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      ‘He tried to be the best, but unfortunately…’ – Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-team-mate doesn’t hold back in Messi GOAT row

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      ANGEL DI MARIA shared his strong view on the heated GOAT row between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Di Maria, 37, has played with both Ronaldo, 40, and Messi, 37, throughout his celebrated career.Angel Di Maria addressed the GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyBenfica star Di Maria played with Ronaldo at Real MadridCredit: AFPDi Maria has also competed with Messi at ArgentinaCredit: AFPThe Benfica star spent four years with CR7 at Real Madrid and 16 years with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at Argentina – one of which also saw them linking up at Paris Saint-Germain.And after spending almost two decades with both football legends, the Manchester United flop is adamant fellow Argentine great Messi is the all-time best.The winger addressed Ronaldo’s recent interview on LaSexta where he once more stated his assertion that he is the greatest.However, the ex-Argentina international insists the numbers beg to differ as Messi has won everything and has more Ballon d’Or honours compared to the Portugal captain’s five.Read More on FootballThe ex-Juventus star admits Ronaldo is also one of the greatest players, but was born “at a bad time” when his biggest rival was “touched by the magic wand”.Di Maria told Infobae: “I already know him [Ronaldo], I was with him for four years. “I’m not surprised by Cristiano’s statements, he always made those statements, he wanted to impose what he wants to be , what he always tried to be, to be the best.”He was born in a generation… at a bad time when another one was born who was touched by the magic wand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It shows in numbers, it shows in everything. One having eight Ballon d’Ors, the other five, there is a very big difference. “Having been world champion is another very big difference, one having two Copa Americas and the other only one Euro Cup is also a big difference.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ “There are many differences, many. And then, you see it in the games, do you understand me? “You see it in every minute of the game that one makes an effort in everything and the other plays as if he were in the backyard.”Everyone knows what Leo is going to do and he hits the same goal as always and keeps doing it. “He’s been doing the same thing for 18 or 20 years and everyone says, ‘You know what he’s going to do’. “Well, go mark him if you know what he’s going to do. And he does the same. “And he’ll still be 40 years old and he’ll still be doing tiki taka, tiki taka. That’s how it is, but Cris is like that too, he always declared himself that way, he was always the same. “For me Leo is the best in the world and the best in history without a doubt and then we’re at Benfica and he [Cristiano] is from the rival [Sporting Lisbon].”Ronaldo recently stated his assertion that he’s the best of all timeCredit: APDi Maria is adamant Messi is the greatest of all timeCredit: Alamy More

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      FA Cup TV games CONFIRMED with Plymouth fans facing nightmare journey home from Man City clash

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      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE fans face a nightmare journey home from Manchester after the next round of FA Cup TV games were confirmed.The remaining eight fixtures are set to take place on the first weekend of March.TV games for the next round of the FA Cup have been revealedCredit: ReutersAnd the FA Cup fifth round games have now been divvied up between national broadcasters ITV and the BBC.But Argyle fans will be feeling hard done by after their trip to Manchester City, a reward for KO’ing Liverpool, was given a 5.45pm kick-off time by ITV4 on Saturday March 1.The journey up from the south west alone will take nearly six hours.And supporters face being stranded in Manchester overnight, with the final train back to Plymouth leaving at 6.25pm — 40 minutes after kick-off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe train doesn’t even get back to Devon until nearly midnight.And it means any fan who wants to catch it will likely be unlikely to see more than a few minutes of the game, given the 1.4 mile distance between the Etihad and Manchester Piccadilly station.Man City vs Plymouth is just one of FOUR matches taking place on Saturday March 1.Crystal Palace vs Millwall kicks off at 12.15pm on BBC One.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile Preston vs Burnley starts at the same time on BBC iPlayer.Bournemouth vs Wolves is also taking place at 3pm.Alex Scott given a fright by BBC presenter’s comment after picking last ball of FA Cup draw But it is the one game of the weekend that will NOT be on TV, and has instead been selected as the featured broadcast for BBC Radio 5 Live.The day before, Friday February 28, sees Aston Villa host Cardiff at 8pm on ITV1.Sunday March 2 then boasts Newcastle vs Brighton, which kicks off at 1.45pm on ITV1.That game is later followed by Man United vs Fulham at 4.30pm on BBC One.And the last match of the round features Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich on Monday March 3, which kicks off at 7.30pm on ITV4.FA Cup fifth round fixtures in fullFRIDAY 28 FEBRUARYAston Villa v. Cardiff City at 20:00 GMT on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV PlayerSATURDAY 1 MARCHCrystal Palace v. Millwall at 12:15 GMT on BBC One and BBC iPlayerPreston North End v. Burnley at 12:15 GMT on BBC iPlayerAFC Bournemouth v. Wolverhampton Wanderers at 15:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 LiveManchester City v. Plymouth Argyle at 17:45 GMT on ITV4 and ITVXSUNDAY 2 MARCHNewcastle United v. Brighton & Hove Albion at 13:45 GMT on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV PlayerManchester United v. Fulham at 16:30 GMT on BBC One and BBC iPlayerMONDAY 3 MARCHNottingham Forest v. Ipswich Town at 19:30 GMT on ITV4 and ITVX More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury

