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    Arsenal set to seal shock £5m transfer for Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga with keeper set to fight David Raya for No1 spot

    ARSENAL are on the verge of signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, reports claim.And the Gunners will pay just a £5m release clause to their London rivals, who once made Kepa the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.Gunners are on the verge of finalising a deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa ArrizabalagaCredit: GettyArsenal had made Kepa their top target as they look to recruit a deputy to No 1 goalkeeper David Raya.But the 30-year-old Spanish stopper, who just enjoyed a solid season as Bournemouth’s first-choice stopper, won’t settle for a No 2 spot under Mikel Arteta.According to The Athletic, Arsenal are “close” to activating Kepa’s £5m release clause, after he kept nine clean sheets in 31 Prem appearances this term.Kepa has just 12 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, having made 35 appearances at Bournemouth in all competitions.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Spaniard joined Chelsea for a £71.6m fee from Athletic Club in 2018 and has featured 163 times for the West London side, winning four major honours.Arsenal will pay 14 TIMES less than former Blues owner Roman Abramovich paid for Kepa, who was also loaned out to play 20 games for Real Madrid last season. Kepa fared much better at Bournemouth as Andoni Iraola’s side registered the joint sixth-best defensive record in the Prem.Bournemouth keeper Neto has returned to the Vitality stadium after spending last season on loan with Arsenal, making just one appearance across the entire campaign.Most read in FootballDavid Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since joining ArsenalJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe Gunners had been linked with a move to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, but the La Liga gloveman now looks set for a move to Barcelona.Arteta has been a fan of Kepa for some time, valuing his ability to play out from the back, although there are doubts over whether Kepa would settle for a back-up option.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’But ousting Raya from his established No 1 role will be difficult, even though he can’t beat Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon to between the sticks for Spain.The fellow Spaniard has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since his arrival from Brentford, forming the base of the Premier League’s most formidable defence.Arsenal do have two young keepers on their books – 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup this season. More

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    ‘People don’t know this’ – Michael Owen breaks silence on ‘well done he’s 13’ meme 26 years on from humiliating teenager

    IT IS probably the cringiest moment from Michael Owen’s long list.But now he has broken his silence on the infamous “well done, he’s 13” gag from Neville Southall.Michael Owen showed his ruthless finishing in the 1999 videoCredit: YouTubeHe famously celebrated the goalsCredit: YouTubeNeville Southall quipped the famous phrase ‘well done, he’s 13’Credit: YouTubeOwen featured in a Michael Owen Soccer Skills video in 1999 where he faced a young goalkeeper at an empty Stoke City stadium.The former England striker did his best to humiliate the 13-year-old Jamie Hutchinson, who was given goalkeeping tips from Southall.To his credit, Hutchinson did make some saves.But the video is remembered for Owen chipping, rounding and firing past the helpless child between the sticks – before shamelessly celebrating each finish.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe laughing ex-Liverpool man clenched his fists, ran away with his arms aloft, mocked the goalkeeper for nutmegging him and pointed to his name on the back of his shirt. But it was his embarrassing shout of “get in there – game, set and match, Owen” that triggered Southall’s brilliant quip.Southall said: “Well done, he’s 13,” a comment which remains a viral sensation and etched into British football heritage. But now, 26 years on, Owen has opened up on the clip – and revealed not all was quite as it seemed because he was told to play up for the cameras.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe told talkSPORT: “I was only a couple of years older than him myself. It’s probably funny now.“I got back from the World Cup in 98 and there were loads of commercial opportunities, things like that. Virgil van Dijk ‘destroys’ Michael Owen with brutal 13-word put-down on live TV after Liverpool beat Everton “I was asked to do a soccer skills video and a soccer skills book. So I had to explain, talk through finishing, volleying, heading, whatever the skill was. Inevitably, you need a goalkeeper there.“I never picked them and so I turned up to do the show and to talk through how I see scoring a goal and what I think in certain scenarios and whatever. “There was a kid in goal that I had to score past and when I scored they’re like, ‘Come on, no, you need to show a bit more animation. Like celebrate when you score, this is going on a video.'”talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein clarified: “So people don’t know this, right?”And Owen continued: “People just laugh at you no matter what. Then they take a little extract of anything.“There’s loads of things like that on the internet on me.”’NOT EXACTLY IDEAL’Hutchinson spoke about the viral video in 2016 and admitted he knew it would not come out too well for him. He said: “Being the goalkeeper on a programme headlined by a striker wasn’t exactly ideal for me.“It was made clear that it wouldn’t make good filming if the goalkeeper was saving all the shots taken by the other kids after they had been coached by Michael.”And even Southall himself did defend Owen’s actions earlier this year.The 92-cap Wales goalkeeper – who reunited with Hutchinson a few years ago – added: “I think he was being ironic to be fair, but I think he was enjoying himself and being ironic.“But the poor kid, he scored a squillion goals past him and I was thinking ‘give him a break’.Read More on The Sun“On the day, Michael was OK and he’s always OK. “People judge him on that and that’s not him.”Owen pointed to the name on his shirtCredit: YouTubeThe ex-striker revealed he was told to give it bigCredit: talkSPORTSouthall and Hutchinson were reunited a few years agoCredit: X More

