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      Michail Antonio shares emotional post as he speaks out for 1st time since being discharged from hospital after car crash

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      WEST Ham star Michail Antonio has posted an emotional message online for the first time since he was discharged from hospital following his horror car crash.The Hammers striker broke his leg in the smash involving his £260,000 Ferrari, which saw him airlifted to hospital earlier this month.Michail Antonio has posted an emotional message after being discharged from hospitalCredit: InstagramThe Hammers star broke his leg in a horror car crash earlier this monthCredit: STEVE BELLBut he promised fans he would be back on the pitch ‘soon’Credit: GettyHe was discharged earlier today and has now broken his silence on the ordeal.Taking to his Instagram, Antonio thanked emergency services and the football community – and promised to be back in action soon.He wrote: “Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words. “But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive.READ MORE MICHAIL ANTONIO”I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed.”What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. “Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. Michail Antonio’s incredible riseBy Jon BoonThe outpouring of love from the football community for Michael Antonio has been massive, with the striker recognised as a big character in the game.The Wandsworth-born forward started from humble beginnings – playing for non-league Tooting & Mitcham United.After impressing in 2008, he was offered a trial at Reading – some five divisions up – and Alan Pardew duly snapped him up.However, he later revealed he got kicked out by Tooting, after he refused to sign a contract.Antonio said: “They kicked me out because I refused to sign a contract.“I was like: ‘If someone comes in for me I don’t want to be tied down. I want to be able to go and not you out price me’.”Following spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, in 2015 he was plucked from the Championship in a £7million deal by West Ham.He’s been there ever since, winning a player of the year award, twice being named Premier League player of the month and lifting a European trophy.Away from football, Antonio has bravely opened up about his mental health struggles in recent times.The Jamaica international was recently asked by Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast what he would like to do when he retires from the game.He revealed: “I want to go into entertainment.”So more on the basis of A League of Their Own, Play to the Whistle…”Read more about Michail Antonio’s incredible rise and life away from the game.”I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.”To the emergency services, the NHS, the Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC. “The medical team, the board, all of the staff, my teammates and the amazing West Ham fans… I honestly could not have got through this without you. thank you from the bottom of my heart. Most read in Football”To my loved ones who stood by my side throughout everything, I can’t express how much you mean to me.”Lastly, to the whole football community thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It has truly meant the world. “I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you.West Ham fans pay emotional tribute to Michail Antonio with ninth-minute applause”Happy New Year- and I’ll be back on that pitch soon.”Ongoing enquiriesThe striker was trapped in the wreckage of the supercar for more than an hour before ambulances arrived on the scene.Cops have since ruled out booze or drugs as the reason for the crash, with investigators also reportedly working on the assumption that no third party was involved.There hasn’t even been mention of excessive speeding, raising the possibility that it could have been a freak accident.A source said: “Drink and drugs have already been ruled out, and officers are not currently looking for anyone else.“There is no smoking gun as far as cops are concerned right now – but they have to investigate because the smash was so serious and caused such extensive injuries.“Just because cops are involved doesn’t mean a crime has been committed.”A classy touchIn response to the crash, West Ham has raised almost £60,000 for NHS and Air Ambulance charities to thank staff for their rapid response.For their first game in the wake of the smash, players all wore shirts bearing Antonio’s name.These were then signed and auctioned off for a collective £29,613, which was then matched by the club’s board.Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen said: “It’s been special to see the West Ham family and the wider football community come together in support of Mic over the last month.“We are all grateful for the care that both the NHS and Air Ambulances UK have given to Mic during a challenging time for him and his family.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And for what they continue to do every single day for people around the country.”Pulling together during difficult times is what being a part of West Ham United is all about and on behalf of the team I want to thank everyone for helping us to raise an incredible amount of money for two great causes.” More

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      Burnley complete transfer of Peru defender Oliver Sonne, 24… whose auntie is a world famous supermodel

