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      Whoever wins out of Man Utd and Tottenham has had a better season than Arsenal – they should be celebrated, not mocked

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      WE are getting to a stage in football where everyone is constantly miserable and negative, moaning about everything.All this talk that Manchester United or Tottenham should not be allowed to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League because of their league positions.Troy Deeney has said Arsenal face having a worse season than Man Utd or SpursCredit: ReutersMan Utd made the Europa League final after beating Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregateCredit: Shutterstock EditorialTottenham are in their first European final for six years after beating Bodo/Glimt 5-1 over two legsCredit: RexWhoever wins the Europa League will also book their spot in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPAnd it has come from Arsene Wenger, of all people — the man who made a career out of finishing fourth with Arsenal to qualify for the Champions League and saying that was an achievement?He is now saying that winning in Europe to play in a bigger European competition is not good enough because of where they finish in the league? Nonsense.Manchester City have had a terrible year but could win the FA Cup — is that not allowed either?Why can’t we just be positive and happy for two English clubs reaching a European final? And let’s not forget — Chelsea are in one too. We want English teams to win stuff, don’t we? I can’t remember many having a whinge when West Ham qualified for the Europa League after winning the Conference League in 2023 when they finished 14th in the league.A lot of teams are now taking the FA Cup more seriously because it means European qualification.It is the same with the Europa — it makes people want to win it more. What’s bad about that?I don’t tend to agree with Ange Postecoglou on a lot, but I do when others are suggesting United and Spurs are “too good” for the Europa League, and Ange is asking: Why?BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, when he said people “fear” Spurs winning it — what’s the fear? We would all welcome it.I would also hope the narrative around them not winning anything would change.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!My “fear” is that if Spurs win it, they will still be in the same place with their manager’s future up in the air and doubts over whether they can push on. Whereas, at least with United, I reckon it could be a real springboard to go attract proper signings and improve.On a wider point, is this not also a reflection of how poor European football is currently as a whole?We have got two teams sitting 15th and 16th in the Premier League, not doing anything and getting beaten up by the likes of West Ham and Nottingham Forest.Why can’t we just be positive and happy for two English clubs reaching a European final? And let’s not forget — Chelsea are in one too. We want English teams to win stuff, don’t we?Troy DeeneyAnd yet, they are both one game away from the very top table of Europe football. Is that saying more about us or them?We are routinely mocked for saying we have the best league in the world, and two teams close to the relegation zone are breezing through Europe with barely a scratch.I thought these lower competitions were supposed to be giving other teams on the continent more of a chance? It hasn’t been that way so far.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMan Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…Would Spurs say they have had the hardest draw? Probably not.Bodo/Glimt are not a top team and none of their players are suddenly going to get bought this summer by top sides.But that is the team that they were drawn against and they dealt with it.What do you want them to do? They are where they are.It is just opposition fans trying to spin the wheel, whether it is throwing knives at United or Spurs.We are routinely mocked for saying we have the best league in the world, and two teams close to the relegation zone are breezing through Europe with barely a scratch.Troy DeeneyOr Arsenal fans saying they are the best team ever after losing a Champions League semi-final.Or even worse, Mikel Arteta claiming they have been the best team in Europe this year. How? How do these things correlate?The reality is that United and Spurs are in a European final and whoever wins will technically have a better season than Arsenal have had, because they have actually won something.Just worry about yourselves, your own team, your own club, and stop moaning.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Stockport star Corey Addai ready to upset Leyton Orient locals as he heads home for League One play-off first leg

