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      Champions League final – Man City 1 Inter Milan 0 LIVE RESULT: Rodri’s strike fires Pep’s men to historic Treble glory

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      MANCHESTER CITY have WON the Champions League final AND completed a historic Treble.Rodri’s ferocious second-half strike turned out to be the difference maker.
      And it means that they have become the second English club win the Treble since their noisy Manchester neighbours in 1999.

      LIVE RESULT: Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      FREE Live stream: BT Sport YouTube
      TV channel: BT Sport 1
      Man City XI: Ederson; Akanji, Dias Ake; Stones, Rodri; Gundogan (C), De Bruyne, Bernardo, Grealish; Haaland
      Inter XI: Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Brozovic (C), Calhanoglu, Dimarco; Dzeko, Lautaro
      Explainer: What is the Treble in football and which teams have won it?

      BETTING SPECIAL – TIPS AND OFFERS FOR MAN CITY vs INTER
      Follow all the action from Istanbul with our live blog below…
      John Stones’ Messi record
      Manchester City star John Stones completed all six of his attempted dribbles against Inter Milan.
      The last player to complete more than that in a Champions League final was Lionel Messi in 2015.
      That was when Messi registered a total of 10 perfect dribbles against Juventus.
      Not bad for a centre-back that was only recently fielded as a midfielder.
      Credit: Getty
      Guardiola’s second Treble
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has won the Treble for the second time in his managerial career.
      Guardiola is also the first ever head coach to achieve this feat with two different clubs.
      The Spanish tactician first won the Treble with Barcelona in the 2008-2009 season.
      But it took a lot more effort to seal it with the Citizens…
      Credit: Getty
      Man City join club
      Manchester City have become the sixth English club to win a European title.
      City join Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.
      That is twice as many sides than any other nation around the world.
      Germany, Italy and Netherlands currently count three clubs each.
      Credit: AFP
      Kyle Walker addresses omission
      Manchester City star Kyle Walker discussed his omission from Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up.
      Walker told BT Sport: “I’m always going to be disappointed when I’m not playing.
      “I’m 33 now and my example sets on to the younger lads so I made a speech before they went out.
      “I was true to my words and it was emotional but this club means so much to me.
      “I’ve been here six years now but to give me what it’s given me and for me to have experienced the experiences that I’ve experienced, I’ll be forever in debt to them.”
      Credit: Reuters
      Kevin De Bruyne speaks
      Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne revealed he suffered a hamstring injury before hobbling off the pitch.
      De Bruyne told BT Sport: “It has been a hard two months. I had a lot of problems with my hamstring and it snapped.
      “The team was good enough though and we won. We have been working so long for this, it is amazing.
      “We have not lost in the Champions League this year. It was not the best game but now is the time to celebrate.”
      Credit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola reacts
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists he is not thinking about next season after sealing the Treble.
      Guardiola told BT Sport: “[I feel] Tired, calm, satisfied of course. This f*****g trophy, it’s so difficult to win it.
      “It’s a question of being patient and you have to be lucky. At the end, Ederson, he could have missed it, they could have been level. This competition is a coin-toss.
      “It was written in the stars. It belongs to us. We weren’t at our best level. After the World Cup the team made a step forward and we were there. It wasn’t our best performance.
      “I don’t have any energy to think about next season, it’s impossible. We need a break, it’s too long. Our players have international games now. Uefa and Fifa, think about it.
      “The Premier League finished two or three weeks ago, now people have to come back. It’s too much. We will start from zero next season.”
      Credit: Alamy
      Rodri makes history
      Manchester City star Rodri left his mark before scoring the winner in the Champions League Final.
      The midfielder made his 52nd start of the season for City across all competitions.
      The only outfield player to have started more games in a single campaign under Pep Guardiola was Lionel Messi.
      Messi set the record in the 2011-2012 season when he started in 57 matches.
      Credit: Getty
      Ilkay Gundogan speaks
      Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan admitted there was pressure before the Champions League Final.
      Gundogan told BT Sport: “Today we made history. It was difficult for both teams.
      “We weren’t at our best in the first half. We were hesitating. We knew we had to do better in the second. It was probably a 50-50 game. We feel very fortunate it was for us.
      “We knew everyone was talking about the Treble. The pressure was there but this team is built to handle the pressure in the best possible way.”
      Credit: EPA
      Jack Grealish reacts
      Manchester City star Jack Grealish couldn’t hold back his tears or control his tongue after sealing the Treble.
      Grealish told BT Sport: “This is what you work your whole life for. I’m so happy. I was awful but I don’t care… To win the Treble with this group of players is so special.
      “To see my family in the crowd makes me emotional. I just said [to Pep Guardiola] I want to thank you. You’ve made this happen for me.
      “So much faith in me, buying me for a lot of money, even last year when I was playing **** he stayed with me, spoke to me and this year he’s given me that platform to go and perform.”
      Credit: PA
      Word from the stadium
      Let’s hear from SunSport’s Dave Kidd, who covered the Champions League Final in Istanbul:
      After 12 years of heartbreaks and cock-ups and rank bad luck in the Champions League, we should have known it was never going to be smooth.
      But following what felt like a collective 90-minute anxiety attack in Istanbul, Manchester City are finally the champions of Europe.
      The Blue Moon has risen and Old Big Ears belongs to Pep Guardiola and his Abu Dhabi paymasters.
      But the final step on any great quest can often feel like the hardest and as City clinched their Treble, they were almost unrecognisable from the side who have swept aside far mightier teams than Inter Milan in this epic campaign.
      The goalscorer Rodri personified City’s lack of self-assuredness. For 68 minutes, this great side’s usually-reliable Spanish anchor man had looked like a gibbering wreck.
      But when the ball fell to him 15 yards out, the Spaniard struck his shot sweetly, the onion bag bulged and the agony of being so close to glory finally eased. Dave KiddSunSport
      They did it!
      Manchester City are the champions of Europe and the second ever English club to win the Treble!
      City dominated across all competitions and won the Premier League, FA Cup and their first ever Champions League.
      No Prem club has ever been able to achieve that since Manchester United in 1999.
      A legendary and well-deseved moment for the Citizens!
      Credit: Reuters
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Ready for lift-off
      Manchester City stars are now stepping up to the podium for their gold medals.
      City manager Pep Guardiola leads the way and is followed by goalkeeper Ederson, who made a huge save at the end to deny Federico Dimarco.
      In just a few minutes, the Citizens will lift their third trophy of the season and their first ever Champions League.
      No sign of Salt Bae so far…
      Credit: EPA
      Guard of honour
      Manchester City have formed a guard of honour for Inter Milan.
      City also applaud the referees with a historic moment that shows manager Pep Guardiola high-fiving first offical Szymon Marciniak.
      Inter stars appreciate the Citizens’ nice touch after a stunning performance.
      The Treble winners deserve it, but the Nerazzurri took them to the limit and it could have gone either way.
      Credit: Getty
      Rodri speaks out
      An emotional Rodri paid tribute to Manchester City fans after his winner in the Champions League Final.
      The midfielder told BT Sport: “I’m emotional, this is a dream come true. All these City fans have been waiting 20, 30, 40 years.
      “I’ve been here four years. They deserve, we deserve. Last years we were so close.
      “When you get to these moments in semi-finals and finals, god gives you this present. It’s unbelievable, a dream for all of us.
      “It wasn’t easy. What a team we faced. They way they defended and counter-attacked was unbelievable. They deserve lots of credit because they are a great team.
      “But I don’t want to forget about my lads, they have everything. It was an unbelievable effort from everyone.”
      Credit: Getty
      Smiles and cries
      Manchester City stars are passionately celebrating their first ever Champions League trophy.
      Some of them are even crying tears of joy after a dramatic finale at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
      Inter Milan players, on the other hand, are completely heartbroken as they came very close.
      But Simone Inzaghi’s men have nothing to be ashamed of as they took the Treble winners to the absolute limit.
      Credit: AFP

      Man City vs Inter Milan Stats
      Manchester City dominated 56 per cent of possession in the Champions League Final.
      City registered a total of seven shots, four of which were on target against Inter Milan.
      Inter, on the other hand, produced 13 shots, but only five of them were on target.
      More below:

