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      in Soccer

      Newcastle star Joe Willock hit by vile racist abuse online after Fulham defeat as he tells thug ‘I hope you find God’

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      NEWCASTLE star Joe Willock has spoken out against the vile racist abuse hurled at him after his side’s loss to Fulham.The Magpies went into half-time in the lead but saw their Champions League hopes take a massive blow as they collapsed 2-1 to a resurgent Fulham side.Joe Willock in action against Fulham yesterdayCredit: AlamyHe shared racist messages he received after Newcastle’s gameCredit: InstagramThe Newcastle star hit back after the disgusting abuseCredit: InstagramWillock was a second-half substitute in the game and nearly made an immediate impact but missed a magnificent chance while the scores were level.But the Newcastle star was hit by a torrent of disgusting racist abuse after the full-time whistle had blown yesterday.Willock shared the disgusting messages on his Instagram story along with the caption: “I hope you find God bro.”One cowardly user said: “You cant score from such position? Black n****.”Read More in FootballA second wrote: “Black slave bast***, you trash bast*** who causes trouble wherever you go.”The disgusting user also threatened harm against Willock’s family.The Sun has chosen not to include all of the abhorrent abuse sent to the Newcastle midfielder.Willock saw out the rest of the game after coming on but it wasn’t to be his day.Most read in FootballThe Newcastle star looked a forlorn figure at full-time as he wiped sweat off his face with his shirt following the loss.He has already racked up 28 games this year and the box-to-box midfielder has managed to score one goal and record two assists.Newcastle looked to be cruising to an eighth league win out of nine after Jacob Murphy had given them a half-time lead.Instead, a sloppy display after the break cost them as Raul Jimenez levelled before Muniz’s late dagger through the heart.Suspended Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes shares heartwarming clip celebrating famous win in his living room with his sonThe Brazilian came off the bench to turn in a free-kick from fellow substitute Andreas Pereira eight minutes from time to give the Cottagers their first away win at Newcastle in 16 years.Fulham’s second-half fightback has them dreaming of Europe once again after their super-sub’s dramatic winner.The Cottagers are now back looking up the table after bouncing back from last week’s loss to Manchester United.But a second-straight home defeat was the worst possible preparation for the Magpies ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Arsenal.The hosts were left to rue missed chances as Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak both struck the woodwork for the visitors as well as Willock’s miss.Newcastle fell to a second consecutive home defeat, having been thrashed 4-1 to Bournemouth last month.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Magpies will face champion Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and leader Liverpool in its next three league outings.Howe must now lift his troops to defend their 2-0 advantage against the Gunners and seal a date with destiny at Wembley.Willock arriving for Saturday’s gameCredit: RexWillock cuts a forlorn figure after the defeatCredit: GettyFulham star Raul Jimenez equalised against NewcastleCredit: ReutersThe Cottagers then dealt Newcastle a severe blow to their Champions League hopesCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Three reasons Marcus Rashford chose Aston Villa with Man Utd ace previously expecting transfer to European giant

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      MANCHESTER UNITED wantaway star Marcus Rashford is close to finalising a loan move to Aston Villa.United boss Ruben Amorim has frozen Rashford out of his squad and suggested he is so unhappy with the way the player trains that he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than him.Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is on the verge of joining Aston VillaCredit: GettyRashford expected interest from Europe’s top clubs after being frozen out at Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd now the star forward is on the brink of completing a loan move to Villa until the end of the season.The Villans are reportedly covering the majority of Rashford’s staggering £325,000-a-week wages and are also offering performance-related bonuses.The England international appears keen on the move as there was a lack of expected interest from top European clubs.Plus, Villa would be able to offer the 27-year-old Champions League football while maintaining his high wages.Read More on Man UtdA United insider said: “Marcus always said he would never play for another club in England because he is a United fan.“He started to think he needed to move earlier this season and wanted to go to a big European club.“The reality is he’s not had the interest he expected. Villa first showed a tentative interest in him last November.“Amorim has made it very clear he has no future at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Villa have managed to offer him two things — keeping his wage the same and Champions League football.”Rashford hasn’t played for United since December 12 with Amorim leaving him out of the squad for every game since apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonThe versatile winger was told he would never play for Man Utd again as long as the Portuguese tactician is in charge. More

