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      in Soccer

      How Pope Francis helped Arsenal complete signing of Danny Welbeck from Man Utd

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      POPE FRANCIS had an unusual hand in getting Danny Welbeck to swap Manchester United for Arsenal in 2014.The Pope died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke that led to coma and irreversible heart failure.Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday aged 88Credit: GettyThe Pope has an unusual part to play in Danny Welbeck’s move to ArsenalCredit: Getty – ContributorAs well as his incredible impact on so many people and his commitment to reshaping the Vatican’s ideas around LGBTQ+ rights, Pope Francis was known to be a big football fan.That love for the sport even meant he had a roundabout way of impacting Arsenal’s transfer business during the 2014 summer window.Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was spending transfer deadline day in Rome as he had an appointment to meet The Pope as well as participating in a charity football match.In fact, the Gunners’ manager was even negotiating during his wait to meet The Pope as Arsenal tried to work out a late deal to lure Welbeck away from Old Trafford.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking at the time, Wenger said: “Meeting the Pope was an experience I did not want to miss.”I am a Catholic, so it was an experience, and one I accepted a long time ago.”Adding: “He is a great person. He shows humility and is available to meet for everybody, has a word with everybody.“He is also a football fan. He is a supporter of San Lorenzo in Argentina. You cannot be born in Argentina and not be a football fan.Most read in FootballArsene Wenger revealed that he was in Rome to meet The Pope during the 2014 transfer deadline dayCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He spoke with many Argentinians, so I wanted to be discreet and say, ‘it was nice to meet you and bye-bye’.”And even though it would seem that Wenger was kept busy by his meeting with The Pope, the legendary gaffer managed to get a £16m deal over the line for Welbeck.‘He’s perfect for Man Utd’ – Neville begs Amorim to re-sign flop strikerWenger even revealed that getting up early to meet Pope Francis actually helped him secure the Welbeck deal, explaining that it gave him more time to negotiate the transfer.He said: “In 2014 you can always be in touch with everybody even when you travel.”The advantage of that day was I had to get up at 6 o’clock in the morning for my flight and I was available the whole day.”It may not have been a direct involvement, but had Wenger not headed to see The Pope then Welbeck may have never laced up his boots for the Gunners.Arsenal fans will be thankful he did, as the striker became a cult hero at the Emirates – scoring 32 times in 126 appearances.His late goal against Leicester City in the 2015/16 season still lives long in the memory of many Arsenal fans, and he left the club in 2019 as a two-time FA Cup winner.Welbeck, 34, is now plying his trade with Brighton where he has scored nine goals and registered four assists in the Premier League this season – his best ever return in the competition.Welbeck won two FA Cups with ArsenalCredit: AFP – GettyHe is having his best ever season at Brighton this termCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Carlo Ancelotti ‘contacted’ over two new jobs if he leaves Real Madrid after Champions League disaster