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      OLEKSANDR USYK forgives Tyson Fury’s bad behaviour and lack of respect because all his other Brit opponents have shown good grace.The Gypsy King was all kisses and cuddles after losing their first Undisputed heavyweight decider last May.Tyson Fury was pally pally with Oleksandr Usyk after losing their first showdownCredit: GETTYHe was less so after being bested in their rematch last DecemberCredit: GettyThe Wythenshawe warrior was a bad sport after his second straight loss to the UkrainianCredit: PAUsyk bears no ill will to the Gypsy King after sharing the ring with him for 24 roundsBut when he lost another points decision in December, he was a bad sport afterwards.After 24 thrilling rounds, the aftermath would have been the perfect time for Fury to credit the man he dismissed as a “blown up middleweight” as the finest big man of his generation.Unlike previously bested Englishmen Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua, Fury failed to credit Usyk’s incredible skill, courage and boxing CV in the post-fight press conference, instead blaming a robbery on poor scoring.But Ukraine’s 38-year-old ice man has forgiven the sulking hot head who he beat into a hasty retirement.READ MORE BOXING NEWS“I respect Tyson,” he told SunSport on a whizz around the London Eye.“I think me and Tyson respect each other. ‘Greedy Belly’ has been my best opponent and my best friend.“It doesn’t matter, it’s just bad behaviour.“My other opponents have shown good behaviour and respect, we have a fight and then we have no problem. It’s just sport.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“But Tyson didn’t show respect and that’s OK, no problem.“It’s just a problem for Tyson, not for me.Tyson Fury breaks silence on Oleksandr Usyk defeat in angry backstage rant after storming out of ring“I respect my opponents and for me that’s very important.”On Thursday of fight week, the pair endured a record-breaking 12-minute face-off where Fury towered over his rival, ranted about butchering Usyk and barked that he was a “bug-eyed b******” and a “f***ing rat”.Fury fans thought their bushy-bearded hero was perfectly poised on the warpath.But a look across the Riyadh stage at grinning little Usyk told us that the cheeky southpaw had already won the mind games and would complete the double in the ring.Usyk remembers the one-way trash-talk marathon with a smile and reckons Fury dressed up his diatribe with a pair of high heels.“When we had our last face-to-face I got a sore neck from being so close and having to look up at him,” he told us.“I thought, ‘What is going on? It should not be like this.’“But I think that Tyson had big shoes on.“After we did about 10 minutes of staring and everyone was shouting around us.”My team were holding onto the back of my jacket and pulling me back and away. But I told them I was relaxed.“After 12 minutes, my mind was just whirring about my life, my fights, my friends, my mind works at speed.“When Tyson was calling me names, I just thought, ‘Good, we go to work.’Oleksandr Usyk has landed Tyson Fury as his best opponentCredit: GETTY“The stuff that happens before the fight is just for show.”SunSport endured a scorching hot Ukrainian sauna with Chisora last month where he pointed out that Usyk has left his UK opponents with PTSD.Bellew and Fury retired after Usyk defeats, Joshua had an emotional breakdown and Daniel Dubois surrendered in the ring after a stiff jab.Usyk nods when reminded of his fighting feats and Del Boy’s praise but refuses to celebrate them.When asked how he has left so many bigger and stronger men shellshocked, he says: “I don’t know, I really don’t know, I have no idea.“Maybe because I win? But Derek is a great man.Oleksandr Usyk twice beat Anthony Joshua on his way to undisputed gloryCredit: GETTYUsyk is a big fan of former foe Derek Chisora and was at his UK swansong earlier this monthCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING“I am proud of my family and of my team. What I do in boxing is just sport.”Last year, proud Cossack Usyk told us his favourite ancestral warrior was Ivan ‘The Wolf’ Sirko, whose moustache and haircut he has regularly recreated.The military leader was so feared and idolised that after his death, his army impaled his hands on spikes and carried them into battles high above their heads.SunSport hopes Usyk now has a dream to be revered in a similar style by his legions of fans in the future now his name is etched into history as a London 2012 gold winner, undisputed cruiserweight king and undisputed heavyweight boss.READ MORE SUN STORIESTypically he floors us with a trademark dash of modesty.“It doesn’t matter how I am remembered in 100 years,” he says. “Because I will not be there to see it.” More