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      in Boxing

      Adam Azim vs Sergey Lipinets LIVE RESULTS: Assassin scores BRILLIANT TKO win despite two low blow deductions

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      ADAM AZIM scored a brilliant TKO win over Sergey Lipinets as he overcame the toughest test of his career.The build up to the super-lightweight fight descended into chaos with BOTH fighters initially missing the weight before making it.Azim dominated the fight but had to overcome a bit of adversity as he was docked TWO points for continuous low blows.The Assassin, 22, let out a roar at the end of the fight as he was held aloft by trainer Shane McGuigan.Start time: From 7pmMain event Expected 10pmTV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports + and Sky Sports Main EventCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the updates below…Azim on his performanceIn his post-fight interview, Azim said: “The first knockdown, I dint know I hit him. I had to be patient. “To be world class, you have to be patient. He’s a very big puncher and I’ve got so much respect for him.”He was going really low, I couldn’t see where his belt was, he was small, it was so hard for me to place the shot. “But I had to stop them, Shane said ‘if you do that again, I’ll make you do 100 burpees in the gym’.”I was working on inside fighting with Shane in the gym. It’s really hard to see Lipinets go like that.”Copy linkCopiedJohnny Nelson Former world champ Nelson told Sky Sports: “What a disciplined mature performance. “Cool, patient, kept his pace.”Adam stayed disciplined and let the shots go. He had to be careful as Lipinets tried to throw over the top.”But I though, you have now graduated.”Copy linkCopiedMore from AzimHe said: “My performance was great, I had to keep calm.“I had to be patient at this world-class level.“I broke him down, he was really dangerous at the start and I respect him so much.“It was upsetting to see Lipinets go out like that because he is a legend.“Dalton Smith better be watching because I am coming for him. You aint that good.“That fight is marinating and when I fight him, I will teach him a lesson.”Copy linkCopiedDalton Smith next?Adam Azim had one name on his mind for his next fight…”Dalton Smith you better watch out mate – I’m coming baby,” he said.”When I do fight him I’m going to teach him a lesson!”Copy linkCopiedAzim roarsShane McGuigan jumps into the ring and lifts Azim off his feet as The Assassin looks delighted!He jumps onto the canvas and punches the ground, letting out a huge roar – he’s delighted with that one!Copy linkCopiedAzim wins!Superb win from Adam Azim and – we must stay – an excellent intervention from the referee.That was only going one way and he stopped it before Lipinets could take serious damage.What a brilliant win and the 22-year-old’s star continues to rise.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R9Azim steams out of the corner and lands three massive uppercuts to start the round!The crowd are on their feet!Azim lands a couple more and Lipinets refuses to go down – but it’s clear this is over, the ref is in and ENDS it!Azim wins!Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R8Azim does forget the downstairs and lands a beautiful uppercut that shook Lipinets.Now it’s Lipinets’ turn to throw a low blow and send Azim walking away to the corner.Hurting the rhythm of the fight this is, but Azim is still looking very good.Lipinets is starting to lose a bit of steam in this fight, Azim looks much more comfortable .They go in close again and Azim catches him with a beautiful uppercut that has the crowd purring.Azim then sends Lipinets stumbling with another big right but the Kazakh has a quick jog but stays on his feet!Azim chases him but the bell just comes in time to save Lipinets.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R7Azim goes for a different look in the round – he’s spent most of the fight so far keeping Lipinets ar distance.But Azim gets straight into the phonebox with his opponent and goes head-to-head, shoulder-to-shoulder with Lipinets – and looks good doing it.Just as he’s looking comfortable, oh dead – yet ANOTHER low blow.This one sends Lipinets to the floor and the ref has no option but to take yet another point from Azim.Azim is well ahead on rounds, and has the knockdown, but taking points off his score is making this much closer than it needs to be.After the break, Azim returns to the pocket and has the better of the exchanges.Another round in. In the corner and trainer Shane McGuigan sends a very clear message: “It’s done now… stop going downstairs.”Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R6Lipinets comes in for an exchange and Azim lands a nice uppercut, overhand left combo, although it isn’t flush and the damage is minimal.He next lands that left counter-hook with textbook precision and looks like Azim is just trying to push the pace.Notably, he hasn’t thrown as many body shots in that round as he did previously – the referee’s words are probably ringing in his ears.Great work from The Assassin and, for me, that’s another round in the books.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R5Scrappy round from both fighters there.Lipinets is trying to pick up his own tempo but Azim doesn’t react and just backs off to stay in control.Lipinets continues to walk forward but Azim plants a lovely counter on him to make him think twice about that next time.Yet ANOTHER low blow comes in and Lipinets is given yet more time to recover.No point off that time but there is a very strict word for Azim – that will be another point off next time, the ref says.