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      in Soccer

      Merricks vows Birmingham City will give their all in WSL promotion battle with London City Lionesses

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      AMY MERRICKS will urge Birmingham to give it everything in today’s promotion decider with London City Lionesses.And Brum boss Merricks reckons the women’s second tier deserves far more attention than it currently gets.Amy Merricks has guided Birmingham City to 12 wins and four draws in 19 games in the Women’s Championship this seasonCredit: GettyLondon City Lionesses will be out to deny Blues a home win in order to claim the point they need for promotion in the WSLCredit: GettyBirmingham City are expecting approximately a crowd 7,000 for their pivotal clash with London City at St AndrewsCredit: GettyCity must win at St Andrew’s to deny London the Championship title and a place in the WSL for the first time.Blues whose club’s co-owners include NFL legend Tom Brady are bidding to return to the league they helped establish 15 years ago.Ex-Lionesses Under-19 boss Merricks, who took charge of Birmingham City last April, said: “This club was one of the founding members of the WSL and to take it back there would be amazing.”But we have to focus first and foremost on the process to get there. The performance is that process and we’re taking nothing for granted.”Read More Football StoriesToday’s 2:15pm showdown is the first Women’s Championship game to be shown live on Sky Sports.Brum have already sold more than 7,000 tickets but Merrick hopes TV coverage will help attract even more fans to the second tier.She added: “My squad are ready to give everything. I’m really excited and what a great showcase for the Championship.”This is a league that deserves so much more attention. We have so much talent here and we are focused on showcasing the best of ourselves.”Most read in FootballAn away win for London City would see them become the only standalone women’s team competing in the WSL next season. The club, who share their Hayes Lane home ground with League Two men’s side Bromley, have been a force to be reckoned with this term after finishing eighth last term. Since being purchased by USA-born Michelle Kang, the club that was following a May 2019 breakaway from Millwall has undergone an overhaul in recent years. Her December 2023 takeover has been followed by a revamp of London City’s squad. A team whose players include senior internationals such as Sweden veteran Kosovare Asllani, 35, and rising young stars such as defender Teyah Goldie currently on loan from Arsenal. And last June the club appointed France-born Jocelyn Precheur as head coach following his one-season stint as Paris Saint-Germain during which he led the team to a Women’s French Cup win. Among the younger players who have helped London City register 13 victories and three draws from 19 games is England Under-23s player Isobel Goodwin. The forward 22, is set to win the Women’s Championship Golden Boot for this term after scoring 15 goals so far during the campaign. Isobel Goodwin has been in fine form in front of goal for London City Lionesses following her transfer from Sheffield United last SeptemberCredit: GettyGoodwin said:”The Championship is such a big league now and the growth in it each year is getting better and better. Read More on The Sun“Being in the promotion race, it’s just so exciting and this is probably one of the biggest games of my career knowing that we could possibly lift that trophy. “It’s every girl’s dream is to play in the WSL and get promoted. So hopefully we can do that.” More

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      Man Utd star Casemiro ‘in line for massive pay rise if club win the Europa League giving Ruben Amorim huge headache’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Casemiro will pocket a HUGE pay rise if Ruben Amorim’s side win the Europa League, reports suggest.And the midfielder’s new wages would see him making the exact same amount as Cristiano Ronaldo during his second stint at Old Trafford.Casemiro will receive a massive pay rise if Manchester United win the Europa LeagueCasemiro would make the same amount as Cristiano Ronaldo during his second stint at Man UtdUnited have switched their attention to the Europa League as it poses as their only hope for Champions League qualification amid an awful season that has seen them slump down to 15th place in the Premier League.According to The Star, however, winning the trophy would bring a major dilemma for Man Utd manager Amorim regarding what to do with Casemiro.The Brazil international has a clause in his contract which guarantees him a staggering 25 per cent raise if the Red Devils return to the Champions League.The ex-Real Madrid star made that agreement with the Manchester giants before moving from Santiago Bernabeu in 2022 at a time when the Prem outfit weren’t in Europe’s elite competition.Read More on Man UtdTherefore, if United win the Europa League on May 21 in Bilbao then Casemiro will see his salary go up by a whopping £100,000 a week.That would see the Brazilian making £500,000 a week, which is exactly the same amount Ronaldo pocketed from 2021 until 2022.That could pose as a problem for Amorim, who’s been asked to slash the wage bill by minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Casemiro has endured an inconsistent three-year spell at Old Trafford but the Portuguese tactician still values him as he managed to regain top form in recent weeks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe defensive midfielder helped Man Utd destroy Athletic Bilbao with a score of 3-0 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday at San Mames, which is where the final will take place.Bilbao now have all to do in Thursday’s second leg, therefore United pose as favourites to advance to the final where they could face Premier League foes Tottenham.Rio Ferdinand blasts ‘highly disrespectful’ Jamie Carragher for brutal eight-word assessment of Man Utd star CasemiroBut a triumph in Bilbao, which would see the Red Devils salvaging their dreadful season, will see Casemiro becoming their highest-paid player.And he doesn’t seem keen on leaving before his contract runs out in 2026 as he and his family are happy in Manchester.Therefore, Amorim’s hand may be forced as he also need to raise funds to put together a major squad revamp in search of players that can apply his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation next season. More

