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      Joe Thompson’s tearful widow pays tribute to ‘my soulmate, my everything’ at ex-Man Utd starlet’s funeral

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      JOE THOMPSON’S tearful widow paid tribute to “my soulmate, my everything” at the ex-Manchester United starlet’s funeral.The Bath-born midfielder tragically died last month aged 36 following his third battle with cancer.The funeral of former Manchester United starlet Joe Thompson was held on MondayCredit: SplashThompson’s tearful wife Chantelle hailed her ‘soulmate’ in a touching tributeCredit: BackGridThompson tragically died last month aged 36 after a third battle with cancerCredit: SplashDion Dublin was among the star names in attendanceCredit: BackGridDanny Simpson paid tribute to his former teammateCredit: BackGridThompson, who retired from football in 2019 after spells at Rochdale, Wrexham, Southport and Carlisle United, was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in April 2024.And fans were left in mourning when he passed away in April, with former side United leading the tributes.On Monday, friends and family gathered to celebrate his life in a touching ceremony at St Mark’s Church in Worsley, Greater Manchester.Former United players in the form of Dion Dublin and Danny Simpson were present at the service.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile pals including Wes Brown also attended.Thompson leaves behind wife Chantelle, daughter Lula, 10, and youngest child Athena Rae, 3.And in a tearful moment, his partner paid tribute to her “soulmate.”As reported by the BBC, Chantelle said: “He was my soulmate, my rock, and my everything.Most read in Football“I don’t know who I am without him.”Brother Reuben noted: “What a day. I knew it would be an amazing turnout.”Joe Thompson’s career statsThose numbers in full:Rochdale, 2005-2012: 157 games, 17 goalsTranmere Rovers, 2012-2014: 32 games, 4 goalsRochdale (loan), 2012-2013: 7 games, 0 goalsBury, 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goalsWrexham (loan), 2014-2015: 1 game, 0 goalsSouthport (loan), 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goalsCarlisle United, 2015-2016: 17 games, 1 goalRochdale, 2016-2019: 39 games, 4 goalsPastor Sam Chanda added: “He will be missed by so many people, but mainly by Chantelle and his two beautiful daughters.“Joe was known for his incredible kindness, not only by his loved ones but also by strangers.”Hundreds of fans also attended the funeral, with many donating to charities in honour of Thompson.Rochdale co-chairman Simon Gauge was present too and said: “He had a real zest for life.“Everyone at Rochdale is incredibly sad. He was a wonderful man.”Following Thompson’s death last month, Manchester United led the way with tributes.A statement read: “A man who epitomised our club’s values. We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.The funeral took place at St Mark’s ChurchCredit: SplashScott Thomas was pictured at the funeralCredit: SplashWes Brown was also spotted arrivingCredit: BackGridThompson enjoyed two spells with RochdaleCredit: Rex FeaturesHe retired from football in 2019 having beaten cancer twiceCredit: REUTERS/Eddie KeoghTributes were paid up and down the country following his death last monthCredit: Getty“A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time.”Thompson, who came through the ranks at United before leaving in 2005 without making a senior appearance, enjoyed two spells at Rochdale – playing 196 times in total.Thompson was first diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year.Thompson went on to have spells at Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before he returned to Rochdale in 2016.However, his disease came back for a second time just a few months later.Bravely facing the disease, Thompson summoned up the will to fight it off, managing to return to action just nine months after playing his previous match.What is Hodgkin lymphoma?HODGKIN lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.It is not common, with around 2,100 people diagnosed every year in the UK.Hodgkin lymphoma can develop at any age, but it mostly affects people between 20 and 40 years of age and those over 75. Slightly more men than women are affected.Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, on the other hand, is diagnosed in 13,000 new patients per year. It is more common as you get older, with over a third of cases diagnosed in people over the age of 75.In Hodgkin lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a particular type of lymphocyte) start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands).The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making a person more vulnerable to infection.Like all cancers, symptoms vary and can be vague. However, patients usually notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes.This can be in any area of the body, but is often in the neck, armpit or groin.The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches.Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also have other more general symptoms. These can include:Night sweatsUnintentional weight lossA high temperature (fever)A persistent cough or feeling of breathlessnessPersistent itching of the skin all over the bodySource: Cancer Research UK and the NHS.He made his way further into the Rochdale history books after he scored a crucial goal after coming on as a substitute in the final game of the 2017/18 season.It was his finish that helped secure a 1-0 victory, ensuring Rochdale would be promoted to League One.The star made one more appearance for the club before his retirement in 2019.After leaving the beautiful game, Thompson moved into the world of public speaking.Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his third diagnosis last year, he explained how the “aggressive” lymphoma was already at stage four.It had also spread to his lungs, making it difficult to breathe and sleep.And although it “hurt” him to get another diagnosis, Thompson had vowed to battle against it and win again.He said: “It’s far from ideal and it’s come back quite aggressive, so stage four.”The only positive is it is the same cancer as what I’ve had previously, but the issue for me this time is it’s gone on to my lungs, so breathing is a problem, sleeping is difficult and even talking sometimes can be quite hard.Read More on The Sun”You’ve only got a certain amount of time on this earth. I always think you want to make the biggest impact you can possibly do on so many lives as possible.”That’s where I’m at so I’ve got to lead from the front. I’m going to need cavalry and I’m ready for them to rise up and we’ll just get through it again, and then we look at the future.” More

