More stories

  • in

    Kyle Walker suffers AC Milan Champions League debut to forget with England star run ragged by Brazilian ace

    KYLE WALKER may have left Manchester City, but just like his old club he suffered a rough night in Europe on his Champions League debut for Milan.The England defender, who has made three domestic appearances for the Italian side since ditching Manchester City, was run ragged by Feyenoord match-winner Igor Paixao.Kyle Walker had a rough night on his Champions League bow for AC MilanCredit: AFPFeyenoord’s Igor Paixao sent him all over the place at timesCredit: EPAWalker couldn’t stop Paixao getting in this crossCredit: RexThe 1-0 defeat at De Kuip leaves Milan on the back foot ahead of next week’s play-off second leg at San Siro, the winner of which could face Arsenal in the last 16.But Walker insisted: “We can turn it around… We have to learn from tonight. I”It’s not just the forwards – all the team needs to contribute to score goals.”It’s a two-legged game so we’re disappointed but we look forward to the game at the Stadio San Siro.”READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERFeyenoord, who sacked Arne Slot’s successor Brian Priske on Monday, took the lead after just three minutes.Paixao, who was being watched by a number of Premier League admirers, cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot at the near post which slipped past Mike Maignan.Feyenoord’s electric Brazilian winger gave 34-year-old Walker a torrid time, beating him time and again with direct runs down the left.Rafael Leao should have equalised in the first half but fluffed a golden chance on the break.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMilan, who dropped Tammy Abraham to the bench in favour of ex-Feyenoord man Santiago Gimenez, plugged away in the second half but could not find a way through.Paixao almost doubled his tally with an audacious effort from the half-way line after robbing loanee Walker on the ball as he continued to torment.Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC MilanNigerian wideman Samuel Chukwueze then blasted a shot through a crowd of players straight at Maignan.Gimenez got a round of appreciation from fans of his old club when Milan replaced him with ex-Chelsea hitman Abraham eight minutes from time.But the Serie A giants rarely threatened seriously.In fact, Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic had to block sharply to thwart a lively late raid from Anis Hadj Moussa.Nonetheless, a narrow loss means the Italians will fancy their chances of a return-leg revival.Meanwhile, The Sun’s Paul Sims has revealed why Walker will “never escape” his ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.That’s based on our dossier of evidence, including the model’s “restaurant ambush”. More

  • in

    Cesc Fabregas ‘lined up for new job as manager of Euro giants after leading minnows Como to Serie A’

    CESC FABREGAS is reportedly being eyed for a new job after his success with Italian outfit Como.Fabregas, 37, helped guide Como to promotion into Serie A last season and has been catching the eye of other teams across Europe as a result.Cesc Fabregas is being eyed for a new managerial jobCredit: EPAThe former Arsenal star, who is also a minority shareholder in Como, was the assistant head coach for the Italian side during their promotion campaign before being handed the job as manager in the summer.Since then, Como have managed to keep themselves out of the relegation zone in Serie A – winning five of their 23 games league this season.And although it hasn’t been an electric first half of the season, Fabregas is being linked with a new club thanks to his style of play.According to Bild, Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart are keen on trying to bring the World Cup winner to Germany if they lose current boss Sebastian Hoeness.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHoeness himself has been linked with a move away after reports suggested Borussia Dortmund were considering him to replace the recently sacked Nuri Sahin before they brought in Niko Kovac.While he has also been tipped to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen in the event of the Spaniard being poached by Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.Hoeness led Stuttgart to a second place finish in the Bundesliga last season and currently has the Reds sat in fifth place this term.Should he leave, then it’s claimed Fabregas is seen as an ideal replacement due to his similar style of play.Most read in FootballStuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness has been linked with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer LeverkusenCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFabregas is currently tied down to a contract with Como until summer 2028 and would need to be paid out of his deal if Stuttgart try snatch him away.His tutelage under the likes of Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Vincente del Bosque has set Fabregas up for a potentially superb career in management.Cesc Fabregas shuts down England position debate as World Cup winner ‘shows why he got over 100 caps’ However, there is no indication that he would want out of Como at the moment.The Indonesian-backed side have recently unveiled stunning plans to redevelop their lakeside stadium. More

  • in

    Inside unusual top flight clash starting in 17th minute with suspended players allowed to play and new signings banned

