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      ‘A very beautiful career is over’ – Liverpool legend retires aged 42 and announces next job

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      FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has announced his retirement from professional football.The 42-year-old, who currently plays for Como, will hang up his gloves for good following the club’s final match of the season against Inter Milan on Friday.Pepe Reina has announced his retirementCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper will hang up his gloves this weekCredit: GettyAnnouncing the news in a chat with Movistar+ this week, Reina said: “A very beautiful career is coming to an end, a very full life.”I feel very fortunate for what I’ve experienced. “It’s been many years… I didn’t expect it, but I think the time has come and I feel like bringing it to a close here.”Reina went on to reveal when he made the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe continued: “I decided to quit last January. I spoke with my wife, and we decided together.”The satisfaction is that now I want it to end. Last summer there was a moment when I had a hard time, because I couldn’t find a project that excited me and I had that little thorn in my side.”I had more to offer and this year has been the one that has made me see that I am now empty, in the sense that I can no longer offer more to football from this position.”The Spaniard went on to add: “I am very fortunate. It has been a privilege.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Now you don’t value it so much, but when I look back we will continue to be one of the leading teams in history, I have been very lucky. I’ve shared a dressing room with some great people.”Reina kicked his professional playing career off in 1999 with Barcelona’s C team.The goalkeeper made almost 400 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesHe then went on to make his first team debut the following year and appeared 49 times for the La Liga giants.The goalkeeper moved on to Villarreal in 2002 and spent three years with the Spanish side, helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time.From there, he then went on to join Liverpool and established himself as a club legend.Reina made 394 appearances for the Reds, kept 177 clean sheets and won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Supercup, narrowly missing out on the Champions League following a defeat to AC Milan in the 2006-07 final.A one-year stint at Bayern Munich followed his time in Merseyside and after that he joined Napoli.He went on to play for AC Milan, Lazio and enjoyed a loan spell with Aston Villa before making a return to Villarreal in 2022.But last year he decided to join former Spain team-mate Cesc Fabregas at Como.The goalkeeper has been limited to 12 appearances this season.Reina also enjoyed a successful international career with Spain.He was capped 36 times by La Roja and won the World Cup along with two European Championship titles.Read More on The SunAfter hanging up his gloves, Reina is set to return to Villarreal to become a coach.The goalkeeper is in line to take charge of the club’s Under-19s.Reina won the World Cup with Spain in 2010Credit: Reuters More

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      Gareth Bale lands new job in football ahead of Tottenham vs Man Utd Europa League final

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      GARETH BALE has landed a punditry job for Tottenham’s Europa League final against Manchester United. Spurs travel to Bilbao looking for their first piece of silverware since 2008 – with Bale having been a part of that League Cup winning side. Gareth Bale has landed a punditry job for Tottenham’ Europa League finalCredit: GettyThe Welsh Tottenham icon retired from playing in 2023 off the back of the winter World Cup. And he has enjoyed retirement by playing golf, modelling and doing the odd punditry gig for TNT Sports. That will continue tomorrow night after the broadcaster announced Bale will be part of their coverage team in Spain – where he spent nine years. The winger left Spurs for Real Madrid in 2013 in a then world-record transfer fee of £85million. READ MORE IN football He won three LaLiga titles and FIVE Champions League trophies in the Spanish capital. But his time in Madrid was marred with criticism about his attitude, despite 106 goals in 258 games. Tottenham play in their first European final since heartbreak defeat in the Champions League against Liverpool in 2019. And they were beaten by Manchester City in the 2021 League Cup final. Most read in FootballMan Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clashCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited meanwhile won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017 but lost in the 2021 final to Villarreal on penalties. Both Premier League struggles come into the game in horror form with Spurs 17th and United one place above and without a win in a club-record eight matches. Managers Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim are under mounting pressure with the European trophy seen as a way to soften their nightmare seasons.EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd, Spurs and ARSENAL fans take epic 32-hour ‘bucket list’ ferry trip to Bilbao for Europa League final More

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      Ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag ‘prime candidate’ for return to former club after seven months unemployed