      FT: Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      Manchester City won their first ever Champions League title and completed a stunning Treble at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
      Inter Milan put together a stunning performance that caused City plenty of trouble.
      But the Citizens finally broke their hoodoo thanks to Rodri’s winner on 68 minutes.
      It all started with a beautiful and clever pass from Manuel Akanji to Bernardo Silva down the right.
      Silva delivered a crisp low cross that found Rodri who sent the ball to Andre Onana’s bottom left corner.
      Credit: AFP
      FT: Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      They did it!!!!
      Man City have won their first ever Champions League!!!
      90+6 Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      Corner-kick for Inter…
      What a save by Ederson who denies a back-header by Dimarco!!!
      90+4 Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      Yellow card
      Man City keeper Ederson is booked for time wasting.
      90 Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      Chance!
      Inter star Barella tries a beautiful shot from the edge of the box but just misses the crossbar!
      90+2 Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      Yellow card
      Man City star Haaland and Inter’s Onana get booked for a spat down the Nerazzurri’s area.
      90 Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      Five more minutes of stoppage time.
      Still time for Inter to equalise!
      90 Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      Chance
      Inter star Lukaku gets into City’s area and tries a shot that completely misses the target.
      89 Man City 1-0 Inter Milan
      What a chance!
      How did Inter miss this?!
      A completely unmarked Lukaku gets a header right in front of Ederson and the Man City keeper just manages to block it with his knee!
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City vs Inter Champions League final build-up LIVE: Haaland aims to fire Pep’s men to Treble glory – stream FREE

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY can become the first English side since 1999 to win the Treble tonight as they take on Inter Milan in a tasty Champions League final. City have been imperious so far in Europe’s elite competition, having knocked out Bayern Munich and Real Madrid en route to the final.
      Inter took out fierce rivals AC Milan in their semi-final, but City will be out to match the success their foes Manchester United achieved in 1999.

      BETTING SPECIAL – TIPS AND OFFERS FOR MAN CITY vs INTER
      Follow all the action from Istanbul with our live blog below…
      Man City stats
      Manchester City haven’t lost a single Champions League game this season as they beat Sevilla twice as well as Borussia Dortmund and Copenhagen in the group stage before eliminating RB Leipzig in the Last 16, Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
      City are looking to become the fourth English side to win the Champions League, after rivals Manchester United (1999 and 2008), Liverpool (2005 and 2019) and Chelsea (2012 and 2021).
      That would make England the most successful nation in the European competition’s illustrious history.
      The current total of three is the joint-most, along with Italy after AC Milan, Juventus and tonight’s opponents Inter Milan’s triumphs.
      Credit: PA
      Man City vs Inter Milan head-to-head
      This will be the first ever time Manchester City and Inter Milan lock horns across all competitions throughout their entire existence.
      City have only appeared in two previous major European finals, beating Gornik Zabrze 2-1 in the 1970 Cup Winners’ Cup Final before losing the 2021 Champions League Final 1-0 to fellow Premier League giants Chelsea.
      Inter, on the other hand, will be playing in their 11th major European final, which is the third-most of any Italian club behind Juventus (16) and rivals AC Milan (14).
      It is their first since losing 3-2 in the 2020 Europa League Final against Sevilla and only their second in the Champions League after winning 2-0 in 2010 against Bayern Munich.
      Credit: Rex
      Full team news
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is enjoying a relatively clean bill of health within his squad, although he did raise a minor issue regarding Kyle Walker.
      Guardiola claimed Walker is dealing with a small problem in his back, but the right-back has alleviated concerns regarding his fitness.
      Zack Steffen poses as the only absence for the Spanish tactician after recently undergoing knee surgery.
      Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, on the other hand, will be without Dalbert, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
      However, Inzaghi is set to for a major boost with three key players expected to be available for the final.
      Henrikh Mkhitaryan suffered a thigh injury in the second leg of the Nerazzurri’s Champions League semi-final triumph over rivals AC Milan.
      But ex- United ace Mkhitaryan appears ready for the crunch clash against his former Premier League foes.
      Joaquin Correa picked up a calf issue against Fiorentina in the Serie A giants’ Coppa Italia Final success but could return to the bench.
      And finally, Federico Dimarco is expected to line up against Walker after missing the final league game against Torino due to a muscle issue.
      Credit: Reuters
      SunSport attend Fan Zone
      SunSport’s Toby Gannon has flown to Istanbul for the big Champions League Final between Manchester City and Inter Milan.
      Fans from around the world have joined all the fun ahead of the crunch clash at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
      SunSport paid a visit at the Fan Zone in Turkey and it seems like the famous city is turning rather blue…
      Check it out:
      Man City vs Inter Milan LIVE Champions League final build-up
      Balotelli makes his pick… sort of
      Mario Balotelli is in Istanbul for tonight’s huge Champions League final, but when asked to give his prediction, he came over a little indecisive.
      “I hope one of the two wins [laughter]… and especially quickly, not in extra-time or penalties because traffic in Istanbul is crazy.”
      Classic Mario.

      Final destination
      Istanbul will host the 2023 Champions League final.
      The huge fixture will be played at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium and it boasts a seated capacity of approximately 75,000 supporters.
      One of the most iconic Champions League finals was played at this stadium which saw Liverpool pull off a sensational comeback against AC Milan before beating them on penalties.
      Credit: Reuters
      What has Pep had to say?
      It’s a huge night for Pep Guardiola. Plagued with the notion he can only win a Champions League with Lionel Messi in his side, tonight he gets his second crack at it without the Argentine wizard.
      “More than the fact for the treble is the fact to win the Champions League.
      “We won already the FA Cup, we won the Premier League.
      “Everybody knows it.
      “We have done incredible seasons – five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, Carabao Cups – but we have to win the Champions League to be recognised like the team deserves to be recognised.
      “We have to admit it, without the Champions League – it has been amazing, it has been fun – but we are missing (something). We have to do it.
      “We give more and more credit for what we have done these years, we have done many things.
      “But I said to the players ‘you have to put the pressure on yourself, to be recognised as something good you have to win Europe.’”
      Credit: Getty
      How can I watch for FREE?
      Man City vs Inter Milan will be shown on BT Sport 1 HD in the UK.
      But the game game will also be shown for FREE on BT Sport’s YouTube channel.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport or YouTube app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The big one
      Form goes out the window when it comes to finals.
      And both teams will leave it all out of the field to lift this beautiful prize…
      Credit: Getty
      What’s the form like?
      Man City last five games

      Man City 2 Man Utd 1 – FA Cup final
      Brentford 1 Man City 0
      Brighton 1 Man City 1
      Man City 1 Chelsea 0
      Man City 4 Real Madrid 0 (agg 5-1) – Champions League semi-final second leg

      Inter Milan last five games

      Torino 0 Inter Milan 1
      Inter Milan 3 Atalanta 2
      Fiorentina 1 Inter Milan 2 – Coppa Italia final
      Napoli 3 Inter Milan 1
      Inter Milan 1 AC Milan 0 (agg 3-0) – Champions League semi-final second leg

      Dedicated Dzeko
      Former Man City hero Edin Dzeko will look to show his old club what they’re missing as he lines up for Inter at the age of 37.
      And he will be capably partnered by Argentina World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez, who is constantly jostling for a position in his national team with Man City fringe man Julian Alvarez.
      With Dzeko not expected to last the full match, City are also set to have to contend with former Man Utd striker Romelu Lukaku.

      Eager Erling
      You could name any of the players in the Manchester City team as potential stars.
      The likes of Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne are all capable of winning a game in a split second.
      However, it is difficult to look beyond Erling Haaland after a stunning season which saw him smash Alan Shearer’s Premier League goal record.

