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    Leicester release ELEVEN players after Premier League relegation including Jamie Vardy and forgotten Liverpool star

    LEICESTER CITY have released 11 players following their relegation from the Premier League.The Foxes will drop down to the Championship once again for the 2025-26 season having finished 18th in the Prem table this term.Jamie Vardy is among the group of Leicester players confirmed to be leavingCredit: GettyDanny Ward will also departCredit: GettyBut they are set to be without three first team players.Danny Ward, Daniel Iversen and club legend Jamie Vardy have all been released following the expiry of their respective contracts.Eight junior pros will also depart, including Oliver Ewing, Harvey Godsmark-Ford, Ben Grist, Deniche Hill, Liam McAlinney, Arjan Raikhy, Joe Wormleighton and Brad Young.A club statement read: “All three leave with the heartfelt thanks of everybody at Leicester City for their contributions during their time at King Power Stadium, as well as our best wishes for the next chapters in their careers.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVardy announced that he was leaving the King Power Stadium last month after 13 years.The 38-year-old said: “It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time. If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy.”Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be.”I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.”Vardy made his final Leicester appearance on the penultimate day of the Premier League season at the King Power Stadium.Emotional Leicester fans say ‘delete this’ as club share pics of Jamie Vardy packing his things into a cardboard boxIt was his 500th outing in a Leicester shirt and he scored his 200th goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town.Ward is also confirmed to be leaving the club.The goalkeeper joined the Foxes from Liverpool in 2018 and went on to make 52 appearances.Iversen is the final senior player set to move on as a free agent.The 27-year-old has made just 17 appearances for Leicester having been loaned out on numerous occasions.He is in line to join Preston North End at the start of July.Daniel Iversen is set to join Preston North End as a free agentCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea vs Real Betis tale of the tape: How Conference League finalists compare with Enzo Maresca facing ‘football dad’