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    Tottenham clear decks for Thomas Frank as Spurs sack THREE of Ange Postecoglou’s coaching team hours after boss axed

    TOTTENHAM have sacked three members of Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff following the Aussie manager’s dismissal yesterday.Postecoglou was relieved of his duties in North London yesterday despite leading Spurs to a first trophy in over 17 years this season.Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham yesterdayCredit: PAAssistant coach Nick Montgomery has been axed tooCredit: GettyFormer Crystal Palace star-turned-Spurs assistant Mile Jedinak has also been dismissedCredit: GettyThe 59-year-old said his “overriding emotion is one of pride” following his dismissal, while Spurs claimed the decision to sack the former Celtic boss was one the “toughest” the board has had to make.Now the search for a new manager is underway and Spurs are already clearing the decks for their number one target – Brentford gaffer Thomas Frank.The Telegraph have revealed that Postecoglou’s assistants Nick Montgomery, Sergio Raimundo and Mile Jedinak have all been axed too.However, senior assistant coach Matt Wells and goalkeeper coach Rob Burch have remained in their roles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSporting director Johan Lange is leading the search for Spurs’ new boss with Bees gaffer Frank, 51, thought to be the front-runner for the position.It’s claimed that Frank is keen on taking the job at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and would want to bring members of his coaching staff along with him.Although the Dane is Spurs’ preferred candidate, the club are reportedly “carefully assessing” their options with Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola also in the frame.It’s widely understood that Spurs would have to fork out around £10m to release Frank from his current deal with Brentford, which runs until 2027.Most read in FootballThomas Frank is Tottenham’s number one target to replace PostecoglouCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpurs have already had to splash the cash to get rid of Postecoglou, with the Aussie pocketing a rumoured £4m compensation fee on top of his £2m bonus for leading the club to Europa League glory.One BBC star has offered a theory as to why Spurs waited 16 days after that night in Bilbao to axe him.Sporting director Lange and Frank have history, with the pair coaching together at Danish club Lyngby and maintaining a good relationship since those days.Ange Postecoglou’s BEST Press Conference MomentsTottenham told fans in a statement that “news on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course”.Fans have hit back at Spurs for their decision to dismiss Postecoglou after winning the Europa League.While club is also facing a dressing room revolt with players more likely to leave after Postecoglou’s exit, according to reports.But the Spurs hierarchy reiterated that they cannot base their decisions off their performance in just one competition.Their statement read: “Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.”It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. Read More on The Sun”This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. “We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.”Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More

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    BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked 16 days after winning the Europa League – and now a theory has emerged as to why Spurs waited til then.Spurs chief Daniel Levy axed the boss last night – just over two weeks after that glorious night in Bilbao.Ange Postecoglou was sacked after exactly two years at SpursCredit: GettyDaniel Levy held fire for 16 days after the finalCredit: GettyVictory over Manchester United in Spain ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy.But after leaving Postecoglou in the dark over his future, Spurs finally announced he was relieved of his duties on Friday afternoon.It marked exactly two years to the day from when the Australian landed the job in North London.BBC senior football reporters Ian Dennis and Sami Mokbel discussed the sacking on the Football Daily Podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth were adamant that the move to get rid of Postecoglou was made before the final.They said league form was seen as the “true barometer” and Europa League success was just a “bump in the road” to their ultimate decision.Dennis shared a theory that explained the over two-week wait for the confirmation.He tweeted: “Interesting his departure was timed after he had completed two years and on the first day of his third year. Significant in any settlement?”Most read in Europa LeaguePostecoglou has reportedly pocketed £4m after being shown the exit door by Levy.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe already collected a £2m bonus for getting the club into the Champions League.Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over and he has a £10m release clause in his contract.Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager?Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola remains in contention.On Postecoglou’s departure, Dennis said: “It was such an inevitability that it was going to happen.”They got off to an absolutely flying start when he first arrived and it’s funny how perceptions can change through results.”If they had started slowly and finished well, you would not be referring to the 78 points from the last 66 games.”It seems there has not been an improvement in their league form.”Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More

