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      How key Man Utd figure let Viktor Gyokeres go for just £1m before Sporting star became Europe’s most in-demand striker

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES has gone from an unwanted £1million man to the most sought-after striker in European football.The Swedish forward, 26, scored a hat-trick as Sporting Lisbon thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League.Viktor Gyokeres has already scored 23 goals this seasonCredit: AlamyIt brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Gyokeres’ Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is preparing to leave for Manchester United after being announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Amorim, 39, will begin his reign at Old Trafford on November 11 – with Gyokeres being heavily linked with joining him in Manchester.But it was a Man Utd chief who was a key figure in selling the striker for just £1m three years ago.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDan Ashworth, now the Red Devils’ sporting director, sanctioned a deal for Gyokeres to leave Brighton and join Coventry for the tiny sum back in 2021.He played just eight games for the Seagulls and scored only one goal.After a loan spell with Coventry, Gyokeres joined them permanently for the seven-figure fee and went on to score 40 times in 97 games.His goals fired the Championship side to the play-off final which they lost to Luton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut his impressive form attracted interest from Sporting – who have now seen him become one of the best attackers in Europe.It is estimated Man Utd will have to pay in the region of £85m if they are to bring him to Old Trafford.Watch Ruben Amorim celebrate with guard of honour as Sporting Lisbon boss narrowly avoids nasty bumps accidentAnd Amorim has already ruled out a move for him in the January window.He said: “Gyokeres is a Sporting player, which is a great club, he did a lot for it, he was in the second division.”He just has to stay and finish the season at Marques.”Meanwhile, Gyokeres also recently responded to being linked with Man Utd.He said: “I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about. I’m enjoying it here.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson turns up at Champions League clash despite supporting hosts’ fierce rivals

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON was spotted at Celtic Park on a Champions League night despite being a boyhood fan of Rangers.The legendary manager was snapped in the seats as Celtic pulled off a stunning victory over RB Leipzig.Sir Alex Ferguson was at Celtic Park to watch Celtic beat RB LeipzigCredit: Kenny RamsayCeltic pulled off a brilliant victory against their German rivalsCredit: GettyFerguson, 82, looked smiley as Brendan Rodger’s side pulled off a 3-1 victory over their German foes.The former Manchester United manager was a boyhood fan of Celtic’s fierce rivals, Rangers.He was even made the most expensive player in Scotland when the club signed him back in 1967.However, his time at the club was marred by sectarianism.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen asked if he had married his wife Cathy in a catholic church by a Rangers director, he said that it was a registry office instead.Ferguson has admitted that he is still annoyed about the moment and should have told the director to “bugger off”.While he is still fond of the Rangers, he only supports the club when they play against the Celtics.He told the Belfast Telegraph: “The only time I really support Rangers is when they play Celtic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The big one. Jason [Ferguson’s son] is a Celtic fan. I love phoning him up when Rangers have beaten them.”Christoph Baumgartner had given Leipzig the lead at Celtic Park before the hosts fought back.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn fired a brace in for Celtic before Reo Hatate netted the killer blow in the 72nd minute.Manager Rogders’ hailed the result as a “great night for the club”.He said:”The result, the performance, the energy in the stadium.”The supporters will go away feeling really good about their team.”But we played our way in to the game, showed a maturity to get the ball working again and then we get the goal.”Over the course of the game I thought we were really dominant, both in our pressing of the game and our hunger for the second goal.”We got that and then I thought in the second half we managed the game really well.”Meanwhile, Fergsuon has kept himself busy in retirement and has been attending plenty of football matches.READ MORE SUN STORIESJust last week he was spotted sitting next to former England cricketer Michael Vaughan during Man United’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester City.And on the weekend he was seen leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe in hysterics at Old Trafford for the Premier League draw versus Chelsea.Sir Jim Ratcliffe encountered Ferguson at Old TraffordCredit: PA More