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      ‘I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief reveals where most expensive window ever went wrong

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      FORMER Manchester United chief Tom Keane has lifted the lid on the club’s record-breaking 2022 summer transfer window.Keane was their head of negotiations as they splurged a club high of £225million on six new signings.Tom Keane has lifted the lid on Man Utd’s summer 2022 transfer businessCredit: @WeAreTheOverlapAntony was bought in a mega £85m dealCasemiro cost a whopping £70mCredit: GettyIn Erik ten Hag’s first window at Old Trafford he bought Antony (£85m), Casemiro (£70m), Lisandro Martinez (£57m), Tyrell Malacia (£13m), Christian Eriksen (free) and Martin Dubravka (loan).Keane, who was only at United on a temporary basis for six months, played a huge role in talks and even flew to Spain to complete the Casemiro deal.Opening up about where it went wrong that summer, Keane told The Overlap: “There were a couple of challenges. One of the biggest was everyone was new.”I’d just walked through the door, the manager came in in May, John Murtough had been at the club a while but had just become football director, Richard Arnold had just become CEO and there was a new head of data.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The way it would normally work is the transfer window shuts and in September they start planning for the following summer.”What happened for us that summer, I think because of circumstances, the work started in May.”It felt like we did a year’s work in 12 to 16 weeks.”I literally lived at the training ground and I didn’t see my family, which was fine as I knew what I was getting myself into and it was part of the experience. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The budget side of it, the finance department had oversight of everything that was going on to ensure the club was remaining compliant with its PSR obligations.”In terms of negotiations, the process was really detailed and it had to be.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at club”Big sums of money, so the stakes are high and with football players you are signing humans.”You can’t guarantee anything and all the work is trying to minimise risk. You’re trying to improve the chances of the signing being a success.”All those involved in that transfer window including Ten Hag, Murtough and Arnold have since left the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has built his own team that involves CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      ‘Those doubts maybe kick in’ – Jamie Carragher hints when Declan Rice will start considering his Arsenal future

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      SOME Arsenal stars may start to consider their future if the club fails to win any silverware next season – including Declan Rice.That’s the view of Jamie Carragher whose comments are likely to leave Arsenal fans concerned.Jamie Carragher has claimed that some Arsenal stars may start considering their future in ‘another 12 months’Credit: Sky SportsArsenal were knocked out of the Champions League last week, putting an end to their trophy hopes for the seasonCredit: GettyCarragher claims that Declan Rice could start considering his future next year if Arsenal fail to win any trophiesCredit: GettyMikel Arteta and Co had their Champions League dream crushed by Paris Saint-Germain last week following a 3-1 aggreagate defeat in the semi-finals.As a result, they are no longer able to win a trophy this campaign.And former Premier League star Carragher has claimed that players could start doubting their future at the Emirates if Arsenal don’t turn things around.Asked if he thinks that Rice especially – the club’s most expensive player – could be doubting his time in North London during an appearance on Sky Sports, the 47-year-old said: “I don’t think right now.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I think for other players maybe in the team who have been there a little bit longer.”In terms of Declan, I think he’s been Arsenal’s best player this season. I’m not saying he’d give it another 12 months, but I think those doubts maybe kick in in another 12 months.”It might be different for somebody like a [William] Saliba, who has been there a little bit longer and is desperate to get his hands on some silverware. “I don’t think there will be any thoughts like that right now, I think they all feel they’re really close.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”They are very close, but we all know as players the final step is the biggest one.”Rice currently has three years left on his contract, while the likes of William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes have just two.Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comebackIt is understood that Arsenal are pushing to extend the contracts of all three players.The Gunners recently opened talks with Saliba over a new deal amid ongoing interest from Real Madrid.They are also set to begin negotiations with Saka and Gabriel. More

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      Gary Lineker’s last ever Match of the Day appearance set to end on sour note for BBC legend

