazette left Arsenal for Lyon in 2022 and he has been in sensational form for them since with 42 goals in 60 matches in the top-flight.Despite his prowess, his team were in the relegation zone after 16 games this term until Pierre Sage took over as manager.But Lacazette has fired eight goals since the turn of 2024 as the strugglers climbed up the table.READ MORE ON ARSENALThat form could be about to land the hitman a shot at winning a gold medal for his country.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is the manager of France’s U21 side and will be in charge of the team that enter the Olympics this summer on home turf.He holds grand ambitions of being able to include Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud in his squad.And now Henry assistant, another ex-Arsenal ace in Gael Clichy, has told Telefoot that Lyon skipper Lacazette is also on the list.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe said: “I see that he has a lot of playing time, I see that he is decisive and above all I see that he is a captain. He is a part of this list.“Inevitably, there will be some surprises.”Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreakLacazette spent five years playing in London for Arsenal and scored 71 goals in 206 games under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.He lifted the FA Cup in 2020 with the Gunners but returned to Lyon in 2022 after leaving them for the Emirates in 2017.The star recently admitted how he was left shocked by the lack of facilities for young footballers in England.He said: “One thing that surprised me in London: there is no ground where you can play football for free.”And he also hit back at those critics that claimed he has “finished”.Lacazette added: ““Many people thought I was finished.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They were saying that I wouldn’t succeed, that the club was making a mistake.“I wanted to show that Lyon were right in calling on me.”Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      in Boxing

      Team GB’s Delicious Orie aims to follow in Olympic footsteps of gym pal Anthony Joshua after being inspired by 2012 gold

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      TEAM GB’S Delicious Orie aims to follow in the Olympic footsteps of gym buddy Anthony Joshua.European and Commonwealth Games super-heavyweight gold medallist Orie is Britain’s brightest boxing hope to top the Paris podium.Delicious Orie has his eyes set on Olympic gold this summerCredit: GettyAnd Orie, whose Midlands accent hides the fact he was actually born in Moscow, admitted that training alongside AJ at Team GB’s Sheffield HQ has made him even more determined to come back with gold.Orie said: “I only started taking boxing seriously after I watched AJ at London 2012.“That’s when it really resonated with me. That’s my first and biggest Olympic memory — until I do it!“When I started, the man everyone looked up to was Anthony Joshua.READ MORE IN BOXING“From then it was in my head that I need to win a medal, because this is what GB Boxing has been doing time and time again and proved over and over again.“So it’s only right for me to go out there and do that. To listen to the coaches and go up there and perform and just have full belief and trust in them and myself.”AJ was crowned king of the super-heavyweights at London 2012 before turning pro and twice becoming world champion.The Watford star, 34, now has a third world crown in his sights following his demolition of former MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in two rounds in Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnthon Joshua’s London 2012 gold inspired Orie to take boxing seriouslyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdOrie turns 27 on May 31, two months before the Paris Games start.He added: “I’ve spoken to AJ a few times about what it’s like to step into that Olympic arena.Anthony Joshua jumps up Ring Magazine heavyweight rankings after Ngannou KO but ‘crazy’ Fury laughs off standings“It’s great because you can have this kind of conversation with him outside the ring.“I’m so lucky to be able to speak to him about these things. He has given me advice, both boxing advice and things for outside the ring.“I just couldn’t have a better role model to look up to.”Orie’s mum is Russian, his dad Nigerian and he has a Ukrainian grandmother and cousins.He came to England at the age of seven, settling in Wolverhampton, has an economics degree from Birmingham’s Aston University and reads books on finance in his spare time.The ongoing situation in Ukraine remains “devastating and horrible” for Orie but his heart, now, is very much red, white and blue.He added: “If I can win that gold medal for Team GB, it will mean absolutely everything.“It will be a way for me to say, ‘Thank you’ to the nation, for giving me all the opportunities I’ve had so far.Orie is hoping to do Team GB proud in ParisCredit: Getty“I’m just putting it all together and making the most out of it.“It will be my job in Paris to inspire the next generation, just like I was inspired as a young adult.“My boxing has 100 per cent evolved over the past couple of years, since I stepped inside the Sheffield GB boxing camp.“Every tournament I get into, I feel within me that I’m getting better and better.“Not just physically and in terms of strength, because that’s just natural.“But in being able to cope with pressure, expectations, being able to cope with the level of opposition and just go out there and win.“In terms of progression, it’s second to none. I’m feeling lucky the last couple of years now.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So this is the plan — Paris Olympics and then turn professional. And then world heavyweight champion by 2029.“Early 30s, world champ — I’ll be happy with that.”Orie has set his plan to become world championCredit: Getty More

