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      ‘I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment

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      EDDIE HOWE is not angry about being overlooked by the FA for the England job and believes Thomas Tuchel was the “best” foreign candidate available.SunSport revealed there was no contact with Howe, 46, as the FA spoke to 10 different managers.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed he was never contacted by the FA for the England jobCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel became the new England manager as he replaced Gareth SouthgateCredit: SplashHowe believes ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel is a great England appointmentCredit: AlamyThe Newcastle boss was touted as one of the favourites to take charge of the Three Lions until the FA named the German as their new boss.The decision has been met with mixed reaction, but when asked on what his thoughts are about Tuchel, Howe revealed: “Firstly, speaking about Thomas himself, I’ve got a relationship with him and was lucky and fortunate enough to go and see him work at Chelsea when I was out of work.“What a brilliant guy, great person, great coach. I had two days with him and thought that he was fascinating and I really enjoyed his company.“I really wish him well and think that he’s a great appointment. I hope that he leads England to many trophies.Read More on Football“I have always said, and I’ve been very clear on this going back years and years, my preference would have been for an English coach but if you are going to go foreign then go for the best and I certainly think Thomas is that.”The FA claimed to have interviewed ten candidates, but the Toon chief says he was not one of them and there had been “no contact” from the FA.Howe was the choice of many to lead the Three Lions into the World Cup, and when asked if he was angry that he had not even been approached for talks, Howe replied: “Absolutely not. “The FA have to do what is right for them and only they know the processes and decisions that they have made.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m not the type of person to analyse that and my focus is on Newcastle and trying to win games.“That’s hard enough to do being 100 per cent focused and I’ll always remain that way to my work but know if you drop your levels then your job becomes impossible. I’ve never allowed myself to do that.”Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceHowe is perceived by many to be a future England manager, but does he feel that too?“I don’t visualise that,” he insisted. “I just think about Newcastle and trying to lift a trophy here would be my goal and I’m immersing myself in what I’m in currently. So no other thoughts have entered my head.“So I don’t take on that feeling and just try to do the best I can.”Howe has faced constant questions about the England job, despite stating from the off that he wanted to stay at St James’, and admits there is some relief that the chase for Gareth Southgate’s replacement is over.He said: “There was no-one more pleased than me to see Thomas get the job, really, and take it because it’s just a distraction – not that it distracts me, but you can see it’s unsettling at times when certain things are said and written about.“The more that everyone can focus on Newcastle – which has always been my only concern – the better.”Howe focused on NewcastleEven though it appears FA chiefs overlooked him this time, is it a job that interests him in the future?“Who knows,” responded Howe. “I’ve always said that you can never predict what’s going to happen in management, you can never plan too far ahead. I certainly don’t.“I’m a day-to-day planner, while certainly acknowledging that Newcastle – I’ve always said this – has a future and we have to make sure we make the right decisions long-term. “But the job takes so many twists and turns, you can’t look too far ahead. I think that’s negative, actually, if you do that, so in terms of my own career and what’s five, 10 years ahead, I don’t know, I’ve got no idea.“But I’d never say that managing England isn’t something I’d like to do maybe one day if given the opportunity, but my focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle.”Howe was then asked directly if he would have spoken to the FA if they had knocked on his door, to which he replied: ‘Hypothetical questions are very dangerous to answer. England still the pinnacle “Listen, I will talk to anyone who knocks on my front door… but not in the respect of entering conversations about leaving Newcastle.”Everton boss Sean Dyche has stated that the England job is perhaps no longer the pinnacle for English coaches.But Howe feels differently, saying: “I think if you are looking to get into international football and you have got that passion for international football then absolutely yes.“It just depends on your viewpoint. If you look domestically and you love the day-to-day aspect of the job then obviously you’ll have a different answer.“For me, as a kid I loved World Cups, European Championships, I was obsessed with England trying to win something and I really do hope that Thomas can do that for the country.”And Howe, whose side face Brighton on Saturday in the Premier League, refused to be drawn on the credentials of other English coaches that were overlooked, saying: “Yes, of course there were candidates. But I’m not going to critique the FA’s decision. The decision is down to them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They know a lot more than I do. They will have all the information. I don’t think it’s for me to judge that decision.“But there are people out there who I think are very, very good who are English and they’re available. I’m sure the FA did their work on that and they’ve come to their decision.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel. 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      Sir Alex Ferguson reveals he snubbed Arsenal and Tottenham as he opens up on why Man Utd was only club for him