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      Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League places

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has predicted Arsenal will go from playing second-fiddle in the Premier League title race to scraping into the Champions League qualification spots.The Gunners are on a woeful run of league form that has seen them fail to win all but one of their games since April 1, with a 2-1 win over Fulham giving way to just one win in five.Jamie Carragher has predicted Arsenal to finish below two other teams owing to their poor Premier League formCredit: GettyThe Gunners have lost 21 points from winning positions this season and won just one of their last five league gamesCredit: RexMikel Arteta’s side have led in all of those fixtures but failed to win four of them – meaning they have lost 21 points from winning positions this season, their joint-most alongside 2019/20.The run saw draws with Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace before losing to Bournemouth, while their only win in this period was a 4-0 thrashing of ten-man Ipswich.This ultimately saw them hand the title to Liverpool, who were crowned champions for a record equalling 20th time – although they have shifted focus to their Champions League run.However, the North London club’s dreadful form is threatening to see teams below them in the table catch up to them as the Champions League race heats up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester City have won four of their last five league games to reinforce their grip on a spot, while likewise Newcastle have won six of their last seven league outings.Below the Middle East owned clubs, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all remain in contention for the coveted fifth Champions League qualification place, with only goal difference to separate them.And speaking to Sky Sports, former Liverpool star Carragher predicts Arsenal to fall as low as fourth during the run-in.He said: “I still think Newcastle and Manchester City can actually catch Arsenal.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”Just with the situation Arsenal have in the Champions League… they go to Anfield, they’ve also got to play Newcastle as well. It’s a brilliant race.”Aston Villa have to win in the next couple of games to give themselves a fighting chance.”Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clashIf Arsenal were to maintain second spot in the league, they run the risk of eclipsing the record set between Man City and Manchester United in 2017/18 for the most points between the champions and runner up.Should champions Liverpool beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge later today, the gap between first and second will stand at 18 points.The record set by the Manchester clubs in 2018 was a 19-point gap, though that was a season Pep Guardiola’s side became the first-ever English top flight centurions.Liverpool host the Gunners next weekend, so could extend the gap to a colossal 21 points without Arteta’s side losing grip on second.Carragher, 47, also reckons Nottingham Forest and Chelsea will miss out on the final Prem Champions League spot, with Aston Villa leapfrogging them both.He continued: “Playing Spurs and Manchester United in their (Aston Villa) last two games might actually fall into their lap in terms of the Europa League final as well.”I think this is going to go right to the wire. I don’t think Nottingham Forest are going to make it now, Villa might make a late push. I still think Chelsea will find it difficult looking at their fixtures.” More

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      ‘Not acceptable’ – Arsenal captain Odegaard fumes after Bournemouth defeat as boss Arteta urges players to ‘use rage’