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      COREY Addai hopes to be the local lad done even better after already becoming the one come good, even though it will mean heartache on his doorstep.And the Stockport ‘keeper does not have to look far for the inspiration that has seen him rise from an area where he could easily have taken the wrong path in life.Hackney-born Stockport star Addai is heading home to East London for the play-offCredit: AlamyTo say the 6ft 8ins stopper is on familiar turf at Leyton Orient is underplaying it – his parents live just two-and-a-half miles away in Hackney and big mate Thomas Jordan is an Os supporter.Listen to many and that borough is a write-off – rough, crime-ridden, a place where no-one prospers.But Addai is a firm believer in ‘life is what you make of it’ and the tattoo on his arm of Martin Luther King’s ‘ultimate measure of a man’ speech makes sure he does not waver.He said, while giving door-to-door directions from Leyton Orient to home: “It’s not who you are in a convenient situation, it’s who you are in controversy. That’s the real you. It’s on my arm and I live and die by that quote.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Can you be the same person? It’s about humility and being kind and caring for yourself and other people. If you can give when you have nothing, that tells the kind of person you are.“Being a young black boy from London, you come across a lot of situations and things you see.MOST READ IN LEAGUE ONE“I could say so much about growing up in London and what I’ve seen but I’m now in a position where I don’t have to see that anymore.“At the start of the season, we did a thing called ‘Six Pitches’ about why you play football – I put the London Borough of Hackney because I don’t want people to view where I come from as this bad place.Most read in Football“Google Hackney and it’ll say, ‘the worst place, the top five worst places to llve in London.’ That’s not what Hackney is, it’s my home and I want to represent it in the best possible way.“Also, my mates and family and say, ‘This is what we are. This is what we can achieve when things are done right.“’Live the right way. Do the right things. Work hard.’’ Ultimately, that’s what’s got me into this position. ‘You’ve got a chance to get out of here, so go and do it.’ That’s what I represent.Addai has Martin Luther-King’s ‘ultimate measure of a man’ speech tattooed on his armCredit: GARY CARTER“But what do I do to have humility, do the right things and see good in people? That’s how I want to live my life.”Addai is the biggest thing in Orient’s way in this play-off semi-final and is used to success after being part of Crawley’s League Two triumph last season.Life at Stockport started shakily for the 27-year-old as he found himself dropped for Ben Hinchliffe before the latter’s injury saw him back in and prospering.But given the calibre of team-mate he had in Arsenal’s junior ranks, it is little surprise to see him doing well.He can then maybe attempt to emulate another of his heroes, Thierry Henry.Addai was part of Crawley’s League Two Play-Off triumph last seasonCredit: PAThe Gunners fan told SunSport: “That team was unbelievable. Eberechi Eze played in it – but I can’t remember if he took penalties then like he does now!“He’s the biggest star who’s come through and I still speak to him.“I’m friends with his family. He’s a wonderful human being and I’m so proud to see where he’s got to from where he’s come from.Read More on The Sun“But as an Arsenal fan, Thierry Henry is the best player the Premier League’s ever seen and how he conducts himself now makes him someone you aspire to be like.“If someone goes the season unbeaten, they can have words with me. Until then, I don’t want to hear anything!” More

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      ‘He’s a b****’ – Tommy Fury calls out Jake Paul and vows to ‘knock him spark out’ after decision win over Kenan Hanjalic

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      TOMMY FURY issued a chilling message to Jake Paul in an X-rated callout following his winning return to the ring.The former Love Island star dominated Bosnian bruiser Kenan Hanjalic for six straight rounds on Friday night on his way to earning a unanimous decision win.Tommy Fury threw down with Kenan Henjalic in his ring return on Friday nightCredit: DAZNFury, 26, cruised to a unanimous decision victoryHe issued an X-rated message to rival Jake Paul moments before leaving the ringCredit: DAZNFury, 26, was fired up after his first outing in over 18 months and issued a blunt message to long-time rival Paul moments before leaving the ring.’TNT’ said: “Jake Paul’s a b***h and he’s running scared. Jake, the hand’s fixed now, baby. The hand’s fixed.”I fought a guy in here tonight who’s had over 100 amateur fights and is experienced as hell and he’s as tough as teak.”If Jake Paul wants to step inside this ring, I guarantee you next time I’ll knock you spark out.”READ MORE ON TOMMY FURYFury and Paul locked horns with one another in a Saudi showdown back in February 2023.And Fury – the younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson – handed the YouTuber-turned-boxer his sole loss courtesy of a split decision victory.Both men have mooted a rematch, but, as of yet, it’s failed to come to fruition.Victory over Hanjalic was Fury’s first since his majority decision win over KSI in October 2023.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTommy Fury got the better of Jake Paul in their Saudi showdown in February 2023Credit: GETTYAnd he emotionally paid tribute to girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague and daughter Bambi after having his hand raised.He said: “I just want to say thank you for this victory to the Lord Saviour Jesus Christ, without him, none of this would be possible. Tommy Fury gets back in the ring”I want to say hello to my beautiful baby girl, Bambi, at home. And my sweetheart, Molly. She’ll always be mine forever.”And I want to dedicate this to my mother and father because without them, I wouldn’t be breathing. I wouldn’t be here.”The reason I am here today is my mother and father. I will love them until the day I die and I owe them everything.”Fury then bravely opened up about his battles with depression and alcohol.He added: “I’ve been through a hell of a lot these last two years. I’ve been through things that tear men down.”Drunk, an alcoholic, I lost my family for a little bit.Tommy Fury dedicated his win over Kenan Hanjalic to his girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague and their daughter, BambiCredit: INSTAGRAM”But I’ve turned things around, I’ve gone from being low to being on top of the world again.”Fury’s ring return took place on a four-fight fight card at the MTK Arena in Budapest.The card itself was a drab affair, with the presenters stealing the DAZN-broadcast show.It was littered with musical performances and a techno DJ set worthy of an Ibiza nightclub.Read More on The SunBoxing fans were left stunned by the bizarre show, with one saying: “Can’t even begin to tell you how happy I was to get a popstar musical interlude just now on this Tommy Fury boxing show in Hungary.”Another said: “Some weird choices in the production and like 3 or 4 music acts, this event is so weird lol.”The presenters for the card stole. theshowCredit: DAZN More

