Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions-elect Liverpool face most important transfer window in club history with TWELVE stars facing uncertain future

      by

      LIVERPOOL are facing a seismic summer exodus – whatever happens in the remaining weeks of the season.The Reds are still odds-on favourites to welcome the Premier League title back to Anfield, but within weeks could also wave goodbye to up to a whole team’s worth of players in the busiest and most important transfer window in recent club history.Mo Salah is poised to lead an exodus of star names from Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyLiverpool fans have told owners FSG to pay their stars whatever they want to stayCredit: ReutersThe future of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk, the out-of-contract big three, has been a sub-plot for the whole of Arne Slot’s debut campaign.And it is no longer unthinkable that all three will leave and be followed out of the Anfield exit door by a number of others.Kop boss Slot and Anfield chiefs are also on alert as European rivals circle around first-teamers like Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz. Then there are bit-part players like back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez who want regular football.Read more in footballAnd even if the Reds would welcome offers for underperforming stars such as Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, they would still need to find high-quality replacements to give Slot the chance to maintain momentum.Despite Liverpool’s Champions League exit and defeat in the Carabao Cup Final, the Dutchman’s season will be judged a huge success if he delivers the Premier League crown that would put the club level with Manchester United But Slot has relied on the core of players who revived the Reds under Jurgen Klopp.If this is to be the start of a glorious new era at Anfield, Slot will need chief executive of football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes to deliver a new-look squad that is fit for purpose.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOn his way – Mo Salah is one of three key men yet to sign a new Reds dealCredit: AlamyMOHAMED SALAHWhether the Egyptian King opted to join a European rival like Inter Milan or to take the money from Saudi Arabia, he would be absolutely irreplaceable.With 27 goals and 17 assists, Salah has been involved in 63.7 per cent of Liverpool’s Premier League goals this season.Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsThere is no like-for-like option to step into the shoes of the third highest scorer in club history and a legend of English and world football. The Reds pulled a rabbit out of the hat when they signed Kenny Dalglish to succeed Kevin Keegan as their main man in 1977. This is a bigger task.Down and out – Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real MadridCredit: GettyTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLDMost Liverpool fans accept that “the Scouser in our team” is going to Real Madrid to join new bestie Jude Bellingham.Supporters also know that recruiting a right back with the same passing range and potency going forward will be impossible. There is a reason why TAA is the most prolific assist provider from his position in Premier League history, with 62 at the age of only 25. The trick will be finding someone who can defend better yet still deliver enough at the other end of the field to give some compensation for his absence. Good luck.Stand off – Van Dijk and Liverpool are yet to agree terms to keep the skipper at AnfieldCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedVIRGIL VAN DIJKThe accepted wisdom on Merseyside remains that captain Van Dijk is the one of the big three who will sign a new deal to keep him at Anfield.The man himself, though, has given that opinion little support in recent weeks, as rumours of interest from Real Madrid, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere re-emerge, die down and then return.But for Salah’s incredible numbers, the Dutchman would be a leading candidate for player of the year. He is generally regarded as one of the best central defenders to play in England in recent decades.Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen are among those touted as successors. Neither is currently at the same level. But then again, who is?It’s all kicking off as Real Madrid, PSG and others plot moves for Ibrahima KonateCredit: GettyIBRAHIMA KONATEApart from the defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle, the most alarming and unexpected development of recent weeks has been the emergence of doubt about the future of Van Dijk’s centre back partner.You could dismiss talk that the France international would welcome a summer battle for his signature as mischief-making by the clubs with their friends in the local  media or the product of a slow news day. But it may well not be.Konate’s susceptibility to injury has been an issue in the past but the Reds could ill afford to lose him, regardless of what happens with Van Dijk.Luis Diaz has had a poor second half of the season and could be on his way outCredit: GettyLUIS DIAZThe links between Diaz and Barcelona are as long-standing as the La Liga giants’ financial problems that make any such deal challenging.Yet amid talk of a busy summer at the Camp Nou, with Barca allegedly willing to cash in on bankable stars like Frenkie De Jong and Raphinha, Diaz will be on their radar.Liverpool would not necessarily be averse to selling the Colombian