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      I’m an Arsenal Invincible, we were met by honeytrap Russian models to try to tire us out before Champions League clash

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      FORMER Arsenal defender Pascal Cygan has claimed Russian models were used as part of a honeytrap to tire out the famous Invincibles side before a Champions League clash.Arsene Wenger’s side went unbeaten throughout the entire 2003/04 Premier League campaign.Pascal Cygan recalled how Russian models were used to try and tire Arsenal players outCredit: GettyCygan was a part of Arsenal’s iconic Invincibles side from the 2003/04 campaignCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThey also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League before being eliminated by Chelsea.But earlier on during their European campaign they were met with a rather unconventional pre-game tactic from Lokomotiv Moscow.Ex-French centre-back Cygan, 50, has since recalled that in the lead-up to the game Russian models were waiting for them at a bar in a bid to act as a distraction from the match.Speaking to La Voix du Nord in 2019, he said: “When we entered our hotel in Moscow there were 10 Russian top models waiting for us. They were seated in front of the bar.”READ MORE ON ARSENALHe then went on to add: “We were later told that they had been there to tire us out during the night before the match.”We didn’t lose, and as far as I remember none of our players were stupid enough to fall into the trap.”Cygan had a wife and two children back home at the time of the incident.Arsenal ended up playing out a goalless draw in Russia, before they beat Lokomotiv 2-0 in the reverse fixture three months later.Most read in FootballMeet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendant

      Tomali Benson – partner of Bukayo Saka
      Benson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.
      They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.
      Helene Spilling – partner of Martin Odegaard
      A professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023.
      Sophie Weber – partner of Kai Havertz
      Weber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.
      They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.
      Milly White – partner of Ben White
      The couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.
      Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro Trossard
      The pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.
      They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.
      Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan Rice
      Lauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.
      She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.
      Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron Ramsdale
      Georgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.
      The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019.

      Cygan spent four season in North London, racking up 98 appearances for the club.His only major trophy at Arsenal came in the shape of the 2003/04 Premier League title.Meet the Arsenal Wags behind Gunners’ successHe then left to join Villarreal in 2006 for £2million.He ended his career with two years at Spanish second-tier side Cartagena, retiring in 2011 after being released by the club. More

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      Man Utd fans think they’ve made first transfer as former Leeds star posts pic in Red Devils shirt and says ‘I’m here’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans believe they have uncovered their first summer signing after Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie bizarrely changed his Facebook profile photo.The American, 25, is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer after four years in Italy.Weston McKennie is out of contract with Juventus at the end of next seasonCredit: RexThis photo became his Facebook profile picture, before he quickly changed it backCredit: FacebookAnd he appeared to drop a major hint about a transfer away from Juventus with a strange bit of social media activity on Friday.Ex-Leeds loanee McKennie’s official Facebook page changed its profile picture to an image of him in a Man Utd shirt.Alongside it was a caption that simply read: “I’m here!”This led many Man Utd supporters to the conclusion that he was arriving at Old Trafford in the coming months – nearly two years after he was first linked with the move.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne said: “I think United were linked with him on a certain deadline day!.. Must have taken the picture then thinking it’ll work out lol.”Another added: “He loves this club.”A third replied: “Won’t be a bad signing tbh.”While a fourth responded: “He coming.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a fifth said: “🤣🤣🤣 If true, it would mean we want to finally replace Fred.”McKennie has scored 13 goals and assisted a further 15 in 131 appearances for Juventus since arriving from Schalke.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe played 20 times while on loan at Leeds during the second half of last season, but failed to help them avoid relegation.Man Utd are set to employ a “sell-to-buy” transfer strategy in the summer window as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to take hold of football operations at the club.It is understood they will listen to offers for all but three of the squad.McKennie has featured in 32 of Juventus’ 34 Serie A games this season More

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      Mauricio Pochettino drops cryptic hint over Chelsea future as he says ‘you need to ask the club if they want me’