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R4Azim measured to start the fourth, he’s not quite unloading or looking for the kill just yet.That left hook to the body proves fruitful again before the ref then has to give Azim another warning about going too low – he’s got to be careful with that.More good stuff here as he lands a lovely uppercut and then goes close with a viscous left that just misses its target.Azim plants his feet and lets off a three-punch combo – glancing blocking.Oh no – well, there you go – another low blow from Azim sends Lipinets walking away into the corner.The ref has had enough of it and takes a point off Azim. Let’s hope that’s not too costly.Azim has won all four rounds, including a 10-8 in round three, but that round will have to be scored 9-9.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R3Azim has just upped the pace a little bit and Lipinets in that high guard is leaving the body open again and again.Azim smashes in a lovely left hook to the body that has Lipinets just grimacing for a brief moment.Lipinets continues to come forward though – and that proves his undoing!Azim smashes out a beautiful counter-left that puts Lipinets onto his back.He beats the count but Azim is now smelling blood here!Lipinets survives the round but Azim will fancy a KO very soon.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R2The second starts much the same as the first, with both men pawing out some jabs as they just work each other out.Azim unloads a right but doesn’t catch flush and then catches Lipinets with a nice left to the body.Lipinets has a very high and tight guard and is throwing out a crisp jab.But that leaves his body slightly open and Azim lands a night right to the mid-section.Azim throws out another low jab and Lipinets turns to the ref – and Azim gets another word.2-0 to the Brit on my card.Copy linkCopiedAzim vs Lipinets – R1We’re underway at Wembley Arena! Lipinets gets off to a positive start with a couple of nice jabs and feints before Azim throws out a couple of jabs of his own just to test his opponent.The 22-year-old rising star is going to the body early and continually here – and the ref tells him to be a bit careful with one of those as it was a bit low.Nice round of Azim who unloads a quick one-two at the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedAzim entranceAdam Azim is now in the ring as well, let’s get ready for action.Copy linkCopiedRing walk timeHere we go! Sergey Lipinets is making his way to the ring now – we’re less than 10 minutes away!Copy linkCopiedAmir Khan and Shawn Porter ringsideSky Sports had a quick word with two boxing legends.Khan said: “I think it’s a massive fight for Adam.”It’s a big test, Lipinets is a tasty fighter.”He needs to stick to the game plan and I think he gets it done.”Second British-Pakistani world champion, how good does that sound?”Porter added: “He’s making a splash in the States – not too big, we’ve got to give him some time.”But this fight will get him some looks.”Copy linkCopiedThe main eventSadly, Wally has to trot off and right a big fight report – which means I’m behind the wheel for the big one.We’re not far away now. Just time to make a cup of tea I reckon.Copy linkCopiedBarnstormerThe British and Commonwealth champ says: “I coped alright, I got caught with a few daft shots because I was too eager.”My coach has already told me I am in trouble when I am next in training.”Fair play to him, he was a soldier, he lived up to his nickname and was tough.”I didn’t perform as well as I can but I got the job done and my brilliant fans have made a 400-mile round trip.”Copy linkCopiedElvis sure can danceAhorgah may have lost to Callum Simpson but he made a lasting impressive…Copy linkCopiedSimpson wins TKO R5The Barnsley champ lands a few clips clean but they only encourage Ahorgah.The challenger never stops marching forward but he walks on to a hook that rocks him to the floor.Elvis bounces back up to his feet by Simpson steams in and drops him again before the ref waves it off.Copy linkCopiedSimpson v Ahorgah R4Ahorgah looked a novice push-over in the first round but he has grown into a serious threat.Simpson lands plenty but cannot put a dent in the Ghana brawler.Callum Simpson is going to need to be more clever and varied if he is going to stop this super-fit and durable character.Copy linkCopiedSimpson v Ahorgah R3Elvis is a showman!Ahorgah throws a couple of crazy haymakers and then showboats with a lairy shuffle.Simpson is in with a live opponent and they are going to war.Ahorgah whacks himself around the head a couple of times and attacks again.Ahorgah spots a US boxing legend in the front row of the crowd and yells “SHAWN PORTER!” just before the bell goes!Copy linkCopiedSimpson v Ahorgah R2Ahorgah leaps in with a lead left hook but Simpson blocks it.The challenger tries the Tyson-esque blow again but gets whacked back.Ahorgah backs off and orders Simpson to attack him, then hurls another left hook his way.Simpson needs to be careful because this rough and raw challenger is unpredictable.Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford told he will never play for Man Utd again while Ruben Amorim is manager