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      Man Utd post Ruben Amorim announcement after Sporting hammer Man City as Red Devils hailed for ‘incredible s***housery’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were hailed for “incredible s***housery” after a social media post following Manchester City’s Champions League defeat.The Citizens were humbled 4-1 in Portugal by Sporting Lisbon as Pep Guardiola was outdone by Ruben Amorim.Ruben Amorim will join Man United as manager later this monthCredit: EPAThe club reshared their announcement of Amorim after he beat Man CityThe Sporting boss will take charge of Man City’s cross-city rivals Man United on November 11.The Red Devils posted an announcement of the Portuguese coach on November 1 at 12pm.However, after Man City’s loss, the club’s social media account reposted the announcement to rub salt in the wounds of their rivals.This led to fans praising the club for its “s***housery” as they reacted.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOne posted: “Excellent s***housery from the Man United admin.”A second commented: “The United account retweeting this back on the timeline LMAOOOO.”A third wrote: “Hahaha Man United reposted it after last night’s game.”A fourth said: “Give the admin a raise.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Just sensational s***housery from Manchester United right here haha.”The home crowd unveiled a banner to commemorate Amorim and the two league titles he won in Lisbon before kick-off.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter Phil Foden had given the visitors an early lead in the match before it all went wrong.Viktor Gyokeres fired in his first of the night to level the match in the 38th minute.Maximiliano Araujo then powered Sporting into the lead just 40 seconds after the halftime break.Gyokeres then netted penalties either side of an Erling Haaland failure from the spot to wrap up the result.After the result, Amorim was given a guard of honour by his players and staff.It was his last home game in charge of the club before he leaves for Manchester.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Watch Ruben Amorim say farewell with guard of honour as Sporting Lisbon boss narrowly avoids nasty bumps accident

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      IN-BOUND Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim was given a heroes send-off in his last game in charge of Sporting Lisbon.The 39-year-old starts life in Old Trafford next week after replacing Erik ten Hag. Ruben Amorim was given a heroes send-off by the Sporting Lisbon playersCredit: GettyAmorim was given an enthusiastic farewell as he heads off to Man UtdCredit: GettyThe players almost lost control of Amorim as he flew in the airAmorim did a lap of honour to wave to fans after victory over Man CityCredit: EPAAmorim ended City’s winning streak in EuropeCredit: EPABut before he could say goodbye, he had to lead Sporting out one more time against United’s rivals City at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. The home crowed unveiled a banner to commemorate Amorim and the two league titles he won in Lisbon before kick off.And despite Phil Foden’s opener on four minutes, Sporting hit back to send Amorim off with a 4-1 victory. Star striker Viktor Gyokeres got a hat-trick amid rumours it may not be the last time he lines up under Amorim. READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Amorim – who spent four years in Lisbon – was given a guard of honour and some celebratory bumps after the match. But the farewell was so jubilant that he nearly came crashing down after being tossed in the air. Gyokeres, 26, has become instantly linked with a move to United and the forward paid respect to his departing manager following victory over City. He said: “We will miss him a lot. We’ve done amazing things together. We will miss him and the other guys in the staff who will leave. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We have to look forward and attack the next challenge ahead of us.”Amorim also ended City’s 26-game unbeaten run in the Champions League as a parting gift to Sporting.It made for the perfect send-off for Amorim, who will officially start work at United next week.Amorim, who also took a long lap of honour after the game, said: “Those who were here and have seen Sporting over the last four years deserved a night like this. It was very special.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd “But we shouldn’t stop here, it shouldn’t be a one-off. “It was special in the circumstances but we have to think about the next match against Braga.”Perhaps it was written in the stars we should end this way. I will keep these memories forever but I cannot enjoy them fully yet.”Ahead of kick-off the Sporting fans unfurled an enormous banner to give him a memorable send-off.Sporting fans unfurled an incredible bannerCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, accepted the adulation of the fansCredit: GettyThe banner read ‘Obrigado’ – meaning thank you in PortugueseCredit: EPAIt featured an illustration of Amorim with his arms folded, as well as the five trophies he won as Sporting boss.The banner read “Obrigado” – Portuguese for “thank you”.Amorim joined Sporting as boss in 2020 following a season at Braga.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs their boss he won two league titles, two domestic cups and one Super Cup.He will take charge of his final game in charge away to his former side Braga on Sunday.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Watch Luis Diaz’s cheeky no-look goal as Liverpool star bags sublime hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen

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      LUIS DIAZ completed his hat-trick with a cheeky no-look finish as Liverpool routed Bayer Leverkusen.Arne Slot’s men were frustrated for an hour by Reds old boy Xabi Alonso.Luis Diaz produced a cheeky no-look finishCredit: PADiaz, 27, celebrates completing his brilliant hat-trickCredit: GettyBut after Diaz broke the deadlock on 61 minutes, the floodgates opened.The Colombian, 27, grabbed his first with a sublime chipped finish.Cody Gakpo quickly doubled the Reds’ lead, before Diaz made it three in the 83rd minute.With the points safely secured, Diaz produced a brilliantly nonchalant finish in stoppage time.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSAround eight yards out, the winger looked away from goal as he calmly slotted home a right-footed effort.His cheeky hat-trick goal delighted the Anfield crowd, as well as hordes of supporters online.One wrote: “No this is too cold. Diaz with a no look finish.”While a second gushed: “Luis Diaz really hit the no look to score his hat-trick.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Luis Diaz carrying on the Firmino no look tradition.”Premier League leaders Liverpool climbed to the top of the Champions League league phase with their 4-0 win, making it a perfect four out of four in Europe this term.Steven Gerrard mercilessly BOOED by Al-Ettifaq fans after losing local derby with Liverpool legend on brink of sack More

