Premier League

A FORMER Premier League star was almost run off the road by a fan months after winning the title.Former Leicester stalwart Marc Albrighton played every game as the Foxes won the Prem in 2016.Marc Albrighton said a fan tried to run him off the roadThe former winger won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016Credit: Getty – ContributorHe was accused of orchestrating Claudio Ranieri’s sacking a few months laterCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut a few months later manager Claudio Ranieri was sacked, much to the dismay of the fans who adored him.Albrighton, 34, was alleged to have plotted his downfall along with his team-mates Jamie Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel and Wes Morgan.That resulted in a fan almost running Albrighton off the road as he called him a disgrace.Albrighton recalled the incident on The Under The Cosh podcast, saying: “The day that story broke I was driving back, I had just jumped on the M69.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As I’m driving, I’ve literally just come on and I’m getting up to speed and this car has raced in front of me and braked, I’ve had to slam my brakes on and he’s tried to force me off the road.”At this point I’m probably going about 30mph and he’s trying to force me into the central reservation.”He’s got his window down and he’s going ‘you’re a f***ing disgrace you’re a f***ing disgrace’.”I’m thinking ‘what?! Why am I doing this? But the story had just broken that morning that apparently me, Vards, Wes and Kasper had held a meeting to get Ranieri sacked. I knew nothing about it.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlbrighton shared his adoration for Ranieri as a person and a manager, hinting that it was just one or two individuals at the club who were responsible for his sacking.The Aston Villa academy graduate spent ten years at the King Power and helped Leicester win the Premier League and FA Cup before retiring in the summer.Emotional moment Claudio Ranieri breaks down in tears as ex-Chelsea manager leads Cagliari to Serie A for third time More

FORMER Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has retired from professional football.The 31-year-old left Old Trafford to become a free agent in July and subsequently joined Serie A side Como.Former Man Utd star Raphael Varane has retiredCredit: GettyThe defender made just one appearance for new club ComoCredit: GettyBut having made just one appearance for his new team, he is now hanging up his boots.In a statement on social media, he wrote: “They say all good things must come to an end.”In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime.”Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDVarane recently suffered a severe knee injury and was left out of Como’s Serie A squad as a result.The injury prompted his decision to retire.However, the World Cup winner has confirmed that he will remain at the club in some capacity.Varane spent three years at Man Utd after joining in a £42million transfer from Real Madrid.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVarane’s retirement statement in full”They say all good things must come to an end.”In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.”I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.”I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.”I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”Thank you, football.”With love, Rapha.”During that time he made 95 first team appearances and scored two goals.The most successful period of his career came with Los Blancos in Spain.Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealedVarane made 360 appearances for Real Madrid during his 10-year spell with the club.He also won three La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.The centre-back retired from international duty back in February 2023 having been capped 93 times by the French national team.He said: “Representing our great country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”Each time I wore this special blue jersey, I felt immense pride. “The duty to give everything, to play with my heart and to win every time we entered the field.”I have been considering this for several months and have decided that it is the right time for me to retire from international football.”Raphael Varane won four Champions League titles with Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettyRaphael Varane career statsRC LensAppearances – 24Goals – 2Real MadridAppearances – 360Goals – 17Man UtdAppearances – 95Goals – 2ComoAppearances – 1France national teamCaps – 93Goals – 5Club Honours:4x Champions League3x La Liga4x Club World Cup3x Spanish Super Cup3x UEFA Super Cup1x Spanish Cup1x FA Cup1x Carabao CupInternational Honours:1x World Cup1x Nations League More