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      Michael Noonan’s mam shares hilarious ‘back to school’ snap hours after Shamrock Rovers teen makes football history

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      MICHAEL Noonan is back hitting the books this morning after hitting the back of the net on Thursday evening.The teen prodded home the winner for Shamrock Rovers in Norway yet was back in Dublin by last night.To top it all off, it was his debut for the Tallaght outfit after recently joining from St Patrick’s AthleticWe imagine all of that adrenaline made sleeping on the flight back rather trickyCredit: @sandie_noonanHis proud mother Sandie shared the evidence on social media, captioning the above snap: “And back to school he goes…”In the immediate aftermath of his winner in the first leg of Rovers’ Europa Conference League tie with Molde, she’d exclaimed: “I think it’s safe to say I’m the proudest Mam in the whole world tonight!”In bagging the game’s only goal, Michael made European club footballing history.He became the youngest scorer in modern UEFA club competitions – since group stages began in 1991 and not including preliminary rounds – at 16 years and 197 days.Even playing in Europe in February is uncharted territory for a League of Ireland club as the Hoops became the first side to progress beyond the group stage.And now they face Molde next Thursday in Tallaght with a one-goal advantage and a great chance to continue going where no Irish club has gone before.That the match winner was Noonan was a fairytale story.Stattos had to dig deep to find a younger scorer in Europe with Nii Lampty being 16 years and 78 days when scored for Anderlecht in 1991 before group stages existed.Most read in FootballHis inclusion just a few weeks after his move from St Patrick’s Athletic was a big call by Stephen Bradley but he declared in advance that the teenager was ready.And he never looked out of place as he ran the line well, and got one Molde player booked and another sent off when cynically brought down during the first half. ‘You’re in cuckoo land’ – Roy Keane lays into Ian Wright claiming James Maddison is Tottenham’s missing linkValdemar Lund could have no complaints when he dived in to bring down the striker when the last man.But the goal scored was all about Shamrock Rovers the team rather than just the boy wonder.With the man advantage, the Hoops were hunting the ball in all areas of the pitch as Molde looked to slow the game down to get some control.And it paid off for the Hoops on 27 minutes as they pressed high on the right as Dylan Watts chased midfielder Mats Moller Daehli all the way back into his own penalty area.As his goalkeeper moved out to make an angle for a pass, Watts pounced to win possession and fire into the six-yard box.And there was Noonan to do what he has done all the way through academy football and tap the ball home.He celebrated in front of the 200 Shamrock Rovers that had travelled over with them.READ MORE SUN STORIESWatts also got plenty of plaudits on what turned out to be a night to remember for the Hoops.Back home, the likes of Des Cahill have led the mind-blown online reaction to Noonan now holding such an incredible slice of the footballing record books. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Emotions got the better of me’ – Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on red card controversy and mystery over ban

