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      in Soccer

      Rangers 4-1 Celtic LIVE RESULT: Roofe (2), Morelos and Defoe see Gers crush ten-man Bhoys to stay unbeaten

      by

      JERMAIN DEFOE has rounded off a crushing victory for Rangers over ten-man rivals Celtic.Callum McGregor was sent off for the Bhoys on 26 minutes after the referee played advantage, allowing Kemar Roofe to put the Gers in front in the same phase of play.
      But Celtic bounced back immediately with as Odsonne Edouard poked home from close range.
      However, Alfredo Morelos soon restored Rangers’ advantage with a thunderous strike.
      And Kemar Roofe bagged a brace in the second half to give Steven Gerrard’s men a two-goal cushion.
      Defoe then had the final word as he twisted and turned through the Celtic defence to add a fourth.
      UNBEATEN RUN REMAINS
      Rangers are now odds-on to finish the league campaign unbeaten after today’s win.
      An away game at Livingston followed by a home game with Aberdeen – where they will receive the trophy – are the only two assignments left to conquer.

      TEARY ME!
      Rangers star Alfredo Morelos appeared to taunt Celtic skipper Scott Brown in his final Old Firm clash.
      The Hoops midfielder was withdrawn after an hour as he made his last derby appearance before his summer switch to Aberdeen.
      Morelos scored a stunning goal for the Light Blues as he grabbed his second derby goal of the season.
      The Colombian hitman nutmegged the veteran midfielder before cutting inside and smashing the ball beyond Scott Bain.
      The duo are never quiet on the pitch and had their usual niggle at each other during the Ibrox clash.
      Pictures show the pair exchanging words while another catches Morelos reacting towards the midfielder as he pointed towards his eyes.
      READ MORE HERE
      MAN-BYS
      Our man Robert Grieve was at Ibrox today.
      Here he runs the rule over this afternoon’s players and gives us his view.
      RANGERS XI: McGregor 9, Tavernier 8, Goldson 8, Simpson 7, Barisic 7, Kamara 8, Davis 9, Aribo 8, Kent 9, Morelos 8, Roofe 8
      SUBS: Wright 2, Hagi 2, Defoe 3
      CELTIC XI: Bain 5, Kenny 6, Welsh 6, Ajer 7, Taylor 6, Brown 5, McGregor 2, Forrest 5, Turnbull 7, Elyounoussi 7, Edouard 5
      SUBS: Soro 3, Christie 3, Johnston 2

      REPORT
      Our match report is now live on site.
      Catch all the big moments from today’s final Old Firm of the season over on the Scottish Sun Football page.
      Or, click here 👉 OLD FIRM MATCH REPORT
      Kemar Roofe
      KENNEDY THOUGHTS
      John Kennedy has blasted Nick Walsh for the decision to send Callum McGregor off.
      Kennedy says he was told the first booking was for a ‘reckless tackle’ which he didn’t agree with.
      It is a sore one. Going down to ten men puts us on the back foot but we still managed to create. Rangers were more clinical than us once again.The red card is the turning point and yes he went to ground on a yellow card. But it’s the first yellow. We asked the referee what he booked him for and he said a reckless tackle. I didn’t see a reckless tackle. He is on his feet, making an attempt to play the ball. There is no consistency there. Red cards can happen but at least make the right calls.We had to defend well and not open up too much and we forced them wide to defend crosses. In terms of possession, we did well even with ten men. We had to be brave and make chances which we did.John Kennedy
      GERRARD THOUGHTS
      Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was delighted with Kemar Roofe’s involvement as he praised Nick Walsh’s performance.
      It’s a big rivalry and an important game as I said before the game. It was a really strong performance and we needed Kemar, Alfredo and Ryan to be the difference for us and we have run away with it in the end.From a team point of view, we strive for consistency. Kemar has had a mixed few weeks from a personal point of view and he certainly responded today. His all-round build-up play was strong and he played big for us today.Playing ten men always makes it easier, I won’t lie. I thought the referee got the decisions right. We work for they moments and they have gone in our favour.Steven Gerrard
      BAD MEMORIES REBORN
      The year 2000.
      The last season where Celtic didn’t win a single Old Firm clash.

      DOUBLE UP
      Kemar Roofe bagged a double for Rangers today and said he has been preparing for this game for a while.
      Roofe has been frustrated at a lack of game time in recent weeks and produced the good today.
      The result says it all! It was a big game for us as we have been down this weekend and disappointed. It’s important to remember we are champions and we had forgot about it as it was so long ago but today brought it back.The last five to six weeks have been difficulty for me but I have been preparing for this game for a while. We won the league a long time ago and now it’s about trying to stay unbeaten. We always want to be playing for something.Kemar Roofe
      FULL-TIME NUMBERS
      The stats behind a big Rangers win over Celtic
      Sky Sports
      HOW WE STAND
      Today’s result would have absolutely zero impact on the league placings.
      But it does take Rangers three points closer to hitting the 100 point mark.
      It also keeps that ‘0’ in the L column

      FULL-TIME AT IBROX: RANGERS 4-1 CELTIC
      Goals from Alfredo Morelos, Jermain Defoe and a Kemar Roofe double handed Rangers their biggest win over Celtic under Steven Gerrard.
      Odsonne Edouard had equalised for Celtic earlier in the game after Callum McGregor was sent off for Celtic.
      Reaction to come.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      FULL-TIME AT IBROX: RANGERS 4-1 CELTIC

      RANGERS 4-1 CELTIC
      90+2′ A slack pass out from the back and Rangers are in.
      Hagi flicks it round the corner for Defoe who squares Welsh up inside the box.
      He twists the youngster inside out and leaves him on his backside before coolly passing the ball beyond Bain with his left foot.
      JERMAIN DEFOE CAPS AN EMPHATIC RANGERS WIN!
      GOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!
      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      THREE MINUTES ADDED

      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      90′ Defoe is sent clean through but the flag is up.
      He missed the opportunity anyway.

      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      89′ Ajer again finds himself in an attacking role down the left but Celtic just can’t get through.
      Davis tries to bring it away for Rangers but Johnston brings him down.
      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      86′ Final Rangers change of the afternoon.

      OFF – Roofe
      ON – Defoe

      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      83′ Morelos is down injured now and seems to be holding his hamstring.
      He seemed set to be replaced anyway but will do so now.

      OFF – Morelos
      ON – Hagi

      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      81′ A chance for Elyounoussi to make a game of it!
      A ball in from the right is misjudged by Tavernier who gets caught underneath it.
      Elyounoussi comes flying in at the back post but can’t get good contact on it and heads it wide from close range.
      Rangers boss Steven Gerrard
      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      80′ Good play from Rangers ends with Roofe picking the ball up on the Celtic edge with his back to goal.
      He lays it off to Kent who sidefoots it straight at Bain.
      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      79′ Great play again from Ajer!
      He beats four Rangers tackles on the edge of the box before trying to pick out the top corner.
      His final shot is rubbish and sent miles wide but it was excellent play!
      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      78′ Barisic can’t continue and limps off the far side of the park.
      Joe Aribo will fill in at left-back.

      OFF – Barisic
      ON – Wright

      RANGERS 3-1 CELTIC
      76′ It’s been really stop-start the last five minutes as fouls are given to both teams.
      Barisic sends a ball down the line and goes down in a crumpled heap.
      He needs treatment from the physio.
      Load more entries… More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Derek Chisora vs Joseph Parker LIVE RESULTS: Reaction to split decision as even Parker coach questions scorecards

      by

      DEREK CHISORA knocked down Joseph Parker within SEVEN seconds…but Parker recovered to win via split decision. A gruelling heavyweight main event went down to the wire, with New Zealander Parker prevailing 113-115, 116-111, 115-113 in the end.
      But Del Boy declared himself furious with the judges’ decision, saying: “I train hard every day, I give everything in the gym, and when I put it all in there, these are the results I get.”
      And Parker’s coach Andy Lee said: “After the fight, Joseph Parker came back and said, ‘I’m not sure I’m going to get this.'”
      On the undercard, Katie Taylor defeated Natasha Jonas in a thriller, and Chris Eubank Jr returned to action in triumphant fashion.
      Follow all of the latest reaction from the fight below…
      PARKER’S UPDATED CV
      After last night’s victory, Joseph Parker’s professional record reads 29-2.
      The 29-year-old defeated the likes of Carlos Takam, Andy Ruiz Jr and Hughie Fury to become WBO heavyweight champion in 2016.
      He lost his belt to Anthony Joshua in 2018 before Dillian Whyte defeated him four months later.
      Since suffering back-to-back losses, Parker has won five consecutive fights and is closing in on a second shot at a world title.
      Credit: Matchroom Boxing
      CHISORA NET WORTH
      Boxing is big business and Del Boy has certainly earned his money over the past few years.
      He told the Telegraph: “The pay cheques grow very fast.
      “So from £5,000 to £20,000, then £80,000 to £100,000 and then £200,000, then £500,000 then £900,000 then £1.5m.
      “It keeps going up but sometimes there can be a title fight and there will be no money involved.
      “I know guys that are fighting to defend their titles and they’re getting paid about £50,000.
      “But you can make more money in the heavyweight game than you ever make in any other sport.”
      His biggest fight purse so far in his career was against Usyk, where Del Boy pocketed a cool £4.4million.
      As of late 2020, Chisora’s net worth is estimated to be £6.2m.