MICAH RICHARDS labelled a fan a “b***end” after being left stunned by a shock question.The former Man City and England star lined up for the Rest is Football podcast with pals Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer this week.Micah Richards labelled a fan a ‘b***end’ for a cheeky questionCredit: GettyAlan Shearer and Gary Lineker were also on the Rest is Football podcastCredit: PAThe team got stuck into several weighty issues including Rodri’s injury blow for City.And they also pondered whether it made Arsenal the favourites for the title after consecutive 2nd place finishes.But the final question from a fan left Richards fuming.The supporter cheekily asked whether any of them had ever backed off towards the end of the season to prevent an injury ahead of a major tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the question was only directed towards Lineker and Shearer, leaving Richards perplexed.Lineker first said: “I don’t know why just Gary and Alan, this should apply to all three of us. I think it’s a slight subtle dig at Micah’s career.“He says ‘have you ever stopped giving your 100 per cent by the end of a season being afraid of getting an injury and not getting called up for a Euros or World Cup?’”Richards responded: “Wow, he’s just excluded me from the conversation! Basically he’s called me lazy and not good enough to play for England!Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“What a b***end! I’m joking, I’m joking.”Lineker added: “I think the answer to his question is a conclusive no!”Watch awkward moment for Micah Richards as Jamie Carragher tells Peter Schmeichel ‘secret role’ he had in son’s careerThe trio also discussed Rodri’s injury blow and Arsenal’s title hopesCredit: ReutersEarly in the podcast, the trio discussed Rodri’s potential ACL injury blow and Arsenal’s fresh title hopes.Lineker said: “It’s a huge blow to Man City. He’s arguably the most important footballer City could lose, along with Haaland.“You can see the difference. All competitions since 2019/20 without Rodri, 45 games and win rate is 64 per cent.“With Rodri, 270 games and win rate is 73 per cent.“That’s quite a big difference, plus 48 league games on the run with Rodri City have not lost.”Richards noted: “He’s the best holding midfielder in world football. It’s been a bit of a masterstroke getting Gundogan back.“But it’s a huge miss. He controls the tempo of matches and not a lot of players can do that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Yes it makes it more balanced in terms of Arsenal winning the league. “I don’t think it makes them favourites but it’s 50/50 now.”Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal. More

FANS declared Erik ten Hag has “a better touch than Rasmus Hojlund” after the Manchester United boss was filmed showing off his skills on the training ground.Ten Hag has been preparing his side for tonight’s Europa League opener against FC Twente, a team he made 234 appearances for as a player.Erik ten Hag showed off some audacious ball skills in trainingMan Utd fans were left seriously impress by his techniqueAnd after Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace, the Red Devils are hoping to bounce back with an emphatic win.United’s players were put through their paces at Carrington yesterday as they got ready for tonight’s home game at Old Trafford.But at one point during the session, Ten Hag broke with tradition.Instead of keeping an eye on his stars, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup winner decided to have a go himself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTen Hag grabbed a football and proceeded to juggle it around, showing off his fancy footwork to onlookers.He did a number of keepy-ups before floating the ball high in the air and resting it on his foot.And United fans were left blown away with Ten Hag’s secret techniques.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne said: “Better first touch than Hojlund.”Most read in FootballAnother declared: “Better control than Lukaku.”Is Man Utd star Harry Amass the next Luke Shaw?One noted: “Finally Ten Hag ball.”Another added: “Maybe he’s a better player than manager.”Ten Hag is expected to make several changes to tonight’s team, with Hojlund pushing for a place after returning from injury and Marcus Rashford hoping to start after being left out against Palace.Pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed “something must have happened” for Ten Hag to make the huge decision.But United’s manager hit back at Redknapp after the game, saying: “I heard already speculation from some pundits. That is crazy.“I would almost say that, as a person, you are not OK when you bring such speculation if you don’t know. This has nothing to do with it.“I’m very happy with Marcus, with everything. With his defending part, offensive, he scores in this moment, he performs very good.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So there is nothing to do with it that he was on the bench, just rotation.“We have many games to cover. We have more than a starting 11 of players. If the players perform, we will give them their chances.” More