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      ERIK TEN HAG is one of the main candidates to replace Francesco Farioli at Ajax.The Dutchman has been out of work since leaving Manchester United in October.Erik ten Hag could return to AjaxCredit: GettyTen Hag previously spent four years at Ajax and won three league titlesCredit: EPABut he could now make a return to football with a former club.According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf this week, Ten Hag is one of the “main” candidates to replace Farioli as Ajax manager.The Eredivisie giants have already held talks with him and one other contender.Club technical director Alex Kroes this week told Dutch TV channel NOS that Ten Hag has been under consideration for a while.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Erik ten Hag has been on the list for a long time. He is well-known, he did a fantastic job when he was here.”I spoke to him briefly on Sunday. He was in the Arena as a spectator.”Go Ahead Eagles manager Paul Simonis is the other person in the frame.The managerial search comes following the departure of Farioli, who resigned on Monday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAjax missed out on the Eredivisie title following a huge end-of-season collapse which saw PSV win it by a point.The Amsterdam-based club had led the table by nine points with five games to go, but went on to lose three and draw two.Ajax Manager Francesco Farioli in tears after Dutch giants lose Eredivisie title on final day of the seasonAnnouncing his exit, Farioli said: “The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals.”Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways.”In the wake of his departure, Ten Hag could make a triumphant return to Ajax.The manager left the Eredivisie club to join Man Utd in 2022 after winning three league titles, two KNVB Cups and the Johan Cruyff Shield.However, his time at Old Trafford lasted just over two years.Ten Hag was sacked in October with United in the bottom half of the Premier League table.During his time in Manchester, he won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.Read More on The SunThe Red Devils arguably find themselves in a worse position now and currently sit 16th in the league.However, they still have the chance to win a trophy when they face Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday. More

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      Arsenal suffer another injury blow with Jurrien Timber set for surgery and a doubt to be ready for NEXT season

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      JURRIEN TIMBER is set to undergo an ankle operation — and is now in a race to be fit for the start of next season.The Arsenal full-back has been struggling for fitness in recent weeks and has been advised by the club’s medical team to go under the knife.Jurrien Timber will undergo ankle surgery and could miss the start of next seasonCredit: GettyHis last game was the 2-1 Champions League semi-final defeat at Paris Saint-Germain on May 7, missing the 2-2 draw at Liverpool and Sunday’s 1-0 home win over Newcastle.The hope is the Dutchman will be in the best position to hit the ground running next term as he targets a return for the start of the Gunners’ pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19.But he joins a long list of players on the club’s injury list.Although Kai Havertz made his return from a hamstring injury on Sunday, defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu and striker Gabriel Jesus are still out of action, while William Saliba was subbed off at half-time against Toon with a thigh problem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTimber has been one of Mikel Arteta’s most consistent and impressive performers this term, playing 48 times.He joined the club from Ajax for £34.5million in the summer of 2023, but missed most of that season after rupturing his ACL in the opening game.Ben White is now set to start at right-back for the final Prem game at Southampton on Sunday.Meanwhile, boss Arteta is preparing for a ruthless summer of incomings and outgoings this summer, having called on the Arsenal board to “do what they have to do” by providing  funds, with £60m-valued Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres a priority.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArteta revealed that he will lose “four or five” members of a squad that he recently admitted was short of numbers at the start of the season.Those “four or five” include two loanees — Bournemouth keeper Neto and Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling. Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners starSterling is not expected to be extending his time at Arsenal, but remains in the dark over his future, with a lack of communication from parent club Chelsea.His loan has been viewed as a let-down, and Arteta has already moved on from the 30-year-old, opting against bringing him on against Newcastle.While Ethan Nwaneri, 18, has proved he can provide back-up for Saka on the right wing, Arteta will push to sign a left winger this summer, which will threaten starting spots for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.Should top target Nico Williams — who has a £50m release clause — be signed from Athletic Bilbao, then Trossard could be moved on to raise funds, with the Belgian having just one year left on his current contract and heavily linked to a Saudi move.Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic should be completed soon, with his deal expiring at the end of the term, while fellow left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has drawn interest from Borussia Dortmund after losing his place to academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly.The Ukrainian’s influence in the dressing room and positional flexibility is valued by Arteta, but again, with 12 months left on the 28-year-old’s deal, this could be a chance to cash in on a player they spent £35m on from City in  2022.Read More on The SunJorginho, 33, is understood to have already said his goodbyes, with his contract soon up and a chance to return to his birthplace Brazil to see out the rest of his career.And fellow midfielder Thomas Partey is in a similar position, but sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be keen to explore a contract extension for the 31-year-old, even with a £51m deal agreed for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. More

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      Man Utd hold face-to-face talks with £30million Liam Delap as transfer race for Ipswich striker ramps up

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly held face-to-face talks with Liam Delap over a £30million move from Ipswich.The striker, 22, has emerged as a top target for Ruben Amorim after banging in 12 Premier League goals this season.Man Utd have held face-to-face talks with Ipswich striker Liam DelapCredit: RexChelsea are also interested in snapping up Delap, who has an active £30m release clause following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.But the forward appears to be favouring an Old Trafford switch after holding direct talks with United chiefs.The Athletic reports Ipswich gave Delap permission to travel to Manchester after he came off the bench in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Leicester.It allowed United the opportunity to sell their vision to the ex-Man City starlet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Red Devils are yet to make a formal offer for Delap as they focus on Wednesday’s Europa League final.United are also looking to strengthen their frontline with the signing of Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.And it’s believed a deal is close with Cunha all-but agreeing personal terms.Again, United are yet to meet the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut internally, they have decided to trigger it once the season comes to an end as Wolves brace for an official approach.A host of other top forwards also remain on United’s shortlist.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesViktor Gyokeres, who starred under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, and Victor Osimhen, on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, remain options for the No9 position.Meanwhile, Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo is still in contention for a supporting role in attack.But for now, it’s Delap and Cunha who are leading the way for United at a combined cost of £92.5m. More