      CHISORA NOT RETIRING
      A reminder that Del Boy has ruled out retiring after the last night’s defeat to Joseph Parker.
      Speaking to Sky Sports, Chisora said: “I was putting in more power punches, inside work, but I can’t get upset anymore.
      “But you know what, I won’t let them slow me down. No way. I will not let them slow me down. I will go again.
      “They want to see me retire, but I’m not retiring yet, forget that.”
      GO AGAIN
      Both Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker have said they are keen on a rematch, potentially on the Joshua vs Fury undercard.
      Chisora said: “But Joe said he wants to give me a rematch. If he wants to give me a rematch, I’ll take the rematch easy, but this is unbelievable.
      “I won the fight, even his coach Andy Lee said I won the fight.”
      And Andy Lee added: “We will give you a rematch. We’ll have to do a rematch straight away.”
      SIMPLY THE BEST
      Chisora’s professional boxing record is now 32-11 after his defeat to Parker.
      Although he’s lost around a quarter of his fights, the 37-year-old still has an impressive CV.
      He’s now fought Parker, Tyson Fury twice, Dillian Whyte twice, David Haye, Kubrat Pulev,  Carlos Takam, David Price, Oleksandr Usyk and Vitali Klitschko – among many more.
      Del Boy will be remembered as a box-office star.
      Credit: Dave Thompson Matchroom Boxing
      ANOTHER CLIP
      Here’s another video of the crowd brawl during the Ruiz/Arreola bout.
      Keep an eye out for the shirtless man, who appears out of nowhere with his top off.
      Incredible scenes in California…

      THE REAL FIGHT
      Across the pond, Ruiz v Arreola wasn’t the main event in California.
      Right in the middle of the heavyweight bout, a HUGE brawl broke out in the audience.
      Despite the shameful scenes, ex-world champ Ruiz didn’t lose his focus and went on to secure the win.
      Here’s the video…

      OSCAR WORTHY
      Elsewhere in boxing, Oscar De La Hoya is planning a comeback.
      His opponent will be ‘worldwide news’ and ‘one of the biggest fights’ this year, Triller say.
      The boxing legend is set to return on July 3, which comes 12 years after Manny Pacquiao sent him into retirement.
      Social media app Triller, who have had Jake Paul and Mike Tyson headline on their platform, welcome De La Hoya back to the ring.
      And the brains behind the operation, film producer Ryan Kavanaugh, has teased the magnitude of the fight, believed to be against an MMA superstar.
      Kavanaugh told SunSport: “We are almost done, but if we get this person it will be worldwide news.
      “I’d argue it would be one of the biggest fights in the world this year.”
      HOUSE OF CARDS
      There was uproar at some of the scorecards on both sides of the Atlantic following wins for Andy Ruiz Jr and Joseph Parker.
      Ruiz Jr was the victor over Chris Arreola via unanimous decision but fans were shocked by the 118-109 margin of victory on two judges’ scorecards.
      Meanwhile New Zealand’s Parker beat Derek Chisora via split decision and even HIS coach Andy Lee wasn’t sure he’d won the bout.
      The razor thin margin of victory was reflected in two of the scorecards, with one judge scoring it 115-113 to Chisora and the other 115-113 to Parker.
      But a bizarre 116-111 scorecard ensured the former world champ emerged victorious.
      DOUBLE CHIS BURGER
      Nothing but respect between the two as Chisora brings the customary burgers to Parker and coach Andy Lee in the Kiwi’s dressing room.

      KIWI FLIES
      Joseph Parker climbed off the canvas after a first round knock down to beat Derek Chisora by a split decision.

      DEL NOT DONE
      He may have come up short again last night, but defiant Derek Chisora says he has no plans to retire just yet.
      The 37-year-old said: “If he wants to give me a rematch, I will take the rematch.
      “I won the fight. I won’t let them slow me down, I will go again, I am very upset but I won’t let them win.
      “They want to see me retire, but I’m not retiring yet.”
      RUIZ WINS
      Andy Ruiz Jr’s has been victorious on his comeback, but the fight against fellow Mexican-American Chris Arreola was not all to plan.
      Ruiz was dropped in the second round before outboxing his rival to pick up a wide points win.

      RUIZ VS ARREOLA
      Andy Ruiz vs Chris Arreola is underway over in Los Angeles
      Follow the round-by-round latest updates HERE
      NOT ALL-WHYTE
      Dillian Whyte’s reaction to those scorecards…

      ‘HE BROUGHT THE SMOKE’
      Speaking after his narrow win, Parker said: “It was a tough fight, I got caught right at the beginning, I had to dig deep and stay focussed.
      “Derek is a very tough fighter and he threw bombs. I think boxing skills in the rounds was the difference.
      “It was a very close fight, I thought it could go either way.
      “He brought the smoke.”
      SPLIT DECISION
      Chisora was fuming at the judges’ scoring on his big night.

      DOUBLE CHIS BURGER
      Nothing but respect between the two as Chisora brings the customary burgers to Parker and coach Andy Lee in the Kiwi’s dressing room.

      NOT SO AVERAGE JOE
      Parker edged the decision – but it really could have gone either way

      DEVASTATED DEL
      “It’s difficult because I train hard, I fight, I bring everything and this is the treatment I get from boxing.
      “My last fight same thing again, this fight same thing again, I think they don’t like me.”
      Chisora so upset after the bout.
      RUIZ VS ARREOLA
      But the heavyweight action hasn’t stopped tonight, far from it!
      Follow every blow from Andy Ruiz vs Chris Arreola in Los Angeles HERE!
      All eyes on what Anthony Joshua’s conqueror will do.
      REMATCH ON FURY VS AJ CARD?
      The fighters have just shook on it!
      Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      PARKER & CHISORA
      Parker: “It was a tough fight. I got caught right at the beginning and I had to dig deep.
      “Derik [Chisora] is a tough opponent, he came forward and pushed on me from the beginning and threw big bombs.”
      Chisora: “It’s difficult because I train hard, I fight, I bring everything and this is the treatment I get from boxing.
      “My last fight same thing again, this fight same thing again, I think they don’t like me.
      “I can’t get upset because it’s horrible, I train hard everyday, I give everything in the gym.
      “And when I put it all in there, this is the results I get.”
      Chisora ends on: “I’m not retiring yet”.
      CHISORA VS PARKER – PARKER WINS
      Before we go to the judges score cards, I saw it as 8-4 in Parker’s favour despite the early Chisora knockdown.
      The judges have scored it: 115,113 Chisora, 116,111 Parker, 115,113 Parker!
      Joseph Parker wins on split decision and he’s the new WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight champion!
      Tremendous fight. Both threw everything at it.
      Chisora produced another 12 rounds, he’s showing no signs of hanging up the gloves just yet.
      As for Parker, he’ll be looking to move onto a big fight – but who?
      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND TWELVE
      FINAL ROUND!
      Chisora finds another burst of energy and he lands a good couple of right hands!
      It’s going to be a grandstand finish!
      But Parker follows back with a sharp left.
      Parker is trying to finish the show and he lands a one-two forcing Chisora back onto the ropes.
      Time runs out and it’s heading to the scorecards. WHAT A MAIN EVENT!

      Load more entries… More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Andy Ruiz Jr vs Chris Arreola LIVE RESULTS: Ruiz survives KNOCKDOWN as mass brawl erupts in crowd

      by

      ANDY RUIZ JR survived a knock down in the second round of his boxing comeback to defeat Chris Arreola in Los Angeles.It was Ruiz Jr’s first fight since his loss to Anthony Joshua in December 2019, and he outboxed his fellow Mexican-American to get himself back in the world title picture.
      And while the fight was going on, a mass brawl broke out in the stands during the fourth round at the Dignity Health Sports Park in California.
      Follow ALL of the latest updates from LA below…
      SUMMER LOVIN
      Ruiz could face British star Dillian Whyte in his next fight.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn told SunSport last month: “I had a chat with him [Whyte] the other day.
      “I feel like he’s been massively under pressure in all these big fights for a long, long time.
      “I feel like he needs to go and enjoy himself and by doing that, go to the US and raise his profile in a good fight in New York in the summer or something like that, that’s what we’re looking at.
      “I think realistically the bigger fight with Dillian is going to come at the end of the year. Whether that is Ruiz or Wilder.”
      RUIZ NET WORTH
      Ruiz is believed to have received a guaranteed £1MILLION from last night’s fight.
      And that figure does not include the Pay-Per-View receipts, according to reports.
      In January 2021, the former world champ had an estimated net worth of £7.1m.
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      ‘DID WHAT WE HAD TO’
      Andy Ruiz Jr was pleased to pick up the victory over Chris Arreola after coming in overweight to his defeat to Anthony Joshua in 2019.
      He said: “Chris is a veteran and a hard puncher.
      “We did what we had to do tonight. We got the victory that we wanted.
      “I was at my lowest point and now I have to climb the ladder again.
      “I’m thankful for the victory and I’m ready to move on to the next.”
      ARREOLA RECORD UPDATE
      Following last night’s defeat to Ruiz, Arreola has now won 38 of his 48 professional fights.
      The 40-year-old has lost seven times and drawn once.
      He did initially win his other two fights but was stripped of the victories after failing two separate drugs tests.
      Previous opponents include Deontay Wilder and Vitali Klitschko.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      RUIZ DOWN
      Ex-world champ Ruiz went down in the second round but recovered to defeat Arreola.
      Here’s the knock down…

      ANOTHER CLIP
      Here’s another video of the crowd brawl during the Ruiz/Arreola bout.
      Keep an eye out for the shirtless man, who appears out of nowhere with his top off.
      Incredible scenes in California…

      OSCAR WORTHY
      Elsewhere in boxing, Oscar De La Hoya is planning a comeback.
      His opponent will be ‘worldwide news’ and ‘one of the biggest fights’ this year, Triller say.
      The boxing legend is set to return on July 3, which comes 12 years after Manny Pacquiao sent him into retirement.
      Social media app Triller, who have had Jake Paul and Mike Tyson headline on their platform, welcome De La Hoya back to the ring.
      And the brains behind the operation, film producer Ryan Kavanaugh, has teased the magnitude of the fight, believed to be against an MMA superstar.
      Kavanaugh told SunSport: “We are almost done, but if we get this person it will be worldwide news.
      “I’d argue it would be one of the biggest fights in the world this year.”
      THE REAL FIGHT
      Ruiz v Arreola wasn’t the main event in California after all.
      Right in the middle of the heavyweight bout, a HUGE brawl broke out in the audience.
      Despite the shameful scenes, ex-world champ Ruiz didn’t lose his focus and went on to secure the win.
      Here’s the video…

      HOUSE OF CARDS
      There was uproar at some of the scorecards on both sides of the Atlantic following wins for Andy Ruiz Jr and Joseph Parker.
      Ruiz Jr was the victor over Chris Arreola via unanimous decision but fans were shocked by the 118-109 margin of victory on two judges’ scorecards.
      Meanwhile New Zealand’s Parker beat Derek Chisora via split decision and even HIS coach Andy Lee wasn’t sure he’d won the bout.
      The razor thin margin of victory was reflected in two of the scorecards, with one judge scoring it 115-113 to Chisora and the other 115-113 to Parker.
      But a bizarre 116-111 scorecard ensured the former world champ emerged victorious.
      WAR
      Andy Ruiz Jr and Chris Arreola capped off a fantastic night of boxing.

