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      in Soccer

      Jobe and Jude Bellingham can be just third brothers to join exclusive club as he follows brother’s footsteps to Dortmund

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      FOR a kid so determined to escape his brother’s shadow that he refuses to wear his surname on his shirt, it seems a strange career move.But Jobe Bellingham’s transfer to Borussia Dortmund — the club where brother Jude emerged as a world-class talent — is intriguing.Jobe Bellingham is on the verge of signing for Borussia DortmundCredit: GettyThe midfielder is following in the footsteps of brother JudeCredit: INSTAGRAM @judebellinghamJude Bellingham played for Dortmund between 2020 and 2023Credit: GettyThe pair could become the third set of brothers to play for EnglandCredit: INSTAGRAM @judebellinghamDortmund have clearly seen enough in the younger Bellingham to shell out the second-highest transfer fee in the club’s history. This is no ordinary Jobe.A fee of up to £33million is a serious investment for a 19-year-old who has never played top-flight football.And given that Dortmund are certainly no mugs when it comes to player recruitment, we can be assured that there is no sentimentality attached to it.This thing has not been designed to be season two of a reality show called ‘The Bellinghams’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe younger Bellingham — who has worn ‘Jobe’ on his back ever since joining Sunderland from Birmingham two years ago — is a serious prospect who played a major role in securing the Black Cats’ return to the Premier League following an eight-year absence.And after sealing his move to the Westfalenstadion, he is heading straight to the Club World Cup in the United States, where he might end up playing against Jude and Real Madrid.It is natural that Jobe should wish to forge his own path. After all, who wants to go through life being known as their big brother’s little brother?But with the Bellinghams, there are far too many similarities to make that prospect a realistic one.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJude was the youngest debutant in Birmingham’s history, aged 16. Jobe became the second-youngest, just a couple of months older than his brother had been.Jude was the Championship’s Young Player of the Year in 2020. Five years on, Jobe has won the same accolade.Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at WembleyAnd now both have moved to Borussia Dortmund as teenagers.There are differences, too.While Jude started off as a more defensive midfielder and has advanced to play as No 10 or a ‘false nine’, Jobe began as an attacking midfield player and has settled back into a box-to-box role.It is therefore possible, perhaps even as soon as next year’s World Cup, to envisage the two Bellinghams playing together for England.Since the start of the 20th Century, only two pairs of brothers have represented England at senior level.Those are Bobby and Jack Charlton, who won the World Cup together in 1966; and Gary and Phil Neville, wonderfully referred to in Jaap Stam’s autobiography as “busy c***s . . . who never stop whingeing”.So this would be quite some company for the Bellingham family to share.Not that the duo’s father, Mark, needs any convincing that his family are something special.Having one Bellingham in the England squad has its problems. Having two might be a real struggle.There are already special measures in place for Jude, the finest English talent of his generation, when it comes to his lack of media interviews on England duty.More significantly, there are times when he can be a law unto himself around the squad.This is not ideal for Thomas Tuchel and might affect Jobe’s prospects of promotion from the Under-21s.Still, should he hit the ground running at the Club World Cup and then flourish in the Bundesliga, Jobe will thrust himself into serious England contention.Tuchel is not well blessed with central midfielders, to such an extent that 34-year-old Jordan Henderson — a close confidant of Jude — is back in a starting berth.Dortmund has become a finishing school for young English talent, from Jadon Sancho to Jude Bellingham to Chelsea target Jamie Gittens and now to Jobe. And while Sancho’s career prospects continue to nosedive after a poor loan spell at Chelsea, it is worth remembering the trailblazing nature of his move to Dortmund as a 17-year-old in 2017.And that Sancho returned there for a decent loan move last season and started in the Champions League final at Wembley.It was Sancho, and his representatives, who spotted a career path largely untrodden by English kids — the idea that, with Premier League clubs stockpiling global talent, their best chance of breaking into regular top-flight football was to move abroad.What seemed revolutionary then is becoming increasingly common.For Sancho, and then for Jude Bellingham, becoming a star player at one of European football’s greatest stadiums in the Bundesliga was far preferable to struggling for game time at a Premier League club.So it should be little surprise that Jobe has followed suit.His family name will be a help, rather than a hindrance, when it comes to winning over those fanatical supporters who make up Dortmund’s Yellow Wall.Whether he decides to wear that name on his back is a different matter.Burn’s frightHOW will we know if England can defend before next year’s World Cup?Thomas Tuchel’s men haven’t had to do much defending during his first three matches.And they are not scheduled to face any elite opposition before the tournament in America — the clash with Senegal and a Wembley date with Wales are the only friendlies currently slated.With Gareth Southgate’s defensive stalwarts either going or gone, most of what’s left doesn’t look world class.Watching Dan Burn struggling against Andorra, then witnessing Portugal, Spain and France’s attacking quality in the Nations League, made Tuchel’s aim of ‘putting another star’ on England’s shirt — by winning the World Cup — sound distinctly silly.Thomas Tuchel’s England have not been tested defensivelyCredit: ReutersIt’s Mad worldTHIS column’s new favourite referee has to be Bobby Madley, after the EFL official broke ranks and admitted he “hates” VAR for taking the emotion out of football.Madley was axed as a top-flight ref for online silliness in 2018 and so maybe has less of a vested interest than other refs when he speaks about using tech in decision-making.Many other refs agree with Madley, yet they are duty-bound to pretend VAR is a force for good — as it is also a “jobs for the boys” scheme, allowing more refs to earn more money from the game.Big missBIG ANGE POSTECOGLOU may have been the last of the “Big” men to manage in the English game.And at least the big Aussie, like Big Sam Allardyce and Big Jack Charlton before him, was actually big.I’ve met Big Ron Atkinson and Alex “Big Eck” McLeish and they are not really very big at all.And as for former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe “Big Phil” Scolari, he was barely even medium-sized.Being FrankGiven that the job spec for the Spurs hotseat must now say “do not prioritise cup competitions”, it’s no shock Thomas Frank is set to succeed Europa League winner Ange Postecoglou.Since reaching the top flight in 2021, Frank’s Brentford have won just one FA Cup tie.Read More on The SunThomas Frank boasts a poor FA Cup recordCredit: PACharity caseTHERE will be another celebrity ‘Soccer Aid’ football match on TV next weekend — and you won’t find many better causes than Unicef.But these games are so awful to watch that many of us would rather make big donations in order to guarantee they don’t show it  on TV. More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal files: Transfer target Viktor Gyokeres gives rare look into life at Sporting and Gunners face goalkeeper dilemma

