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    Paul Pogba forced off in tears 24-minutes into FIRST Juventus start of season as ex-Man Utd star’s injury hell goes on

    JUVENTUS superstar Paul Pogba broke down in tears as he was forced off in his first start of the season.Pogba returned to Juve from Manchester United last summer but has been plagued by injury throughout the entire campaign.
    Juventus superstar Paul Pogba broke down in tears as his injury hell continuedCredit: Getty
    Pogba was forced off with another injury after just 24 minutesCredit: Getty

    The midfielder looked to have finally regained full fitness as he started in the Serie A clash against Cremonese at the Allianz Stadium.
    However, the France international sustained yet another injury after just 24 minutes and had to be taken off by Bianconeri manager Massimiliano Allegri.
    The 30-year-old was absolutely devastated as he hobbled off the pitch in tears.
    Pogba got so emotional that he held his shirt over his face as he went off and was replaced by Arkadiusz Milik.
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    Initial reports from Juventus’ medical staff suggest that it is a quadricep issue in the left thigh.
    Allegri told DAZN: “We are all disappointed, especially as he was doing very well. It’s sad as he made so many sacrifices to recover, now has to stop again after feeling that pain in the quadricep.
    “Paul is a grown man, he has broad shoulders and can get over this too.
    “It’s only natural there are risks after barely playing for a year and when making the first start, that is going to increase the probability of getting hurt. He was doing well, we are sad, but will wait for him.”
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    Pogba made his first start of the season after a raft of injury issuesCredit: Getty
    The Frenchman has been injured since the day he rejoined the Serie A giants from United.
    His last start was for the Red Devils was in a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in April 2022.
    The Juventus star sustained problems with his meniscus as well as adductor muscle.
    The versatile midfielder also had to undergo knee surgery in September.
    Pogba didn’t make his first appearance of the season until February 28 as a substitute against Torino.
    The World Cup-winner has since made a total of nine appearances across all competitions.
    He even produced an assist in the Europa League semi-finals against Sevilla on Thursday.
    Juventus, though, managed to beat Cremonese 2-0 thanks to goals by Nicolo Fagioli and Gleison Bremer. More

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    Man Utd ‘go back in for Rabiot on free transfer’ but fuming fans say ‘we need Veronique to come up clutch again’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly reignited their interest in Adrien Rabiot, much to the annoyance of fans.The Red Devils were on course to sign the Juventus ace last summer but pulled the plug on the deal after being put off by his agent mum’s crazy wage demands.
    Manchester United pulled the plug on a deal for Adrien Rabiot last yearCredit: GETTY
    But the Red Devils are reportedly set to renew their interest in the midfielderCredit: GETTY
    Man Utd fans hope Rabiot’s mum Veronique will scupper a deal againCredit: AFP
    But, according to reports in France, the Premier League giants are considering going back in the midfielder at the end of the season.
    That’s according to L’Equipe, who claim United boss Erik ten Hag has earmarked Rabiot as an “important target”.
    It’s said that the two parties could “meet again in the coming weeks”.
    United fans were quick to comment on the prospect of Rabiot coming to Old Trafford, with some keen, in the right circumstances.
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    One tweeted: “Destiny can’t be delayed not denied.”
    Another said: “Yesssssss. I love Rabiot.”
    And another said: “Decent depth signing to be fair. I wouldn’t complain as a free signing.”
    One remarked: “Makes sense – if he’s trouble we sell and make a profit.”
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    However, the majority were far from convinced, with many hoping mum Veronique can scupper a deal again.
    One wrote: “Thought we had got away…need Veronique to come in clutch again IG.”
    United may be able to meet Rabiot’s financial demands this time around as they won’t have to pay a transfer fee for his services.
    The France international is set to become a free agent at the end of the season following the expiration of his contract at the Allianz Stadium.
    Talks over an extension have yet to bear fruit and Juve have seemingly not made re-acquiring his services a top priority.
    In February, the 28-year-old said of his contract situation: “At the moment there are no updates, but surely we’ll speak soon because the season will finish in two months.
    “I am calm. There’s a chance I leave, but I could also sign a new contract with Juventus.
    Adrien Rabiot’s contract with Juventus expires at the end of the seasonCredit: AFP
    “I am happy in Turin, I am doing a good job and on good terms with the directors, the teammates and the coach.
    “He [Massimo Allegri] has helped me over the last two years, trusting me a lot.
    “This is important to feel well and make the right decision for my future.”
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    Rabiot and his Juventus team-mates will be back in action on Thursday, travelling to the Ramon Sanchez Pijuan for the second-leg of their Europa League semi-final tie with Sevilla.
    Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, facing Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. More