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      MANCHESTER UNITED wantaway star Marcus Rashford has been told he will never play at Old Trafford while Ruben Amorim is manager.Rashford, 27, hasn’t played for United since December 12 with Amorim leaving him out of the squad for every game since apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is close to moving to Aston VillaCredit: GettyRashford was told he will never play at Man Utd under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyThe forward admitted last month he is “ready for a new challenge” and the Portuguese tactician suggested he is so unhappy with the way the player trains he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than him.And now the England international is on the brink of completing a loan move to Aston Villa.Villa are reportedly covering the majority of Rashford’s whopping £325,000-a-week wages and are also offering performance-related bonuses.There will be an option for the Villans to buy the winger included in the deal with Man Utd.Read More on Man UtdIf Rashford moves to Villa Park, then he will get the chance to continue performing at top level in the Premier League and Champions League, something that was impossible under Amorim.A United insider told SunSport it had been made clear to Rashford he would not play for the Red Devils again while the 40-year-old head coach was at the helm.A source said: “Marcus always said he would never play for another club in England because he is a United fan.“He started to think he needed to move earlier this season and wanted to go to a big European club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The reality is he’s not had the interest he expected. Villa first showed a tentative interest in him last November.“Amorim has made it very clear he has no future at Old Trafford.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to Carrington“Villa have managed to offer him two things — keeping his wage the same and Champions League football.” More

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      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford’s England future revealed as Thomas Tuchel holds talks after Man Utd axe