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      ARSENAL fans are confident they know all about Viktor Gyokeres – the Sporting Lisbon superstar heavily linked to a £60m move to North London this summer.But in a rare, in-depth interview with Vogue Scandinavia this week, the Swedish goal-scoring machine let his mask down and revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes titbits.Arsenal are eyeing Viktor Gyokeres this summerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialGyokeres has won two titles with Sporting in the last two yearsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHis Lisbon home – in the quiet enclave of Charneca de Caparica – is described as a “lair”, one with “Scandinavian minimalism”, featuring glass walls and a backyard pool.The ground floor’s main decoration includes numerous trophies below a large black and white photograph of Gyokeres performing his famous “Bane mask” celebration.He explained: “Me and my friends were going on vacation, and we were talking about [what to do when I score]. One of them came up with the idea for the mask, and we all liked it.“Since then, I’ve always done it when I score … and it definitely stuck. As for the [Bane] character, of course, I’ve seen it. But it’s a little like, take it how you want it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“If you think it’s Bane, you can think that. If you think it’s something else, that’s fine too.”His daily routine includes taking a shot of ginger and some water, and his breakfast is usually an array of fruit [strawberries, blueberries and pomegranates] and three eggs.Gyokeres also admits he sets his alarm “10-15 minutes before I leave” because he values sleep.In terms of how he has built himself into the monstrous No.9 he is today, compared to the skinny kid that struggled at Brighton before banging in goals at Coventry, he said: “Physicality is a big part of my game. I always need to maintain it and keep getting better.Most read in FootballSwedish football’s pride and glory was on the cover of Vogue this weekGyokeres has pictures of his “Bane mask” celebration in his houseCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“I do my pull-ups, push-ups, and sometimes shoulder press. Sometimes after a game where I need to rest my legs. I can focus on the upper body.“I can do my exercises at home, which is why I have a gym here. That’s what I enjoy on a daily basis.”Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UKHome from training by 4pm, he then likes to nap for an hour before having a Portuguese speaking lesson or taking his mind off football by playing some Call of Duty.To let his hair down, he heads out for dinner in Lisbon. He explained: “With Swedish culture, I think people work hard during the week, and then if they want to do something, they do it on weekends.“Here, people enjoy the weekdays too. They see their friends on a Monday or whatever day, have dinner, a glass of wine. In Sweden, that’s rare. That’s the big difference.”Despite his expectation to leave Portugal for England in the coming weeks, with the Gunners in pole position, he does suggest: “I think Lisbon has to be one of the best cities in Europe… it feels like home.”And intent on not giving anything away about his future, he added about the speculation: “That’s just clickbait. Sports news is now constant, like 24/7, so they just find things to talk about.”However, he goes on to suggest he has always “dreamed” of “being on the best teams in the world”, even if he reveals that as a kid, it took him time to fall in love with football.He said: “I didn’t like football at first [as a six-year-old] because I was on a team with people I didn’t know. I was new, and I wasn’t comfortable with that.“It was more the social aspect that was hard rather than the football itself.“Of course, when you’re younger – 10, 11, 12 – you’re always talking with your friends about playing for this club or that club, dreaming about being on the best teams in the world.“But that was all talk. Of course, you want to do it, but at that age, you don’t really think it through. It’s more of a dream.I didn’t like football as a six-year-old because I was on a team with people I didn’t know.GyokeresVogueHe added: “Playing football in front of people – it’s just something I’m so focused on. Of course you think about it sometimes, but for me, it’s easy.”Meanwhile, he has pulled out of Sweden’s upcoming fixtures against Hungary and Algeria due to a “minor issue”, with many putting two and two together, suspecting it is to do with a future move.But Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson claimed: “I spoke to Viktor last week. He hasn’t trained much in recent weeks and has been struggling with a small injury.“I was happy just to see him and have him involved in our meetings. That says a lot about Viktor, how much he wants to be involved.”ZUBIMENDI WATCHThere was a rare glimpse into the future on Thursday night, watching a current Arsenal midfielder play alongside a future one.In Spain’s dramatic 5-4 Nations League semi-final victory over France, Mikel Merino lined up next to Martin Zubimendi – who is expected to officially be announced as a Gunners following his £51m move from Real Sociedad at some point next week.Merino – who arrived in North London last summer from Sociedad for around £32m – played as a No.8 on the left of the midfield three, while Zubimendi sat deep as a No.6.It was an intriguing watch, giving several examples of exactly how the two can compliment each other in an Arsenal shirt next season.For large parts, Zubimendi, 26, sat deep in front of the back four, happy to be under pressure with his back to the opposition, taking balls off the two centre backs on the turn and feeding the likes of Merino and Barcelona midfielder Pedri.Inside the opening few minutes, Zubimendi did just that for Merino, allowing him to drive forward into space and spark an attack, something Declan Rice will love in that role.And when the ball was lost, with Merino triggering the press, Zubimendi would not be far behind him, not afraid to put his body on the line to break up play.He did just that in the first half to leave Les Bleus star Kylian Mbappe on his backside.The Spanish media wrote: “When Merino advanced his position and Pedri approached him, that’s when [Zubimendi] brought out his full potential.