after he failed to maintain his early season form and Cody Gakpo became first-choice on the left flank.Yet Slot would want someone of high calibre and/or versatility to push Gakpo and whatever other forwards he has after the summer.Darwin Nunez is one of FIVE Liverpool forwards who could leave Anfield this summerCredit: GettyDARWIN NUNEZCaptain Chaos’ time at Anfield is surely up after another season of occasional highs but even bigger lows.Liverpool are said to have turned down a bid of £62m plus add-ons from Al-Nassr in January only because they did not have enough time to find a suitable replacement for the Uruguayan.Al-Nassr signed Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead, but other Saudi clubs remain keen on the Reds’ No 9.Rumours about Atletico Madrid won’t go away, either. Whatever fee Liverpool are able to get for Nunez will need to be re-invested more wisely than the initial £64m they spent on him three years ago.Caoimhin Kelleher is set to take his destiny in his hands and leave LiverpoolCredit: GettyCAOIMHIN KELLEHEREnough is surely enough for the goalkeeper who is the Republic of Ireland’s No 1 yet deserves to be first choice for a club, too.That’s not going to happen at Liverpool, with Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili due to arrive this summer to push Alisson for his place and, if all goes well, take it in the not-too-distant future.The Reds have turned down bids from Nottingham Forest and others in recent transfer windows and Kelleher filled in well for Alisson while the Brazilian was injured earlier in the season.But with Bournemouth now joining the ranks of clubs ready to give the Irishman his big chance, he will surely be on his way in the summer.Harvey Elliott’s winner in the Champions League at PSG was a rare highlight this seasonCredit: PAHARVEY ELLIOTTBrighton and Borussia Dortmund were among the clubs who were reported to be looking at a move for Elliott in January.The player himself was quick to play down talk of a winter move, stressing that he had had talks with Slot about his lack of game time and understood how hard it was to break into a team that was doing so well.Yet Elliott’s resolve to stay – and the Reds’ determination to keep him – would be tested by sizeable summer offers for a player with just over two years left on his contract.The attacking midfielder/forward – and doubt about his most effective position is a factor – has made just 21 appearances this season, compared to 53 in Klopp’s final campaign, with not a single start in the Premier League.Joe Gomez has never scored in 10 years at Liverpool and may leave before he canCredit: EPAJOE GOMEZGomez has gone from being a key player in Klopp’s farewell season to an outsider under Slot, although he seemed to be returning to favour before a hamstring injury sidelined him.The Reds allegedly included Gomez as a makeweight in the proposed deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle last year.Eddie Howe will not be the only manager interested in Gomez this summer. Aston Villa, Chelsea and Fulham have all been linked with him, along with clubs in Europe.A move back to London for the former Charlton Academy star, after 10 years at Anfield, looks a good bet. The Reds would want a replacement who matched his versatility but not his injury record.Wataru Endo is Arne Slot’s favourite late sub but other clubs would offer him moreCredit: GettyWATARU ENDOFulham, AC Milan and even Barcelona are just some of the club believed to have an interest in the defensive midfielder, who arrived for a cut-price £16m in the summer of 2023.The Japan captain has become a cult hero at Anfield because of his no-nonsense style and cameo roles in closing out games for Slot’s side.Yet sentimentality will count for little if the Reds could recoup a decent amount of their initial outlay and put it towards securing someone who might put more pressure on Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister for a starting place.Diogo Jota has struggled for fitness and form this season and could be availableCredit: AlamyDIOGO JOTAAs the Kop song goes, the man from Portugal wears the No 20 but if Liverpool win title No 20, his contribution will not have been significant.Jota’s injury issues have been glossed over in the past because of his tendency to have scoring streaks at important times.But like Nunez, the 28 year old has not done enough this season to share the burden of scoring with the incredible Salah.Despite that and his physical frailty, a number of clubs at home and abroad would be prepared to offer Jota a chance to make a new start, perhaps including former employers Wolves.FEDERIO CHIESASerie A title rivals Inter Milan and Napoli were both interested in bringing Chiesa back to Italy on loan in January, after his injury-affected lack of game time at AnfieldUntil what was only a consolation goal in the Carabao Cup final, Chiesa’s most memorable contribution to the season was his manic celebration of Nunez’s late goals at Brentford.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe potential departure of other forward options might make it worth Liverpool’s while to give the Euro 2020 winner another season to prove his worth.But after spending only an initial £10m on the Italy international, the chance to recoup that cash or even make a profit would also be tempting, probably for the player, too. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea files: Geovany Quenda, 17, was so good he was allowed to train in jeans and quit Benfica in bizarre bedroom row

