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    ‘I’m not playing anymore’ – Gary Neville reveals why he won’t play in Soccer Aid again after ‘shocking’ events

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    FORMER Manchester United star Gary Neville has revealed why he turned down the chance to play in Soccer Aid.The annual charity football event is set to take place on June 9 at Stamford Bridge.Gary Neville has revealed why he turned down Soccer AidCredit: GettyNeville represented England last yearCredit: PASeveral ex-pros such as Eden Hazard, Jermain Defoe, David James, Gary Cahill, Joe Cole and Roberto Carlos are already confirmed to be playing.And Jill Scott, who will captain England, was quick to try and sign Neville up in the latest edition of Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast.However, the Man Utd legend declined due to the fear of getting injured.Neville said: “I’m not playing anymore. Every time an ex-player gets a shocking injury like a cruciate or they rip their achilles or something.Read More on Football”You know, when they try to chase people unfit.”Carragher then chimed in to tell a story about ex-Liverpool star Fabio Aurelio, saying: “He came back for the Liverpool legends match and was supposed to go back day after.”He’s still here now. He broke all of his ribs.”Aurelio suffered a punctured lung and cracked ribs during the Anfield clash with Ajax two weeks ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn a recent interview with The Athletic, he said: “I just tried to make the block and as he followed through after shooting, he ended up hitting me with his knee.”You don’t expect an accident like that to happen in a Legends match, but when you go out there in front of 60,000 people, the competitive streak comes out.Rio Ferdinand opens up on meeting with ‘gutted’ Sir Alex Ferguson during David Moyes’ Man Utd woes”I couldn’t fly back last week because of the damage to my lung.”At the start, the doctors said I would need to wait three weeks, so I was a bit scared, but the specialist saw the X-rays a few days ago and said it has settled down.”The lung is OK and with the ribs, it’s just a matter of time for them to heal.”Neville last took part in Soccer Aid last summer.The World XI won the match 4-2 thanks to goals from Olympic legend Usain Bolt, former Tottenham star Robbie Keane and ex-Love Island contestant Kem Cetinay. More

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      Singer and Soccer Aid star surprises BBC reporter at Stamford Bridge as fans say ‘this is incredible’

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      SINGER and Soccer Aid star Tom Grennan surprised BBC Sport presenter Ashleigh Wilmot at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.Grennan, 28, was in attendance to watch Chelsea Women’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Ajax.Tom Grennan posed for a picture with Ashleigh Wilmot at Stamford BridgeCredit: Instagram @ashleigh_wilmotAnd after surprising fans he posed for a picture with the presenter next to the pitch.Wilmot shared the snap on Instagram after the match, writing: “Brilliant night at Stamford Bridge!”Great to work with the ‘Bring The Noise’ team…and alongside the fabulous Andy Collins!”What a night…Tom Grennan even stopped by for a chat too!”READ MORE ON CHELSEAFans took to the comments to react, with one person writing: “Stop it 😍.”Another commented: “Smashed it Wilmot!”While a third wrote: “This is incredible 😂.”The match between Chelsea and Ajax ended 1-1, with the Blues progressing to the semi-finals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEmma Hayes’ side won the first leg 3-0, making the score 4-1 on aggregate.This year’s Soccer Aid match is also set to be played at Stamford Bridge.Ellie Goulding in talks for Soccer Aid performance after huge Brits performanceGrennan is among a host of stars set to lace up their football boots for the occasion.The likes of Jill Scott, David James, Jack Wilshere, Sir Mo Farah, Usain Bolt, Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos and Tommy Fury are also set to take part. More

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      Eden Hazard reveals dream job after hanging up his boots as ex-Chelsea star hints at coaching gig

