Premier League

CHELSEA once hatched a wild plan to build a futuristic stadium on the ROOF of Waterloo Station, it has been claimed.The Blues have long sought to expand Stamford Bridge, which has been their home since 1905.Chelsea’s amazing plan for a futuristic stadium on top of Waterloo Station has been revealedThe Blues are ready to move on from Stamford Bridge’s current 40,000 layoutCredit: GettyRoman Abramovich tried and failed several times to get plans off the ground.And SunSport revealed new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly remains hopeful of renovating their west London stadium to the sum of £1billion.The decision to remain by Fulham Broadway means the Blues face ground-sharing, potentially with a rival Premier League side, for up to six years.Yet that has still been deemed preferable to moving elsewhere, with the vacant site at Earl’s Court previously considered.READ MORE ON CHELSEAFormer owner Abramovich toyed with several locations during his time at the helm.The Russian famously mulled a controversial switch to the former abandoned Battersea Power Station, now home to luxury flats and bars.He also eyed White City before it was turned into Westfield shopping centre.And now it’s been claimed Abramovich even considered building a stadium at Waterloo in 2007.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut in typical madcap fashion, the oligarch envisioned it on the roof of the busy central London train station.A property developer told the Athletic how Abramovich envisioned a mega 60,000-seater arena propped up on columns sitting atop the existing train line.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?It would have filled in the space left by the Eurostar, which swapped Waterloo for Kings Cross that same year.And Abramovich planned on funding the project by also building high-rise flats around the stadium.However, the grandiose scheme was abandoned when it became clear how costly it would be.Robert Kennedy, a director of Homes Miller, said: “The Eurostar was leaving Waterloo for St Pancras, so suddenly you had the biggest open space in that corner of London above Waterloo Station.”Kennedy, whose company worked on the Oval, Murrayfield and the King Power Stadium, added: “You could drop columns down through the existing train lines, and build a platform, and then put a 60,000-seat stadium above it.“They were going to put high-rise flats around the outside to pay for it.“But the whole package ended up being a wee bit expensive.” More

CHARLY MUSONDA was supposed to be a world beater according to former Chelsea scout Chris Robinson.The Belgian winger spent a decade with the Blues after joining their academy aged 15.Ex-Chelsea scout Chris Robinson believed Charly Musonda would become a world beaterCredit: YouTube @Rising BallersThe winger now plays in Cyprus after a spell with Spanish side LevanteCredit: GettyHowever, a series of serious knee injuries limited him to just seven first-team appearances.He showed glimpses of his ability, though, and even scored on his senior Chelsea debut.Robinson has now revealed he had tipped Musonda for the top after he arrived at the club.The former academy scout spent over 11 years with Chelsea, during which time he also worked as head of academy recruitment and scouting.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSSpeaking to Rising Ballers’ Perspectives podcast, he explained: “Unfortunately there’s a lot of players who you see at younger ages, who just don’t go on to fulfil their potential.”But to give an example, I think the one I would quote would be Charly Musonda, the Belgian boy who came to Chelsea at 15/16.”Attacking midfield player, winger, fantastic touch, great movement. He was quick, he would send players both ways, he could take defenders both sides, he could score goals, he could make goals. As talented as anybody I’ve seen at that age.”He played for Chelsea’s first-team, made his cup debut against Nottingham Forest I think in the FA Cup, scored I think as well in a game we won 5-1 from memory.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Then he got a very bad injury. He went out on loan to a couple of places that just didn’t work and he was out for a long time with an injury.”He’s still playing now, my guess will be he’d be about 26 now, Charly’s playing in Cyprus I think. But in terms of sheer ability, he was as good as anybody I’ve seen at that age.”Charly Musonda broke down in tears after he realised Chelsea career was over following phone call from Petr Cech Musonda had loan spells in Spain, Scotland and the Netherlands after arriving from Anderlecht in 2012.However, the former Belgian under-21 international was hampered by a string of serious knee injuries.He even endured a two-year lay-off following knee surgery which saw him miss 125 matches across 759 days on the treatment table.After 10 years in West London, he joined Levante on a free transfer in 2022, before signing for Cypriot side Anorthosis last September.Now 27, he has so far made 11 appearances in Cyprus, where Anorthosis are currently sixth in the First Division’s Championship group.Robinson added: “I’d pick Charly out as an example of someone who I thought was going to be a worldie but he hasn’t yet, still time.”Musonda scored on his Chelsea debut but injuries limited him to just six more appearancesCredit: Getty – ContributorThe ex-Chelsea scout also highlighted Jeremie Boga, who was on the club’s books for nine years after signing aged 12 in 2009.”Jeremie Boga was a similar age to him,” he continued. “He’s still playing the game and he’s had a good career, but I thought he was going to be a world beater, again he got an injury.”So it’s often injury that comes in the way of these players, at the wrong time and it’s very hard to fight back from that.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBoga, who has won 18 caps for the Ivory Coast, made just one senior Chelsea appearance before being sold in 2018.He now plays for French side Nice after five years in Italy with Sassuolo and Atalanta.Robinson also highlighted the talents of Ivorian winger Jeremie Boga, now of NiceCredit: Getty – Contributor More