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    Arsenal fans dub Nicklas Bendtner ‘Haaland 1.0’ and say ‘wish he’d played’ as Lord returns to Emirates for Brighton loss

    ARSENAL cult hero Nicklas Bendtner made a surprise return at the Emirates for the Premier League clash against Brighton.Bendtner was spotted in the entrance and looked almost unrecognisable with his long blonde hair, black cap and dark sunglasses.

    Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner made a surprise return at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
    However, fans were quick to spot the former striker, a he wore a classic retro Gunners jersey from back in their glory years in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
    Fans were so happy to see Bendtner that they even described him as the original Erling Haaland and claimed he paved the way for the Prem’s record goalscorer.
    However, the ex-Denmark international’s comeback didn’t inspire his former club to victory as Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a heartbreaking 3-0 loss to the Seagulls.
    The West Londoners’ title hopes have been dealt a devastating blow as Manchester City, who have a game in hand, only need one more victory to retain their crown.
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    As Arsenal supporters saw the trophy slipping away they still didn’t lose their sense of humour as they urged manager Arteta to bring Bendtner on from the stands to save the day.
    One fan tweeted: “Haaland 1.0.”
    Another commented: “Bring Lord Bendtner on.”
    A third wrote: “Get him on 80th minute lord Bendtner he scores when he wants.”
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    This fan said: “The Good Lord Bendtner aka The OG Haaland spotted at the carpet.”
    And that one stated: “Haaland is just a poor man’s Bendtner.”
    Bendtner started out in Arsenal’s academy and earned a senior call-up in 2005 at the age of 17.
    The Dane spent nine years in the club’s books, three of which saw him being loaned out to Birmingham, Sunderland as well as Juventus, and amassed 47 goals and 22 assists in 171 appearances. More

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    Piers Morgan slams ‘lacklustre, spiritless and pathetic’ Arsenal as Brighton loss KOs title bid and admits ‘we choked’

    PIERS MORGAN slammed Arsenal for a “lacklustre, passion-devoid, spiritless, pathetic performance” against Brighton on Sunday.A 3-0 home defeat means Manchester City could be crowned as Premier League champions this weekend.
    Arsenal were beaten 3-0 at home by Brighton on SundayCredit: Getty
    Piers Morgan slammed the Gunners following the matchCredit: Getty
    Despite Arsenal having topped the table for most of the season, City can win a fifth title in six seasons with victory against Chelsea on Sunday.
    The Gunners could even hand City the title without having to play, with a defeat at Nottingham Forest a day earlier.
    And Arsenal-mad Piers was not happy with what he saw in the 3-0 loss at home to the Seagulls.
    A feisty match was settled by three second-half goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav, and Pervis Estupinan.
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    Taking to Twitter following the defeat, Morgan fumed that the Gunners had “choked” after leading the way for the majority of the campaign.
    He blasted: “All over.
    “Totally outplayed by a team that just lost 1-5 to Everton.
    “A horribly lacklustre, passion-devoid, spiritless, pathetic performance that cements an inexplicably dismal run-in to a season which promised so much.
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    “Bottom line: we choked. #afc.”
    An ill-tempered encounter saw Gabriel Martinelli flatten Kaoru Mitoma in the early stages but escape without a booking.
    Moises Caicedo then wiped out Martinelli just minutes later, before proceeding to slap hands with Mitoma.
    Again, referee Andy Madley did not show a yellow card.
    Martinelli was injured by the tackle and forced to come off, and later reappeared with his left foot in a protective boot.
    Gabriel Martinelli was not booked for this challenge on Kaoru mitomaCredit: Reuters
    Moises Caicedo wiped out Martinelli just minutes laterCredit: Reuters
    Martinelli was forced off injured and later seen wearing a protective bootCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Leeds forced to release statement after Bamford is subjected to vile death threats following penalty miss