“The midfielder is in an ungrateful position because he has to take out the dirty balls so that the one who passes close to him can take the clean balls. But he does that very well.”But it is not just the dirty work that Zubimendi thrives in. At times against France, he would turn and immediately go direct by pinging balls into the wide areas for the likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams – the latter another Arsenal target.You could not help but imagine Zubimendi doing the same for Bukayo Saka down the right, something the England winger loves: early passes to catch opposition full-backs off guard.KEPA OR GARCIA?Among other areas in the squad, Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make regarding his No.2.With Neto heading back to Bournemouth following his season-long loan last term – making just one appearance – Arsenal are in need of a back-up for David Raya.There are candidates from within: 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup last season.However, Arteta does not feel either are ready to take on such a big responsibility next campaign, while Setford could potentially head out on loan to gain some experience should the right opportunity arise, after joining from Ajax for £1m in July 2024.Unwanted Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been lined with ArsenalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialIt is understood that Setford is highly rated by Arteta, viewing him as a first-team player of the future.So, where does that leave them now? It is quite similar to their striker conundrum, currently deliberating whether to go for a ready-made, older Gyokeres, or pay more money to acquire a younger star with potential who can grow in Benjamin Sesko, 21.There are two options as it stands: First there is Joan Garcia, the £25m Espanyol keeper, but it will be a battle to sign the 24-year-old with Barcelona pushing hard to get him.And then there is a new possibility of Kepa, 30 – the unwanted Chelsea keeper who reportedly has a release clause of £5m having spent last season on loan at the Cherries.Arteta would welcome such an experienced goalie to compete with Raya, and is understood to have always admired the Spaniard from afar for his ability to play out with his feet.GABRIEL AND SALIBA’S FEAR FACTORBrazilian centre back Gabriel, 27, has finally signed a new long-term contract until 2029 after links with a mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.SunSport understands that there is no option to extend that until 2030 as it stands, but he will now earn a weekly wage north of £100k.Gabriel has put pen to paper on a new contractIt is the first of many new deals that sporting director Andrea Berta has been working on. The likes of Saka and William Saliba – whose contracts also expire in 2027 – will be next, as well as Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Interestingly, Gabriel has revealed just how feared he and his centre back partner Saliba are in the Prem, forming a bond that has made them a world class duo, perhaps the best in Europe.Read More on The SunHe said: “I play against some strikers now and afterwards they say: ‘you are so strong now, you and Saliba are so good together’ and things like that, so it’s good to hear.“That’s what we are aiming for on the pitch, we want to keep improving and we want to win trophies.” More

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      in Boxing

      I’m related to the greatest boxer ever but changed my name to make my own way – it worked until Mike Tyson showed up

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      NICO ALI WALSH has the most famous surname in boxing history but he kept it a secret – until Mike Tyson blew his cover. The 24-year-old is the grandson of Muhammad Ali – affectionately known as The Greatest.Mike Tyson with Nico Ali WalshCredit: X/nicoaliwalshNico’s parents – including Ali’s daughter Rasheda whose sister Laila was a champion boxer – never wanted him to enter the family business. But by 14, Ali Walsh – with the help of his grandfather – convinced his family to allow him to start boxing. It came with just one condition though, he had to hide his iconic Ali surname. Ali Walsh told SunSport: “Of course, I left out the name. Even back when I was 15 years old, my full name is Nico Ali Walsh, but I cut out the Ali.READ MORE IN boxing “I said my name is Nico Walsh, but they found out somehow. My parents were not on board with saying Ali either.”I don’t know how, they would just start announcing it at amateur fights. So it didn’t last long. The incognito version of myself didn’t last very long.”It turns out boxing great Tyson – a close friend of hero Ali’s – might have played a part in Nico’s secret being exposed.He revealed: “It probably started around my third amateur fight because I started having weird people show up to my fights.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Like my third amateur fight was here in Vegas and Mike Tyson found out I was fighting and he and his wife Kiki texted my mum and was like, ‘Hey, we heard Nico’s fighting here. Mike wants to come to the fight.’“So Mike ended up coming to my amateur fight and it was just him, whoever he was with, and then my family.Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video“So there was like 7/8 people in the crowd, and it was just us, so I guess people may have started realising it.“I started having weird people show up to my fights. Why is Mike Tyson showing up to this guy’s amateur fight? And he left right after.“So that may have contributed to people finding out.”With Ali Walsh’s name was no longer secret, he had close to 30 amateur bouts before turning professional in 2021.And he did so with legendary promoter Bob Arum, who staged some of Ali’s most iconic fights. By now, Ali Walsh is no stranger to rivals looking to make a name for themselves by trying to tear down his name – even behind closed doors.Ali Walsh tried to hide his famous surname in the amateursBut Tyson accidentally helped blow his coverHe said: “Sparring and training, it’s never 100 per cent of the time. “Sparring is where you work on things and you do certain things, but whenever I go outside of someone that I directly know, they’re trying to knock me out in sparring.“Everyone who spars me is trying to knock me out. So it’s very annoying, but I’ve gotten that my entire professional career.“I had that sometimes in my amateur career but now it’s like people are coming at me trying to absolutely take my head off in the gym. “And they do it in fights too. I don’t care what you do in a fight, but in the gym, it gets ridiculous at some points.”Ali Walsh is now 15 fights into his pro career, with 12 wins, two losses and one no-contest. A young Ali Walsh with his grandadAli Walsh with his grandad before the sporting great’s sad passing in 2016Promoter Bob Arum with Ali WalshCredit: Top Rank/Mikey WilliamsHe bounced back with victory against Ebenezer Sowah in Guinea in May following a shock defeat to Juan Carlos Guerra Jr last February.And Ali Walsh has stayed true to his roots by refusing to entertain cash-grab fights against the likes of Jake Paul. The middleweight prospect even turned down a $3million (£2.2m) offer to fight the 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer last year. Ali Walsh explained: “I can’t be mad at these pro guys that are calling him out, they want the money.“And obviously, the money they would be getting, they would be getting paid millions to knock out a guy that’s way below the skill level of the guy that they get paid far less to fight.“So it makes sense for these guys, but for me in particular, that’s not something I want to be remembered by. “It would really be just tainting my legacy to be getting involved with something like that.Read More on The Sun“I feel like whenever people try to tell me, ‘Nico, you should have done this or you should have done that.’ No one can tell me what to do with the Ali name except for an Ali.“So nobody outside of my family will understand what I’m talking about. So I don’t take advice from anyone else who tries to come at me with that kind of stuff.”Ali Walsh is 15 fights into his pro careerCredit: EPAJake Paul offered Ali Walsh £2.2m to fightCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Michael Schumacher’s tragic health battle in Majorca hideaway – as pal makes heartbreaking prediction for future