      What is the team news?
      Man City have no injury worries ahead of this game.
      Ederson will be almost certain to replace Stefan Ortega after the Brazilian’s understudy was chosen between the sticks for the FA Cup final.
      Elsewhere, Guardiola may well name the same ten outfield players the dominated their Wembley win over rivals United.
      Left-back Dalbert is a long-term absentee for Inter with a cruciate ligament injury.
      Former Man Utd ace Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a doubt for the match, as is Joaquin Correa.
      Should Mikhitaryan not play, Inzaghi will have both Marcelo Brozovic and Roberto Gagliardini as options in midfield.
      Good afternoon from Istanbul
      Welcome to SunSport’s live blog coverage of the Champions League Final between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Kostas here, and I will be bringing you all the live action from Turkey.
      City recently completed the Double after beating rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, shortly after clinching the Premier League title.
      Now the Citizens are looking to add to their local rivals’ misery by emulating their historic Treble triumph from 1999.
      Manager Pep Guardiola is enjoying a relatively clean bill of health within his squad, although he did raise a minor issue regarding Kyle Walker.
      Guardiola claimed Walker is dealing with a small problem in his back, but the right-back has alleviated concerns regarding his fitness.
      Zack Steffen poses as the only absence for the Spanish tactician after recently undergoing knee surgery.
      Inter manager Simone Inzaghi, on the other hand, will be without Dalbert, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
      However, Inzaghi is set to for a major boost with three key players expected to be available for the final.
      Henrikh Mkhitaryan suffered a thigh injury in the second leg of the Nerazzurri’s Champions League semi-final triumph over rivals AC Milan.
      But ex- United ace Mkhitaryan appears ready for the crunch clash against his former Premier League foes.
      Joaquin Correa picked up a calf issue against Fiorentina in the Serie A giants’ Coppa Italia Final success but could return to the bench.
      And finally, Federico Dimarco is expected to line up against Walker after missing the final league game against Torino due to a muscle issue.
      Credit: Reuters
      Welcome to the Champions League final
      Manchester City are closing in on an historic treble which only noisy neighbours United have accomplished – and it could happen tonight in Istanbul against Inter Milan.
      Pep Guardiola’s men have been imperious so far in Europe’s elite competition, having knocked out German champions Bayern Munich and serial Champions League winners Real Madrid en route to the final.
      But City have never won this competition before, and in past years have been known to inexplicably throw away golden opportunities of doing so.
      Two years ago, they were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in the final and last year they lost in the semis to Real Madrid after conceding two stoppage time goals.
      So Inter will feel well placed to take advantage of any jitters City may have.
      Simone Inzaghi’s men defied all odds to qualify from a Champions League group containing Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
      And they were at their most impressive as they comfortably beat rivals AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate.
      It really is one for the history books but which team will be leaving with history that they want to remember?
      Make sure to stay tuned in to our live blog as we’ll be bringing you exclusives, breaking news and the starting line ups all before kick-off at 8pm BST.
      Load more entries… More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd takeover LIVE: PSG chief holds talks Glazers over sale, Chelsea fans ‘keen’ on Mount exit, Harry Kane updates

      by

      PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has reportedly played a significant role in the talks for Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim to buy Manchester United.The takeover of Man Utd is now down to a two-horse race including Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea fans are keen to cash in on Manchester United target Mason Mount after identifying youngster Cesare Casadei as the “next Frank Lampard.”
      And United have received a transfer boost after Real Madrid lined up an alternative to Harry Kane.
      UNIBET SIGN UP OFFER: GET £40 BACK AS CASH IF YOUR FIRST BET LOSES
      Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
      Price set for Frimpong
      Bayer Leverkusen have set a price for Man Utd target Jeremie Frimpong, according to Sky Sports.
      Attacking right back scored nine goals and notched 11 assists in the Bundesliga.
      Ten Hag is said to be a big fan, but will face competition from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
      Al-Khelaïfi declartes love for PSG
      Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has revealed he will not be involved in anything to do with Man Utd in the event of a Qatar takeover.
      “Paris St-Germain is my club, in my heart. I have nothing to do with Manchester United”, told BBC
      “I am talking about anyone, not just Manchester United. I will give them the experience that I have. That’s it”.
      They stand Red-y
      Manchester United have been handed a major transfer boost as two top targets are interested in joining the club.
      United boss Erik ten Hag is keen on mounting a Premier League title charge next season but knows he needs a stronger squad to compete with rivals Manchester City.
      Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund is keen on joining the Red Devils in the summer, according to the Mirror.
      The same source adds that Monaco ace Axel Disasi is also keen on switching to Old Trafford.
      Well I Nev-er
      Manchester United legend Phil Neville has joined Canada’s national team as part of John Herdman’s coaching staff after he was sacked by Inter Miami.
      Neville was relieved of his duties by fellow United great and club owner David Beckham with Inter sitting bottom of MLS’ Eastern Conference.
      The former England women’s manager has jumped straight back into work, accepting an offer to work with Herdman.
      The 46-year-old joins Canada’s backroom team alongside former Millwall ace Richard Shaw.
      Credit: Getty
      David’s De-cision time
      Manchester United star David de Gea is contemplating his future, while on holiday.
      De Gea will officially become a free agent at the end of the month despite the club’s best efforts to tie him down to a new deal.
      A new four-year contract, which included a massive pay cut, is understood to have been on the cards for the goalkeeper, who is using his summer holiday to weigh up his next move.
      The 32-year-old shared a video of himself wading through crystal-clue water to his Twitter and Instagram with the following caption: “Relax. Recharge. Contemplate.”
      Haard pass for Man Utd
      Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke wouldn’t have Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland in the 1999 Treble-winning team.
      Yorke said: “People try to compare the teams. We were more physical, we had better players. You can’t tell me they have better than Paul Scholes and Roy Keane. Maybe Kevin De Bruyne would get into our midfield.
      “But no defender on the planet would want to face Ryan Giggs at his very best. He was a class act. Look at David Beckham and his delivery of a ball. Yes, Erling Haaland is unique but the way we played and the formation we played in, I wouldn’t swap him for what we had.
      “We had a great combination with myself and Andy Cole. Don’t get me wrong, it is an incredible feat what he has done. Scoring 52 goals in 52 appearances with a game still to go is something else. But I still would take my combination with Andy.
      “Also, I would put my money on Jaap Stam handling Haaland and behind him we had the best goalkeeper in the world at the time in Peter Schmeichel.”
      Federico Chiesa chase
      Manchester United have been handed a transfer boost in their pursuits of Juventus star Federico Chiesa, who has made a huge decision on his future with the club.
      According to Corriere dello Sport, Chiesa is open to the idea of joining a new team in the summer.
      The news comes as a boost to United and Liverpool’s hopes of signing the 25-year-old as they are again linked with a move.
      The winger is said to be “unhappy” at Juve as he does not feel at the “centre of the project”.
      Reports have stated Liverpool lead the race for the Italy international’s signature alongside Newcastle, with Bayern Munich also interested.
      Chiesa is now expected to be available for around £30million, two years after the Merseysiders failed with a £100m offer.
      Credit: Rex
      Back from the Red
      Manchester United fans might be wondering how three of their rejects have managed to stand out with Inter Milan today.
      So where did it all go wrong for Romelu Lukaku, 30, Matteo Darmian, 33, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 34, at Old Trafford?
      Still short of a No 9, United could do with Lukaku at his best but his time at the club came to an inauspicious end at a cricket ground in Perth before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could get him out.
      Mkhitaryan left many fans just as baffled as he failed to convince ex-manager Jose Mourinho right from the start, despite the Special One making him a £30million signing in the summer of 2016.
      Darmian spent four years at United after a £12.9m move from Torino in 2015 and had a great start as he was named the club’s player of the month for August.
      But the full-back moved to Parma for £1.4m in 2019, then joined Inter the following season — initially on loan.
      Not Inter it
      Paul Ince hated it at Inter Milan when he first moved to Italy, the Manchester United legend told SunSport’s Charlie Wyett.
      Ince told SunSport: “The move came as a bit of a shock as I had already been at Manchester United for six years. I was negotiating a contract for another four years. Then the club accepted a £7.5million bid from Inter Milan. It wasn’t the move I wanted.
      “When we landed there were loads of press, fans. This bloke came up and said, ‘Mr Ince, are you married? A lot of players often return home with an Italian woman as they are all so beautiful’.
      “My wife Claire was with me and was upset as soon as we arrived at the airport — so it was not a good start! We could not find a place to stay, either. They showed us a couple of terrible apartments and then I started to have second thoughts about the whole move.
      “Then, they put us in a beautiful hotel on Lake Como and we stayed there two or three months. For the first few weeks it was a struggle. The manager Ottavio Bianchi was playing me on the left wing. We went to Torino for a game, we had not started the season well, and were 2-0 down at half-time.
      “Massimo Moratti, the Inter president, came down at half-time and went bananas. I told my team-mate Massimo Paganin, who spoke good English, ‘Can you tell the president I had six years at Manchester United in central midfield and you are not getting the best out of me’.
      “The president listened, told the manager to put me in midfield and we drew the game 2-2. By Monday, the president had fired the manager and brought in Roy Hodgson, that is when things changed and improved for me.”
      Declan Rice alternative
      Bayern Munich appear to have found an alternative to West Ham superstar Declan Rice.
      Manchester United have been previously linked with Rice, who has also been eyed by Bayern.
      However, there is now hope that the Bundesliga champions are out of the race for the midfielder after they completed the free signing of Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig.
      Laimer has signed a four-year deal at the Allianz Arena and will aim to help the Bavarians win a 12th consecutive title.
      All gone Ron
      Manchester United legend and Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been pipped to a spot in the Saudi Pro League team of the season by Odion Iglaho.
      Ronaldo’s Saudi move did not pan out well, as the team dropped out of first place and missed out on the title to Karim Benzema’s new club Al-Ittihad.
      Ronaldo, 38, himself did impress as he registered 14 goals and two assists in 19 appearances for Al-Nassr.
      But it was not enough to earn the five-time Ballon d’Or winner a spot in the Team of the Season.

