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      Man City’s worst Premier League signings, from flops Boateng and Rodwell to £42m mistake Eliaquim Mangala

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      MANCHESTER CITY have invested over £1BILLION in the transfer market over the past decade so, naturally, there are going to be some flops.For every David Silva, Yaya Toure, or Erling Haaland there’s also been an Eliaquim Mangala or Jack Rodwell.
      Three great signings out of four weren’t bad for Roberto ManciniCredit: EPA
      Fortunately for current boss Pep Guardiola, most of the club’s most useless transfers came before the Spaniard brought them continued success.
      Here, SunSport details the five WORST signings City have made in the Premier League era….
      Eliaquim Mangala – £42m (2014)
      Mangala was strongly criticised by the media during his time at CityCredit: AFP or licensors
      Joleon Lescott left the Etihad Stadium after Manuel Pellegrini’s side won the title and Mangala was heralded as a ready-made replacement.
      The defender’s first two seasons saw the club drift away from the top of the table and he was often hammered for poor positioning and slow reactions.
      A solid loan spell at Valencia earned Mangala momentary reprieve under Guardiola but, after 15 appearances, the new boss binned him off before serious injury struck in a 2018 spell with Everton.Jack Rodwell – £12m (2012)
      Injuries curtailed Rodwell’s progressCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Rodwell was an up-and-coming star at Everton but became a symbol of City’s trigger-happy stockpiling when jumping ship at the age of 21.
      There was a problem, however: City already had an excellent set of central midfielders.
      Battling past Yaya Toure, James Milner, David Silva, Samir Nasri, Javi Garcia, Gareth Barry and Fernandinho was too much for Rodwell and he left after two years and just 25 appearances.
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      Jerome Boateng – £10m (2010)
      It is painful enough seeing a former player go on to great things but City didn’t even get close to utilising Boateng’s full potential.
      Perhaps player and club were doomed from day one, the German tearing a tendon in his knee the week before the season began and aggravating it when a drinks trolley bashed it on a flight.
      A year later, Boateng asked to head back home and was allowed to leave for Bayern Munich – going on to win a World Cup, a Champions League and seven Bundesliga titles.
      Jo – £19m (2008)
      Jo arrived with a great record for CSKA MoscowCredit: Reuters
      A top striker in Russia when snapped up by Mark Hughes, Jo struggled to say the least – scoring once in nine league outings before being moved on six months into his stay.
      A brief upturn in form at Goodison Park gave the Citizens some hope of turning a profit… but a dismal 2009-2010 season on Merseyside dropped him back at City.
      Failing to take another chance the following season, Jo finally left to return to Brazil, having cost much more than Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta combined.Wilfried Bony – £25m (2015)
      Bony was sent back to Swansea in 2016 but couldn’t find form there, eitherCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ten goals in 46 games, only six of which came in the league, is a poor record for any striker, but for an expensive forward at a club aiming to win the title? Terrible.
      The Prem top scorer for the calendar year of 2014, Bony initially couldn’t play for City due to African Cup of Nations duty and a summer bout of malaria came after a quiet start.
      That stunted his hopes for the following year and the club learned their lesson, from then on turning their attention away from signing top players from smaller sides. More

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      Rio Ferdinand reveals the harsh manner Sir Alex Ferguson axed Roy Keane following his rant about young players