    CHELSEA are on the brink of history as they prepare to take on Real Betis in the Conference League final.Enzo Maresca will clash with “football dad” and former boss Manuel Pellegrini when the two sides collide in Warsaw on Wednesday.Chelsea are hoping to make history in the Conference League finalCredit: GettyThey are up against a tough opponent in Real BetisCredit: ReutersAnd a win for Chelsea will see them become the first-ever team to win all three major European competitions.They face a tough test in Betis though, with the Spanish side boasting strong names including Isco, Antony and Gio Lo Celso.Here, SunSport compares the two sides for what is sure to be a lively clash in Poland.But just who will come out on top?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSEASON SUCCESSWith both sides reaching the Conference League final, neither side can say they have fallen short in Europe.Yet they have also enjoyed good club campaigns – to an extent.Chelsea at one stage looked on course to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title before a dramatic Christmas collapse.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Blues then faced a tough challenge to qualify for the Champions League.Most read in FootballThey eventually sealed a return to Europe’s top table on Sunday with victory over fellow challengers Nottingham Forest.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot securedCHELSEA VS REAL BETIS – CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL STREAM AND TV INFOAnd although they ultimately achieved their season goal, Chelsea undoubtedly made a meal out of it.As for Betis, they too enjoyed mixed fortunes in LaLiga.They ended up finishing sixth, sealing their place in next season’s Europa League regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s final.However, fifth place in Spain would have been enough for Champions League football.Betis ended up finishing 10 points behind Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, who took the last two spots.And although Europa League qualification will be welcomed by them, they surely would have loved to have been in the Champions League instead.BEST PLAYERSChelsea’s squad is worth a whole £627MILLION MORE than Betis’ – but there is always one man who stands head and shoulders above his teammates.Despite not enjoying the same success as he did in the 2023/24 campaign, Cole Palmer undoubtedly remains Chelsea’s star player and danger man.The midfielder has taken up a deeper role in a more central position under Maresca, allowing him to dictate more of the play.Palmer’s brilliant technique and vision means he is often the one keeping Chelsea ticking over in possession as teammates look to make darting runs through the lines.And if the Blues are to take control on Wednesday, he will need to be at his mercurial best once again – regardless of whether he scores or assists in the process.As for Betis, they have been inspired in the second half of the season by a Premier League misfit.Brazilian winger Antony, on loan from Manchester United, has been nothing short of a revelation since moving to Spain.He has a smile on his face again after hitting the goal regularly, with fans also showing their appreciation and adoration.A permanent transfer now looks on the cards this summer.And Antony will be desperate to reward the faith shown by Betis by guiding them to glory in Warsaw.TACTICSChelsea have adopted a possession-based style since Maresca’s arrival last summer, with players instructed to keep the ball moving as they inch their way forward to goal.Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 system, the Blues quickly become a fluid unit as players drift out of their regular positions to line up in a 3-2-4-1 shape.Whether it has been a raging success is up for debate, with Chelsea sometimes left exposed at the back while also failing to get enough players into the box to finish off a move.But Maresca’s system has built some team unity, with his unquestionable plan on the pitch making the Blues a strong cohesive force when it finally clicks.As for Betis, they too play with a 4-2-3-1 formation.However, it is much more old-school thanks to boss Pellegrini.There are few players who drift out of position, bar Isco as he floats around the final third before picking out a deadly pass.The wide men are encouraged to cut inside, with overlapping full-backs holding their positions on the flank.Betis are also happy to concede possession too, meaning there is a high possibility of them looking to hit with speed on counter-attacks against Chelsea.TROPHIESAs far as silverware is concerned, Chelsea are undoubtedly a tour de force.The Blues have scooped 27 domestic trophies in their time, including six titles.They have also enjoyed resounding success in Europe, with two Champions Leagues and two Europa Leagues making up part of their eight continental triumphs.And in 2021, Chelsea topped the globe by becoming Club World Cup champions.Winning the Conference League will not have fans bouncing for joy by any means.Chelsea have had plenty of success in the pastCredit: GettyReal Betis’ last trophy came in 2022 with the Copa del ReyCredit: AFPBut it will see the Blues become the first-ever side to win every European competition, making it a worthwhile piece of history for supporters and players alike.As for Betis, they have one league title to their name… but that came in 1935.Since then, it’s been a barren run despite winning eight other titles in Spain’s lower leagues.They have won the Copa del Rey three times though, with their most recent success coming in 2022.And should Betis triumph on Wednesday, fans are sure to party into the night and beyond.BIGGEST SIGNINGSIt’s no secret that Chelsea have spent well over a billion pounds since Todd Boehly’s arrival.In that time,  the Blues have splashed out huge fees on the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk.But their most expensive signing remains the 2023 transfer of Moises Caicedo from Brighton.Chelsea spent a mind-blowing £115m on the Ecuadorian midfielder.That made him not only the Blues’ biggest-ever signing, but the most expensive player in Premier League history.Moises Caicedo cost a whopping £115m to sign from BrightonCredit: GettyDenilson’s £25m move in 1998 set a new world recordCredit: Getty Images – GettyAs for Betis, they are yet to top a record fee paid way back in 1998.They spent a massive £25m on Brazilian winger Denilson from Sao Paulo, which at the time also set a new worldwide transfer record.But he ended up being a massive flop, scoring just 14 times in 198 games while also suffering relegation to the second division.Betis have clearly been wary about spending big numbers ever since, having only ever spent more than £20m just once.That went on Borja Iglesias, who joined from Espanyol for £23m in 2019 but lasted just four-and-a-half seasons.MANAGERSChelsea’s Italian gaffer Enzo Maresca has one of the safest seats in football – and that was before he sealed a top four finish on Sunday.The ex-Leicester man was brought in to Stamford Bridge to provide stability while also moulding Chelsea’s youngsters into English football’s next great team.Despite reservations over his playing style, fans appear to have finally taken to Maresca thanks to his calm approach and desire to win.The former Man City coach isn’t the most experienced either.But with time on his side, a trophy win in his debut season will only strengthen his position in the Chelsea hot seat.Enzo Maresca worked under Manuel Pellegrini at West HamCredit: GettyWill the Chelsea boss be able to get the better of his ‘football father?’Credit: ReutersAs for Manuel Pellegrini, he has now been at Betis for nearly five years.Having enjoyed most of his success at Man City, the Chilean has helped build Betis into plucky underdogs.Pellegrini broke their trophy curse by guiding them to the 2022 Copa del Rey.And he remains a wildly popular figure with fans and players alike, having resurrected the careers of fallen men like Isco and Antony.Read More on The SunPellegrini also knows Chelsea boss Maresca well, having coached him at Malaga before appointing him as assistant boss at West Ham.And it should be a fascinating battle between the pair, with Maresca warmly branding Pellegrini his “football father.” More

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    ‘Plays like Kaka’ – Watch Arsenal star Max Dowman, 15, score wondergoal for England in record-breaking appearance