      ORTIZ NEXT
      The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger caught up with Luis Ortiz, who dropped at hint at a possible fight with Andy Ruiz Jr!
      Caught up with Luis “King Kong” Ortiz, he told me he’s here to check out Andy Ruiz and is confident he’ll land a fight with him next. Love that matchup. Ortiz’s only losses came to Deontay Wilder and he was winning both fights handily before the KO #RuizArreola pic.twitter.com/7xD5YEBBMs— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 2, 2021

      GRANDSTAND FINISH
      Ruiz Jr and Arreola slugged it out until the finish!

      FANTASTIC FOUR
      Andy Ruiz Jr may have put himself back in the title picture…..
      Would be nice to see him face Deontay Wilder, and then the winner faces the winner of AJ vs Fury!

      RESULTS
      Here’s a recap of all of the results:

      Eduardo Ramirez def. Isaac Avelar (3rd round)
      Erislandy Lara def. Cornflake LaManna (1st round)
      Jesus Ramos def. Javier Molina (decision)
      Sebastian Fundora def. Jorge Cota (4th round)
      Abel Ramos def. Omar Figueroa (6th round)
      Andy Ruiz Jr def. Chris Arreola (decision)

      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ANDY RUIZ JR WINS
      The judges score the fight: 117-110, 118,109, 118,109 in favour of Andy Ruiz Jr!
      The former world champ wins in his comeback fight 18 months on from his defeat at the hands of Anthony Joshua!
      Arreola will be extremely disappointed with the scorecards, he put in a better performance than what the judges scored.
      118-109…… REALLY?
      What’s next for Ruiz?
      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND TWELVE
      IT’S GOING ‘TILL THE VERY END!
      Ruiz Jr and Arreola are throwing everything at it, trading blows in the middle of the ring.
      Arreola steps forward but gets tagged with the left hook.
      A straight jab backs Arreola up against the ropes, setting up sweet right hand.
      We’re into the final minute and Ruiz lands a left hook followed by a chopping right hand.
      And it’s all over! Excellent fight between these two! It’s going to the judges scorecards!
      Arreola scored a knockdown, but Ruiz Jr fought back strong from the 3rd/4th round onwards.
      Not sure which way this is going to go!
      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND ELEVEN
      Just two rounds to go!
      Ruiz Jr catches Arreola with an overhand right before connecting with an uppercut!
      Ruiz is going on the attack.
      Arreola finds his second wind and lands some straight jabs, but he runs out of time.
      It’s heading into the 12th and final round!
      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND TEN
      “Like that, like that,” says Ruiz Jr’s coach before sending his fighter back out for round ten.
      There’s some swelling under Ruiz’s left eye, but it looks like he’ll be able to continue!
      Ruiz Jr lands a double left hook on the jaw of Arreola inside the opening 40 seconds of round ten.
      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND NINE
      Ruiz Jr lands the first punch of round nine landing a straight jab.
      And the 31-year-old follows it up with a strong left hook, knocking Arreola back slightly!
      Ruiz is starting to show his youth, and Arreola is starting to tire – both have the power to end the fight in one punch.
      But who will come out on top?
      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND EIGHT
      Ruiz Jr takes a strong right hook by Arreola well.
      Arreola appears to have hurt his shoulder in the process of throwing a punch , Ruiz has taken notice.
      The 40-year-old will be hoping his adrenaline carries him through the pain!

      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND SEVEN
      We’re into the second half of the fight and what an entertaining match-up!
      Ruiz Jr’s comeback almost came to an end in round two, but he’s since regained composure and fought his way back into the fight.
      Arreola is sticking with the jab, whereas Ruiz Jr is favouring the left hand.
      Ruiz’s hand speed has Arreola slightly flustered as he lands a slick combination!
      The 40-year-old responds with an uppercut.
      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND SIX
      There’s a fight going on inside the ring, but there was a scuffle in the stands just before the main event started.
      Fighting’s in the air….. I guess!
      Anyways, back to the boxing – round six! Here we go!
      Ruiz Jr lands a fantastic jab, and Arreola stumbles back to regain his composure.
      Arreola comes back with his own big right hand followed by a Ruiz left hook! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!
      This is heavyweight boxing!
      Here’s The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger’s perspective of the scenes in the stands!

      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND FIVE
      “I need you to bring that right hand back,” says Ruiz Jr’s coach before the start of round five!
      Arreola lands a nice combination at the start of the round but it doesn’t faze Ruiz Jr.
      Andy tries to respond but he leaves himself open and Arreola catches him again.
      BIG LEFT HOOK RIGHT ON THE BELL BY RUIZ BUT WE’RE HEADING INTO ROUND SIX!
      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND FOUR
      Andy Ruiz slips back into the brawling mentality right from the bell and lands a good shot.
      And the crowd respond with a raw!
      The former heavyweight champ seems to have regained his composure, as he lands a good uppercut.
      Great round for Ruiz, the fight has slowed down and he’s starting to pick his shots.
      RUIZ JR VS ARREOLA – ROUND THREE
      ARREOLA ROCKS RUIZ JR AGAIN AT THE START OF ROUND THREE!
      How has Ruiz not hit the mat? He’s getting absolutely battered by Arreola…… unbelievable!
      Ruiz Jr gets into a brawling mentality and the pair trade blows in the middle of the ring.
      Here we go again! Ruiz steps in and lands a left hook followed by a big right hand!
      But the bell saves Arreola! The 40-year-old shakes his head as he heads back to the corner as if to say: ” Nooooooooooo, I’m not going down that easy!”
      WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!
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    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Andy Ruiz Jr vs Chris Arreola LIVE RESULTS: TV Channel, UK start time, stream, undercard for TONIGHT’S fight

      by

      ANDY RUIZ JR is back in action TONIGHT as he fights fellow Mexican-American Chris Arreola in what should be an exciting heavyweight clash. Ruiz Jr hasn’t been in the ring since his world title defeat to Anthony Joshua in December 2019, after changing his life six months before by shocking the world to win the belts.
      How Andy Ruiz Jr and Chris Arreola compare ahead of their bout
      The 31-year-old has since split with trainer Manny Robles, joined up with Canelo Alvarez’s coach Eddy Reyonoso, and he’s looking in better shape than ever.
      When is Andy Ruiz vs Chris Arreola?

      Ruiz Jr’s return to the ring against Arreola will be on Saturday, May 1 – TONIGHT.
      The fight will take place at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
      The ring walk is set to take place at around 5am on Sunday UK time – 9pm local time.
      There will be a limited number of fans in attendance because of coronavirus restrictions.
      Check any upcoming fight in SunSport’s boxing schedule and events guide.

      What TV channel is Ruiz Jr vs Arreola on and can it be live streamed?

      Andy Ruiz Jr vs Chris Arreola will be shown live in the UK on Premier Sports.
      To stream the fight live, head to the Premier Player.
      A subscription to Premier Sports costs £10.99/month and will also give you access to LaLiga TV and BoxNation.
      Premier Sports begin their coverage at 2am BST.
      In the U.S., the fight will be shown live on Fox Sports pay-per-view for the price of $49.95.

      Andy Ruiz Jr vs Chris Arreola FULL CARD

      Andy Ruiz Jr vs Chris Arreola
      Erislandy Lara vs Thomas Lamanna
      Eduardo Ramirez vs Isaac Avelar
      Sebastian Fundora vs Jorge Cota
      Omar Figueroa Jr vs Abel Ramos
      Jesus Alejandro Ramos vs Javier Molina
      Adrian Granados vs Jose Luis Sanchez

      What have they said?
      “I can’t wait to get back in the ring on May 1,” said Ruiz.
      “Training with coach Eddy in his gym has been amazing. I’m around great fighters like Canelo Alvarez and we’re putting in the work so that I can look better than ever.
      “I have known Chris Arreola since I turned professional. He’s a Mexican warrior just like me, and I expect him to come at me with everything he’s got.”
      Arreola added: “We’re doing everything that we can so that when Ruiz and I face each other, fight fans will get treated to an all-out war between the two best Mexican-American heavyweights to ever step in the ring.
      “This matchup should be a fan friendly fight, and I plan on winning behind all of my hard work.”
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      Derek Chisora vs Joseph Parker LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates and news to gruelling split-decision heavyweight clash

      by

      DEREK CHISORA faces Joseph Parker in a huge heavyweight clash in Manchester TONIGHT. But there was chaos at the weigh-in with Del Boy saying he will REFUSE to fight if he has to ring walk first.
      However, following a word from his MOTHER, Chisora has decided to go ahead with the bout.
      Before the main event on Saturday night there’s a mammoth undercard featuring Katie Taylor vs Natasha Jonas, Chris Eubank Jr and Campbell Hatton.
      We’ll be bringing you ALL of the thrills and spills from the Manchester Arena right here!