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      Arsenal ‘agree deal’ to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but fans have big doubts over £50m transfer

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      ARSENAL have “agreed a deal” to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Zubimendi, 26, since last summer following a raft of impressive displays with Sociedad and have beaten Real Madrid to his signature.Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Real Sociedad star Martin ZubimendiArsenal boss Mikel Arteta has finally signed ZubimendiAnd according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the North Londoners have finally agreed to meet the midfielder’s release clause worth a whopping £50million.Mikel Arteta’s side will now have to take “formal steps” to meet the player’s expensive asking price.The Spain international has also reached a verbal agreement with the Premier League giants.Zubimendi is now set to sign a “long-term” deal and become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.Read More on ArsenalHowever, some fans are not too excited about the defensive midfielder’s arrival at the Emirates.That is because Arsenal supporters have been crying out for an elite centre-forward for the last three years.In fact, many fans and pundits have insisted that is the last piece of the puzzle which will finally lead them to their first Premier League title in 21 years.And many have blamed the lack of a quality striker as the reason why Arteta’s side are likely to finish as runners-up for the third season in a row.Most read in FootballOne fan tweeted: “Another midfielder. Do they recognize that they went trophyless without a striker? Lmao.”Another commented: “Striker???”These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsA third wrote: “Misplaced priorities. Arsenal need a proper number 9, not a midfielder.”This fan said: “Everyone: Arsenal still needs a CF – Arteta: Give me my 5th DM.”And another stated: “A striker should be the next target please!”Nevertheless, many Arsenal fans also understand the significance of this signing as Zubimendi is one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the world.Furthermore, Thomas Partey’s future is uncertain with his contract running out in June.And Arsenal beat interest from Real to attract the world-renowned prospect, which poses as a major coup.Read More on The SunAccording to Foot Mercato, incoming Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, who quit Bayer Leverkusen and is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Santiago Bernabeu, wanted to sign Zubimendi.The same source claims Alonso asked Los Blancos’ president Florentino Perez to sign the No6 and help Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah follow him to Spain.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris. More

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      Newcastle vs Chelsea: Get £40 in free bets to spend on Premier League football with BetMGM

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-CHASING Newcastle and Chelsea meet in a blockbuster Sunday lunchtime clash this weekend.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the top-flight encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsNewcastle vs Chelsea: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Newcastle vs Chelsea: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Newcastle vs Chelsea prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Premier League preview