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      ARSENAL captain Martin Odegaard slammed his team’s “sloppy” and unacceptable performance after the shock loss to Bournemouth.The Gunners wasted a 1-0 lead as Declan Rice’s opener was cancelled out by Dean Huijsen’s equaliser before Evanilson turned the game on its head and gave the Cherries a 2-1 win at the Emirates on Saturday.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard slammed the performance against BournemouthArsenal boss Mikel Arteta sent a message to his players ahead of the match with Paris Saint-GermainAnd Odegaard, 26, didn’t hold back during his post-match interview as the North Londoners have now dropped 21 points from a winning position.Plus, second position is now in peril as third-placed Manchester City are three points behind and a victory for Newcastle at Brighton would see them getting only two points behind Arsenal.The playmaker admitted the hosts lost control of the game after Huijsen levelled the score and insisted they should learn some valuable lessons ahead of Wednesday’s crunch clash with Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard told Sky Sports: “Massive disappointment. I think we started the game pretty well. Read More on Arsenal”We got the goal and felt like we controlled pretty much everything, but they score and we lose control of the game.”We never find the rhythm after that, it is too chaotic and too sloppy from us. The second half is not acceptable.”We have to move on as we have a massive game coming up. We have to get ready for that and analyse this game as well.”This is what we want — we want to compete in every competition. We wanted to come here and do a good game and win, but that wasn’t the case.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal are now set to take on PSG in the Champions League semi-finals at Parc des Princes in a crucial second leg after losing 1-0 in north London on Tuesday.And manager Mikel Arteta urged his players to use the “anger, frustration, rage, [and] disappointment” against the French champions.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyArteta said: “Well we have a lot to do, yes, because mathematically we are not qualified, we haven’t had the right to finish second yet so we still have a lot to do.”It created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment. Let’s use all of that on Wednesday. That’s what we have to do.” More

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      in Motorsport

      VIP ‘black cards’, ‘rude’ celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1