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      Sporting wonderkid, 17, shows how Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution could work as Gyokeres hits hat-trick against City

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      RUBEN AMORIM gave Manchester United fans a tantalising glimpse into the future as his Sporting side thrashed City 4-1 in the Champions League.The occasion began in a raucous atmosphere, with Sporting fans waving goodbye to their beloved Man Utd-bound manager in what was his final home game in charge.Ruben Amorim gave Man Utd fans a thrilling glimpse into the futureCredit: ReutersViktor Gyokeres bagged his latest hat-trickCredit: AFPGeovany Quenda was brilliant down Sporting’s right flankCredit: GettyThe home faithful unfurled a huge banner reading “Obrigado” – Portuguese for “thank you” – ahead of kick-off.And after tonight’s performance, it’s easy to see how Amorim left such a mark.Sporting actually got off to a ropey start, with Phil Foden giving City a fourth-minute lead.The side Amorim has built in Lisbon is resilient, however, and after weathering City’s storm they came roaring back to win 4-1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLViktor Gyokeres grabbed the headlines by scoring a stunning hat-trick – taking his season tally to an astonishing 23 goals in just 17 games.The Swede’s numbers would make United’s current forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund blush.But how has Amorim given the former Brighton and Coventry star such a platform on which to shine?The 39-year-old has generally favoured a 3-4-3 formation with Sporting, although tonight’s average positions show that his system turned into more of a 3-5-2, or even 3-4-1-1 – with Francisco Trincao, formerly of Wolves and Barcelona, playing off Gyokeres.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Amorim will be able to introduce his three-at-the-back system into the Premier League will be fascinating.After Antonio Conte’s Chelsea won the Premier League in swashbuckling style using a back three in 2017, the system suddenly became all the rage.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyEven Arsene Wenger, after more than 20 years of deploying a back four at Arsenal, dabbled with it during his final season at the Emirates.These days, however, back threes have become more scarce.In fact, none of last season’s top 13 used it as their primary formation.Despite Sporting’s left wing-back Maxi Araujo grabbing a goal on the night, it was actually right wing-back Geovany Quenda who consistently got further forward.TEENAGE SENSATIONThe Guinea-Bissau-born wonderkid is just 17-years-old but has already made himself a regular in Sporting’s first team.As a left-footer playing on the right, Quenda cut inside to great effect as he created Sporting’s equaliser.His brilliant through-ball found Gyokeres who, having fluffed an earlier one-on-one, made no mistake when through on Ederson’s goal for a second time.This sort of chance was typical of the service Gyokeres received all night, with Sporting consistently forcing turnovers with their solid base.BUILDING A PLATFORMIrrespective of conceding a harsh penalty in the second-half, which Erling Haaland went on to miss anyway, 20-year-old centre-back Ousmane Diomande was impressive at the heart of Sporting’s defence.While midfielders Hidemasa Morita and Morten Hjulmand offered excellent protection and were rarely far from the scene when Sporting’s back line needed help.As soon as Sporting won the ball back, Gyokeres would be sent on his way.It was Araujo’s turn to cause havoc from the left wing-back position right at the start of the second period, the Uruguayan converting beyond Ederson after a brilliant run by Pedro Goncalves.Gyokeres then showed coolness to convert two penalties and complete his hat-trick.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim will have another crack at Pep Guardiola in April, as United host City at Old Trafford in the Portuguese’s first Manchester derby.When he begins work at Carrington on Monday, United’s new boss will seek to begin developing a Red Devils team that can emulate what Sporting did to City tonight. More

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      Noel Gallagher hit by commentator’s curse as eight-word statement live on TNT Sports backfires horribly