      Fight start time: Saturday, 11pm BST
      TV/ live stream: Sky Sports Box Office

      Follow all of the latest updates and fight build up below…
      PARKER & CHISORA
      Parker: “It was a tough fight. I got caught right at the beginning and I had to dig deep.
      “Derik [Chisora] is a tough opponent, he came forward and pushed on me from the beginning and threw big bombs.”
      Chisora: “It’s difficult because I train hard, I fight, I bring everything and this is the treatment I get from boxing.
      “My last fight same thing again, this fight same thing again, I think they don’t like me.
      “I can’t get upset because it’s horrible, I train hard everyday, I give everything in the gym.
      “And when I put it all in there, this is the results I get.”
      Chisora ends on: “I’m not retiring yet”.
      CHISORA VS PARKER – PARKER WINS
      Before we go to the judges score cards, I saw it as 8-4 in Parker’s favour despite the early Chisora knockdown.
      The judges have scored it: 115,113 Chisora, 116,111 Parker, 115,113 Parker!
      Joseph Parker wins on split decision and he’s the new WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight champion!
      Tremendous fight. Both threw everything at it.
      Chisora produced another 12 rounds, he’s showing no signs of hanging up the gloves just yet.
      As for Parker, he’ll be looking to move onto a big fight – but who?
      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND TWELVE
      FINAL ROUND!
      Chisora finds another burst of energy and he lands a good couple of right hands!
      It’s going to be a grandstand finish!
      But Parker follows back with a sharp left.
      Parker is trying to finish the show and he lands a one-two forcing Chisora back onto the ropes.
      Time runs out and it’s heading to the scorecards. WHAT A MAIN EVENT!

      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND ELEVEN
      Parker lands a nice one-two, but it doesn’t slow Chisora down – the man keeps on going!
      “There you go Joe,” says Parker’s corner.
      The second half performance by Parker has been impressive, he’s just edging it.
      Chisora drives himself forward and lands a straight jab to Parker’s body.
      But the Brit is starting to look tired.
      One thing’s for sure: Chisora will go down swinging!
      Parker lands a sweet combination, he’s boxing really well now – but the round comes to an end.
      And it’s going to the 12th and final round.
      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND TEN
      “You’re back in the fight,” says Parker’s trainer and he’s right.
      Parker has pulled it back in the past few rounds, I reckon he’s won five rounds to Chisora’s four.
      And I’d say Parker takes the tenth too.
      Chisora scored the knockdown and landed some nice bodyshots.
      But Parker has done well to keep his distance and box his way back into the fight.
      Another close round. No fight-ending shots. Into round 11.

      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND NINE
      Parker has got more confident as the fight has gone on.
      Chisora, on the other hand, is starting to tire inviting Parker’s jab.
      The former world champion is starting to get a foothold in this fight, he’s keeping Chisora at range.
      Parker changes angles and hits Chisora with a double-jab.
      Good fight. All to play for heading into the final three rounds.
      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND EIGHT
      Round eight of 12 is underway and two heavyweight warriors are going at it!
      Chisora sticks to the bodyshots, at some point they’re going to take a toll on Parker.
      The Brit then finds a second wind and lands a quick right hand with Parker backed up against the ropes.
      Great work by Parker as he tries to club Chisora with 30 seconds left.
      Both fighters drive punches at each other and the bell brings it to an end!
      Into round nine we go.

      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND SEVEN
      Parker is starting to find some room, and when he finds that room he’s getting success.
      Chisora is switching up his style, trying different things to try and break Parker down – but the 29-year-old stands firm.
      Parker catches the Brit with some quick, quality shots and sends Chisora backwards.
      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND SIX
      “Whip those bodyshots in,” says Chisora’s corner as he heads out for round six.
      Parker shows his quick hands, landing a one-two combination – he needs to start showing something in this round.
      But Chisora finishes the round with a couple of bodyshots followed by an uppercut.
      Really good round of boxing.
      At the end of round six – I’m going with four rounds for Chisora and two for Parker.

      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND FIVE
      Chisora lands some cracking bodyshots, really accurate. But Parker shows his resilience and fights right back at the Brit.
      Parker backs up and allows Chisora to step forward once again and land a combination of body shots.
      The 37-year-old Brit will be the happier of the two fighters, Chisora’s bodyshots will catch up with Parker.
      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND FOUR
      Parker gets his levers working and lands some good body shots – better start by the 29-year-old.
      Neither look like tiring, Chisora continues to chip away at Parker’s body.
      And Parker is aiming for Chisora’s head.
      Chisora lands a good right hand, but he runs out of time.
      Chisora scores a knockdown inside ten seconds of round one
      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND THREE
      Both fighters trading some heavy shots.
      Chisora backs Parker into a corner and lands some bodyshots – but Parker’s corner want him to keep moving.
      Both men have a point to prove and what a fight it’s been so far.
      Chisora will be happy with the way the fight is going so far. Parker not so much.
      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND TWO
      Parker seems to have regained his composure.
      Chisora is trying to make it uncomfortable for Parker, forcing him back towards the ropes.
      Both are in need of a win and both promised knockouts……. LETS SEE IT!
      Chisora is landing some heavy body shots, but Parker stands firm.
      CHISORA VS PARKER – ROUND ONE
      THE FIGHT STARTS NOW!
      WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! Chisora comes out fighting and catches Parker cold with a knockdown!
      Parker beats the count though.
      Chisora is swinging, trying to smother Parker – what a start by the Brit!
      Parker matches Chisora late on, but round one comes to an end.
      WHAT. A. START!
      CHISORA VS PARKER
      HERE WE GO!
      Derek “WAR” Chisora makes his ring walk for his 43rd professional fight and he walks out to Hotel California!
      The Brit has a record of 32 wins and ten losses but remains one of the most unpredictable heavyweights.
      His opponent, Joseph Parker, is eight years his junior and has only lost two professional fights out of 30.
      Fourth British trip for the 29-year-old, and he makes his way to the ring looking to get back to some winning form to propel him back into title contention.

      ‘TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW’
      Both fighters smiling after that brutal fight.
      Taylor: “It’ll be tough for Chisora and Parker to follow that”.
      Soon we see..
      TAYLOR WINS!
      The judges scorecards are back…and it is a UNANIMOUS points win for Taylor.
      Very, very close scorecards of 96-94, 96-94, 96-94.
      No-one will begrudge a rematch of that!

      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND 10
      What a final round!
      Both fighting land huge hooks as they exchange.
      Taylor finishes the round the stronger, but which way have the judges scored it?
      We’ll find out in mere minutes!
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND NINE
      Blood dripping from the nose of Jonas in the penultimate round.
      Big round for Taylor here, and the pace has not dropped!
      We go into the final round.
      ALL to play for!
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND EIGHT
      Taylor fights back in the eighth with some huge left hooks.
      But Jonas replies with a massive uppercut!
      Two rounds to go!
      Looking like 4-4 after eight rounds here… but how on earth are the judges scoring it?
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND SEVEN
      Another BIG round for Jonas!
      The pair trade and Jonas rocks Taylor AGAIN!
      She’s turned this one on its head.
      The ref even asks Jonas’s trainer Joe Gallagher to keep the volume down!
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND SIX
      Taylor continues to come forward but Jonas catches her with a HUGE right hand in that one.
      Jonas ROCKS Taylor in round six!
      Big, big round for the challenger. Has the pendulum swung?
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND FIVE
      Taylor in control in the fifth, though Jonas always looking dangerous.
      Both fighters and solid bodyshots as the bell rings!
      Taylor leading 4-1.
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND FOUR
      The pace is not letting up!
      Taylor catches Jonas with some strong right hooks in that round, though Jonas landed a couple of jabs.
      Stronger round for the champion.
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND THREE
      Both fighters connecting with solid bodyshots in the third.
      All action here!
      Taylor continuing the charge but Jonas connecting with some lively counters to pick her off.
      Jonas takes that round.
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      in Boxing

      Katie Taylor vs Natasha Jonas LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates and reaction to brutal undisputed lightweight title fight

      by

      IT is a 2012 Olympics rematch as Katie Taylor takes on Natasha Jonas NEXT.The fight – for Taylor’s WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO lightweight world titles – takes place on the undercard of Derek Chisora vs Joseph Parker in Manchester.
      🥊 Follow ALL of the round-by-round updates from Chisora vs Parker with our live blog here
      Stay up to date with every jab and uppercut from Manchester in our live blog, below…
      CHISORA VS PARKER
      WOW!
      Katie Taylor and Natasha Jonas have turned in the fight of the night so far, and it’s going to take some beating!
      Up next, Chisora and Parker collide in some heavyweight boxing action.
      Battle of the heavyweights.
      Follow all the latest for the co-main event – Chisora vs Parker – LIVE!
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – TAYLOR WINS
      The judges scorecards are in and they’ve scored it: 96-94, 96-95, 96-95.
      And still! Katie Taylor retains her lightweight world titles defeating Natasha Jonas!
      Taylor keeps her perfect professional record, 18-0.
      Fight of the night so far, but we have ONE more to go and it’s Chisora vs Parker!
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND TEN
      Final round!
      Both fighters are slugging it out in the middle of the ring and Jonas lands a good right hook!
      But Taylor comes back with some good shots of her own.
      Jonas responds with some heavy bodyshots…….. both fighters are going for it!
      Taylor is finishing the round strong, she has Jonas backed up against the ropes!
      Round ten comes to an end and it’s going to the scorecards!
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND NINE
      It must be all level on four rounds each! It’s down to the final two rounds!
      Jonas focuses on the bodyshots again, she’s had some joy in that area.
      Taylor has the experience of ten rounds, and Jonas has some blood coming from her nose.
      Jonas is going to have to throw everything at Taylor in the final round.
      Incredible fight, Taylor JUST takes round nine.

