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    ‘Just gotta make this clear’ – Wilfried Zaha demands fans stop calling him a ‘streets will never forget baller’

    WILFRIED ZAHA has demanded that fans stop calling him a “streets will never forget baller.”The former Crystal Palace star took to social media with a strongly-worded post making his feelings clear on the statement.Former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has made a demand to fansCredit: GettyZaha, 32, played 458 times for the Eagles across two spells.He even had a brief stint at Manchester United in 2013 and has also turned out for Cardiff, Galatasaray and Lyon.Zaha is now plying his trade in the MLS with Charlotte FC.But most football fans remember him for his time in the Premier League with Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has earned Zaha the tag of a “baller” who the “streets will never forget.”The phrase is a well-meaning one usually dished out to top footballers who, for one reason or another, never managed to establish themselves at a perceived ‘top’ club.However, Zaha has demanded he is no longer put in that category after lashing out on social media.He said: “Just gotta make this clear… just because you haven’t been fortunate to play for top clubs doesn’t mean you’re not a top player.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets“So please, I’m just a baller and will always be… So don’t put me in ‘streets will never forget baller’.“I may not have won much in football but that doesn’t define my talent and real ballers know ballers (are) not the badge you wear.”Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redZaha made his feelings clear about being called ‘streets will never forget baller’Zaha is now looking to make his way in America with Charlotte FC.And after being named Man of the Match on his debut last month, he was gifted a crown and throne by supporters.Reflecting on his move to the States, Zaha said: “It doesn’t stop my journey. I’ve left Palace and I left Palace in a good way. I’ve played for a childhood club, I’ve left there with a mural.”All I can do is just keep my head down and just keep on working. I was in Turkey, it didn’t work out with Gala.“It didn’t work out with Lyon. It doesn’t stop me. I’m still thinking I’m still the player that I am and if I get the opportunity, I’m going to show it every time.“I have come in here to score goals and try to win stuff. I set myself incredibly high standards.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So when I do speak, people will actually listen because I show you an example by what I do.”Going into the season, I want to try to score as many goals as I can. That’s what I mean by my own history here.” More

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    Experts predict Man Utd’s new stadium will go way over £2bn budget and believe cornerstone of plans impossible to build

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s new £2billion stadium could see costs spiral out of control, experts have warned. The Red Devils unveiled ambitious plans for a stunning 100,000-seater arena on Tuesday. Industry insiders are not convinced Man Utd’s £2bn estimate will holdCredit: PAThe proposed new stadium features a huge canopy that will dominate the Manchester skylineCredit: PAThe new stadium will replace Old Trafford, which has been the Red Devils’ home since 1910. Ineos chief and club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe put an ambitious five-year target on the build.It would see United move into their new ground for the 2030-31 campaign. But an industry insider told The Mail that United’s plans had been met with “industry-wide scepticism”.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe stadium – designed by local architect Norman Foster- features a huge tent-like canopy in concept images released on Tuesday. Ratcliffe hopes the unusual look will help the stadium become a tourist attraction similar “to the Eiffel Tower.”However, he admitted on Monday that United could have gone BUST by the end of 2025 if it wasn’t for his injection of cash.While industry insiders are reportedly sceptical over the hefty £2billion price tag of the new stadium.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in 2019, cost Spurs £1.1bn and was built before the spiralling costs of materials. And there has also been doubt cast over whether United can build the immense canopy over the stadium due to the current layout of the Stretford End.Inside Newcastle’s £3BILLION new stadium plans with St James’ Park project to rival Old TraffordRatcliffe remained upbeat that the club would be able to provide the vision on offer. He told the club’s website: “The brief to Norman Foster here was to build the world’s most iconic football stadium. “It had to be a stadium which was recognisable around the world.”The second part of the request was that it had to have a really intense atmosphere, and that the people in the stadium would be as close to the pitch as we possibly could achieve. Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.”So that means you’ve got relatively steep sides rather than flat sides. “This is the club’s ground. So we want to be winning matches at home and we want it to be a sort of fearsome atmosphere when the competing teams come in.”It really was about [designing] the best stadium in the world, the best stadium in Europe, better than the Bernabeu and the Nou Camp.” More

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    Arsenal vs PSV live stream: How to watch Champions League tie TONIGHT

    ARSENAL host PSV in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 in London TONIGHT!The Gunners are all but in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after beating PSV by six goals in the first leg.Arsenal breezed past PSV in the first leg of the round of 16Credit: GettyMartin Odegaard scored a brace for for Arsenal in the first legCredit: GettyNoa Lang (left) scored PSV’s only goal of the game last time outCredit: EPA/ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSENTheir 7-1 thrashing of PSV last week all but eliminated the need for a second leg, with Arteta and the Gunners turning on the style in the Netherlands.Despite their big win in the Netherlands, the side were held to a 1-1 draw by strugglers Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.The second leg presents a chance for Arteta and Co to build momentum as they continue to try and maintain pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.How to watch Arsenal vs PSV and is there a live stream?Arsenal vs PSV is LIVE on TNT Sports 2.The game is also available for stream on Discovery+.Arsenal are currently 7-1 up on aggregate, and the game will kick-off at 8pm GMT.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s live blog.Read more Football More