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      NOEL GALLAGHER is perfectly suited to become a full-time commentator, after showing he had the commentators curse.The Oasis star made a surprise appearance on TNT Sports co-commentary alongside Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist for Manchester City’s clash against Sporting Lisbon.Noel Gallagher was hit by commentators curse while working on TNT Sports’ coverage of Sporting Lisbon v Man CityCredit: RexGallagher commented how easy the game was before Sporting scored two minutes later and went on to put four past the Oasis star’s favourite teamCredit: EPAAll eyes were on the fixture due to it being Ruben Amorim’s final home game in the charge of the Eagles before he moves over to join City’s fallen rivals Manchester United.And TNT bizarrely opted to include City superfan Gallagher as part of their commentary team.Supporters are used to seeing the Rock ‘N’ Roll Star in the crowd at City games, but his presence on the broadcast is Half the World Away from his usual Tuesday night.Pep Guardiola’s side threatened to ruin Amorim’s farewell after Phil Foden smashed them into the lead early on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity seemed to be in their usual cruise control tempo and were cutting open the Portuguese champions at will.Speaking on co-comms, Gallagher was then heard saying: “I didn’t think it would be this easy.”However, moments after the musician’s comments Viktor Gyokeres was put through on the City goal and scored past Ederson to net an equaliser. Gallagher’s curse continued in the second half, as Sporting doubled their tally just seconds after the restart.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGyokeres then went on to score hat-trick as he scored twice from the penalty spot, while Erling Haaland saw his own penalty hit the bar.The 4-1 defeat was City’s third defeat on the bounce, and the first time they had conceded four goals in the Champions League since playing Barcelona in 2016.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter Taking to social media, fans highlighted Gallagher’s commentator curse.One fan said: “Glad to see Noel Gallagher now knows what a commentator curse feels like.”A second said: “What was @NoelGallagher saying about it being easy?”A third said: “Noel Gallagher banging on about how easy it is for City. Just before conceding.”Another said: “I’m here for the Noel Gallagher ‘didn’t expect it to be this easy’ equaliser.”A fifth added: “Noel Gallagher was just saying how easy this game is.”A sixth said: “Noel Gallagher 35’ : ‘I didn’t expect it to be this easy’. Sporting CP 37’ : Go up the other end and score. Please put Noel on Co-Comms every week.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother said: “Noel Gallagher curse, he should never commentate on a City game EVER!”An eighth said: “Did anyone else catch Noel Gallagher on commentary, saying ‘I didn’t think it would be this easy’ at 0-1.”Oasis – The Gallagher Feud TimelineBrothers Noel and Liam Gallagher have a long history of ongoing fights – both physical and verbal – here’s the full history of the band and what they’ve said to each other.1991 – Liam Gallagher forms Oasis with Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan and Tony McCarroll, later asking Noel to join.1993 – The band sign to Creation Records and start work on their debut album.August 1994 – Oasis shoot to fame with their debut album, Definitely Maybe, with tracks including Rock n Roll Star, Live Forever and Supersonic. It’s one of the fastest selling debuts ever for a British band.September 1994 – Noel temporarily leaves the band’s tour after Liam smacks him in the face with a tambourine on stage in Los Angeles.1995 – The band release their second album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? which features Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova.1996 – Liam is forced to sit out a leg of tour shows due to laryngitis, but causes chaos when he was filmed heckling his brother from a balcony while a taping of MTV Unplugged.2000 – Noel quits the band temporarily for a second time when, while partying in Barcelona, Liam riles Noel by questioning if his daughter, Anais, is actually his. The pair get into a fist fight.2005 – Noel tells Q Magazine that he’s ‘never forgiven’ Liam for his comments about Anais and he’s ‘never apologised. He tells the mag: “He’s my brother. I hope he’s reading this and realises that. He’s my brother but he’s at arm’s length until he apologises for what he’s done.”2009 – Noel admits in an interview with Q that he ‘doesn’t like Liam’, branding him “rude, arrogant, intimidating, and lazy”. “He’s the angriest man you’ll ever meet,” he added. “He’s like a man with a fork in a world of soup.”Liam later retaliates and tells NME: “It takes more than blood to be my brother. He doesn’t like me and I don’t like him.”August 23, 2009 – Oasis pull out of a headline slot at V Festival in the UK due to Liam having laryngitis.August 28, 2009 – Ahead of the Rock en Seine festival, Noel and Liam get into another fight, during which time Liam breaks one of Noel’s guitars after “waving it like an axe” according to Noel.August 28, 2009 – Noel quits the band for the third and final time, saying in a statement: “It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.”2010 – Oasis win ‘best album of the last 30 years’ at the Brit Awards for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory. Liam picks up the gong, and thanks everyone except Noel. He later says this was misinterpreted as a dig.2011 – Liam tries to sue Noel after he claims in the interview they cancelled their V Festival performance due to Liam being hungover. Liam disputed it said the comment “questioned my professionalism”. He later apologised and the lawsuit was dropped.2011 – Noel admits regrets at quitting before the Paris gig, telling Absolute Radio and admits if he did “we may never have split up.”2011 – 2014 – Liam and the other bandmates continue under new name, Beady Eye, while Noel forms new band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.2015 – After years of jabs online, especially through media and Twitter, Liam teases he’s buried the hatchet with Noel by sharing an All Areas pass from a High Flying Birds gig. However, the fight would recommence two months later after Noel publicly dismissed suggestion Oasis would reunite for Glastonbury 2016.2017 – Liam performs at Manchester’s One Love concert after the bombing at Ariana Grande’s show, with Don’t Look Back In Anger becoming a unifying anthem for the incident. He then slams Noel for not attending. Noel later tells Sunday Times: “Young music fan were slaughtered, and he, twice, takes it somewhere to be about him. He needs to see somebody.”2018 – Liam suggests a reunion for the 2018 World Cup on Twitter, writing: “let’s get the big O back together and stop f***ing about the drinks are on me”. When it fell on deaf ears, he added: “I’ll take that as a NO then.”2019 – Noel speaks out after Liam sends ‘threatening messages’ to Anais after a comment made about then wife Sara McDonald. Liam later apologises publicly to Anais.2020 – Liam urges Noel to reunite for a one-off charity gig. More