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      in Athletics

      Team GB’s tumbling twins, 19, struggling to qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics after freak injuries following Tokyo bronzes

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      GYMNASTIC twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova look set to miss the Paris Olympics as they struggle to qualify for Team GB.The sisters won Olympic bronze medals three years ago in Tokyo as the four-person British squad stood on the women’s team podium for the first time since 1928.Gymnastics twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova look set to miss Paris 2024Credit: StartraksJessica suffered an ACL injury and Jennifer is dealing with ankle problemsYet it appears increasingly unlikely the 19-year-old tumblers will be involved in the French capital in four months’ time as they are currently in rehab and not yet back to competition.Jessica, the 2022 world floor champion, suffered a freak “full tear to my ACL” that has sidelined her since last October and required knee surgery before Christmas.There is the slim prospect that if she is apparatus-fit come June or July she could be parachuted in as a late sub for the artistic gymnastics team.Jennifer, meanwhile, had a clear-out op this year on her ankle, which has caused her long-term discomfort, but she does not have the qualifying points against her name for selection.Read More on SportSpeaking to SunSport at last weekend’s British Championships in Liverpool, which the duo watched from the stands, Jessica said: “It happened during a warm-up. I just did a simple drill. Unfortunately it just happened.“From October to December, I did a lot of prehab around the knee to make it as strong as possible before going into surgery.“I’ve got a massive, long journey ahead of me. Now it’s all rehab. It’s looking good but obviously the journey is very long with an ACL. I’m not putting a goal or a date on the end.“There are going to be ups and downs along the journey.Most read in Athletics“We aren’t looking at this Olympics, we’re looking at more Olympics ahead. We’re still young, we’ll recover.“We have been supporting each other massively through the highs and the lows, especially as we’re at a low point at the moment.Team GB gymnastics bronze medallist Gadirova twins bag GCSE distinctions “But at least we’re both going through it together, so we can support one other the best that we can.“We know that we just have to recover our bodies and we’ll get there one day. It’s only a little bump in the road. It’s difficult but it also gives us the fire in our bellies.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe pair have spent time undergoing rehabilitation – which includes specialist physiotherapy and medical support – at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, a facility funded by £7million of National Lottery investment.Whatever happens, unless they make miracle recoveries, they plan to be the biggest cheerleaders imaginable for the Brits across the Channel this July and August.Jennifer, who like her sister was born in Dublin but relocated to the UK, said: “My rehab is taking a little bit longer than expected.“It’s a six-to-eight week recovery. I’m slowly building back. But I haven’t officially been signed off yet.“Yes, we’d love to go to the Olympics. We’ve already done one Olympics before so deep down, we don’t feel like we’re 100% missing out.It’s only a little bump in the road. It’s difficult but it also gives us the fire in our bellies.Jessica Gadirova“We’re already Olympians. We’re already Olympic bronze medallists. That’s a great achievement already.“Missing this one, yes it’s really gutting, but we’re still young and have a bright future ahead of us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re so close, it’s amazing to have a twin sister being in the same sport, going through the same issues. It’s just really helpful to push through.“Like Jess, I’m not putting a time frame or a limit to it. I’m focused on making my ankle as strong as it can possibly be, so the issue doesn’t happen again.”*National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport — from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk #MakeAmazingHappen #ThanksToYou More

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      in Athletics

      Paris Olympics to lift sex ban with 300,000 condoms to be delivered to Olympic village