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      BURNLEY have signed defender Oliver Sonne from Danish outfit  Silkeborg.The Peru right-back becomes Clarets boss Scott Parker’s first signing of the January window and has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal.Oliver Sonne has signed for Championship side BurnleyCredit: GettyThe Peruvian is hoping to help the Clarets back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThe right-back’s aunt is world-renowned supermodel Helena ChristensenCredit: GettySonne, 24, is the nephew of supermodel Helena Christensen and played more than 100 times in Denmark’s top flight. After his reveal on New Year’s Eve, he said: “I’m super excited!”To be here and experience the club and the facilities . . . it’s mind-blowing. “It’s a massive club with great ambitions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The ambition is to go back up to the Premier League and I will fight to make that happen.”Christensen, 56, is a former Miss Universe Denmark. She won the crown in 1986, going on to represent Denmark at the Miss Universe pageant later that year. Helena launched a pro modelling career and has since fronted magazines including Vogue, Elle, and Tatler. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe is also a former Victoria’s Secret Angel.Christensen was even named as one of the Magnificent Seven alongside Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Elle McPherson in the mid-1990s.Bungling Burnley academy manager quits after sending bombshell message slamming ‘mad’ and ‘lazy’ players to WRONG groupSonne has previously followed in his aunt’s footsteps, modelling for Gucci and Armani.He said: ” I had a period where I did it a lot [of modelling]. “I did some really cool things abroad with some of the top brands that we young people buy for a lot of money. “So it was a lot of fun trying to be on that side of it all.”Christensen is a former Victoria’s Secret AngelCredit: GettyShe was also crowned Miss Universe DenmarkCredit: ReutersSonne joins Burnley with the club third in the Championship, three points off Sheffield United in second. Parker’s side are hoping for an instant return to the Premier League after relegation last season. More

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      Juventus to offer Joshua Zirkzee January escape route after Man Utd career hit nightmare low… but only on loan

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      JUVENTUS are lining up a loan move for Joshua Zirkzee after his Manchester United career hit a new low on Monday night.The Dutch international forward was subbed after just 33 minutes of the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Monday night.Juventus are preparing a loan move for Man Utd misfit Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: AlamyAnd United fans welcomed the decision before jeering as the £35million forward left the pitch to be replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.Zirkzee looked to be visibly upset as he made his way straight down the tunnel but he was back in the dug-out for the second half.While Ruben Amorim has pledged to support the 23-year-old, his future at Old Trafford is looking increasingly uncertain.He is well regarded in Italy having made enjoyed an impressive spell with Bologna to earn his move to United in the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd during that time, he worked under Thiago Motta – who is now in charge of the Turin giants and would be delighted to work with him again.However the chances of Juventus giving the Red Devils a welcome cash windfall this month are slim and any approach is likely to be on a loan basis.United are looking to raise some cash to support Amorim’s attempts to bring in new faces in the winter window.Zirkzee has appeared in all 19 of his club’s Prem games so far, scoring three goals, but has been made a scapegoat for their problems by some fans.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim says he and the club will put an arm round Zirkzee’s shoulder following his ordeal.The United boss said: “You have to think about the tea, the player was suffering during the game and we needed another midfielder.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings Revealed“It was tough to do it but I’ve talked with Joshua on it and at that moment it was important for him to come out.“I know he’s a really good guy. When he went down the tunnel, I understand some guys can be in a bad way – but it is life.“He is a really good lad. We will support him and continue.” More

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      Wantaway Man Utd star Marcus Rashford grins as he enjoys lunch with team-mate day after warming bench in Newcastle loss

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      WANTAWAY Manchester United star Marcus Rashford grinned as he enjoyed lunch with a pal.The England forward was spotted dining at the upmarket Cibo Restaurant in Hale Village just one day after warming the bench in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.Marcus Rashford was all smiles as he enjoyed lunch outCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Man Utd star was joined by teammate Tyrell MalaciaCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford was an unused sub in last night’s defeat to NewcastleCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMalacia was also left on the bench at Old TraffordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford was recalled to Ruben Amorim’s match-day squad for the first time in five games after being axed for the 2-1 derby win at Manchester City.But the ace did not see any action on the pitch despite United crashing to their sixth defeat in 11 games under Amorim.The result also marked their fourth defeat on the bounce ahead of trips to Liverpool and Arsenal.Yet Rashford appeared to take the latest snub in his stride as he joined teammate Tyrell Malacia — another player who has lost his spot under Amorim — and pals for lunch on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old wore a hooded jacket as he protected himself from the cold while entering and leaving the restaurant.Rashford did not seem to be fazed by doubts over his future either as he flashed a smile and shared a laugh with friends.It now remains to be seen whether he remains at United by the end of the January transfer window after declaring he is ready for a “new challenge.”Rashford left his club stunned with the bold admission following his axe from December’s derby win.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “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.Manchester United vs Newcastle: Player Ratings RevealedRashford had failed to make the previous four matchday squadsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHis future remains unclear after his transfer exit commentsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford cut a glum figure on the bench last nightCredit: RexUnited suffered their fourth defeat in a rowCredit: Reuters“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.“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. It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.“It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks.“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I’m available?” More