    LEEDS UNITED have been forced to release a statement condemning abuse aimed at Patrick Bamford.The striker missed a penalty in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle, blowing the chance to double his side’s lead.
    Leeds have released a statement after Patrick Bamford was subjected to death threatsCredit: Getty
    Trolls targeted Bamford after he missed a penalty against NewcastleCredit: Reuters
    And Bamford received vile death threats online as Leeds were left 18th in the table.
    Not only that, but the forward’s family were also subjected to horrific online abuse following the Elland Road draw.
    And Leeds have published a statement slamming trolls while also offering Bamford their full support.
    It read: “Overnight Patrick Bamford and his family have received completely unacceptable online abuse including several threats via Twitter.
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    “The time for this behaviour to stop is now.
    “Those making threats do not reflect our fan base and are not welcome at our club.
    “We would like to thank all those supporters who have reached out to Patrick and his family to show their support.”
    The missed penalty against Newcastle wasn’t the first for Bamford this season.
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    He fluffed his lines when taking a spot-kick in October’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
    And just last month Bamford suffered the “miss of the season” after blowing a last-minute chance to beat relegation rivals Leicester.
    Bamford has been at Leeds since 2018, joining from Middlesbrough for £10million.
    He’s since scored 51 goals in 150 games.
    But last season saw Bamford make just 10 appearances after a lengthy injury blow.
    And should Leeds get relegated to the Championship, he may find himself on the move this summer. More

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    Fans can’t believe how many times Arteta has been booked this season as Arsenal boss sees yellow for touchline tantrum

    MIKEL ARTETA was booked for his latest bout of touchline antics – with fans left stunned it was only his SECOND yellow of the season.The Arsenal boss lost his rag on the touchline as he watch his side’s title dreams go up in smoke in the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Brighton at the Emirates.
    Mikel Arteta was animated on the touchline in Arsenal’s clash with BrightonCredit: AP
    The Spaniard was shown a second yellow card of the season in the 63rd minuteCredit: EPA
    Footie fans couldn’t believe the caution was Arteta’s second of the seasonCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
    Arteta had been riled up all game after referee Andy Madley let some heavy challenges go unpunished in the first half.
    That included a hefty challenge on Gabriel Martinelli by Moises Caicedo – leaving the Brazilian in a walking boot – in apparent retaliation for an earlier elbow on Kaoru Mitoma.
    In the 63rd minute Madley finally had enough and booked the Arsenal boss.
    It came as no surprise to viewers, who have seen Arteta rant and rave on the touchlines all season.
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    But they were stunned to discover, from SkySports’ graphic, that this was only the second time he’s been in the referee’s book all campaign.
    One tweeted: “Can’t believe that was only Arteta’s second yellow of the season.”
    Another said: “Does Arteta know what that box in front of his dugout is actually for?”
    And another said: “Yeah, that yellow card has been a long time coming for Arteta in this match.”
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    One remarked: “MIKEL ARTETA GETTING A YELLOW CARD. Behave yourself Arsenal – Jesus.”
    Another chimed in: “This should be a weekly occurrence with the way he acts on the touchline.”
    One watcher of the game said: “Arteta should pick up a yellow card every game.”
    Arsenal’s faint hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy went up in smoke thanks to Roberto De Zerbi’s soaring Seagulls.
    Brighton ran out 3-0 winners at the Emirates, with goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Oscar Estupinan putting the final nail in the coffin of the Gunners’ title challenge.
    Arsenal are now four points behind defending champions Manchester City in second place but have played two games more the Pep Guardiola’s charges.
    They must beat relegation battlers Nottingham Forest next Saturday to ensure City don’t get their hands on their fifth title in six seasons before the final day.
    City will be back in league action on Sunday, welcoming Chelsea to the Etihad. More