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      WITH fists pumping and arms aloft, racing great Michael Schumacher celebrated his many victories with the same energy as his driving.And that is how the Formula One team boss who helped turn the German legend into a champion three decades ago prefers to think of him.Michael Schumacher in his prime competing for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix in 2004Credit: AP:Associated PressPictures show the helicopter rescue operation in 2013 following Michael’s skiing accident in the French resort of MeribelCredit: Nick HaleyMichael with wife Corinna and their children Gina-Maria and Mick in 2021 Netflix documentaryCredit: NetflixNot as the incapacitated survivor of a horrific skiing accident that Schumacher is said to have become.Italian businessman Flavio Briatore said this week: “If I close my eyes. I see him smiling after a victory.“I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed.”Flavio’s comments reveal the day-to-day struggles faced by the now-reclusive sporting hero, who once epitomised the swashbuckling spirit of adrenaline sport.Schumacher, 56, would go wheel-to-wheel with rivals at extreme speeds on the scariest of bends en route to a record-breaking seven Formula One world championships.Off the track he would party with pals, smoke big cigars, sky dive, scuba dive and fly helicopters.‘Michael communicates with his eyes’But nothing has been seen of Michael since his near-fatal crash on Alpine slopes in France on December 29, 2013.Rumours of some medical miracles, appearances, fresh photos and interviews frequently spread online.But a Formula One insider tells The Sun that like Flavio, the world needs to get used to not seeing Michael’s beaming smile any more.Craig Scarborough, who has been covering the sport for around 25 years and interviewed Michael many times, reveals: “I spoke to someone who is very, very close to him and they just explained we’re not going to hear any more from him.Emotional moment Michael Schumacher’s son and Sebastian Vettel pay tribute to stricken F1 legend “He’s in a comfortable position as far as he can be with his state of health.”It has also been reported that only three people see Michael at his secluded home on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca.Even Flavio, 75, who has been a close friend of Michael since they began working together at the Benetton racing team in 1991, has not seen him for a while.But the Italian says he “often” speaks to Michael’s wife Corinna, 56.Much of her time is said to be consumed by maintaining her husband’s care and keeping the exact details of his current health condition a secret.And Corinna has also had to cope with all the distress of dealing with a blackmail plot.Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Michael unless they were given £12million.Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men.Michael on the slopes in Italy in 2003Credit: Rex FeaturesCorinna and Gina accepting a German lifetime achievement award on Michael’s behalf in 2022 in CologneCredit: RexIn February the trio were found guilty of their part in the blackmail plot.Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court.Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche.She said: “What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. “He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.”And last October stories emerged claiming that Michael had attended the wedding of his daughter Gina, 27, in Majorca.Guests and staff had to hand over their mobile phones, while security guards made sure no one could snoop on the ceremony or party.But Michael’s former Benetton teammate Johnny Herbert said: “From what I understand, that was all fake news.”We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable. Corinna SchumacherWhile it remains possible that Schumacher did attend the wedding in a wheelchair, another story was definitely made up.Last year Corinna successfully sued German magazine Die Aktuelle for claiming on its cover “Michael Schumacher, the first interview!”In fact the quotes had been generated by artificial intelligence.What no outsider can be sure about is whether Michael could give an interview if he wanted to.There have been conflicting accounts of his health condition.When Michael’s head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two.The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma.The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness.There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Michael to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed.Michael won a record-breaking seven Formula One world championshipsCredit: GettyFlavio Briatore, seen here at Monaco GP last month, spoke about his former Benetton driverCredit: GettyMost people in the know indicate that he is unable to talk, although it is possible he could use eye movements to send messages like the late scientist Stephen Hawking did.In 2020 Flavio’s former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.”Friends do visit and he still follows sports.Former Ferrari F1 chief Jean Todt said: “I can see him but of course, what I miss is what we used to do together. “I watch Grand Prix with Michael.”Corinna also indicated there was an attempt to maintain normality in difficult circumstances.She said in a 2021 Netflix documentary: “We’re together. “We live together at home. “We do therapy.“We’re trying to carry on as a family’“We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable. And to simply make him feel our family, our bond.“And no matter what, I will do everything I can. We all will.“We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does.”I hope they can find happiness in the situation they find themselves in.Craig ScarboroughIt was reported by German media, ahead of the ten-year anniversary of his skiing accident in 2023, that Schumacher receives 24-hour care from a team of up to 15 people.He has been driven in a Mercedes road car, and played sounds from the F1 track, to stimulate his brain with familiar noises.There has been some good family news to lift Michael’s spirits.Last month he became a grandfather for the first time when Gina gave birth to her daughter Millie.His son, 26-year-old Mick, who spent two years as a F1 driver, was only 14 when his dad suffered the debilitating head injury.In the Netflix documentary he admitted he would give “anything” to talk to him about the sport again.Mick said: “I think dad and I would understand each other in a different way now, simply because we speak a similar language, the language of motorsport, and we would have a lot to talk about.”That’s where my head is at most of the time, thinking that would be so cool. I’d give anything just for that.”Mick found love with Danish model Laila Hasanovic, 26, in 2023 — and although they have recently been rumoured to have split   up, she was reportedly trusted enough by the family to be one of the few people to have visited Michael.Craig reckons having close personal time with Mick and other family members is vital for the stricken motorsports star.Physical workloadHe says: “I think a lot of people demand stuff from him and I think that’s wrong.“He is himself, and his family have a lot to contend with.“Until you’ve cared for somebody, I don’t think anyone realises the emotion and the physical workload.”The fact that they have been bold enough to withdraw from public life and not be tempted to do exclusives out there to various people, I think, is noble, and I hope that continues.“I hope they can find happiness in the situation they find themselves in.”Like Flavio, Craig is more comfortable talking about the Michael people knew before the ski tragedy.He says: “He was a guy who enjoyed his personal time. “He loved his family.“He did lots of lovely things. “He clearly liked a drink and he loved a big cigar.“But he had lots of time to bring up his son.”While it is understandable that Michael’s army of fans want to hear from him again, they may have to make do with recalling his past glories.There were certainly more than enough of them for Flavio and others to remember. More

