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    ‘Nothing we can do about it’ – Man City star breaks ranks to SLAM Club World Cup and says team-mates want rest

    MANUEL AKANJI has questioned Manchester City’s wisdom in taking part in the Club World Cup – insisting it could wreck the team’s fitness for next season.Pep Guardiola’s men endured a first trophyless season since 2017 after finishing third in the Premier League and losing the FA Cup final.Manuel Akanji has questioned Man City’s participation in the Club World CupCredit: AlamyIt follows a trophyless season at the clubCredit: GettyHowever, their campaign could continue until mid-July if they complete a seven-game run to the Club World Cup final.Centre-back Akanji, already in the US on Switzerland duty, will remain Stateside for the Fifa tournament.The 29-year-old said: “I have been a strong critic of this competition for some time now.”We players would love to have some holidays, and some time for our bodies to rest.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”My City teammates are not exactly overjoyed about the tournament either.”But it’s now right in our faces, and there is nothing we can do about it.”If we take part, then of course we want to win it. “But if we reach the final, then the time period for us to recover ahead of the new season will become even shorter.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAkanji, City’s 2022 buy from Borussia Dortmund, fears fitness woes might impact their ability to once again win trophies.He added: “Set against the expectations we have, this hasn’t been a good season. ‘I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul'”We finished third in the Premier League, three points behind Arsenal, and qualified for the Champions League.”But it is still our worst campaign for some time.”However, Pep Guardiola still said he was proud of us for never giving up.”The season could have finished far worse than it did.”Meanwhile, the Citizens will start their Club World Cup campaign against Wydad AC from Morocco on June 18.They will then face the Saudi side Al Ain FC five days later and then the Italian giants Juventus on June 26 More

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    Adam Azim out to prove he is ready to fight American star Devin Haney after accepting bout on ONE WEEKS’ notice

    ADAM AZIM is ready to prove he is ready for the likes of Devin Haney – after accepting a super short-notice fight. Azim faces Mexico’s Eliot Chavez this Saturday in Barnsley after having just a week to prepare for the bout. Adam Azim is ready to prove he is ready for the likes of Devin HaneyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAzim’s next opponent is Eliot ChavezCredit: Facebook But the ultra-fit and professional super-lightweight always stays ready for any challenge – even against boxing’s best. Azim, 22, told Sky Sports: “I would fight Haney next week. I just feel he’s more moving around and doesn’t want to initiate attacks. “He is a top-level fighter but I don’t think he’s the same fighter that he was before. “If he’s running on the backfoot, throwing one jab every two rounds, why not?”READ MORE IN BOXINGHaney, 26, was dropped three times by Ryan Garcia, also 26, in April 2026 in what looked to be his first defeat. But the result was overturned when Garcia returned a positive drug test for ostarine – known to boost muscle growth. Haney had his undefeated record restored and returned with a dull points win over Jose Ramirez, 32, in New York in May. Garcia – who accepted a one-year ban but blamed the positive test on a tainted supplement – also fought on the same night. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he was stunned in defeat to Rolly Romero, 29, having been dropped before losing on points. Azim is targeting the top names at the 140lb division Haney used to rule as WBC champion – and slammed the American’s safety-first style. Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy videoHe said: “For me I can fight front foot and back foot. “Haney, I think he’s got enough power just to keep someone off, but I don’t think he has that one-punch power.”But I think if I was going to fight him I think I’d beat him with speed.”Former WBC world champion Devin HaneyCredit: X / Realdevinhaney More

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    Georgina Rodriguez’s Netflix show to be CANCELLED after Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend raked in £22m payday