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      ARNE SLOT has broken his silence after being sent off following Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Everton. The league leaders looked moments away from going nine points clear after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah. Arne Slot broke his silence after being sent off following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at EvertonMichael Oliver sent Arne Slot off after Liverpool’s draw with EvertonCredit: ReutersCurtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were sent off for their clashCredit: ReutersBut in the EIGHTH minute of stoppage time, Everton defender James Tarkowski hammered home a last-gasp leveller. It sent Goodison Park into a frenzy – but the drama was not over there. Abdoulaye Doucoure would goad the travelling Liverpool support – sparking a clash with Curtis Jones. And both were sent off after they started a mass brawl between opposing players of the Merseyside rivals. READ MORE IN football Anfield boss Slot was also shown red for his involvement in the chaos – and he then skipped the post-match press conference. But ahead of Liverpool’s home game with Wolves on Sunday, the Dutch manager spoke out but refused to give details over his ban. He said: “There’s an ongoing process now and I think I have to respect that we have to respect that so can’t go into details. “What happened was that the extra time, five minutes that ended up being eight, happens a lot. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The emotions go the better of me. I would love to do it differently and am looking to do it differently next time as well, but I don’t want to disturb the ongoing process.”The Premier League deleted a statement suggesting Slot will face a two-match touchline ban for alleged “offensive, insulting, or abusive language”.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card So the process is still under review meaning the Dutchman could be in the Liverpool dugout over the weekend while the investigation carries on. But Jones will miss the match following two yellow cards. Slot added: “The good thing is we have played so many games. He got a second yellow I assume so that’s only one game. “Next Wednesday there is a game, he comes back from an injury so he already missed a few games.”I liked him a lot when he came on. It was our best part of the game, the only part of the game where I felt a bit of comfort and where it felt like a bit of control. That is maybe because we went 2-1 up.”I like a lot that he stands up for the team but I think there are also other ways to do that for the team and the fans. “I will talk with him about that. But it is the same for me, I should have acted differently after the game as well.”But it is an emotional game and sometimes people make the wrong decisions in an emotional moment and that’s what I did.”With Jones also out, Liverpool face more injury misery with Cody Gakpo to be sidelined along with Joe Gomez is out and Tyler Morton. READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot said: “Joe Gomez is out and Tyler Morton is out. Cody is a bit of a doubt as well, so let’s wait [to see] how he is today.”I had to take him off because of an injury, because he got a knock, so let’s see how he is today.” More

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      Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson wanted by Atletico Madrid with two Premier League rivals ready to do battle for transfer

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      ATLETICO MADRID are plotting an ambitious summer move for Nicolas Jackson – but could face competition from TWO Premier League sides.The Chelsea striker, who is currently injured, has performed well this season bagging nine Premier League goals so far.Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Nicolas JacksonCredit: GettyBut there is still a question mark over whether he has the quality to lead Chelsea back to the top of the table which remains the west London club’s ultimate ambition.The Blues have been linked with moves for a new striker.And if they do enter the transfer market in the summer for a No9 it could push Jackson towards the exit.Atletico have long admired the player and the Spanish giants would be at the front of the queue should he become available.Read More in FootballBut SunSport understands Aston Villa and Newcastle are also monitoring developments.Aston Villa know that they face a fight to keep hold of their forward Ollie Watkins in the summer, with Arsenal keen to resurrect a deal for the player.And Alexander Isak could leave St James’ Park if Eddie Howe can’t deliver Champions League football.Earlier this month SunSport revealed that Newcastle were monitoring potential replacements. Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert is firmly on their radar.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJackson has scored nine Prem goals this seasonThey’ve watched the Cherries striker several times this season and believe he could be persuaded to follow in his father’s footsteps, Patrick Kluivert, who was a favourite on Tyneside.But Jackson, a proven Premier League goalscorer, would also appeal to Newcastle and they are closely monitoring developments.Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in face More

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      Nuno Espirito Santo named Premier League’s most-loved boss on Valentine’s Day.. but it’s bad news for Ange Postecoglou

