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    ‘I almost wasn’t there for my kids’ – Michail Antonio ‘happy’ to have ‘another chance at life’ after horror car crash

    WEST HAM striker Michail Antonio has bravely opened up about his horrific car accident for the first time.The 34-year-old crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in Epping, Essex on December 7 and was rushed to hospital.Michail Antonio has opened up about his horrific car accident for the first timeCredit: PAAntonio crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in December and broke his legCredit: Steve BellThe striker required surgery on a shattered femurCredit: InstagramHe suffered a broken leg in the accident and underwent surgery the following day.While there was some initial doubt as to whether or not he would ever play football again, Antonio is now determined to get back on the pitch.The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children.Michail AntonioBBCIn an interview with the BBC, he said: “Yes, 100 percent. I will play again.”That’s what I am focused on and why I am working six days a week. I’ve always been positive from this situation. It’s a horrendous accident, and it’s a massive injuryREAD MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s the biggest injury I’ve ever had in my career. But the fact that I’m already two to three months ahead of where I should be, I know that I’ll play again, and I know that once I’m playing the game I’ll get the sharpness back.”Antonio also admitted that his outlook on life has changed in the wake of the accident.I know that I’ll play again.”Michail AntonioBBCHe continued: “The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children.”It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.Most read in Football”During this, we kept it away from the kids. My eldest saw it, and he struggled with it. He’s 13, and obviously people were showing photos of the car. So he came down and saw me in the hospital. But the younger ones, they never really knew how bad the situation was. We kind of avoided letting them get on the internet.”The striker’s accident shocked the football world, but he has no recollection of how it actually happened.West Ham star Michail Antonio injured in horror crash in Ferrari as club reveals he’s ‘stable’ in hospital”The back of the car kept swinging out on me, so I didn’t feel safe,” he said.”I had had it for three weeks and I was already thinking about giving it back.””It’s weird, because the whole way through this, I have been told that I was awake and was speaking to everybody – the police, the people, and the person who found me.”My leg was completely shattered and they got me out and put a splint on it by the side of the car.”Everyone believed I got an air ambulance out, but the helicopter couldn’t get off the ground because of the storm, so I was driven to the hospital.”It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.”Michail AntonioBBCAntonio shattered his femur in four places and had a pole fitted into his thigh via surgery with four bolts to fix the bone.His leg is now expected to heal properly within six to 12 months.The Jamaica international has thanked West Ham fans, players and staff for their support during the difficult time.”The love feels good. When I got into football, I did it as a hobby and didn’t support any clubs.”Now I am definitely a West Ham fan. What the club did for me, the support they gave me on and off the field, the hospitals and the specialists, was unbelievable. I thank the club, the fans, the emergency services, the people around me.”Antonio would watch West Ham games weekly throughout the early stages of his recovery to motivate him.The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters “helped him massively”.He told West Ham TV: “I remember watching the Wolves game in hospital, and it made me emotional. I loved the support.”Over the next six to eight weeks, every time I watched a game I could hear the fans singing my name, which is something I really appreciated and that has actually helped me massively.”The support I’ve had has truly been amazing, from day one. Everyone at the Club has been incredible – they were the ones who called my family to tell them what was going on, and they were the ones who turned up to the hospital straight after the crash.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Karren Brady came to the hospital to see me, the players came to see me, and [Julen] Lopetegui and his staff.”I’ve had fans sending me gift packages, and so many messages from supporters, friends and family, so it’s all been a bit overwhelming. It’s been a really emotional time, just from the amount of love I’ve had.”Antonio returned to the London Stadium for the first time since his accident last weekCredit: PA More

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    RC Lens fans hold up classy message to Sky Sports presenter battling brain infection in emotional moment

    RC LENS fans held up a classy message for a Sky Sports presenter who is battling a brain infection.Emma Saunders is one of the top names on the channel and has been a regular on screen for several years.Lens fans sent a classy message to Sky Sports presenter Emma SaundersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/emmasaunds/3589641464853836405/The ace is battling a brain infection, having already been treated for cancer this seasonCredit: Instagram / @emmasaundsHowever, the ace sadly revealed this month that she was treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the season.And she is now in hospital after contracting a brain infection called encephalitis.Saunders is the partner of Lens’ English manager Will Still.The pair went public with their relationship during Euro 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Lens fans sent Saunders a heartfelt message from the stands during Saturday’s Ligue 1 win over Rennes.Saunders posted a picture to her Instagram Stories showing the fans holding a banner.It read: “Courage Emma et Will.”Saunders was touched by the message and responded with a heart emoji, adding: “Merci Lens.”Most read in FootballRevealing her latest health battle earlier this month, Saunders said: unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago.”I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain.Saunders’ partner is Lens manager Will StillCredit: Instagram / @wrstillThe pair went public during Euro 2024Credit: Instagram / @wrstill”I hope it wont be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.”So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care.“And of course you @wrstill just for being you & being there for me.” More