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has revealed he rejected Arsenal and Tottenham before taking the Manchester United job.Red Devils fans learned earlier this week that the club have stopped paying the legendary Scottish manager’s £2million-a-year ambassadorial salary.Sir Alex Ferguson rejected Arsenal and Tottenham before joining Manchester UnitedCredit: PAFerguson revealed the story to Scotland legend Ally McCoistCredit: Ally’s Social Club/TNT SportsIt ends his 11-year spell in the role – which he began just months after announcing he was stepping down from his position as head coach in 2013.Ferguson, 82, won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and five FA Cups during a hugely successful 27-year stint as boss.But history could have been very different had he agreed to offers from either of the big North London clubs.Ferguson, who was managing Aberdeen at the time, also revealed Wolves had submitted a proposal to him.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to Rangers and Scotland icon Ally McCoist on TNT Sports’ YouTube channel, he said: “I turned down Arsenal and I turned down Wolverhampton Wanderers and I turned down Tottenham.”I said [to Aberdeen chairman Dick Donald] that maybe it was time for me to leave, blah, blah, blah, and he said to me ‘don’t talk like that’.”You should go only to one club – Manchester United. I never budged until that came long. When it came along, I couldn’t get there quick enough.”I have to say there was a lot of trepidation about it. Travelling down that morning, in the plane with Martin Edwards and the lawyer Maurice Watkins, I was asking a lot of questions and I wasn’t getting all the answers.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFergie axe comes at the right time – and he knows itBy Phil ThomasIT is over a decade since he left the dugout but Sir Alex Ferguson has lost none of his sense of timing.When to sell, when to buy, when to change and ultimately when to go, Fergie has always been in a class of his own.Over the years there were countless decisions which had everyone scratching their head — but Sir Alex always knew the time was right.Some were more obvious than others. Like the night Manchester United won the Treble on the back of his substitutions.Others less so, like the summer of 1995 when terrace legends Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei  Kanchelskis were sold at the peak of their powers.The whole of football thought the manager had lost his marbles.But Fergie knew better, as he chose that year to unleash his “you win nothing with kids” Double heroes.Just as he knew best when it came to right-hand men.Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren, Archie Knox and Co — an endless list of world-class coaches who all came and went.And, of course, the biggest decision of all. Calling time on 26 years in which he had gone from the brink of the bullet to English football’s greatest-ever gaffer.The majority of people are convinced Ferguson stepped down because he knew United’s era of dominance was over.Maybe not the nosedive to come but certainly that an almighty rebuild was just around the corner. Another mass overhaul, yet not one he was prepared to oversee.Now another end has arrived. Not as dramatic or as out-of-nowhere, admittedly, but an end nonetheless.Next summer Fergie will leave his 12-year role as global ambassador. Many see it as the most ruthless swing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting axe — and they are wrong.For while he is trying to save every penny in making United great again —  how’s that going, Sir Jim? — Ferguson has not suddenly and callously been told he is surplus to requirements.This decision was a two-way call. An amicable parting. Football’s own conscious uncoupling, in Chris  Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow lingo.And not, incidentally, a departure which means we will no longer see Fergie at Old Trafford on a matchday.That  simply  will  not  happen.   He  will still be there rain, wind or shine . . .Only now as a high-profile non-executive director, rather than a man with the ear — and the sway — behind the owners’ biggest decisions.Like he was when urging United to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021.Admittedly not his finest hour, rather an indication of the influence he still retained.Back then, until just before  Ratcliffe and his Ineos team arrived, in fact, Ferguson had the owners’ ear. Almost a hotline to the Glazer family, you could say.And those days are done.Not that Sir Alex is bereft at the thought. For a start, some of the staff sackings have enraged the Scot — long-serving photographer John Peters and kitman Alec Wylie, for example.This is not a cosy-cosy relationship with Ratcliffe being severed.If anything, it is closer to the opposite. And as Fergie the Red, in every sense The Boss — those who played under him still call him that  — knows, trousering £2million or so a year in such tight times is not a good look.Fair enough, not an amount anyone would turn down in normal circumstances.Yet when many in the steerage class are losing their livelihoods, it is not something that would have sat well with him.There is also the practical side of things as well.At the end of December, Sir Alex will be 83 years old, albeit still a freakishly fit 83 years old.Yet even though the grey matter remains oh-so-sharp and the mind clear as a bell, the bones grow creakier and even Superman had to put his feet up on occasion.That does not mean you will not see shots of Fergie alongside Ratcliffe at various points — Sir Jim loves too much the associated glamour of being pictured with the greatest.But any idea of Sir Alex having an emperor’s thumbs-down power has gone for good — and quite frankly that is something which suits both sides.”Wee Gordon Strachan used to phone me quite a lot and I didn’t get a great picture through that. I knew all the players, world-class names in many ways.”I was determined to install something I did at Aberdeen and St Mirren, and that was to produce young players.”Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester UnitedFerguson went on to become Man Utd’s most successful ever manager and one of the greatest coaches of all time.But reports claim he has now been “blocked from the Man Utd dressing room” after losing his ambassadorial position.He will remain a non-executive director and be welcome at matches.But the axing of his seven-figure salary is the latest in a long-line of cuts made by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.He has also cancelled senior Man Utd staff’s private cars and reduced lunch privileges on match-days.The full episode of Ally’s Social Club with Sir Alex Ferguson will be available to watch on TNT Sports’ YouTube channel from midday today and broadcast on TNT Sports 1 at 10.30am on Saturday. More