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      A mouth-watering contest awaits on Sunday as top four contenders Newcastle and Chelsea go toe-to-toe in a lunchtime showdown.Fourth place Toon sit one place ahead of the Blues in fifth – and only sit there on GOALS SCORED.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the huge St James’ Park fixture and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesNewcastle vs Chelsea previewJust three games remain in this season’s Premier League and any slip ups now could be fatal in the push for a Champions League spot next season.As it stands, Newcastle and Chelsea will both book their spot amongst Europe’s elite next season after the Premier League were granted an extra spot.But with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa just one point and three points behind, respectively, the margin for error is so small heading into the final weeks.That’s why the late penalty from Alexander Isak to rescue a point for the Toon at the Amex last week could be mightily huge.That strike means they go into the contest with Chelsea ahead of Enzo Maresca’s men, albeit on goals scored as they’re locked together on points and goal difference.Chelsea joined them on 63 points last weekend with a good 3-1 win over Champions Liverpool – though the Reds filled their XI with plenty of squad players.That win did make it three Premier League wins on the spin, and Cole Palmer finally ended a long wait for a goal – even if it was from the penalty spot.They were also to rest their main XI on Thursday night when cruising into the Conference League final.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-1 at 15/2 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Sandro Tonali 21/1 with talkSPORT BET – HERENewcastle vs Chelsea latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Newcastle vs Chelsea predictionsProviderJacob Murphy has been a revelation for Newcastle this season with his goal contributions in the top flight.He has 19 goal contributions – 8G, 11A – in his 32 appearances, though hasn’t had any in his last three games.Can spring into action at any time and prior to that had three goals and four assists in previous five games which is a terrific return.Jacob Murphy to score or assist at 23/20 with William Hill – CLAIM HERECard happyJohn Brooks takes charge of Sunday’s game and he’s averaging 5.33 yellow cards per game in the Premier League this season.So that makes us deep dive into the booking market and Moises Caicedo is an obvious shout at 6/4.But Enzo Fernandez will have that Argentina-Brazil battle with Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park, with Newcastle’s midfield three the best in the division. Joelinton’s absence is huge but Toon will still hope to win that battle and Fernandez isn’t shy of a booking having had seven in the league.Enzo Fernandez to be carded at 15/8 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl 05/04/25), deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Marco Asensio’s mum told Florentino Perez he’d be Real Madrid star aged NINE before tragic death from cancer

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      IT was the mother of all predictions that still brings a tear to the eye of Marco Asensio two decades down the line.A bold-as-brass prophecy from his biggest fan, before he was even at the baby-steps stage of a career which took him to the European summit.Marco Asensio has been a revelation for Aston Villa since his loan move from PSGCredit: REXAsensio became a global name during his trophy-laden stint with Real MadridCredit: AFPThe Spain international joined Real from Mallorca in December 2014Credit: GETTYAsensio’s late mother, Maria, told Florentino Perez her son would be a Real star when he was nine years oldCredit: AlamyAnd ultimate proof that mums DO know best — as a trophy cabinet packed with football’s most glittering prizes testifies.If Aston Villa fans get their way, any more medals that the Spanish forward wins will be done in the claret and blue shirt of Unai Emery’s men.For it has taken Asensio, 29, just three months to become a cult hero to Villa supporters, 18 games and nine starts after arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.He has eight goals already, all celebrated with a look to the heavens, in memory of the mum who once told Real Madrid’s president that Marco would be a Bernabeu superstar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsensio was only nine, yet she knew her son had a gift — and was quick to tell Florentino Perez in their chance meeting at Puerto Portals in Mallorca.Maria and husband Gilberto had taken the family to see the luxury yachts in the marina and after spotting Perez on his boat, asked for a picture.Yet before heading off, she told the Real guv’nor to look at the pint-sized kid next to her, as one day he would pull on the most famous white shirt in football.While Perez simply smiled, Maria had no doubts. Neither did a man who was blown away from the day Asensio arrived at tiny Mallorcan club Platges de Calvia two years earlier.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJuan Pericas, a youth coach at the Spanish fifth-tier outfit, soon had the same conviction as Marco’s mum. He still chuckles at what she said to Perez.Marco Asensio scores a brilliant flicked goal in Real Madrid training Pericas revealed: “They asked Florentino for a photo and then his mother said, ‘You see this little boy? “‘He is my son Marco. One day he will play for Real Madrid and be very successful’.“That’s why, the day that Marco signed for Real, he cried like a child. He remembered his mother’s premonition.“He was seven when he joined us, an age when very few kids know what to do with the ball.“But he played with his head up and always made the right decision.“In his first season, he scored 64 goals and had 30 assists.“That was a huge thing for someone so young to have those stats.”Sadly, Maria never got to see her son at the Bernabeu, as she tragically passed away through cancer when he was just 15 and a youth player at Mallorca.Almost immediately, he was playing two categories above his age group, standing out against boys older and stronger.Before long, LaLiga’s big two were sniffing around — and when Real agreed to pay €4million in one hit for the 18-year-old, letting Mallorca keep him for the season, that swayed it.Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory.”Juan Pericas on Marco Asensio’s late motherBarcelona missed out as they wanted the fee in four instalments — and Asensio was on the road to three Champions League wins in nearly a decade.And every golden moment was celebrated with a point to the heavens in tribute to the woman he says will always be his driving force.Just as they were when he left for Paris a couple of seasons ago — and since moving to the Midlands in February.Pericas added: “Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory. “She left an indelible impact and lives on through Marco.“He has spoken many times of his desire to make her proud on every occasion.“That’s why, each time Marco scores, he celebrates by looking up at the sky. Every goal is dedicated to Maria.”Villa fans would love to see him bagging plenty more for them and they are urging Emery to pay the £12.5million or so that it would cost to make his move permanent this summer.Read More on The SunAnd Pericas is equally convinced that the two are a perfect fit.He added: “Marco is loving it in England. If everything can be worked out, it would be a great move for both of them.” More

