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    Paul Merson makes very early Premier League prediction live on TV as he promises to get multiple tattoos

    PAUL MERSON has made a bold bet while making an early prediction for next season.The 56-year-old former Arsenal attacker was working for Sky Sports to watch the Gunners beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford.Man Utd were beaten at home by Arsenal on Sunday in another dismal displayCredit: GettyPaul Merson made an early prediction for the Red Devils ahead of next termCredit: Sky SportsThe home side have been decimated by injuries this term, with ten players unavailable for their latest defeat.That result left them stuck in eighth place and on course for their worst-ever Premier League finish.United are now at serious risk of missing out on European football altogether having lost 19 games in all-competitions – the most since the 1978/79 season.The defeat by Arsenal was also the club’s ninth at Old Trafford this campaign, the joint-most at home in a single season in their history.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDespite all the changes off the pitch under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and speculation over Ten Hag’s potential departure, Merson is not convinced it will be a quick fix.And he even vowed to get a Manchester United tattoo if they finish above Arsenal next season.“It was shocking,” said Merson to start his rant on Sky Sports.“It’s not good enough. You can’t lose nine games at home – this is Man Utd.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ex-England ace explained that United cannot blame their dire displays on injuries as he highlighted how Luton and Chelsea have had to deal with players sidelined as well this term.He continued: “I don’t care how many of those players get fit next season, there’s no way they are finishing above Arsenal next season. Not a chance.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are now“And I’ll have another tattoo as well. No chance. They are 30 points behind.”That came after Merson had earlier declared that he had zero faith in Tottenham doing Arsenal a favour by beating title rivals Manchester City on Tuesday.The Cityzens went top by thrashing Fulham 4-0 on Saturday, only for the Gunners to overtake them again with their win at Old Trafford.But Arsenal have played a match more, with City’s game in hand coming tomorrow against the Gunners’ neighbours in North London.And Merson made a wild bet live on TV as he insisted that Spurs have no chance of getting a result.He said: “Arsenal are probably going to finish second.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If you’re relying on Tottenham to win or draw a football match… yeah… no.“If they win that, I will have a Tottenham tattoo. I will. I’ll put it where you can’t see it!”Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
    Michael Owen – He has to go
    “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
    Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
    “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
    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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    Astrid Wett brands Arsenal fan pal ‘a MUG’ as she gets daring tattoo with three games of Premier League season to go

    ASTRID WETT has labelled her friend as “a mug” after she got a daring Arsenal tattoo with three Premier League games still left to play.The Chelsea superfan and boxing influencer watched on as her Arsenal fan friend Leah Ray appeared to permanently mark herself with a tattoo crowning Arsenal as Premier League champions.Astrid Wett labelled her Arsenal supporting friend Leah Ray as ‘a mug’Credit: https://twitter.com/AstridWettLeah got a brave Arsenal tattoo some three matches before the Premier League’s conclusionCredit: https://twitter.com/AstridWettThe apparent tattoo celebrated Arsenal winning the leagueCredit: https://twitter.com/AstridWettAstrid posed alongside Leah’s bold tattooCredit: https://twitter.com/LeahRayAFCA video shared by Astrid on social media showed Leah laying down in a tattoo parlour as she was tatted with a Premier League trophy that read: “Arsenal – Premier League champions”.Leah seemed confident that Mikel Arteta’s side are going to get over the line as she said: “Arsenal is definitely winning the league, so I decided to make it permanent.”But Astrid made it clear that she doesn’t think the Gunners will lift the trophy next weekend by slamming her friend’s decision.She simply said: “You are actually a mug!” READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe unusual body art is certainly premature with Arsenal still a long way from being crowned Premier League champions.The north London club have to win both of their remaining games against Manchester United and Everton to be in with a shot of lifting the trophy for the first time in 20 years.But even that won’t be enough for the league title if second place side Man City are able to win their remaining three fixtures.Should the Cityzens stay perfect in the run-in then there is nothing that Arsenal can do to swing the title in their favour.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Pep Guardiola’s side will be confident of doing so as they face Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham in their three final games of the season.Fans were left shocked by Leah’s outrageous decision to get tattooed with so much left to play for.Astrid Wett strips naked to sing Little Mermaid by bath but voice divides fans as one says ‘this set me car alarm off’ On social media, one wrote: “HAHAHAH. I have no comment!!”While another asked: “What if they bottle it?!”Other fans were dubious as to whether the tattoo was actually real and suggested that the whole thing may just be a prank.One wrote: “Washed off in the shower…”And a second added: “Not believing for a second that this is real”. Astrid is known to stir things up on social media and is regularly catching the attention of football fans online.Most recently she appeared to place a pin on Mikel Arteta’s seat at the Emirates Stadium in a prank before the Gunners’ 5-0 win over Chelsea.Fans will also know her for her boxing with the 23-year-old regularly taking part in influencer boxing events.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd when she isn’t pranking fans or taking to the ring she is known for her racy snaps and unwavering love of Chelsea.SEE MORE FROM ASRTID’S GLAMOROUS LIFE…Astrid is a huge Chelsea fanCredit: https://twitter.com/AstridWettShe recently met Mauricio PochettinoCredit: Instagram @wettastridAstrid is no stranger to a racy snapCredit: instagram @wettastridShe has also tried her hand at influencer boxingCredit: PAShe brought her own spin to the weigh-inCredit: PA More