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      AMERICANS like to go BIG – and the Miami GP, being held this weekend, is no exception.Since first hitting the calendars in 2022, it’s become an extravagant affair packed full of big-name celebs and influencers, with even the race itself becoming overshadowed by the glitz.Like Coachella, the Miami GP has become a celeb and influencer hotspotCredit: GettyA-listers like Kendell Jenner have been spotted swanning around the paddockCredit: APSand is imported to create an exclusive “beach club” areaCredit: APIt’s now one of the F1 season’s biggest showpieces, a crucial part of their strategy to boost its popularity in the States. Last year saw celebs like Kendell Jenner and LeBron James pay the race a visit, and even Donald Trump showed up in a surreal appearance that caused security a headache.And just like the music festival Coachella, it’s now full of internet-famous influencers who – many suspect – haven’t got a clue about F1 itself but spend their time snapping selfies and posing with drivers A record-breaking 275,000 fans turned up to watch McLaren’s Lando Norris clinch his first ever victory, and organisers are hoping this weekend’s race will be even bigger.Read More FeaturesThe Florida event has courted chaos ever since the inaugural race was held three years ago and it was decided to build the circuit at the city’s Hard Rock Stadium, home to local NFL team the Miami Dolphins.It nearly didn’t happen at all, after a handful of nearby residents filed a lawsuit over noise pollution complaints – though this was thrown out by a judge.A makeshift circuit was cobbled together – but it proved a dud, having to be resurfaced twice ahead of the race and seriously lacking grip. Many of the drivers lambasted it, with Sergio Perez labelling it “a joke” and Lando Norris accusing the designers of just “winging it”. Most read in MotorsportBut it would turn out that the track would be the least of the driver’s worries.Come 2023, the spectacle was even more intense, much to their dismay.Fernando Alonso goes public with stunning new girlfriend Andrea Schlager after whisking her to US for Miami GP Prior to the race, each driver was required to present themselves in a full-on WWE-style showcase, led out one-by-one past an honour guard of cheerleaders, announced by the rapper LL Cool J.Meanwhile, in the background, Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am conducted a black-tie-clad 30-piece orchestra. Little wonder then the drivers found the showbizzy spectacle “distracting”. “I don’t think there’s any other sport in the world that 30 minutes before you go out to do your business that you’re out there in the sun, all the cameras on you and making a bit of a show of it,” said George Russell.“None of the drivers like it,” added Lando Norris.“We do so much publicity for the fans [but] as drivers we all just want to sit down and focus on what we need to focus on.”Influencer heavenToo bad for them, then, that the Miami GP has only gone from strength to strength and is a must-attend event for everyone from A-list actors to Z-list influencers. The 2024 Miami GP was won by Lando NorrisCredit: GettyModels and influencers shell out for pricey tickets to access to exclusive areasCredit: GettySecurity requirements made Trump’s visit quite the headache for organisersCredit: GettyEven political big hitters have gotten involved – including last year when none other than Donald Trump himself turned up.Ten days before his visit the secret service spent hours scrutinising and surveying the venue for threats. Everything was given the all clear – but then just hours before the race his security team ordered major shutdowns in areas of the paddock.“The Secret Service blocked off the walkway in the middle of the paddock for 20 minutes, and the teams were losing it because they were like, ‘I have to cross,’” recalled Tyler Epp, President of the Miami GP.His bright orange tan lined up with the McLaren team’s colours, at least, and he even told Norris that he was the British star’s “lucky charm”.And given how much Miami has become a hotspot for OnlyFans stars, with the sunny Florida weather always providing a great excuse to strip down to the bare essentials, it’s no wonder the GP event has become a hit with online models.There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were hereTyler EppWhile Trump was swanning around one part of the paddock giving his congratulations to Norris for his win, OnlyFans actress Veronica Rajek took the chance to pay the McLaren team a visit.Motoring media even fell for a hoax back in August that claimed OnlyFans was set to become the new title sponsor of the Alpine F1 team.The sensationalised spectacle that the race day has turned into has left plenty of die-hard fans wondering if all these famous faces have any clue about the sport itself.After all, despite being the voice of racing, not many of them seem to know the legendary Martin Brundle.’Rude’ celebsBack in 2022, the Sky Sports commentator was prowling a very crowded grid when he came up to tennis ace Venus Williams.But she was too busy saying hi to all the other famous faces and barely registered what he was saying, in an awkward but hilarious encounter.“What’s the question?” she laughed before whisking herself off somewhere else. OnlyFans star Veronika Rajek posed for pictures with the McLaren teamCredit: AFPEd Sheeran performed over the weekend at last year’s GPCredit: GettyKendall Jenner and Lewis Hamilton even found time to hobnob with each otherCredit: GettyVenus and Serena Williams on the grid at the Miami raceCredit: GettyFast forward to 2024, and a huge list of celebs popped in to catch the racing – including Shakira, Rory McIlroy, Kendall Jenner, and tycoons Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. And with neighbours Inter Miami going from strength to strength, boss David Beckham also made an appearance, as did Zinedine Zidane.Even Taylor Swift turned up in the city, alongside her boyfriend NFL superstar Travis Kelce – proof enough that the Hard Rock stadium will be the place to be seen this Sunday – though Taylor skipped the race itself.Perhaps her presence would have been too awkward for driver Fernando Alonso, because at one point rumours were swirling that the pair briefly dated. Fortunately for the VIPs – and maybe to make up for Martin Brundle always trying to nab them for a chat – the GP’s organisers are careful to keep the general public far away from them.Some celebs are even rumoured to attend in secret.We’re trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetimeTyler EppBeyonce and Jay-Z reportedly rocked up in 2022, while Michelle Obama attended as a guest of Lewis Hamilton.“She showed up right on time, got to experience a session, and was in and out very, very quietly,” explained Tyler Epp.“There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were here.”Also on offer is a “Black Card” experience. It allows the rich and famous to drive on a special, entirely separate lane off the highway, taking them straight into a luxury car parking zone.“You don’t have any interaction with the general population from the time you leave your hotel to the time you get to your seat. It’s all very protected and private,” added Tyler in an interview with Motorsport mag.Fake beach clubsMaybe this attention to detail will let Miami become the new Monaco. The inner part of the circuit gets turned into the Hard Rock Beach ClubCredit: APFans were left bemused by the fake waterCredit: APSky’s Craig Slater takes a ‘swim’ in the fake marinaCredit: ReutersBut then again maybe not – given the much-mocked attempt to copy the Mediterranean city with a fake marina was created by painting the ground blue, which even Sky’s Craig Slater attempted to have a “dip” in.They even stuck ten massive yachts inside it and imported heaps of fake sand to create a “VIP Beach Club”.It was slammed as tacky – but to access this luxurious lake of concrete in the middle of the circuit, guests had to shell out at least $1,000.And it was $2,000 on top of that if you wanted a deck chair. When it was first revealed in 2022, bemused fans compared the set up to the notorious Fyre Festival.At least they had two pools to relax in and a performances from big hitters The Chainsmokers to enjoy as well.Forget Coachella itself – because now, the entire GP weekend has turned into something of a music festival in its own right.In 2024, both DJ Steve Aoki and Ed Sheeran delivered performances to revellers at the Hard Rock Beach Club.And the entertainment on offer during race week is now spilling outside of the stadium itself, with the whole of Miami gripped by GP fever.Venues across the city are getting into the F1 spirit, including art exhibitions dedicated to exploring racing culture, and exclusive racing-themed pop-up bars in luxury hotels sponsored by F1’s partner, the champagne company Moët & Chandon.Just be ready to shell out $550 – and that’s for the most basic package on offer. This year, the Hard Rock beach club will once again be delivering a star-studded line up with performances by Pitbull, Kygo and DJ Tiësto.But given the Miami GP competes with two others F1 races in the states – in Austin and Las Vegas – organisers aren’t ashamed to say they go out of their way to make the Florida race weekend stand out.Read More on The Sun“We’re in the memory making business at the end of the day, and we’re trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetime,” added Tyler Epp.“That’s our goal.”More than 275,000 fans are expected to attend this weekendCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua to have surgery on injury in worrying delay to comeback fight amid talk of Tyson Fury showdown