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      Arsenal tipped to sign former Man Utd star, 24, they could get on a free transfer next summer

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      ARSENAL legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign ex-Manchester United ace Angel Gomes, whom they could get for free in the summer.Gomes, 24, has been turning heads ever since rolling credits on his 11-year stint at United where he started out at the age of 6 in the academy.Arsenal legend Lee Dixon tipped his former club to sign Lille star Angel GomesCredit: GettyDixon predicted Arsenal could get ex-Manchester United ace Gomes for free in JuneCredit: AFP or licensorsDixon insists England star Gomes would be a ‘superb’ fit for Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyThe versatile midfielder moved to France in 2020 and has since amassed a staggering 123 appearances, despite spending a season on loan at Boavista.That earned the defensive midfielder an England call-up by interim boss Lee Carsley and he proved he can play an integral part in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.Gomes has been so good he left United fans scratching their heads and wondering why he was let go.Dixon, 60, urged his former club to capitalise on the Red Devils’ inability to hold on to the England international, whom he described as a “superb” fit and the perfect partner for Declan Rice in midfield.Read More on ArsenalThe former full-back predicted the North Londoners could indeed sign the United academy graduate for next season as his contract with Lille runs out in June.Dixon told plejmo.com: “I think Angel Gomes would fit in at Arsenal superbly.”His qualities are clear to see, he’s a very good link-up player and we’ve seen that he can play alongside Declan Rice.”He’s got a lot of potential and although there will be plenty of clubs looking at him, I could see him at Arsenal next season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal keep strengthening in their bid to win their first Premier League title since the Invincibles’ campaign in 2004.Dixon believes it is important to end that duck and urged his former club to also work on finally winning their first ever Champions League title.Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal’s win over PSG The England international is adamant that titles need to be won and even claimed that manager Mikel Arteta would be deemed a “failure” if he failed to win any major trophies at the Emirates.Dixon added: “If Mikel Arteta leaves Arsenal without winning the Premier League or Champions League at Arsenal you’d have to say it’s been a failure because that’s what he is there to do, to win the biggest trophies.”He would be the first to say that and of course we don’t know how long he will be in the job, but not winning one of those would be a massive disappointment.”It’s a tough competition to win of course, but Arsenal’s defence could be the key to winning the Champions League for the first time.”It’s so tough to win, as Arsenal have proved over the years since they got to the final, they haven’t come anywhere close since.”It’s tough with all the big teams and you do need a bit of luck, but you have to have a firm base and they have got that with their defence now.”They’ve got that solidarity to build on and they need to get through the winter months with few injuries, that is the challenge for all the clubs in Europe.”Arsenal legend Dixon believes Gomes would be a stunning partner for Declan Rice in midfieldCredit: Getty More