    A TOP FLIGHT European football game with a unique set of one-off rules left one side with only 14 players available for selection.The Serie A clash between Fiorentina and Inter Milan was rescheduled to February 6 after it was abandoned in December.Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino was left with only 14 players due to an odd set of rules in a rearranged game against Inter MilanCredit: GettyThe original game on December 1 was postponed after Edoardo Bove suffered a cardiac arrestCredit: RexThe game was suspended and rearranged for February 6, leading to some rarely-seen rules being usedCredit: ReutersInter’s Denzel Dumfries, who is set to serve a one-game suspension, was allowed to play due to not being suspended in the original fixtureCredit: GettyThe original game on December 1 was postponed after 22-year-old Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch following a cardiac arrest, with the game being abandoned in the 17th minute. Fiorentina star Bove was nursed back to health in hospital before breaking his silence in an emotional social media post.But while he continues his recovery on the sidelines, Fiorentina have been left shorthanded in playing the remainder of the fixture at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.Rules for the game, which was 0-0 before it was abandoned, said it would resume from the 17th minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rules forbid players who were not registered at the time of the original game from playing, while stars who were banned or subbed off by the time of the suspension also cannot play.On the flip side, players currently banned could feature.It means Inter’s Denzel Dumfries and Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo – who both need to serve one-game bans after picking up yellow cards last weekend – were permitted to play tonight.Both stars were named in their club’s respective starting XIs for the game, but neither will be able to play in the club’s next fixture on February 10, ironically when they play out the reverse fixture at the San Siro.Most read in FootballThe registration rules mean new signings were not able to be included in the matchday squad.And it meant Fiorentina were unable to field six new signings; Michael Folorunsho, Pablo Marì, Ched Ndour, Nicolò Fagioli and Nicolò Zaniolo, who all joined the club in the January transfer window.That snag left Fiorentina, where ex-Manchester United star David De Gea plays, with just 14 senior players available for selection.Fiorentina star collapses in terrifying scenes as Serie A clash suspendedManager Raffaele Palladino explained in his pre-match press conference: “As you know, we can’t play the new players for Thursday, there will be very few of us. “14, to be precise, with two players that we are trying to recover. “I’m sure that those few will play a great game. Given the moment, we need to be even more of a team and get 100 per cent out of every single player. We will try to make things difficult for Inter. “We will add some U-19 players who have already trained with us in recent days.”By contrast, Inter are only forbidden to use one player, January signing Nicola Zalewski.Inter currently sit three points behind top club Napoli in the league table, while Fiorentina are down in sixth, three points outside of the top four.Bove, who was in attendance at the game, underwent surgery to install an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) – identical to Christian Eriksen – following the cardiac arrest.However, ICDs are not permitted in Serie A, meaning Bove is not eligible to play for the club.READ MORE SUN STORIESFiorentina won the game 3-0 thanks to a second-half brace from Moise Kean.Bove was hugged by team-mates as he congratulated them on the win after he entered the field.Bove was in attendance at the gameCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • in

    Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he is

    ALVARO MORATA breezed through a handful of Galatasaray fans and NONE of them recognised him.Morata, 32, has played in almost every single major competition in football throughout his successful 15-year career.Alvaro Morata just recently joined Galatasaray on loan from AC MilanBut Galatasaray fans didn’t appear to recognise MorataMorata, though, went on to score on his second match with GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe striker starred for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid Juventus and Spain, while he also spent three years on Chelsea’s books.The Spain international has also won a raft of major honours, such as two Champions League titles with Real, two Serie A honours with Juve, the FA Cup with the Blues and Euro 2024 with his national team.However, it seems like some fans of his new team still don’t know exactly who he is…Morata completed a shock loan move to Galata from AC Milan in the closing stages of the January transfer window.Read More on FootballThis poses as yet another surprise transfer the Turkish giants complete after their stunning loan swoop for Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen last summer.Very few expected Galatasaray to pull off yet another coup by signing Morata just seven months after he joined Milan.Nevertheless, the fans appear to still getting used to the centre-forward in their squad.A clip appeared to show the Spain international checking in to a hotel in Bolu ahead of Thursday’s Turkish Cup clash at Boluspor.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA few Galatasaray fans were spotted outside the hotel waiting to greet the players – some of the excited bystanders appeared to be looking forward for an autograph or a selfie.However, none of them recognised Morata, who was wearing a black cap but was otherwise quite recognisable.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsA couple of them made eye contact with the player, while some others didn’t even look twice.If anyone didn’t know who the Chelsea flop actually was, they must certainly know by now after Galata’s 4-1 win at the Bolu Ataturk Stadium.Morata led Okan Buruk’s side to a 4-1 victory as he scored his first goal in his second appearance on 21 minutes to equalise for the visitors.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • in