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      Mikel Arteta gives update on Arsenal’s future plans after transfer chief Edu’s shock exit for Nottingham Forest group

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      MIKEL ARTETA insists Arsenal’s plans for the future “remain intact” – despite Edu’s shock departure.The Gunners – including boss Arteta – were left stunned after the club’s Sporting Director announced his resignation on Monday.Mikel Arteta has opened up on Edu’s departureCredit: GettyBrazilian Edu, 46, is expected to join up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakas as head of his expanding multi-club empire in a triple-your-money deal.The switch has the potential to leave Arsenal vulnerable in their recruitment strategy after their recent meteoric rise under Edu and Arteta to become Prem title challengers.But Arteta said: “The plan and the vision that starts with the ownership [Stan and Josh Kroenke] – that is very clear and very ambitious – is going to continue.“We have a very strong leadership team with an unbelievable know-how, a real passion and great feelings for the football club. We’re not going to stop where we are at the moment.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“Then across the club, the excitement, the passion, the understanding of where we want to take this journey remains intact.”Arteta hinted that the club are currently on the look-out for a replacement, admitting: “This means opportunities as well for somebody else to come and fulfil their role.”Edu – an Invincibles hero who made 127 appearances from 2000 to 2005 – returned to the club in July 2019 as technical director before hiring Arteta five months later.He was then appointed as Sporting Director in November 2022, and spoke of his long-term plans for the club just two months ago as Arteta signed a new three-year deal.Most read in FootballEdu helped transform Arsenal during his tenure in north LondonCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta added: “Everything happened very quickly. Obviously I loved working with him, I really enjoyed being alongside him in this incredible journey.“From day one, we’ve been together. First of all, I’m very grateful personally for everything has done for me and for the amazing work that he’s done for the football club.Huge Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard returns to training ahead of Inter Milan clash “I think we both had this special chemistry working together, we really both enjoyed our roles and working together.“I’m very blessed that he’s been part of my life in such a beautiful place that I am right now, managing this incredible club and he’s been a massive part of that.“He’s had an amazing opportunity now to do something else in a different role and he believes that it’s the right professional move for him.“We have to respect that and from the bottom of my heart I think everybody really feels that we want the best for him and that’s it.“We say thank you and we have to move on because that’s the reality of our industry.”Winger Bukayo Saka said: “We all know what Edu’s done for the club and he’s a top, top person. So first of all, we just want to wish him all the best.“We all know what he’s done for the football club. He’s been involved in the transformation and getting us back to performing at the highest stage.“So, we’re all grateful for him and we’re just wishing him all the best.”Skipper Martin Odegaard is in the squad that has travelled to Milan to face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night and is in contention to feature.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt would be a first Arsenal appearance since August 31 after suffering an ankle injury on international duty with Norway on September 9.Midfielder Declan Rice has not travelled due to a foot injury, one that Arteta admits has left the Englishman unable to put his boot on.Bukayo Saka has wished Edu well with his future endeavoursCredit: APMartin Odegaard has returned to training for ArsenalCredit: GettyDeclan Rice is set to miss the Gunners’ clash with Inter MilanCredit: Getty More