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      in Soccer

      Chelsea will offer Michy Batshuayi new deal before loan transfer with Palace, West Brom and Newcastle keen

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      CHELSEA will give Michy Batshuayi a pay hike and then find him a shop window with a loan deal.
      The Belgian striker, 26, is to be offered an extension to avoid him walking away for nothing next summer.

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      Chelsea will give Michy Batshuayi a new deal before sending him out on loan next seasonCredit: Alamy Live News
      No clubs who can afford Batshuayi have shown an interest in this window, so Chelsea hope by giving him a further year he can go out and increase his value.
      The terms could see Batshuayi get a £15,000 rise to £100k-a-week — a lot of money for a player down the pecking order under manager Frank Lampard.
      However, any club taking him on loan would be asked to pick up the tab and pay most of that salary for a season.
      The news has put Crystal Palace, West Brom and Newcastle on alert.

      They could not afford to buy him but now they could loan him.
      Batshuayi has been at Palace on loan before and they have a strong chance of getting him.
      But they are also in for team-mate Conor Gallagher and Prem rules mean they cannot take both on temporary deals.

      That could open the door for Leeds, who are pushing to take England Under-21 midfielder Gallagher who is likely to go out for games once he signs a new contract.

      Elland Road transfer dealer Victor Orta is keen on him and there may be a better chance of a start at Leeds than at Palace.
      But chief Marcelo Bielsa has taken players in the past and left them out.

      Go behind the scenes as Kai Havertz becomes Chelsea’s sixth signing of the summer More

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      in Soccer

      England were crying out for Jack Grealish against Iceland… Southgate can sometimes be a bit cautious

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      WITH SO many ‘sons’ on that Icelandic football pitch this was always going to be about the future.
      A chance to look at a fresh bunch of England players coming through at just the right time for the manager Gareth Southgate.

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      England struggled to produce creativity during their win over IcelandCredit: Rex Features
      Rookies Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood. Plus greenhorns like Declan Rice and Mason Mount. We’ve seen the names being talked about.
      I’m including Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish in this group even though he is 24  and a vastly experienced club player.
      On Saturday night I spent most of it watching England struggle against Iceland and his name kept cropping up in my mind.
      This match was crying out for him. In fact, the England team is crying out for some creativity in midfield. It’s an area where we have really lacked some zip.

      If we were watching any other country play, Grealish would have been on long before this game started to go stale

      I am a massive fan of Jack. I’d play him all day, every day.
      To me, I do sometimes wonder if  Southgate sometimes can be a bit cautious.
      This seemed all about what people couldn’t do rather than what they could do.
      If we were watching any other country play, Grealish would have been on long before this game started to go stale — and that was pretty early.

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      Jack Grealish was left on the bench as the Three Lions snatched three points in the Nations LeagueCredit: Rex Features
      Mount too. I like the 21-year-old and England need a young player coming through who can open up the opposition, open up the door, find and pick a pass, create something to excite.
      That’s what we have to unearth in this next generation of players that we got a glimpse of last night.
      And take my word for it this is a talented bunch — as good as the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ of 15 years ago who won nothing for the country.
      Managers Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello had a fantastic group of players at their disposal then.

      This is a talented bunch — as good as the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ of 15 years ago who won nothing for the country

      In club football, I maintain that it’s all about the players. You don’t have to be the world’s best coach to train the world’s best players. But on the flip side, a superb football coach would struggle to do anything with a poor quality squad.
      There is a bit more to it than that of course but so much revolves around the talent you have — at club level.
      In international football it’s  different. Getting the best out of great players when you only have them to work with every so often can prove difficult.
      There is also the juggling with the demands of their clubs.

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      SunSport columnist Harry Redknapp has given the lowdown on Gareth Southgate’s EnglandCredit: Louis Wood – The Sun
      Players would turn up for England knowing in the backs of their minds that what really mattered was not getting injured, probably because they had a Champions League match coming up the following week. 
      Southgate seems to have changed that mindset somewhat. You could see from the campaign in Russia in 2018 that a poorer team was able to go further because everyone believed in the cause.
      There’s been a reconnection with the fans and between the players and that has formed the basis for a more positive view of the team from everybody.
      Now that Southgate has that sorted along comes a group of hugely-talented young players. What a great time to have this job.