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ’S Netflix show is to be cancelled after she raked in a £22million payday.The partner of Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that ‘I Am Georgina’ will not be getting a fourth series.Georgina Rodriguez’s Netflix show has been cancelledCredit: EffekShe raked in £22million from three seasons of ‘I Am Georgina’Credit: GettyThe show lifted the lid on her life with Cristiano RonaldoCredit: The Mega AgencyIt will not be returning for a fourth seriesCredit: NetflixThe 31-year-old, who gave fans a look at her glamorous life in the show, took home a whopping £22m for the first three seasons.Rodriguez was also executive producer for the series, which went down a storm with supporters.It made the top 10 most-viewed programmes in 46 countries.And the first season’s success spawned two renewals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Rodriguez has now confirmed ‘I Am Georgina’ will not return for a fourth time.She told Vogue Arabia: “The reality show has been one of the most important professional experiences and the one that has made me the most excited.“It has been a lot of work and requires so much effort.“I think that it has given me the opportunity to show the real ‘me’ to the world.Most read in Football“It has been the most important and large-scale project that I have done so far.“However, at the moment, I do not plan to continue with the reality show.”Georgina Rodriguez gives first glimpse of Netflix series in daring outfit as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Wag shows off bold lookRodriguez met Ronaldo while working as a shop assistant in MadridCredit: Instagram @georginagioThe pair have been together since 2016Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9r-X6SNFff/?hl=en-gb&img_index=1They are currently living it up in Saudi ArabiaCredit: instagram/cristianoThey share two children together, with Georgina also stepmother to Ronaldo’s three other kidsCredit: instagram/@georginagioGeorgina famously met former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo while working as a shop assistant in the Spanish capital.The pair have been together since 2016 and share two children together.Georgina is also stepmother to Ronaldo’s three other children.While the couple suffered heartache when they lost one of their twins during childbirth in 2023. More

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    Real Madrid tipped to sign Liverpool cult hero just days after sealing Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer

    LIVERPOOL cult hero Roberto Firmino has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid, reports claim.Real are looking for an experienced goalscorer to support Kylian Mbappe up top, after finishing second behind LaLiga champions Barcelona this season.Roberto Firmino is being linked with an unlikely move to Real MadridCredit: GettyFirmino could be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyIt comes just days after Madrid swooped Liverpool boyhood star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who ended his 20-year career at Anfield for sunny Spain.And according to Spanish outlet AS Sport, Madrid are in the hunt for a new Joselu-like figure to come to the Bernabeu. The former Stoke and Newcastle forward may have flopped in the Premier League, but he’s fondly remembered in the Spanish capital.Joselu scored crucial goals en route to Real’s 2024 Champions League victory, most notably his two late notches in the semi-final win over Bayern Munich.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJoselu, who came through the ranks at Real as a youngster, scored 18 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions as he played a vital support role after rejoining for a year aged 33.And having been without such a prolific role player this year after Joselu joined Saudi side Al-Gharafa SC, Firmino has reportedly dropped onto Madrid’s radar.The Brazilian, 33, who once featured in one of most lethal Premier League front-threes with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, now plays in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.Firmino was linked with a shock move to Madrid before the end of Liverpool contract in 2023.Most read in FootballJosulu became a cult hero in MadridCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter initially struggling to find his feet, Firmino has managed 21 goals in 65 appearances, and he captained Al-Ahli to the AFC Champions League Elite title this season.Firmino is also seen as someone who could play a vital bench role for new manager Xabi Alonso, who also starred for both Liverpool and Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fansA move would allow youngster Gonzalo Garcia, 21, another year to develop after scoring 25 goals for Madrid’s academy this season. If does complete the switch, then Firmino would be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-Arnold.The pair who won it all at Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp’s golden years, including the club’s first-ever Premier League trophy and the 2019 Champions League title.While Firmino was given a hero’s send-off when he was released in 2023, the England right-back faced heavy criticism from Liverpool fans, who were initially fuming about his free agent status.But Madrid have since paid £10million to release Alexander-Arnold a month early from this contract that was due to end on June 30.The Spanish giants were hell-bent on having the 26-year-old for the Club World Cup, starting on June 14 in the US.Firmino would also have fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao as team-mates.Firmino could also link up with Brazil team-mate Vinicius JrCredit: Reuters More

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    Heartbreak for England legend as wife dies after ‘several months’ battling with illness