MIKEL ARTETA claims that he would have been “thick” to repeat previous mistakes made against Manchester City.The Arsenal boss, 42, spoke today ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup clash with Bolton tomorrow night.Mikel Arteta spoke ahead of his side’s clash with BoltonCredit: GettyArsenal were reduced to 10 men following Leandro Trossard’s red cardCredit: PASince their 2-2 draw with City on Sunday, the Gunners have been criticised for their defensive tactics.Several City players blasted their style of play, with Kyle Walker referring to their “dark arts”.While statistics also show that Arsenal on average waste more time during stoppages in play than any other team in the Premier League.When asked if he was “surprised” about the reaction to his team’s game plan, Arteta claimed that their tactics were “normal”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Well, we had to play the game that we had to play. The first 10, 15 minutes, we couldn’t with 11 vs 11.”Then we got much better. Then we were thrown in a very different context and did what every team does.”They played 30 seconds with 10 men. Look what they did for 30 seconds. It’s normal what they did. We had to do it in a different way.”The Spaniard then referenced his side’s trip to the Etihad in September 2021, when they were beaten 5-0 following Granit Xhaka’s first half red card.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe continued: “We learnt from the past. Unfortunately we’ve been in the same situation a few times.”We were in that same situation with Granit after 38 minutes and we lost 5-0.Tight-lipped Mikel Arteta hints Arsenal picked up ‘serious’ injury against Man City as he says ‘we have to wait on one’ “We’d better learn. If not I would be thick, very thick.”Arteta went on to take issue with a question that referred to Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard both being sent off for “kicking the ball away”.He interjected: “For passing it you mean.”Quizzed if he will remind his players not to kick the ball away in future, he replied: “Yeah I think so. Don’t touch the ball. We will play without the ball.”Arteta was also asked about his post-match confrontation with Erling Haaland.The City striker, 24, told the Gunners boss to “stay humble”.He reflected: “It’s part of football, part of sport. After the game, all that goes away and we move on. That’s it.”We thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged. More

GARETH SOUTHGATE is being eyed by new Premier League owners.But he also remains the favourite to become the next Manchester United boss.Gareth Southgate could take a phone call from a new Premier League ownerCredit: GettyThe former England manager, 54, remains out of work.He quit the Three Lions in the summer following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain after eight years in charge.But according to talkSPORT, Everton are interested in him taking over from Sean Dyche.On Monday, news broke that US billionaire Dan Friedkin has agreed to buy the club and replace Farhad Moshiri on Merseyside. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPart of the deal will reportedly help the Toffees move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium debt free.But the incoming owner – who also owns Roma – will want to stamp his mark on the team.And that could include a change in manager. The talkSPORT report claims Friedkin is a big fan of Southgate and would be keen to lure him to Everton.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDyche is already under pressure to keep his job after the Toffees’ winless start to the season – including two defeats from 2-0 up. However, once Friedkin’s takeover is ratified, the American businessman could make the change – either mid-season or at the end of the campaign.Everton’s £760million new stadium close to completion as incredible new video of ground is revealed Gareth Southgate vs Sean Dyche Premier League managerial records comparedGARETH SOUTHGATEMatches: 114Wins: 29Draws: 33Losses: 52Win rate: 25.4%Points per game: 1.05Goals for: 115Goals against: 159Manager of Month awards: 1 (August 2008)Clubs: MiddlesbroughSEAN DYCHEMatches: 319Wins: 90Draws: 84Losses: 145Win rate: 28.2%Points per game: 1.11Goals for: 313Goals against: 458Manager of Month awards: 3 (March 2018, February 2020, April 2024)Clubs: Burnley, EvertonBut current odds with the bookmakers show he could have a battle to land Southgate.The ex-Crystal Palace defender was tipped to replace Erik ten Hag in the summer – before the Dutchman penned a contract extension at Old Trafford.But defeats to Brighton and Liverpool as well as Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Palace has heaped more pressure on Ten Hag.And unattached Southgate (2-1) leads the likes of United assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy (11-4), Thomas Tuchel (7-2) and Kieran McKenna (7-1) in the current running if Ten Hag gets the boot.Southgate revealed he is happy to take his time before deciding on his next career move – and hinted that could be outside of football.In the meantime, though, he has started working as a technical observer for Uefa. * Odds correct at time of publishingSean Dyche and Erik ten Hag are both battling to keep their jobsCredit: APNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More