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO says only Chelsea can put a stop to the ‘stupid rumours’ about his future as boss.Their head coach is taking no news as good news while battling to make his team a consistent force in the Premier League.Mauricio Pochettino did not calm rumours about his potential Chelsea exitCredit: GettyChelsea are up to eighth in the table following Thursday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham – re-igniting hopes of a return to European football next season. But questions still linger about whether Pochettino will be around to lead them after an erratic season.He said: “I suppose that because I have one more year on my contract that I am going to be here. But enough about the stupid rumours. “You need to ask the club if they want me to keep going or not – not to write things that make no sense.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I have one more year on my contract here and if nobody says anything, I suppose that I am going to be here. Only if we finish the season and someone says to me “ciao”. We don’t know at the moment.”Pochettino can make further strides towards a Europa League place by beating West Ham at home on Sunday.The Hammers have uncertainty surrounding their manager David Moyes whose contract is up with just a couple of weeks left of the season.Chelsea have battled a crippling injury list so extreme that Pochettino named four debutants on his bench against Spurs. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe thinks he has done enough to remain in post when he meets chairman Todd Boehly to review his position in the summer.Pochettino said: “It is like proving after all these circumstances and all of this situation, that we deserve to be here next season. Mauricio Pochettino accuses Chelsea players of ‘giving up’ in gutless 5-0 loss to Arsenal saying ‘there is no excuse’“Who is going to judge me?” I need to judge myself and all the players and of course with all the circumstances. But I wanted to say that it is enough with these type of rumours.”Striker Christopher Nkunku and defender Levi Colwill could return from injury to boost the team against the Irons.Chelsea have two games left after tomorrow to get into Europe again after a 12 month absence so cannot afford any more slip ups.Pochettino said: “It is not about quality because when you are at Chelsea, assume you have the quality. The most important thing is that you work for the team. Play and stay at your best. If you don’t compete, or your level is only 50 percent, it is better that we play someone with less quality, maybe younger, but competing at their best 100 percent“It happened during the season that maybe we have lacked some type of players at their best to compete and get the results that we deserve.READ MORE SUN STORIES”These are the most dangerous games because now we have to keep the same mentality. West Ham are a strong team, with great physicality, and they have had a fantastic season.”They have been competing well in Europe and for us, we need to recover and maybe add some fresh legs to our squad because West Ham have had a whole week to prepare – that is why these are the most dangerous games.” More

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      Arsenal ‘to offer £115,000-a-week contract to land Serie A striker but face competition from new champions Inter Milan’

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      ARSENAL are reportedly prepared to offer Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee a £115,000-a-week contract. But they face fierce competition from Italy, with newly-crowned Serie A champions Inter Milan poised to make a move.Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move to a number of European clubsCredit: GETTYAnd, even if they can tempt the Dutch striker to leave Italy, the Gunners will also have to fend off Man Utd and Aston Villa. According to Tuttosport, Zirkzee, 22, is at the top of Arsenal’s summer transfer list.Mikel Arteta’s side are said to have contacted the player’s agent already over a deal until 2029.And they could have the edge over Inter, with the Italians likely to struggle to match Bologna’s £51million price-tag.That fee would still be a significant chunk of Arsenal’s summer transfer kitty, especially if they want to abide by the new Premier League spending cap.But club scouts have been impressed by the Bologna number nine’s 12 goals and seven assists in 35 games across all competitions.The tally compares to Gabriel Jesus’s eight goals and seven assists in 33 games, and Kai Havertz’s 13 goals and 6 assists in 48.And, while there isn’t a huge difference in terms of stats, his youth is considered a factor in Arsenal’s interest.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club do have a backup plan in case a deal for Zirkzee falls through.Inter Live reported that Arsenal are also eyeing up Inter Marcus Thuram.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsWith 14 goals and 13 assists across 43 games, he could be the catalyst to Arteta’s title push next season.The report claims that Arsenal could even offer Gabriel Jesus plus £26million to tempt Inter to do business.SunSport understands that, while Jesus accepts that he has not hit the expected standards this campaign, he is very settled at Arsenal and wants to fight for his place in Arteta’s side.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      Inside Phil Foden’s love of FISHING as Man City star reveals which footballer he would love to take down to the lake