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      RIO FERDINAND revealed the BRUTAL way Sir Alex Ferguson axed Roy Keane.The pair had an infamous falling out at Old Trafford following the Irishman’s rant about young players not performing in 2005.
      Roy Keane was Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United captain and was his trusted on-field leader for nearly a decadeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Keane was United captain before he was dumped by Ferguson following a rant about his team-matesCredit: PA:Press Association
      During a never-aired MUTV interview, Keane is alleged to have laid into several players individually.
      It put him on the warpath with Ferguson though, who had a heated exchange with Keane, whose contract was running down anyway.
      The midfield commander was then told he had to leave United and Ferguson was left to inform the players of his departure.
      Ferdinand recalled: “The club didn’t want [it] to go out, the manager thought it was disrespectful to the team.
      “The next day, he told the players that Roy Keane will never come back to Man Utd again.”
      Keane claims in his book, The Second Half, that he also fell out with Carlos Queiroz, Ferguson’s trusted lieutenant at the time.
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      He played 326 games for United after signing from Nottingham Forest in 1993, but his move to Celtic did not work as he’d planned as his ongoing hip injuries caught up with him.
      Ferdinand continued: “He was captain of Man Utd. The best player United had for a long period of time.
      “That was a message to the next generation: don’t ever think you’re bigger than this club.
      “Because you’re not, you will go. I just told the captain he is never coming back again.
      “What are you going to do now?”
      Wayne Rooney and Mikael Silvestre have also shared their explosive versions of the Fergie-Keane bust-up. More

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      Christian Eriksen made Man Utd transfer U-turn after ‘snubbing club due to promise made to Tottenham chief Daniel Levy’

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN made a Manchester United U-turn after agreeing to join Erik ten Hag’s side on a free transfer last year.The Daily Mail say the creative midfielder made a promise to Tottenham owner Daniel Levy in 2017 that he would not join a London club out of respect for Spurs.
      Christian Eriksen is full of respect for his former clubCredit: Reuters
      Daniel Levy didn’t want to see Eriksen play elsewhere in EnglandCredit: Alamy
      And Eriksen, now 31, apparently extended his promise to all English clubs when United’s interest came out.
      Former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was hoping to secure an £80million deal for the playmaker but failed to land his man.
      Eriksen handed in a transfer request in 2019 after outlining his desire for a new challenge.
      That sparked plenty of interest with both Real and Atletico Madrid joining Juventus in the hunt.
      But the Spurs ace eventually joined Inter Milan for £17m in 2020 as his contract began to run down.
      After initially struggling, Eriksen found his form under Antonio Conte and helped Inter win their first Serie A title since 2010.
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      The popular star went into cardiac arrest on the pitch while playing for Denmark in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland during Euros in 2021.
      Eriksen was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator after thankfully making a full recovery.
      But the Italian FA said that the Dane would need it to be removed in order to play for Inter again.
      After his contract was terminated, he joined Brentford as a free agent and enjoyed a remarkable season for the Bees.
      He played 11 games, scoring once and contributing four assists – but left when his six-month contract expired.
      Eriksen since joined Man Utd, going back on his promise, but completing an extraordinary comeback to the top of football.
      He penned a three-year deal at Old Trafford.
      Eriksen is said to have informed United of his desire to join the club, with the midfielder now set for a medical.
      The playmaker worked with United boss Ten Hag briefly when he trained with Ajax before making his comeback to football with the Bees.
      Last season, Eriksen played 44 times in all competitions scoring twice. More

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      Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable as it transforms to host monster trucks and baseball in stunning timelapse

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      THE LONDON STADIUM looks unrecognisable in a new timelapse video of its summer transformation.During the off-season, the 66,000 capacity venue hosted a variety of events, including monster trucks and baseball.
      The London Stadium looks unrecognisable in a new timelapse videoCredit: YouTube
      West Ham’s home was transformed to host monster trucks and baseballCredit: YouTube
      A new video showing the stadium’s transformation between May 21 and August 14 has now been released.
      The video starts with the conclusion of West Ham’s final home match of last season against Leeds.
      Workers immediately begin removing the pitch in order to erect a stage, with Nigerian singer Burna Boy staging a concert on June 3.
      The venue is then converted into a baseball pitch to host the MLB London Series at the end of June.
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      Pictures from the stadium at the time showed it looking unrecognisable following the transformation.
      However, the work caused controversy amongst fans as the baseball event prevented the club from screening the Europa Conference League final.
      Another pair of concerts were then held in July, with The Weeknd performing twice once the baseball pitch had been removed.
      Dirt and ramps were later installed for the Monster Jam monster truck event later that same month.
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      Grass made its return to the London Stadium before the end of July, though, with a London Athletics meet taking place.
      The event also saw the ground’s athletics track revealed around the outside of the pitch.
      West Ham’s pitch has since been restored for the start of the new season, with the timelapse ending on August 14.
      The Hammers host Chelsea in their first Premier League home game on Sunday. More

