Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa star’s Wag says ‘I dunno whether to laugh or cry’ as he QUITS honeymoon to replace Rabiot in France squad

      by

      THE WAG of Aston Villa star Boubacar Kamara told Instagram followers “I dunno whether to laugh or cry.”That’s after her Aston Villa hubby QUIT their honeymoon following a late call-up to France’s squad.
      An Aston Villa Wag revealed her honeymoon was cancelled after her hubby got a late France call-upCredit: Instagram/@porrovecchiocoralie
      Aston Villa star Boubacar Kamara put football before his honeymoonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Kamara and Coralie Porrovecchio were set to jet off after getting married last weekCredit: Instagram/@porrovecchiocoralie
      Kamara, 23, and partner Coralie Porrovecchio, 27, got hitched in a glamorous wedding ceremony last week.
      The pair, who met in 2019 and share two sons, decided to celebrate their marriage with a honeymoon away.
      It is unknown where the couple were planning to go.
      But their holiday was thrown into disarray before it even started when Kamara received a message from France boss Didier Deschamps.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The World Cup winner informed the three-time international that midfield regular Adrien Rabiot had withdrawn from upcoming Euro qualifiers against Gibraltar and Greece.
      Kamara was then told he had been called up in place of the crocked Juventus star.
      And it left the ex-Marseille ace needing to choose between his honeymoon and a spot in the France squad.
      Ever the professional, Kamara quickly decided to put his country first.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The duo were on their way to Paris when Kamara was called to replace Adrien RabiotCredit: Instagram/@porrovecchiocoralie
      The pair disembarked before catching a flight to Kamara’s home city of MarseilleCredit: Instagram/@porrovecchiocoralie
      Coralie was at first displeased but later changed her mindCredit: Instagram/@porrovecchiocoralie
      But it forced the ace and former Miss Belgium finalist Coralie into ditching their plane to Paris, with the pair then catching a flight back to Kamara’s home city of Marseille.
      The star will now make his way to Clairefontaine as he looks to become a regular member of Deschamps’ set-up.
      But partner Coralie was initially unhappy at being made to play second fiddle.
      She posted a number of pictures on Instagram Stories, with the first reading: “I dunno whether to laugh or cry.”
      Another followed: “The honeymoon’s postponed. A problem of the lives of football women that you so envy.”
      However, Coralie appeared to come around later as she added it was “for the good cause.”
      Kamara joined Aston Villa from Marseille on a free transfer last summer when his contract expired.
      The ace made 26 appearances in all competitions.
      But his season was disrupted by a knee injury which ruled him out of France’s journey to the World Cup final.
      Coralie is a former Miss Belgium finalistCredit: Instagram/@porrovecchiocoralie
      Coralie and Kamara met each other in 2019Credit: Instagram/@porrovecchiocoralie
      The pair have two children togetherCredit: Instagram/@porrovecchiocoralie More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League star banned for start of next season for PUNCHING fan after ‘team-mate was racially abused’

      by

      STEVEN BERGHUIS has agreed to a settlement proposal which will see him banned for the start of the season after he punched a rival fan.The Ajax star will now miss the first three games of the season after the KNVB handed him a two-game suspension.
      Steven Berghuis will miss the start of next seasonCredit: Getty
      He will miss a third as he also has a one-match suspension for picking up his 5th yellow card in that same match against FC Twente.
      Ajax posted a statement on social media that read: “Steven Berghuis misses the first 3 matches of the new Eredivisie season.”
      Back in May, Berghuis – formerly of Watford – was seen approaching a group of supporters before leaning over the railing and swinging a punch.
      The 31-year-old forward then struck a rival Twente fan.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad report that it followed after a fan made “racist” comments to Berghuis’ team-mate Brian Brobbey.
      The incident came after Ajax were beaten 3-1 by Twente, who Berghuis once played for.
      Berghuis started his career with Twente in 2011 but only spent a year there before moving on.
      In 2015, he signed for Watford under Quique Sanchez Flores as part of a huge summer of spending.
      Most read in Football
      Berghuis had a short spell at Watford in 2015Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      But after just one season, 11 games and NO goals, Berghuis was sold to Feyenoord.
      In 2021, after five seasons there, Berghuis joined rivals Ajax and celebrated a league title win in his debut season.
      But it has been a frustrating campaign for the Eredivisie giants, who surrendered the title to Feyenoord.
      Despite the end to the season, Berghuis had enjoyed an impressive personal campaign.
      He featured in 42 games for Ajax, scoring 11 goals ans assisting 11 more.
      His performances saw him named the club’s Player of the Year, the same award that was handed to Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez last season. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Just one Arsenal player features in Dream Team’s best XI of 2022/23 – while four Manchester United stars make the cut!