      by

      CHELSEA hope to have a pair of star-studded Levis in their dressing room – but not in the way you think.Centre half Levi Colwill is already an established member of the first team squad. Chelsea have beaten Man Utd to the signing of Sporting’s Geovany QuendaCredit: GettyQuenda (pictured third from the left in the middle row) was initially allowed to play in his trousers as youth team Damaiense didn’t have any spare kit for himCredit: DamaienseBut next summer Portuguese wonderkid Geovany Quenda will be arriving at the club. And he is so good that he was allowed to train in jeans as a kid.Quenda was born in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa and migrated to Portugal in 2016 aged nine. On arrival he tried his luck at football with amateur side Damaiense but did not have any kit. Club officials went to find some but by the time they came back, Quenda was already showing his blistering potential so they let him carry on playing in his normal trousers.A Blues insider said: “He broke a lot of records that day. He then went with them to a tournament and totally bossed it. That’s when he caught the attention of Portugal’s bigger clubs.”Quenda was quickly snapped up by leading Portuguese team Benfica but in a bizarre episode ended up quitting to join their fierce rivals Sporting Lisbon soon after.Benfica had promised the young boy a bedroom at their academy in Seixal but then went back on the deal. Neighbours Sporting seized their chance and put him up and from there he has created shockwaves with his burgeoning talent.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was playing for the Under-23 side aged 16 and under Ruben Amorim, who is now manager at Manchester United he was given a first team chance.At 17 yrs and 95 days Quenda became the youngest player in history to score in Portugal’s La Liga top flight – taking the record from Cristiano Ronaldo.Humble Nicolas Jackson snubs mega-money supercars as he leaves Chelsea training in £30,000 Fiat 500 He is the youngest player from Sporting to start in the Champions League and at 16 was the leading scorer in Portugal’s Under-23 league.Although Chelsea say a deal has only been signed ‘in principle’ Quenda will be coming to England in summer 2026 to join a steady stream of young foreign talent on its way over.Brazilian winger Estevao Willian is coming in a few months’ time and Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez is on his way.At a more senior level, Chelsea have agreed an £18.5 million fee for midfielder Dario Essugo – Portuguese like Quenda.Chelsea have also agreed a deal for Dario Essugo, who is currently on loan at Las Palmas from SportingCredit: GettyFAN-TASTICCHELSEA have been winning but not singing. And to try to put that right a group of fed-up season ticket holders have taken action.A group called We Are The Shed had a trial run of a ‘singing section’ in the Upper Tier of the famous stand at Stamford Bridge last week.Around 120 diehards have worked with the club in an effort to gather all those who want to generate noise and atmosphere together in the same group of seats in Block Four.While the deafening Danes from FC Copenhagen were impossible to compete with during last Thursday’s Conference League victory for The Blues, there was a visible and audible know of fans stoking things up.The atmosphere or lack of it at home games has been a big talking point among Chelsea fans in recent seasons. It is the same at most Premier League stadiums these days though in their defence.We Are The Shed are on the lookout for new recruits to join their growing band.A group of Chelsea fans are hoping to improve the atmosphere at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyThe Blues’ support was drowned out by noisy fans of FC Copenhagen during last week’s Conference League clashCredit: PAROMAN IN RUINSROMAN ABRAMOVICH has turned his back on football since being forced to give up his beloved Chelsea.The Russian billionaire remains furious over the Theresa May Government withdrawing his “golden visa” in  2018.Four years later, Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine saw the Boris Johnson Government force Abramovich to sell the club as part of the sanctions against Russian financial interests.And close friends report that Abramovich has barely watched a game since being left with no option other than to hand the Blues over to the Todd Boehly-led consortium.One said: “Roman still likes football. But he doesn’t go to games any more. It was always about Chelsea.”Some £2.5bn of the sale price earmarked for victims of the war, remains stuck in an escrow account.Friends of Roman Abramovich (pictured in 2017) say the ex-Chelsea owner has turned his back on footballCredit: AFPNO LAUGHING MATTERAMID a frantic flurry of interviews and announcements from Manchester United last week, one briefing slipped out which would have pricked ears at Stamford Bridge.It has emerged that Red Devils minority owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has declared war on the club’s bloated wage bill.After branding some United players “overpaid”, the British billionaire wants to scale back base wages and focus on performance related incentives.This news was rather well received within the corridors of power at Chelsea, who have been doing the same for a couple of years now.Many were quick to laugh when the club’s American owners, Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, started dishing out nine-year deals with the incentive of a big bump when certain targets are hit.Chelsea’s latest published accounts, for the year to June 2023, showed wages rising from £340.2million to £404m.However, the Blues owners have made huge efforts to trim their expenditure on wages back.It has also been noted at the Bridge that the restructuring at other top club’s, with multiple high-level people in place to look after recruitment, is starting to mirror the changes at Chelsea – who have two sporting directors in Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.There are signs that other clubs are starting to copy Todd Boehly’s often-derided approach at ChelseaCredit: APUNLUCKY 13LIFE as a professional footballer may seem like paradise – and it can be. But what people on the outside don’t often see is the sacrifice that goes into getting there.And forward Christopher Nkunku illuminated that in a recent interview. Born and raised in the suburbs of Paris, his blossoming skills earned him a place at France’s national football academy at Clariefontaine – some 35 miles away.Maybe not so far but Nkunku explained: “You are only 13 years old and you move out of home. It was really hard. Since then I have not lived in my family house and this is hard.“But you remember you are here for football because you have a dream and you have to sacrifice to achieve that.”Given that Nkunku played for Paris Saint-Germain then to Germany to join RB Leipzig and now Chelsea in London, that is quite the nomadic lifestyle. And none of it with any guarantee of success.Christopher Nkunku has been playing far from home ever since he was 13 years oldCredit: GettyCAUSING A STERRAHEEM STERLING has been voted into UEFA’s official Team of the Week after his sterling display for loan club Arsenal last Wednesday.The winger is not yet thinking about his long term future as time ticks away on his season long spell in North London.It seems obvious he does not have a future under current boss Enzo Maresca but with two years left on his contract in summer is under no pressure to quit – at least not on Chelsea’s terms. There are rumours that a host of Saudi Arabian clubs are taking interest in the 30-year-old who last week became the first English player to be directly involved in at least one goal for four different clubs in the Champions League: Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and now Arsenal.But they can forget it. One place Sterling won’t be going is the Pro-League. There is money and adulation on tap from star-hungry Saudi fans but it doesn’t suit the born and bred Londoner.Raheem Sterling hasn’t pulled up any trees on loan at Arsenal this season, but he did set a unique Champions League recordCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd branded a ‘total disgrace’ for raising ticket prices for pensioners by 57% to help fund £2bn stadium