    ARSENAL wonderkid Max Dowman has earned more rave reviews after a record-breaking performance.Dowman, 15, starred for England in a 4-2 win over the Czech Republic in the Under-17s Euros last night.Max Dowman broke a Euros record for EnglandCredit: GettyThe Arsenal wonderkid scored a fantastic solo goal to put the Three Lions aheadThe attacking midfielder put in a man of the match display but it was not enough to stop the Three Lions crashing out in the group stages.Dowman was the star of the show, scoring a sublime solo opener.He received the ball out wide and then turned the full-back inside out with a quick piece of skill on the byline.After getting past him most expected a cut back – but the teenage sensation fooled everyone including the Czech keeper by whipping the ball into the back of the net.READ MORE ON ARSENALAged 15 years, four months and 26 days – Dowman is now the youngest ever scorer in Under-17s Euros history.And his rampant first-half performance got even better as he produced a stunning assist for England’s second goal.The young Gunner dictated the play deep in midfield, letting a pass roll across a Czech player and his body to create himself a yard of space.Dowman then fired an inch perfect through ball into the path of striker Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez, who calmly converted.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAside from the goals, the youngster was a constant threat as he glided his way through the Czech defence several times.A compilation of his performance has gone viral online, with fans saying: “Generational talent.”Another added: “Plays like Kaka used to. I just see a young Kaka, body type and running style. Could be a very special player.”A third said: “Max will be the best academy graduate the Arsenal’s ever produced. Special talent.”Dowman has already trained with the Gunners first-team and he is set to be involved in pre-season this summer.England legend John Terry is one of the many to have sung his praises after watching him dominate Chelsea’s youth team, saying: “He is a top, top player.”He was taking the ball on the half turn, drifting away from players, looking back and a couple of our boys went and put it on him a little bit. It was good to see. But Dowman is a very, very good player.”Declan Rice has said: “At 15, there is such a long way to go. You can be the best 15-year-old in the country, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to be at 18.Read More on The Sun”So, you need to be hungry, keep working and keep pushing.”I speak to Max a lot and he has got such a good family around him. He is unreal.”Max Dowman has caught the eye of Declan RiceCredit: GettyHe has been compared to icon KakaCredit: Getty More

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    Glamorous futsal player who was sacked after OnlyFans posts now earning 100 TIMES more selling adult content

    A FORMER futsal player booted out of her club for posting raunchy snaps on OnlyFans is now raking it in.She claims to be making 100 times more than what she earned during her playing days.An ex-futsal player was booted out of her club for posting raunchy snaps on OnlyFansBut she now makes 100 times more than what she earned during her playing daysMarcela Soares was sacked by Pelotas after club officials discovered her side hustleMarcela was told she had brought the club into disreputeMarcela Soares was sacked by Pelotas – a Brazilian futsal team located in Rio Grande do Sul state – when club officials discovered her side hustle saying she had brought the club into disrepute.Marcela told NewsX: “I love futsal, it’s my passion forever. But I can’t stay somewhere that tries to control who I am outside of the game.”I never stopped being the athlete I always was, and I never disrespected the club. But I was told I was setting a bad example for children.”However, Marcela’s new avenue gave her more “freedom and financial independence”.Read More on FootballThe 21-year-old added: “I was judged, excluded and I felt betrayed even by other women. “But I also gained something: freedom and financial independence. Today I feel stronger.”Marcela used to make a mere R$550 (£71.55) per month, which barely covered her travel costs to training.But after just four weeks on OnlyFans, the model says she netted R$55,000 (£7,155).Most read in FootballMarcela said: “It’s sad but I leave the sport with a clear conscience.”If I’d had this financial return from sport, I would never have left it.”Mexico’s sexiest fan and weather girl poses in bra and dressing gown as she celebrates four years on OnlyFansMarcela counts a whopping 241,000 followers on Instagram alone.She’s not the first sportsperson to cross over to glam content creating.Madelene Wright used to play football, Paige Spiranac was a golfer, Kayla Simmons was a volleyball star and Mikayla Demaiter was in ice hockey.Marcela used to make a mere R$550 (£71.55) per monthBut after just four weeks on OnlyFans, Marcela says she netted R$55,000 (£7,155)Marcela counts a whopping 241,000 followers on Instagram alone More

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    Delicious Orie in shock RETIREMENT announcement aged 27 and reveals plans to take up totally different new job