    LADY Hilkka Brooking, the beloved wife of Club legend Sir Trevor, has died after battling with illness for “several months”.The couple were married for 55 years with Lady Hilkka becoming a regular visitor to West Ham United fixtures home and away.Hilkka Brooking, the beloved wife of Club legend Sir Trevor, has died after battling with illness for ‘several months’Credit: AlamySir Trevor Brooking and his wife Hilkka Brooking watching West Ham United at Molineux StadiumCredit: AlamyThe pair were married for 55 yearsCredit: AFPRemembering his much-loved wife Sir Trevor thanked fans for their “kind” messages and thoughts. She “stood by his side” when Sir Trevor was a player during his illustrious career and then in his role as an ambassador of English football.In an emotional tribute he said: “I want to thank people for their kind messages and thoughts.“Hilkka loved coming to West Ham United matches and always wanted the Club to do well.”Read more on SportIn a heartfelt message shared on the club’s site, joint-Chairman David Sullivan remembered Hilkka as a “popular figure” in the Boardroom.Joint-Chairman David Sullivan added: “We are all extremely sad to hear the news of Lady Hilkka’s passing. “Hilkka was a hugely popular figure in the Boardroom and throughout the Club, always by Sir Trevor’s side and a passionate supporter of West Ham United. “She will be greatly missed by everyone here.”Most read in FootballSir Trevor joined West Ham as a youth player in 1965 before making his senior debut a couple of years later.His illustrious career playing for the Upton Park team saw him make over 600 appearances and score more than 100 goals before retiring in 1984.Post-retirement he picked up a role at the BBC as a broadcaster and was later appointed to the Sports Council.Brooking’s name however, will be forever remembered for West Ham’s historic FA Cup 1-0 win against Arsenal in 1980.His contributions to the game have seen him receive a knighthood, OBE and MBE. On being knighted he told the BBC: “This is a wonderful honour and a huge privilege. My family and I are very excited by the news,”My whole life has been about sport, as a footballer, as a broadcaster and as an administrator.”When you look at some of the other people from football who have been knighted I feel privileged to be in the same company.Read More on The Sun”This is not something me or my family could have envisaged when I was growing up in the East End.”There are some great names there, but I am also conscious that the honour is really for my Sport England work.”Hilkka often attended matches with her husbandCredit: AlamyHilkka stood by her husband throughout his illustrious career as a player and football ambassadorCredit: Alamy More

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    Newcastle confirm retained list with £15million signing released and two former England stars locked in contract talks

    NEWCASTLE have confirmed that Jamal Lewis has been released.The left-back was a £15million signing from Norwich just five years ago.Jamal Lewis has been let go by NewcastleCredit: GettyCallum Wilson could still stay despite waving goodbye to fansCredit: GettyLewis, 27, made just 36 appearances for Newcastle over three seasons at the club.He has spent the last two campaigns on loan at Watford and Brazilian side Sao Paulo.Meanwhile, Newcastle announced that Lloyd Kelly’s switch to Juventus has been made permanent.The versatile defender made the move to Turin in January on loan with an obligation to buy for £20m. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdditionally, former England duo John Ruddy and Callum Wilson are both in talks over contract extensions.The pair see their deals expire at the end of this month.Ruddy, 38, has one England cap to his name, but he has never played for Newcastle after joining as a third-choice stopper last summer.Wilson, 33, appeared to wave goodbye to supporters on the final day of the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe nine-time England striker has scored 49 goals in 130 games for the Toon and he won the club’s player of the year award at the end of the 2020/21 season.Newcastle have also triggered an extension option in goalkeeper Mark Gillespie’s contract.It comes after Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Dan Burn all put pen to paper on new deals.John Ruddy is in talks over staying at NewcastleCredit: AlamyEddie Howe is forming his squad ahead of next seasonCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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    Tragedy as footballer, 14, dies after horrifying collision with opponent and slipping into a coma