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      I’m one of Arsenal’s most unprofessional players – I never stretch but still don’t get injured

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      BEN WHITE has joked he is one of the most UNPROFESSIONAL players at Arsenal – despite his incredible injury record.Across the past four Prem seasons, the Gunners defender has missed just nine games.Ben White has rarely been injured since signing for ArsenalCredit: GettyAsked how he has managed this feat, White laughed: “I really don’t know. If you were to ask anyone at the club: ‘Who is the most professional?’ it wouldn’t be me.“I wouldn’t go in the ice bath, I don’t stretch, none of that. I just don’t get injured.“It is probably a factor that I’m not super quick, I am not that powerful. I can just plod along. I can play through a lot [of pain].“If you don’t play for a week, someone is going to and do well and you might not get in the team. It’s good for everyone to be competing and raising the level.”READ MORE ON ARSENALWhite is in line to return to the squad to face Bournemouth on Saturday after a rare occurrence of sitting out of Arsenal’s last two Prem outings due to a minor groin issue.Recovering at home, you will NOT find White watching football – a player well-known for suggesting he is not obsessed with the sport.On that topic, White explained: “It’s not a big deal. At training and with the number of videos you have to watch every day… it’s so extreme.“So, when I come home I just want to forget about it. There’s no football on, I don’t talk about it, mum and dad don’t speak to me about it… it’s just like it’s not my job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I have always been that way and want to continue that, just a normal guy. I don’t do mad things when I get home. The normal day-to-day stuff is something I like to keep to myself.“People think that I don’t love [football], I don’t watch it, but I could still tell you most things about every winger I’m going to play against and their attributes.Arteta is open to allowing Arsenal academy players to take part in first team training“Playing right back, there are so many good wingers. Every game, every team, it is probably their best player. That’s why it is so difficult to play there in the Premier League.” More

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      Ben White reveals completely new career he will take up after football with Arsenal star to ‘get a little van’

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      BEN WHITE wants to set up his own dog walking business when he retires.But for now, the Arsenal right-back is enjoying being let off the leash as the leader of Mikel Arteta’s hounds of hell, admitting: I love a big early tackle… let them know you’re there.Ben White is ready for a change of scenery when he retiresCredit: GettyWhite says his early days getting roughed up in the lower leagues gives him the edge as the Gunners’ instigator of aggression and alleged ‘dark arts’ against Prem opponents.Having just turned 27, thoughts are already turning to what to do when he hangs his boots up. He said: “I don’t want to be a pundit. I was thinking of being a dog walker, get a little van.”Yet there is still plenty of life in the ‘old’ dog yet as a key cog in Arteta’s title-chasing side – whether it is being a nuisance at set-pieces or getting physical with opposition wingers.READ MORE ON ARSENALAs a 19-year-old, White learned his trade on loan from Brighton at Newport County in League Two in 2017/18 before heading to Peterborough United in League One in 2018/19.And asked what he loves most in a game, White said: “A big tackle. The first 15 minutes of a game, the first tackle on someone to let them know that’s all game you’re gonna get that.“The old fashioned let them know you’re there.“My best season was on loan at Newport. There are aspects of [lower league football] that come into the Premier League and I try and bring some of that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“There are not many players who have played in League Two and the Premier League.“Even with the really good players we play against, they’re so good but sometimes you can get a bit of leverage [against them] by being aggressive.Lee Carsley reveals he is ‘not speaking’ to Ben White as he gives update on Arsenal star’s England career“Trying to find any way to win and I will do that. I’m not the best one-v-one defender or the quickest or strongest but finding a way to win, that’s the best thing I have been able to learn.”White was dropped by Southampton as a 16-year-old, admitting he was “too tall, gangly, couldn’t run” before being picked up the Seagulls shortly after in 2014.And he was also given a wake-up call by managerial great Marcelo Bielsa while on loan at Leeds United in 2019/20 – a campaign where the Yorkshire club earned Prem promotion.White explained: “When I first went to Leeds, someone tells me I’m in the U23s changing room. I stayed in there for five or six weeks.“The first training session I had, [Bielsa] didn’t speak any English, someone would interpret it, and he said I was too slow, not agile enough and not mentally quick enough.“And then he just walked off, and didn’t speak to me again for months, but when he says something, you do it. For him to say that to me, you’re not at the highest level…“But I had that in my mind that I would wait it out and I would be okay. I ended up playing every minute that season.“I have never done as much work in training than at Leeds, it was four hours every day, double sessions, sleep at the training ground. The runs we had to do were horrendous.”Following his £50m switch from Brighton to Arsenal in July 2021, White has become a mainstay in Arteta’s now famed back four – one that conceded just 29 Prem goals last term.But White is comfortable for the spotlight to rest on others, including keeper David Raya and centre-back pairing William Saliba and Gabriel, the latter scoring 16 goals – more than any other defender since the Brazilian joined in September 2020.White said: “Saliba is absolutely incredible. Nothing I could say is a weakness.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In training you see glimpses of how good he is but in a game he’s a different level. He can just cruise in training. No one even tries [going past him] because there is no point.“The threat [Gabriel] has in the box is scary. Every time you get a corner you kind of know you’re going to score, if the ball is in an alright area.” More