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      EDEN HAZARD has dropped a hint about a new role in football as he prepares for his return to Chelsea.The 33-year-old retired from football in October after his epic career ended in disappointment after years of injury and weight issues.Eden Hazard is making his return to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge this summerCredit: GettyThe now retired Belgian ace has hinted at a potential new role in the beautiful gameCredit: ReutersThe ex-Belgian playmaker won the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup twice as well as a League Cup during his seven years at Chelsea.Hazard initially came through the ranks with Lille and went on to make 194 appearances and score 50 goals for them.The star’s dazzling form also proved instrumental in their league and cup double in 2011, ensuring legendary status at Lille, and eventually earned him his move to England in 2012.Hazard enjoyed equal status at Stamford Bridge for his performances at Chelsea but failed to replicate the magic at Real Madrid as his career ended in disappointing fashion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe signed a £88.3m transfer deal in 2019 but played just 76 times and scored only seven goals in four seasons.His time at the Bernabeu was plagued by injuries and fitness issues with reports that his weight was a problem and that he once turned up to training after the summer a stone too heavy.Hazard allegedly had big-money offers last summer from his homeland, the MLS in America and Saudi Arabia.But even the ace admits that he “misses” playing, he is relishing his new found freedom after opting to hang up his boots.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told The Standard: “I enjoy it a lot. I miss my football a bit, especially being with the lads in the dressing room, but I can do what I want now.“I have kids and a family. I can go to Belgium to see my family, brothers and parents. I can do a lot of things.”’Three games out? Perfect’ – Eden Hazard reveals why he was HAPPY with ban after ex-Chelsea star kicked Swansea ball-boyAlthough he did hint at a potential new career after discovering a new love in the beautiful game.On life at home with wife Natacha and their five boys, he said: “I don’t know [what’s next].“I don’t think I’ll coach professionally, but I think I can coach for youth teams.“I have kids, and I want to teach them how to play football.”However, Hazard will pull his boots back on at his old Stamford Bridge stomping ground on June 9 to feature in Soccer Aid for UNICEF’s World XI against an England XI that will be managed by Frank Lampard.He revealed his determination to deliver some magic to those to attend and insisted that he would get in shape as he didn’t “want to look like Peppa Pig”.Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge, with tickets available at socceraid.org.uk/tickets.Hazard will feature for UNICEF’s Soccer Aid for World XI against an England XI on 9 JuneCredit: Rex More

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      Tommy Fury reveals he’s being ‘coached by former England star’ for Soccer Aid and hints he’ll try to get Tyson involved

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      TOMMY FURY is determined to impress in his second Soccer Aid appearance.The boxing star is returning to to the football pitch to play for the Rest of World XI for the second year running.Tommy Fury has enlisted a former England star to help him train for Soccer AidCredit: ReutersAfter a pretty uninspiring display at Old Trafford last year, Fury has enlisted the help of a former England legend to help him improve his skills ahead of this year’s match at Stamford Bridge.Speaking on the Capital Breakfast the 24-year-old revealed ex-Lioness Jill Scott has been helping him train for the big day.He said: “I’m training twice a day; I’m getting my weight right down for it. I want to feel sharp, and feel fit, and just enjoy the experience again.”Before adding: “Let’s just say me and Jill are doing stuff on the side to be a little more prepared this year.”READ MORE IN BOXINGScott, who will be playing for the England XI this year, has the experience to make her a worthy coach as a member of England’s Euro 2022 winning squad.And there could be another superstar gracing the pitch for the charitable game with Tommy Fury admitting he’s doing what he can to convince his half brother Tyson Fury to play in the match.When asked if he could persuade the heavyweight champion to join in, he said: “Listen, it would be good, wouldn’t it?”I don’t know why he never does it, because he is a huge football fan. He loves Manchester United and he’s really behind it.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTommy Fury is working with former Lioness Jill ScottCredit: GettyThe boxing star has also claimed he is attempting to convince his half brother Tyson Fury to take part in this year’s Soccer AidCredit: Reuters”So I don’t know, I’m going to have to make a few special calls and hopefully we can see him on the pitch this year.”Soccer Aid is set to take place in June meaning Tyson should be available following his undisputed bout with Oleksandr Usyk in May – so long as there isn’t ANOTHER delay to the face-off.Tommy Fury reveals huge new career as fiancee Molly-Mae says she’s ‘so proud’But for now The Gypsy King will have his full focus on beating Usyk in the first undisputed heavyweight fight in over 20 years.Listen to Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp Chris Stark and Sian Welby, weekdays from 6:00am – 10:00am across the UK on air, and on Global Player.Confirmed Soccer Aid Stars
      ENGLAND
      Frank Lampard (Co-Manager), Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager), Robbie Williams (Co-Manager), Jill Scott (Captain), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach) Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, Erin Doherty, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, Stuart Broad, Bobby Brazier and Sam Thompson.
      WORLD XI
      Mauricio Pochettino (Manager), Jesus Perez (Coach), Usain Bolt (Captain), Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Martin Compston, Maisie Adam, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Tommy Fury and Diamond.

      TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT More

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      Soccer Aid 2024: CONFIRMED line-ups, date, TV channel, free stream with Hazard and Lampard among those back at Chelsea

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      SOCCER AID is BACK with the massive charity match returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2019.That match – won by the World XI 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw – sparked a five-game winning run for the visiting stars.Eden Hazard has signed up for Soccer Aid – which will be played on June 9England will be desperate to win the charity game for the first time since 2018 and even have a new manager in the dugout to help them.Frank Lampard is back for a third spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, only this time he has swapped the likes of Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher for Robbie Williams and Bobby Brazier.There will also be a familiar face on the World XI bench, with current Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino taking charge for the second consecutive year.Here’s everything you need to know about Soccer Aid 2024.READ MORE ON SOCCER AIDWho is playing at Soccer Aid 2024?Plenty of football legends and celebrities have already confirmed they will be playing in the charity match. Although the squads may be subject to change, due to injury for example, this is how they are shaping up at the moment – with more players set to be announced in the near future.England: Frank Lampard (Co-Manager), Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager), Robbie Williams (Co-Manager), Jill Scott (Captain), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach) Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, Erin Doherty, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, Stuart Broad, Bobby Brazier and Sam Thompson.World XI: Mauricio Pochettino (Manager), Jesus Perez (Coach), Usain Bolt (Captain), Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Martin Compston, Maisie Adam, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Tommy Fury and Diamond.Most read in FootballWhen is Soccer Aid 2024?Soccer Aid takes place on Sunday, June 9, 2024, with kick-off TBC.The match, which was held at the London Stadium last year, has moved across London to Chelsea’s home, Stamford Bridge – the first time it has been held in SW6 since 2019.Although all ticket prices are yet to be confirmed, it has been confirmed that a family ticket (two adults, two children) can be purchased for £60.England will also wear a special kit that replicates the Three Lions’ outfit from Euro 96.Where can I watch Soccer Aid 2024?Soccer Aid will once again be shown for FREE live on ITV1 (England and Wales) and STV (Scotland).It can also be streamed for FREE online with ITVX.Unicef ambassador Dermot O’Leary and England and Arsenal legend Alex Scott will present the programme, with Sam Matterface on lead commentary and comedian Iain Sterling on co-comms.There will also be a full half-time show which will be announced soon.How much has Soccer Aid raised for Unicef?The charity football match is the biggest in the world and since 2006 has raised more than £90million in total for global children’s charity Unicef.Last year’s tournament was the most successful on record, raising a record-breaking £14.6m.What’s been said?England manager Frank Lampard said: “Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special – for any player, on any occasion. I’m excited to be doing that again – this time with Soccer Aid for Unicef.”Managing the Soccer Aid England team with Harry [Redknapp] will be a proud moment and great fun – but the main focus is rightly on the millions of pounds we can all raise together. “So, please buy your tickets for June 9 and lend us your support.”Frank Lampard will be back in the Chelsea dugout – this time as manager of England at Soccer Aid on June 9Chelsea legend Eden Hazard said: “My Chelsea family – I am coming home on June 9! “I can’t wait to see you all again. Playing at Stamford Bridge was always amazing. “We won so many trophies together there. Some of the very best memories I have in football – seven brilliant years. I miss them.”As I enter a new chapter, we can write new history with Soccer Aid for Unicef. “Together, we can and will raise millions of pounds for children across the world.”I’m a Celeb winner Sam Thompson said: “From watching Chelsea in the stands throughout my life, to walking out at Stamford Bridge and playing in front of thousands of fans.”As pretty much everyone knows, I am a massive Chelsea fan, so I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. “I know everyone must say this – but this is my actual dream coming true.”I live around the corner from Stamford Bridge and have been to so many Chelsea games over the years, watching my heroes – I can’t quite believe I’m about to play with some of them. “I mean Frank Lampard is a living legend and he’s my manager – it’s insane.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As you all know, I’m a pretty excitable character but this has put me on a new level.”This is a brilliant family day out which I am honoured to be part of.” More