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have been branded “shameful” and “a total disgrace” over raising season ticket prices by up to 57% for OAPs.On the day Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes accused his former club of “begging a little” for funds to help pay for a new £2billion 100,000- seater stadium supporters raged over the increases hitting pensioners.Man Utd fans have been left furious with the changesCredit: AFPPaul Scholes has made scathing commentsCredit: GettyMan Utd confirmed that the age at which senior fans receive a 25 per cent discount will now be 66 – with supporters who previously received 50 per cent off seeing their discounts halved.One posted on social media: “My mum is 77. Her ticket has gone up from £494 to £840.1975.”Another complained that her mum, also aged 77, would from the next campaign have to pay £612.75, up from £389.50, saying “It’s disgusting.”Amidst the online storm following a cut of 50 per cent on concession rates for the elderly, another fumed: “I can’t believe what I’m reading.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Supporters over 70 who’ve been watching United for 60-plus years saying their season tickets have gone up over 50 per cent – what has happened to our club when we are treating the most loyalist of fans like this? Shameful.”Fan group the 1958 piled into the controversy after United this week announced a five per cent price increase and as well as well as advising some fans that they would be forced to change seats to accommodate a new hospitality area near boss Rubin Amorim’s dug out.In a statement the group condemned what it called “stealth” rises, saying: “Our seniors are facing effectively a 57 per cent increase on next season. Our most loyal generation of fans who have supported the club for decades.“This is the first phase of reducing the amount of season ticket holders.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“We have always campaigned that the club are trying to marginalise match going fans.“Cutting the 50 per cent OAP concession to 25 per cent for those who had it is a total disgrace.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’The 1958, who staged a 15,000-strong demonstration against owners the Glazers before the recent home clash with Arsenal, stressed: “The fans are now directly paying for years of Glazer greed and generational damage they have caused to our club.”The group also warned the rises, although prices for under-16s remain frozen, were a sign of things to come should part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe succeed in building the new ground.It warned : “This also paves the way for there never being any new season tickets issued now.”It is also a stay of execution to put them up to whatever they want to if we ever move to a new stadium.“These are all stealth increases to change the optics of the 5 per cent increase across all season ticket holders. Again, penny-wise and pound foolish.”Meanwhile Scholes says Ratcliffe, who last week warned the club could have gone bust by Christmas without a series of swingeing cuts including job losses that are likely to total 450 shouldn’t be asking for outside cash to complete the new stadium.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordUnited will pay for the actual ground but are asking for public funds for the rest of the project that would include a wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area with  Chancellor Rachel Reeves backing the plans.Scholes, speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate brought by Sky Bet said: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he [Sir Jim Ratcliffe] says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before.“You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.“Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium in the world, you can say anything.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For a long time we’ve been called the richest club in the world.”But I feel like we’re begging a little but, coming out and asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe has again come under fireCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I feel like we’re BEGGING’ – Paul Scholes slams Man Utd over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £2bn stadium plans