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    England Lionesses star hints at future career change as she shows off talent as a tattoo artist

    ENGLAND Lioness Georgia Stanway has hinted at a future career change after showing off her talent as a tattoo artist.The attacking midfielder, 25, is one of her country’s top stars.Georgia Stanway could have a future career as a tattoo artistThe England ace is an aspiring inkerCredit: RexShe was overjoyed to deliver her first tattoo to someoneStanway scored twice as England won Euro 2022 and also helped them reached last year’s World Cup final.Having starred for Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, she now plies her trade for German giants Bayern Munich.Stanway has 14 goals in 51 games since joining them nearly two years ago.However, the fan favourite has indicated she could eventually make a career change.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAppearing on BBC Sport’s Out Of Office, budding tattoo artist Stanway was given the chance to do her first inking on another person.She was all smiles as she drew a broken vase on someone’s leg.And Stanway proved she has the skills to become a tattoo artist when she eventually gives up football.The ace revealed all on Instagram, captioning the snap: “Never have I experienced SO many emotions!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFans were certainly impressed by Stanway’s skills.One said: “So, when are you taking appointments?”Paula Raynor became England’s youngest goal scorer aged 15 in the 1971 Women’s World CupGeorge was praised online for her skillsShe drew a broken vase on the person’s legAnother declared: “If you need to practice I’m here.”One noted: “Is there anything you can’t do? Looks so good.”Another added: “Well done, looks amazing.”Georgia Stanway’s career statsThose numbers in full:

    Blackburn, 2014-2015: 6 games, 7 goals

    Man City, 2015-2022: 172 games, 59 goals

    Bayern Munich, 2022-2024: 61 games, 14 goals

    England, 2018-2024: 63 games, 17 goals

    Trophies: Super League, FA Cup x3, League Cup x3 (Man City); Bundesliga (Bayern Munich); Euro 2022, Finalissima, SheBelieves Cup, Arnold Clark Cup x2 (England) More

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    Loved-up Dele Alli and model girlfriend Cindy Kimberly get matching tattoos and romantic locket