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      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO has been named the Premier League’s most-loved manager. The Portuguese coach has plenty to smile about with his Nottingham Forest side still sitting third in the table. Nuno Espirito Santo has been named the Premier League’s most-loved managerCredit: RexThomas Frank was not far behindCredit: GettyAnd according to date collected by Heart Bingo on Valentine’s Day, Nuno has the highest share of positive posts on social media. It makes him the most beloved Prem boss on social media, with a 25 per cent positivity score. Just behind on 21 per cent was Brentford’s Thomas Frank with the returning Graham Potter – at West Ham – not far off with 18 per cent. It is not so pleasant viewing for under-fire Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, though. READ MORE IN footballHe ranks near the bottom with just eight per cent of positive posts – with 35 per cent negative. But rock bottom sits Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna – who came to the English top-flight with a stellar reputation. The Prem new-boys have struggled and stand second to bottom. McKenna appears to have taken the brunt of that with just four per cent of positive social media posts. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIpswich were promoted after coming second in the Championship last season – and McKenna believes he still has a winning side. He said: “I’ve said before I know how good a lot of the work is here. ‘You’re in cuckoo land’ – Roy Keane lays into Ian Wright claiming James Maddison is Tottenham’s missing link”I know the team that we’ve been and the team that we want to be again, but I also know the challenge that we have of the jump that we’ve made and how quickly it’s been made. “The chance to go up against good Championship opposition and what that entails and the feel of that game then is a good little confidence booster, even for people in the building, on some of the work that’s going on, some of the improvement that’s being made, but it’s hard to show it against Liverpool, against Man City, against some of the toughest games you have. “And with their being fewer games in the Premier League, it’s hard to always get the validation of the improvements that are being made for a group like ours. The couple of games in the cup have been good for that.”Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich are facing Prem relegationCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I did little there but he treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo’ – Former Man Utd star reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s class

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      FORMER Manchester United star Giuseppe Rossi has lifted the lid on Sir Alex Ferguson’s humble man-management style.Rossi will reunite with his old boss at the ex-striker’s farewell match in Italy next month.Giuseppe Rossi remains close with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyThe legendary boss gave Rossi his first career debut in 2004Credit: Getty – ContributorFormer Italy international Rossi has organised a game dubbed ‘Pepito Day’ to honour his retirement next month.And Ferguson, 83, will allegedly return to the dugout for the ceremonial one-off match in Florence on March 22.Rossi revealed that Ferguson showed his eternal class by immediately agreeing to help out.The 38-year-old said: “I did little at United but he treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 1,000 goals.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Ferguson will be there (at his farewell match) as a coach. He was my first coach, I signed when I was 17.”I only did three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes and this shows what kind of person he is.”Ferguson has a paternal relationship with Ronaldo, which blossomed after bringing him to the club in 2003.The five-time Ballon d’Or star previously said: “Sir Alex is like a father in football for me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, he’s an unbelievable person.”Rossi made only 14 appearances for United, with four goals before moving on to Villarreal.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson The striker would have successful stints in Spain and Italy, for the likes of Fiorentina before moving to MLS with Real Salt Lake.Rossi – who was born in New Jersey but raised in Italy – left America for SPAL in Italy before announcing his football retirement in 2023.His main dilemma was breaking up the prolific partnership between Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney at the time.Rossi – who joined United’s youth system from Parma – said Ferguson’s close relationships with players made him “unique” as a manager.He told LaLiga: “He was very unique in the way that he is able to protect his players off the field, he treats you as if you’re his own kid. “He protects you. He is someone that really cares for his players. It was a pleasure for me. It’s hard to compare Sir Alex to anyone.”The ex-Fiorentina star’s “last dance” will be at the Stadio Franchi Stadium and has been dubbed ‘Pepito Day’.READ MORE SUN STORIESLuca Toni, Antonio Cassano, Sebastien Frey, Borja Valero and Gabriel Omar Batistuta will be among the former players taking part.Meanwhile, Ferguson recently got together with United cult hero Nani while on holiday in Portugal. More