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      I’m a former England star with £50m in career earnings… now I own a fourth division team in Ivory Coast

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      FORMER Crystal Palace and England star Wilfried Zaha has used part of his £50million career earnings to buy a fourth division club in the Ivory Coast.The 30-year-old bought a semi-professional side in the capital Yamoussoukro with his brother, Carin.
      Wilfried Zaha has made just under £50million in career earningsCredit: Getty
      Zaha owns a fourth division team in the Ivory Coast, who he has won 31 caps forCredit: AFP
      According to Capology, Zaha’s career earnings total £49.92million and is using some of that to help give back to the nation of his birth.
      Zaha plans to use Espoir Club D’Abengourou to provide opportunities for young players in the country.
      He was born in the Ivory Coast before moving to England as a child, going on to win two caps for the Three Lions.
      However, Zaha later switched his international allegiance to the country of his birth and made his debut in 2017.
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      In the six years since, he has scored five goals in 31 caps and played at each of the last three Africa Cup of Nations.
      Zaha discussed his move into club ownership in an interview with Forbes back in November.
      “Going back to my country just opened up my eyes to a lot of things to be thankful for,” he explained. “I just wanted to invest back in my country.
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      “I was thinking of different possibilities to help and when my brother came to me with the football club opportunity, it just made me think: ‘Imagine all the aspiring kids that are watching me that want that same opportunity.’
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      “So if you do well you get an opportunity to thrive and you can end up playing for my club.
      “There are so many people who want to play and there’s just not many opportunities.
      “I just thought: ‘The love I’m getting, let me see if I can give it back somehow.'”
      Zaha switched his international allegiance from England to the Ivory CoastCredit: Getty
      Zaha began his career with Crystal Palace before being sold to Manchester United for £10million aged 20 in 2013.
      He returned to the Eagles a year later on an initial loan deal before going on to spend nine years at Selhurst Park.
      During his time in England, he scored 68 goals in 305 Premier League appearances for Palace, United and Cardiff.
      However, he left Palace on a free transfer this summer, joining Turkish giants Galatasaray.
      Zaha joined Galatasaray on a free transfer this summerCredit: Getty More

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      Man City vs Newcastle: Treble winners host high-flying Magpies in epic Premier League clash – stream, TV, team news

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      MANCHESTER CITY will host Newcastle in a mouthwatering Premier League clash this weekend.Pep Guardiola’s side made no mistake on the opening day against Burnley brushing the newcomers aside with a 3-0 win.
      Manchester City beat Sevilla on penalties to win the Super Cup in midweekCredit: GETTY
      City were in Super Cup action in midweek against Sevilla and the Cityzens won the European title on penalties in Greece.
      Pep Guardiola has made his feelings clear over the Premier League schedule with his side due to play Newcastle just 72 hours after their gruelling 120 minute encounter with the Spanish giants.
      The Toon continued their fantastic form from last season with a 5-1 win over Aston Villa on the opening day.
      Eddie Howe’s side looked fueled and ready to push for a Champions League spot for a second year running.
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      When is Man City vs Newcastle?

      Man City vs Newcastle will take place on Saturday, August 19.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      The Etihad stadium will play host.

      What TV channel is Man City vs Newcastle on and can it be live streamed?

      Man City vs Newcastle will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
      TNT Sports customers can live stream the action via the TNT Sports app/website.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from the Etihad.