      by

      PAUL SCHOLES feels like Manchester United are “begging” in how they have gone about their business under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The Red Devils co-owner, 72, performed several interviews last week.Paul Scholes had his say on Man Utd’s Old Trafford plansCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled Man Utd’s new stadium plans last weekCredit: AlamyMan Utd also confirmed their intention to build a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford, having received Government backing to fund the wider regeneration project.Under-fire Ratcliffe said: “Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford.”Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLScholes, 50, remains sceptical over Ratcliffe’s promises.Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, the club legend said of the Ineos chief: “You can be gullible at times, and believe what he says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before. You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.”Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium.”For a long time, we’ve been called the richest club in the world, but I feel like we’re begging a little, asking for the stadium and that we need £2billion, and selling players to buy players.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Red Devils released imagery of their proposed new stadiumThe £2bn project will be part of a wider regenerationSpeaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe also made a huge claim about United’s finances.The United co-owner said: “Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of 2025.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium “Where do you want to spend the money? Do you want to spend it on operating the club or do you want to spend it on the squad?”Because if you spend it on the squad, you get better results. At the end of the day, what is Manchester United here for if not to win trophies?”What we want to do is invest in the best players in the world, if we can. Rather than spend it on, I’m afraid, free lunches.”Man Utd signed two players during Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window at the helm.Teenage centre-back Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal, while 20-year-old left-back Patrick Dorgu was recruited from Serie A side Lecce.Ratcliffe last week gushed over the job Amorim is doing at Old Trafford, despite United being entrenched in the bottom half of the Premier League.The British billionaire said: “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest.”I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise? How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]… as there’s no squad left.”We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”Ruben Amorim’s side defeated Leicester City last weekendCredit: EPA More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      New £34m Man City star Abdukodir Khusanov looks emotional as he’s gifted £135k Mercedes on return to Uzbekistan