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      New England boss Thomas Tuchel has given Marcus Rashford hope that he can regain his England place if he plays regularly.Rash, 27, was left out of the Euro 2024 squad by ex-boss Gareth Southgate.Marcus Rashford’s England career could be handed a lifelineCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel has told Rashford his plans for him in his Three Lions squadCredit: GettyBut Tuchel is a big fan of the out of favour Man Utd striker.A source told The Sun: “Tuchel told Marcus and his representatives he saw Marcus as an essential part of the England squad going forward.”Rashford has played 60 times for the Three Lions – netting 17 times for his country.However, his career with England hasn’t always gone to plan.Read more football newsHe appeared as a sub in the final of Euro 2020 against Italy in the closing moments of extra time.In the resulting penalty shootout, Rashford saw his spot kick strike a post and go wide.Italy went on to win the tournament at Wembley Stadium, after Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka also missed from 12-yards.After the game, Rashford and his peers were subjected to vile racial slurs on social media.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile a street mural honouring him in Withington, Manchester was vandalised.And after a splendid World Cup campaign in 2022, Rashford wasn’t picked at all for last summer’s Euro 2024 squad.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonThe striker is set to leave his boyhood club Manchester United, after being frozen out by new boss Ruben Amorim.Aston Villa are on the brink of landing the £325,000-per-week star on loan.Barcelona were also said to be looking to strike a deal before Monday’s transfer deadline – but have been beaten to the punch by Unai Emery’s side.Rashford has been omitted from the Red Devils squad for the past 12 games.As The Sun exclusively revealed, Amorim’s sour relationship with the player can be traced back to before his third game in charge against Everton on December 1.Rashford scored twice in a 4-0 win, but he has been named in just one starting line-up since then.A problem came to a head prior to the Everton game when he was accused of going on a night out by Amorim.The pair had a heated conversation and the manager questioned his professionalism.A source told The Sun: “Marcus got called in by Amorim who said he believed he had breached discipline by going out.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Marcus denied it and was adamant he had done nothing wrong. He asked the manager to show him the proof he’d been out and said something along the lines of, ‘Are you calling me a liar?’“Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will now.” More

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      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford to seal Aston Villa loan transfer with £40m buy option – but Man Utd will pay star £81,000-a-week

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was last night set to sign a loan deal with Aston Villa.That was despite the Manchester United striker having privately vowed never to play for another Premier League club.Marcus Rashford is set to join Aston Villa on loanCredit: GettyVilla will have the option to buy the England striker, who is out of favour with boss Ruben Amorim, for around £40millionCredit: GettyRashford will be playing his football at Villa Park for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyRashford, 27,  is due for a medical today after agreeing terms which will see him continue to earn £325,000-a-week as United will cover 25 per cent of his wages.  Villa also have the option to buy the England striker at the end of the season for around £40million.A United source told SunSport it had been made clear to Rashford he would not play for United again while Ruben Amorim was the boss.Our source said: “Marcus always said he would never play for another club in England because he is a United fan.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“He started to think he needed to move earlier this season and wanted to go to a big European club.“The reality is he’s not had the interest he expected. Villa first showed a tentative interest in him last November.“Amorim has made it very clear he has no future at Old Trafford.“Villa have managed to offer him two things — keeping his wage the same and Champions League football.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVilla boss Unai Emery has promised new signings after selling striker Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for a reported £70million.Emery said: “There are two days left in the  window. We’ll get some players to help us because we’re in the Champions League last 16.”’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonNew England boss Thomas Tuchel has also given Rashford — who has 60 caps — hope that he can regain his England place if plays regularly.Rash was left out of the Euro 2024 squad by ex-boss Gareth Southgate.Rashford’s England hopes could be rekindled by the Aston Villa move with Thomas Tuchel a big fanCredit: GettyJhon Duran’s move to Saudi Arabia freed up funds for Aston Villa to push through the Rashford dealCredit: ReutersOur source said: “Tuchel told Marcus and his representatives he saw Marcus as an essential part of the England squad going forward.”On Saturday, The Sun revealed the moment Ruben Amorim and Marcus Rashford’s relationship soured.Following a 4-0 victory over Everton, the forward was accused of going on a night out.A source said: “Marcus got called in by Amorim who said he believed he had breached discipline by going out.“Marcus denied it and was adamant he had done nothing wrong. He asked the manager to show him the proof he’d been out and said something along the lines of, ‘Are you calling me a liar?’“Their relationship has never recovered, and it’s hard to see how it ever will now.”Two weeks later, Rashford was left out of the squad for the derby win at Man City.And he then dropped a bombshell interview saying he wanted “a new challenge”.The England star told Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.”If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside the rise of Savinho with Man City star so talented that under-14s coach was SACKED for leaving him on the bench