      by

      The 2022/23 season is officially in the record books and Manchester City fans couldn’t have wished for a more satisfying finale.Pep Guardiola’s side beat Inter in Saturday’s Champions League final to claim a historic treble and bring the curtain down on another captivating Dream Team campaign.
      Given City’s dominance, one might expect an overwhelming presence of Etihad assets in Dream Team best XI of the season… but that’s not the case.
      In fact, just three treble-winners make the cut once the numbers have been crunched.
      For clarity, we’re exclusively interested in which players earned the most Dream Team points across the 36 Game Weeks, nothing else matters.
      GOALKEEPER: David de Gea
      Four Manchester United players feature in Dream Team best XI of 2022/23
      It was a two-horse race between the sticks for the majority of the campaign with Manchester United’s No1 ultimately edging out Nick Pope, 163 points to 147.
      De Gea’s individual performances were subject to justified criticism at times but 25 clean sheets in all competitions was a formidable tally.
      To put that into perspective, the Spaniard earned the same number of points through clean sheets (125) alone as Ederson did overall.
      DEFENDERS: Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw
      Most read in Football
      Ruben Dias’ late charge wasn’t quite enough to earn him a place in this XI but it seems likely the Portuguese centre-back would have finished as runner-up in his position had he not suffered a spell on the sidelines with injury.
      As it was, Liverpool’s homegrown hero claimed the silver medal by virtue of a creative outpouring that produced seven assists across the last eight Game Weeks.
      Alexander-Arnold was exposed defensively throughout the first two thirds of the season but only a fool would underestimate his talent in possession – how he mustered 167 points despite the Reds’ defensive woes is a compelling mystery.
      A league of his ownCredit: GETTY
      Shaw completes the podium having impressed for Man United at both left-back and centre-back when required.
      Again, the Red Devils’ mountainous clean sheet total is the main factor but the England international was worthy of the 73 points he earned through match ratings – he finished on 158 overall.
      In regards to top spot, any tension evaporated long before Christmas as Trippier took a commanding lead through a combination of regular clean sheets, 7+ ratings and Star Man awards.
      Newcastle’s set-piece specialist was among the Premier League’s most prolific chance creators and a key cog in the top flight’s joint-best defence (33 goals conceded).
      This double life produced 230 points across the 36 Game Weeks, giving him a lead of 63 over his nearest rival when the fat lady sang.
      MIDFIELDERS: Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Bukayo Saka
      Most Dream Team gaffers will know by now that Man United’s playmaker-in-chief topped the charts in relation to 7+ ratings and Star Man awards.
      Fernandes built on his impressive World Cup form to stride clear of De Bruyne, himself a potent asset, in the second half of the season to end on 283 points, 31 clear of the Belgian superstar.
      With 14 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, the Portugal international once again proved that his play style is perfectly suited to Dream Team.
      Arsenal’s only representativeCredit: GETTY
      Mahrez didn’t feature in the FA Cup final or the Champions League final but his ruthless efficiency once again made him a perplexing yet brilliant Dream Team asset.
      Despite starting just 22 of City’s 38 league games and six of their 13 European fixtures, the Algerian winger notched 197 points thanks mostly to 15 goals and 13 assists.
      Completing our midfield, Arsenal’s resident Star Boy.
      Given the Gunners’ lengthy title challenge, it’s rather surprising that Saka is his side’s only representative in this XI.
      Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White and Gabriel were all among the best players in their respective positions but the standards are high among the cream of the crop.
      Saka’s form may have faded somewhat in the final Game Weeks of the season but 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions justified his popularity throughout 2022/23.
      FORWARDS: Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane
      There are no superlatives left to describe Man City’s No9 debut Dream Team campaign.
      Europe’s apex predator plundered 431 points when all was said and done, 130 more than his closest competitor, to become just the second player ever to reach the status of quadruple centurion.
      Haaland finished on 52 goals having scored SIX hat-tricks over the course of the season, including a five-goal rampage at RB Leipzig’s expense.
      The Norwegian captains our side.
      A phenomenonCredit: GETTY
      Man United’s top scorer was arguably the world’s most in-form player for a while this season.
      Rashford bagged 90 points in the space of just five Game Weeks at his rampant best and his final tally of 301 earned him the silver medal not just among forward but all Dream Team assets.
      The battle for the final forward spot was hard fought between Tottenham’s main man and Mohamed Salah, who both posted mightily impressive individual campaigns despite their teams’ problems.
      Read more on The Sun
      Anfield’s favourite Egyptian banked 275 points in all but a brace to relegate Leeds on the final day meant Kane finished on 30 league goals and 289 points.
      The England skipper essentially fought a one-man battle for much of 2022/23 to cement his status as a Dream Team legend. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City’s Treble puts them on course for astonishing bonus that could see club easily afford Kylian Mbappe transfer

