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      Champions League club appear to play in special kit in order to comply with fussy Uefa rule

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      SPORTING LISBON were forced to make a subtle change to their kit for their Champions League opener to comply with Uefa rules.The Portuguese champions played host to Lille on Tuesday night as they returned to Europe’s premier competition after one year away.Sporting Lisbon wore this new kit for their Champions League openerCredit: GettyThis is the club’s usual home strip with three white lines through the shirtCredit: ReutersAnd they kicked things off in style with a comfortable 2-0 win – which included a stunner from defender Zeno Debast.Former Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres also got on the scoresheet for the hosts.It was the first of Sporting’s eight fixtures in the new-look Champions League.The others will come against PSV, Sturm Graz, Manchester City, Arsenal, Club Brugge, RB Leipzig and Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the strip Sporting wear in domestic competitions has been altered for European matches.That is because Uefa rules dictate that if a shirt has three or more colours, one must be “clearly dominant”.Sporting’s shirt contains white, green and black stripes.But in order to ensure one was the focal point of the shirt, one of the white stripes near the bottom of the jersey was changed to black by designers Nike.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis meant the black dominated the shirt, meaning the kit did not break any Uefa regulations.It is expected they will have to do the same for their remaining games when they wear their home strip.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe More

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      England’s newest star Angel Gomes brought crashing back to Earth as he is SENT OFF in of Champions League defeat

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      ENGLAND star Angel Gomes went from hero to zero as he was sent off in the Champions League.The 24-year-old made his Three Lions debut in the win over Ireland and then put in a man of the match performance against Finland last week. Angel Gomes was sent off in Lille’s defeat to SportingCredit: APHe was given a second yellow just seconds after conceding the opening goalCredit: EPANow back with his club Lille, Gomes played in their Champions League opener away at Sporting Lisbon yesterday.But the midfielder was sent off in the first-half for two bookable offences.He picked up his first yellow card just 21 minutes after kick-off for stopping a counter-attack by chopping down ex-Wolves winger Trincao.And then with 40 minutes on the clock, Gomes caught the back of Viktor Gyokeres’ leg after he cleverly spun away from him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLithuanian referee Donastas Rumsas decided it was worthy of another booking and sent the former Manchester United wonderkid for an early bath.The second booking came a matter of seconds after Gyokeres had opened the scoring for Sporting.And with Lille down to ten-men, they were unable to overturn the deficit and lost 2-0.Zeno Debast scored the other in what was a goal of the season contender.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuring his time with England, Gomes’ composure on the ball and hard work out of possession saw him earn praise from manager Lee Carsley.Carsely said: “He absolutely loves football. He watches football, he’s interested in tactics, he knows all the player in any league.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe”If you ask him for any feedback you need to be prepared that he is going to give you some feedback on the session or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.”He’ll help in terms of he will often say about some build-ups that he’s done at other clubs or what he’s played against, because obviously he’s playing in France so he sees different things.”He fully deserves it (his call-up).”But since returning to the French club, it has all being going wrong for him as he was an unused sub as Lille lost to newly-promoted Saint-Etienne 1-0 last weekend. More

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      Fans say ‘what a blast from Debast’ as Sporting star scores Puskas Award contender with 30-yard rocket

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      FANS were left gushing over a wonder-strike from Sporting Lisbon star Zeno Debast that’s already a contender for the Puskas Award.The incredible moment occurred in the 65th minute of last night’s Champions League clash against French giants Lille.Zeno Debast scored a wonder-goal for Sporting Lisbon against LilleThe strike is sure to be a Puskas contender – scroll down to see the full videoHosts Sporting were already 1-0 through Viktor Gyokeres, while Lille were a man down after having new England star Angel Gomes sent off.The Portuguese champions piled on the pressure and were looking to make their advantage count when Debast struck.The Belgian centre-back, 20, only joined Sporting this summer from Anderlecht for £18million.And his defensive displays had already won plenty of admirers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut nobody was expecting him to pull the trigger on an outrageous 30-yard rocket that sped through the air and cut across the box into the roof of the net.Sporting fans let out an incredible roar as they watched in amazement.And as the ball crashed into Lille’s goal, Debast turned around before sprinting off to celebrate his first goal for the club.It ended up being the final goal of the game, sealing a 2-0 victory for Sporting.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd viewers at home were left stunned by Debast’s exquisite technique.One said: “What a blast from Debast.”Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibeAnother declared: “OMG top thunder strike.”One noted: “Sweetest goal you’re going to see for a long time.”Another added: “What a strike son.”Debast’s goal was the icing on the cake as Sporting bagged their first three points of the campaign.They already lead the Portuguese Primeira Liga table with five wins from five.Star striker Viktor Gyokeres has an incredible nine goals in all competitions so far.And if Debast can continue to hit the occasional stunner from deep, it could be hard to look past Sporting retaining their title under Ruben Amorim.Owen Hargreaves Season PredictionsHARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”HARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”HARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”HARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years. More