      Everton target Man Utd flop
      Everton boss Sean Dyche has made Manchester United flop Wout Weghorst his main summer transfer target, reports SunSport’s Charlie Patrick.
      Dyche signed Weghorst at Burnley, who still owns him, and is now “desperate” to be reunited with him at Goodison Park after his Old Trafford loan stint comes to an end on June 30.
      And Weghorst, who won’t stay with the Red Devils, is said to be keen on a reunion.
      Our source told SunSport: “Wout would like to stay in England, is settled in the North West and has a huge amount of respect for Sean Dyche.
      “He credits him for bringing him to the Premier League and is excited at the prospect of playing a part in the rebuild at Everton.”
      Real go for bargain
      Real Madrid are “set to offer a shockingly low transfer bid” to Tottenham for Harry Kane in the summer transfer window.
      Manchester United have made Kane one of their summer priorities as his future remains uncertain.
      However, it has now emerged that Real are leading the race for the star striker after losing Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad.
      According to Marca, however, after the arrival of Endrick – and with hopes of a move for Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe being lined-up for 2025 – Los Blancos are reluctant to break the bank for a player who turns 30 next month.
      Therefore, the same source claims the Madrid giants are willing to make a bid of around £68million for the England captain.
      Chelsea fans on Mount
      Chelsea fans are keen to cash in on Manchester United target Mason Mount after identifying youngster Cesare Casadei as the “next Frank Lampard.”
      Mount is edging towards an exit after refusing to sign a new deal, with United leading the race.
      But the Red Devils are reluctant to meet the Blues’ £70million price tag, with talks now at an impasse.
      Both parties now face an anxious wait over the playmaker’s future, but fans feel their club should cash in quickly for a cheaper figure because they already have a ready-made replacement.
      Casadei, 20, joined the West Londoners from Inter Milan last summer and spent the season on loan at Reading.
      The Italian sensation is now shining at the U20s World Cup, becoming the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals so far.
      Al-Khelaifi involved in takeover
      Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has played a significant role in talks surrounding Manchester United’s takeover by a group fronted by Qatari royal Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.
      The ongoing saga is now down to a two-horse race including Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
      The Qatari businessman’s team initially consulted Al-Khelaifi for advice on United’s valuation, with the Glazer family demanding £6.4billion for the club.
      Accoridng to The Athletic, however, the PSG boss was recently contacted by the Red Devils’ unpopular owners, who wanted him to talk Sheikh Jassim in to increasing his offer.
      Al-Khelaifi, who is acting as an adviser for Sheikh Jassim, has met the Glazers and Raine Group, the American bank that is conducting the sale, to discuss the takeover.
      However, several English teams now want the Premier League to investigate the source of funds.
      Credit: Rex
      Good morning Man Utd fans
      Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has played a significant role in Sheik Jassim’s takeover of Manchester United, The Athletic have revealed.
      The report reveals Al-Khelaifi was contacted for advice by Sheik Jassim’s bid, before the Glazer family contacted him about increasing the Sheik’s offer.
      Several Premier League clubs now want to investigate the source of the funds.
      The Athletic have also revealed that Erik ten Hag’s tenacity has triggered a new strategy from United in trying to get deals done early.
      United were handed a boost in the chase for Declan Rice after West Ham lined up their replacement in Edson Alvarez, but with his heart set on Arsenal this may be arbitrary.
      Elsewhere, United could now make a move for Federico Chiesa after reports emerged revealing he is unhappy at Juventus.
      The winger is disgruntled at not feeling at the “centre of the project” in Turin and could go for as little as £30million.
      Scott McTominay is a target for Newcastle, according to the Daily Mail, who say the Scot is one of four targets who they are aiming to sign in a £75m budget.
      In terms of the stars United currently have on their cards, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported Victor Lindelof will NOT be sold by club.
      It comes following a string of impressive displays towards the end of the season.
      However, Harry Maguire is reportedly reluctant to leave Old Trafford behind.
      Class of 92 member Phil Neville is back in work as part of John Herdman’s staff in the Canadian National Team after being sacked from his Head Coach position at Inter Miami.
      Dwight Yorke does not believe Erling Haaland would make it into the United’s 1999 Treble-winning team.
      In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: “People try to compare the teams.
      “We were more physical, we had better players. You can’t tell me they have better than Paul Scholes and Roy Keane. Maybe Kevin De Bruyne would get into our midfield.”
      Good morning Man Utd fans
      Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has played a significant role in Sheik Jassim’s takeover of Manchester United, The Athletic have revealed.
      The report reveals Al-Khelaifi was contacted for advice by Sheik Jassim’s bid, before the Glazer family contacted him about increasing the Sheik’s offer.
      Several Premier League clubs now want to investigate the source of the funds.
      The Athletic have also revealed that Erik ten Hag’s tenacity has triggered a new strategy from United in trying to get deals done early.
      United were handed a boost in the chase for Declan Rice after West Ham lined up their replacement in Edson Alvarez, but with his heart set on Arsenal this may be arbitrary.
      Elsewhere, United could now make a move for Federico Chiesa after reports emerged revealing he is unhappy at Juventus.
      The winger is disgruntled at not feeling at the “centre of the project” in Turin and could go for as little as £30million.
      Scott McTominay is a target for Newcastle, according to the Daily Mail, who say the Scot is one of four targets who they are aiming to sign in a £75m budget.
      In terms of the stars United currently have on their cards, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported Victor Lindelof will NOT be sold by club.
      It comes following a string of impressive displays towards the end of the season.
      However, Harry Maguire is reportedly reluctant to leave Old Trafford behind.
      Class of 92 member Phil Neville is back in work as part of John Herdman’s staff in the Canadian National Team after being sacked from his Head Coach position at Inter Miami.
      Dwight Yorke does not believe Erling Haaland would make it into the United’s 1999 Treble-winning team.
      In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: “People try to compare the teams.
      “We were more physical, we had better players. You can’t tell me they have better than Paul Scholes and Roy Keane. Maybe Kevin De Bruyne would get into our midfield.”
      EXCLUSIVE: I hated it when I joined Inter from Man Utd
      Paul Ince is a flag-waving, patriotic Englishman who always backs Premier League teams in Europe.
      Yet Saturday’s Champions League final will be difficult. He is completely torn over who to support.
      Because as he watches Manchester City take on Inter Milan, the memories will come flooding back to Ince, who remains one of this country’s most successful exports to Italy.
      He said: “It is a difficult one for me. As an Englishman, I will always want English teams to do well but Inter has a massive place in my heart so I am divided.”
      Ince, 55, followed in the footsteps of stars like Paul Gascoigne, Trevor Francis and David Platt when he headed to Italy in 1995.
      You can read the full exclusive from Charlie Wyett HERE.
      EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd Treble winner says Haaland wouldn’t get into 99′ side
      It may not surprise you what Dwight Yorke thinks when asked to compare Pep Guardiola’s trophy machine to the Red Devils’ 1999 vintage.
      Yorke was top scorer with 29 goals that season, his first at Old Trafford, as they became the only English club to win the title, FA Cup and Champions League in an unforgettable campaign.
      And Yorke would not swap a single player for one of City’s — well, he might try and squeeze Kevin De Bruyne into the midfield.
      Yorke, 51, said: “People try to compare the teams.
      “We were more physical, we had better players. You can’t tell me they have better than Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.
      “Maybe Kevin De Bruyne would get into our midfield.”
      You can read the full Exclusive from Neil Custis HERE.
      Ronaldo OUT of Saudi TOTS
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been LEFT OUT of the Saudi Pro League Team of the Season.
      The 38-year-old has scored 14 goals in 16 league matches, however, his position in the lineup was instead taken by former Man Utd striker Odion Ighalo.
      The Saudi Pro League TOTS
      Man Utd send best wishes to former ace
      Manchester United have wished former striker Javier Hernandez a speedy recovery after he sustained an ACL tear in his right knee.
      The 35-year-old, affectionately nicknamed “the Little Pea”, faces six to nine months on the sideline.
      An LA Galaxy statement said: “Hernández will undergo surgery on a date to be determined to begin the rehabilitation process.”
      Man Utd sent their best wishes on Twiter
      Man Utd fans say goodbye to star
      Manchester United fans took to social media to say goodbye to David de Gea.
      It comes after the Spaniard posted a photo with the caption: “Relax. Recharge. Contemplate.”
      The goalkeeper’s contract is up at the end of the month. United want to keep him on reduced terms, but thus far there has been no agreement.
      But many fans have run out of patience following a string of high-profile errors.
      Responding to his post, one fan said: “Thanks for everything, Dave, but it’s time to say goodbye.”
      A second wrote: “New journeys at a new club ahead.”
      With a third adding: “Hopefully contemplating your future at United ending.”
      David de Gea posted this message
      Man Utd to make early in-roads
      Manchester United are reportedly aiming to get off to a quick start to the summer transfer window, all thanks to Erik ten Hag.
      United a known for being slow out of the blocks, but with the Dutch boss’ reported insistency to get deals done.
      According to The Athletic, his energy is central to the Red Devils’ new strategy.
      Newcastle want United academy graduate
      Newcastle reportedly want to sign Scott McTominay, but only if he is within budget.
      According to the Daily Mail, the Scot is a target alongside the likes of James Maddison, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher.
      However, the report stipulates Newcastle have a budget of just £75million before player sales due to the restrictions of Financial Fair Play.
      Ex-star reveals stunning tattoo
      Ashley Young has revealed a stunning back tattoo.
      The former United star began the work while still at Old Trafford, with the 37-year-old finally finishing the ink work in Cheltenham.
      The artwork appears to show an adult alongside a child looking out at a football stadium.
      Underneath it reads: “Nothing or no one can hold you back when you realise the power you possess is limitless.”
      Alongside the image, he added the caption: “Thanks so much for finally finishing this wicked piece and thank you for having me @mollydoestattoos @paradise_cheltenham 💉🖋️🤘🏾❤️.”
      The stunning tattoo on his backCredit: INSTAGRAM/youngy_18
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      Fiorentina 1 West Ham 2 LIVE RESULT: Bowen becomes Hammers hero after firing Irons to epic Conference League final win