      Team news
      Pep Guardiola will be hoping his side came through their Super Cup clash with Sevilla unscathed.
      Kevin de Bruyne will be sidelined for several months after going off with a hamstring injury against Burnley.
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      Ruben Dias could return following a seven-day absence after suffering a concussion.
      John Stones picked up a hamstring injury in training meaning he will be unavailable for this weekend’s game.
      For Newcastle, Joe Willock is unlikely to be involved due to an unresolved hamstring issue.
      Otherwise, Eddie Howe should have the same squad at his disposal as he did on the opening weekend.
      What are the odds?
      Match result:

      Man City – 4/6
      Draw – 3/1
      Newcastle – 15/4

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Theo Walcott set to retire at 34 after former England and Arsenal star’s release by Southampton

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      THEO WALCOTT is set to retire from football at the age of 34.The former England and Arsenal star has been a free agent since being released by Southampton earlier this summer.
      Theo Walcott is set to retire from football aged 34Credit: Getty
      Walcott joined Arsenal from Southampton aged just 16Credit: PA
      According to talkSPORT, Walcott is expected to announce his retirement from football with immediate effect.
      He has been linked with several clubs since leaving St. Mary’s at the end of June.
      Premier League Bournemouth and League One side Reading have both been potential suitors this summer.
      However, Walcott is said to have instead chosen to hang up his boots and is set to make an announcement imminently.
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      The winger started his career with Southampton before signing for Arsenal for £12million as a 16-year-old in 2006.
      He was later included in England’s World Cup squad later that year aged 17, before he had made his Premier League debut.
      Walcott spent 12 years with the Gunners, scoring 108 goals in 397 appearances and winning three FA Cups.
      After leaving for Everton in 2018, he returned to boyhood club Southampton in 2021 following an initial loan spell.
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      Prior to Walcott’s contract expiring at the end of last season, the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
      The 34-year-old scored twice in 20 league matches during the campaign before being released.
      Walcott also scored eight goals in 47 caps for England, including a hat-trick against Croatia in 2008.
      He was also a member of the Three Lions’ squad for the 2012 Euros, playing in all four matches.
      Walcott won 47 caps for England and made his debut aged 17Credit: PA More

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      Firm building new Liverpool stand file for ADMINISTRATION days before first home game – and it affects another club too

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      THE firm in charge of building Liverpool’s new Anfield Road Stand has filed for administration.It comes just TWO DAYS before the Reds’ first Premier League home game of the season – which takes place against Bournemouth at 3pm on Saturday.
      The firm in charge of Liverpool’s new stand has filed a notice to appoint administratorsCredit: PA
      The weekend fixture was originally set to debut the new stand – which will increase the stadium’s capacity to 61,000.
      But delays to the work – which is being carried out by a firm called Buckingham Group – has pushed the stand’s opening date back to mid-October.
      Now there are concerns that could be delayed even further following reports of the company going into administration.
      A statement from Buckingham Group said: “It is with immeasurable regret that the Buckingham Board has to announce that rapidly escalating contract losses and a sharp reduction in liquidity, together mean the Company is unable to continue trading at thiscurrent time.”
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      It goes on to put the financial troubles down to “a combination of unexpected impacts such as the extreme inflation linked to the Ukraine conflict and other challenges in the Sports and Leisuredivision”.
      The firm add: “Over several months and right up to this week, the Board has worked with specialist advisors to seek to bringsubstantial new investment into the business that would have enabled the Company to continue trading as agoing concern without interruption.
      “However, this initiative has ultimately met without success.”
      Buckingham Group are also in charge of the development at Fulham’s ground Craven Cottage – which has already been majorly delayed.
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      And it is the work on the West London club’s ground that is alleged to be the cause of the company filing a notice to appoint administrators.
      Fulham have informed their fans that work on their Riverside Stand will not be finished until the 2024/25 season.
      The new stand had been due to open in full this season.
      A test event was held at Anfield on Tuesday to obtain the safety certification for the lower tier of Liverpool’s new stand.
      But the upper tier will not be open to supporters on Saturday, meaning the maximum attendance for the game is around 51,000.
      Work on the Anfield Road Stand began in September 2021 and the hope was it would be completed by the end of this season.
      SD Samuels, the company in charge of the cladding for the stand, filed for administration back in December.
      This is understood to be one reason for the delays. More