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      Man City have already decided who they want to replace Pep Guardiola as manager, claims Ederson

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      EDERSON claims Manchester City already know the man they want to replace Pep Guardiola.The four-in-a-row Prem champions are waiting to hear whether their Catalan boss will leave when his contract expires next summer.Pep Guardiola is out of contract next summerCredit: GettyEderson thinks the club have already decided on Guardiola’s successorCredit: GettyThe hope is he could sign a one-year extension to make it a decade in charge at the Etihad – but as yet he has made no decision.City’s No1 opted to stay in the summer when a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia was on the table for him.And that was partly because he feels the club will know exactly where to turn when the time comes to finally say their goodbyes to Guardiola.Asked if his future was linked to the manager at all, he said: “No, not at all. Today City is a very well structured club, well managed, great directors, great CEO.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I believe the club already has the next manager in mind to the day Pep decides to leave, they will try to follow the same line of work.“Of course it’d be a great loss, we’re talking about the best manager in the world, but I see a really well prepared club for the post-Pep era.”Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim is a hot tip to take over following the announcement that his close pal Hugo Viana will move to City as director of football in the summer.However they are also among a host of clubs who have been impressed by the job done by Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Guardiola himself believes his former captain Vincent Kompany – now in charge of Bayern Munich – will be City boss at some point in the future.Ederson revealed Guardiola played a key role in persuading him to stay in the summer – with the pair having several lengthy chats.Fans spot Pep Guardiola coaching opposition player at final whistle and claim it’s ‘because he loves football so much’He said in one conversation he was given ‘guarantees’ by his boss that helped convince him to prolong his seven-year spell in England.Ederson told TNT Sport Brazil: “There was an offer on the table, it weighed a lot on me as it was way above the average.“But I had countless conversations with Pep, there was a decisive one that I can’t reveal much.“It was about what he told me, his guarantees, all of what we’ve lived together here, the evolution I had with him.“So that talk was essential for me to stay at City.”Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher.Ederson has helped City win six of the last seven Prem titles since joining the club in 2017.And he says much of their success is down to Guardiola’s guidance, adding:“It’s amazing. He shows you the way, then it’s all on you to put this theory into practice.“He is like our team’s GPS: he gives the route and we follow. If you don’t develop as a player with Pep it’s because you didn’t want to.”Meanwhile Amorim spoke for the first time since it was announced his close friend Viana is going to replace Txiki Begiristain at City.And he said despite their friendship there is no certainty he will make the same move in the near future.He said: “These are rumours. Viana will always be a great friend, but his professional trajectory will one day be different.“One thing doesn’t lead to another. The main thing is that nothing has changed at Sporting, nothing. Viana will only leave at the end of the season.”We don’t talk about it. They are two different paths. Viana’s path is Viana’s path, mine is mine.“We have a professional relationship that will not last forever, but it is certain that the friendship will continue”READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim said he will have to make sure Viana stays out of the way when the two teams meet in the Champions League next month.He said: “Of course, Viana won’t be able to enter the dressing room during that week because I won’t let him in to avoid conflicts, but that’s all that changes”. More