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    Rangers cult hero goes berserk in astonishing bust up with pundit live on TV after REFUSING to shake his hand

    THIS is the astonishing moment a Rangers cult hero went berserk at a pundit live on air.The TV cameras were rolling as the argument started and eventually the pundit’s female colleague had to step in to calm things down.The incident occurred on Croatian sports channel MAXSport1Credit: MAXSPORT1Rino Gattuso and Josko Jelicic didn’t pull any punchesCredit: MAXSPORT1It came after a Gattuso’s team was beaten badly by their league rivalsCredit: MAXSPORT1Former Rangers star Rino Gattuso has never been shy in putting himself about – both on and off the pitch.He was a tenacious and tough tackling player and as a manager he has been similarly hot-headed.The Italian is leading Hajduk Split on a title charge but is still feeling the pressure as the club seeks to end its 20-year Croatian league title drought.Gattuso has masterminded a title challenge despite telling one of his own players to F*** OFF just a few weeks into his new job.The main rivals to Hajduk’s title charge this season are Rijeka and Gattuso’s men lost 3-0 to last year’s runners-up in a crucial game yesterday.It saw Hajduk drop to second and Rijeka overtake them at the top of the table to now lead by two points, with Dinamo Zagreb a further three points behind in third.After the 3-0 defeat to Rijeka, Gattuso was scheduled to do a live interview with Croatian sports channel MAXSport1.But to say things didn’t go to plan would be an understatement.Most read in FootballGattuso refused to shake the hand of Josko Jelicic, a former Hajduk Split star who also played for Sevilla and Dinamo Zagreb and earned a cap for his country whilst playing for Hajduk.The AC Milan legend told Jelicic “I won’t give an answer to you, you speak too much” and made a mouthing gesture with his hand.Unseen moment Rangers staff member tries to calm down raging Celtic fans during Old Firm firecrackerGattuso then pointed at Jelicic and said: “You used to play football, you should understand, you know very well the situation.”But you always speak very bad. I don’t have respect for you. You speak very bad. I don’t want to speak with you.”Gattuso was speaking in English but Jelicic responded in Spanish, saying “You played very bad!”An enraged Gattuso told him “You have to have respect for people” before they started shouting over one another.Gattuso then cut the pundit off and said: “This is the last time. If you are here, I won’t talk to you anymore, because you are a bad person.”Jelicic then blasted back by calling Gattuso “a foreigner” and said “You come from Italy, you have to respect all of the people here.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFemale presenter Valentina Miletic was able to stop the quarrel and she then began to ask the Hajduk boss questions about the game.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Moment Ange Postecoglou is confronted by fuming Tottenham fan and pulled away by own players after defeat at Fulham

    TOTTENHAM manager Ange Postecoglou had another heated exchange with a furious fan after the loss at Fulham.Spurs’ misery extended as they suffered their 15th Premier League defeat of the season against their London rivals on Sunday.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou had a heated exchange with a furious fan after the loss at FulhamCredit: XMathys Tel had to act as peacemaker as Tottenham boss Postecoglou was pulled awayCredit: XGoals by Rodrigo Muniz and former Tottenham ace Ryan Sessegnon condemned the North Londoners to 14th place in the English top flight.And things got worse for Postecoglou, 59, after the whistle as he sustained yet another angry confrontation by a fan.The supporter was heard repeatedly yelling towards the Aussie tactician “What was that?” The ex-Celtic boss initially stood still while his players tried to pull him away.Read More on FootballPostecoglou, though, was seen responding with an inaudible answer as he defended himself.That led to Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel getting involved as he tried to defuse the situation.Postecoglou’s coaching staff followed Tel’s lead after the head coach walked away.This is not the first time the Tottenham manager suffers the fans’ wrath amid this turbulent campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPostecoglou confronted jeering fans during December’s loss to Bournemouth.And the ex-Australia boss appeared to angrily stare down a fan as his players were booed off the pitch after a defeat to Ipswich.Postecoglou not bothered by outside noise as Tottenham seal victory over Az Alkmaar in the Europa League Postecoglou appears to still have the support of the Tottenham hierarchy following an injury-stricken campaign.However, Spurs are facing the prospect of missing out on European qualification unless they win the Europa League, which guarantees them a place for next season’s Champions League. More