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      Mason Greenwood added dynamism to England’s attackCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Foden, Sancho, Rice, Greenwood, Mount and Rashford are all young and hungry and joining up with a group of more experienced England players who have bought into Gareth’s mindset.
      Learning from the likes of Harry Kane in particular, who believes so much in the national team, will only fire up the youngsters as we progress and develop.
      This is as talented a bunch as the Golden Generation of the noughties.
      Let’s just hope that history doesn’t repeat itself and we don’t toss it away again.
      MASON BUZZ REMINDS ME OF JOE ’N RIO
      ROBBIE SAVAGE told me a couple of years ago to keep an eye out for an emerging young player at Manchester United called Mason Greenwood.
      Robbie’s son is a scholar at Old Trafford and at the time Greenwood was only 14 but already tearing his way through youth football.
      I am now so excited to see 18-year-old Greenwood make a huge impression on the Premier League this season.
      This will be his first full year and this boy has the lot.

      I am now so excited to see 18-year-old Greenwood make a huge impression on the Premier League this season. If I was his manager, I’d be so excited.

      He has pace, technical ability and confidence beyond his years.
      If I was his manager, I’d be so excited.
      Although he was a different kind of player, it reminds me of when I was manager at West Ham and Joe Cole was coming through.
      The buzz at the club ahead of players like these is intoxicating and gives everyone involved a rush of adrenalin.
      It’s like the bow wave of a fast-moving ship, pushing things ahead of it all the time and the rest of us enjoying the ride.
      We also had Rio Ferdinand and a young whippersnapper striker in Jermain Defoe.

      There’s an added ingredient of sparkle when a real gem shines through from inside a club.
      Look at how Marcus Rashford has captured the imagination of the United fans. United still need a couple more players, though.
      A centre-half and an out-and-out striker.
      They have great young  forwards but a proper hold-up No 9 would make them a formidable outfit.
      Greenwood, Rashford and a bulldozing centre-forward.

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      Gareth Bale could turn old club Spurs into Premier League title challengersCredit: AFP and licensors
      Were they to add Jadon Sancho to that, you’d really believe United are on their way back.
      This season they’ll definitely be pushing harder than in recent years although there is a lot of ground to make up on the top two.
      Exciting times to be a Man United fan, though.
      Liverpool and Man City are not going to have it their own way for too much longer.
      The next few seasons will see England’s  top league busted wide open again with United  and Chelsea making serious inroads into their superiority.
      BALE COULD LEAD SPURS TITLE CHARGE
      BET I am not the only one sorry to see Lionel Messi is NOT coming to the Premier League by signing for Manchester City after all.
      It was no surprise that, while the uncertainty over his future raged, City were favourites to win the league.
      This, despite Liverpool winning it by 18 points last year. That tells you the impact one of the few players I regard as a genuine ‘genius’  can have.
      However, while one Barcelona star is staying put, there’s a chance a Galactico  could come home — as  Gareth Bale  drops hints he may be ready to return to the Premier League.
       Of the possible destinations, if Bale went back to Tottenham to team up with an already lively frontline you could see Spurs do some serious damage.

      Bale could change Tottenham from European contenders to Premier League title challengers. He would give everyone a lift.

      Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Dele Alli and Bale.
      If it were my call, I’d throw all four of them on together and step back to watch lift-off.
      Bale could change Tottenham from European contenders to Premier League title challengers.
      He would give everyone a lift. And when I think of Dele playing the supporting role behind those three it makes my skin tingle.
      Dele plateaued over the last few seasons — but has shown some signs of starting to get back to his best.
      It was always likely to happen to him because he was so young when he burst on to the scene.
      But Spurs need reinvigorating — and Bale would do just that.

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      Dele Alli has shown signs of rediscovering his best formCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      As it stands, I’m plumping for a top eight involving the same mix from last season.
      Liverpool will face a tougher race but will become the fourth team to retain the Premier League title.
      Then it’s Manchester City, with Chelsea and Manchester United slugging it out for third and fourth.
      After that it’s Tottenham, maybe Arsenal, and then Wolves and Leicester to round it off.
      Anyone below that could be in a battle for Europe or a desperate fight for survival.
      JUST SCRAP VAR
      Football belongs to the fans. It’s not right that every time a goal is scored they have to wait two minutes to see if they can celebrate or not. We don’t need the game to be perfect.
      VAR is not for me. I would keep goal-line technology  — but I would get rid of everything else.
      And even if I was still a serving manager, I’d say the same thing.
      It would give me no pleasure at all to see a goal disallowed — even against my team — if the scorer was offside by the thickness of his big toe.