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY’S Treble has put them on course for an astonishing £335MILLION bonus.The  Champions League winners know they will never be universally loved thanks to charges related to 115 alleged breaches of historical Financial Fair Play rules.
      Man City completed the treble on SaturdayCredit: Alamy
      But there is no doubting their sensational play on the pitch has brought in an unprecedented amount of prize money this term.
      City have lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the space of  three weeks and they could soon have two more trophies in the bag, as they take on Arsenal in the Community Shield  and Europa League winners Sevilla in the Super Cup.
      A fifth Premier League crown in six years is estimated to be worth £164m.
      Their long-awaited first Champions League victory added another £117.2m, while beating Manchester United in the FA Cup saw them trouser £3.9m — taking the total to a staggering £285.1m.
      Read More on Man City
      That is not all — Saturday’s win over Inter Milan has guaranteed City entry into the new-look Fifa Club World Cup in 2025, which will be worth about £50m.
      That adds up to about £335m, which will delight chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and owner Sheikh Mansour.
      The total amount of prize money could see Man City recruit some huge transfer targets – potentially including Kylian Mbappe.
      Mbappe signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a huge £166million transfer from Monaco in 2017.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      The Cityzens could also attempt to sign Neymar, who is expected to leave PSG this summer.
      Despite Man City’s huge cash bonus, club officials are set to kick off their summer business with a free transfer.
      The Prem champions are set to sign Mateo Kovacic on a free transfer from Chelsea as a potential replacement for Ilkay Gundogan. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans say Usain Bolt is ‘better than Weghorst’ as legend scores at Old Trafford and uses Rashford’s celebration

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have claimed that Usain Bolt is “better” than Wout Weghorst after he netted at Soccer Aid.The Olympic legend opened the scoring in the charity match at Old Trafford and left fans watching impressed.
      Usain Bolt scored at Old Trafford during Soccer AidCredit: Getty
      He then used Marcus Rahford’s celebrationCredit: Rex
      And Man United fans have claimed Bolt is better than loanee Wout WeghorstCredit: Getty
      The Jamaican, 36, used his impressive pace to get in behind the England defence and calmly slotted past former international goalkeeper David James.
      After netting, Bolt ran off to the fans and copied Marcus Rashford’s iconic finger-pointing to-head celebration.
      Rashford commented on the celebration on Instagram as he wrote: “Rash X Bolt ⚡️👉🏾🙎🏾‍♂️.
      To which Bolt replied: “@marcusrashford nothing but love.”
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The goal helped the World XI, managed by new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, to their fifth straight win in a row as the game ended 4-2.
      But Bolt’s goal got all the United fans talking, especially as he himself is a club fan and previously admitted that he wanted to play for the club.
      One fan tweeted: “My boy Bolt is better than Weghorst 😅.”
      A second commented: “Scored as many goals at OT as Weghorst this season…”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      A third wrote: “Better than Weghorst 😭.”
      A fourth said: “Weghorst would not score in that position 😭😭😭.”
      A fifth added: “Should have signed him Instead of Weghorst.”
      While another claimed: “He’s probably clear of Weghorst not even joking more composed than him, and he’s the fastest man alive, so he’s gone in behind.”
      Weghorst has left United following the end of his loan spell from Burnley.
      The Dutch forward will now have to decide between fighting for his spot at Vincent Kompany’s team or start looking for a new club.
      Asa Butterfield and United legend Paul Scholes did fire back for England in the second half.
      But Scholes was forced off injured after a tackle from old United team-mate Nani.
      And it was all downhill for England after Scholes’ exit as former Tottenham and Liverpool star Robbie Keane netted twice for the World XI in the second half.
      Read more on The Sun
      And Love Island star Kem Cetinay scored a record-breaking fifth Soccer Aid goal to seal.
      The charity football bonanza had raised £14,619,005 for Unicef by full-time. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gutted Paul Scholes forced off at Soccer Aid after being injured by old Man Utd team-mate minutes after scoring stunner