CHELSEA have a number of options on the table should they be forced to move out of Stamford Bridge.SunSport exclusively revealed the Blues face SIX YEARS away from their home if they go through with ambitious redevelopment plans.Chelsea could be forced out of Stamford Bridge for six years if they redevelop their homeCredit: GettyThe Blues would be forced to look for a temporary groundCredit: GettyThe only other option for Chelsea is to pay over-the-odds for a new plot.But Todd Boehly and Co are eager to remain by Fulham Broadway.And as a result, Chelsea look set to leave the Bridge behind for six long years.Redeveloping their home, built nearly 120 years ago in 1905, brings its own complications.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHowever, with a capacity of just 40,000, it is lagging behind the likes of city rivals like Arsenal and Tottenham.And there are plenty of stadiums in the west London area that could become their new temporary base while Stamford Bridge gets a facelift to 60,000 seats.But Chelsea could yet make a controversial switch across the capital to share with a fierce rival.Here, SunSport looks at the stadiums that Chelsea could end up calling home for a while.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWEMBLEYCapacity: 90,000The home of English football is no stranger to hosting Premier League clubs.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?Wembley is one option for ChelseaCredit: AFPThe home of English football hosted Tottenham for several yearsCredit: GettyTottenham used it between 2017 and 2019 as the finishing touches were put on their £1billion super-stadium.Brent Council gave Spurs permission to allow 62,000 fans in for each home match.It means should Chelsea get the green light for Wembley, they would be facing a similar number rather than a maximum 90k capacity crowd.However, the stadium’s location makes it a tricky issue for fans.Wembley is located 10 miles away from Stamford Bridge, in what is a 50 minute Tube journey with THREE line changes.The world-famous arena also plays host to massive music and sporting events, which could cause consistent fixture clashes for Chelsea.Chelsea could fancy the look of TwickenhamCredit: PAIt currently only hosts rugby matchesCredit: GettyTWICKENHAMCapacity: 82,000From the home of English football to the home of English rugby, also 10 miles away from the Bridge.On paper, Twickenham could be an ideal location for Chelsea.Its large size would bolster ticket sales for the Blues, while its western location could be more accessible for fans.And because it hosts fewer major events than Wembley, it would provide less of a fixture headache for Premier League chiefs.However, the handful of games it does host already causes huge problems for local residents.There would undoubtedly be uproar over the regular road closures needed, as well as the knock-on congestion in surrounding streets.Twickenham is not particularly well serviced by public transport either, and an increase of cars on the road could cause environmental concerns.Fulham’s Craven Cottage is the closest optionCredit: AlamySharing with their rivals could cause fixture headachesCredit: PACRAVEN COTTAGECapacity: 29,600The move that makes the most sense, logistically at least.Craven Cottage is the home of Chelsea’s derby rivals Fulham, and at just 1.7miles away, it’s just two stops down the District Line.But how will the most ardent Blues supporter feel about playing at another Premier League club’s ground?Chelsea and Fulham fans don’t see eye-to-eye at the best of times, which could potentially cause clashes down the line.At less than 30,000 capacity, going to the Cottage would also see Chelsea lose out on a significant number of ticket sales.There would also be constant fixture clashes and changes, with both teams needing to be kept away from each other.And Blues chiefs are thought to be concerned about a lack of corporate facilities which are crucial to their income.The London Stadium is a wildcard betCredit: ReutersWest Ham’s stadium is located on the other side of the capitalCredit: ReutersLONDON STADIUMCapacity: 62,500A wildcard option to say the least.The thought of playing at West Ham’s stadium on the opposite side of London is a dire prospect for any Blue.The 12-mile journey would take well over an hour by car from Stamford Bridge – and that’s without any real gridlock.Even Hammers supporters dislike the tedious journey to their home, which includes a 15 minute walk from the nearest station in Stratford.But the London Legacy Development Committee, who own the stadium, have made huge losses since West Ham’s arrival in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd they could welcome the presence of another major team to increase business.Yet it would take some convincing for Chelsea to settle on an east London switch, with fans sure to protest loudly at the decision. More