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      FROM Match of the Day to catch of the day – Phil Foden is a man of all talents.The England international has been Manchester City’s star man this term and has them firing towards a Premier League and FA Cup double.Phil Foden has proven himself to be a hot rod off the pitchCredit: InstagramThe Man City star loves nothing more than reeling in a monster away from footyCredit: InstagramHis love for angling was born through his father at a young ageFoden’s biggest catch is this whopping 130lb Catfish in SpainCredit: INSTAGRAM/phil fodenFollowing on from last season’s treble, the 23-year-old has scored 24 goals this term with his displays already landing him one of the game’s most prestigious player of the year prizes.However, when he is not kicking the ball into the back of the net, he loves nothing more than pulling a monster out of one.Foden developed a love of fishing as a youngster from his father, Phil Snr, and it remains a top dad and lad hobby for the pair whenever the hotshot has time off from football.The City man explained previously: “Probably about 95 per cent of the football lads don’t enjoy it.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“The odd one likes fishing, so when people find out they say: ‘what a weird sport to enjoy’. They don’t understand why you enjoy it.“Obviously, they need to go and try it. I think it’s the perfect hobby to rest your legs and have some down time.”Foden missed the City players’ 2018 Premier League title celebrations due to a pre-planned fishing trip with his dad.And he has shared several of his top catches on social media from his trips to lakes across the UK and in Spain, which was the location of his biggest catch yet – a HUGE 130LB Catfish.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFoden told City’s website previously: “I was probably about six or seven and my dad had a fishing rod of his dad’s and said we should go and try it out.“I fell in love with it and we ended up going every weekend. I still remember my first catch. It wasn’t very big, I was just learning, but it’s the excitement of when you get one for the first time.Three reasons why Phil Foden is world-class“I think that’s the buzz that makes you want to go again, but it’s also a chance to chill and relax and to spend time with my dad.“I think it’s really good after games when you have to rest your legs and I just find it really enjoyable.“There’s tactics. Knowing in which spots to fish, knowing where the fish are, fishing at different lengths…“There’s a lot behind it but when I get the odd day off, I fish simple. I’m not a specialist at it but I still manage to catch.”Foden is hoping to fire City to more silverware this seasonCredit: GettyEven though his dad undoubtedly remains his favourite to fish with, there is also one other man that he would love to cast out next to.He revealed: “If I had to spend all day fishing and could take one person with me, that would be [Lionel] Messi. He’s been my idol since I was little.”Foden also revealed that he is no slouch when it comes to throwing arrows – even without practice.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I generally love all types of sport, but I don’t do any others apart from fishing. I do like darts, but I don’t really play.“We have a dartboard when I’m with England and a few of the lads say I’m a natural. We don’t really compete, but sometimes I hit a 180 and they’ll be gobsmacked.”Three ways Phil Foden has been transformed into Man City, and England’s, most important playerBy Lee Scott
      PHIL FODEN ran away with the voting for Footballer of the Year – and it’s easy to see why.
      Foden has been transformed into Man City’s new David Silva and England’s Euro 2024 swiss army knife.
      Initially used sparingly by Pep Guardiola, the Stockport technician has become a key player for City.
      Foden’s his tactical intelligence and game understanding make him stand out week in, week out – even in City’s team of expensively-assembled superstars.
      From playing the final pass and running between the lines to leading the press, Foden really can do it all.
      Click here to read our tactical analysis of the Premier League’s best player. More

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      Jurgen Klopp vows NEVER to watch TNT Sports again as Liverpool boss launches hilarious rant over ‘favourite TV channel’