      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND EIGHT
      Round eight of ten is underway! Fascinating fight so far, fight of the night so far in my books.
      This one is hard to call; Taylor may be just one round up on Jonas.
      Jonas winds Taylor with some nice body shots before landing some right hooks.
      WHAT A FIGHT!
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND SEVEN
      It’s been an incredibly tight fight, you could score the rounds 3-3 or 4-2 in Taylor’s favour.
      Jonas lands a beautiful combination – spot on from the challenger.
      Lovely double jab by Jonas, it’s another impressive round by the Brit.
      Cracking action in the seventh round! Both fighters landing, but Jonas is landing the heavier shots.
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND SIX
      Round six of ten gets underway and Jonas comes out swinging.
      Taylor has it four rounds to Jonas’ one though.
      The fight is picking up and Jonas catches the champion with a nice right hand.
      Some nice work from the challenger in this round!
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND FIVE
      Taylor is keeping Jonas at range and then stepping in with the left hook.
      Both fighters trade bodyshots in the middle of the ring, but it’s Taylor who’s in control.
      Jonas is finding it hard to overpower the Champion.
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND FOUR
      Jonas won round three, but Taylor won round one and two.
      Round four is vital for Jonas, and she’s starting to show her skillset.
      Taylor, however, catches Jonas with a nice right hand and then a left hook knocking Jonas slightly off balance.
      The champion – at the end of the round – goes over the top of Jonas’ jab and hits the Brit with a left hook.
      And it looks like the round will go to Taylor.

      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND THREE
      Jonas is showing some real fight at the start of round three, landing some body shots.
      But Taylor hits back right away and the fight comes back to the centre of the ring.
      Jonas’ corner says “she doesn’t like it to the body” – that’s where the key to victory could be for the Brit.
      “She’s all over the place Sash,” says Jonas’ corner.
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND TWO
      Taylor catches Jonas with a sweet left hook – it’s a good start by the champion.
      But Jonas lands a good shot of her own, catching Taylor with a jab.
      The referee has to have a quick word with the two fighters, not too sure what he’s telling them.
      Taylor catches Jonas with a right hook just before the bell.
      And round two ends.
      TAYLOR VS JONAS – ROUND ONE
      The co-featured bout is underway at the Manchester Arena!
      Katie Taylor vs Natasha Jones. Ireland vs England. Two trail-blazers.
      All of the lightweight titles are on the line tonight, can Jonas get her hands on the belts?
      Jonas starts the round looking to catch Taylor with a jab.
      But Taylor slows the fight down and round one comes to a close.
      TAYLOR VS JONAS
      Now onto an undisputed world title fight!
      Their fight at the 2012 London Olympics was absolutely phenomenal and now we’re treated again almost ten years later.
      This has potential to be fight of the night.
      Katie Taylor remains undefeated heading into the fight, whereas Jonas has one defeat on her record.
      Sasha Jonas prepares ahead of the fight
      Katie Taylor prepares for her title defence

      HATTON VS DUNN – ROUND FOUR
      Hatton starts the fourth and final round on the front foot!
      And he’s targeting the body, where he’s been getting some joy – but Dunn is still in it.
      The referee has to remind Hatton not to hit the back of the head, but apart from that it’s been a dominating display.
      It looks like Dunn is heading for another defeat.
      HATTON VS DUNN – ROUND THREE
      Round three of four is underway and Hatton JUST has the edge….. Dunn’s not out of this one just yet.
      Hatton is an aggressive fighter and doesn’t want to give his opponent any time or space.
      Dunn tries to back Hatton up against the ropes, but the latter lands some heavy body shots.
      “Good shot!” says Hatton’s corner.

      HATTON VS DUNN – ROUND ONE
      Dunn is yet to register a professional win and Hatton knows him well.
      Hatton made his professional debut in Gibraltar not long ago, he won, but he was rushing things.
      Should be a good fight, four rounds of boxing.
      CHISORA WATCHES ON
      Chisora watches on!
      Hatton vs Dunn is up next and then it’s onto Taylor vs Jonas!

      EUBANK JR VS MORRISON – EUBANK JR WINS
      98-92 for ALL the judges!
      Eubank jr won this one comfortably, but Morrison levelled up tonight too.
      Eubank Jr said: “I felt good. I boxed.
      “I had him hurt bad in the second round and could have ended the fight there.
      “I listened to my new coach [Roy Jones Jr’s] instructions and decided to box.”
      Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      EUBANK JR VS MORRISON – ROUND TEN
      Tenth and final round!
      Eubank Jr hits Morrison with three straight jabs to start off the round on the front foot.
      Morrison does come back with a strong showing, but it doesn’t look like it’ll be enough to stop a Eubank Jr win.
      EUBANK JR VS MORRISON – ROUND EIGHT
      A rather slow round eight, but Eubank Jr remains in control of the fight.
      Morrison is getting some joy with some counter punches, catching Eubank Jr.
      Two round left in the fight….. someone needs to go for it!
      NOT LONG TO GO
      Katie Taylor and Tasha Jonas isn’t far away! But just before them is Campbell Hatton vs Levi Dunn.
      Katie Taylor getting her hands wrapped
      Tasha Jonas in the process of getting her hands wrapped…. with a slight smile!
      EUBANK JR VS MORRISON – ROUND FOUR
      Morrison does well to slow the pace of the fight down, that’s what he’s looking to do.
      But Eubank Jr is adamant that’s not the way he wants to fight!
      Just before the end of the round, Morrison catches Eubank Jr with body shot and a jab.
      EUBANK JR VS MORRISON – ROUND TWO
      Very strong start to round two by Eubank Jr!
      Eubank Jr traps Morrison on the ropes and unloads on his opponent, but Morrison shows some good defence. 
      I think Eubank Jr’s good start to round two has shocked Morrison into life! Much needed.

      EUBANK JR VS MORRISON
      Here we go!
      Marcus “Sweet MNM” Morrison makes his ring-walk in his hometown of Manchester!
      The 28-year-old has won 23 of 26 professional fights, losing the other three.
      But 16 of the 23 wins have come by knockout.
      Chris Eubank Jr makes his ring-walk – the returning Brit has his sights set on IBF middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin.
      But Morrison stands in his way.
      Eubank Jr only has two losses on his record……… this is going to be a HUGE fight! 
      “Fresh out of the Gulag”.
      Campbell Hatton vs Levi Dunn follows……. and then it’s onto the big one! Taylor vs Jonas.

      BIVOL VS RICHARDS – BIVOL WINS
      Dmitry Bivol has beaten Craig Richards with a unanimous points win!
      118-110, 115-113, 115-114 the judges scored it.
      Bivol has been out of the ring for 18 months, but he brings home the win and retains the WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title.
      Up next is Chris Eubank Jr vs Marcus Morrison!
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      Arsenal takeover LIVE: Kroenke MORE likely to stay, Ek values club lower, Newcastle build-up – transfer LATEST

      by

      SPOTIFY CEO Daniel Ek claims he HAS secured the funds to take over Arsenal from unpopular American owners the Kroenke family.But the Swede is said to only value the club at £1.8bn while a bid of £2.5bn would be the minimum needed to get Stan Kroenke talking.
      And other reports suggest the protest at the Emirates have actually made the Kroenke family more determined to stay at the helm.
      Meanwhile, the Gunners are gearing up to face Newcastle on Sunday.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
      Stay up to date with every twist and turn from North London in our live blog…
      HERO
      John Lennon once caused outrage by saying The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus”. And George was a rock ’n’ roll footballer with his long hair, his swagger and his anti-establishment attitude.
      In the weeks, months and years after the 1971 FA Cup Final, kids from North London to Newcastle copied the celebration.
      For young fans, it was the football equivalent of David Bowie’s seminal appearance on Top Of The Pops a year later — and George became a 1970s icon.
      The man himself enjoys the pop-idol description. Now 70, George said: “Why not? I think it’s great. As a youngster, I loved all the Tamla Motown but the Rolling Stones were my favourites.
      “And I scored the winning goal with my long hair. I didn’t know I was going to do it — it wasn’t planned. I just thought it was a great thing at the time.
      What are you going to do? You’ve got to celebrate. Be different! I like to think I was different.”

      DEMAND MAR
      Pablo Mari has called for Arsenal to get right in the faces of Villarreal in next week’s second leg.
      He told club media: “I think it’s not a really bad result thinking about that we’re 2-0 down with one player less, I think a really good reaction from the team.
      “But for me I think for me we don’t have to wait to go into that situation to react. I think we have to learn about that and we have to put all the effort starting from minute zero next week to go to the final.
      “I don’t know [why we made a sluggish start]. At the end you’re on the pitch and I try to help everybody, but we did some mistakes and I think this is key because they like to play football and they know when you do a mistake to go on that side and take the goals. So at the end we have to learn from that.
      “We have to go full gas from minute zero and go with everything to win the game.”
      DIRTY PLAYER
      Bukayo Saka has upset neighbours by leaving piles of earth outside his home.
      The 19-year-old Arsenal and England star is having a football pitch with changing room installed at the £2.3million mansion he bought only last year.
      He called in bulldozers to level off the back garden — but they left what residents call a mountain of mud.
      One of his neighbours near Hatfield, Herts, said: “The building work is causing a real eyesore.
      “It’s a horrendous sight and a lot of the neighbours aren’t at all happy.
      “The area has a lot of very well-to-do people who don’t expect this sort of thing.”
      But another said; “If he keeps scoring for Arsenal, I’m not bothered.”

      CHANGE OF TOON
      Here’s how Arsenal could line up against Newcastle on Sunday.