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      Soccer Aid 2024 to be moved AWAY from Old Trafford with Man Utd’s Premier League rivals set to host

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      SOCCER AID 2024 is set to be moved away from Old Trafford with Chelsea likely to host the event, according to reports.The charity match has been held at Manchester United’s home on eight previous occasions.
      Soccer Aid has taken place at Old Trafford eight timesCredit: Reuters
      The event could return to Stamford Bridge this summer for the first time since 2019Credit: Getty
      But there are plans to renovate Old Trafford and the initial steps could take place at the end of the season.
      Soccer Aid is set to take place on June 9 this year, but United want to use the summer months to address what work needs to take place at the stadium.
      Addressing the issue of the leaky roof in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand will likely be a priority, while there could also be renovation work on the pitch, according to the Daily Mail.
      New investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to improve the club’s infrastructure which could involve refurbishing the Theatre of Dreams.

      But any work on the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand would likely need a big project including the use of cranes, including the closure of the railway track behind the stand.
      That means United will likely be unable to host Soccer Aid this year with Stamford Bridge mooted as an alternative.
      Chelsea held the 2019 edition of Soccer Aid while it has also taken place at London Stadium, Wembley and the Etihad.
      If Ratcliffe and Ineos decide against renovating Old Trafford they could build a £2billion “Wembley of the North”.
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      The railway line behind the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand would have to close for renovation works – but United could even build a whole new stadium
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      Ratcliffe does not want to relocate United, and therefore the Ineos chief has reportedly identified the land around Old Trafford as the site for the fresh construction.
      That would see the stadium placed between the railway lines that run past the current ground and the Bridgewater Canal.
      And Ratcliffe hopes to build an arena that can rival the 90,000-seater national football stadium at Wembley.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe could build a new stadium on the same site as Old Trafford
      Man Utd fans say Usain Bolt is ‘better than Weghorst’ as legend scores at Old Trafford and uses Rashford’s celebration More

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      Who is former Arsenal and England player Kelly Smith and when did she retire from football?

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      KELLY SMITH was England’s Women’s all-time leading scorer when she retired from her international duties.The football legend is best known for her multiple stints at Arsenal but has also played in America.
      Kelly Smith is a former football player who played for Arsenal and England
      Who is former Arsenal and England player Kelly Smith?
      Kelly Smith is a footballer who played for Arsenal and England’s national team.
      She was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, on October 29, 1978.
      Smith began her professional career with Wembley Ladies in 1996 and moved to Arsenal two years later.
      In 1999 she left the Gunners for America, where she played for the New Jersey Lady Stallions, Philadelphia Charge and New Jersey Wildcats over an eight year period.
      After returning to Arsenal in 2005, Smith netted an incredible 73 goals in 66 games before she headed back to the States to play for the Boston Breakers.
      Kelly then returned to Arsenal for five more years from 2012 until 2017.
      Over her three spells at Arsenal, Smith won a total of 20 trophies and scored 30 goals in 34 games across all four competitions during their quadruple-winning 2006–07 season.
      The striker was shortlisted for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award four times and won the FA Player of the Year award twice.
      Her honours include four Premier League titles, a UEFA Women’s Cup and five FA Cups.
      In 2008, Smith was awarded an MBE for her services to women’s football.
      Kelly married her partner DeAnna Dobosz on Hampstead Heath in June 2016.
      She gave birth to a son named Rocco Jude in May 2017 and in 2019 the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter.
      Kelly joined the Arsenal Women’s first-team coaching setup in April 2023.
      She has also worked as a presenter for Sky Sports.
      How long did Kelly Smith play for England?
      Kelly played for England for 20 years.
      She made her debut for the team in November 1995, just three days after she turned 17.
      During her two-decade career she earned 117 caps.
      Kelly also represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics.
      When did Kelly Smith retire from football?
      Kelly retired from international duty in 2015 after a twenty-year career.
      She continued to play for Arsenal, where she had also taken up a part-time coaching role, and retired fully in 2017.
      When announcing her retirement in 2015, Kelly said: “I’ve been deliberating about this decision for months, it was doing my head in and I’ve felt in no-man’s land.
      “I’ve just felt so tired as it’s been an emotional roller coaster.”
      She added: “It’s sad my international career has come to an end but the time is right.
      “I’m at peace with my decision.” More