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      GARY LINEKER’S beloved Leicester City have inadvertently soured the BBC legend’s Match of the Day swansong. The former England striker is leaving his presenting role on the iconic BBC show after 26 years.Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day after presenting the show since 1999Credit: BBCOne of his final jobs on set will be reviewing his team Leicester’s relegationCredit: GettyLineker will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and the 64-year-old will also front coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.But he will be making his final appearance on the iconic highlights show on May 25 to wrap up the season’s final round of games. A Match of the Day tradition will see him end his final broadcast on a sour note.At the end of each season, the pundits conduct a final review of the Premier League table. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Lineker, a boyhood Foxes fans who spent the first seven years of his career at Filbert Street, will be forced to acknowledge Leicester’s immediate return to the Championship.The Foxes were relegated on April 20 and currently sit 19th in the table, with only Southampton behind.Lineker might have had plenty of time to process the relegation – but one of his final acts on MOTD will be announcing his side’s return to the Championship. Lineker has already presented his final Saturday night MOTD, with the Premier League’s final fixtures falling on a Sunday. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollowing a drab set of results, he quipped: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingThe Beeb announced in January that a new three-person presenting team would replace Lineker. Kelly Cates, 49, will be joined by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker said it had been a “joy and a privilege” to present Match of the Day for more than two decades.He added on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I feel this is now the right time [to leave].”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Lineker also confirmed he will not be heading to a rival broadcaster now he has left the BBC.Read More on The SunLineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.” More

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      Michael Owen reveals he was in ‘floods of tears’ after getting same treatment as Trent Alexander-Arnold

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      MICHAEL OWEN was in “floods of tears” after being booed by Liverpool fans as he sympathised with Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Anfield right-back was jeered by his own supporters as he came off the bench in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal.Michael Owen has sympathised with Trent Alexander-Arnold after the ace was booed by Liverpool fansCredit: AlamyOwen was left in ‘floods of tears’ after previously being in the same boatAlexander-Arnold had previously announced he will leave Liverpool on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.The defender is widely expected to pen a lucrative deal with Spanish giants Real Madrid.But his exit has not gone down well with Reds fans.And they made their feelings known with boos and jeers at yesterday’s game on Merseyside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow, former Liverpool striker Owen has opened up after also receiving stick from supporters.He scored 158 goals in 297 games during an eight-season spell at Anfield before joining Real Madrid in 2004.Owen then returned to the Premier League a year later with Liverpool’s rivals Newcastle.And just like Alexander-Arnold yesterday, Owen was subjected to boos – leaving him in tears at the final whistle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe told Premier League productions: “For his own people to boo him, it’s a big lump in your throat. I remember sitting in the players’ lounge after playing against Liverpool for Newcastle. Parents, myself, all in floods of tears because I’d just been booed by my own people.“And I struggle to comprehend it nowadays and I’m probably the closest person on the planet who knows what it feels like to be in Trent’s shoes. He’ll be mortified. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fans“Trent will leave now, it’s his second to last game, maybe his last game, there were people that booed him and you can’t get that out of your head. Despite what’s happened for the last 20 years of his life of pure adulation.“The one thing I remember now is I forget a lot but think they booed me at the end and it just makes you feel absolutely sick for what you did for the club.”Owen became a cult hero during his time at LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe ace ended up being jeered by Reds fans when he returned to Anfield with NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      ‘He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fight

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      FOOTBALL hardman James McClean has been backed by former manager Tony Pulis to beat Jake Paul in a boxing match.McClean – coached by Pulis at West Brom – has a reputation for his toughness on the field and trains in boxing as a hobby. James McClean has been backed to beat Jake Paul in a boxing matchCredit: RexTony Pulis coached McClean at West BromCredit: Times Newspapers LtdAnd ex-gaffer Pulis revealed Pulis was the most feared player he worked under and reckons he has the beating of Paul. He told OLBG: “Nobody, nobody would want to fight James McClean in the boxing ring. I’ve seen him at West Brom. “He has got the fastest hands of any professional footballer I’ve seen. He was on the bag and on the gloves. James, without question. “Like I say, I’ve got a lot of time for James. He mishandles himself at times in respect of what he says and what he does. READ MORE IN boxing “But he’s a great, great, great kid. I’ve got a lot of time for him. I’ve seen him with the gloves on.”You wouldn’t want to go in a ring against him. Against Jake Paul? McClean all day long.”McClean, now 36, made 111 Stoke appearances after joining from West Brom following prior stints at Wigan and Sunderland. He returned to Wigan in 2021 but moved to Wrexham two years later – recently celebrating promotion to the Championship. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast season, the left winger scored four goals to help Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney take Wrexham from non-league to England’s second tier. McClean – who has 103 Ireland caps with 11 goals – regularly shows off his boxing training under former pro fighter Derry Matthews. Jake Paul has ‘money fight’ green lit by boxing world champYouTuber-turned-boxer Paul meanwhile is 11-1 in the ring. His only defeat came on points to Tommy Fury, 25, in 2023 and he most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in November. Paul, 28, now returns on June 28 in a cruiserweight bout against ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in California. The American knocked out former NBA star Nate Robinson in 2020 and has been called out by the likes of darts player Gerwyn Price, 40, before. Jake Paul is 11-1 in the ringCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I love him… he’ll be missed’ – Robertson sends heartfelt message to Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool fans’ boos