    DELE ALLI and girlfriend Cindy Kimberly have gotten matching tattoos.The loved-up couple have been dating since 2022.Cindy Kimberly posted a series of snaps on Dele’s birthdayThe model showed off their matching tattoosCredit: instagramShe also revealed a locket featuring a romantic snapThis picture appeared to be inside the locketCredit: InstagramCindy, 25, has shown off a series of snaps of herself with Dele, 28, on her Instagram account.The model has over seven million followers, and yesterday treated them to a photo dump featuring her man on his 28th birthday.In one of the snaps, the pair could be seen showing off matching tattoos.Cindy and Dele have both inked red rings around their little fingers.READ MORE ON WAGSShe captioned her post: “dele day everyday.”In another snap, she can be seen holding a romantic locket featuring a picture of herself and Dele.A further picture shows the pair posing alongside each other, in addition to another in which they can be seen having ice creams together.In an additional photo, Dele is pictured painting.Most read in FootballDele and Cindy have been dating since 2022Credit: InstagramModel Cindy has over seven million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @wolfiecindyThe 25-year-old has a huge fanbase in her own rightCredit: GettyCindy’s post has received nearly 300,000 likes.Dele has not played at all for Everton this season after suffering with a thigh injury.Eric Dier says he ‘has lots of regrets’ and admits to being ‘disappointed he didn’t do more’ to help Dele AlliThe former Tottenham star’s contract at Goodison Park is set to expire at the end of the season.Last summer, he bravely opened up on his childhood – which included being sexually abused aged six and drug dealing at eight.Last week, in an interview with Gary Neville, Dele’s close pal Eric Dier admitted that he wished he’d done more for his friend.The Bayern Munich defender said: “It’s difficult for me to talk about Dele.”I speak to him all the time, every week, obviously it was just very difficult to watch.”I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the whole video, I’ve seen bits of it but it’s difficult for me to watch, he said some nice things about me, but it works both ways – he’s also been a great friend to me.”It annoys me a little because people after that interview would talk to me, but he’s been a great friend to me as well – Dele is a special person.”I remember, I was getting married and knew that he was in America, in rehab, and I spoke to him a few times and said that there would be no problem if he couldn’t come and he was almost insulted, he came and was there for me – that’s the type of friend he’s been to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m disappointed that I didn’t do more, in many situations that I look back on I wasn’t aware of the full picture and there’s a lot of things – I was that annoying older person, I would always be on his case so he would hide things from me.”Or tell me something but give just 20 per cent of it – I have a lot of regrets and there were certain times that I wish I did more.”Eric Dier opened up about his pal DeleCredit: Rex More

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    Laura Woods reveals meaning behind two new tattoos as she shows them off in bikini on romantic trip with Adam Collard

    LAURA WOODS has revealed the meaning behind two new tattoos after showing them off in a bikini on a romantic trip with Adam Collard.The loved-up couple, who started secretly dating last July, are currently sunning themselves on holiday in Mexico.Laura Woods picked up two new tattoos on her Mexico holiday with Adam CollardCredit: Instagram / @adamcollardThe first appeared to be a name on her rib cage ‘for someone I love’Credit: laurawoodsy/InstagramWoods’ second was a cross on her wrist ‘for something I lost’Credit: laurawoodsy/InstagramWoods, 36, and Collard, 28, were unable to keep their hands off each other as they snogged on the sand this week.And when not cuddling, they’ve been soaking up the sights of Tulum Beach while the UK shivers in wind and rain.It’s certainly been a fitting trip for TNT Sports star Woods, who has made the most of the international break.But she’s now treated herself to several tattoos to ensure she’ll never forget her magical holiday with her man after they went public with their relationship last October.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWoods first revealed a new inking on her rib cage while wearing a bikini.The tasteful tattoo was unclear to read, but appeared to bear a name.Woods captioned it with a love heart, saying: “For someone I love.”She also picked up a second tattoo, this time a cross on the side of her wrist.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe ink still looked fresh as the skin around it was red.And Love Island partner Collard delicately held up Woods’ arm so she could show off her latest design to the camera.Laura Woods straddles Adam Collard on romantic ski holiday after suffering ‘near-death experiences’Adding another love heart, she noted: “And for something I lost.”Woods then posted a snap of herself and Collard relaxing on a chair by the sea.The couple delicately intertwined their hands as they enjoyed the sun going down to cap the end of their holiday in a sweet way.Laura is set to be back in action on Saturday for Newcastle’s Premier League clash against West Ham.She is set to have her work cut out in the week too, with no less than eight games being shown on TNT Sports during Easter.The pair ended their trip in sweet style as they interlocked fingersCredit: laurawoodsy/InstagramThe pair have loved every minute of their trip abroadCredit: Instagram / @adamcollardWoods and Collard were unable to keep their hands off each otherCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyThe pair have lived it up in sunny MexicoCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods is set to return to TNT Sports this weekendCredit: Instagram / @adamcollardThe couple went public in October after dating in secret from last JulyCredit: Instagram / @adamcollard More