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI has reportedly been contacted over two new jobs if he leaves Real Madrid.The legendary Italian manager appears set to be on the way out of the Santiago Bernabeu following a disappointing season.Carlo Ancelotti could be on his way out of Real MadridCredit: RexHe has reportedly been contacted over a return to AC MilanCredit: ReutersHe could also replace Claudio Ranieri at RomaCredit: GettyAncelotti, 65, has enjoyed great success with Los Blancos since returning to the club in 2021.He has won two Champions League titles during his current reign, but the current season has been a failure.Real were dumped out of Europe’s premier competition by Arsenal and are seven points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.The veteran technician will not be short of offers if he does leave the club at the end of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLa Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that AC Milan have contacted him over a return to the San Siro.Ancelotti won the Serie A and Champions League titles twice with the Rossoneri as manager between 2001 and 2009.He also enjoyed success at the club as a player, as he won domestic and European titles with the club.Milan is not the only team to have reached out to the former Everton boss, according to the report.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt is claimed that AS Roma are also interested in Ancelotti to replace Premier League title winner Claudio Ranieri.The Leicester City legend was hired by Roma for the second time in his career in November.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal He has won 42 trophies as a player and managerCredit: GettyXabi Alonso has been linked with replacing Ancelotti at Real MadridCredit: GettyRanieri, 73, came out of retirement to help the capital-based side after Ivan Juric was sacked.He has since helped the I Giallorossi climb back up the Serie A table and into sixth place.Roma are currently on a 17-game unbeaten streak in the league, with the last loss coming at Como in December. Meanwhile, Ancelotti has admitted he is relishing the pressure in Spain.Real face Barcelona in an El Clasico Copa del Rey final on Saturday, the club’s last chance of silverware this season.He said: “The club is aware that it has been a more complicated year than last year.”Together we manage the difficulties. The honeymoon continues. I’m very happy, very happy, with a lot of pressure, but that’s how it always is.”You see success very close and it’s normal for stress to increase, but stress is fuel for me, it doesn’t bother me, it gives me more energy to think about more things.”As long as I continue to get up in the morning, everything is fine.”Read More on The SunMeanwhile, former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso is one of the favourites to replace Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.It is believed that Real chiefs have already sounded out Alonso about taking over at the club.Inside Ancelotti’s trophy cabinetCarlo Ancelotti has won a stunning amount of honours during his playing and managerial career…Playing career:RomaSerie A x1Coppa Italia x4AC Milan Serie A x2Supercoppa Italiana x1 European Cup x2European Super Cup x1Intercontinental Cup x1Manager career:JuventusIntertoto Cup x1AC Milan Serie A x1Coppa Italia x1Supercoppa Italiana x1Champions League x2Super Cup x2Club World Cup x1ChelseaPremier League x1FA Cup x1Community Shield x1Paris Saint-GermainLigue 1 x1Real Madrid LaLiga x2Copa del Rey x2Supercopa de Espana x2Champions League x3Super Cup x3Club World Cup x2Intercontinental Cup x1Bayern Munich Bundesliga x1DFL-Supercup x1 More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I’m sorry to say…’ Canelo Alvarez warns he’s ready to bash MORE Brit rivals with boxing icon ‘dreaming’ of UK debut

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      CANELO ALVAREZ has warned his reign of British terror is not yet over as he dreams of a debut fight in the UK. The Mexican great has EIGHT of our fighters on his iconic record – and there could yet be more to come. Canelo Alvarez brutally knocked out Amir Khan in 2016Credit: GettyHe shattered Billy Joe Saunders’ eye in 2021Credit: ReutersCanelo and Chris Eubank Jr are being lined up to fight by Turki AlalshikhCredit: Instagram @turkialalshikMatthew Hatton, Ryan Rhodes, Amir Khan, Liam Smith, brother Callum, Rocky Fielding Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder have all fell victim to Canelo. He brutally knocked out Khan in 2016 and in 2021 left Saunders with a broken eye socket – never returning to fight since.It has earned Canelo the Brit basher moniker – something he wants to build on when informed of the nickname by SunSport.Canelo told us with a laugh: “I’m sorry to say that, but I’m gonna continue to do it if somebody pays me!” READ MORE IN BOXINGChris Eubank Jr is the latest English hopeful looking to stop Canelo’s dominance. But first the middleweight, 35, faces Conor Benn, 28, in a 160lb grudge match on Saturday at Tottenham.Bragging rights and family pride are on the line as they renew the feud 35 years after Eubank Sr beat Benn’s dad Nigel. But Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh upped ante by naming Canelo as the prize for the winner next year.Most read in BoxingCanelo returns to the ring on May 4 in Riyadh against William Scull – but fancies crossing enemy territory for a UK debut afterwards. He said: “I’m focused 100 per cent on this fight but it’s something I’m always dreaming in my life. “I don’t know who or what fighter I’m gonna face, but I’m always dreaming in my career of fighting in UK.”For sure for me would be crazy to go there and fight in front of everybody there. I actually like it a lot.” Golf-mad Canelo – who has a handicap of ten – could even be tempted across the pond by our stunning greens.I don’t know who or what fighter I’m gonna face, but I’m always dreaming in my career of fighting in UK.Canelo AlvarezHe beamed: “Perfect, that’s all I need. Fight and golf!” Canelo, 34, looks to regain his undisputed super-middleweight throne against Scull, 32, in Riyadh which marks his first fight outside of North America.A super-fight against pound-for-pound American star Terence Crawford, 37, is set to then follow in Las Vegas in September.But Canelo had to walk away from a shock bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in order to proceed with the blockbuster. He was in advanced talks to face Paul, 28, in Vegas on May 3 – until Canelo dramatically pulled out to instead sign a four-bout deal with Alalshikh. It starts with the unification against Scull and continues for a fight against Crawford later in the year – with another two bouts in 2026. Read More on The SunAnd after the fiasco with Paul collapsed, Canelo said: “I’m very happy. “Things happen for a reason and I’m happy with this and I’m gonna enjoy it as much as I can.”Canelo faces William Scull in his next fightCredit: GettyCanelo walked away from talks to fight Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      George Groves cracks genius joke about Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn – but he’s left stunned as nobody notices