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      in Boxing

      Justis Huni survived a drive-by-shooting before swapping Australia for Blackpool ahead of Fabio Wardley fight

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      JUSTIS HUNI enters enemy territory when he faces Fabio Wardley in Ipswich – but it will take a lot to faze the travelling Australian. After all, Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022 only to win his next fight less than a week later. Justis Huni survived a terrifying drive-by-shooting in June 2022Credit: GettyPolice investigating at the house of Huni after the attackCredit: GettyThe boxer was just 23 when his family home in Brisbane, with ten inside, was targeted with five bullets. Two children, one aged eight and one just six months old, were among those in the house when shots fired at 4am. And despite cops and news crews surrounding the property – Huni was more focused on his morning sparring session that day. He told Ring Magazine: “I still remember it well.READ MORE IN BOXING”It was like, gunshots fired at my house then all of a sudden I had police and TV crews at the front of my house all morning. “But I had sparring that morning. I just looked straight past the news crews and just went to sparring. “Got my sparring done and then came back home to so much news and reporters at the house.”The frightening ordeal came while Huni was 5-0 – with four knockouts – and was approaching a fight against Joseph Gooddall.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he would amazingly win the bout over ten rounds, not losing a round in the eyes of one judge.Three years on and no arrests were made and the perpetrators remain a mystery.Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight Huni has since improved his record to 12-0 and returns on Saturday in the biggest fight of his career. He replaced Jarrell Miller – the controversial serial drug cheat – after the American pulled out of facing Wardley through “injury”. Huni accepted the deal on just five weeks notice and has no fear in taking on Ipswich’s Wardley at Portman Road having overcome far worse. He said: “The timing of the shooting was crazy because I had the Goodall fight five days later. “I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.”Everything is all character building and everything has got me to where I am today and to be able to get me past obstacles that are about to come up like June 7th. “Everything in my life has happened for a reason. It was scary of course, I was living in the house and my whole family was in the house that night. “It was a scare but I think I was so zoned in and focused on the fight it did not affect me. I kind of just overlooked it.”Now that I think back at it, it was a big deal, but at the time I was so focused on my job at hand that I kind of just brushed it away and just kept moving forward. I think if I could get through that, I’m sure I can handle what’s going to come at me on June 7th.Justis Huni on his drive-by-shooting ordeal “I won that fight and there was so much security and stuff at the fight because obviously they thought it was connected to me.”I don’t know. It just shows what the mind can do when you’re locked in on something so bad. You just kind of forget about it.”Huni, 26, flew to England in mid May to face off with Wardley, 30, for the first time on the football pitch. And instead of flying 10,000 miles back, the Aussie set up camp in Blackpool’s Sharpstyle Boxing Gym for the remainder of his training. He said: “It’s a kind of interesting place. It’s a bit different to the Gold Coast.”I haven’t had a chance to look around and go down to the water yet but from what I’ve seen it seems quiet here and that’s how I like it. “It’s a lot better than when I was in London for a few days – that was too busy for me, too much traffic.”But there’s not nearly as much traffic in Blackpool so I’ve liked it. “We’ve managed to get the sparring we need from a few local boys who have come down to help me out. Read More on The Sun”I’ve got all the training that I’ve needed. I’ve done all the hard work I’ve needed to do. “I’m just going to go in there and do my job… do what I’ve done for the last 20 years since I started in this sport.”Huni is from Brisbane but has been training in BlackpoolFabio Wardley facing off with HuniCredit: QUEENSBERRY More

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      Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon

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      CHELSEA’S triumphant squad enjoyed a night of team bonding after their Conference League win over Real Betis last week.But even karaoke until 4AM is tame by comparison to what club hero John Obi Mikel and his old team-mates used to get up to after winning one of their many cups or titles.Chelsea celebrated the Conference League with karaokeChelsea hero John Obi Mikel looked back at legendary celebrations after the Conference League triumphMikel, 38, was part of a formidable Blues squad that won the Champions League, Premier League, three FA Cups and the Europa League.He told SunSport: “We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves.“That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together.“They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.”Most of Enzo Maresca’s squad were up and out of the team hotel in Poland to report for international duty before reuniting at the Club World Cup in the US later this month.A singalong is not Mikel’s idea of fun to toast victory.He said: “Well, listen, it is the kind of party they wanted to have. But I know back in our days, it wouldn’t have been that. It would have gone full on.”New Chelsea are becoming a stronger team but they still have a lot to learn off the pitch it seems.DEL OF A BUYLIAM DELAP is the perfect striker signing for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side and here’s why…When the Blues signed Cole Palmer in what now looks like a cut price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands – but anyone who had watched Manchester City’s EDS sides knew, one of whom of course was Maresca.Chelsea have a history of spending big on star names to fill the number 9 spot, of which the majority have failed to do so.From Alvaro Morata to Gonzalo Higuain to Timo Werner, no one has been able to fill the boots of Diego Costa since he left.Nicolas Jackson has – all things considered – been pretty good so far, but many fans have concerns over his finishing ability and dominance in the box.Liam Delap is set to sign for the BluesDelap is a signing that addresses that issue, a physical penalty box presence with an incredible ball striking ability and a lethal burst of pace – which means at LAST the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will have a target to aim those curling crosses at in the middle.However, it’s likely his understanding of Chelsea and Maresca’s style that really secured the deal for a star who was a hot commodity in the transfer market.Having played under his new gaffer at City, he also starred alongside Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer in the EDS, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season, but also improve Palmer too.It wasn’t always a Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, or Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership, where both would rack up huge direct goal contribution numbers, but one where Delap’s movement and inter play would allow Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease.We’ve seen in games at times this season