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      in Boxing

      Presenters steal show at Tommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic as fans baffled by random ‘pop star and trance music interludes’

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      TOMMY FURY made a winning return to the ring on Friday night – but fight fans were more blown away by the presenters of the show and the Ibiza-style trance party during the interludes.Fury, 26, recorded a dominant win over Bosnian Kenan Hanjalic in their six-round Budapest bust-up. Tommy Fury made a winning return to the ring on Friday nightCredit: DAZNBut the presenters of the Budapest fight card ended up stealing the showCredit: DAZNAs did the numerous musicians who performed between the fightsCredit: DAZNBoxing fans couldn’t help but comment on the concert, which had a sprinkling of fights, that they were treated toCredit: DAZNThe fight was preceded by several musical acts and a techno DJ set worthy of a dark and sweat-riddled Ibiza nightclub. Two Hungarian presenters oversaw proceedings at the MTK Arena.And the duo well and truly caught the eye of viewers back home. One boxing fan commented: “The presenters of the Tommy Fury Budapest card are absolutely worth tuning in for. “READ MORE ON TOMMY FURYAnother said with an image of the two presenters: “Worth it, init?” The musical interludes were also a major talking point for fight fans watching live on DAZN. One sarcastically said: “Can’t even begin to tell you how happy I was to get a popstar musical interlude just now on this Tommy Fury boxing show in Hungary.” Another said: “Some weird choices in the production and like 3 or 4 music acts, this event is so weird lol.” Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTommy Fury paid a heartfelt tribute to girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague after having his hand raisedCredit: DAZNAnd another said: “Loving the music.” Fury, 26, moved to a perfect 11-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Hanjalic, his first win since his victory over KSI in October 2023.Tommy Fury calls out ‘b****’ Jake Paul after making boxing comeback after 18 months And an emotional ‘TNT’ was quick to pay tribute to girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague and daughter Bambi in his post-fight interview.He said: “I just want to say thank you for this victory to the Lord Saviour Jesus Christ, without him, none of this would be possible.”I want to say hello to my beautiful baby girl, Bambi, at home. And my sweetheart, Molly. She’ll always be mine forever.”And I want to dedicate this to my mother and father because without them, I wouldn’t be breathing. I wouldn’t be here. “The reason I am here today is my mother and father. I will love them until the day I die and I owe them everything.”The fomer Love Island star then proceeded to open up on his battles with depression and alcohol.”I’ve been through a hell of a lot these last two years,” he said. “I’ve been through things that tear men down. Read More on The Sun”Drunk, an alcoholic; I lost my family for a little bit. “But I’ve turned things around, I’ve gone from being low to being on top of the world again.” More