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    I turned down Aston Villa transfer after being handed bizarre contract clause… now their fans can’t stand me

    TROY DEENEY has revealed he turned down a move to Aston Villa after they put a bizarre clause in their contract offer… before the club’s supporters ended up HATING him.Watford legend Deeney, 35, grew up six miles away from St Andrew’s – the home of Villa’s rivals Birmingham.Troy Deeney has revealed the bizarre clause he received in his Aston Villa contract offerCredit: RexDeeney has the crest of Villa’s rivals Birmingham on his calfCredit: AlamyHe has a tattoo of the the Blues’ crest on his calf and ended up playing for them in the latter stages of his career between 2021 and 2023.Deeney also bagged six goals in five games against Villa and once had coins thrown at him by fans of the Midlands club after scoring against them.Yet had circumstances been slightly different, Deeney could have ended up leading the line for them earlier in his career.That was if he had agreed to remove his Birmingham tattoo – a sticking point for those at Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I had an opportunity to [join Villa], yeah.”My friends let me know it wouldn’t be a good idea, and secondly they wanted me to remove my Birmingham City tattoo as well.”The club [Aston Villa wanted me to], that was part of the conversation.”But they’ve gone on to bigger and better things and so have I.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDeeney went on to admit he believes a move to Villa would have made it tough for his family – most of whom support Birmingham.He added: “No I wouldn’t have [had it removed], that’s why it didn’t get too far.Troy Deeney posts emotional message to Watford fans after 11-year stay ends”My best friend is Birmingham City die-hard, my whole family are Birmingham City apart from my brother who weirdly decided to go against the grain.”It would have been a difficult place to live and see the family if I was playing for Aston Villa for a few months.”I’m sure they would have got over it afterwards.”Deeney scored 11 goals in 56 games for Birmingham across a two-season spell.But he is best-known for more than a decade at Watford where netted 140 times in 419 appearances.He helped The Hornets secure promotion to the Premier League in 2015 and 2021, while he also reached the FA Cup final in 2019 where Watford lost 6-0 to Manchester City. More

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    Anthony Joshua’s incredible tattoo collection includes touching nod to African heritage and boxing Olympic gold medal