where because Palmer has been almost a lone threat, he can be doubled up on and nullified, but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult.When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever improving Madueke and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea can be a real threat next season.OL’ TIMERIT’S OFFICIAL, Chelsea will play LAFC in their first Club World Cup fixture on June 16th.The Blues will be re-united with Champions League and Europa League hero Olivier Giroud, as well as facing off against familiar foe Hugo Lloris.The MLS side secured their spot in the competition with a 2-1 win over Club America in extra time, with Giroud grabbing the game-winning assist.They join Chelsea’s group alongside Flamengo, who will be in action against Enzo Maresca’s men on June 20th, and El Tunis who they will play on June 24.Chelsea fans wonder ‘What if?’LUIS ENRIQUE’S Paris Saint-Germain Champions League win has left many Chelsea fans wondering, “What if?”When Graham Potter was sacked as the Blues’ head coach in April 2023, the now PSG boss was flown into London for talks with the head honchos at Stamford Bridge, only to be DENIED the job.Julian Nagelsmann was the favourite to get it at the time, but it ended up being Mauricio Pochettino who was bought in instead.Chelsea reportedly had doubts over Enrique who “made several demands” during talks, before deciding to go with the former Tottenham manager in his place.Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique almost joined ChelseaFast forward two years, and Enrique is a Champions League winner (again), using a model that admittedly is not too dissimilar to what the the Blues are trying to build – an incredibly young but talented team who can compete with the best.In fact the two teams have shared many transfer targets over the years, including Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia.Enrique himself is now being lauded for his style of play and giving his young talent freedom on the pitch to express themselves, while Maresca is often criticised for the opposite.The Blues may well get to test themselves against the newly-crowned European champions at the Club World Cup, as if the most likely scenario takes place they will play PSG in the quarter-finals.It remains to be seen if Chelsea can build on their strong end to the season and become Champions of Europe for a third time in coming seasons.BLUE RINSESECTIONS of the Chelsea fan base have been left unhappy after the club announced further price increases for tickets ahead of next season.A report published by the Chelsea Supporters Trust has outlined the key details of the plan by those in charge at Stamford Bridge.The cost of tickets for members will increase by 4 per cent, while the total cost of tickets for season ticket holders will increase by 7 per cent.The senior concession age is also being raised from 65 to 66, while the discount for those eligible for those tickets is being reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.A new tiered membership is being introduced, including a “premier membership” which can be purchased for priority access to tickets.In good news for supporters, a youth concession for those aged 20-22 is being introduced with a 25 per cent discount at least.Fans online reacted, and weren’t happy at all, with one fan claiming, “Premium membership LOL like I’m not ripped off enough as it is.” While another fumed: “A perfect lesson on how to undo the feel good factor after Wednesday. Wondered for a while if this ownership felt any loyalty to true fans. Here is the final proof they don’t.”JOE COLE delighted Chelsea fans drinking in Wroclaw ahead of their Conference League triumph.The night before the game, the Chelsea icon joined jubilant Blues fans along with his fellow TNT Sport pundits.Another ex-Chelsea man, Steve Sidwell, and West Ham’s Michail Antonio joined Cole in the bar opposite their hotel.But it was only Cole the Chelsea fans were interested in as they chanted his name over and over again.JT was back at a Chelsea European final – and again not on the pitch!The club’s legendary former skipper famously joined the celebrations in full kit after being suspended for the 2012 Champions League final and sitting in the stands.Last week, it was noted that JT was at the Wroclaw Stadium to see the team beat Real Betis 4-1 – only this time it was Joe Terry, a reporter for UEFA.com covering the game for Europe’s governing body.Surely that’s more than a coincidence? 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      Arsenal files: Gunners’ huge advantage in Viktor Gyokeres transfer race as myth debunked over £70m Sporting striker

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      THIS summer’s transfer window – opening on June 1 – is just hours away, and in Arsenal’s search for a striker, two names are taking centre stage.Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko appear to be the Gunners’ top two targets to lead the line for them next season.Viktor Gyokores remains Arsenal’s top target for this summer’s windowCredit: AFPBenjamin Sesko has been tipped for big things by pundits in his native SloveniaCredit: GettyBoth have their merits, both would instantly improve Mikel Arteta’s attacking options and both are expected to cost between £60m and £70m.But, only one is expected to sign on the dotted line in North London over the coming weeks.So, where are Arsenal at in their decision-making?SunSport understands that Gyokeres is slightly favoured right now, for a number of reasons.There is a real belief that a deal for the Swedish international could be pushed through with little complications, given the player’s desire to test himself in one of Europe’s best leagues, as well as at a top team with the ability to seriously challenge in the Champions League.It is understood that there is a gentleman’s agreement between Gyokeres and Sporting to depart the Stadio Jose Alvalade in this window, having garnered lots of interest last summer, despite still having three years left on his current deal.Manchester United were expected to push for his signing with old Sporting boss Ruben Amorim now at the Old Trafford helm.But failing to qualify for the Champions League has severely hampered their spending power.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBarcelona are also in a financially delicate situation, and while Chelsea’s interest in Gyokeres is well documented, they also have eyes on other targets, including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.Sporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha claimed recently the club are yet to receive any offers and will not be strong-armed into selling their best players, but also added: “The market is not under our control, we are always dependent.”Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’Gyokeres has been on fire the past two campaigns, scoring a staggering 97 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions, while also notching 28 assists.No one in Europe’s top five leagues has more league goals than Gyokeres [39], with Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe scoring 31, Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah scoring 29, Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski scoring 27 and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane scoring 26.Arsenal are desperate for whoever they sign to hit the ground running, and view Gyokeres as one of the most in-form strikers currently in the market and available, with a persona and footballing arrogance to match.There is the added bonus of Gyokeres having already played in England, albeit in the Championship with Swansea and Coventry, while he never made a Prem appearance in his four-year stint at Brighton.New sporting director Andrea Berta is also a huge fan of the player, having looked closely at him during his time at Atletico Madrid when the Spaniards were considering a move.It was reported that Berta, alongside co-owner Josh Kroenke, spoke with the Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya while in Lisbon for Arsenal Women’s Champions League final triumph in the Portuguese capital last weekend before flying straight to Southampton for Arsenal Men’s final Prem game of the season, but this is unconfirmed.There are naturally some question marks over Gyokeres, such as if his stunning record out in Portugal would naturally translate to the Prem, and how long he would take to adapt.There is also the lack of sell-on ability with the 26-year-old arguably reaching his prime years. Until now, Arsenal have signed players with that in mind, evidenced by the sell-on clauses fitted in the loan moves for midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, 25, and defender Nuno Tavares, 25.As for Sesko, Arsenal came close to signing the Slovenian last summer and in January – the player signing a new contract until 2029 back in June, while Leipzig were unwilling for a key player to depart during the winter window.At 21-years-old, Sesko’s potential for growth is huge, and has shown he can be consistent in a top European league, netting 14 Bundesliga goals in 2023/24 and 13 goals this term.It is worth noting too that his value would only increase after a few years at the Emirates.Sesko already has 41 caps for Slovenia at the age of just 21Credit: GettyHe is young but also incredibly confident, telling SunSport over the summer at the Euros how he thrives under the spotlight and attention of suitors, including those in the Prem.He said: “It’s a good kind of pressure. If you have the opportunity where people can talk about you, it doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, there’s something about you… I am happy to be a part of this.”In Slovenia, journalists have spoken of being in awe of his ability, predicting he will develop into the country’s greatest ever player.However, it is this potential that is also a concern – there is an internal debate over how long it would take Sesko to adjust to life in English football. Used to time and space on the ball out in Germany, the physicality and speed could take some getting used to.On the one hand, the presence of Kai Havertz up top could take the pressure off Sesko and the expectancy for an instant impact, but Arsenal cannot afford to pin their hopes on a fresh-faced youngster who may need one or two seasons before hitting the heights.Signing one or the other would certainly give Arsenal’s attack a different edge, but each one provides differing solutions: one that will likely produce right now and one that will likely produce in the future.THE STATSHaving both featured 33 times in their respective league campaigns, putting their numbers side by side make for interesting reading.Both have fine injury records, Gyokeres playing 2,804 minutes this term, averaging 85 minutes per match, while Sesko has played 2,399 minutes and averaged 73 minutes per match.Given Arteta’s struggles to keep the likes of Havertz and Gabriel Jesus fit this season, that can only be a plus.Gyokeres boasts a record of 72 minutes per goal, compared to Sesko’s 185 minutes.Both have exceeded their goal XG. Gyokeres scored 39 goals from an XG of 31, while Sesko scored 13 from an XG of 10.And both can create as well as score, Gyokeres producing seven assists and averaging 16 successful passes per 90, and Sesko five with 15 successful passes per 90, an important aspect of what Arteta looks for in a front man.THE GYOKERES HEADING MYTHSocial media has been awash with claims that Gyokeres – for all his goalscoring abilities – has never scored with his head while at Sporting.This is incorrect. Of the 68 league goals Gyokeres has banged in over the past two seasons, two have been with his head.It is still not a great tally, especially given his height of 6ft2 and general power, but this is likely down to the service.Over the past two league seasons, Sporting have produced 1,322 crosses [including corners], with 362 of them being successful in terms of finding a Sporting player at first ask.In comparison, across Arsenal’s past two league seasons, they have produced 1,442 crosses [including corners] with 363 of them being successful.Sporting are used to dominating possession and pouncing on the counter, meaning Gyokeres has most of his goals with ball at feet as opposed to headers.But under Arteta and against more defensively compact opposition, Arsenal tend to deliver more balls into the box, which would give Gyokeres far more opportunities, in particular from set-pieces – an area the North Londoners have been dominant in across Europe in recent years.JULIAN ALVAREZ?Arsenal legend Thierry Henry revealed this week on the Stick To Football podcast that he would love to see Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez join Arsenal.Henry said: “One of my favourite nines out there is Julian Alvarez. I just like him. Is it possible? I don’t know.”If you look at all the teams recently that have been winning, you look at who’s on the bench, how many times has a guy been coming on to save the season.”It would certainly complement the trend of the past few transfer windows of ex-Manchester City players making the switch after Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Raheem Sterling did the same, with varying degrees of success.It is rumoured that Alvarez is eyeing a change of scenery, wanting to play for a team who can compete for league titles and in Europe.Julian Alvarez could be a surprise target for the Gunners – but won’t come cheapCredit: GettyAtletico have struggled on both fronts this term, finishing third in La Liga and 12 points off winners Barcelona while being knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16.His flexibility is also something that is admired by those at Arsenal, able to play down the middle as well as out wide.However, it would be a difficult move to pull off, even with ex-Atletico man Berta now working at Arsenal.Alvarez, 25, joined Atletico from City last summer for £82m, and has a contract that runs until 2030, and the Spanish giants do not need nor want to sell such a valuable asset.It would take a sizable fee to pry him away, funds that Arsenal will likely want to spend on other targets in other positions.Athletic Bilbao’s £50m-valued Nico Williams is still being looked at, as is Espanyol’s £25m-valued keeper Joan Garcia, while £51m has already been splashed on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi with a medical imminent. 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      Chelsea files: Enzo Maresca and Cole Palmer’s bonus woes and fans’ Conference League final travel chaos