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      Liverpool REJECT Real Madrid bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January swoop with star set for free transfer in summer

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      LIVERPOOL have rejected an audacious swoop from Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold.The England full-back is out of contract on Merseyside in the summer. Liverpool have rejected Real Madrid’s January approach for Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold came through the youth setup at Liverpool and has been with the club since 2006. He could leave on a free transfer in the summer unless he pens a new contract and can start talks with European clubs from January 1.The 26-year-old has yet to indicate if he wishes to leave his boyhood clue for a fresh challenge.But that hasn’t stopped Madrid from targeting the Three Lions star for a shock move in January. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe offer for Alexander-Arnold from Real was a “club-to-club approach rather than a formal offer,” according to the Daily Mail.It was “rejected” out of hand by Liverpool, who hold a “desire” to keep Trent on the books. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to sign a new right-back to bolster his injury-hit squad.Dani Carvajal looks set to miss the remainder of the season for the reigning La Liga champions, who trail rivals Atletico by one point at the summit. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMadrid have aggressively pursued free transfers in recent seasons, offering lucrative contracts to tempt stars to the Bernabeu.David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and most recently Kylian Mbappe were all signed this way. Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubEarlier this week, reports in Spain suggested Real were confident Alexander-Arnold will join at the end of the season.They wanted to secure a deal in January given their injuries, but they accept a summer transfer if it is the only option.Alexander-Arnold has played 332 times for Liverpool since making his debut almost a decade ago. He has won the Premier League, Champions League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a Club World Cup with the club. Liverpool, who currently lead the Prem title race, could also lose both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk to free transfers in the summer.Both players are out of contract in May and are yet to sign a fresh deal. More

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      ‘I was the victim of police brutality’ – ex-SPFL Premiership star accuses cops of beating him up on CHRISTMAS DAY

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      FORMER Hibs star Stephane Omeonga has claimed he was arrested and beaten up by police – on CHRISTMAS DAY.The Belgian midfielder had two loan spells at Easter Road, making 27 appearances.Stephane Omeonga in action for Hibs during his time at Easter RoadCredit: Alamy Live NewsHe also turned out for Livingston whilst in ScotlandCredit: Andrew BarrHe has claimed he was ‘beaten up’ by Italian police officers on Christmas DayCredit: STEPHANE OMEONGAHe shared video footage of a copper appearing to put him in a headlockCredit: STEPHANE OMEONGAOmeonga went on to play 57 Premiership games in two seasons for Livingston before joining Israeli club Bnei Sakhnin two summers ago.He has now accused Italian cops of mistreating him after he attempted to fly to Tel Aviv last week, claiming he suffered “total humiliation.”The 28-year-old posted a video on social media that appeared to show him being manhandled off a plane after an argument with police.Liege-born Omeonga wrote on Instagram: “On December 25th, I was a victim of police brutality.”During a flight between Rome and Tel Aviv, after boarding the plane and taking my seat, a steward approached me about an alleged issue with my documents and asked me to leave the aircraft.”Confident in the validity of my documents, I calmly asked him what kind of issue.”The police were called, and I was handcuffed and forcibly removed from the plane. Once outside the aircraft, away from the view of witnesses, the police violently threw me to the ground, beat me, and one of them pressed his knee against my head.”I was then taken in a police vehicle, handcuffed like a criminal, to the airport. An ambulance arrived, but in a state of shock, I was unable to respond to the paramedics’ questions. Shortly after, I heard over the police car’s radio, ‘He refused medical care; everything is fine.’ Most read in Football”This was completely false, I asked them to take me in the ambulance with them scared to what the police could do to me.”Next, I was placed in a grey room, without food or water, and left in a state of total humiliation for several hours. Upon my release, I learned that a police officer had filed a complaint against me for injuries allegedly caused during the arrest, even though I was handcuffed.Hibs players celebrate 2-1 over Edinburgh rivals Hearts in Boxing Day derbyFurthermore, to this day, I have not received any justification for my arrest.”As a human being and a father, I cannot tolerate any form of discrimination. This arrest is just the visible tip of the iceberg. “Many people who look like me cannot find work, have no access to housing, or cannot participate in the sports they love, simply because they are Black.”We must stand united and raise our voices to educate those around us—our colleagues, neighbours, and friends—about this issue that plagues our society and hinders its progress. Peace.”Omeonga won eight Belgium Under-21 caps.Of Congolese descent, in addition to Hibs and Livi he also played for Italian sides Genoa, Avellino and Pescara as well as Cercle Brugge in his homeland.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has approached the Italian National Police for comment.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Wayne Rooney set to be handed immediate return to work in mega-money deal after Man Utd legend axed by Plymouth