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA will have to wait to return to the boxing ring after he revealed he is set to undergo surgery.AJ has not fought since he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last September.Anthony Joshua has confirmed he will being having surgery later this monthCredit: GettyAJ has been ‘unable to punch properly’ since his fight with Daniel Dubois last SeptemberCredit: PAThe two-time heavyweight world champion has not been able to resume full training due to an injury which has left him “unable to punch properly”.And amid fight rumours of a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury, Joshua will now be forced to put those plans on hold.Speaking to Dazn, he said: “When do you want me back, people?”I’m trying to get my body right. I have got to actually have a little surgery on my elbow.READ MORE IN BOXING”A small surgery sometime in May. I’m finalising the details.”That will see me out of the gym for maybe six to eight weeks, and then when I’m healed, I will be back.”Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn had hoped to get Joshua back for June or July, but his injury means those hopes have been dashed.If surgery goes well, the 35-year-old could be in contention to fight at the end of the year.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd Joshua has said he would be more than willing to finally take on the Gypsy King, despite him being dethroned twice by Oleksandr Usyk.Fury himself has been seen back in the gym training with SugarHill Steward after retiring for a fourth time after his second defeat to Usyk.Tyson Fury training TWO TIMES a day as speculation ramps up over £300m comeback fight against Anthony JoshuaOn the prospect of a fight, Joshua told the Daily Mail: “We’ll save that conversation for another time.”I think what we’ll do for the viewers at home is go back over the years and find the same answer for the same question. “Same same, nothing changed.”On his recovery, he added: “My body has been through the works innit. “If I want to be here for the long time I just want to make sure my body is really really good before I get back into the ring. “Sooner than later. I’m still training but I’m just kind of rebuilding.”What it is basically… to be good is not enough in boxing, if you want to be a world champion you’ve got to be great. “Throughout the last year or so, especially my last fight I was good but not great. Read More on The Sun”To be a champion you gotta be ‘on your s***’ basically and I need to step my game up.”Meanwhile, Joshua’s two former rivals Usyk and Dubois are set to face off in an undisputed heavyweight title match in July. More

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      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez v Terence Crawford super-fight confirmed after Mexican beats William Scull to regain undisputed title

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      SAUL ‘CANELO’ ALVAREZ is now set to face Terence Crawford after beating William Scull in Saudi Arabia. Alvarez, 34, defeated Scull, 32, via unanimous decision in Riyadh to regain the undisputed super-middleweight title.Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez defeated William Scull to regain the undisputed titleAlvarez was frustrated by Scull who danced around across 12 roundsHowever, Alvarez managed to win via unanimous decisionAnd now Alvarez is set to face Terence Crawford in SeptemberAnd it was then confirmed Canelo will go on to lock horns with Crawford, 37, on September 12 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.Alvarez said after the fight in Saudi Arabia: “Everything happens for a reason and there’s a reason why I’m here. “In September I’ll show the world what greatness looks like.”Crawford is one of the best out there and I like to share with that kind of fighter.”Read More on BoxingCrawford – a four-division and two-weight undisputed champion – will have to move up from light-middleweight for the fight with the Mexican bruiser.The American boxer was in attendance at the Anb Arena watching the dull encounter that saw Scull frustrating Alvarez as he danced around for 12 rounds.Ultimately, Alvarez’s power punches to the body won him the boxing bout in front of a bored-looking Crawford.And now Canelo is gearing up for a fight that he claimed it could be the biggest of his iconic career.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe middleweight king hinted that that a match with Crawford could be even greater than his historic clash against Floyd Mayweather in 2013 and unforgettable two meetings with Gennady Golovkin in 2017 and 2018.Alvarez told SunSport before the bout with Scull: “I have a lot of big fights. A lot of big fights, a lot of good fights in my career.Canelo Alvarez warns he’s ready to bash more Brit rivals with boxing icon ‘dreaming’ of UK debut “I’m focused on this fight, and we’ll see, we’ll see if if that fight happens. We’ll see, maybe it’s gonna be the biggest? We don’t know.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘For a Spanish person it is strange’ – Marc Cucurella reveals thing he doesn’t like in Chelsea song about him