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      Ruben Amorim ‘was prepared to RESIGN in January and needed reassurance he would be backed by Man Utd chiefs’

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      RUBEN AMORIM was reportedly prepared to RESIGN from Manchester United in January.ESPN claims the Red Devils boss was left hugely disillusioned by his start to life at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim reportedly considered resigning as Man Utd boss in JanuaryCredit: AlamyUnited had won just one of their previous eight matches at the time in question.Their most recent result had been a disastrous 3-1 home defeat to bogey club Brighton – which saw Amorim smash a TV in the dressing room in frustration. And it’s claimed that after the hammering, Amorim quickly became “disenchanted” with how things were working out.The Portuguese tactician even considered stepping down from the job he had taken just two months earlier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut associates managed to “talk him out” of quitting.At the same time, chiefs including Omar Berrada reassured Amorim that he had the full backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.United have also told SunSport that although January was a low moment for the club, there was never a discussion about Amorim leaving his post.The gaffer certainly looks set to be backed this summer with several new signings.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat’s regardless of whether United beat Tottenham in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Bilbao.Wolves star Matheus Cunha is reportedly nearing a deal to join the Red Devils.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesIpswich’s Liam Delap has held face-to-face talks with United chiefs amid links with Chelsea.While unwanted men like Marcus Rashford will be flogged for extra transfer funds. More

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      Micky van de Ven reveals tragic yet heartwarming story behind picking No37 as Tottenham shirt number

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      MICKY VAN DE VEN has revealed the tragically heartwarming story behind his Tottenham shirt number.The Dutch defender, 24, has endured mixed fortunes since joining Spurs from Wolfsburg for £42million in 2023.Micky van de Ven has revealed why he wears the number 37 for SpursCredit: GettyVan den Ven quickly established himself as a key player in Ange Postecoglou’s bizarre tactical system.But the giant centre-back, who is also blessed with rapid speed, has since suffered numerous injury problems.And as a result, he has played just 49 times across two seasons.Despite the setbacks, Van de Ven remains a popular figure with Tottenham fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is hoping to reward their faith when Spurs take on Manchester United in Wednesday’s all-English Europa League final.And his popularity is only sure to increase after he revealed the meaning behind his shirt number.Van de Ven wears the No37 for the north Londoners – an unusual choice for any first-team star, let alone a defender.However, the 10-time Dutch international has now explained that he chose the number in tribute to a deceased friend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVan de Ven revealed that when he was just 15 years old, his best friend tragically passed away.The number 37 had been his pal’s favourite number since a young age.EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd, Spurs and ARSENAL fans take epic 32-hour ‘bucket list’ ferry trip to Bilbao for Europa League finalAnd therefore the decision to select it as his Spurs squad number came easily to Van de Ven.The star explained: “When I was 15 years old, my best friend Dimitri passed away. He was really sick and I always promised to make him proud.“He was the person I always played football with, so the day before he passed away I promised him I was going to make sure I became a professional football player.“When I made this beautiful transfer to Tottenham, they said, ‘These are the numbers you can pick for your shirt’.“Number 37 was there, it was Dimitri’s favourite number when he was younger. So straight away I knew 37 had to be my number here.” More

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      Man Utd, Spurs and ARSENAL fans take epic 32-hour ‘bucket list’ ferry trip to Bilbao for Europa League final