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      Five clubs Bruno Fernandes could transfer to in summer as Man Utd captain hints he’s ‘thinking about’ leaving

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left stunned by the news that Bruno Fernandes could quit this summer.The Portuguese midfielder, 29, is in his fifth season with the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon.Bruno Fernandes dropped a huge hint that he could leave Man UtdCredit: GettyFernandes signed in January 2020 in a transfer costing an initial £47million which rises to £68m.But, undoubtedly, he has been the most successful buy in the period since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.The skipper has produced 54 goals and 40 assists in 157 Premier League matches.However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing for a huge clearout at United in order to try and free up funds for new additions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Fernandes, who penned an extension until 2026 two years ago, responded to that by saying: “Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it?“A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.“I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far.“So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThose remarks will have raised eyebrows both at Old Trafford and across Europe as a host of clubs plot a potential swoop.And here are five places that United captain could end up:’He’s won nothing’ – Roy Keane and Ian Wright in heated argument over Man Utd captain Bruno FernandesBARCELONAAnother club that is planning a brutal clearout by putting all-but three stars on the transfer list, including Robert Lewandowski.And if they can raise the necessary funds, then Fernandes could be somebody they look to to try and transform their midfield.His agent Jorge Mendes already enjoys a good relationship with the Catalans and a report emerged last month that he has offered them the United captain.REAL MADRIDFernandes would be the ideal replacement for the soon-to-be departing Luka Modric in the heart of the midfield.They have been long-term admirers of the star, who they were keen on while he was still at Sporting, and were scouting him at the 2022 World Cup.But with Kyliann Mbappe expected to sign on a mega-money package, funds could be tight at Madrid.JUVENTUSAnother club that was previously linked with Fernandes before United swooped for him.Two years later they were still allegedly “in love” with the Portugal ace and Juventus could potentially launch a move to finally get their man.PSGJust like Juventus, the French giants also wanted him prior to his switch to Old Trafford.With Mbappe set to leave Parc des Princes this summer, that would open up some huge space on the wage bill.And that could lead to PSG attempting to snap him up.READ MORE SUN STORIESSAUDI PRO LEAGUEThe Saudis are expected to try and bring a host more stars to try and bolster their league again this summer.And if Fernandes is available, there is no doubt that they would love him to join his Portuguese team-mate and ex-United colleague Ronaldo out in the Middle East.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Former Tottenham star lashes out and HEADBUTTS opponent just four minutes after coming on

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      FORMER TOTTENHAM star Marcus Edwards HEADBUTTED Galeno during Sporting Lisbon’s draw with Porto.The Sporting attacker was only on the pitch for four minutes before he lashed out at the winger.Marcus Edwards clashed with GalenoCredit: sport TVEdwards came through the youth academy at TottenhamCredit: ReutersEdwards, 25, had helped his side battle back from 2-0 down as he assisted Viktor Gyökeres before the striker netted his second goal to level the scores.However, that was not the end of the drama for the Englishman as he clashed with Galeno.The pair tangled on the edge of the pitch before knocking heads together.Edwards then slapped Loader on the side of the head causing the winger to dramatically drop to the floor.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLReferee Nuno Almeida was left with no choice but to send off the Spurs academy product.The match ended in a 2-2 draw with Sporting holding a 17-point lead over third-placed Porto.They are also five points clear of second-placed Benfica with three games to go.Edwards spent 13 years in the Tottenham academy but never made a Premier League appearance for the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe had loan moves at Norwich and Excelsior before permanently leaving in 2019 for Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes.After three seasons at the club he made the move to Sporting Lisbon and has become a key player for them.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIEdwards has made 109 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 21 goals and assisting 26.His form has seen him be linked with a move back to the Premier League.He had also admitted that he would like to move back to England one day.He has a £52million release clause at Sporting.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Liverpool target Ruben Amorim has ‘verbal pact’ with Sporting Lisbon that could see shock summer exit

