More stories

  • in

    Watch bizarre moment Virgil van Dijk BEATBOXES while forgotten Premier League star RAPS during Euro 2024 coverage

    A BIZARRE moment during Swedish Euro 2024 coverage unveiled Virgil van Dijk’s beatboxing for ex-Premier League star John Guidetti.The former Manchester City and Stoke ace cringed as he watched his younger self rap with the Holland captain.An old clip was shown during the Swedish Euro 2024 coverage with Virgil van Dijk’s beatboxing for ex-Premier League star John GuidettiGuidetti played for Manchester City from 2010-2015Credit: PA:Press AssociationPrior to his success at Liverpool, Van Dijk spent two seasons, 2013-2015, at Celtic.Joining the Dutchman in Glasgow was Guidetti who played for the Bhoys on loan from City during the 2014-15 season.However. the Swedish star has gone off the radar in recent years.While he never kicked things off at City after leaving the club in 2015 the 32-year-old is still a rather big name in Sweden after returning to his homeland in 2022 to join AIK.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd this summer Guidetti joined Swedish broadcaster SVT Sport to cover the Euros as the Allsvenskan has been put on hold for their summer.On Tuesday night, before Holland thrashed Romania 3-0, Guidetti was shown an old clip of him rapping back at Celtic with Van Dijk beatboxing for him.In the video the Holland captain was asked to make a beat on the mic for Guidetti and the striker began to rap in Swedish for 20 seconds.While he cringed back in the studio watching his younger self, fans were impressed with the former Burnley star’s musical talents.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs one said: “That’s really good, actually. I wouldn’t be embarrassed if I could whip out something like that.”Another added: “Honestly, Swedish rap is underrated. The language has a really nice flow to it.”BBC accidentally show Netherlands star stripping off live on TV in awkward blunder during Euro 2024 coverageA third then put: “Lol this is good TV. I’ve never had a soft spot for John Guidetti but I gotta say he’s been quite pleasant as a pundit these Euros.”Van Dijk and his Holland squads’ victory in the last-16 clash will see them take on Turkey in the quarter-finals on Saturday.Turkey took the lead against Austria after 57 seconds thanks to Merih Demiral’s goal and the former Juventus man doubled their lead in the second half.Austria pulled one back late on but failed to grab an equaliser.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

  • in

    Jeff Whitefoot dead at 90: Last-surviving Busby Babe passes away as Man Utd lead tributes

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Jeff Whitefoot has died at the age of 90.United confirmed the sad news with a long tribute to Whitefoot, who was the last-surviving Busby Babe.Man Utd great Whitefoot was the last-surviving Busby BabeCredit: RexManchester United legend Jeff Whitefoot has died at the age of 90Credit: RexHe was part of arguably the most talented crop of kids in football history alongside the likes of Eddie Colman, David Pegg, Billy Whelan and the great Duncan Edwards.The Cheshire-born great joined the Red Devils straight from school in the summer of 1949.And the unforgettable midfielder became the club’s youngest league debutant in April 1950 when he faced Portsmouth at Old Trafford at the age of 16 years and 105 days.Whitefoot spent seven years with United and won the First Division in 1956.Read More on Man UtdThe popular athlete surprisingly decided to swap Sir Matt Busby’s star side for Grimsby Town in 1957 as he wanted more minutes – a decision that probably saved his life.Three months on, Whitefoot was hanging curtains with wife Nell in their new home when news came through of the Munich Air Disaster.Seven of his pals — 15 days later, Edwards became the eighth — were among the 23 fatalities on a plane that crashed in the runway slush.Speaking exclusively to SunSport in February, he recalled: “When we heard the terrible news, my wife Nell and myself were hanging curtains in our new home.Most read in Football“We had only just moved, it was just weeks since we had left United and it shook me to my bones. I could not believe what had happened — absolutely devastating.The star, circled, was part of the legendary Man Utd Busby BabesCredit: REX
    Jeff Whitefoot (bottom right) celebrates after Nottingham Forest beat Luton in the 1959 FA Cup FinalCredit: REX“Losing Mark Jones was a major blow, both personally and to the team. He was a tall Barnsley lad, a good player and friend.Former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg talks about the Munich air crash“His wife June was expecting their second child, Lynne, at the time. Their son Gary lost his father. It was heart-breaking for everyone.“It wasn’t possible to go to all the players’ funerals. I went to Mark’s and left-back Geoff Bent’s.“Talking about it is bringing it all back and it is still upsetting. But it’s a good thing to remember those times shared and the friends lost.“It wasn’t about money. It was about the joy of playing — and playing for United. But it was my choice to leave. It was a decision which probably saved my life, at least my career.”A year after joining Grimsby, Whitefoot left for Nottingham Forest and was part of the team that won the FA Cup in 1959 before his retirement in 1967.He was the last surviving member of that famous Forest team.Jeff later helped Nell to run a bookmaker’s while still playing, before enjoying a spell as a greengrocer and then taking over The Wheatsheaf pub in Oakham, Leicestershire,United released a lengthy tribute on their official website and tweeted the following on X: “Sending our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jeff Whitefoot, a former Busby Babe, who has passed away at the age of 90.”Forest also posted the following: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jeff Whitefoot, at the age of 90.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Jeff spent nine years at The City Ground between 1958 and 1967, and was the last surviving member of the side which famously lifted the FA Cup in 1959.”Our thoughts are with Jeff’s family, friends and all who knew him.” More