      by

      PAUL SCHOLES was forced off during Soccer Aid after being injured by former Manchester United team-mate Nani.The United legend was representing England in the charity match.
      Paul Scholes receives treatment before going off injuredCredit: PA
      Scholes went down injured after a collision with NaniCredit: Getty
      And he played a big role in the game by firing England in front shortly after half-time.
      Asa Butterfield cancelled out Usain Bolt’s opener just after the break before Scholes bagged a trademark goal.
      He may have hung up his boots in 2013 but he rolled back the years by unleashing a stunner into the bottom corner.
      But minutes later his return to the Old Trafford pitch was cut short following a collision with Nani.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Portuguese ran into the midfielder, who came off second best.
      He received treatment on the pitch but was unable to continue, though was able to hobble off rather than needing a stretcher.
      Nevertheless, Scholes left a good impression on viewers who were quick to praise his goal.
      One said: “My king he’s back.”
      Most read in Football

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Another added: “Still got it 😎👌🏻”
      A third wrote: “Better than McTominay.”
      And another commented: “This ends the Scholes/Gerrard debate.”
      Fans were also left shocked after Tommy Fury managed to nutmeg former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere.
      And it was all downhill for England after Scholes’ exit as former Tottenham and Liverpool star Robbie Keane netted twice for the World XI in the second half.
      And Love Island star Kem Cetinay scored a record-breaking fifth Soccer Aid goal to seal it at 4-2.
      The charity football bonanza, which raised £14,619,005 for Unicef by full-time, also saw new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino back in the dugout ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge next month. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Seven Man City Treble heroes could face the chop this summer with Pep Guardiola ready to replace senior stars