ALAN SHEARER took another brutal swipe at Manchester United wingers Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.The Red Devils suffered their 11th Premier League defeat of the season after bitter rivals Manchester City came back to win 3-1 on Sunday.Shearer has again laid into Antony’s reluctance to use his right footCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho also fell victim to criticism from the England legend amid his failure to impress at the Etihad on SundayCredit: RexShearer would be unhappy if he played with both United starsCredit: GettyDespite taking an early lead through Marcus Rashford’s 20-yard stunner, United were lacklustre and barely threatened Pep Guardiola’s team after.Fans criticised Garnacho’s inability to effect the game, and he was subbed off for Omari Forson in the last 10 minutes.Meanwhile, United flop Antony has faced heavy criticism for his reliance on his left foot, making him predictable for opponents to defend against when he cuts inside onto it from the right. Despite the injured Rasmus Hojlund finding his goal-scoring form of late, he remains almost bottom of the list of strikers when it comes to receiving passes from his team-mates this term.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe lack of crosses from both players left Shearer exasperated as he answered questions on the Rest of Football podcast. When quizzed on his biggest pet hate, he said: “Wingers cutting inside on their other foot and having a shot and not crossing it.”That would do my nut in playing for Man Utd with those two, Antony and Garnacho, who keep doing that all the time.”Micah Richards answered with: “When midfielders have the chance to play forward, but play backwards just to keep their pass completion up.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAntony has registered zero assists so far this seasonAnd Gary Lineker added: “I think mine is the squealing when players get slightly touched on their ankle and they go down like they’ve been shot by a sniper.”But United fans seemed to agree with Shearer after the derby defeat.One supporter wrote: “I don’t care how bad Rashford has been how can you sub him for Antony?”A second said: “We need a goal, but Antony is brought on. He’s a one trick pony.”Another added: “Antony provides nothing. Such as useless signing.”Shearer has definitely doubled down on his United fury, after having criticised Antony in December, as well as Rashford in last week’s 1-0 FA Cup victory over Forest.Alejandro Garnacho ‘performs disgusting act on bench’ as fans joke ‘it’s peak Man Utd at the moment’Garnacho’s stats this term More

BRIGHTON want a huge fee to part ways with Roberto De Zerbi this summer.The Italian manager is in high demand after impressing on the South Coast, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all keeping tabs.Brighton are demanding a hefty fee for wanted manager Roberto De ZerbiCredit: GettyHe led Brighton to a sixth-place finish last season, booking their place in Europe for the first-ever time.The Seagulls remain in the Europa League as they prepare to face Italian giants Roma tomorrow.And they currently sit ninth in the Premier League after picking up wins over the likes of United, Tottenham and Newcastle.De Zerbi, who joined Brighton 18 months ago as a replacement for Graham Potter, has also implemented a bold attacking style of play at the Amex.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd several teams are keen on hiring him this summer.At home, there is reported interest from Chelsea, United and Liverpool.While abroad, giants including Barcelona and AC Milan have been linked.But De Zerbi, who is contracted to Brighton until 2026, will not be available on the cheap.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Telegraph claims Seagulls chiefs are reluctant to lose another progressive manager following Potter’s move to Chelsea in 2022.Todd Boehly was forced to cough up a mind-blowing £21.5million for the Englishman and several staff members.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?And while Brighton will not hold out for another audacious fee, they do want to bank at least £12m if De Zerbi leaves.But the Italian insists he remains committed to his contract for the meantime.He said last month: “I have only Brighton in my head.“I would like to finish the season in the best way possible with our young players – to compete and win as many games as we can.“Yes, I have a contract. I have decided nothing. My focus is on Brighton – 100 per cent.” More

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo kicked off when he was benched after arriving at Manchester United – despite asking not to play.The superstar was signed in 2021 to help boost United’s Premier League winning chances after Solskjaer had finished second the year before.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed Cristiano Ronaldo was generally well behaved except for one incidentCredit: The OverlapRonaldo once kicked off over being a substitute despite requesting itCredit: GettySolskjaer revealed all on the Stick to Football podcastCredit: The OverlapRonaldo joined in the same summer as Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho and he hit the ground running.He scored twice on his second debut against Newcastle and again in his second game against West Ham.The Portuguese then started against Aston Villa for the third consecutive game – just as he had requested.Solskjaer then benched him at his request but Ronaldo still threw his toys out of the pram, according to the Norwegian.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAppearing on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Solskjaer said: “Part of signing Cristiano Ronaldo was getting that passion from him, but that did have its complications. “You’ve got Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, who can learn from Cristiano as he’s the best, the most disciplined and he’s been the best player in the world, and you think he’s going to help them.“When he arrived at the club, he told me to start him for three games in a row, and then put me on the bench for the fourth game, but he’s so passionate so when I did that, he didn’t like it.”Despite a rocky start, Solskjaer revealed he did not have many problems with Ronaldo during his second stint at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo stormed off the pitch after being subbed on more than one occasion, but Solskjaer believes he behaved well even when he was disappointed.He added: “When I was manager of Manchester United, I can’t remember too many problems from Cristiano Ronaldo. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals moment he ‘100 per cent knew’ he was getting sacked as Man Utd managerSolskjaer spent nearly three years as Man Utd managerCredit: The Overlap“It was the game against Everton when he walked straight off the pitch after I brought him on as a substitute, but there were more problems with him after I had left the club.“I had a good relationship with Cristiano and there’s loads of respect between us. I think he behaved really well in his disappointments when I was there.” More