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      ‘I can’t make a fool of myself in goal’ – Hugo Lloris takes swipe at Emiliano Martinez over World Cup final antics

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      HUGO LLORIS has aimed a thinly-veiled dig at fellow goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for his World Cup final penalty antics.Martinez helped Argentina win the World Cup final against Lloris’ France last month on a shoot-out after the game had finished 3-3 in extra-time.
      Hugo Lloris took a thinly-veiled dig towards Emiliano MartinezCredit: AFP
      Martinez’s World Cup final antics caused controversyCredit: Getty
      But the Aston Villa goalkeeper copped flak for the way he tried to put off the Les Bleus spot-kick takers.
      He threw the ball away before Aurelien Tchouameni stepped up and missed, while his dancing celebrations after saving Kingsley Coman’s effort annoyed many.
      The mind games worked though as Martinez tasted glory along with Lionel Messi and Co, while Lloris and many of his French team-mates were denied the chance to win back-to-back World Cups, having triumphed in Russia four years before.
      Tottenham stopper Lloris became his country’s leading-appearance maker out in Qatar by reaching 145 caps, but retired from international football on Monday.
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      And while the 36-year-old conceded Martinez was “instrumental” to the victory in Doha, he himself would never resort to the kind of gamesmanship his opposite number employed.
      Lloris told French sports newspaper L’Equipe: “There are some things I can’t do. 
      “Making a fool of myself in goal, rattling my opponent and crossing the line… I just can’t do that. 
      “I’m too rational and honest a man to go that way. I don’t know how to win like that, although I didn’t really want to lose like that either.“
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      Martinez received more stick for the way he celebrated his nation’s victory.
      The ex-Arsenal man made a lewd gesture with his Golden Glove prize during the trophy ceremony, which he later explained was a way of hitting back at the French fans who had booed him.
      While he mocked Kylian Mbappe – who scored a hat-trick in the final – during Argentina’s open-bus hero tour back in Buenos Aires by holding up a toy of the Paris Saint-Germain superstar which had been thrown towards him.
      The behaviour saw him branded “the biggest son of a b**** in football” by former France international Adil Rami, but Lloris decided not to add his voice to the criticism.
      Tottenham’s captain added: “He was instrumental. Concerning his celebrations, he has been judged enough for that, no need to add anything more. 
      “During the shoot-out, he used every trick in the books to destabilise us.” More

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      Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe opens up over four-year injury battle hell which has blighted career since he was 18

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      EMILE SMITH ROWE is convinced that he is finally over the four-year agony which has blighted his senior Arsenal career.The 22-year-old England international made his long-awaited comeback in Monday’s 3-0 FA Cup win at Oxford.
      Emile Smith Rowe made his long-awaited return from injury at OxfordCredit: Getty
      And he revealed it was virtually the first time that he was able to play free of the pain in his groin which has plagued him since he first broke into the senior team and left him feeling discomfort every time he kicked the ball.
      After managing just four brief substitute appearances during the first two months of the campaign, the decision was taken by the Arsenal medical team for Smith Rowe to undergo surgery in September to sort out the problem once and for all.
      Now he says: “People don’t realise I’ve had this injury since I was 18 and it’s been affecting me all that time.
      “It’s been the exact same pain from back when I was loaned to Leipzig and it’s been hard to deal with it over all the years. So I’m really glad that it’s finally over.
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      “The surgery has been successful and I’m feeling really good at last.
      “I have come out the other side, I’m fully fit and now I want to kick on.
      “It’s been the longest lay-off of my career and it’s been tough for me watching the boys without being able to contribute.
      “But I can’t really complain because the team is top of the League and playing really well.”
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      Smith-Rowe’s surgery put pay to any hopes he had of making England’s World Cup squad after breaking into the senior international team in 2021.
      He says: “Obviously you always want to play for my country, but I had to do what was right for my body and I am still young enough so hopefully there will be more opportunities with the national team.
      “It helped that my family, the manager and the whole team were around me and supporting me through the injury.
      “I was pretty much with the squad straight after the surgery, attending all the team meetings, keeping up with the knowledge and learning every day what the manager was trying to apply in training.”
      Smith Rowe’s return to full fitness could not have come at a better time for boss Arteta as he looks to strengthen his table-topping squad.
      And he cannot wait to play some part in Sunday’s North London derby after last season’s 3-0 defeat by Spurs wrecked Arsenal’s hopes of finishing in the top four.
      This time the Gunners make the short journey along the Seven Sisters Road with an 11-point lead over the noisy neighbours and Smith Rowe says: “This game couldn’t have come at a better time for us.
      “We’re feeling really good at the moment and all the boys are itching to get out there.
      “Maybe the manager will talk about last season’s game in the build-up to Sunday but most of us already know how painful that defeat was and we’ll use that energy to help us on Sunday.”
      The Arsenal academy graduate would love another goal against TottenhamCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal legend Robin van Persie’s son Shaqueel, 16, set for international debut after Holland U17s call-up