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      WAYNE ROONEY is set to be offered an instant return back to work, Sun Online can reveal.The England legend left Plymouth Argyle after a disastrous run as manager which saw the Championship side rooted to the bottom of the League.Wayne Rooney is looking for a new job after being axed by Plymouth ArgyleCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old leaves the Pilgrims with the club bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: PAA statement issued on Tuesday morning revealed that Rooney and the south-west club had agreed to part ways.But the former Man Utd and Everton striker isn’t going to be twiddling his thumbs for long.Sources have told Sun Online Rooney is likely to be offered a mega-bucks deal to work as a football pundit, having impressed during screen stints on ITV and Sky.A TV insider said: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business. READ MORE ON ROONEY”He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game. “And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.The insider added: “It’s been a rubbish end to 2024 for Wayne, but he’s not going to be out of work for long. “He’ll be offered punditry work straight away and there’s interest from Sky in a potential long-term deal to tie him down as a pundit.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Wayne still harbours ambitions of making it as a manager.”But, like Gary Neville, it might end up being the case that he can carve out a more successful and lucrative career as a pundit rather than as a manager in the dugout.”Rooney’s family arriving at Old Trafford for the Newcastle gameBefore accepting the Argyle job, Rooney had been working as a pundit on a string of channels. He would regularly discuss and review England and Manchester United games.He also regularly appeared alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Roy Keane on The Overlap.Rooney left Championship strugglers Plymouth by mutual agreement on Tuesday. Wazza has already proved himself as a TV punditCredit: AFPWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.The 39-year-old former England captain oversaw just four league wins and suffered 13 defeats in 23 Championship games after taking charge of the Pilgrims in May.He leaves with the club marooned at the foot of the division.Rooney arrived at Home Park four months after being sacked by Birmingham City following an 83-day spell in charge that brought nine defeats in 15 games.He and his players were booed following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by Oxford United – their sixth defeat in a nine-game winless run that began in early November.Rooney defiantly said he did not take criticism “personally” after that loss.But it was enough to end the tenure of the man who was lauded as “the perfect candidate to provide the exciting and attacking brand of football” when appointed.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnder Rooney – who set scoring records for England and Manchester United during his decorated playing career – Plymouth have dropped to the bottom of the table, scored the joint fewest goals in the second tier and have conceded more than any other club in England’s top four divisions.Assistant head coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Simon Ireland have also departed the club. 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      David Moyes hints he’s ready to return to management six months after West Ham exit but rules out ‘very difficult’ job

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      FORMER West Ham boss David Moyes has revealed he is not ready to retire just yet.However, he will only return to management when the right job comes up.David Moyes has revealed he would love to return to managementCredit: GettyMoyes has been out of work since leaving the Hammers in May.He refused to rule out the possibility of a third stint at the London Stadium earlier this month amid mounting concerns around Julen Lopetegui – the man who replaced him.The Scot has also been linked with a return to Everton under the club’s new owners.But Moyes, who was this week appointed an OBE in the New Year Honours list for services to football, has revealed that while he wants to make a return to the sport, he will only do so if and when the perfect opportunity arises.Read More in FootballThe 61-year-old told BBC Sport: “I don’t consider myself done yet but I am certainly enjoying some time off.”The one thing I won’t do is put any manager under pressure personally, because I don’t believe in it. I have not liked it when I have been in that position myself.”We are all getting a little bit older and I have to make sure I am doing the right thing for myself.”Football is in my blood. It has been since I was a boy. I love watching football and I have enjoyed my career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”If there is another part to it, so be it. But I would only want it to be a good part. I wouldn’t want to be coming in and doing something which is very difficult.”I don’t want to be at the bottom of the league and fighting relegation which I have had a few times, so we will see how things go.”‘David Moyes felt under appreciated by West Ham fans’ but Julen Lopetegui can win cup | Karren BradyMoyes spent six years with West Ham in total and won the Europa Conference League at the end of the 2022-23 season.He has also managed Sunderland, Real Sociedad, Manchester United, Everton and Preston North End. More