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      JURGEN KLOPP has jokingly claimed that he will never watch TNT Sports again after he leaves Liverpool.The German coach, 56, dropped the bombshell in January that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.Jurgen Klopp has joked he’ll never watch TNT Sports againCredit: GettyThe Liverpool boss has hit out at his side regularly being scheduled for the Saturday lunchtime slotCredit: GettyThe ex-Dortmund manager has transformed Liverpool back into one of the game’s top sides since taking charge in October 2015.He achieved legendary status when ending their 30-year title drought in 2020 while he also led the Reds to three Champions League finals – tasting success in 2019.Despite Liverpool’s title aspirations and Europa League hopes going up in smoke over the past fortnight, Klopp is departing Anfield with a Carabao Cup triumph.He was in good spirits this morning at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Tottenham.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut he could not resist another rant of fixture scheduling and pile-ups as he took a swipe at TNT Sports again for the broadcaster regularly putting his side in the Saturday lunchtime spot after they had been in midweek European action.And he also said English football’s congested calendar is hindering our sides from enjoying more success against the continent’s top teams.Klopp began his tongue-in-cheek rant by saying: “The boys had a few days off this week which was super important and we could have proper training sessions again, which we are not used to.“We stumble from one -1 into the next. I said it from the first day, training helps.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“In general it’s a really interesting subject, seeing that Aston Villa lost 4-2 last night. If they go out it would mean no English team is in a European final.“You will all stay here, you will all talk about it. If you don’t decrease the intensity for the players…Michail Antonio ‘reveals what Jurgen Klopp told Mo Salah’ in furious touchline spat vs West Ham “If you think that all English teams underperformed, there were definitely moments – us against Atalanta and things like this. “But the Premier League is the best league in the world. It is not overrated, the players are overworked. Somebody needs to help the people.”Klopp continued: “You cut off one game (FA Cup replays), you give the top teams three more Champions League games. Everyone has a reason to say, ‘You cannot cut off these games, they are important!’ But you cannot sort it all the time.“I had a discussion the other day with colleagues from my favourite TV channel which I will definitely never watch again, TNT. And people always say, ‘They pay you! They give money for football’. It’s not that, it’s the other way around, football pays them.“They broadcast and deliver it but it’s not like TNT or Sky is doing really well and can pay all of you. “You have to become a partner of football again and not just the squeezer. That’s just a little advice from an old man on the way out.”Klopp was not finished as he added: “I will watch a lot of football but not all – people can survive without matches from time to time. “Manchester City and Arsenal are out in the quarter-finals, it’s just not a reflection of quality. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into laughter. I would like to be thereJurgen Klopp”We are out in the quarter-finals. Yes other countries have good teams, it’s not about that – it’s a sign.“We have to change our approach. That’s how it is. When I speak about it they think it’s because of our situation, if we lost the last game. “But it’s a general problem. Nothing to do with our schedule now. They dare to give Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30 – it’s a crime!Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      “I was waiting for Amnesty International to go to them. I would like to be part of that meeting when someone says, ‘Liverpool 12.30’ and the whole room bursts into [laughter]. “I would like to be there. The quickest turnaround in the whole world… Liverpool!“They say you have to fight more and go for it. It’s absolutely insane. But they are still happy. “They like subscribers, you can take me off that list. If you are ever looking for a pundit, I speak English and could do it, but… what was the question by the way?”Klopp and Liverpool talisman Mo Salah were spotted rowing on the touchline in last week’s draw at West Ham.And talk of a rift between them escalated after the forward’s post-match remarks.However, the departing boss has rubbished any talk of a fall-out, saying: “Completely resolved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s not a problem. We have known each other for (a long time) and respect each other. “We have a right to deal with these things completely independently. It’s a non-story.”Klopp says English football’s schedule is killing our sides in EuropeCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag admits Rasmus Hojlund was his SECOND choice striker transfer in brutally honest interview

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      ERIK TEN HAG has lifted the lid on Manchester United’s hunt for a new striker last summer.The Red Devils parted with £72million to bring Rasmus Hojlund to Old Trafford from Atalanta.Erik ten Hag has revealed Rasmus Hojlund was Manchester United’s second choice targetCredit: GettyUnited tried to sign Harry Kane before his move to Bayern Munich last summerCredit: GettyHowever, they were also strongly linked with Harry Kane and pushed to sign the England captain before he joined Bayern Munich.Kane has gone on to break multiple scoring records with his 43 goals in 43 appearances for the German giants.Meanwhile, Hojlund had to wait until Boxing Day for his first Premier League goal and is currently on a run of one goal in six league matches.The Danish forward has scored 14 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions, though, including a run of scoring in six consecutive league matches after breaking his duck in December.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSTen Hag has now revealed Hojlund was only their second choice and explained the decision to sign him after missing out on Kane.Discussing the type of players United can sign, he told Gary Neville on Sky Sports: “That can only be outstanding players.”That’s players who have all the skill sets, that is the physical and especially the mental skill set they need to perform and contribute because we have to win every game. “There’s an expectation around every game from us so you can only fulfil that expectation when you have those outstanding players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      “But in the last decade and in this period, we couldn’t always get the players we wanted. But then you have to build and you have to accept that you get talent in instead of players who already proved it in the past.”We have had some choices made with talents like Rasmus Hojlund. I can see a striker who already proved it, who we wanted to sign and we couldn’t get him. And then we went to Rasmus because he’s a talent.”Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson Asked if he was referring to Kane, Ten Hag added: “Yes, and you know Harry Kane will get you 30 goals.”I think Rasmus will get there, but he needs time. It’s not fair to assess him the same as Harry Kane. I would never compare two players because they are very different.”But with Hojlund, I think we had the biggest potential in the striker position last summer and we are very happy with him. But he also needs time to adapt and we are very pleased he showed his assets in scoring goals.”Hojlund has been installed as a part of United’s long-term project since his arrival last summer.Despite the Red Devils planning a squad overhaul ahead of next season, he is seen as “untouchable” by the club.Fellow youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho complete the trio of players who are not for sale this summer. More

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      Man City star Phil Foden named Player of the Year beating Declan Rice and Rodri to top award after stunning season