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    ‘Best radio exchange ever’ – Charles Leclerc leaves F1 fans in hysterics as Ferrari discover ‘water is wet’

    FERRARI had a race weekend to forget during the Formula One season opener in Australia.However, a radio exchange between Charles Leclerc and his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, left fans in hysterics and did at least provide one lighter moment for the Italian team.Charles Leclerc had a stunning exchange with his race engineer during the Australia Grand PrixCredit: RexLeclerc asked if there was a leakage during the race, to which his engineer replied it ‘must be the water’Credit: GettyLeclerc snapped back ‘let’s add that to the words of wisdom’Credit: GettyChangeable conditions at the Albert Park circuit caused chaos as six cars crashed out of the race, including rookie Isack Hadjar on the FORMATION LAP before he was then consoled by Anthony Hamilton.But early on in the race, Leclerc was heard asking Bozzi about an issue he was having, sparking a stunning exchange.The Monegasque started by asking: “Is there a leakage?”Bozzi replied: “A leakage where?”READ MORE IN F1Leclerc explained: “I have the seat full of water, like full of water.”After a minor delay, Bozzi then responded: “Must be the water.”The 27-year-old then sarcastically replied: “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.”Fans were loving the hilarious exchange, with one saying on social media: “Following Ferrari is like watching an episode of The Office.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Charles Leclerc radio message for the history books.”Another said: “Leclerc’s comedy gold, F1’s new stand-up sensation!”Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseA fourth added: “Engineering breakthrough at Ferrari: Water is wet.”Leclerc’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton also had his own issues over the radio, lamenting engineer Riccardo Adami for giving him too much information.Ferrari also had a disastrous strategy late on during a rain shower.After leaving both Hamilton and Leclerc out on dry tyres, the Scuderia pair were both placed on the podium with Hamilton even briefly leading the race.However, the slippery conditions saw the team then pit both well after all their rivals had.This left them down in P9 and P10.Leclerc managed to get up to P8 after overtaking Hamilton and Pierre Gasly, while Hamilton finished P10 after overtaking Gasly but was overtaken by Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.X-RATED HAMILTONHamilton blasted an expletive down the radio following the strategy blunder before apologising.Speaking after the race, Leclerc said: “It was definitely a missed opportunity.“I mean, especially in those conditions, when it’s changing and you don’t have the pace, it’s there that you’ve got to score the points. – and we didn’t. “We were not fast enough at the beginning of the race when the race was kind of boring.“Once it mattered to make the right choice, we didn’t.”Hamilton, making his debut for the Scuderia, said: “It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.”For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.”The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.”I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe race was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris despite him going off track, with Max Verstappen second and George Russell third.The drivers will have a week to regroup before the Chinese Grand Prix, which is also the first Sprint Race of the season. More

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    How 11th place in the Premier League could get into Europe thanks to Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win

    THE Premier League could have as many as 11 teams competing in Europe next season.Newcastle secured a place in the Europa Conference League on Sunday after winning the Carabao Cup at Wembley.Newcastle secured a space in the Europa Conference League by winning the Carabao CupCredit: GettyHowever, Eddie Howe and Co are aiming for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyShould Newcastle qualify for Europe’s elite competition, as many as 11 Prem teams could get European footballCredit: GettyThe Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 to end their 70-year trophy drought and take home the first piece of silverware on offer this season.Although Conference League qualification is already in the bag, Eddie Howe and Co will be hoping to go one better come the end of the Premier League campaign.Newcastle currently sit sixth in the Prem table, just one point behind fifth-placed Manchester City.As things stand, five clubs are set to earn Champions League football due to the performance of English teams in Europe this term.Read More in FootballConsequently, if the Magpies do earn a spot in Europe’s elite competition in May, their Conference League place will be passed down.It is part of a domino effect that could see up to 11 clubs qualify for European football ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.How could 11 teams qualify for Europe?There are a few varying scenarios that could lead to the 11th-placed team in the Premier League earning European qualification.For example, Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Man City may all qualify for the Champions League as the top four teams, leaving Newcastle as the fifth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBournemouth could qualify for the Europa League by winning the FA CupCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Man Utd could finish 10th and still qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyBrighton could then find themselves taking a Europa League place by finishing sixth.Bournemouth may earn a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup one week before the Prem season concludes.Eddie Howe fights back tears as he dedicates Carabao Cup to late mum as Newcastle hero Dan Burn says ‘don’t wake me up’In addition, Chelsea could bag a place in the competition by winning the Conference League.And by finishing eighth or lower in the Prem, that would likely open up another place.Should Aston Villa finish even lower but win the Champions League, they would retain their spot in the elite competition without costing any other English team a place.And finally, if all of the above were to happen and either Manchester United or Tottenham finish 10th and qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, the team in 11th would be allocated the final Conference League place.In that scenario – although it is unlikely – the top 10 teams would have all qualified for Europe themselves, leaving the 11th-placed club with the final position.Carabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players. More