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      RUBEN AMORIM reportedly has a verbal pact with Sporting Lisbon which could see him leave the club this summer.The Portuguese manager has been linked with becoming the next Liverpool boss.Ruben Amorim has a verbal pact with Sporting Lisbon to leave this summerCredit: RexAmorim has emerged as a target to replace Jurgen Klopp when he steps down at the end of the season.However, his appointment would not come without a fee, although this will reportedly be lower than previously expected.Fabrizio Romano reports that Amorim’s contract includes a £26million buyout clause for Portuguese clubs and £17million for foreign clubs.The report adds, though, that Amorim has a verbal pact with Sporting to let him leave this summer for a fee of just £8.5million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after SunSport revealed last week that the 39-year-old is considering leaving Sporting at the end of the season.He has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield and the Reds could hold an advantage over other European clubs.Amorim’s agent also represents Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.The former international midfielder has been in charge of Sporting since 2020 and won a league title during his first full season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRuben Amorim’s managerial career
      2018-19 – Casa Pia
      2019 – Braga B
      2019-20 – Braga
      2020-Present – Sporting Lisbon
      Trophies:
      Braga – Portuguese League Cup (2020)
      Sporting Lisbon – Liga Portugal (20/21), Portuguese League Cup (2021,2022), Portuguese Super Cup (2021)

      His side ended the campaign with just one defeat as they won their first title for 19 years.He has won three other major honours during his tenure and is currently contracted until the summer of 2026.Roberto De Zerbi ruled out of Liverpool boss running but could still quit Brighton this summer to join European giantsAmorim’s side are in pole position to land a league and cup double this term.Saturday’s win over Benfica leaves Sporting four points clear of their rivals with a game in hand.Meanwhile, they are also into May’s cup final after sealing an aggregate semi-final victory over the same opponents in midweek. More

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      Liverpool target Ruben Amorim admits ‘I can’t guarantee I’ll stay at Sporting’ as Reds near Jurgen Klopp replacement

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      LIVERPOOL target Ruben Amorim has admitted he could leave Sporting Lisbon.The Reds are on the hunt for a new manager after Jurgen Klopp announced his shock departure. Ruben Amorim wants to focus on winning titles for SportingCredit: EPALiverpool were publicly snubbed by their old midfielder Xabi Alonso last week as he announced his decision to stay with German table-toppers Bayer Leverkusen.That has seen up-and-coming boss Amorim, 39, leap to the top of Liverpool’s wishlist.And the Portuguese chief made no attempt to distance himself from the job when asked on Friday.Asked about his future, Amorim said: “I CANNOT guarantee that I will stay at Sporting next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We have time to discuss my future, we will do that at the right time. Now focus on winning titles and then we will see what happens.”The Portuguese will make a decision on his future when Sporting do not win, then he will leave. He said: “Sporting are taking care of their future and I can’t make a decision because I have given my word so I can’t go back on it, which is if we don’t win titles, I will leave the club.”Amorim has a contract with Sporting until 2026 and Liverpool would have to pay to get him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe has a £12.8m release clause at Sporting this summer, which drops to £8.5m in 2025.SunSport revealed last month that Amorim is already reflecting on his future with a switch to the Premier League on his mind.Xabi Alonso announces he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen after showdown talks with clubSporting are top of the Portuguese top flight – leading Benfica by a point with a game in hand – but Amorim is open to departing even if they clinch the title.And Liverpool have the upper hand in talks with Amorim as his agent – Raul Costa – is also a representative of Reds winger and Colombian international Luis Diaz.Sporting ended their 19-year wait for a league title under Amorim in 2021, and have lifted successive league cups in 2021 and 2022.The Portuguese manager has also been linked with the Manchester United job should they part ways with Erik Ten Hag this summer.While Liverpool have also been linked with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. More

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      Why is ‘Cristiano Ronaldo retiring’ trending now?

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      IT is no secret that Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing the end of his glittering career.The football legend – who has scored more official goals than any player in the sport’s history – is now 39 and in the twilight of his career.Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, has been in the goals for Al Nassr this season – but is nearing the end of his glittering careerCredit: ReutersWhy is ‘Cristiano Ronaldo retiring’ trending?Because of the forward’s age many fans have continued to wonder when Ronaldo will finally hang up his boots.With Euro 2024 this summer, and Ronaldo turning 40 in February 2025, many initially thought this tournament could be the perfect swansong for the Portuguese superstar.Moving to Saudi Arabia, which many see as a ‘retirement league’ despite the host of stars that have flocked to the Gulf on mega wages, has only increased talk that the end is approaching.Ronaldo throwing his support behind the campaign to bring the World Cup to Saudi Arabia also had fans questioning his future.READ MORE CRISTIANO RONALDOHowever, it does not appear likely – at this point – that Ronaldo is going anywhere any time soon.Al-Nassr are still competing at the top of the Saudi Pro League and Ronaldo has been in exceptional form this season.The Manchester United legend has scored an incredible 42 goals in 41 games in all competitions so far this season and is the top scorer in the league.His 29 goals in 24 league matches place him ahead of much younger stars such as Aleksandar Mitrovic, Talisca, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez.Most read in FootballCristiano Ronaldo goal record