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    Aston Villa vs Club Brugge live stream: How to watch Champions League tie TONIGHT

    ASTON VILLA have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League – but must finish the job TONIGHT against Club Brugge.Leon Bailey scored after just three minutes, but Maxim de Cuyper equalised soon after.Marco Asensio scored a late penalty to hand Aston Villa a 3-1 win in the first leg of their Champions League tie against Club BruggeCredit: ReutersThe game looked to be heading for a 1-1 draw before Villa scored two late goals to take charge of the tie.Brandon Mechele turned into his own net before an 88th-minute Marco Asensio penalty sealed a 3-1 win.The Belgian side have now travelled to Birmingham hoping to overturn the two-goal deficit.Unai Emery was handed a huge injury boost ahead of the match with Emi Martinez, Amadou Onana and Asensio all training on Tuesday after missing the 1-0 win over Brentford on Sunday.READ MORE ASTON VILLAHow to watch Aston Villa vs Club Brugge and is there a live stream?Aston Villa vs Club Brugge takes place on Wednesday, March 12.Kick-off is at 8pm GMT.The match will be aired on TNT Sports 1, with coverage from 7pm.It will also be live streamed on Discovery+.To watch the match, viewers in the UK will need a TNT Sports package or a subscription to Discovery+.Alternatively, SunSport will have updates from the game with our live blog. More

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    ‘Not behaviour I understand’ – Chris Eubank lifts lid on son’s Conor Benn egg slap after Jr explains reason in phonecall

    CHRIS EUBANK JR told his dad he smashed Conor Benn with an egg because he was outnumbered.The 35-year-old Brighton middleweight cracked at the Manchester launch of their April 26 bout when his 28-year-old foe was flanked at the face-off by legendary British fighter and father Nigel and promoter Eddie Hearn.Chris Eubank Jr slapped Conor Benn with an egg during a press conference last monthCredit: PAThe British Boxing Board of Control hit Eubank Jr with a £100,000 fineCredit: SPLASHEubank Jr explained his reasons for egging Benn in a phone call with his estranged dad, Chris Eubank SrCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDTwo-weight world champ Eubank Sr, 58, raged against the original 2022 clash taking place – knowing Benn had failed one of two VADA drug tests in the summer – and correctly predicted it would be canned.And he is refusing to help the promoters and broadcasters tap into his iconic two-fight 1990s rivalry with Nigel, by not gracing the Spurs clash with his presence or blessing.And Jr – who as always usually conducted himself with the same decorum as his dad – revealed a lack of back-up led to boiling point.“It’s not behaviour I understand.” the retired fighter told his Call Chris Eubank channel. “Where did that come from?READ MORE SPORTS NEWS“But I spoke with him a few days ago about this egg thing, and he said, ‘Dad he is a cheat and we are promoting the fight.’“I got pulled in and yes I premeditated it because they keep telling me, ‘My dad doesn’t like me.’“’It’s me alone, dad, so that’s what I thought I would do and I have justified it.'”Eubank Jr and his dad’s relationship broke down when the second-generation fighter decided he didn’t want his dad to manage him, around 2020.Most read in BoxingCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThen, in 2021, son and brother Sebastian died tragically of a heart attack in Dubai, crippling the family dynamic further with grief.Jr – who was slapped with a £100,000 fine for egg-gate – has confirmed he would love his dad back in his corner for this third installment of the family feud.Chris Eubank Jr reveals relationship with dad has broken down completely He made an emotional appeal to his old man during an exclusive interview with Sun columnist Piers Morgan, saying: “I’m here. “I’m getting ready for the biggest fight of my life.“If you want to be next to me, like his father’s next to him, we can do it together. “If not, no hard feelings, I’ll get the job done for you — don’t worry about it.“He’s my old man. It doesn’t matter if I don’t talk to him until the day I die.“I’m always gonna love him. He taught me everything. As far as I know, he doesn’t want this fight to go ahead.”But infamously tough Sr seems unwilling to budge – yet. More

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    PSV ultras take over League Two clash ahead of Champions League second leg against Arsenal