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY ace Abdukodir Khusanov looked emotional after being gifted a lavish new car by his compatriots.Khusanov, 21, joined City during the January transfer window following a £34million deal with Lens.Manchester City star Abdukodir Khusanov received a lavish gift from his compatriotsCredit: RedditMan City star Khusanov was gifted a Mercedes-Benz G-ClassCredit: RedditKhusanov got emotional after his compatirots’ touching gestureCredit: RedditKhusanov returned to Uzbekistan for the international breakCredit: RedditThe centre-back has already amassed eight appearances and a goal under Man City manager Pep Guardiola.And now the Uzbekistan international is back in his homeland for the international break.Khusanov’s return was filmed by some of his compatriots, who had a very special surprise for the hometwon hero.The defender’s move to the Etihad effectively makes him the most famous Uzbek footballer of all time.Read More on FootballAnd his fellow countrymen wanted to honour his representation at elite football.So Khusanov was gifted a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is rated at about £135,000.The player looked emotional on camera with his fans’ touching gesture.The City star expressed his gratitude and took his brand new ride for a spin.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKhusanov had some very humble beginnings in Uzbekistan as he cut his teeth in Bunyodkor’s academy before moving to Belarusian outfit Energetik-BGU Minsk, which ultimately led to his big break at Lens.Khusanov is now set to lead the national team in their two upcoming World Cup qualifiers.Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defenceUzbekistan will be facing Kyrgyzstan and Iran this month before the player returns to City, who are looking to seal a place in the top five ahead of the last few fixtures of the season.Khusanov joined Man City in January after a £34m deal with LensCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Nottingham Forest star serenades team-mates after being bizarrely gifted guitar by Ed Sheeran following Ipswich win

      by

      NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrated the victory at Portman Road with a guitar given to him by Ipswich Town super fan Ed Sheeran. Forest are one step closer to realising their dream of Champions League qualification after beating Ipswich 4-2 on Saturday and maintaining third place in the Premier League table.Ed Sheeran gifted Nottingham Forest star Callum Hudson-Odoi a guitarCredit: Instagram @olaainaHudson-Odoi played the guitar after Forest beat Ipswich TownCredit: Instagram @olaainaIpswich super fan Sheeran had a special signed inscription for Hudson-OdoiCredit: Instagram @olaainaHudson-Odoi, 24, handed pop star Sheeran, 34, a rather unpleasant evening as the Tractor Boys’ minority stake holder watched his beloved team plunge into deeper relegation trouble.According to The Athletic, however, the singer remains a big fan of the Nottingham star and gave him a special gift after the final whistle.Sheeran was absent at Ipswich as he is currently in the US for business.However, the artist had pre-arranged to have a guitar gifted to Hudson-Odoi in exchange for a match-worn shirt.Read More on FootballAnd Forest team-mate Ola Aina shared a clip showing the ex-Chelsea star serenading Nuno Espirito Santo’s men with his musical abilities.The winger paid tribute to Sheeran as he attempted to play his popular Shape of You song in the visitors’ dressing room.Aina then focused the camera on the signed inscription the singer left for the England international.It read: “Callum, loads of love mate.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHudson-Odoi and Co had a very good reason to celebrate after the final whistle.Forest are now seven points ahead of sixth-placed Newcastle, who have a game in hand.Nuno thanks the fans after solid defensive performance against ArsenalNuno’s side have a strong chances of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition for the first time in three decades.Sheeran, who is a fan of Hudson-Odoi, was gracious in defeatCredit: GettyHudson-Odoi helped Forest get one step closer to Champions League qualificationCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports send warning to pundits Gary Neville and Co over verdict on Man City’s ‘115 charges’

      by

      SKY SPORTS have warned pundits over how they address Manchester City’s “115 charges”.A verdict on the Premier League’s legal war with City is expected in the coming weeks.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are among Sky Sports’ star punditsCredit: GettyRoy Keane will also be expected to comment on the matterCredit: GettySky chiefs are at pains to ensure that their reporting on the sensitive and complex matter will be “accurate, fair and balanced”.The broadcaster has told its pundits not to “make snap judgements” on the sensitive matter.Sky are said to have written to staff members, including the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane, asking them to “sufficiently digest the outcome” and to “stick to the facts” after the verdict.The outcome will also be subject to an appeal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky chiefs also hope that pundits will direct viewers to Sky Sports News for more information.The broadcaster is keen to avoid controversy on the matter.In doing so, they have also sent a “factfile” on the case to staff members.A verdict is expected before the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCity were initially slapped with 115 charges over alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play rules.The Prem champions, who have strongly denied all charges, were subsequently hit with 15 more.Pep Guardiola finally breaks his silence after Man City were charged with 115 financial breaches by Premier LeagueCity splashed out £175million on four new signings in the January window amid talk they were fearing a transfer embargo punishment.Boss Pep Guardiola denied that, insisting: “I do not agree but my words will not convince people our attributes are just being in a wealthy position.“In one month there will be a verdict and sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far.”City could face a points deduction – or even relegation – if they are found guilty.Pep Guardiola has commented on the matterCredit: Alamy More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside a day in the life of an Arsenal player as newly promoted goalkeeper, 19, gives glimpse behind the scenes