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      LEGENDARY Dutch striker Robin van Persie left a very distinct legacy behind on the pitch, but it seems the Van Persie name could soon be making a return to the headlines. This is because Van Persie’s son, Shaqueel, has just earned his first call-up to the Netherlands’ Under-17 team.
      Robin van Persie’s son has earned a call-up to the national youth team set upCredit: Rex
      Shaqueel has 16 goals in 13 games for Feyenoord’s U17 teamCredit: Alamy
      Shaqueel, 16, has followed in his father’s footsteps as a striker and seems to have inherited his scoring instincts.
      His first international call-up come’s with a record 16 goals in 13 Feyenoord U17 games this season – the club where “RVP” retired.
      And his development has been overseen by none other than his Dad.
      Arsenal and Man Utd legend Van Persie moved into the youth coaching set-up at the club following his retirement, where it appears to have paid dividends to the family.
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      Now Van Persie works as assistant to head coach Arne Slot, but was spotted dining with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag last month.
      In May of this year, Shaqueel was rewarded with a contract with Feyenoord, with Van Persie senior tweeting: “Congrats Shaq 🤩🔥.”
      Despite his call-up to the Oranje, Shaqueel could yet choose to play for Morocco due to the background of mum, Bouchra.
      But for now at least, Holland is he who he will be representing on the international stage – perhaps with a long-term goal to try and eclipse his Dad’s tally of 50 international goals.
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      Van Persie enjoyed a superb career as one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League in his era.
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      Despite an injury-hit time at Arsenal, he still struck 132 goals for the Gunners before swapping the red of North London for the red of Manchester in 2012.
      The moved proved to be a stroke of genius for both him and Man Utd as they picked up the title with Van Persie scoring 26 goals and adding a further 15 assists.
      The Red Devils have not been close to a title since, while Arsenal have only just remembered their own title-winning history after years of stagnation and mediocrity.
      A host of ex-United stars are also being followed by their sons, including Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, with the latter’s recently joining Brentford B on loan. More

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      Chelsea ‘could hijack Tottenham’s Pedro Porro transfer as Spurs consider whether to trigger £37m release clause’

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      CHELSEA could hijack Tottenham’s move for Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Porro, according to reports.The Blues are in dreadful form and desperately need reinforcements this month in hope of a more positive second half of the season.
      Chelsea are trying to hijack Tottenham’s move for Pedro PorroCredit: Getty
      One position that needs to be addressed is right-back.
      That’s because Chelsea don’t have a genuine back-up for Reece James, who’s struggled with consistent injury problems.
      James is once again sidelined after suffering another knee problem on his comeback against Bournemouth last month.
      Veteran Cesar Azpilicueta, 33, has been providing cover.
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      As a result, Chelsea could enter the race for highly-rated Sporting man Porro, according to CBS Sports Golazo journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast.
      The 21-year-old has caught the eye in Portugal, registering two goals and 12 assists this season.
      He’s particularly impressed in the Champions League and his overall record for Sporting is 30 goal contributions is 94 appearances since arriving from Manchester City in 2020.
      But the Blues face competition from London rivals Tottenham, who are also in desperate need of a right-sided player.
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      Although Spurs are unsure whether to trigger his £37m release clause, so Chelsea could swoop in and take advantage.
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      He might be Antonio Conte’s top right wing-back target, but Sporting are only willing to sell him if someone meets his release clause.
      Chelsea have already made three January signings in Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, who made his debut in the defeat at Manchester City, and Brazilian teenager Andrey Santos.
      But the Blues are already out of BOTH domestic cups and are 10 points behind fourth in the Premier League, so their remaining business could go some way to deciding their season. More