      by

      WEST HAM have WON their first European triumph in 58 years after beating Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final – and they had to do it the hard way.Said Benrahma fired the Hammers ahead with a well-executed penalty.
      But their lead was quickly wiped out by midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura.
      However, Jarrod Bowen became a Hammers hero after scoring a stoppage-time strike to seal the deal in Prague

      LIVE RESULT: Fiorentina 1-2 West Ham
      Live stream: BT.com
      TV channel: BT Sport 1
      Fiorentina XI: Terracciano; Dodo, Milenkovic, Ranieri, Biraghi; Bonaventura, Amrabat, Mandragora; Gonzalez, Kouame, Jovic
      West Ham XI: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Rice, Soucek; Paqueta, Bowen, Antonio; Benrahma
      Premier League teams’ fate if West Ham win

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      Follow ALL the action from Prague with our live blog below…
      We know what we are…….
      …..we know what we are, European champions, we know what we are!
      Is the song ringing from the stands as the West Ham fans enjoy a moment they will never forget.
      This is the moment every player and fan had been dreaming of.
      Credit: Getty
      Rice lifts Europa Conference League trophy
      It was the moment he dreamt of as a kid, his beloved West Ham, lifting a European crown.
      As the stadium echoes with ‘I’m forever blowing bubbles’.
      West Ham have gone from relegation candidates to European champions!!!
      Credit: Getty
      Moyes enters Scottish hall of fame
      David Moyes becomes the fifth Scottish manager to win a European trophy.
      Jock Stein, Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes.
      There will be some sore heads in the West Ham team hotel tomorrow!!
      Credit: EPA
      West Ham are European champions
      It is a party atmosphere in the ground as the West Ham fans and players enjoy the moment.
      You can see just how much it means to this club to end their trophy drought.
      Add to that, European football next season as well.
      Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Credit: EPA
      FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina
      David Moyes wins his first major trophy as a manager.
      Many of these West Ham players win their first trophy in their careers.
      We looked as though we were heading to extra time, Jarrod Bowen had other ideas though.

      FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina
      West Ham have won the Europa Conference League in the last moments of the game.
      Jarrod Bowen kept his cool as he slotted the ball passed the Fiorentina keeper.
      What a way to win your first European trophy for 58 years!!
      Credit: AP
      West Ham win Europa Conference League
      FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina
      The referee blows the whistle and the West Ham fans erupt.
      David Moyes’ side have achieved what they dreamt of.
      What a performance by West Ham, winning the game in such dramatic fashion late in the game.
      West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina
      90+4. David Moyes went sprinting down the touchline ala Mourinho as the ball hit the back of the net.
      Ogbonna comes on for Antonio as they look to see the game out.
      West Ham need to get everyone behind the ball and hold on to this lead to etch their names in the history books.
      West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina
      90+2. We are going to have five additional minutes added.
      West Ham are on the brink of European glory.
      Fiorentina are desperate to find an equaliser.
      West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina
      90. Unbelievable scenes as Paqueta threads the ball into the path of Bowen.
      He runs through and lifts the ball over the keeper.
      Bowen has surely won this final for the Hammers.
      Goal – Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina
      88. Both sets of fans seem nervous as we get towards the final minutes of normal time.
      A goal now would surely win this game.
      The West Ham fans start singing ‘I’m forever blowing bubbles’ to try and spur their team on.
      Credit: EPA
      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina
      86. Emerson does well to win the ball back and turn defence into attack.
      He wins a free kick in the wide position and Amrabat is shown a yellow card.
      With his studs showing, the Moroccan is lucky it was not more.
      The challenge earlier he was penalised for did not result in a yellow card for the Fiorentina player.

      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina

      84. West Ham give the ball away in their own half once again.
      This is just playing into the hands of the Italians.
      Biraghi tries another long range effort but this time he almost hits the corner flag.
      Ranieri is coming off for Igor.

      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina

      82. Bowen is down holding his thigh.
      Rice has the chance to put a ball into the box but he overhits it and it goes harmlessly out for a goal kick.
      This game is on a knife-edge at the moment.
      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina
      80. As West Ham take a long throw in, Antonio looks to flick the ball with his boot but catches the defender in the face.
      The referee awards the Italians a free kick, good decision.
      Amrabat is getting heated, he needs to be careful already having been shown a yellow card.
      Credit: EPA
      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina
      78. As we edge closer towards the last ten minutes, a goal by either side could break the hearts of one of these sets of fans.
      Fiorentina are readying some substitutes, one of which is Duncan who has already been shown a yellow card before even coming on.
      His complaints about the penalty were not appreciated by the referee.
      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina
      76. The goalscorer has gone off for West Ham.
      Fiorentina are looking really dangerous when they come forward now as they stretch the Hammers backline.
      Biraghi shoots from distance but Areola gathers the ball well.
      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina
      74. This game has become end to end now.
      Milenkovic is shown a yellow card for a foul on Paqueta.
      Moyes is about to bring Fornals on for the Hammers.
      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina
      72. That West Ham penalty has ignited this game into life.
      Fiorentina come forward and the ball is played back to Mandragora.
      It seems like all he has to do is place the ball into the back of the net but somehow he puts it wide.
      Big chance.
      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina
      70. The West Ham end has fallen silent.
      Moments ago their fans were bouncing with celebrations.
      Fiorentina have replied in the perfect way and now they are on the front foot once again.
      Credit: AFP
      West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina
      68. What a goal by Bonaventura.
      As the ball was headed back, his first touch was sublime and the second swiped it past Areola.
      Game on in Prague.
      Goal – Giacoma Bonaventura (Fiorentina)
      West Ham 1-0 Fiorentina
      66. Fiorentina win the ball back and counter attack.
      As the ball is cut back, the Italians are sure it was handball.
      The replay shows that the referee was right in turning away their claims.
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      in Motorsport

      F1 Spanish Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Full driver standings as Max Verstappen wins GP with Lewis Hamilton finishing second

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has won the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix and extended his lead at the top of the F1 driver standings.Lewis Hamilton finishes runner-up, with teammate George Russell coming third, completing a double podium finish for Mercedes in Barcelona.