      OUT OF LUC
      Lucas Torreira has made no secret of his desire to return to South America to play for his boyhood club Boca Juniors.
      Speaking to ESPN Argentina earlier this month after the death of his mother, he said: “It’s not a violent emotion, a crazy decision because of my mother. I have always said that I want to play for Boca.
      “I’m dying to play for Boca and I will always say it. The night my mother died, one of the first to hear the news was my agent.
      “I don’t want to play in Europe anymore, I want to play for Boca.
      “I want to be close to my home, my family. I have a contract at Arsenal and I am on loan at Atletico but I want to go to Boca. I hope the clubs can agree.
      “It’s been two years since I was enjoying myself personally, I haven’t had continuity. Arsenal hurt me and at Atletico, I don’t play like I want.”

      ART ATTACK
      Mikel Arteta believes next summer will be among the most important in Arsenal’s history.
      He told Sky Sports: “Because a lot of things have happened in the last few transfer windows. There are a lot of players in various situations.
      “It’s crucial. We want to go to the next level and there are a lot of things we need to do to get there.”
      ART TO ART
      Mikel Arteta is all in on guiding Arsenal into the Europa League final.
      He told Sky Sports: “I’m really focused on what we have to do now: finish the season as strongly as possible and try to get into that final, which is going to be key for us.
      “Where we want to get to will depend on a lot of things; how we end the season, where we end up, what ability and prospects we’ll have for next season.
      “Everything is a reflection of what happens now.”
      Credit: Reuters

      HEAVY TOLL
      Arsenal are among the clubs interested by the news that Bayern Munich are open to selling Corentin Tolisso.
      According to Kicker, the German giants will consider bids ahead of his contract expiring in 2022.
      The Gunners are set to rival Manchester United, Napoli, Juventus, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid

      DON’T SAK IT IN
      Arsenal trail Villarreal 2-1 in the Europa League semi-final but Bukayo Saka is still holding out hope for the return leg.
      Saka said: “There are a lot of positives which all came in the second half.
      “But it is the semi-final of the Europa League and to start the game like that makes it impossible to have a chance of scoring.
      “We didn’t create anything, we lost every duel, we were passive.
      “It’s really frustrating to look back on, but I’m happy we picked ourselves up in the second half and managed to score. We have given ourselves a chance at the Emirates.”

      MAD WORLD
      Lucas Torreira reportedly faces an uncertain future with Atletico Madrid unwilling to turn his loan spell into a permanent stay.
      The Arsenal midfielder has failed to make an impression at the Wanda Metropolitano after joining the Spanish side on deadline day in October.
      Despite making 19 LaLiga appearances for Diego Simeone’s men, the 25-year-old has started just three top-flight games.
      And according to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico are not looking to keep the player at the club.
      They state that the LaLiga leaders have no intention of signing Torreira on another loan deal or a permanent move.
      It has been claimed that the Gunners are willing to accept a cut-price fee of £15million for the player – £11m less than what they paid for him from Sampdoria in 2018.
      A stunning first season in North London saw Torreira appear in 50 matches, but his form tailed off last year where he had to settle for a bit-part role under Mikel Arteta.
      Torreira has made no secret of his desire to return to South America to play for his boyhood club Boca Juniors.
      Credit: AFP

      WORK OF ART
      Mikel Arteta praised keeper Bernd Leno for ‘saving’ their season after a pair of superb stops inspired a fightback in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Villarreal.
      As reported by the BBC, the Arsenal manager said: “We didn’t want to come here and lose but after the way the game developed, you have to take the result. If you have to lose it is probably the best result we could have.
      “Two different halves. We started to be us, in the first half there were so many moments we weren’t.
      “We started to chase and were not precise with the ball, didn’t have enough control. We didn’t have enough threat or desire to attack the box, in the second half it was completely different.
      “Bernd Leno was very good, at 2-0, the chance with Gerard Moreno, he saved us.
      “We had a big chance with Auba to draw the game. I am confident we have a chance to win.”
      Credit: PA

      WHITE HOT BEN
      Dortmund have joined the race for Brighton defender Ben White.
      Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Arsenal remain interested in one of the Premier League’s most talented young central defenders.
      Brighton will demand about £35million for White, having turned down three bids from Leeds last summer – with the final offer totalling £25m.
      White spent a successful season on loan in the Championship with Leeds last term and has gone from strength to strength on the south coast this year.
      Dortmund already have an eye for English talent having signed both Jude Bellingham from Birmingham and Jadon Sancho from Manchester City.
      They also made a move for Ben Godfrey but instead, he left Norwich for Everton.

      HOT ROD
      Arsenal are reportedly increasing their efforts to land Real Betis star Guido Rodriguez this summer.
      El Desmarque claim that the LaLiga side might be forced to cash in on the central midfielder who has a £70million release clause in his contract.
      And the report adds that Arsenal are set to make every effort to sign Rodriguez at the end of the season.
      NINTCHDBPICT000648401858Credit: Rex

      SAK FULL
      Freddie Ljungberg recently heaped praise on Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka for standing out in the academy.
      The Invincibles legend remarked: “I have been with them Saka and Smith Rowe since they were 15, I know most of their parents.
      “They’re amazing players. I always thought they had it in them.
      “They’re very different as individuals, but they’re clever boys, they listen and they have a good understanding of football. I always believed in them.
      “When you do youth there’s so many players, but they were training very, very hard, not trying to cheat. They of course had talents that not many other players had.
      “You see so many talents that don’t make it, [they need] that little extra drive.”
      Credit: Getty
      MART SLAMS ART
      Martin Keown has claimed that Mikel Arteta’s tactics during the defeat to Villarreal could have got him sacked.
      He wrote in his column for the Mail: “Mikel Arteta’s tactics and decision-making on Thursday should have sent Arsenal crashing out of Europe and possibly ended his managerial career at the club.
      “However, remarkably and thanks to that late penalty won by Bukayo Saka, Arsenal find themselves still very much in this tie against Villarreal.
      “Arteta is being afforded the rare commodity of time and now he’s the beneficiary of an even rarer occurrence: a second chance. And this is one he really has to take.
      “Arteta experimented with a false nine on Thursday, lining up without a recognised centre forward.
      “Playing with that new formation for the first time in the biggest game of the season was a big ask of the players and a huge gamble. It didn’t pay off.”

      DEMAND MAR
      Pablo Mari has called for Arsenal to get right in the faces of Villarreal in next week’s second leg.
      He told club media: “I think it’s not a really bad result thinking about that we’re 2-0 down with one player less, I think a really good reaction from the team.
      “But for me I think for me we don’t have to wait to go into that situation to react. I think we have to learn about that and we have to put all the effort starting from minute zero next week to go to the final.
      “I don’t know [why we made a sluggish start]. At the end you’re on the pitch and I try to help everybody, but we did some mistakes and I think this is key because they like to play football and they know when you do a mistake to go on that side and take the goals. So at the end we have to learn from that.
      “We have to go full gas from minute zero and go with everything to win the game.”
      SPOT OF BOTHER?
      Here’s who could oust KSE from Arsenal and bring the fans onside in the wake of the Super League debacle.

      MART SLAMS ART
      Arsenal icon Martin Keown has claimed that Mikel Arteta’s tactics during the 2-1 defeat to Villarreal could have got him sacked.
      The Gunners were facing Europa League heartbreak after they went 2-0 down inside 30 minutes in the first leg of their semi-final this week.
      And club legend Keown admitted that Arsenal’s comeback after their manager’s line-up gamble backfired may have saved the Spaniard’s job.
      He wrote in his column for the Mail: “Mikel Arteta’s tactics and decision-making on Thursday should have sent Arsenal crashing out of Europe and possibly ended his managerial career at the club.
      “However, remarkably and thanks to that late penalty won by Bukayo Saka, Arsenal find themselves still very much in this tie against Villarreal.
      “Arteta is being afforded the rare commodity of time and now he’s the beneficiary of an even rarer occurrence: a second chance. And this is one he really has to take.
      “Arteta experimented with a false nine on Thursday, lining up without a recognised centre forward.
      “Playing with that new formation for the first time in the biggest game of the season was a big ask of the players and a huge gamble. It didn’t pay off.”
      SIGN EM UP
      Mikel Arteta hinted Emile Smith Rowe has done enough to earn a bumper new contract at the Emirates.
      The Croydon De Bruyne has broken into the first team this season and is currently contracted until 2023.
      Arteta told Sky Sports: “We are going to have that discussion.
      “I think Emile has earned the right to look at that situation because of the performances that he has produced.
      “He’s very much engaged and wants to continue with us, that’s for sure.”
      Credit: Getty
      FINE ART
      Mikel Arteta called on Arsenal’s doubters to wait until he’s had a normal full season without a pandemic before judging his work in North London.
      The Spanish boss told Sky Sports: “I will say there’s still a long long way to go to get to where we have to get. [The timeframe] will depend on what we do.
      “We’ve shown in big moments against big teams that we can beat anybody but the reality is that we haven’t showed that consistency every three days.
      “We’ve faced many challenges, some we didn’t expect, some of them completely unprecedented in the outside world and at this football club. To manage all that is pretty difficult. It’s created unsustainability and instability.
      “People will judge what we do today but lots of elements are contributing. I haven’t had a normal season yet.
      “Without a proper pre-season, we had some instability, and [we need] our fans back in the stadium… I cannot wait for that.”
      PUSH AND PAUL
      Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes the Gunners are stuck with Stan Kroenke regardless of how serious Spotify’s Daniel Ek is about taking over.
      Merse told the Daily Star: “Is Daniel Ek serious about buying Arsenal? I’m always dubious of things like this. Who would put on Twitter that they want to buy a football club? I can’t imagine if you wanted to buy JP Morgan you’d do it on social media…
      “But everyone’s heard of Spotify now, haven’t they? Call me a cynic but it’s great free advertising for them. If he buys Arsenal I’ll say fair play to him. But I find it very strange. If you really wanted to take over the club you wouldn’t do it like this.
      “I can’t see any way in a million years that Stan Kroenke sells anyway. Arsenal makes him money.
      “It’s not like he lives here and the fans can make his life a misery and hound him out. He never goes to the games.
      “He’s under no pressure to sell and I don’t see why he would. He’s not fussed about the fans. If he was, he wouldn’t have signed up for the Super League.
      “I would say Arsenal are stuck with him. Will all this heat convince him to spend some money on players? Let’s see. But I doubt it.”
      Credit: PA
      ARTWORK
      Mikel Arteta has pleaded for the Arsenal fans to get behind his team despite a shocking Premier League season.
      The Gunners are tenth in the league and are relying on the Europa League to salvage something from their campaign.
      They lost 2-1 to Villarreal in the semi-final first leg on Thursday.
      Arteta told Sky Sports: “We really need them; to be with the team, to believe in the team, to support them. With them closer, we are much stronger.
      “That’s what we ask them and we promise them we’ll give everything we can to fulfil their expectations, to give them some joy and some special moments.”
      Credit: Getty
      MAD WORLD
      Lucas Torreira reportedly faces an uncertain future with Atletico Madrid unwilling to turn his loan spell into a permanent stay.
      The Arsenal midfielder has failed to make an impression at the Wanda Metropolitano after joining the Spanish side on deadline day in October.
      Despite making 19 LaLiga appearances for Diego Simeone’s men, the 25-year-old has started just three top-flight games.
      And according to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico are not looking to keep the player at the club.
      They state that the LaLiga leaders have no intention of signing Torreira on another loan deal or a permanent move.
      It has been claimed that the Gunners are willing to accept a cut-price fee of £15million for the player – £11m less than what they paid for him from Sampdoria in 2018.
      A stunning first season in North London saw Torreira appear in 50 matches, but his form tailed off last year where he had to settle for a bit-part role under Mikel Arteta.
      Torreira has made no secret of his desire to return to South America to play for his boyhood club Boca Juniors.
      CHANGE OF TOON
      Here’s how Arsenal could line up against Newcastle on Sunday.