    A FOOTBALLER has died following a horror collision with an opponent.Ilann, 14, whose surname was withheld by his club, passed away after playing for French team Jeunesse Villenavaise.A 14-year-old footballer has died after a collision during a matchCredit: GettyThe teenager was reportedly struck in the chest during an aerial duel while starring at a tournament in Merignac on Sunday.Ilann was rushed to Bordeaux University Hospital after losing consciousness and slipping into a coma.He underwent several emergency surgeries to stop internal bleeding in his liver.But medics were unable to save Illan and he tragically died on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJeunesse Villenavaise cancelled training the following day while providing counselling for players.And they confirmed Ilan’s sad passing in a heartbreaking statement on social media.It read: “It is with a broken heart and a silent soul that we announce the passing of Ilann, a young Panther of the club.“There are no words right enough, no sentence strong enough. Only silence, tears, and love.Most read in Football“Today, Jeunesse Villenavaise is in mourning. A family, teammates, educators, parents stand together, united in grief.“To Ilann’s family, to his loved ones, we send all our absolute, sincere, and unconditional love.“Ilann, forever one of us, we make a promise: we will never forget you.“Rest in peace, young Panther. The field belongs to you forever.”Fans were quick to pay tribute to Ilann.One said: “Peace for his soul and courage for the family.”Another declared: “Rest in peace, sincere condolences.”One noted: “Huge support to his family and club.”Another added: “So sad, football is in mourning.” More

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    Chelsea pre-season fixtures 2025: Schedule, tickets, TV coverage and live stream with Blues heading to Club World Cup

    CHELSEA are preparing for a first season back in the Champions League in 2025/26.Enzo Maresca guided the side back into the Champions League in his first season at the club.Enzo Maresca qualified the Blues for the Champions League in his first seasonCredit: GettyChelsea will be going into pre-season without Sancho after not paying the obligation to buyCredit: GettyThe side will be playing in the Club World Cup after winning the 2021 Champions League as part of their pre-seasonCredit: GettyChelsea have signed Liam Delap from Ipswich ahead of pre-seasonCredit: GettyThe Blues already know they will be doing it without Jadon Sancho, as the club paid United a £5million penalty fee to not sign the winger.Before the club take on any pre-season fixtures, they will be taking on the Club World Cup, qualifying after winning the 2021 Champions League. The club have already acquired Liam Delap from Ipswich, with Mike Maignan from AC Milan and Jamie Gittens from Dortmund both linked to the side.SunSport has everything you will need to know ahead of Chelsea’s pre-season.Read more FootballChelsea pre-season fixturesChelsea will take part in the 2025 Club World Cup before they take on any pre-season fixtures.So far, their confirmed fixtures are:Club World Cup:vs LAFC, Monday, June 16, 8pm BSTvs Flamengo, Friday, June 20, 7pm BSTvs ES Tunis, Wednesday, June 25, 2am BSTMost read in FootballSunSport will live blog all Chelsea Club World Cup fixtures and other select games from the massive competition, that includes Real Madrid, PSG and Man City.Club World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWSPre-season friendlies:Chelsea are yet to confirm any pre-season fixtures.Chelsea are yet to confirm pre-season fixtures after the Club World CupCredit: GettyHowever, the side are preparing for the possibility that they may only have TWO WEEKS to prepare for the new season.Enzo Maresca is planning to give the players three weeks off upon exiting the Club World Cup, so if they play until the final in July 13, they will have a hybrid pre-season.Stay tuned to SunSport, as we will update you upon Chelsea confirming any pre-season fixtures. How to watch Chelsea’s pre-season fixtures and are there live streams?Chelsea’s entire Club World Cup campaign will be available for FREE on DAZN.In previous seasons, Chelsea’s pre-season fixtures have been shown on Chelsea’s 5th Stand app, at a price.However, Chelsea are yet to confirm any fixtures after the Club World Cup, therefore SunSport cannot confirm how to watch the potential fixtures.Chelsea pre-season ticketsTickets for the Blues three Club World Cup group stage games are still available for purchase on TicketMaster.Chelsea will take on LAFC, Flamengo and ES Tunis during their Club World Cup group stage clashes.Read More on The SunFurther ticket info for the knock-out stages (should they qualify) and other pre-season games will be announced by the club.*Please note that TicketMaster and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value. More