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      GEORGE GROVES cracked a hilarious joke about Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn – but it went unnoticed.The former super middleweight world champion was part of SunSport’s panel previewing the fight, which takes place this weekend.George Groves made a clever quip referencing a key moment in the build upCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportThe former boxer was left grinning but his joke fell on deaf earsCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportChris Eubank Snr ignored the joke and continued his tiradeHe was sat alongside Harlem Eubank and Chris Eubank Snr, who has distanced himself from his son and the fight, which he labelled a “circus”.Eubank Snr explained why he wants nothing to do with the bout, despite being a key player because of his duels with Nigel Benn in the 1990s.He pointed to his son hitting Benn in the face with an egg during a press conference as an example of barbarity, prompting the quip from Groves.Eubank said on the SunSport panel: “So my son, he smashes an egg on the face of Conor.READ MORE IN BOXING”You want me to be associated with what you call legacy? That’s not legacy.”Groves quickly chimed in, saying: “It’s egg-acy isn’t it, Chris?”The joke went unnoticed as Eubank continued his tirade – but Groves was left grinning to himself and viewers appreciated the jibe.One fan reacted saying: “George Groves a G for the Eggacy comment 😂”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Good old Grovesy 😂”And a third wrote: “It fell on deaf ears 😂”It is disgraceful! Eubank Sr | Eubank Jr V Benn: No Glove Lost fight previewGroves’ joke certainly was not heard by Eubank, who resumed lamenting the actions of his son and his opponent Benn.He continued: “That is bringing the game of boxing into disrepute.”That would have been a disqualifying effect back in my day.”No different to the language of Conor. The man speaks like he is possessed, a drunk, from a boxing point of view.”Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the info More

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      in Motorsport

      Red Bull ‘hold informal talks’ with George Russell to replace Max Verstappen in 2026

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      RED BULL have held informal talks with George Russell over a shock move, according to reports.There could be several changes in the paddock at the end of this year.Red Bull have reportedly held informal talks with George RussellCredit: RexMax Verstappen’s future is unclearCredit: RexRussell, 27, was promoted to Mercedes’ main driver this year following Sir Lewis Hamilton’s departure.He joined the team three years ago and is out of contract at the end of the year.So far there has been little activity from Mercedes with regard to extending his deal.Red Bull chief Christian Horner has looked to capitalise on that ambiguity and has held informal talks with the driver, report The Race.READ MORE IN F1It is possible Horner is lining up Russell as a potential replacement for Max Verstappen.The four-time world champion also faces an uncertain future despite being contracted to Red Bull until 2028.That is because he has an exit clause in his contract which could be activated later this year.Reports have linked Verstappen with a move to Mercedes, while Aston Martin and McLaren are also interested in the Dutchman.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMercedes team principal Toto Wolff is known to be a big fan of Verstappen, but Horner has played down speculation he could leave.He said: “I think noise is exactly the right word to describe it, there’s been a lot of noise outside of the team.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant”Inside of the team Max reaffirmed his commitment yesterday, we’re focused on making the car go faster, Max is part of that and he’s a committed part of team. The rest is all speculation and hearsay.” More

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      in Boxing

      Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna: Start time, TV channel and live stream as Beefy looks to rebuild after Eubank Jr defeat