  • in

    I’m a former Premier League star who became an Evangelist – I’m keeping myself in church all the time

    FORMER Premier League star John Mensah has swapped penalties for pulpits … by becoming an EVANGELIST.The ex-Ghana international captain spent two top-flight seasons on loan to Sunderland between 2009 and 2011.Former Premier League star John Mensah became an EvangelistCredit: PA:Empics SportThe ex-Ghana captain spent two top-flight seasons on loan to Sunderland between 2009 and 2011Credit: EPACentre-back Mensah made 35 Black Cats appearances, scoring once against Manchester City before rejoining parent club Lyon.He shone at two World Cups and his other clubs included Genoa and Rennes.Mensah, 41, hung up his boots in 2016 after a spell with Swedish side AFC Eskilstuna.He has since kept a low profile, devoting himself to spreading the gospel at a church at Kasoa, near Ghana’s capital Accra.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMensah said: “My church is the Resurrection Power New Generation Church.  I’m just worshipping there.”But I keep my faith in God Almighty to worship Him well, advise my people, and do evangelism to help others know God very well.”I’m just keeping myself in the church all the time.”Since I am no longer on the field, that’s how I’m keeping myself cool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Having retired from the game, I think it is time to spread the word of God to others.”Mensah won 86 caps for Ghana’s Black Stars, appearing at the 2006 and 2010 World Cup finals.Sunderland fans ranked him among the club’s best Premier League defenders of recent times.However, then-boss Steve Bruce declined the option to sign him on a permanent deal amid concerns about Mensah’s injury record. More

  • in

    Ben Chilwell returns early to Chelsea training after Euro 2024 snub as England struggle with left back crisis

    BEN CHILWELL is back in Chelsea training amid England’s huge problems at left-back.The 27-year-old, who has been capped 21 times by the Three Lions, was not chosen by Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024.Ben Chilwell is back in Chelsea trainingCredit: © Jim BennettThe left-back was pictured at Cobham preparing for the new seasonCredit: © Jim BennettChilwell was not chosen for the England squad after a season plagued by injuryCredit: © Jim BennettChilwell featured just once in Chelsea’s last ten Premier League gamesCredit: © Jim BennettChilwell was snubbed after struggling with injury throughout the season.He managed just nine starts in the Premier League and last made an appearance for just two minutes back in April.Chilwell featured in just one of Chelsea’s last ten games as an illness and a knee problem kept him in the treatment room.But the ex-Leicester star is now back in training ahead of a comeback in the new season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was spotted at Chelsea’s Cobham training base alongside Trevoh Chalobah and new signing Tosin Adarabioyo. Meanwhile, England are dealing with a crisis on the left-hand side of defence at the Euros.Kieran Trippier has started all four games there as a makeshift option, while Luke Shaw continues his recovery from a hamstring issue.In the dramatic 2-1 win over Slovakia, Southgate made radical changes as Bukayo Saka filled in at left-back.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTrevoh Chalobah trained with ChilwellCredit: © Jim BennettTosin Adarabioyo enjoyed his first session in a Chelsea shirtCredit: © Jim BennettAnd in the bore draw with Slovenia, Kyle Walker finished the game on the left flank after Trippier was substituted. But there is hope that Shaw will return for the quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday.He was named on the bench for the win over Slovakia and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford revealed after the final whistle: “He was ready to come. But I’m not the manager. He’s ready, Luke says he’s ready.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesEngland’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.” More