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      OLYMPIC chiefs have lifted the ban on athletes having sex ahead of this summer’s Games.A sex suspension was implemented ahead of the 2020 Games Tokyo, which took place in the summer of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.The 2024 Olympic Games take place in Paris this summerCredit: ALAMYOlympic chiefs have lifted the sex ban they had in place for the 2024 GamesCredit: REUTERSThe ban was imposed in a bid to stop events from being scuppered by Covid outbreaks.But those preventative measures have been lifted ahead of this summer’s Games in Paris – meaning athletes can get up to as much rumpy-pumpy as they like.Olympic Village director Laurent Michaud said: “It is very important that the conviviality here is something big.”Working with the athletes commission, we wanted to create some places where the athletes would feel very enthusiastic and comfortable.”READ MORE ON PARIS 2024The Olympic Village , according to TMZ, will be stocked with a whopping 300,000 free condoms.So athletes will have no excuse for not practicing safe sex during the tournament.There won’t, however, be any free champers for them to drink during the competition.Although they will have a wide array of food from around the globe available to them every day.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Olympic Village will be stocked with 300,000 free condomsCredit: GETTYFormer Center Parcs head-honcho Michaud said: “[There will be no champagne in the village, of course, but they can have all the champagne they want also in Paris.”We will have more than 350 metres of buffet with the world food.We’re twin sisters, 27, who both secretly battled same disease… now we’re plotting Olympic gold at Paris 2024 together”And I’m sure that the athletes will be very happy to have some French specialties made over here.”But the variety will first respond to the athletes’ needs for their nutrition and their performance.”The Paris Games – which get underway on July 26 and end on August 11 – are expected to attract the largest crowds since London 2012.Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi told Sky News: “It has to be a celebration and it is a celebration.”We’ve had many challenges in the past. “In Rio, we faced situations that were amazingly complex.”But what you see is that with a bit of goodwill from everyone – starting with the organisers.”But also as far as the Olympic community is concerned – meeting with the challenges and coming up with solutions… is in the greater interest that the Games represent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What we all want is for unity, peace and a celebration of the best athletes. “This is how this creative family works together. Any challenge? We will win.” More

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      in Athletics

      Commonwealth Games could be saved from extinction as new host country emerges after Australia pulled out

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      MALAYSIA could rescue the beleaguered Commonwealth Games by becoming a potential host country for the 2026 Games.The Australian State of Victoria was supposed to host the event in two years’ time but pulled out last summer due to budget blowouts.Athletics stars like Team Scotland’s Josh Kerr could yet return to Commonwealth Games action in 2026Credit: GettyOrganisers hope to ensure that Birmingham 2022 is not the last GamesCredit: GettyAccording to Malaysian sports officials, the under-fire Commonwealth Games Federation last month offered them the chance to stage the Friendly Games in the capital city Kuala Lumpur.It is claimed the offer includes “significant financial investment of £100million to support the local delivery and legacy planning” of the 2026 edition.Malaysia became the first Asian nation to host the 94-year-old event in 1998 when Australia topped the medal standing ahead of England.Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, the president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, said: “The last time Malaysia hosted the Commonwealth Games was in 1998.READ MORE TOP STORIES“Thus the Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia is of the opinion that the Government of Malaysia should consider this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the associated support and financial investment.“This will build on the success of Kuala Lumpur 1998 and put Malaysia back on to the world sporting map.“With the existing world-class facilities, Malaysia is well-equipped to host an international event of Commonwealth magnitude involving 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.“The hosting will involve minimal Government spending and bring significant socio-economic benefits to the country.Most read in Athletics“It will also elevate the standard of Malaysia sports much like the way it did in the aftermath of the 1998 Games.”Birmingham hosted the event in 2022 but since then the city council has effectively declared bankruptcy.Shaun Custis and Rob Maul discuss the rise of Luke Littler and what the future holds for Darts wonderkidAnd the £72million Alexander Stadium – the centrepiece for the athletics programme – has not been used for any other sporting events.UK Sport, the government agency responsible for masterminding major tournaments, has no plans to bid for either the 2026 or 2030 editions of the Commonwealths.A Commonwealth Games Federation spokesperson said: “The CGF is in advanced, confidential discussions with potential hosts to secure a solution for the 2026 Games that inspires athletes and helps transform the Games to a truly sustainable model.“These discussions follow our announcement to members at our General Assembly last November that £100million of financial and strategic support would be made available from the Victoria withdrawal settlement.“Malaysia has a fantastic track record of delivering sporting events and the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur were hugely successful.“We are encouraged by their early concepts of building on this legacy through use of many of the same world class facilities.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We welcome innovative proposals and are in positive discussions with potential hosts.“We are committed to providing an update on the expedited process, and giving greater clarity to our stakeholders and athletes, as soon as possible.” More