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      MANCHESTER United, Spurs and ARSENAL fans are heading to Bilbao on a 32-hour ferry trip ahead of Wednesday night’s Europa League final.Hundreds of supporters joined holidaymakers for the epic boat ride which left Portsmouth at 10pm on Sunday and doesn’t arrive until 8am Tuesday morning.Sun man Dave Courtnadge enjoys a pint on the ferryCredit: The SunThe journey from Portsmouth to Bilbao takes 32 hoursCredit: The SunFans soak in the sun on the top deckCredit: The SunWith flights to Spain rocketing to over £1,000 after United and Spurs sealed their places in the final, many took advantage of the cheaper, but much longer, ferry option, which costs around £260 with a cabin.And some were even looking forward to their time at sea more than watching the game itself.Lifelong United follower Dave, from Derby, is one of many who haven’t even got a match ticket, but called the journey a “bucket list trip”.He added: “The way our lot have been playing I’m more excited about the boat anyway. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I didn’t buy a cabin originally but then I didn’t fancy sitting in a seat for two days.”Others have been planning the trip for months, including father and son Tottenham fans Neil and Leo, who booked their ferry tickets and hotel in Bilbao in AUGUST.Leo, 17, said “I just had a feeling we’ll do it”, and is now confidently predicting Spurs will win 4-2 in the final – after going 2-1 down.The mood on board so far has been brilliant, with fans of both clubs mixing in the bar until 2am this morning, even though last orders were called at midnight.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFour United fans who had driven to Portsmouth from Somerset were still going strong despite starting their pre-match build-up on Saturday morning and having barely been to sleep since.One did have a black eye to show for his troubles though after falling over along the way.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesAmong the United and Spurs fans was even one Arsenal supporter who was making the journey purely in the hope of seeing his North London rivals lose.He said: “I’m very much enjoying being among United fans and having a night out in Bilbao. “On a scale of one to ten, I’d say my hatred for Spurs is about 80.”Spurs fan Paul will just be happy to make it to Spain after having a nightmare trying to get on the boat.The IT worker and Tottenham TikToker, who booked his ferry tickets with pal Ben midway through the first leg of the semi-final win over Bodo/Glimt, was nearly denied entry on to the boat due to an “expired” passport.Inside the cabin which has no windowsRooms were squeezed in togetherThere was plenty of dining spaceFans got down for breakfast in a build to fuel upFresh crepes were even on offerBut SunSport had stew and rice for lunchLife on board leaves me wobblyBy Dave CourtnadgeI HAD no idea what to expect after booking a 32-hour ferry trip from Portsmouth to Bilbao to see Manchester United hopefully beat Spurs in Wednesday’s Europa League final.I’d also read reviews of the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry ride, calling it “one of the most serene ways to travel to the Continent”.I’d heard the BBC podcast on Man Utd and West Ham fans having a full-blown riot on a boat trip to Holland in the 1980s.The reality of my trip so far, thankfully, is nothing like either of those.The atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant, with fans of both clubs mixing in the pub long before the 10pm departure, and in the ferry bar long after last orders at midnight.There’s even an Arsenal out her hoping to see Spurs lose too.I enjoyed a few in the beer garden of the Ship and Castle near the ferry port on the sunny Sunday before we took off.I’d be talking to some fans about the mad boat trip ahead and plans for Bilbao for 10 minutes before we’d establish who one another supported.There’s still good banter about both sides’ abysmal seasons, but with a lot of the chat being about who is actually worse, not better.Plenty of Murphy’s and some classic cabaret just added to the holiday mood once we were on board.We ramped up the booze cruise vibes at about 1am by venturing out on to the top deck (I was pretty amazed they left the doors unlocked considering the clientele on board)But after convincing one particularly drunk shipmate that he’d be in serious trouble if he jumped in the sea, I thought it safer to head back inside.After another nightcap I returned to my four-man cabin which thankfully I have all to myself.Because my cabin is in the middle of the boat it’s pitch black. That, coupled with not being disturbed half-way through the night by my two young kids, meant I slept like a baby.As for sea-sickness, there’s not so much a gentle rocking of the waves but rather a weird constant jolty sensation like you get when you start a car that has left me a bit wobbly.I’m sure it’s nothng to do with all that Murphy’s anyway.I’ve at least managed to hold down my breakfast, which I ate surrounded by the normal holidaymakers, not football fans, who make up about half of the passengers on board.Not surprisingly, most of the supporters were still in bed at that point, but I’m sure I’ll catch them in the bar later for the quiz and more cabaret.Chants of “Keano, Keano…” from down the corridor suggests some are now starting to rise.As for me, it’s time to check out that top deck again…He revealed last night: “I still feel like I’m having a positive day even though it’s been pretty challenging.”Our train from London to Portsmouth ended up not being from London to Portsmouth, but London to Eastleigh. “So we found another train that took us from London to Petersfield, which meant we then ended up having to get a taxi.”The taxi driver didn’t know where we needed to go to for the ferry. He got lost, he wanted cash only and we didn’t have cash, so we had to sort all that palaver out.”Eventually we got that sorted and then we thought it was an eight o’clock leave and it’s not, it’s ten o’clock, so two hours extra in the pub.”And now I’ve just found my passport might not have let me on the ferry after all that, even though I’ve spent an absolute fortune on ferry tickets, accommodation, flights around Europe to get home and tickets for the game of course.Read More on The Sun”I have found out I can get on but that’s on the basis that I’ve booked a flight to say that I am actually coming back to the UK.”But otherwise, I’m going to have to get a new passport.”There was even some live entertainmentCredit: The SunUnited fans get into the swing of itCredit: The SunFans were mixing wellThe booze was flowingFans were discussing the big gameMan Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More