      Result: 1 Verstappen, 2 Hamilton, 3 Russell, 4 Perez, 5 Sainz, 6 Stroll, 7 Alonso, 8 Ocon, 9 Zhou, 10 Gasly, 11 Leclerc, 12 Tsunoda, 13 Piastri, 14 De Vries, 15 Hulkenberg, 16 Albon, 17 Norris, 18 Magnussen, 19 Bottas, 20 Sargeant.
      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: NOW

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      Stay up to date with all the latest in our live blog…
      Red Bull gives you wins
      Max Verstappen will look to continue his world tour of Formula One wins as the calendar moves on to Canada.
      Last year he had a titanic battle with Carlos Sainz, winning the race just 0.9 seconds ahead of the Spaniard.
      The Dutchman will be looking for another win in Canada this season.
      Credit: Reuters
      Nightmare for Norris in Spain
      Lando Norris went into today’s race full of optimism following his third place on the starting grid.
      When he came together with Lewis Hamilton, they day turned into a living hell for the McLaren driver.
      Having to pit so early, Norris found himself in last position only four laps into the grand prix.
      Credit: AFP
      Dutch driver claims clean sweep in Spain
      Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix and also claimed the extra points for the fastest lap.
      The Dutchman seemed to enjoy today’s victory.
      He is now 53 points clear in the 2023 driver’s championship.
      Credit: AFP
      Credit: AP
      Spanish Grand Prix ‘driver of the day’
      Lewis Hamilton was awarded the driver of the day award.
      After starting the race fourth on the grid, Hamilton was able to improve upon it, finishing second.
      Although he would have liked to be closer to Verstappen, Hamilton put in a great shift in Spain.
      Credit: @F1
      Spanish Grand Prix top ten
      Here are the full list of drivers who got amongst the points today at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya:
      Credit: @F1
      Verstappen continues F1 dominance
      It seems his competitors have given up on catching the Dutch driver as he clocks up his 40th Formula One victory.
      He controlled the race today and was never under any pressure.
      We hear the Dutch and Austrian national anthems which are becoming a regular fixture at the podium now.
      Credit: AFP
      Mercedes step up to the plate
      It was a good day for Mercedes at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
      With Hamilton finishing second and Russell third, Mercedes pick up some much needed points.
      This is what they were aiming for, to put some pressure on the Red Bulls.
      Spanish Grand Prix results
      As Max Verstappen wins the race some 24 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton in second place.

      Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
      Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
      George Russell (Mercedes)
      Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
      Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

      Max Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix
      Lap 65/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      This has been another quiet day at the office for Verstappen.
      No one has really challenged him at all today.
      All of the top four drivers are on soft tyres for this final push.
      Lap 63/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Max Verstappen puts in the fastest lap of the day.
      The Red Bull is now 19 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.
      Sergio Perez is given the order to go all out in his pursuit of George Russell.
      Lap 61/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Fernando Alonso is in seventh place, only 1.1 seconds behind his teammate Lance Stroll.
      He tells his team on the comms that he is not going to overtake Stroll.
      Verstappen is shown a chequered flag for breaching track limits.
      Lap 59/66 – Verstappen leads, Russell third
      George Russell can feel Sergio Perez breathing down his neck now.
      He is only five seconds behind the Mercedes now.
      Lando Norris, who started in third position, is currently in eighteenth place.
      Not a good day for him.
      Credit: Splash
      Lap 57/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      The only thing that could throw the cat amongst the pigeons now would be some rain before the end of the race.
      Sergio Perez puts in a fastest lap as he looks to try and put pressure on George Russell.
      With under ten laps to go it seems Max Verstappen is assured another grand prix victory.
      Lap 55/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      George Russell is now 5 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton.
      Sergio Perez has clocked the fastest lap in fourth place.
      Carlos Sainz is two seconds behind the Red Bull now.
      Lap 53/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      George Russell has gone from the hunter to the hunted now.
      He holds third position with both Sainz and Perez looking to hunt him down.
      Max Verstappen takes the opportunity to pit again.
      As he re-enters the race, he still has a 16.2 second lead over Lewis Hamilton.
      Lap 51/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      George Russell is gaining a second per lap on Sergio Perez.
      He tells his team via the comms that he feels he can catch him.
      Lewis Hamilton heads into the pits as does Sergio Perez.
      Perez comes back out of the pits in fifth place.
      Lap 49/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      George Russell clocks the fastest lap once again.
      Perez, Russell and Sainz have their own mini grand prix as they battle for the final podium place.
      As it stands, Perez has a 11.2 second lead on Russell.
      Credit: EPA
      Lap 47/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Kevin Magnussen clocks the fastest lap of the day.
      Sergio Perez now moves into third as he takes George Russell.
      Only Verstappen, Hamilton and Perez have pitted only once now.
      Lap 45/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Lewis Hamilton now has a 10.2 second lead over George Russell.
      Max Verstappen keeps improving his times and extending his lead over the Mercedes cars.
      Fernando Alonso takes the chance to pit once again and comes out in ninth position.
      Lap 43/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Carlos Sainz enters the pits and comes back out in sixth.
      Charles Leclerc follows suit but re-enters the race in fourteenth place.
      Fernando Alonso now moves into fifth position.
      Lap 41/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Charles Leclerc has worked hard to move into seventh place.
      Fernando Alonso is in sixth position.
      George Russell still holds the fastest lap of the day.
      Lap 39/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Verstappen has opened up a 15.4 second lead over Hamilton.
      Russell is 9 seconds behind his Mercedes teammate.
      Sergio Perez has moved into fifth position and looking to close in on Carlos Sainz.
      Credit: Reuters
      Lap 37/66 – Verstappen leads, Russell third
      Russell is putting in some fast laps as he looks to close in on teammate Hamilton.
      His team tell him on the comms that his taking of Sainz was ‘solid work’.
      Russell cheekily replies ‘just solid work?’
      Lap 35/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Russell is putting some pressure on as he overtakes Sainz on the bend.
      Mercedes occupy second and third place now.
      Verstappen continues to open up his lead and having pitted can more than likely continue until the end of the race without having to pit again.
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      in Soccer

      Man City 2 Man Utd 1 – FA Cup final LIVE RESULT: Gundogan the star as City beat rivals to boost Treble hopes – reaction

      by

      ILKAY GUNDOGAN’S stunning double has helped Manchester City overcome rivals Manchester United to claim this season’s FA Cup.The German opened the scoring after just THIRTEEN seconds with a stunning strike.
      Bruno Fernandes’ converted a controversial penalty before Gundogan’s stunning second won the FA Cup for City and complete part two of their Treble mission.

      Match Result: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Manchester City team news: Ortega, Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Grealish, Haaland.
      Manchester United team news: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Eriksen, Bruno, Sancho, Rashford.