  • in

    Jack Grealish boards private jet in Cannes after Man City star let his hair down in hilarious wig on St Tropez holiday

    MANCHESTER CITY star Jack Grealish was spotted boarding a private plane in France following a summer getaway.The 28-year-old enjoyed a weekend in Saint-Tropez with friends before returning in time for pre-season training.Jack Grealish was spotted boarding a private jet at Cannes-Mandelieu International AirportCredit: BackGridHe was wearing a black hoodie, black shorts and slidersCredit: BackGridThe winger has been enjoying a break in FranceCredit: BackGridGrealish is set to return to Manchester for pre-season trainingCredit: BackGridOn Saturday he was spotted letting his hair down – by donning a shoulder-length blond wig.But he is now set to return for City’s pre-season training camp.The ex-Aston Villa star was spotted boarding a private plane in Cannes wearing a black hoodie, black shorts and sliders.Grealish took part in a solo session at Man City’s training ground last week with personal trainer Jamie Reynolds.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also recently trained at Juventus’ academy while on a well-earned holiday in Italy.The winger was seen enjoying a break in Sardinia with his girlfriend last month.Before that he travelled to Dubai for a holiday with some friends.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish was spotted wearing a blond wig while out with friends at the weekendCredit: BackGridGrealish has been preparing hard for pre-season while enjoying trips abroad, including this one to ItalyAxed from Euro 2024 England squadFORMER Arsenal star Paul Merson revealed his theory as to why the £100million Manchester City star was not brought to Germany.Appearing on Football’s Greatest Pod alongside legendary presenter Jeff Stelling, Merson was asked about the thoughts of Gordon and Palmer’s zero minutes so far, revealing a theory about avoiding conflict in the camp.The 56-year-old said: “That’s why they’re there and Jack Grealish is not there. Because Jack, I imagine, would be going mad now. I can’t imagine Gordon and Palmer saying anything.”I just imagine them sitting there, just saying to himself; ‘Well, maybe I should be getting on’.”I don’t see him saying anything to him. I could see a Grealish going to Gareth and going; ‘Why am I not playing?'”He continued: “I think he brings on Eze, who’s one of our most gifted players to do a job, he’s running back.”He puts Bowen on the other side, Bowen’s alright if you want to keep a lead, you know if we’re winning like we were last week [against Serbia].”We’re one-nil up, you put him out on the right, he’ll do what it says on the tin, get up and down, block crosses, get crosses in.”But you don’t put him on to win a game in my opinion. You know there’s horses for courses.”You’ve got to put Palmer on, he scored 20 goals this season. You know he can play with that bit of flair. Eze gets on and he doesn’t touch the ball hardly, there’s no plan.”You know I would play Watkins but I’d have to keep Kane in the team. I’d have to find a way because you know you have to keep world class players on the football pitch.”Meanwhile, Southgate said of his decision to chop Grealish: “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated. I think the world of him as a kid.”It certainly doesn’t get any easier. You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent.”You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment. We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”The whole period has been tough, going back to talking to Marcus Rashford and Hendo (Jordan Henderson). Lots of difficult calls. But we have worked through all of that.”Grealish surprisingly missed out on a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad ahead of Euro 2024.Most read in FootballHis international team-mates were allegedly left “shocked” following his omission.Jack Grealish shares video of himself training at Man City during England’s Slovenia snooze-fest after Euro 2024 snub Reports claimed he was “stunned and upset” after speaking to Southgate.Discussing Grealish’s omission, the England boss said: “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated. I think the world of him as a kid.”It certainly doesn’t get any easier. You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

  • in

    My dad’s a former Chelsea star and Premier League cult hero, I’m making my own way after signing first professional deal