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      HE is the shining light whose midweek heroics stopped a dismal season from turning into a total disaster.A rare bright spark in the Etihad gloom, as Pep Guardiola’s serial winners struggle to keep their campaign on an even keel.Manchester City ace Savinho has stood out at the EtihadCredit: AlamySavinho is now a regular with the Brazil national teamCredit: AFPSavinho was ‘snubbed’ by an Atletico Mineiro coach, who was firedCredit: SuppliedAnd rated such a standout talent back home that — even in a nation boasting the likes of Vinicius Jr and Endrick — many are hailing him as Brazil’s  standard bearer of the future.Not bad going for the skinny South American who arrived at Manchester City in the summer as a £21million snip in an era of eye-watering fees — and a near-unknown to plenty of fans.Yet, while others were in the dark, Guardiola always knew Savinho would be a gem. A kid tipped for greatness from the day he walked into Atletico Mineiro as a 12-year-old.His off-the-bench role in rescuing City’s Champions League assault — he scored one and made another in the must-win game against Club Brugge — was just one more notch on the belt.Read More on FootballFor Savinho has been the headline act at every level  since his first steps with Mineiro, who immediately realised they had an uncut diamond on their hands.Which makes it even more amazing to learn, just two years into his footballing education, he was once left to rot on the bench by a coach who could not see what all the fuss was about.Savinho was only 14 and Mineiro’s top brass were so petrified their priceless jewel may slip through the net that the man responsible had to go. Immediately.Leaving him out was the football equivalent of turning down The Beatles — and even now the man who took him to the club shakes his head in disbelief.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoao Paulo Alves de Paula was Savinho’s first coach at Mineiro and they are still so close that he stays with the City star when he comes to visit.Joaozinho, as he is known, recalls that jaw-dropping first sight of the lad — and the similar amazement when he could not get a game.Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign He revealed: “Savio was in a group of 20 kids and the only one we picked. He was only 12, a year younger than the others but overwhelmingly the best.“Back then Atletico Mineiro did not have an Under-12s, so he was against older kids from the start. And he stood out above everyone.“When I saw him on trials day I almost fell over. His technical ability and dribbling were extraordinary for a child of that age. I was so excited to see him with the ball at his feet.Savinho helped to save Man City from Champions League disaster against Club BruggeCredit: Getty“Over the next three years he took huge strides, made decisions in seconds and finished like an adult — all with boundless confidence and a smile.“But it wasn’t all a walk down the red carpet because when Savio moved to the Under-14s, the coach just didn’t like him.“He kept leaving him on the bench. He barely played and when he did, it was at left-back. My hair was standing on end.Coach ‘snubbed’ Savinho“Savio can play on either side but he’s a winger. I couldn’t believe what the coach was doing.“That mistake, that lack of judgment, could have cost Savinho his football career and seriously damaged the club.“So, with such crazy things and  wrong decisions, the coach was fired  and I took over the Under-14s. The smile was back on Savio’s face.”And that smile has rarely been off the face of the Brazilian since.Former Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli gave him a debut at 16 and within two years the City Football Group had signed him.He was initially placed with Troyes but, after loans at PSV Eindhoven and Girona,  Savinho moved to the Etihad in a deal worth £33.6m in July last year.Brazil debut vs EnglandA Brazil debut came against England in March, ten caps have followed and at Christmas he had a starring role — including a first City goal — in getting the champions back on track.Then, with their Euro hopes on the line as Brugge held a half-time lead, Pep turned to Savinho to save the day and was rewarded with a second-half rescue act.Even Guardiola, not given for singling out players, highlighted his Brazilian star — and Joaozinho reckons he will get even better under the Spaniard.He added: “If he has no serious injuries, Brazil will be world champions with Savio in the team.“The team is going through big changes and Savio will be their leader, no doubts.“He is in great hands with Guardiola as his coach and I’m certain he is going to become a huge star of both the Premier League and Brazil.”Savinho also believes he will flourish under Guardiola.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I scored plenty of goals at Girona, they demanded a lot from  me. Here, Pep is also very demanding.“I’ve been working on my finishing. As a forward, I can’t simply expect our striker to score all the goals.” More