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has certainly left his mark on plenty of opponents in the ring over the years.But the former two-time unified WBO, IBF, and WBA heavyweight champion has also got plenty of his own thanks to his personal collection of tattoos.Anthony Joshua is one of the most iconic sports starts in the worldCredit: GettyThe Watford hero is a former heavyweight world championCredit: GettyAnd each inking reveals a deep and powerful message for the British boxing star. SunSport runs through AJ’s tats and explains the meaning behind them.GOLDEN MEMORYTaking pride of place at the bottom of his neck is the Team GB lion emblem.Joshua got it after representing his nation at the 2012 Olympics, when he won gold on home soil.read more on AJHe battled back to beat reigning champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy in the super-heavyweight category, making up a three-point deficit in the final round.After his win, 6ft 6ins AJ told the BBC: “That medal represents my journey and the support from the team. “It’s much more than just a gold medal, it’s a life experience and I’m just proud to have it round my neck.”And the Team GB lion is a permanent reminder of that memorable gold medal.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua won a gold medal at the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAJ marked the occasion by getting the Team GB lion emblem on the bottom of his neckCredit: PASEEKING WISDOMAJ constantly wants to keep improving – in and out of the ring.And therefore he holds the word “wisdom” close to his heart… and his shoulder.Inside Anthony Joshua’s amazing car collection Joshua has the six letters inked on his right shoulder to tell him each day there is an opportunity to learn from others.AJ said: “I always seek wisdom and knowledge, like the wise men from the Italian films and [1986 film] Wise Guys, all that stuff.”I’ve always sought it, so it had relevance and meaning to me.”Joshua says he ‘always seeks wisdom’ and can always find it on his right shoulderCredit: AFPAFRICAN HERITAGEBelow the “wisdom” tattoo is his outline of the continent of Africa.Africa has had a massive influence on Joshua’s life.His dear mum Yeta Odusanya comes from Nigeria, while his paternal great-grandfather is considered one of the greatest men of the town of Sagamu.As a result, AJ wanted to get the body artwork as a classy nod to his heritage – and opted for the map of the continent with Nigeria marked.Reflecting on the Africa tattoo, he said: “I learned more about my family’s history and I ended up getting an Africa tattoo underneath it. “It was a nice combination to have ‘Wisdom’ and your heritage tattooed underneath, so it went well.”AJ then added regarding his Team GB logo: “I’ve actually got that tattooed on me as well in the middle of my neck. “It’s shaped me in the sense that it’s been a blessing because I think I can talk to anyone – different backgrounds, cultures and religions because I’ve been exposed to so many different cultures. “I think that’s a blessing that’s shaped me really well.”The outline of Africa takes its place on his shoulder with Nigeria marked outCredit: RexBoth of the boxer’s parents have Nigerian rootsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjoshua/FOREST FINGERLastly, in 2019, AJ got a tattoo on the middle finger of his left hand to cover up some calluses picked up throughout his boxing career.The fighter headed to the Southgate SG Tattoo shop in North London where owner Victor Tsyhanou designed and inked a lion’s head and a forest on the top of the finger.He even used one of the calluses as the moon in a genius way of using the battle scars for good. READ MORE SUN STORIESAJ said the finished product was “perfect” as he thanked the tattoo artist.The Southgate parlour said on Instagram: “It was an honour to tattoo the champ, Anthony Joshua. Thank you for trusting us.”Joshua wanted a tattoo on his middle finger to cover up his callusesCredit: Southgate SG TattooThe lion and forest make an intricate designCredit: Southgate SG TattooAJ described the tattoo as ‘perfect’Credit: Southgate SG Tattoo More

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    I was Man Utd’s first signing in post-Alex Ferguson era and nearly wrecked career after fallout with boss over tattoo

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S first signing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson career almost ruined his career because of a tattoo.Guillermo Varela joined the Red Devils in June 2013 after impressing on a two-week trial.
    Guillermo Varela once got in trouble over his tattoosCredit: Getty
    The Uruguayan joined Manchester United in 2013Credit: Getty
    It was the inking of the woman’s face on his arm that landed Varela in trouble with Niko KovacCredit: Joel Dugdale
    Varela also got a neck tattoo while on loan at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Joel Dugdale
    He signed a five-year deal under David Moyes but made just 11 appearances before leaving in 2017 following loan spells at Real Madrid Castilla and Eintracht Frankfurt.
    And it was his stint at Frankfurt that almost jeopardised his career – all thanks to a tattoo.
    Varela, 30, was plagued by injuries while in Germany so spent his free time getting new ink.
    That infuriated manager Niko Kovac and Varela was suspended by the club ahead of the DFB Pokal Cup final against Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Varela recalled the incident in an interview with SunSport, and was sure to dispel rumours the tattoo had caused an infection.
    He said: “I got a tattoo at the top of my back on my neck. It was during my injury, while I was not playing, about three months before the final in May.
    “[Manager] Niko Kovac said to me, ‘I don’t want you to get any more tattoos.’
    “I said, ‘Why? I’m injured…’
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    “He said, ‘Yes, I know but you have to respect the players and the staff.’
    “I said, ‘Okay, I understand but I am injured.’ Then when I started to play again I got this one done on my arm [a woman’s face].
    “He said to me, ‘No, no, no. You stop here because we have the final in one week and I told you before you have to finish with your tattoos so now you are out.’
    “I didn’t get infected, that’s not true. It was just because I got it.”
    After leaving Old trafford Varela spent time at Copenhagen and Dynamo Moscow – he now plays for Brazilian side Flamengo.
    The defender made just 11 appearances for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty – Contributor More