    Joao Felix scores stunning goal just 12 minutes into AC Milan debut as fans say ‘we can now agree Chelsea ruins players’

    JOAO FELIX took just 12 minutes to score his first AC Milan goal following his loan transfer from Chelsea.The 25-year-old completed a move to Italy on deadline day.Joao Felix scored after 12 minutes on his AC Milan debutCredit: GettyFelix chipped the ball over the Roma goalkeeper to put Milan through to the Coppa Italia semi-finalsCredit: GettyJust five months ago Chelsea paid £45m to sign him from Atletico Madrid.However, Felix was down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca and managed seven goals in 20 appearances, many of which came in the Europa Conference League.The Blues subsequently loaned him out to AC Milan, who paid a £5million loan fee with no obligation to buy.But the Serie A might be thinking it was some shrewd business after Felix scored an important goal to put them in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the score 2-1 in Milan’s favour, Felix was introduced in the 59th minute as a replacement for Christian Pulisic – another Chelsea reject.The Portuguese forward was then played into open space in the 71st minute by fellow deadline-day signing Santiago Gimenez. Felix then proceeded to calmly chip the ball over Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar to make the score 3-1 and mark a perfect debut for himself and Gimenez – a £27m buy from Feyenoord.Reacting on social media, some fans were critical of Chelsea’s handling of Felix, with one saying: “We can now agree Chelsea ruins players.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Chelsea has ALWAYS ruined players, they were the club that would buy players so other teams couldn’t and then sit them on the bench.”A third added: “Chelsea almost ruined him.”Chelsea new-boy Joao Felix has plaque at Atletico Madrid stadium vandalised by thugs after transfer exitAnother fan argued it was a motivation issue, saying: “He’s motivated for the first few games and then it will drop.”A fifth fan said: “They should make his move there permanent.”Felix did also manage to score for Chelsea on his second debut for them this season during the 6-2 thrashing of Wolves, before failing to score another league goal.Milan have been joined in the semi-finals by Bologna, while two of Inter Milan or Lazio and Juventus or Empoli will make up the rest of the last four.The final will be held on May 14, where the Rossoneri will be hoping to win the competition for their sixth time overall and the first time since 2003.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • in

    ‘We really wanted him’ – Napoli chief reveals Alejandro Garnacho request that saw Man Utd star’s transfer fall apart

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO’s transfer to Napoli fell apart after the star made an “unfair” request to join them.Garnacho, 20, at one stage looked destined to leave Manchester United during the winter transfer window.Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Napoli failed due to one ‘unfair’ reasonCredit: GettyNapoli sporting director Giovanni Manna said they ‘really wanted him’Credit: GettyThis was due to him partly not fitting Ruben Amorim’s system, partly owing to a lack of minutes and partly due to PSR pressure on Man Utd.Napoli and Chelsea were among the main clubs linked with the winger, but ultimately a deal was not reached with Garnacho finding a new lease of life at Old Trafford.The Italian side had been looking to sign a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the month in a deal worth £59m.But Giovanni Manna, sporting director of the Naples outfit, has now revealed why a deal to sign the Argentine fell apart.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said: “We discussed and met Garnacho even before Kvara left, we made an important offer to United. We really wanted him.”The player wanted to leave the Premier League in January because in July it’s different; he wanted to be satisfied financially, something that we can’t do at the moment.”We don’t want to and I don’t even think it’s fair when there’s an average salary in the dressing room and you put a young player who earns a higher salary.”It’s not right towards the others who are doing important things.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”We created a competitive team for a competition, and we are there thanks to the coach and the team, it wasn’t right.”Despite extensive discussions with the Red Devils, Napoli were also unable to agree a transfer fee despite the asking price being lowered to £55m.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceNapoli were also in the race for Patrick Dorgu, before he eventually moved to Man Utd in a deal worth £25m plus £4m in add-ons.Manna added: “Napoli must take strong players, whether they’re young or older. “For example, we negotiated Dorgu for the summer, then if United arrives and makes an offer outside the market it’s difficult to tell them to wait for us.”I’ll give you a practical example – if there’s an opportunity like [Scott] McTominay we’ll take it, but we’re not a club that takes a free agent for a five million salary and six million commission, that’s not our modus operandi, many others do it. “We take the good ones, the functional ones, if they have a prospect it’s better, but it’s not a necessary condition.”We took Buongiorno, Gilmour, but also Spinazzola, McTominay, Neres, Romelu, strong players in their market moment.”It seems that we had to do who knows what, we had to replace Kvara, we didn’t do it as we wanted but this summer we made few mistakes and the team is showing it.”Taking the step to please Garnacho means that I put someone in there with players who have been busting their asses since July… it’s not right, then we wanted to do it.”I’m not happy, we didn’t succeed, but the market didn’t end yesterday, it starts again and we will have to be good and show strength now. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Staying focused on the Champions League objective, which doesn’t mean not dreaming but staying focused, otherwise if you fly then you fall and hurt yourself. “This Napoli deserves only positive words, always and in any case, what is being done nobody expected.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