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      John Terry breaks down in tears as he pays respects to Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli at Stamford Bridge

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      JOHN TERRY broke down in tears while paying his respects to Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli at Stamford Bridge.Italian Vialli passed away on Friday at the age of 58 following a battle with cancer.
      John Terry paid tribute to Gianluca Vialli at Stamford BridgeCredit: Instagram
      The former England man was brought to tears by Vialli’s deathCredit: Instagram
      Vialli handed Terry his Blues debut in 1998Credit: Empics
      He arrived at Stamford Bridge as a player in 1996 and featured until 1999.
      In 1998, towards the end of his spell in the first team, he became player-manager following the sacking of Ruud Gullit.
      He took charge until 2000, handing Terry his Blues debut – before the centre-back went on to make 717 appearances for the club.
      Chelsea won the League Cup and FA Cup under Vialli during his two-and-a-half-year spell as boss.
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      And Terry shared some emotional pictures on social media following Vialli’s death.
      He laid flowers outside Stamford Bridge and posted a lengthy message about his ex-coach.
      Speaking on Instagram, Terry said: “Paying my respects to Luca at Stamford Bridge 💙💔 @chelseafc.
      “RIP Luca. You will forever be remembered and I will always be so grateful for believing in me and giving me my debut.
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      “In the FA Cup final in 2000 you put @jodymorris @harley_jon @ccudicini and myself on the bench and told us we were the future of Chelsea.
      “When you arrived at Chelsea you had so much time for the young players, the discussions we used to have I will always treasure and remember.
      “You was such a great man, full of life and energy and will be missed so much. Love JT.
      “LEGEND 💙😢.”
      After Vialli’s death was announced, Chelsea tweeted: “You’ll be missed by so many. A legend to us and to all of football. Rest in peace, Gianluca Vialli.”
      Owners Todd Boehly, and Behdad Eghbali then added: “This is truly an awful day for Chelsea Football Club. Gianluca’s legend will live on at Stamford Bridge.
      “His impact as a player, a coach and most importantly as a person, will be forever written across our club’s history.
      “We send our heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
      Flowers have been placed down outside Stamford Bridge in memory of VialliCredit: Instagram
      The Italian was a much-loved character at ChelseaCredit: Instagram
      Vialli was Chelsea boss from 1998 to 2000Credit: Empics More

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      Behind-the-scenes reasons for Tuchel sacking would make most people’s eyes water, says Simon Jordan

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      SIMON JORDAN reckons the secret reasons behind Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea sacking would “make people’s eyes water”. Tuchel was shockingly axed by new owner Todd Boehly in September, little more than a year after winning the Champions League.
      Thomas Tuchel was sacked as Chelsea manager in SeptemberCredit: AFP
      The decision stunned many in football, including the Blues supporters who chanted the German’s name during the 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City on Sunday.
      But former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT presenter Jordan believes there was “a lot more” to the call to axe Tuchel below the surface.
      Jordan said: “There’s a lot more behind the scenes of Tuchel that would make most people’s eyes water as to the reasons why Todd Boehly made that decision and it wasn’t just a case of losing to Dinamo Zagreb.
      “It was case of a whole raft of other things – that’s Todd Boehly’s gift to tell people what that is.
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      “But it opened my eyes and I would’ve done exactly the same thing as Todd Boehly did which is, ‘You can go mate.'”
      Boehly’s stunning announcement came 100 days into his ownership at Stamford Bridge and while Tuchel was negotiating a new contract.
      He turned to Graham Potter as the successor, but the former Brighton boss is struggling to get the team firing just yet.
      Sunday’s FA Cup exit was described as “pathetic” and the calls for Potter’s sacking are growing each week.
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      Chelsea have won three, drawn three and lost six of their last 12 matches stretching back to the middle of October – more like relegation form than a side who demand Champions League qualification as a minimum.
      He has one of the worst starts in the Blues’ managerial history and unemployed Tuchel is among the bookies’ favourites to return to the dugout should Potter lose his job.
      Things don’t get much easier for the 47-year-old in the upcoming fixtures with FOUR London derbies plus trips to Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund in their next six matches.
      Simon Jordan thinks there is more to the decision than meets the eyeCredit: The Sun
      Potter’s fate could be decided in the next five games More