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY’S Treble winners wrote their name into the history books on Saturday night.But lifting the Champions League trophy in the Ataturk Stadium in Turkey could be the last time a few of Pep Guardiola’s squad are seen in sky blue.
      Seven Man City stars face the chop despite winning the TrebleCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Pep Guardiola could make several changes to the squad this summerCredit: Getty
      There are question marks over several of the relatively small group of senior players assembled at the Etihad.
      And it is possible that a bunch of the stars who have helped them win three trophies will not be sticking around to defend them in August.
      City are aware you can never stand still and despite their impressive achievements Guardiola expects to see some new faces arriving.
      But hearing 32-year-old skipper Ilkay Gundogan has agreed to stay on after a truly memorable end to the campaign would be as big as any new signing for the club’s fans.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He played a key role in several games — scoring twice against Everton and Leeds in the Prem run-in and also in the FA Cup final win over Manchester United.
      The club have been reluctant to offer more than 12 months to Guardiola’s first signing of his City era.
      Gundogan cost £20.4million back in 2016 and knows he can get a longer deal elsewhere.
      Talks will resume in the coming days with the possibility of a one-year contract and the option of a further season likely to be offered.
      Most read in Football
      Ilkay Gundogan and Kyle Walker have been tipped to leaveCredit: EPA
      Bernardo Silva has been linked with a departureCredit: Getty
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Barcelona, Arsenal, his former side Borussia Dortmund and clubs in Saudi Arabia are watching with interest.
      Fellow midfield stalwart Bernardo Silva has two years on his deal.
      The Portugal international has asked City to consider offers for him for the past two summers due to his wish to be nearer to his homeland.
      From a footballing point of view, Silva, 28, is happy — it is more about lifestyle with the former Monaco man.
      The manager is desperate for him to stay as he knows his versatility makes him so difficult to replace.
      They may face a fight to keep hold of 32-year-old Riyad Mahrez too with a lucrative offer from Saudi appearing in the last few days.
      The Algerian is never happy when he does not play and he has been on the bench for the big games recently.
      If both Gundogan and Silva stay then there will be a decision to make over England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 27, who has struggled for game time in his first season with the champions.
      The £42m signing wants to stay but must also worry about how much he will play — particularly if 29-year-old Mateo Kovacic arrives from Chelsea as expected.
      City had earmarked a large chunk of money to spend on reshaping their midfield this summer. But having missed out on Real Madrid-bound Jude Bellingham, they may now work on keeping what they have got rather than spending big.
      Although Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga, 21, is one they are looking closely at.
      Guardiola may need to spend on the bolstering the defence too.
      One player who will be on his way out is defender Joao Cancelo, who was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich in January.
      The Germans will not take up their £60m option to buy him although they may be interested if the figure is dropped. Guardiola will not want him back at the Etihad after their relationship broke down and Barcelona is one option.
      French-born Spanish international centre-back Aymeric Laporte could also be going after appearing to say farewell to the Etihad last month.
      The 29-year-old, who joined in 2018 for £57m, had been an automatic starter but has lost his place in the side since Manuel Akanji’s arrival last summer and wants to play more regular football.
      Tottenham are interested, as are a few clubs in Spain, and it would be no surprise if he moves on over the summer.
      Mateo Kovacic is an imminent arrivalCredit: AFP
      That could open the door for a big money move for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, 21, who is rated at more than £80m by his club.
      Meanwhile, the future of Kyle Walker is also up in the air as he goes into the final year of his contract. The Three Lions ace finished the season impressively but was surprisingly left out for the final this weekend against Inter Milan.
      Guardiola said at Easter he is not equipped to play the inverted full-back role perfected by John Stones, casting some doubt on his long-term prospects.
      Given that he has just turned 33, it may be that City allow his deal to wind down before making a decision next summer.
      Arsene Wenger agrees City need to inject young blood into their team for next term.
      The Frenchman, who won three titles with Arsenal, said: “I must say, I was thinking: What do you now at City?
      “Do you go for a new challenge? Motivate yourself for a new challenge?
      “Or do you stay, take advantage of the credit and continue to develop this team?
      “They will lose important players. This team is not an old team but there are few young players. Apart from Erling Haaland, who is 22 now, all the others are between 23 and 32.
      “So two or three new players will need to change. They have to find same the quality again.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Guardiola has shown in the past there is no room for sentiment by getting rid of some of City’s biggest legends.
      Once the celebrations subside, there will be a few players wondering whether they could be next. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City coach set for Leicester City talks but he’s among SEVEN contenders including Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard

      by

      LEICESTER will step up talks with Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca following Saturday’s Champions League triumph.The Foxes have already spoken to Pep Guardiola’s assistant about the role but will hold further talks now that City have completed the treble.
      Enzo Maresca is Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s assistantCredit: EPA
      Leicester are keeping tabs on Maresca amid their search for a new managerCredit: Getty
      Maresca, 43, joined Guardiola’s staff last summer and has been invaluable to the City boss during their historic season.
      The former West Brom and Juventus midfielder has already rejected a job offer from Southampton this summer and has also been linked with the vacant Celtic job.
      Leicester wanted to hire former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter but the 48-year-old is not keen on taking a Championship job.
      That has left the Foxes looking elsewhere and they have spoken to and considered a number of candidates.
      Read More on Football
      Former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has held talks as well as Scott Parker and Austrian Adi Hutter.
      Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is also being considered.
      Dean Smith, who was given eight games at the end of the season to try and save Leicester, has held talks and is not out of the running to stay on at the King Power.
      Maresca, who has managerial experience in Serie B with a short stint at Parma, was also on Manuel Pellegrini’s coaching staff during his time as West Ham manager.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      This comes after the Italian experienced a major scare following City’s Champions League triumph as his father went missing.
      An announcement was made at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium for Pascquale de Caro, Maresca’s dad, to make himself known to the nearest steward, while the Citizens launched an appeal on Twitter.
      The former midfielder attempted to contact his father by phone and the Manchester giants informed local police, but thankfully it was confirmed at 12.24am on Sunday morning that he had been found. More