    BOXER Delicious Orie has announced his shock retirement from the sport.The 27-year-old won gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth and 2023 European Games.Delicious Orie has retired from boxingCredit: GettyHis success in the amateurs saw him represent Team GB in the Paris Olympics last year and he became Anthony Joshua’s sparring partner.Orie later signed for Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.But after just one pro fight, which he won in February, the Moscow-born Brit has decided to end his career and focus on a new job.Orie explained his decision in a statement, which read: “After much reflection, I have decided to hang up my gloves and retire from boxing to follow up on my degree and enter the corporate world.READ MORE IN BOXING”This sport has given me so much — incredible memories, unforgettable experiences travelling the world and many opportunities to represent my country at the biggest stages in the world. Forever grateful for the journey.”Over time, I’ve come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded. “As I’ve grown, I’ve come to value clarity and honesty with myself above all. “I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn’t. Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Every fighter knows you need a deep love for the craft to reach the top – and without it, there’s no path forward.”Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty.”To everyone who supported me along the way — thank you. To my coaches, teammates, staff at GB Boxing and to those who stood by me through my (albeit brief) professional journey.”He thanked STN Sports chiefs Sean O’Toole and Paul Ready, promoters Frank and George Warren, as well as Grant Smith and his team at Sheffield base Steel City Gym.Orie added: “Your belief, support and guidance meant the world.”Fans were left shocked by the news, with one saying: “Hold your head high. You achieved so much mate, and will continue to.”Another added: “Best of luck in this next chapter, DJ. An absolute joy following your journey.”British boxer Frazer Clarke penned a touching message to Orie, saying: “I feel I’m writing this message to late brother but if you ever need or needed to speak to anyone you have my number.Read More on The Sun”I have no doubt no matter what ever you choose to do in your life you’ll be successful from the first time I met and spoke to you to then training with you its been clear your work rate and your attitude to learning and competing is second to none.”I hope you’re OK and wish you all the best if you need me I’m one call away champ.”Orie won his only pro fight earlier this yearCredit: Getty More

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    Former boxing world champion undergoes brain surgery after being rushed to hospital when he collapsed in the ring

    GINJIRO SHIGEOKA has undergone brain surgery following his brutal defeat to Pedro Taduran.The Japanese southpaw collapsed in the ring as the result of his rematch with Taduran, which he lost via split decision, was announced – he was then stretchered out of the arena.Ginjiro Shigeoka rematched Pedro Taduran in Osaka, Japan last weekendCredit: ALAMYThe southpaw suffered a split decision defeat to the FilipinoCredit: ALAMYShigeoka collapsed after the result of the fight was announcedCredit: ALAMYThe former IBF light-flyweight champion was immediately rushed to the hospital after losing consciousness following the gruelling war, in which he failed to exact revenge on Taduran.The 25-year-old, who was undefeated before his consecutive losses to his Filipino foe, currently remains in a medically induced coma.He required emergency craniotomy, which involves removing part of the skull, which has brought about the end of his career.An update from his representatives read: “According to JBC [Japanese Boxing Commission], Japanese Former IBF Champion Ginjiro Shigeoka has suffered from an acute subdural hematoma and has already undergone a craniotomy.READ MORE IN BOXING“G. Shigeoka is still currently under observation in a private hospital in Osaka, Japan.”The commission has already enforced that Shigeoka has to retire from boxing following his craniotomy procedure.”Japanese Boxing Council rules prohibit boxers who have undergone any type of brain surgery from holding licenses, even if they make a full recovery.Shigeoka, the younger brother of former WBC light-flyweight titleholder Yudai, currently remains under observation.Most read in BoxingGinJiro Shigeoka remains under observation in a medically induced comaCredit: ALAMYAnd it will take the best part of a week before his condition becomes clear.Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, the JBC’s Secretary General, said: “The definite information is that he has an acute right subdural hematoma.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport“He underwent emergency craniotomy immediately after the match and is currently under observation.”It will take about a week to know his condition. He is asleep under anaesthesia.”We will continue to monitor his condition from now on.” More

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    Betis vs Chelsea: Get £30 in free bets and £10 casino bonus with BoyleSports, plus 50% Conference League final boost