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      PHIL FODEN has been rewarded for his outstanding season by being named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers Association.The Manchester City midfielder has scored 24 goals to help put his boyhood club on course for a Premier League and FA Cup double.Phil Foden has been named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers AssociationCredit: GettyHe pipped Arsenal’s Declan Rice and team-mate Rodri to the prizeCredit: GettyAnd his efforts were recognised by FWA members – as he earned 42 per cent of the vote to scoop the prestigious award.His England team-mate Declan Rice, who has enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Arsenal, was second.Meanwhile Foden’s fellow City star Rodri – who has not lost a game with the club in 15 months – was third.Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa and Chelsea’s summer signing Cole Palmer made up the top six.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Foden is the third player from the Etihad to receive the FWA award, which Sir Stanley Matthews first won in 1948, in the last four years after Ruben Dias in 2021 and Erling Haaland last season.He said: “Being named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year is a huge honour.“I’m very, very happy to receive this award but I could not have done it without the help of my team-mates.“We have a very special squad of players at City, and I’m privileged to be a part of that group.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I want to thank all my team-mates as well as Pep and the coaches for all the support and advice they have given me.“I strive to be the best that I can be every single day and that is all down to the way the manager and my colleagues always seek to improve and get better.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me as well as my fellow nominees.”It is also a double celebration for City as forward Khadija Shaw was named Women’s Footballer of the Year by the association.The Jamaican, 27, and Chelsea’s Lauren James dominated a record vote – receiving 80 per cent between them.But it was Shaw who edged it – becoming the first City player to win since Nikita Paris in 2019.And the news will be a welcome tonic for her as earlier this week she had surgery on a broken foot which will rule her out for the remainder of the season.Three ways Phil Foden has been transformed into Man City, and England’s, most important playerBy Lee Scott
      PHIL FODEN ran away with the voting for Footballer of the Year – and it’s easy to see why.
      Foden has been transformed into Man City’s new David Silva and England’s Euro 2024 swiss army knife.
      Initially used sparingly by Pep Guardiola, the Stockport technician has become a key player for City.
      Foden’s his tactical intelligence and game understanding make him stand out week in, week out – even in City’s team of expensively-assembled superstars.
      From playing the final pass and running between the lines to leading the press, Foden really can do it all.
      Click here to read our tactical analysis of the Premier League’s best player.

      But she still looks set to finish as the WSL’s top scorer as Gareth Taylor’s side close in on the league title.Three of her club mates also finished in the top six with Alex Greenwood third, Yui Hasegawa fourth and Khiara Keating in sixth.Brighton’s Norwegian striker Elisabeth Terland broke up the sequence by finishing fifth.Shaw said: “I am very proud and privileged to have received this award and to be recognised in this way is a special honour.“I want to also thank all of my team-mates. They provide me with the chances to score goals and I could not have won this award without them.“I also owe such a lot to Gareth, the rest of the coaching team and everyone else here at City. It’s a pleasure to be part of such a special group.“Many thanks to all who voted for me and to my fellow nominees. It means such a lot to have won this award.“Hopefully the side can now finish off the season in style and give everyone special cause to celebrate.”It is the first time in five years that a City player has won both the men’s and women’s award.It was double delight for City as Khadija Shaw scooped the women’s prizeCredit: AlamyLast time it happened was 2019 when Paris and Raheem Sterling topped the votes.A total of 18 players got votes in the men’s section.The others were: Virgil Van Dijk, Mo Salah, Bukayo Saka, Bruno Guimares, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, John McGinn, Ross Barkley, Alexis Mac Allister, Diogo Dalot, Son Heung Min and Jarrod Bowen.Meanwhile, the other players to get votes for the women’s award were: Erin Cuthbert, Sjoeke Nusken, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, Katie McCabe, Ashleigh Neville,READ MORE SUN STORIESMillie Turner, Niamh Charles, Fuka Nagano, Taylor Hinds and Jess Carter.Both winners will be honoured at the Footballer of the Year dinner in London on Thursday May 16.Inside humble Phil Foden’s family lifeBy Jon Boon
      PHIL FODEN may be flashy on the pitch, but the Premier League’s Player of the Year is a humble family man off it.
      The Man City superstar earns an astonishing salary believed to be £11.7million-per-year.
      But the Stockport kid is frugal with his cash as he enjoys his down time with childhood sweetheart Rebecca and their two kids.
      Foden only passed his driving test last year… and turns up for training in City’s glittering club car park in a £40k VOLKSWAGEN.
      And in his spare time he loves nothing more than a FISHING trip.
      He celebrated his first big City contract by buying his mum and dad a Cheshire mansion and lives with them until 2021.
      But Foden has now splashed out on a luxury £3million mansion for his own growing family.
      Click here for to find out all about Foden’s glamorous life… More