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      LIAM SMITH and Aaron McKenna will meet in a huge middleweight clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium THIS WEEKEND.This bout between Britain and Ireland is one of the incredible fights on a stacked bill for the grudge match between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn.Liam Smith, 36, is facing a must-win fight against Aaron McKennaCredit: REUTERSThe unbeaten Irishman McKenna is making a step up against his veteran opponentSmith shared the ring with Eubank Jr twice before – winning the first fight by a shock KO before Eubank responded with a more than convincing win in their next bout.Now 36, Smith certainly has the quality to compete at the top level of boxing but finds himself at a crossroads against his upstart opponent.Smith knows there will be no room for error as he claims he “will be ready for anyone” after this bout.Irishman McKenna, 25, comes in with an unbeaten record but this will be the toughest test of his career so far as he looks to move to the next level.Read more Eubank Jr vs BennHe comes in with 19 straight wins (10 KOs), while former light-middleweight world champion Smith – whose reign was a decade ago – has a record of 33-4-1 (20 KOs) It will definitely be an intriguing spectacle between the two, with both needing a win to make the next step in their careers.Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the infoWhen is Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna?This fight takes place on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn on Saturday, April 26.The card is set to start at 5pm BST.Ring walks for this fight are yet to be announced but are predicted to be around 8pm BST.The event will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.What TV channel is Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna and can it be live streamed?The event will be available to purchase on both Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN PPV.The pay-per-view price is set at £19.95.As well as being available on TV, the event will be streamed on SkyGO and DAZN’s website.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog every round of the card as it happens.Most read in BoxingFull card More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘to work on £92.5million double transfer swoop for Cunha and Delap NOW to conclude deal in first summer window’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are eager to finalise deals to sign Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, according to reports.Ruben Amorim wants to revamp his attacking options this summer and the two forwards have been earmarked as key targets.Man Utd want to wrap up a deal to sign Matheus CunhaCredit: GettyThe Red Devils intend to activate Liam Delap’s £30m release clauseCredit: GettyDelap is United’s No1 transfer target ahead of the summer window, and will be available for just £30million once Ipswich are relegated.The Red Devils intend to trigger his release clause as soon as they are able to, according to the Daily Mail, and will do the same with Cunha’s £62.5million buyout fee.United are said to have fought off interest from Newcastle to land Cunha, 25, who was spoken to by Amorim in the Old Trafford tunnel last Sunday.Delap, 22, does have other suitors too however, most notably Chelsea.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd although his buyout clause is £30m, add-ons are expected the make the deal a lot pricier.That means a large chunk on the budget could be spent on the pair, with Amorim understood to be planning on deploying them both in his starting line-up, with Cunha as a No10 alongside Bruno Fernandes.Victor Osimhen also remains an option but would cost upwards of £70m.United could reportedly let Rasmus Hojlund leave to Napoli as part of the deal, while Napoli are also interested in Alejandro Garnacho.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Argentine winger could leave this summer and his transfer fee would secure pure profit for the Red Devils since he is an academy graduate.Chelsea hold an interest in Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – another academy player who would guarantee pure profit.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd United could be open to letting the midfielder leave along with Casemiro.And finding suitors to sign Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony on a permanent basis is also on the priority list this summer. More

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      ‘I find it very difficult to dress’ – Laura Woods shares rare update as TNT Sports host wows in pink dress

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      LAURA WOODS has given a heartfelt update as she celebrated a friend’s wedding.Woods shared some glamorous photos from the event alongside fiancé, Adam Collard and baby boy, Leo Ernie Collard.Laura Woods shared a heartfelt update as she celebrated a friend’s weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/She shared pictures of herself alongside Adam Collard and baby LeoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods revealed she has ‘struggled to dress’ since giving birth to baby Leo in JulyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods has 749,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/The award-winning presenter gave birth to Leo in January after announcing her pregnancy last July.Woods has taken a step back from life in the spotlight and regular social media posts as she gets to grips with being a new mum.After recently celebrating Mother’s Day, the 37-year-old was seen celebrating the marriage of one of her friends.She was seen wearing a stunning pink bridesmaid dress, while Collard and Leo looked dapper in their own sharp suits.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSBut Woods saved a special shout-out to the makers of her bridesmaid dress as she revealed she has had difficulty dressing since becoming a mum for the first time.Taking to her Instagram, where she has 749,000 followers, she said: “This bridesmaid dress is from Six Stories btw. Not a gift, I brought it and loved it. “Actually wore two of theirs! They’re a lovely business so wanted to give them a shoutout.”Woods continued: “I find it very difficult to dress since having my little man, unless it’s in a tracksuit.Most read in Football”So very grateful I found them.”She then also shared who made the suit jacket for baby Leo, adding: “And House of Cavani made this little jacket for Leo.”Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post Pregnancy Myths explainedThere are a lot of strange myths around pregnancy – and some of them may surprise you…Is it okay to eat prawns when you’re pregnant?Can you have sex during a pregnancy? Can you get a tattoo while you’re pregnantIs it safe to take paracetamol when you’re pregnant?Can you eat mozzarella when you’re pregnant? More