    HARRY SIDWELL is following in his father’s footsteps as a professional footballer.The 18-year-old is the son of Premier League cult hero Steve Sidwell, 41.Harry Sidwell has penned his first pro deal at WimbledonCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7He is a midfielder like his dadCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry was joined by dad Steve and mum KrysyCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry, who is a midfielder like his dad, has impressed playing for AFC Wimbledon’s Under-18s and he has now be rewarded with his first pro contract.His dad and mum Krysy were at Plough Lane as their eldest son put pen to paper on his new deal.On signing his first contract at the League Two side, Harry said: “To sign my first professional contract is a dream come true. “It’s what I’ve worked for, from an early age as a kid. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the sacrifices and all the hard work that have gone into it, has led to this, and now it’s here – I’m really happy.”His dad was also delighted as he posted on Instagram: “Really proud of you.”And there was messages of congratulations to Harry from the likes of Declan Rice, John Terry, Bobby Zamora and Jody Morris.Sidwell Snr came through the ranks at Arsenal before playing for clubs like Reading, Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and Brighton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also had a brief spell at Chelsea, playing 15 times in the 2007/08 season under Jose Mourinho.Sidwell even wore the No9 shirt at Stamford Bridge after surprisingly being offered it by the Special One. Former Chelsea ace Steve Sidwell reveals clause in Premier League stars’ contract that ‘nobody has ever exercised’ More

  • in

    Chelsea enter Conference League despite speculation they could snub Uefa competition after facing tough financial rules

    CHELSEA have been entered for the Conference League next season – despite the extra financial restrictions they will face from Uefa.Manchester United’s FA Cup Final triumph over Manchester City tipped the sixth-placed Blues into Uefa’s third competition.Chelsea have been entered for the Conference League next seasonCredit: GettyThis follows as the club will face extra financial restrictions from UefaCredit: ReutersIt also cost Chelsea £7m in up-front Uefa cash, adding to the Stamford Bridge club’s potential issues.There had been speculation that Chelsea might opt not to take up their place in the competition.All clubs playing in Europe must stick to Uefa’s spending limit of 80 per cent of their annual revenues on wages and transfers.Whereas Prem PSR rules allow losses of £105m over three years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa, which has a fixed punishment schedule for breaches, will also not allow Chelsea to include switches of property assets to the club’s owner company in their accounts.But despite the concerns, Nyon chiefs have now confirmed Chelsea were entered in the Conference League by the FA.It means they cannot be replaced by Newcastle – who finished seventh in the Prem and were knocked out of Europe altogether by the Old Trafford club’s Wembley triumph.Chelsea have spent around £1billion on player transfers over the last two years, meaning they are now at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIf found guilty of a breach, they could receive a significant points deduction.The Blues recently appointed former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsPoch left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last month despite having a positive end to the season.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskNottingham ForestDeducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.EvertonInitial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.Sheffield UnitedHit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…Manchester CityEtihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.ChelseaBlues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.LeicesterFoxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.Everton (again)The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

  • in

    Mikel Arteta was such a strong character that even Arsene Wenger was scared of him, reveals ex-Arsenal star Walcott

    ARSENAL legend Theo Walcott has revealed that Arsene Wenger used to be “afraid” of Mikel Arteta back in their playing days.Walcott and the current Gunners boss starred under the Frenchman together from 2011-2016.Theo Walcott revealed Arsene Wenger used to be ‘afraid’ of Mikel Arteta during their playing daysCredit: GettyWenger managed Arteta at Arsenal from 2011-2016Credit: RexEven during his playing days, Arteta showed signs he would go on to possess a career in management.The England icon recalled a time Arteta locked the Arsenal team in the dressing room and stopped a training session during his time as a player, claiming that Wenger was scared of the Spaniard.Speaking on William Hill’s Up Front Walcott said: “The turning point for me in terms of how I viewed Mikel Arteta was an experience I had with him as a player at Arsenal.“It was at a time when we weren’t making the top four. We had training in 30 minutes and he locked all the players in the dressing room, as if he was the manager. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He was taking control of the whole space and telling us how it is. In that moment it was like he was the manager, and that was the turning point for me. “That’s when I thought he could go on to be a manager.“Arsène Wenger was waiting for us to come outside for training but we weren’t coming out because Mikel stopped the training session. “He was such a strong character that even Arsène was afraid of him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta played for the Gunners up until 2016 making over 110 appearances for the club.The Spaniard won two FA Cups and served as captain from 2014 until his retirement in 2016.Mikel Arteta’s wife Lorena beams with pride as he wins Best Premier League Manager at Globe Soccer AwardsIn 2019, he returned to Arsenal as head coach and won the FA Cup in his first year.The following season saw his title changed to manager to reflect his broader remit at the club.And this season he nearly ended the Gunners trophy drought after they finished second in the league to Manchester City.Despite not securing the title his efforts did not go unrecognised as he won the Globe Soccer Awards Best Premier League Coach for 2023–24 term.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More