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      MARC CUCURELLA does have massive hair but he doesn’t like lager . . . That simple message is unlikely to prompt a rethink of the chant being sung in praise of the Spanish defender having frizzy locks and a thirst for Estrella, who has become an acquired taste like the famous beer from his homeland.Marc Cucurella has transformed his Chelsea fortunesCredit: GettyBoss Enzo Maresca has pushed Cucurella up into a more adventurous roleCredit: RexAfter a difficult start  at Stamford Bridge, Cucurella is regarded as a versatile left-back and goalscoring midfielder.Blues fans have been loving his displays as they sing: ‘He eats paella, he drinks Estrella, his hair’s f***ing massive.’That chant in his honour — to the tune of La Bamba —  has come from the stands more frequently in recent weeks.Grinning widely, Cucurella, 26, joked: “I don’t like Estrella, I don’t like the beer, I don’t like wine. I tried it but don’t like it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“For a Spanish person it is strange  — but it’s the truth. I only like vodka.”There is no doubt that despite the jokes and even though he does not like wine, the dedicated pro has matured like a good vintage from any vineyard back home.A burglary at his home soon after  joining Chelsea in August 2022 hampered  attempts to settle in — but that is in the distant past now.Cucurella is quite short — a half pint if you like — but  is full  of character and spikiness when it comes to the Chelsea cause.Most read in FootballCucurella says he knows his quality and ‘my family believe in me’Credit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt is a huge turnaround from his  first season when personal problems and the transition of leaving Brighton to become a key signing in an experimental, but expensive squad  affected his  confidence.The £55million transfer fee was  questioned. His quality and durability doubted. ‘I played five minutes and it was my fault’ – Chelsea star opens up on horror season after big money transfer But Cucurella is now a major weapon in the Chelsea armoury.He has scored six goals this season — impressive for a full-back. And all coming since mid-December when head coach Enzo Maresca began tinkering with his team and pushed Cucurella upfield.He now slots in midfield when Chelsea are on the offensive and has scored twice as many goals as star forward Cole Palmer since that point in time when the manager switched tactics.Ahead of hosting Liverpool on Sunday, Cucurella said: “I feel very proud because when I joined  it was tough.“It was my first season and I tried to work hard, not say anything, work in silence. “I know my qualities, my family believe in me. So I try to work hard every day, show my qualities in training.“And then when I have the opportunity, I try to do it in the games. Now  my team-mates and  staff give me  confidence.”Cucurella is urging team-mates to use the awkward moment of forming a guard of honour for Liverpool as inspiration  for future glory.Tradition demands the newly-crowned Premier League champions are afforded an official tribute from their next  opponents after winning the title.It is a painful experience applauding  a rival team but defender Cucurella hopes it can put fire in the bellies of  the Chelsea players dreaming of one  day being on the receiving end.The Spaniard said: “They deserve it because they have been there all season.  If we need to do it, we do it.“This is before the game. It is a process and is not important.“Once the game starts we go for our objectives. We try to fight with everything and fight for the three points.“I don’t remember doing one before, this is the first time. Hopefully, we can have this as well in the next few years.“It’s what we are fighting for and  what we are trying to do.”We train every day for winning every game, for playing these important games… and we start to build something important.Marc CucurellaChelsea players had to endure the embarrassment of forming a guard  of honour at Stamford Bridge when Leicester won the title in 2016.Blues stars such as Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and Cesar Azpilicueta were forced to bow down before the Foxes on their home turf.Not easy for a bunch of players who were ruthless and serial winners — a mentality that current Blues boss Maresca is trying to reintroduce.First step is bidding to win the Conference League — and Chelsea have one foot in the final after trouncing hopeless Swedes Djurgardens 4-1 on Thursday in their semi-final first leg.And Cucurella added: “We train every day for winning every game, for playing these important games, reach finals, play for titles.“This is our main objective and we start to build something important.”Liverpool have lost only two Premier League games on their march to a record-equalling 20th league title.Read More on The SunChelsea are 22 points adrift of them, have suffered eight losses in the league and  dropped points against lowly teams like relegated Ipswich.Maresca is sweating on the fitness of keeper Robert Sanchez while he has been monitoring forward  Christopher Nkunku ahead of this afternoon’s game. More