      GOALS
      Club

      Sporting (2002-03) – 31 games, 5 goals
      Manchester United (2003-09) – 292 games, 118 goals
      Real Madrid (2009-18) – 438 games, 450 goals
      Juventus (2018-22) – 134 games, 101 goals
      Manchester United (2021-23) – 54 games, 27 goals
      Al Nassr (2022-present) – 60 games, 56 goals

      International

      Portugal (2003-present) – 206 games, 128 goals

      CAREER TOTAL = 1,217 games, 885 goals
      *totals correct as of April 3, 2024

      His current contract with Al Nassr also runs until June 2025.With the Real Madrid and Juventus icon earning a reported $215million (£170m) every YEAR he is unlikely to break the contract and leave that much cash on the table.When will Cristiano Ronaldo retire?Ronaldo previously stated he will play until he is at least 40 and then see how he is feeling physically after that.But those plans may well change given how dominant he continues to be – not only in the Saudi Pro League but at international level.Cristiano Ronaldo led Manchester United to the 2008 Champions League and scored 145 goals in two spells for the clubCredit: GettyHe has scored 10 goals in his last 10 Portugal matches and, remarkably, is one of the bookies’ favourites for the Golden Boot at Euro 2024.Ronaldo already has the most international caps in the history of the game – and is the only player with more than 200 appearances for his country.He is also the all-time leading scorer in both international play and overall.Ronaldo’s total tally in all competitions stands at a staggering 885 – more than 50 ahead of closest rival Lionel Messi.The forward may think that an unprecedented 1,000 goals is in his sights.He currently has 885 goals – at the time of writing – leaving him 115 away from four figures. Having scored 47 goals for club and country so far in 23-24, it would only take another two or three seasons to reach the 1,000-goal mark.The most recent reports indicate that Ronaldo is interested in extending his Al Nassr contract until 2027.Cristiano Ronaldo trophy haul
      Manchester United

      Premier League – 2007, 2008, 2009
      Champions League – 2008
      FA Cup – 2004
      League Cup – 2006, 2009
      Club World Cup – 2008

      Real Madrid

      LaLiga – 2012, 2017
      Champions League – 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
      Copa del Rey – 2011, 2014
      Club World Cup – 2014, 2016, 2017

      Juventus

      Serie A – 2019, 2020
      Coppa Italia – 2021

      Al Nassr

      Arab Club Champions Cup – 2023

      Portugal

      European Championships – 2016
      Nations League – 2019

      Individual (select)

      Ballon d’Or – 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
      Fifa World Player of the Year – 2008
      La Liga Best Player – 2014
      Serie A Footballer of the Year – 2019, 2020
      Premier League Player of the Season – 2007, 2008

      That would give him at least another two seasons at club level and put him in the frame to play at the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.Ronaldo has only reached as far as the semi-final stage in five World Cup appearances – he may want one final crack at the Jules Rimet trophy, especially having spent much of the 2022 tournament on the bench.What has Ronaldo said about retirement?Ronaldo has kept pretty tight-lipped about his retirement plans, earlier this year joking that he will play on for another decade.He said: “At the moment when I finish I don’t know to be honest”Of course it will be soon. By soon I mean 10 years more. “I’m joking! I don’t know, let’s see.”Cristiano Ronaldo may want one last crack at the 2026 World Cup – the only title Lionel Messi has over him in the GOAT debateCredit: AP:Associated PressSpeaking before the last World Cup, he also didn’t think that winning a World Cup would have an impact on the GOAT debate with Messi.”Even if I win the World Cup that will continue.”Some people like me more, some less. It’s like in life, some like blondes, some like brunettes.”I have always had to show what I can do year after year. I would love to win this tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m ambitious but if you tell me I won’t win any more tournaments I would still be happy given all I have won.”In the history books all other records will be there. But obviously a World Cup on the shelf wouldn’t be bad. It would be a dream.” More