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      What a game!
      Well there we have it, Manchester City are your 2023 FA Cup winners!Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring and broke a record, scoring after just thirteen seconds with a spectacular volley.
      It looked as though they would cruise to the trophy from there, but the scores were levelled by Bruno Fernandes from the penalty spot.
      However, it was captain fantastic Gundogan who struck again at the start of the second half, this time with his left foot on the volley, to give Manchester City the lead.
      Manchester City are your 2023 FA Cup winners!Credit: Reuters

      FT. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      It’s all over!
      Manchester City have both hands on the FA Cup trophy, and are two thirds of their way to an incredible treble winning season!
      90+4. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Man Utd have been much better since the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho.
      Kyle Walker goes down with an injury, and Aymeric Laporte is being readied on the bench.
      90+2. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      United come SO close to a late late leveller.
      The ball is crossed in by Luke Shaw, and Ortega makes a double save to deny McTominay and Bruno Fernandes at the death!
      90. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Nathan Ake comes on for Jack Grealish.
      Rodri picks up a yellow card, and there will be FOUR minutes of added time.
      88. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Nathan Ake is warming up for Manchester City.
      City escape down the left side with Gundogan who gets away from Casemiro with ease, and the ball is cut back to Phil Foden.
      Luke Shaw gets in really well to cut that pass out.
      86. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Garnacho does brilliantly again down the left-hand side, but fails to win a corner for his side this time.
      84. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Ortega is given a yellow card for time wasting in the Manchester City goal.
      United work the ball forward to Wout Weghorst, but he is offside.
      Scott McTominay is on for Manchester United in place of Victor Lindelof, and it seems United are going to play Varane in a 1v1 against Erling Haaland.
      82. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      So close to a third for City!
      After some brilliant work by Phil Foden, the ball finds its way to Bernardo Silva on the right hand side.
      He delivers the ball towards the back post, where Manuel Akanji of all people is lurking, but the Swiss defender can’t get a toe on the ball.
      80. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Grealish does really well to drive down the left hand side and win a foul for Man City.
      Fred is finally booked for this one.
      78. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Wout Weghorst is on for Manchester United, in place of Jadon Sancho.
      He will at least give United something to aim for in the middle.
      More threat from the wide areas for the Red Devils.
      76. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Pep Guardiola is about to make a change for Man City, and it’s going to be Phil Foden who will make his first FA Cup final appearance.
      He is on in place of the magnificent Kevin De Bruyne.
      74. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Manchester United win a corner, but they end up moving it back to their own goalkeeper…
      They do work it forward again, but City defend well to keep the score at 2-1.
      72. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Garnacho almost finds the back of the night with a curling effort from just inside the box, but it narrowly evades the goalpost!
      70. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Gundogan is denied a hat-trick!
      Grealish plays a lovely ball back to Haaland, whose shot is saved by David De Gea, Gundogan taps home the rebound – but the linesman’s flag goes up for offside!
      69. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      They almost do!
      Marcus Rashford smashes a shot over the bar from just outside the box, but it was not far away!
      City’s defence were worried…
      67. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      It seems like the life has been sucked out of this game a little, and the next goal is going to be absolutely vital.
      Can Manchester United lift their heads and get an all important equaliser?
      64. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Man City are starting to use that wonderful midfield to dictate the game a bit more in recent times.
      United win a free-kick just to alleviate the pressure a little.
      62. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Here he comes, Alejandro Garnacho replaces Christian Eriksen, who as we said, was looking a little leggy…
      60. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Half an hour to go, and Alejandro Garnacho is looking to come on and turn the tide in Manchester United’s favour.
      58. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      A couple of the Manchester United players are starting to look tired out there, namely Christian Eriksen, who has been tasked with dealing with Ilkay Gundogan this afternoon.
      Bruno Fernandes misplaces a pass on the half-volley, and it goes out for a throw in to Man City.
      56. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      The free-kick is delivered into the box by De Bruyne, before being cleared.
      It eventually leads to a corner for Manchester City, which is also dealt with.
      54. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      Fred brings down Stones who is gliding forward with the ball, and City have another free-kick on the edge of the penalty area.
      The Brazilian is walking the tightrope of being booked here, but he escapes this time.
      52. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      It is a training ground free-kick that comes off for Manchester City, as a De Bruyne set piece is dinked into Gundogan on the edge of the box.
      Rodri does really well to block off Luke Shaw, and despite De Gea getting a hand on it it spins into the back of the net.
      50. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
      GOAL!He has done it again!Ilkay Gundogan hits another volley, this time on his left foot, into the bottom left corner.
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      in Boxing

      Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis jail updates — Boxer to serve remainder of 90-day house arrest in prison after breaching terms

      by

      BOXING star Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis has reportedly been ordered to serve the remainder of his home detention in jail after being taken into custody.Following an “impromptu hearing” yesterday – Gervonta Davis’ attorney Michael Tomko confirmed to The Baltimore Banner that his client was set to serve the rest of his sentence behind bars.
      The boxer was initially set to serve a home detention for his involvement in a 2020 hit and run.
      In February this year, Davis pleaded guilty to four offences relating to the incident three years ago, in which he smashed into a car carrying four people – including a pregnant woman.
      He admitted to running a red light, driving with a revoked license, leaving an accident involving bodily injury and failing to notify of property damage.
      Read our Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis blog below for the latest news and updates…
      DAZN slammed over ‘horrific’ Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia coverage
       Boxing fans were left upset after DAZN’s coverage of the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia fight did not meet expectations.
      The megafight between Davis and Garcia was a highly anticipated fight, but many missed it after the DAZN PPV stream broke and charged some customers up to six times for the event.
      DAZN offered the fight to subscribers at a lower price of $60 compared to the Showtime/PPV price tag of $84.99.
      But boxing supporters suffered delays to their streams and accessing the broadcast.
      That forced DAZN to take to Twitter and issued a statement. 
      They said: “We are aware that some customers are experiencing small 
      delays in accessing the PPV broadcast after buying it.
      “Rest assured, content will be available to you within a few minutes of your purchase. We appreciate your patience.”
      Reports claim Gervonta Davis breached terms of 90-day house arrest
      Gervonta Davis has been sent to jail after allegedly breaching the terms of his 90-day house arrest, according to reports.
      The boxer was initially set to serve a home detention for his involvement in a 2020 hit and run.
      Who is Gervonta Davis?
      Gervonta Davis is an undefeated American boxer from Baltimore, MD. Nicknamed ‘Tank’.
      Davies was a protege of Floyd Mayweather and made his debut in February 2013 at the age of just 18. 
      Davis knocked out Ryan Garcia on April 22, 2023 in a catchweight fight that has been dubbed ‘the bout to save boxing’.
      His girlfriend is stunning Instagram influencer Vanessa Posso.
      Do Gervonta Davis and Vanessa Posso have kids together?
      Gervonta and Vanessa have one child together.
      The pair share a baby daughter, Giovanna Thalia.
      Giovanna has been featured on her mom’s Instagram and even has a whole account dedicated to her.
      On April 15, 2022, Vanessa shared a series of images of her and her daughter.
      She captioned the post: “Happy six months to my little cookie @giovanna.thalia” followed by four emojis.
      Vanessa also has a daughter named Jada Milan from a previous relationship.
      What is Vanessa Posso’s company?
      Venessa is also a businesswoman who users her influencer skills to advertise her company.
      She created the jewelry brand RichGirlz, whose website can be accessed through the link in her Instagram bio.
      RichGirlz also has an Instagram account with over 39,400 followers.
      Its bio states: “Specializing in body chains and sterling silver jewelry since 2010.”
      Vanessa is frequently featured modeling the brand’s products on this page.
      Who is Gervonta Davis’ girlfriend Vanessa Posso?
      Vanessa is an Instagram influencer and model.
      She has 727,000 followers on the social media platform.
      She often posts photos and videos in which she shows off her fashion sense.
      Vanessa is also an influencer for Fashion Nova and posts content in which she wears the brand’s clothing.
      On July 8, 2022, she shared a photo and video to her Instagram page in which she flaunted a two-piece set from the brand.
      She captioned the post: “Love is the wave” followed by a heart emoji.
      Vanessa also has a partnership with fashion company PrettyLittleThing and represents their products on Instagram as well.