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      Fans say ‘what a bloke’ as Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals unusual way he learned English

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      RICCARDO CALAFIORI’S English is impressive for someone who has just moved to England after spending the majority of his career in Italy.And it’s thanks to a peculiar method he is using to learn his new language.Riccardo Calafiori revealed how he learnt EnglishCredit: X/BBCMOTDThe defender is already a popular new addition for the GunnersCredit: ReutersThe Italian has been learning English for several years.And although he is not quite fluent – he has a fantastic grasp thanks to two unusual sources including a specific type of pop music.Calafiori told Football Focus: “Since I was a kid. “I started maybe with Netflix and with the lyrics of the songs. UK drill.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I’m still learning, I want to have lessons, I want to improve a bit.”Fans loved the honest revelations.One replied: “I love him. What a bloke.”Another wrote: “How can you not love this man.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third typed: “He is so smart. I thought he had some English lessons before coming to the UK.”And a final user joked: “Man is three years away from sounding like Bellerin,” in reference to Hector Bellerin’s bizarre Spanish-London accent. Three reasons Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori is a huge upgrade Calafiori then revealed his honest thoughts on the English cuisine.He added: “I expected worse to be honest. It’s not so bad.”Fish and chips. It’s not bad. Once per month you can eat this.”I want to feel the whole experience, you know – become an English person.”As well as being loved by the fans for his personality, Calafiori is also backing it up on the pitch with his performances for his new side.The 22-year-old scored a belter against Manchester City to equalise in the crunch clash at the Etihad.The supporters already adore him – writing a song to the tune of ‘Amore’ – and he insists it is a two-way love affair.Calafiori labelled his move to Arsenal as a “dream” and he’s excited to play his part in the “young squad”.He added: “It’s actually been my dream since I was 12 or 13 years old, because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world, for me, play here. “It’s a dream and not only for me, but for everybody.“I came here to play so I will do everything to play and to give something to the team. I hope I can do that from the first few games.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has done so with positive performances in the Premier League and the Champions League, proving an accomplished addition to the Gunners’ defence.Calafiori added: “From my point of view, it’s just the start, the beginning of something bigger. I’m excited to start to play for Arsenal and to win trophies.”Digga D, a famous drill artistCredit: PA:Press AssociationCalafiori spent most of his career in ItalyCredit: EPACalafiori’s signs for the GunnersCredit: GettyArsenal fans are loving their new left-backCredit: PA More

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      Newcastle workers take blowtorch to Alan Shearer’s statue as it’s given facelift

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      NEWCASTLE have used the international break to give a pair of iconic statues some tender loving care.In 2022, a £250,000 Alan Shearer statue joined one of Sir Bobby Robson outside St James’ Park.Alan Shearer’s statue sits outside the Gallowgate EndShearer’s statue joined Sir Bobby Robson’s in 2016Workers used a blowtorch to give both statues a faceliftBoth statues were left looking as good as newWhen fans attend Saturday’s home match against Brighton, they may notice both looking good as new.That’s because last month, the Toon had both seen to by Aylwin Designs.In a video shared to social media, workers can be seen using a blowtorch and a brush on the iconic figures, a technique designed to get the statues beaming again.Captioning the post, Aylwin Designs wrote: “Great teamwork with Tom Maley and Alberto to restore the statues of Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer for Newcastle United FC.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Proud to keep these legends shining bright!”Newcastle unveiled their 3metre bronze statue of club legend Robson, designed by Maley, in 2012.A similarly sized figure of Shearer was subsequently built in 2016, but peculiarly found itself placed on Barrack Road.It was thought that former owner Mike Ashley did not want the statue to be placed within stadium boundaries.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing the club’s Saudi takeover, however, it was finally moved to St James’ Park.It now sits proudly next to the Robson statue outside the Gallowgate End.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debateFans have been left delighted with the work done on both statues.One wrote on social media: “It’s the little things sometimes. Love to see it.”While a second echoed: “Its the little things that matter, Ashley could never comprehend a simple bit of pride.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More