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      ENZO MARESCA will not get a bonus if he wins Chelsea the Conference League tonight.The Blues boss is looking to cap Champions League qualification by lifting a European trophy in Poland – but it will not earn him any extra cash.Enzo Maresca will not get a bonus if Chelsea win the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyWhen Maresca agreed to take over at Stamford Bridge last summer, the bonuses included in his five-year deal showed the real ambitions at Chelsea.The Italian will only be rewarded personally for success in the Premier League and Champions League during his time in west London.While everyone at Chelsea will have wanted to win the Conference League this season – having started as clear favourites – a top five finish was far more important for the club’s long-term future.And Maresca has argued that he is ahead of schedule in delivering it, stating the owners wanted to qualify for Europe’s top competition within two years of his arrival from Leicester.Player bonuses, however, are negotiated on a season-by-season basis and the Blues squad are in for a reward if they triumph over Real Betis in Wroclaw.The size of the bonus for each player will depend on how many appearances have been made throughout the competition.So if Cole Palmer – who was not even in the squad for the group stage – starts against Betis he will still earn less than some of those fringe players who did all the hard work early on.Chelsea would become the first ever club to win all three of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League should they get past Manuel Pellegrini’s men.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPLAYING FOR KEEPSCHELSEA are confident they will not have to fight off West Ham for goalkeeping chief Ben Roberts this summer.Former Blues boss Graham Potter is making his mark in East London and has decided to move goalkeeper coach Xavi Valero on.Potter has already hired close pal Kyle Macaulay from his role at Stamford Bridge and appointed him as head of recruitment at the London Stadium.Roberts followed Potter from Brighton to Chelsea as one of his coaching staff but has since been given a role as global head of goalkeeping across both of BlueCo’s clubs.While West Ham are in the market for a new coach, there is no concern at Chelsea over losing Roberts this summer.Chelsea’s goalkeeping chief Ben RobertsCredit: Chelsea AN GUARD TODD BOEHLY has personally stamped on the fingers of any team trying to swoop for Andrey Santos in the summer transfer market, with PSG, Arsenal and Crystal Palace all reportedly keen. The Chelsea midfielder, who spent this season on loan at BlueCo-owned RC Strasbourg, helped the French side secure Conference League football for next year with 10 goals and 3 assists in Ligue 1. The Stamford Bridge outfit picked up Santos for just £18m two years ago. Still, with Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez all looking to be starters for Enzo Maresca next season, the Brazilian has been linked with a big-money move away. Having watched him closely this season, and in person, that would be a big mistake.London rivals Arsenal and Champions League finalists PSG were two teams circling the midfielder, but Todd Boehly seems to have warned them away as he spoke at the Qatar Economic Forum last week. He said “We are laser-focused on the Club World Cup. We have some players that are joining us, [like] Andrey Santos. We are really excited about him and what he can add to the squad.”A personal name-dropping of the midfielder speaks volumes of the value he presents to the Blues, and he should expect to be a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans beyond the summer tournament.Andrey Santos is due to return to Chelsea next seasonCredit: GettyWHEN THERE’S A WILLLAMINE YAMAL has set the footballing world alight this season. A left-footed, right-wing Barcelona prodigy who just happened to be bathed by Lionel Messi in a kind of ‘footballing baptism’ and has already helped carry his side to a league title at the age of 17 – it’s easy to see why he’s viewed by many as the heir to Messi’s throne. Part of what made football so incredibly good for the past 20 years, was that we had an individual rivalry in Ronaldo vs Messi that provided constant debate and discussion as for who was the best in the world.Many thought that kind of rivalry that might be revived with Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe, but it may actually be Lamine Yamal vs a Chelsea starlet waiting to explode – Estevao Willian. Both seem to have been crafted by the footballing gods in the mould of Lionel Messi, but idolise and bring all the flair and skill which Neymar did in his time at Barcelona. Estevao was signed for £28million by Chelsea last summer, with the move set to be finalised this summer ahead of a transition into the Blues’ first team next campaign. The wonderkid has played predominantly on the right in Brazil, but can also play through the middle and on the left – the kind of versatility Enzo Maresca will adore. Coincidentally nicknamed ‘Messinho’, he has broken all sorts of records set by Neymar in Brazil, and is more than ready to step up and take some pressure off of the shoulders of Cole Palmer. Be patient Chelsea fans, your Lamine Yamal awaits…Estevao Willian is a superstar in the makingCredit: AlamyMARESCA’S YOUNG GUNSAFTER Chelsea’s lineup vs Nottingham Forest was announced, it was official… The class of 24/25 became the youngest team in Premier League history. The average age of Enzo Maresca’s starting eleven’s over the course of the season was 24 years and 36 days – beating the previous record of Leeds United by 136 days.Inexperience has been richly discussed among Blues’ fans since Todd Boehly and his BlueCo consortium took control of the club, with the general consensus being that the team needs some sort of leadership outside of 27-year-old Tosin Adarabioyo, who has been nicknamed the ‘Uncle’ of the dressing room. It remains to be seen if BlueCo’s risky strategy of buying almost exclusively young talents will pay dividends in terms of trophies and on-pitch success, or if the Blues will splash some cash on an experienced defender and forward in a bid to bring a Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge – but if they don’t it may be a long wait until they see it. Chelsea’s class of 24/25 became the youngest team in Premier League historyCredit: GettyFIGHT OR FLIGHTMORE THAN 100 fans were set to board the 07:40am flight from Luton to Poznan this morning in the hope of arriving in Poland and exploring Wroclaw before Chelsea play the Conference League Final tomorrow. However, the WizzAir flight has left fans stranded in Luton with the flight has been delayed until 4pm UK time.A six-hour delay means that passengers will now arrive in Poznan around 7pm, before still needing to travel to Wroclaw where the final takes place – another 113 miles away. For fans who would’ve arrived at Luton airport around 5am, they now face a nightmare day of travel which could be as long as 17 hours. Not to mention fans will also face expenses such as missed trains, taxis, buses, late check-in fees, and paying ridiculous prices for airport meals with such a lengthy delay.It comes on the back of our story that hotels in Wroclaw have been finding crafty ways to suddenly and inexplicably increase their room rates for Chelsea fans who booked months ago in anticipation of their team reaching the final.Blues fans face travel chaos ahead of the Conference League finalCredit: GettyCUP FOR IT ENZO MARESCA will finally discover this weekend who he faces in the opening game of the new and expanded Club World Cup this summer.Club America play off against Los Angeles for the right to face Chelsea on June 16 in the first Group D fixture.The two teams have a chance to join the cream of Europe and South America after Club Leon were banned over multi-club ownership rules. They are stablemates with CF Pachuca and teams in the same groups cannot compete in the same tournament.The game takes place this Saturday – the same day as the Champions League Final – but Blues supporters can watch both with the CWC play off not starting until 7.30pm and that’s in California which is 3.30AM the following morning in London.Enzo Maresca discovers who he faces in the opening game of the Club World CupCredit: Getty More