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    ‘That’s a crime’ – Fans can’t believe what Ant and Dec were spotted doing at Carabao Cup final

    FANS are shocked by what they saw from Ant and Dec at the Carabao Cup final.The iconic TV pair cheered on their side Newcastle to a first domestic trophy for 70 years against Liverpool.Fans could not believe Ant and Dec were stood in the wrong positionCredit: XAnt and Dec celebrate Newcastle’s Carabao Cup winCredit: InstagramThe pair have always stood with Ant McPartlin on the left and Declan Donnelly on the rightCredit: GettyHowever their behaviour unnerved a few as they were shown standing in the wrong order.Stars of I’m a Celeb, Britain’s Got Talent and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, the pair have always lined up in the same formation, with Ant McPartlin on the left and Declan Donnelly on the right.But at Wembley they were the opposite way round and even more concerningly, at one point were stood metres apart.Fans were not too pleased with the switch up and made their feelings clear.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne reacted saying: “That’s a crime from Dec and Ant.”Another added: “Smh. Outright blasphemous.”A third wrote: “Standing the wrong way round. Just saying it’s very confusing.”And another commented: “Don’t know who they are if they stand that way around.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnt also attracted attention for the Newcastle scarf he was wearing as it was decorated with the faces of Magpies boss Eddie Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall.The TV duo shared a video screaming for joy as Toon got their hands on the trophy, with Dec describing it as one of the best days of his life.Alan Shearer’s daughter Chloe and Newcastle stars go wild at Boxpark as they celebrate famous Carabao Cup final winAnt joked “I’ve lost my voice” while Dec said “I cannot believe it!”He then added “this is amazing” while Dec said: “This is the best day of my life, apart from the wedding and the kids and all that.”But it’s the best day of my life!” More

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    Tragedy as female triathlon champion dies aged 39 after drowning as tributes pour in

    TRIBUTES have poured in for a female triathlon champion who drowned in a freak accident aged 39.Aninha Zuleica Xavier tragically passed away during a race in her native Brazil on Saturday.Triathlete champion Aninha Zuleica Xavier tragically drowned in a freak accidentCredit: NewsflashThe Brazilian teacher was found unresponsive in the sea on SaturdayCredit: NewsflashTributes have poured in for the mother-of-oneCredit: NewsflashThe ace, a champion in another triathlon last month, had gone into the Atlantic Ocean off Fortaleza with other competitors during the first part of the event.But Xavier was not seen coming back out with the other athletes, leading her team to quickly raise the alarm with organisers.A search quickly began for the mum-of-one, who was married for 15 years and worked as a teacher in her day job.However, rescuers unfortunately found her floating and unresponsive in the sea.READ MORE IN SPORTEfforts were made to revive Xavier but she was declared dead on the way to hospital.Race officials said: “We alerted the Fire Department rescue team, who were out in a boat.“We saw Aninha already responsive at sea. Before the race she passed routine tests with our technical team and the course was well known to her.”Brazilian outlet G1 Globo claims the race began before official lifeguards started their duties on the beach.Most read in AthleticsThey add that rescue officials were not asked to provide support during the event either.Police are understood to be investigating her death.Reports claim there were no lifeguards on duty during the raceCredit: NewsflashPolice are now investigating Xavier’s deathCredit: NewsflashTributes poured in for Xavier after the tragic news emerged.The sports consultancy she was part of, Runners Ceara, said: “Her dedication, sportsmanship and joy left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.“In this moment of grief we express our most sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.“May you find comfort in the memories and legacy that Aninha leaves in our community. May her memory remain alive in our hearts.”Event organisers Fetriece added: “In this moment of deep sadness, we would like to express our most sincere condolences.“Her passion for the sport will always be remembered by all of us.”Xavier previously opened up over her love for triathlons.She said: “It seemed impossible, after all, with a crazy routine like mine, with very few resources, and living in the metropolitan region would already be difficult.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There was another significant detail: I didn’t know how to ride a bike. “Thank goodness the impossible is just one of many points of view when faced with any situation.” More