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    Club World Cup to trial FIVE ‘trailblazing innovations’ as Fifa chief confirms ‘groundbreaking’ new rule changes

    THE Club World Cup will trial five brand new rule changes when it kicks off later this month.Fifa’s revamped tournament gets underway on June 15 and will see top clubs from around the globe face off for an elaborate trophy and mega prize money. Fifa have announced five rule changes for the upcoming Club World CupCredit: ReutersFifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has labelled the changes as ‘trailblazing innovations’Credit: PAThe tournament, which used to feature just six teams, has been expanded to 32 teams, spanning Europe, South America, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.But it’s not just the tournament format that is going to look different, but also the way the games are officiated, after Fifa announced five “trailblazing innovations” to be used in the competition.Football’s world governing body, and tournament organisers, have revealed that fans will get to see more of the referee’s decision making than ever before.The first change announced is that referees will wear body cameras during matches, with the footage used during live match broadcasts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile footage from referee monitor reviews (VAR) will be aired live inside the stadium – something Premier League fans have been asking to see for some time.Fifa will also trial an “advanced” semi-automated offside technology using sensors inside the balls, in hopes of making further improvement on the tech already used in Uefa competitions like the Champions League.A fourth change will be the use of AI to collect live match data, helping fans see even more stats and figures to dissect the match.While the final innovation is that managers and coaching staff will be able to request their substitutions to the fourth official through a digital tablet, doing away with the old fashioned paper slips used at present.Most read in FootballReferee’s will wear body cameras that will be used during TV broadcastsVAR replays will be shown on screens inside stadiums at the tournamentCredit: ReutersClub 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 NEWS & FEATURESCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa’s secretary general Mattias Grafstrom praised the organisation for the new additions.He said: “Fifa has a proud history of breaking new ground at its elite tournaments, and the Fifa Club World Cup will continue that trend. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World’s best players decide which club is the greatest “With the best clubs competing for the title of world champions, it is fitting that these trailblazing innovations will be on display at such a prestigious tournament.”The tournament will be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN in the UK.Fans can look forward to rare matchups between teams from different continents with clubs like Real Madrid, Flamengo, Man City, Chelsea and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami all involved.The tournament is taking place across the United States of America, with top NFL and MLS stadiums hosting the matches.The final, which takes place on July 13, will be hosted in New York at the MetLife Stadium – home of the New York Jets and New York Giants.Fifa’s new Club World Cup rulesHere’s a look at the five new ‘trailblazing innovations’ introduced by Fifa for the Club World Cup… Referees will wear body cameras with the footage used on live match broadcasts.Footage from referee monitor reviews will be aired live in stadiums.Advanced semi-automated offside technology will be in use. Balls will have a sensor inside.AI will be used to collect live match data as part of FIFA’s partnership with Hawk-Eye.Substitutions will be requested on a digital tablet rather than via paper slips. More

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    Adam Azim’s fight CALLED OFF just hours before opening bell after rival Eliot Chavez’s ILLEGAL method to make weight

    ADAM AZIM’s showdown with Eliot Chavez has been cancelled just hours before the walk-ons. The pair were due to fight on the undercard of Callum Simpson’s European title fight in Barnsley tonight. Adam Azim was due to box in Barnsley on Saturday nightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAzim’s bout has been cancelled after his opponent used a sauna to weight cutCredit: GettyAzim, 22, boasts an unbeaten record and secured the IBO light-welterweight title in February. He took Saturday’s fight at short notice after beating former world champion Sergey Lipinets. But Chavez was left in hot water after it emerged he’d used a sauna to make weight. Promoters Boxxer said in a statement: “The British Boxing Board of Control has withdrawn permission for Eliot Chavez to face Adam Azim tonight in Barnsley following concerns raised by the Mexican Boxing Commission relating to Chavez’s use of a sauna to make weight – a practice that is prohibited by the board.”READ MORE ON BOXINGAzim immediately reacted on social media, posing an angry face emoji. One fan sympathised: “Sorry to hear that champ. Was looking forward to it.”While another said: “This is what happens when you fight someone on like a week or two notice.”Chavez went nine rounds with Harlem Eubank in 2022.Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd Azim was hoping to use the bout to show off his credentials in the division. The 22-year-old declared he would fight anyone on a week’s notice – even two-weight world champ Devin Haney. Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy videoAzim, 22, told Sky Sports: “I would fight Haney next week. “I just feel he’s moving around more 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?”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.”Read More on The SunTonight’s main event at Oakwell sees Simpson face Ivan Zucco for the European super-middleweight championship.The pair are expected to ring walk in South Yorkshire around 9.30pm. More