      SPOT ON
      Here’s how the Arsenal takeover by Spotify giant Daniel Ek could look.

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      in Soccer

      Everton join race for Aguero, Real Madrid ‘have money for Haaland’ – Raiola, Messi ‘close to new DECADE Barcelona deal’

      by

      EVERTON are reportedly plotting an ambitious bid to sign Sergio Aguero, who is due to leave Manchester City.Chelsea, Tottenham, Barcelona and Inter Milan are also interested in the Argentina star.
      Meanwhile, Real Madrid appear to have moved to the front of the queue for Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.
      Agent Mino Raiola stated that the Spanish champions have the funds to sign the Norwegian this summer, despite the collapse of the European Super League.
      Lionel Messi is close to signing a new ten-year deal with Barcelona, according to reports.

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      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
      POG OFF
      Paul Pogba will be sold this summer if he refuses to commit to signing a new deal at Manchester United.
      Yet United are still confident they can keep him at Old Trafford — even though it will cost a fortune to do so.
      And that is likely to lead to an exit for David De Gea, as the money saved on the keeper’s wages would help cover the hefty pay hike Pogba would demand.
      The French midfielder, 28, could leave on a free when his contract ends in just over a year, with ex-club Juventus leading the chase. United chiefs are getting twitchy and want talks with his agent Mino Raiola.
      They lost him for nothing when he joined Juve as a teen in 2012 — and paid out £89million to re-sign him in 2016.
      Old Trafford bosses are keen to keep him, despite the fact he will want at least £500,000 a week.

      RIGHT VAN MAN
      Man Utd will reject any approaches for Donny van de Beek this summer despite a flop first season.
      SunSport understands his former club Ajax are keen on bringing the Dutch midfielder back on loan.
      But Old Trafford chiefs will reject that and issue a hands-off warning to any other interested teams.
      United have big plans for the 24-year-old — who cost £40million last summer and has played just 330 minutes in the Premier League.
      The Red Devils have told him to sit tight and he will get his chance — even though he has struggled to break into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting 11.
      Van de Beek and Solskjaer have held talks recently about his future and the United boss made his stance clear.
      The Holland international has become a big fan favourite at the club despite his lack of first-team action.

      VAN DE CHEEK
      Manchester United star Jackie Groenen has teased Donny van de Beek over his lack of minutes this season.
      Van de Beek hasn’t started a league game in 2021 and has only played more than 20 minutes on one occasion since the start of December.
      However, his Dutch compatriot Groenen, who signed for United’s Women team in 2019, revealed the 24-year-old is enjoying himself in England.
      But the midfielder, 26, couldn’t resist poking fun at Van de Beek after she made her debut at The Theatre of Dreams under Casey Stoney last month.
      Groenen told ESPN: “I joked the other day by telling him that I’ve played Old Trafford more times than he has.
      “I think he’s having a good time, so it must be fine. I talk to him regularly.”

      HEAVY TOLL
      Arsenal are among the clubs interested by the news that Bayern Munich are open to selling Corentin Tolisso.
      According to Kicker, the German giants will consider bids ahead of his contract expiring in 2022.
      The Gunners are set to rival Manchester United, Napoli, Juventus, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid.

      CAN’T GO RON
      Cristiano Ronaldo has become ‘nervous and irritable’ at Juventus – and has ‘given up’, according to reports.
      The 36-year-old has not enjoyed the best season of his career this time around, despite still managing 25 goals in 29 Serie A outings.
      And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, his entire demeanour around the club has changed.
      Ronaldo has failed to reach a single Champions League semi-final during his three years in Turin, the competition he was signed to win.

      ARE YOU SER?
      Man City striker Sergio Aguero is reportedly wanted by Everton.
      The Etihad legend is moving on in the summer, sparking a mass transfer pursuit with Barcelona believed to be leading the way.
      According to Daily Star Sport, Everton have now become the latest name to enter the race along with Chelsea, Tottenham, Leeds.
      Credit: 3

      KNOCKED BACK
      Manchester United have had a bid for Dejan Kulusevski rejected by Juventus, it’s been claimed.
      The Red Devils are still in the market for a winger following their failed pursuit of England international Jadon Sancho last summer.
      Sweden international Kulusevski is said to be one of the names on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s list of targets.
      And according to reports, the Red Devils have had an approach for the 21-year-old knocked back by the Old Lady.
      Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Juve said ‘no’ to the Premier League big boys as they’re eager to retain Kulusevski’s services.
      DEMAND MAR
      Pablo Mari has called for Arsenal to get right in the faces of Villarreal in next week’s second leg.
      He told club media: “I think it’s not a really bad result thinking about that we’re 2-0 down with one player less, I think a really good reaction from the team.
      “But for me I think for me we don’t have to wait to go into that situation to react. I think we have to learn about that and we have to put all the effort starting from minute zero next week to go to the final.
      “I don’t know [why we made a sluggish start]. At the end you’re on the pitch and I try to help everybody, but we did some mistakes and I think this is key because they like to play football and they know when you do a mistake to go on that side and take the goals. So at the end we have to learn from that.
      “We have to go full gas from minute zero and go with everything to win the game.”

      PAUL-ING BACK
      Paul Pogba reckons Manchester United are good enough to win the Premier League title again after closing the gap on rivals City.
      The French midfielder told the BBC’s Football Focus: “We are getting closer and closer.
      “We see that we were struggling a little bit, we know that, but we don’t have to look back. We have to look forward.
      “What’s forward now is second [place], now we get closer to City, who were, before, to be honest way ahead of us.
      “Now we show them that we can compete. We show that we are here and that we have a team to go and win the title.
      “It’s just a few details. We can do it, for sure.
      “Liverpool did it, City did it and now we’re there. We have to show that we can make it as well. That’s the next goal.”
      TAM TO GO
      Chelsea star Tammy Abraham is reportedly involved in a three-way tussle between Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham.
      ESPN claims there is confidence among the Premier League sides that a deal could be done for less than the Blues’ £40million asking price.
      The report adds that Abraham is desperate to get his career back on track having fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge.
      The 23-year-old has started just four games since Thomas Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard at the end of January.
      And the German’s reluctance to play Abraham has led to widespread speculation over his future at Chelsea.
      West Ham are in the market for a new forward this summer following Sebastien Haller’s £20m switch to Ajax in January.
      While a switch to Newcastle may spell the end for Joelinton who has managed just nine goals in 76 appearances on Tyneside.
      Yet a return to Villa could appeal to Abraham after scored 26 goals in 40 games for Dean Smith’s side during his loan spell in the Championship.
      SIGN EM UP
      Mikel Arteta hinted Emile Smith Rowe has done enough to earn a bumper new contract at the Emirates.
      The Croydon De Bruyne has broken into the first team this season and is currently contracted until 2023.
      Arteta told Sky Sports: “We are going to have that discussion.
      “I think Emile has earned the right to look at that situation because of the performances that he has produced.
      “He’s very much engaged and wants to continue with us, that’s for sure.”
      MART SLAMS ART
      Arsenal icon Martin Keown has claimed that Mikel Arteta’s tactics during the 2-1 defeat to Villarreal could have got him sacked.
      The Gunners were facing Europa League heartbreak after they went 2-0 down inside 30 minutes in the first leg of their semi-final this week.
      And club legend Keown admitted that Arsenal’s comeback after their manager’s line-up gamble backfired may have saved the Spaniard’s job.
      He wrote in his column for the Mail: “Mikel Arteta’s tactics and decision-making on Thursday should have sent Arsenal crashing out of Europe and possibly ended his managerial career at the club.
      “However, remarkably and thanks to that late penalty won by Bukayo Saka, Arsenal find themselves still very much in this tie against Villarreal.
      “Arteta is being afforded the rare commodity of time and now he’s the beneficiary of an even rarer occurrence: a second chance. And this is one he really has to take.
      “Arteta experimented with a false nine on Thursday, lining up without a recognised centre forward.
      “Playing with that new formation for the first time in the biggest game of the season was a big ask of the players and a huge gamble. It didn’t pay off.”
      HAA HAA LAND
      Mino Raiola has revealed the two things Erling Haaland is looking for in a potential transfer.
      Manchester United are believed to have earmarked the Norwegian hotshot as their No1 summer transfer target.
      And his agent told AS: “Haaland is interested in two things: scoring goals – because he is like a Cristiano or a Zlatan, he has that positive obsession – and winning titles.
      “He will choose, surely, where those two things together happen more. It is very difficult to lie.
      “When a club like Barcelona or Madrid arrives, with so much history and so great, it is difficult to say no. PSG is entering this group of greats, City is trying to get there, Juve has always been there.
      “The championship they play also matters. PSG plays the worst league of the greats. Bayern are already in an attractive league, but we know that they always win it. In Spain there are three with options.”
      Credit: Getty
      MAD WORLD
      Lucas Torreira reportedly faces an uncertain future with Atletico Madrid unwilling to turn his loan spell into a permanent stay.
      The Arsenal midfielder has failed to make an impression at the Wanda Metropolitano after joining the Spanish side on deadline day in October.
      Despite making 19 LaLiga appearances for Diego Simeone’s men, the 25-year-old has started just three top-flight games.
      And according to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico are not looking to keep the player at the club.
      They state that the LaLiga leaders have no intention of signing Torreira on another loan deal or a permanent move.
      It has been claimed that the Gunners are willing to accept a cut-price fee of £15million for the player – £11m less than what they paid for him from Sampdoria in 2018.
      A stunning first season in North London saw Torreira appear in 50 matches, but his form tailed off last year where he had to settle for a bit-part role under Mikel Arteta.
      Torreira has made no secret of his desire to return to South America to play for his boyhood club Boca Juniors.
      AD ENOUGH
      Chelsea are reportedly battling Barcelona for the signing of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the summer.
      The 26-year-old has played 41 times this season, but it is understood that boss Andrea Pirlo has deemed him surplus to requirements.
      And with the France international having two years left to run on his contract in Turin, Juve are willing to cash in on the player.
      According to Calciomercato, the Serie A giants would listen to offers in the region of £17million for Rabiot – who they signed on a free transfer in 2019.
      They claim that both the Blues and the Blaugrana are eyeing up a swoop at the end of the season.
      It has been stated that Barcelona are leading the race to secure Rabiot’s services with his agent and mother Veronique already making contact with the Spanish side.
      Should Rabiot decide to make the move to Stamford Bridge, he would link up with former gaffer Thomas Tuchel who managed him at Paris Saint-Germain.