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      in Soccer

      Jhon Duran plotting 600-MILE commute to avoid living in Saudi Arabia hours after signing £320k a week Al-Nassr contract

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      JHON DURAN is planning a 600-mile commute from Bahrain to his new Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.The Colombia striker completed a £70million move from Aston Villa  at the end of last week — but has told Al-Nassr he wants to live in Bahrain.Jhon Duran is planning a 600-mile commute to work from Bahrain to Saudi ArabiaCredit: ReutersThe striker has made the switch to Al-Nassr after spending two years at Villa ParkCredit: ReutersThe Colombia striker completed a £70million move from Aston Villa this weekCredit: ReutersDuran was unveiled and handed the No 9 shirt at Al-NassrCredit: Instagram / alnassrSteven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson were both based in Bahrain rather than Saudi when with Al-Ettifaq, who parted ways with Gerrard last week.Al-Ettifaq’s Dammam training ground is an hour’s drive from Bahrain — but Al-Nassr is on the outskirts of Riyadh and more than 300 miles away.A scheduled flight from Bahrain International Airport to the capital Riyadh takes one hour and 20 minutes, so Duran will have to get used to a gruelling travel schedule.The 21-year-old’s decision has been partly influenced by confusion over whether he would be permitted to live with his girlfriend in Saudi Arabia.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUnder Islamic law co-habitation by unmarried couples is discouraged — and private landlords often demand proof of marriage before agreeing to rent out property.In practice, the law is not always enforced, however.Cristiano Ronaldo lives with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez in a luxury compound in Saudi’s capital.But Duran will be more than able to afford the crazy commute.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe striker, who only signed a new contract with Villa last October, is set to earn a whopping TAX-FREE yearly salary of £16.7million.That equates to a staggering £1.4m per month, £321,000 per week, £46,000 per day and £1900 an hour.Aston Villa hothead Jhon Duran rages as he’s subbed moments after scoring and kicks back of team-mate’s chair The now former Villa striker now also earns £31 a minute and 52 pence per second.He has been given the No 9 shirt at Al-Nassr, which is the same number he wore for Villa.Duran joined Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023 for a fee of £18m.In just October 2024, Duran signed a new deal with Villa, which was set to keep him at the club until 2030.He leaves Villa Park having scored 20 goals in 78 appearances for Unai Emery’s side.Villa confirmed Duran’s departure in a brief statement thanking him for his efforts during his time in the Midlands.It read: “Aston Villa can confirm that Jhon Durán has joined Al-Nassr for an undisclosed fee.”The striker moves to Saudi Arabia having scored 12 goals for Villa this term, including the winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.”Everyone at Aston Villa would like to wish Jhon all the best in the next step of his professional career.”His exit might free up funds for Villa to sign Marcus Rashford permanently in the near future.The Man Utd academy graduate, who has been exiled by Ruben Amorim, is reportedly on the brink of signing a six-month loan with Emery’s side.Duran could make his Al-Nassr debut next Friday when they welcome Al Feiha to Al-Awwal Park.His move came as a surprise after establishing himself as the most lethal sub in the Prem this season.The Colombian has developed a reputation for being a game-changer for Unai Emery’s men.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince his debut in January 2023, Duran scored more goals as a substitute than any other Premier League player.Despite his impressive form, he has found first-team starts hard to come by throughout the campaign, with Emery often preferring Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal saw a bid rejected for this week, as the lone striker in his side. More