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      Eric Garcia ready to snub Arsenal transfer to stay at Barcelona despite falling out of favour under Xavi

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      ERIC GARCIA is not interested in quitting Barcelona for Arsenal, according to reports.The Spaniard, 22, left Manchester City for boyhood club Barca 18 months ago.
      Eric Garcia has struggled for game time this seasonCredit: Getty
      But the move hasn’t yet worked out as he would have hoped.
      Garcia has struggled for game time under Xavi this season.
      Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Spain international centre-back.
      But according to Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo, Garcia would not consider the move.
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      They add that he “only has in mind” to play for Barcelona.
      Garcia penned a five-year deal with the Catalan giants in the summer of 2021 while Ronald Koeman was still in charge.
      He was initially a regular, making 36 appearances in all competitions last term.
      But his importance has waned this time around.
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      Garcia has started only half of Barca’s LaLiga matches this season, and has been an unused substitute in the last four.
      Despite Gerard Pique’s retirement earlier this season he still faces stiff competition for places – with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde all available to Xavi.
      The Barcelona boss even opted to start Marcos Alonso at centre-back ahead of Garcia for the recent Catalan derby draw with Espanyol.
      Despite Garcia’s lack of action, Xavi is determined to keep his current squad together for the remainder of the campaign.
      The 42-year-old wants to keep his squad intact as they fight on multiple fronts.
      Barcelona are three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
      They will also face Manchester United in the Europa League knockouts. More

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      Man Utd suffer double blow as Chelsea’s Joao Felix loan transfer sees Atletico Madrid target Memphis Depay

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could suffer a double blow with Joao Felix’s proposed loan to Chelsea leading to Atletico Madrid targeting Memphis Depay.The Red Devils are on a brilliant run and continued their perfect post-World Cup form by beating Everton on Friday.
      Manchester United are set to miss out on signing Joax FelixCredit: Rex
      Atletico Madrid are targeting Memphis Depay as a replacement for FelixCredit: Getty
      But Erik ten Hag is still hoping to bolster his squad with attacking reinforcements before the end of the month.
      United have already missed out on Cody Gakpo after he joined Liverpool.
      And the Old Trafford club are set to also lose out to Chelsea in the race for Felix.
      The Atletico Madrid ace has been linked with United, but he’s now on the verge of securing a loan switch to Stamford Bridge.
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      As a result, the La Liga side want to replace the Portugal star this month.
      And Sportitalia claim they’re now interested in Depay, another of United’s January targets.
      Depay endured a tough spell at Old Trafford between 2015 and 2017, scoring just seven goals in 53 appearances.
      He left for Lyon before securing a switch to Barcelona in 2021.
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      But the Dutchman has slipped down the pecking order at the Nou Camp and has only featured four times this season.
      He did start their recent Copa de Rey match with Intercity, but his last league outing was back in September.
      But Besiktas striker Wout Weghorst has emerged as another target for Ten Hag’s side.
      The Turkish club have insisted there’s currently no deal in place, but United are confident of getting their man before the deadline on 31 January.
      Experienced duo Eden Dzeko and Olivier Giroud are alternative options. More