  • in

    Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann poses in racy lingerie as she lands deal with major underwear brand

    ALISHA LEHMANN took social media by storm in a racy lingerie photoshoot.Lehmann, 26, teamed up with major underwear brand Tezenis and shared pics of her shoot on Instagram.Alisha Lehmann took social media by stormCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann posed in raunchy underwearCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann shared the photos across social mediaCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann’s photos received over 500,000 likes on InstagramCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe forward posed in a black lace ensemble ahead of Valentine’s Day and the snaps received over 500,000 likes.Lehmann posted the following caption: “My first Valentine’s Day with @tezenisofficial.”The Switzerland international’s photos left her 16.7million followers in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One fan commented: “Looking good.”Read More on FootballAnother posted: “You are wonderful.”A third wrote: “Always happy to see you.”This fan said: “Beautiful.”And that one gushed: “OMG.”Most read in FootballLehmann has been in a relationship with ex-Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz.The couple both left Villa for Juventus in the summer, making history as the first ever boyfriend and girlfriend transfer.Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann looks stunning as she shows off skills in a bikini leaving fans ‘jealous of Douglas Luiz’Luiz, 26, switched the Midlands for Turin in a £50million deal and reportedly signed a contract worth about £100,000-a-week.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Scroll down to see more of Alisha’s glam lifeAlisha Lehmann played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has 16.7million Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha posed for her 2024 calendarCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snapsCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She now plays for JuventusCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann likes to travelCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Fans cheer her on across the worldCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Alisha has joined the Prime teamCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann looks delighted to be partnering KSI and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the world.Credit: instagramLehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She received a surprising request from rapper DrakeCredit: instagramAn A-list celebrity had offered her £90,000 for a night of passionCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Cesc Fabregas’ Como unveil stunning new stadium plans as breathtaking 10,584-seater lakeside ground gets makeover

    CESC FABREGAS’ Italian side Como have unveiled stunning new plans to redevelop their lakeside stadium.The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is regarded by many as the most picturesque arena in European football.Como have unveiled plans to redevelop their stadiumCredit: COMOThe plucky side were promoted to Serie A last summerCredit: COMOThe plans are set to boost the local communityCredit: COMOSituated by Lake Como, it boasts breathtaking views for both home and away supporters.And with Como now playing in Serie A, plans are afoot to make it one the best stadiums around.The minnows are managed by none other than Arsenal and Chelsea icon Fabregas.They sit 15th in the table, two points above the relegation zone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd after being promoted from Serie B last season, Como have already seen the capacity of their stadium increase from 7,798 seats to 10,584.Now, the club have confirmed a lengthy process to redevelop their home ground further.The three-stage plan is set to take shape in May 2026, with the first construction phase finishing in October 2027.A second phase will continue until August 2028.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd the project, which does not yet specify how many more seats will be added, will be a “gift for the entire community” as it looks to boost the surrounding area.Como president Mirwan Suwarso said: “Our aim is to ensure Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia remains a vital part of the community.Cesc Fabregas shuts down England position debate as World Cup winner ‘shows why he got over 100 caps’ Cesc Fabregas is the manager of ComoCredit: EPATheir stadium currently holds over 10,000 fansCredit: ReutersComo are 15th in Serie A right nowCredit: Reuters“The new project must honour the Giuseppe Sinigaglia stadium legacy while making it an active and accessible space for all citizens and visitors — not just for football, but for everyone to enjoy, 365 days a year.”Alessandro Rapinese, the Mayor of Como, added: “This is the first phase of the process.“This stadium is not just for football, but a gift for the entire community.“I look forward to the various phases and to being able to enjoy Como play inside the new stadium.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More