    PSV EINDHOVEN fans took over a League Two game in preparation for their Champions League second leg against Arsenal.The Gunners take a commanding 7-1 lead into the Emirates tonight following their rout in the Netherlands. PSV fans turned up to watch Cheltenham beat AFC WimbledonCredit: GettyThose attending the League Two game were baffled by their appearanceCredit: GettyBut it appears to travelling support are undeterred as they settled into the English away stands early. In a video shared online, apparent “PSV Ultras” were spotted singing Dutch chants at AFC Wimbledon’s game against Cheltenham Town.They can be heard signing PSV songs as bemused fans watched on and recorded while others on social media were left in awe. One said: “Absolutely love it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Class.”One hailed: “Love this!!”Another said: “Brilliant – class!”The game ended 2-1 to Cheltenham but PSV would need more than that to somehow turn their fortunes around. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal boss Mikel Arteta hinted at resting some players due to the heavy deficit. Arteta said: “It is unique but it’s also understanding how the game was played a week ago and the fact that everything went in the right direction for us from the beginning. Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG “We’re going to have to earn the right tomorrow to go in the same direction, so we’re fully focused on that.“We understand what happened in the first game and the direction that it could have taken in the first 10 minutes. “After all the control that we had, if we give the goal away or if the referee would have given the second yellow card to Myles, it’s very simple. “This is football, you have to earn it and we’re going to have to do a great job tomorrow again to win the game.”Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the PSV clashCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal ‘want Bruno Guimaraes as part of stunning TRIPLE transfer spree’ as incoming chief sets out plan

    ARSENAL want to sign Bruno Guimaraes as part of a stunning TRIPLE summer transfer spree under incoming new chief Andrea Berta.The former Atletico Madrid sporting director is reportedly set to replace Edu Gaspar as Arsenal’s transfer guru.Arsenal are targeting Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes as part of a triple summer raidCredit: PAIncoming transfer chief Andrea Berta has already made contact with his representativesCredit: PA:Empics SportAnd Spanish outlet AS claims Berta is ready to arrive in London with a bang by moving for superstar Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes.The Brazil international, 27, has been a key player since joining Toon from Lyon for £40million in 2022.It’s reckoned Guimaraes is happy to stay put on Tyneside after penning a contract extension until 2028 just 18 months ago.However, he is also said to have an agreement with Newcastle to leave this summer for just £60m if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFive teams from England are set to play in Europe’s top competition next season.And Toon are currently sixth in the table, level on points with fifth-place Man City.Incoming Arsenal chief Berta is said to be a huge fan of Guimaraes, having tried to sign him THREE times while at Atletico.And he has already contacted the Samba star’s representatives to inform them that Guimaraes is at the top of Arsenal’s shopping list this summer.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut the playmaker isn’t the only Newcastle star in Arsenal’s sights.The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims Mikel Arteta is also desperate to sign teammate Alexander Isak, 25, and has made the Swede his No1 striker target.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires Arsenal also want Guimaraes’ Newcastle teammate Alexander IsakCredit: PAHowever, it’s believed Arsenal will need to spend a record £150m to get a deal done, with Isak also under contract until 2028 and in no rush to move on.Finally, AS adds that Arsenal are confident of completing a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, 26, for £50m.The Spaniard rejected a move to Liverpool last summer but is now thought to be on the verge of moving to England with the Gunners.Arsenal want both Zubimendi and Guimaraes as they will reportedly bid farewell to duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey.The veterans are both out of contract this summer and will be released on free transfers.Jorginho is apparently set to move to Brazil with Flamengo.While Partey has been linked with Barcelona.Arsenal also look set to seal a £50million move for Real Sociedad’s Martin ZubimendiCredit: Getty More

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    Newcastle star Sean Longstaff ‘wanted by Premier League rivals in shock transfer with Toon tempted by 100% profit’

    EVERTON are looking into a shock move for Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff, reports claim.The Magpies know selling their hometown hero would represent 100 per cent profit under PSR rules as he came through their academy.Sean Longstaff is attracting interest from EvertonCredit: GettyLongstaff has struggled for game time this seasonCredit: GettyEverton are ready to move for Longstaff this summer, according to talkSPORT.Goodison boss David Moyes is a fan of the 27-year-old and considered him while at West Ham. Longstaff is understood to be open to the idea of leaving St James’ Park after 19 years with the club. The North Shields-born star joined Newcastle’s youth set up at the age of nine in 2006 and was promoted to the first-team in 2016.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNewcastle were concerned with complying with FFP last season, so could be open to the idea of selling an academy star for “pure profit”.”Pure profit” allows clubs to bank all transfers made, incentivising the sale of academy products who were signed for nothing.And with Longstaff’s contract expiring in June 2026, a money-making sale might be the logical thing to do.A move away would see Longstaff play for another club for the first time in his career.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsLongstaff has struggled for game time after falling behind in the midfield pecking order this season.He has started just eight of Newcastle’s 28 Prem games this term and been subbed in 13 times. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires Longstaff is now competing with Brazilian internationals Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, Italian ace Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley for a spot in midfield.He has scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists in 210 games for the Magpies. His brother Matty left Newcastle for a permanent move to Toronto as a free agent in January 2024.Matty – who also operates as a midfielder – was loaned out to Aberdeen, Mansfield Town and Colchester United before his move across the pond. But first-things-first, Longstaff will be looking to win Newcastle’s first club trophy in 70 YEARS on Sunday.The Toon army head to Wembley to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. More