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    ‘I’m going to Hollywood’ – Micah Richards opens up on Tom Cruise acting class before Alan Shearer shuts down film dream

    MICAH RICHARDS has opened up on his impromptu acting lesson with Hollywood legend Tom Cruise.Richards, 36, found himself rubbing shoulders with the acting icon as part of CBS’ Champions League final coverage on their new show ‘Beckham and Friends’.Tom Cruise gave Micah Richards some acting tips live on CBSCredit: @cbssportsgolazoThe new show throws together David Beckham and his A-list pals with the CBS football regulars such as Richards, Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher.And when Tom Cruise joined the crew for PSG’s dominant 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the Champions League final, the Mission Impossible star took the time to lend some acting tips to Richards.Former Man City and England ace Richards cheekily asked Cruise if he would help him learn how to play sad, a contrast to his usually energetic personality.And the four-time Oscar nominee made sure to give him his best advice, telling Richards to bow his head and look down to achieve his best sad look.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Richards has opened up on the unbelievable moment while chatting to Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer on the Rest is Football podcast – telling them he reckons he has what it takes to hit the silver screen.He said: “[Cruise told me to] put your head down a little bit, lower your eyes, chin down.”And I nailed it! I nailed it guys, I’m going to Hollywood!”Lineker joked: “I’m starting to cry, Micah. It’s so real”.Most read in FootballAlan Shearer brought Richards crashing back down to earthCredit: X @RestIsFootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBefore Shearer brought Richards crashing back down to earth, telling him he’s too jolly to play sad.He added: “You can’t do sad! You’re the happiest man in the world”.Fans hail ‘incredible’ moment Micah Richards sits on David Beckham’s lap during new show and chats to Hollywood legendLineker, Richards and Shearer aren’t all laughs and jokes, with the trio recently landing a major deal for their popular podcast.Lineker, who has stepped down from the BBC, has now agreed a deal with DAZN that will see the podcast broadcast highlights of the upcoming Club World Cup.The show will air the best bits from matches in the video version of the podcast.DAZN chief Pete Oliver said: “The Rest Is Football is essential viewing and listening for fans who want insight, entertainment, and personality.”This partnership is a brilliant way to bring the Fifa Club World Cup even closer to that audience.“It’s about connecting global football with the voices fans trust and love, and showing the tournament in a fresh, exciting, and authentically British way.”The revamped Club World Cup begins on June 15 and is being held in the US, featuring teams like Real Madrid, Man City, Chelsea and Inter Miami.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 NEWS & FEATURES More

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    Aaron Ramsey lined up for shock transfer to MEXICO as swoop for Arsenal legend, 34, ‘close to confirmation’

    FORMER Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey is being targeted by Mexican giants Pumas as Cardiff City dither over offering him the full-time manager’s post.Ramsey took the reins at Cardiff City Stadium in April and oversaw the Bluebirds’ final three Championship matches of the season.Aaron Ramsey is a shock target for Mexican side PumasCredit: GettyBut two draws and a defeat condemned them to relegation to League One.The 34-year-old’s playing contract expires at the end of the month and the club’s plans for Ramsey remain a mystery.Any hopes they had of appointing Nathan Jones ended on Friday when the boyhood Cardiff fan signed a new deal at Charlton. Ramsey came through the ranks at Cardiff before joining the Gunners in 2008 for just under £5m.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe went on to make over 350 appearances and win the FA Cup three times, featuring alongside Mexican star Carlos Vela for a number of years.Now he has a chance to continue playing in Liga MX with Guadalajara-based Pumas – Vela’s hometown club.Ramsey, who has not played a game for Cardiff since March, is a target for the Pumas, according to Mexican TV reporter Andres Vaca.He told the Seleccione2 podcast: “I don’t know if they’re selling me smoke, they just told me that Aaron Ramsey is going to join Pumas. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”They told me it’s almost a confirmation.”The Mexican club tried to tempt Vela, 36, to reverse his decision to retire last week.Devastated Aaron Ramsey and Cardiff City flops forced to rush to AWARDS NIGHT just moments after being relegatedPumas coach Efrain Juarez, who played alongside Vela for the Mexican national team, revealed his attempt in a FOX Sports interview this week.Their attention has now turned to Ramsey, who made it clear that he wanted to return to the pitch when he assumed interim charge of Cardiff.He said in April: “I am just taking these three games.”I’m still recovering from a hamstring operation, I’m still in the middle of rehab and I’m focused on getting back to full fitness.” More