      Gervonta Davis is turning into a mini-monster hell-bent on taking Mike Tyson’s tag
      This is a comment piece by Colin Hart
      Gervonta Davis is a tiny tearaway who is big trouble inside and outside the ring.
      He is rapidly turning into a mini-monster who seems hell-bent on taking over Mike Tyson’s role as boxing’s “Baddest Man on the Planet.”
      Davis is a ferocious punching pocket-battleship who fires explosive missiles with both hands.
      It was obvious he was an exceptional talent to those fortunate to see him destroy Liam Walsh in less than three rounds when he defended his world super-featherweight crown at East London’s Copper Box, six years ago.
      Since then, Davis has been arrested on numerous occasions for several offences including aggravated assault. 
      Read more here
      What has Gervonta Davis said after his recent boxing victory?
      Gervonta Davis was over the moon following his seventh-round TKO victory over Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas.
      He said: “The job isn’t done until I retire. I’m gonna continue to keep my head down and work.
      He said of the brutal body shot which stopped the fight: “It was a good shot.
      “I thought he was going to get up. I like to play mind games.
      “When he was looking at me I was looking at him like ‘get up’ but he shook his head and said no.”
      ‘He never once came over to help me’
      One of the passengers in the other car, Jyair Smith, spoke out against the plea deal.
      “I begged Mr. Gervonta Davis, I looked him in his eyes,” Davis said.
      “I said, ‘I have to get home to my daughter, I’m pregnant.’ He never once came over to help me.”
      Davis’ car accident in 2020
      Davis admitted to fleeing the scene of a car accident in 2020, after his Lamborghini Urus smashed into a car carrying four people – including a pregnant woman.
      Davis was in the car with two other people when he ran a red light.
      All three left the scene before officers could assist.
      Davis recently retained his WBA title against Ryan Garcia
      Davis, 28, defeated Ryan Garcia in front of a packed Las Vegas crowd last month.
      The win saw him retain his WBA lightweight title, while moving to 29-0 as a pro.
      Davis’ seventh-round KO of Garcia led to speculation that he could be the new face of boxing.
      Davis had been arrested last December
      In a separate incident, Broward County Police arrested Davis last December after he allegedly hit a woman using a “closed hand type slap.”
      The woman suffered a small cut on the inside of her mouth from the alleged contact, according to the incident report.

      Davis was slapped with 200 hours of community service after original incident
      The original incident is said to have occurred at around 2am on November 5, 2020 as Davis drove his Lamborghini away from a Baltimore nightclub.
      As Davis drove, the prosecution claimed he was under police escort until he opted to steer away, subsequently smashing into a 2004 Toyota.
      In addition to being sentenced to serve an initial 90-day house arrest, Davis was also slapped with 200 hours of community service and a three-year probation.
      Davis faced an ‘impromptu hearing’
      Following an “impromptu hearing” yesterday – Davis’ attorney Michael Tomko confirmed to The Baltimore Banner that his client was set to serve the rest of his sentence behind bars.
      Local network WBAL-TV Baltimore claimed this was due to Davis breaching the terms of his house arrest.
      Gervonta Davis pleaded guilty to four offences
      In February this year, Davis pleaded guilty to four offences relating to the incident three years ago, in which he smashed into a car carrying four people – including a pregnant woman.
      He admitted to running a red light, driving with a revoked license, leaving an accident involving bodily injury and failing to notify of property damage.
      Gervonta Davis ‘in JAIL after boxer violated his house arrest’
      Gervonta Davis has been sent to jail after allegedly breaching the terms of his 90-day house arrest, according to reports.
      The boxer was initially set to serve a home detention for his involvement in a 2020 hit and run.

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    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sevilla 1 Roma 1 PEN (4-1) – Europa League final LIVE RESULT: Spaniards clinch trophy after epic shoot-out

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO’S Roma have been beaten on penalties by the Europa League specialists Sevilla in a cagey final. Paulo Dybala’s well-timed effort fired the Italians ahead in what started off as a cagey affair.
      But Gianluca Mancini’s own goal has seen this very cagey affair go all the way.
      And then World Cup winner Gonzalo Montiel kept his composure in the shootout just like against France to help Sevilla win a record-breaking seventh Europa League triumph.

      RESULT: Sevilla 1-1 Roma (4-1 PENS)
      Live stream: BT.com
      TV channel: BT Sport 1
      Sevilla XI: Bono; Navas, Bade, Gudelj, Telles; Rakitic, Fernando; Ocampos, Oliver Torres, Bryan Gil; En-Nesyri
      Roma XI: Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Celik, Cristante, Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, Abraham, Dybala

      UNIBET SIGN UP OFFER: GET £40 BACK AS CASH IF YOUR FIRST BET LOSES
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Bono man of the moment for Spaniards
      The Sevilla keeper was the star of the penalty shootout.
      He saved the Roma penalty that led to his side’s victory.
      All of which led to him getting his hands to the biggest trophy of them all.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Sevilla are Europa League winners
      Credit: Getty
      Magnificent seven for Sevilla
      No team has managed to win this trophy as the Spanish side.
      They have put their stamp on this competition once again, showing the mental strength to win the penalty shootout.
      Never doubt Los Rojiblancos in the Europa League.
      Credit: AP
      Credit: Getty
      Mourinho loses his first European final
      The run of form has come to an end of Jose Mourinho.
      No longer can he boast a perfect record in European finals.
      Whether he will still be in Rome next season, remains to be seen.
      Credit: Getty
      Los Rojiblancos break Italian hearts
      The season threatened relegation from La Liga for Sevilla.
      No one could have predicted it would end with survival and a Europa League crown.
      After being 2-0 down at Old Trafford, they seemed dead and buried.
      They duly dispatched Man Utd over two legs and went on to win it all.
      You can see just how much it means to these players.
      Credit: PA
      Credit: Getty
      Sevilla 1-1 Roma (4-1 on penalties)
      Sevilla have won the Europa League once again.
      This team cannot stop winning this competition.
      That is the seventh time Sevilla have won this competition.
      Credit: EPA
      SEVILLA ARE EUROPA LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
      Sevilla 4-1 Roma
      Montiel slots the ball home at the second time of asking.
      Jose Mourinho will not be happy about that one.
      Penalty to be retaken
      Sevilla 3-1 Roma
      Montiel’s penalty is saved by Patricio, it is not over yet.
      Sevilla 3-1 Roma
      Sevilla are almost there as the ball rebounds off the post.
      Sevilla 3-1 Roma
      Rakitic sends Patricio the wrong way.
      Sevilla 2-1 Roma
      Bono saves Mancini’s penalty.
      Advantage Sevilla.
      Sevilla 2-1 Roma
      Lamela buries the ball in the bottom corner, Patricio with no chance.
      Sevilla 1-1 Roma
      Cristante smashes the ball home, the keeper went the right way but could not get to it.
      Sevilla 1-0 Roma
      Ocampos sends the keeper the wrong way and slots home.
      Penalty shootout to follow
      FT: Sevilla 1-1 Roma (ET)
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      Many are just relieved to hear the final whistle.
      Anthony Taylor has shown more cards than Dynamo this evening.
      Sevilla 1-1 Roma (ET)
      120+10. Roma have a corner which is drifted into the back post.
      Smalling meets it and his looping header hits the crossbar.
      What a time to score that would have been.
      Credit: AFP
      Sevilla 1-1 Roma (ET)
      120+8. This may be the longest game of football in Europa League history.
      Roma whip the ball in and Bono punches it clear.
      Anthony Taylor gives another free kick to Roma.
      He seemingly books Ocampos although it was Lamela who committed the foul and already has a yellow card.
      Classic Anthony Taylor.
      Sevilla 1-1 Roma (ET)
      120+6. Players of both sides stay down for treatment.
      Gudelj is receiving some treatment.
      No doubt we will see more time added for this.
      Sevilla 1-1 Roma (ET)
      120+4. The ball is floated into the box but is cleared by Sevilla.
      There are two players down in the box and the game is halted, again.
      Montiel is shown a yellow card for Sevilla.
      Sevilla 1-1 Roma (ET)
      120+2. Sevilla venture into the Roma area looking for that elusive goal.
      En-Nesyri cannot fashion a shot at goal as the ball is played to him.
      The Italians go up the other end of the pitch and win a free kick.
      Sevilla 1-1 Roma (ET)
      120. Matic comes off for Roma, replaced by Bove.
      It looks as though penalties will be needed to decide this one.
      We are going to have six additional minutes added from all the time wasted by players on the floor.
      Sevilla 1-1 Roma (ET)
      118. Sevilla get the game restarted.
      Matic is still off the pitch momentarily but soon comes back on.
      The Spaniards look to come forward test the Italian defence.
      Credit: EPA
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