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      Alex Scott relaxes in tiny bikini on speedboat with England stars after winning over fans with ‘brave’ Soccer Aid dress

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      ALEX SCOTT relaxed in a tiny bikini while on a speedboat after winning over fans with her Soccer Aid dress. The pundit and presenter soaked up the sun while on holiday in Ibiza.
      Alex Scott dazzled in a bikiniCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      The ex-Arsenal star stunned while on holiday in IbizaCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      Alex Scott uploaded snaps to her social mediaCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      Leah Williamson was also presentCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
      Scott gave fans a treat on Instagram, laying back in black swimwear as she showed off her incredible figure.
      In a previous post, she uploaded a snap of England captain Leah Williamson, who also unwound with Keira Walsh before the Woman’s World Cup that kicks-off later this summer.
      This is not the first time that Scott has dazzled in recent days after stunning viewers with her “brave” dress while hosting Soccer Aid.
      The ex-Arsenal defender wore a figure-hugging red outfit.
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      It left viewers stunned, one said: “She is just perfection.”
      Pal Williamson also hailed her, posting a snap of Scott on Twitter alongside clapping emojis.
      And while hosting the charity match, she found time to poke fun at new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was taking charge of World XI.
      Scott is no stranger to leaving fans in awe, having been dubbed “gorgeous” in a recent GQ shoot.
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      The 38-year-old wore green attire and posed up a tree.
      One of her 1.8million followers reacted to the images saying: “You belong on a throne.”
      Alex Scott looked incredible during Soccer AidCredit: Getty
      Some viewers called her dress ‘brave’Credit: PA More

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      Man Utd icon Paul Scholes hobbles on crutches after revealing knee’s ‘f***ed’ from Soccer Aid clash with old Reds pal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has revealed his knee is “f***ed” following his Soccer Aid appearance.The 48-year-old was introduced as a substitute midway through the match following Usain Bolt’s opening goal.
      Scholes was forced off with a knee injury during Soccer AidCredit: Reuters
      The United legend was filmed leaving his house on crutchesCredit: Instagram / @alicia.scholesx
      Scholes was injured after a clash with old pal Nani
      He managed to turn the game on it’s head in the 53rd minute with a classic strike into the bottom-right corner from outside the box to put England 2-1 up.
      But just four minutes later, he was forced off with a knee issue after a collision with former United pal Nani.
      After the match, Scholes took to Instagram to share how delighted he was about returning to Old Trafford – despite his injury.
      He wrote: “Knee’s f***** but couldn’t give two s****… nothing will ever give me a better feeling than playing in front of a full house at OT and scoring a goal.
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      “Great couple of days with some very funny people.”
      Scholes’ daughter, Alicia, also took to Instagram to share a video of her dad walking out of the house on crutches.
      World XI went on to win the match 4-2 thanks to three late goals from former Tottenham and Liverpool striker Robbie Keane and Love Island star Kem Cetinay.
      Man Utd icons Patrice Evra and Nani were also part of the match-winning World XI squad, while Gary Neville started for England.
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      Prior to the match, Scholes was furious about the blue and white flags that had been put out in the Old Trafford stands, claiming someone was “taking the p***”.
      He believed that they were too similar to the colours of United’s rivals, Manchester City, who had won the Treble the previous night.
      However, the flags were merely there to represent the colours of Unicef, the charity behind Soccer Aid. More