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    Rival fans rub salt in Arsenal wounds and joke ‘title parade came early’ as they’re pictured streaming out of Emirates

    ARSENAL fans deserted their team before the final whistle as Brighton crushed their title dream in brutal fashion.Supporters began leaving the Emirates in their thousands after Deniz Undav put his side 2-0 up in the 86th minute.
    Arsenal fans leaving before match ends Arsenal vs BrightonCredit: Sky Sports
    There were thousands of empty seats long before the final whistleCredit: Sky Sports
    Arsenal’s title dream lies in tatters after their 3-0 defeat to BrightonCredit: Getty
    And many fans were likely walking into Holloway Road station or nestling into their seat on the tube when Pervis Estupinan added a third in the dying seconds.
    Some Gooners valiantly sang the name of their club as Brighton celebrated at full-time, but they were few in number.
    Others even waited to clap an impressive Seagulls side off the pitch, but there were empty seats galore long before the final whistle.
    TV cameras picked up fans leaving the ground and rival supporters could not resist poking fun at the Gunners after they all but lost out on the Premier League title.
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    One fan wrote: “Arsenal’s parade came early.”
    Another added: “Arsenal fans are already half way home 🤣”
    A third said: “Don’t worry Arsenal fans, the ‘we pushed Man City all the way trophy’ is the biggest in world football 😂”
    And another commented: “They started filing out when their team was 2-0 down, which makes it all the more embarrassing. Fans? Questionable.”
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    Others joked that there must have been a fire drill.
    Arsenal are now four points behind league leaders Manchester City after Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland gave them a 3-0 win over Everton earlier in the day.
    The Gunners have also played a game more so the title could be City’s if Mikel Arteta’s side lose to Nottingham Forest next Saturday.
    If Arsenal draw or win, City just need to match that result. More

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    Brutal reason Jude Bellingham is set to snub Man City transfer revealed as he nears Real Madrid move

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND superstar Jude Bellingham has reportedly turned down a move to Manchester City.Bellingham appears set to join Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window following a heated bidding war.
    Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham is not keen to join Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
    Bellingham has turned Manchester City down because they view them as “plastic”Credit: Getty
    Liverpool were also involved in the transfer chase but pulled out due to the midfielder’s astronomical valuation, which has been set at a reported €150million (£131m).
    City have also showed interest but the England international doesn’t appear keen on a move to the Etihad.
    That is according to German journalist Patrick Berger, who claims the 19-year-old and his family view the reigning Premier League champions as a “plastic” club.
    Bellingham holds the same view regarding other Gulf-backed clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain.
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    The ex-Birmingham star is also not keen on Chelsea due to their “crazy transfer strategy” after owner Todd Boehly splashed over half a million pounds on his debut season.
    Therefore, a return to England appears almost impossible for the teenage sensation.
    This comes after reports suggesting Bellingham has accepted all of the details in his contract to join Real.
    In fact, the Stourbridge native is said to be “excited” by the project at Santiago Bernabeu.
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    Bellingham’s deal now hinges on an upcoming meeting between Real Madrid and Dortmund where they will discuss the proposed transfer.
    The two clubs will thrash out a final fee for the player, who is currently concentrating on helping Edin Terzic’s side win the Bundesliga.
    The German giants are second in the table with only one point separating them from rivals Bayern Munich. More