      OUT OF LUC
      Real Madrid have reportedly offered Lucas Vazquez a bumper new deal to ward off interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
      The winger, 29, is out of contract at the end of the season and negotiations have been slowed by the club’s financial trouble.
      The coronavirus pandemic and expensive Bernabeu revamp initially led to talk of his existing £60,000-a-week contract being offered again, only with a ten per cent pay cut due to the circumstances.
      However, Spanish outlet AS now report of a fresh proposal worth £84,000-a-week.
      It is said Vazquez wants to stay in Madrid having come through the club’s famed La Fabrica academy to make his debut in 2015.
      Since then, he has become a vital option on the right side of midfield and defence for Zinedine Zidane, playing 34 times this season.
      Interest was reportedly strong from both United and Chelsea as they look to formulate a Premier League title bid next campaign.
      Credit: PA
      LION’S PRIDE
      Lionel Messi will accept reduced terms on his new contract to help Barcelona sign Erling Haaland, according to reports.
      Negotiations on the Argentine’s £2.4million-a-week deal are set to begin soon after a financial review by new club president Joan Laporta.
      Earlier this month, the player’s dad and agent Jorge Messi landed in Spain in preparation for the talks.
      And it has been mooted that Barcelona’s ambition in the transfer market will be a big factor in securing his commitment.
      According to Eurosport, Messi will even accept a hefty wage cut if the savings are funnelled into improving the squad.
      Borussia Dortmund star Haaland is known to be a top target of the LaLiga giants but could cost £154m.
      Credit: Getty
      IN A MIN
      Real Madrid CAN afford to splash £154million on Erling Haaland, according to his agent Mino Raiola.
      Madrid president Florentino Perez had claimed no mega money signings would be possible without the cash injection from the shamed European Super League.
      But Raiola told AS: “Real Madrid can afford Erling Haaland. They have money to sign him.”
      Perez had previously told El Larguero: “When money does not flow from the rich clubs to the poor clubs, everyone suffers.
      ‘It’s impossible to make signings like Mbappe and Haaland, in general, not just for Real Madrid, without the Super League.”
      Erling Haaland’s agent Mino RaiolaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      GARDEN OF EDEN
      Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola jokingly suggested a Real Madrid swap deal with Eden Hazard could come to fruition.
      Manchester United’s French midfielder has regularly been linked with a move to Los Blancos.
      And Raiola told AS: “For Pogba, Madrid always had a great attraction … Zidane is his idol. The important thing now is to know what United want, what project United are proposing to Pogba.
      “Pogba is interested in one thing, winning the Champions League and winning titles, and we are going to see where this is possible, whether at United or at other clubs.
      “At one time Pogba felt a lot of love and trust from United, and there were several other clubs… But then, it is very difficult for United and Madrid to come to an agreement over a big transfer, because strong clubs do not want to sell strong players to other strong clubs.
      “And I’m not going to fool him, for Pogba playing for Madrid was always a very attractive thing for Zidane too. He is his young idol.
      “I don’t know. I believe nothing is impossible, but football depends on the day. And you have to be flexible and consider all possibilities.
      “Suppose tomorrow Madrid want to make a Hazard-Pogba exchange? It is just an example. And if all four parties liked it, why not?”
      Credit: AFP or licensors
      HEND IS NIGH
      Jordan Henderson looks destined to miss England’s bid for Euros glory.
      Jurgen Klopp has revealed Henderson is nowhere near a return to Liverpool training — and could still be weeks away.
      The Three Lions kick-off their summer campaign against Croatia in 44 days’ time.
      Reds boss Klopp said: “There are a lot of steps to go after that before they can take part in football training.
      “They are all quite a long way from that.”
      Liverpool play their last game of the season on May 23 against Crystal Palace but Henderson appears to have little or no chance of being ready for the Eagles’ visit.
      That is the day before England head coach Gareth Southgate is expected to name his squad for the finals.
      Credit: EPA
      GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS,
      Cristiano Ronaldo has become ‘nervous and irritable’ at Juventus – and has ‘given up’, according to reports.
      The 36-year-old has not enjoyed the best season of his career this time around, despite still managing 25 goals in 29 Serie A outings.
      And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, his entire demeanour around the club has changed.
      Ronaldo has failed to reach a single Champions League semi-final during his three years in Turin, the competition he was signed to win.
      Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic is a major doubt for the Real Madrid second leg after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury.
      The Chelsea and Croatia star, 26, has missed the last five games with a hamstring problem.Tuchel said: “Unfortunately Kovacic is still injured.
      “He trained with us, but he’s still not fully confident, he felt something at the end of training. So he’s not available, unfortunately.
      “All the others are available except for Toni Rudiger, who got injured in the last minute of the Madrid game. Everybody else is available.
      “Before training today we thought that Kova had a big chance to join us latest for Madrid, maybe even for today.
      “So now we have a little setback, not a big one, with him.”I don’t want to be too negative, let’s see how he is tomorrow. For Toni, I’m quite positive for Wednesday.”
      And finally, Ryan Mason staged a meeting with Tottenham’s players to tell them: Don’t call me gaffer.
      The Tottenham caretaker manager, 29, stressed to the squad — with many having been former team-mates — that he wants to keep things informal.
      He said: “One of the first things I said to them was that I do not expect to be called ‘gaffer’ or ‘boss’.
      “Call me what you have been calling me for the last five or ten years — or however long I have known you.
      “The most important thing for me is respect. You can call me what you want but if you don’t respect me then it is not good. The respect is there from everyone.
      “Not just the players but the groundsman, the kitmen, everyone. I have a good relationship with everyone.”
      MACE IS ACE
      Ryan Mason staged a meeting with Tottenham’s players to tell them: Don’t call me gaffer.
      The Tottenham caretaker manager, 29, stressed to the squad — with many having been former team-mates — that he wants to keep things informal.
      He said: “One of the first things I said to them was that I do not expect to be called ‘gaffer’ or ‘boss’.
      “Call me what you have been calling me for the last five or ten years — or however long I have known you.
      “The most important thing for me is respect. You can call me what you want but if you don’t respect me then it is not good. The respect is there from everyone.
      “Not just the players but the groundsman, the kitmen, everyone. I have a good relationship with everyone.”

      KARREN BRADY
      “The refereeing itself has been poor this season, possibly the worst I have seen in the Premier League.
      “No doubt there will be statistics that prove me wrong but, subjectively, I can remember no time when the whistle was so out of tune with the game.
      “VAR was sold to us as a way of perfecting decisions.”
      Read more HERE.
      CAN’T GO RON
      Cristiano Ronaldo has become ‘nervous and irritable’ at Juventus – and has ‘given up’, according to reports.
      The 36-year-old has not enjoyed the best season of his career this time around, despite still managing 25 goals in 29 Serie A outings.
      And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, his entire demeanour around the club has changed.
      Ronaldo has failed to reach a single Champions League semi-final during his three years in Turin, the competition he was signed to win.

      HOT ROD
      Arsenal are reportedly increasing their efforts to land Real Betis star Guido Rodriguez this summer.
      El Desmarque claim that the LaLiga side might be forced to cash in on the central midfielder who has a £70million release clause in his contract.
      And the report adds that Arsenal are set to make every effort to sign Rodriguez at the end of the season.
      Load more entries… More