    CHELSEA have been warm favourites for Conference League glory this season and head into Wednesday’s final with Betis in fine fettle. And punters who register an account with BoyleSports and stake a tenner on the European showdown will be rewarded with £30 in football free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus!BoyleSports are also offering customers a whopping extra 50% boost on their Bet Builder winnings!Betis vs Chelsea: £30 in free bets & £10 casino bonus HERE*Get extra 50% boost on Bet Builder winnings HEREFind The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim…BoyleSports offerVisit the BoyleSports website HERE*Register a new account and depositPlace a qualifying bet of £10 or more at odds of Evens or greaterRemember, your qualifying bet must be placed within 30 days of account openingOnce that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonusBoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE*New to BoyleSports? Good news – you can claim their Europa League final offer!Simply visit the BoyleSports website HERE* and register for your brand new account.Deposit at least £10 and then place a tenner or more on any football betting market with BoyleSports at odds of Evens or greater.Once that’s settled, you will receive £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus!You will also be eligible for BoyleSports’ amazing special for the European final in Poland!They are offering all customers an extra 50% on their Bet Builder winnings which you can claim HERE*.BoyleSports: Get £30 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE**18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. Online only. Min Odds of (3/1). Max stake 20. One bet per customer. 50% Boost. Boost will be added once all selections have settled. Max boost payout £/€1,000. Offer does not apply to multiple bets. Free/void/cashed out bets won’t qualify. 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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    Ange Postecoglou left in dark over Tottenham future and jets off on holiday with no idea whether he still has a job

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU is being made to wait on his Tottenham future with Daniel Levy not expected to make a decision this week.Chairman Levy is still mulling over whether to back or sack the Aussie, who delivered the North Londoners’ first trophy in 17 years with last week’s Europa League success.Ange Postecoglou is still in the dark about his Tottenham futureCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDaniel Levy is not expected to make a decision this weekCredit: PAPostecoglou, who also oversaw Spurs finishing 17th in the Premier League, is currently on holiday with his family.No meetings are believed to have been held with the 59-year-old before he left and with a number of other staff also jetting off for some post-season R ‘n R, a call on Postecoglou is not anticipated for some time yet.Levy had been of the mind to axe the ex-Celtic chief but the Europa triumph could spark an emotional U-turn.That has been the case for a vast number of supporters who previously wanted a change in the dugout but now are demanding Postecoglou stay after the glory in Bilbao.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Tottenham centre-back Ramon Vega says it is “bizarre” Postecoglou’s future is even being discussed after ending the club’s silverware drought.The Swiss, who won the League Cup with Spurs in 1999, told SunSport: “The question of whether he deserves to stay on is disrespectful. It would be a huge mistake to sack him.“We had managers who were names and potentially more expensive than Ange and they won nothing whatsoever.“I don’t know where these guys (the board) are living, in reality, or cuckoo land?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s the board’s responsibility now (to back him). The club was a laughing stock until last week, let’s be honest.“He’s suddenly put Tottenham on the map internationally and finally won a trophy with an unbelievable season with injuries.How Tottenham won the Europa League final v Man United“He has to stay, that’s it. If he’s the person who brought a trophy to the club, why is there even a question? Why do we have to wait for yes or no? That’s it, continue.”Postecoglou urged Spurs to ensure they keep hold of talismanic defender Cristian Romero in his final press conference of the season on Sunday.Romero was key to Spurs’ Europa triumph but has seemed to agitate for a move at times this season, stating publicly his desire to play in La Liga amid interest from Atletico Madrid.Yet the World Cup winner, 27, hinted he could stick around by claiming he had “no doubt that staying together led us to success. We must continue, this is the path” in a social-media post.Former centre-back Vega, 53, reckons it is essential to keep Romero – and believes retaining Postecoglou could be the key to it.The ex-defender, who played for Spurs between 1996 and 2001, added: “Absolutely we need to keep hold of Romero. He’s top notch.“If Ange stays, most likely Romero and all these guys will say ‘Yes I will stay’. If another person comes in, then Romero might say ‘I’m prepared to leave now’.“Ange can convince them to stay. If you have a manager who is respected from top to bottom within the dressing room, you can achieve anything.“This is what the board needs to realise. They have a manager that the players believe in going forward.”Meanwhile, James Maddison is targeting a return from his serious knee injury in time for next season’s kick-off.Read More on The SunThe England midfielder, 28, said: “I’ll have to work over the summer and rest and recover. I’ll be back hopefully for the start of next season. That’s the aim.”Maddison will likely miss much of Spurs’ pre-season match schedule, which they announced on Tuesday will include a friendly against Newcastle in South Korea, though the date and venue are yet to be confirmed.Postecoglou led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 yearsCredit: Getty More