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      ANDY ROBERTSON has put up an impassioned defence of “best friend” Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool star was jeered at Anfield. A section of the Reds’ support booed the departing full-back during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.Andy Robertson has spoken out in support of Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: BSkyBThe Liverpool fullback was booed by some home fans during Sunday’s draw with ArsenalCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold looks set to join Real Madrid when his deal with the Reds expires this summer. The 26-year-old was met with jeers when coming on as a substitute against the Gunners. And his teammate Robertson – who has played alongside the England full-back since 2017 – admitted the reaction “wasn’t nice”.Robertson told Sky Sports: “It’s not nice to see a friend get booed and it wasn’t nice, but we can’t tell people how to act. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I can tell you how I feel about it – I’m extremely proud of what he’s done for this club.”I love him as a friend, I love him as a player and he’ll be missed as one of my best friends in the game.”Alexander-Arnold has been on Liverpool’s books since the age of six.He has played over 350 times for the Reds, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut a section of Liverpool’s support are frustrated at the way he’s handled his departure from the club. Robertson continued: “There’s a lot of emotion around it. Slot sends message to Liverpool fans who booed Trent Alexander-Arnold but vows to keep playing him”It’s crucial in these moments that I don’t tell you how to feel and you don’t tell me how to feel about it.”All I can tell you is how I feel about it. First of all, I’m disappointed to lose my best mate, and we’ve done it all together. “He’s an amazing player and an amazing person.”He’s made me a better player, that’s from the bottom of my heart. “He’s took me to levels I never knew existed. He kept pushing me through the good years and he’s made a choice.”His legacy at this club is there for everyone to see, the trophies he’s won and the moments he’s had in history will always be there. “It is an emotional decision and Trent… it’s not been an easy one. But he’s made the decision.”Slot’s viewLiverpool boss Arne Slot also defended the full-back following Arsenal’s fightback on Sunday.Slot said: “In general and in life, the good thing about living in Europe is that everybody can have their opinion and that’s the same here in Liverpool.”There were people that were not so happy with him.Read More on The Sun”There were a lot of people who were happy with him, they clapped for him.”A few of them booed. I think everybody is allowed to have their opinion.” More

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      ‘Control freak’ Arteta is ‘confusing the hell’ out of his Arsenal stars and making them ‘worse’, slams Schmeichel

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      PETER SCHMEICHEL has slammed Mikel Arteta as a “control freak” who is making Arsenal players “worse”.The Manchester United icon ripped into the Gunners boss before yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.Mikel Arteta has been labelled a ‘control freak’Credit: APThe Arsenal boss has been accused of making his players ‘worse’ and ‘confusing them’Credit: GettyPeter Schmeichel blamed Arteta for Arsenal’s trophy droughtCredit: AlamySchmeichel, who was on punditry duty for ViaPlay at Anfield, blamed Arteta for Arsenal once again falling short of winning something this season.The legendary goalkeeper argued that failures on the pitch and in the transfer market are down to the manager.And despite spending £650million on transfers, Arteta’s only piece of silverware is the 2020 FA Cup that he won with his predecessor Unai Emery’s squad.Schmeichel said: “It’s all on Arteta, all. What I’m saying is that he was employed as head coach. He inherited the team and that team is the only team that he has won a trophy with.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Then it’s his own team now and in the process he’s changed job description so he’s now the manager. “Everything is on him. It’s not recruitment, it’s not the board.”I would urge the viewer whenever they get the opportunity to watch him in the technical area. Arteta is a control freak, he wants his players to play the ball that he wants. He’s directing everything.“You look across to Arne Slot who is so calm. He’s instructed his players in training, instructed the players in the team talk. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Arteta is still playing the game for the players and that would confuse the hell out of me as a football player that you had a coach that wants to direct me for everything I do. “It would confuse me and make me a worse player.”’Those doubts maybe kick in’ – Jamie Carragher hints when Declan Rice will start considering his Arsenal futureArteta cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines yesterday and was seen booting the air in anger while his side trailed 2-0.He then launched a rant after the game when asked what things upset him about Arsenal’s performance.Arteta raged: “A lot of parts, especially defending, the standards that we have and the errors after we gave the ball away.”Very far off it. Really upset, yeah we had a reaction. I hate reaction I like action. I was really, really upset.”What I saw in the first 25 minutes, 35 minutes. Some of the actions… I was killing myself.” More