      by

      ARSENAL goalkeeper Alexei Rojas has given an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Gunners player.The Colombia youth star, 19, was promoted from Arsenal’s academy to their senior side this season.Alexei Rojas has revealed his day-to-day business as an Arsenal playerThe Colombia youth goalie joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2019Rojas makes sure he is at London Colney by 8.15am each morningAnd the Basildon-born stopper has now provided fans with a glimpse at his day-to-day life with a brilliant video.Rojas, who joined Arsenal in 2019 from Chelsea, leaves his house at 8am sharp and arrives at the London Colney training ground just 15 minutes later.He explained: “Here is what a day in my life looks like as a professional footballer at Arsenal football club.“I left my house at 8am to get to the training ground for quarter past eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I always know it’s going to be a great day when the sun is out.”Before a ball is kicked, Rojas makes sure he fuels up with a huge breakfast.He continued: “I then have my usual pre-training breakfast which is an egg omelette, sourdough bread, avocado on top, accompanied by yoghurt with berries.”This way I’m able to hit my protein to help maintain and build muscle and have the carbohydrates to fuel myself for training.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe work soon begins, with Rojas going through a number of movements before joining Arsenal’s first-team stars for a training session on the pitch.He explained: “I then headed down to the gym to do my prep and activation where I replicate movements that I’m going to do out on the pitch.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewArsenal ratings vs ChelseaARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive.“I train with the first team every day so it’s a great environment for me to learn and develop as a young goalkeeper.”But Rojas still has energy left and follows things up with a gym workout before tucking into a protein-rich lunch.He said: “After training I go back to the gym to do an upper body strength session which is so important for us goalkeepers.“After gym I head up to have lunch where we have a wide selection of proteins, carbohydrates and salads.“Today’s lunch was spaghetti with salmon and beetroot. This way I’m able to refuel with carbohydrates and hit my protein with the salmon every single day.”Rojas makes sure he eats a protein-rich breakfast straight awayHe does a pre-workout session before joining teammates for outside trainingRojas then hits up the gym for another workoutBy this point, Rojas’ body has taken a battering and needs a rest.He revealed he relaxes with an ice bath before eating a snack while studying a new language.Rojas noted: “After training I head to the ice bath so that my legs are feeling fresh and ready to go for the next session.“Here is a clip from my Portuguese lesson which is a language that I’ve been studying since September.“After that I have another snack which includes granola, yoghurt and berries because it’s so important to keep protein intake high throughout the day.”Rojas tucks into more snacks throughout the dayRojas still finds time to hit up a David Lloyd’s for extra recoveryRojas makes sure he’s home and in bed by 10pmRojas’ time at London Colney ends at 4pm, but he doesn’t just crash out at home for the evening.The ace still found the energy to head to a local gym where he made use of the sauna and hot tub.He said: “I finish my day at the training ground by heading down to the changing room to get showered to leave at 4pm. I then go home to spend some time with my family.“In the evening I went to my local David Lloyd’s leisure centre where I used the spa facilities.“I went to the sauna, steam room and finished off in the outdoor hot tub. This is a great way to disconnect and clear my mind.”Rojas ended his video by insisting that sleep is the best form of recovery.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he makes sure he hits the hay by 10pm sharp after munching another meal.Rojas concluded: “At the end of the day I headed home and had dinner before getting to sleep at 10pm which is the best way to recover.” More