      VAR is not for me. I would keep goal-line technology — but I would get rid of everything else. And even if I was still a serving manager, I’d say the same thing.

      Some you win, some you lose, let’s just trust referees and their assistants.
      Football is really about entertainment. It’s a whole package.
      Of course winning and losing matters.
      But the paying fans have got to enjoy going.
      And that’s the biggest part of it all.
      LUKA AT BILLY
      I LOVE watching young players, always have done. Especially those who emerge from the academies and make it.

      Billy Gilmour at Chelsea is my one to watch for 2020-21. What a fascinating player he is. Intelligent, hard-working and tough despite being relatively small — and so elegant to watch.
      The 19-year-old is always one move ahead and that’s what you need against the giants of midfield. He has pictures in his mind where the next pass is going before he even receives the ball.
      His head is permanently swivelling and I bet if you stopped any match he was playing in and blindfolded Billy, he could tell you precisely where all his team-mates were. To me, he’s a Luka Modric in the making.

      Jack Grealish stopped by England security at St George’s Park as they didn’t recognise Aston Villa star More

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      Fuming West Ham fans plan protest against owners on first day of Premier League after Grady Diangana exit

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      FURIOUS West Ham fans will again protest against the club’s owners on the opening day of the season.
      The £18million sale of Grady Diangana to West Brom has caused outrage, with captain Mark Noble adding to the complaints by saying he was “gutted, angry and sad”.

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      West Ham fans have reacted with fury to the club’s decision to sell Grady Diangana to West Bromwich AlbionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Coronavirus rules prevent mass gatherings but individual fans and small groups will vent their anger on Saturday outside the London Stadium as the Hammers host Newcastle.
      And leading supporter organisation Hammers United pledged to stage another large-scale demonstration as soon as the law allows it.

      Now more than ever, the voices of our members and all West Ham fans must be heard
      Stephen Cross – Hammers United

      Secretary Stephen Cross said: “Feelings are once more running high across our membership and the broader fanbase and we will answer the call to deliver another large-scale protest, as soon as it is safe.

      “In the meantime, just like our club captain, we cannot remain silent.

      “We are working round the clock to arrange a series of smaller-scale protests, in an effort to show the board and the watching world that we are all as gutted, angry and sad as our skipper.
      “We will also continue in our efforts to create a Supporters’ Board that is independent of the club, despite attempts in some quarters to scuttle the process.
      “Now more than ever, the voices of our members and all West Ham fans must be heard.”

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      West Ham skipper Mark Noble is among the players who have publically shown their opposition to the sale of Diangana

      In February, thousands of Hammers supporters marched to the ground as part of the #GSBOut campaign, that wants joint-owners David Gold and David Sullivan, plus vice-chairman Karren Brady, to leave the club.

      Fans were already livid at the failure to make significant signings in this transfer window.
      And the sale of Diangana, 22, to a potential relegation rival has brought the resentment to the surface again.

      WWE legend Triple H urges Declan Rice to snub Chelsea transfer to become West Ham ‘hero to fans that have supported you’ More

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      in Boxing

      Boxer Anthony Joshua spotted on nights out with estranged wife of Man City ace Riyad Mahrez

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      BOXER Anthony Joshua has been spotted on nights out with the estranged wife of Man City ace Riyad Mahrez, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.
      Heavyweight champion Joshua, 30, and 26-year-old Rita have been seen together twice in the past few weeks at a shisha bar and also at a party at a mutual pal’s pad.

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      Man City ace Riyad Mahrez and estranged wife Rita, 26Credit: Splash News
      They first met last December when Joshua invited Rita to join him and pals at their table in a VIP section of the Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair. Joshua is said to have “backed away” when he realised she was footballer Riyad’s missus.
      Recently, Joshua and Rita have been seen with friends at The Hart Lounge shisha bar in Southgate, North London.
      And last night a source said: “Rita’s mad keen on AJ. She thinks they can be a couple.
      “She’s in touch with him via his circle of friends and loves going out with them, although she really only has eyes for AJ.

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      Anthony Joshua has been spotted on nights out with RitaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “She’s been telling people about him, although he has held her at arm’s length.”
      Another source said: “AJ has been on nights out where Rita is there. He’s ultra-cautious about her. He fears she’s targeted him for publicity as she’s trying to launch a music career.”
      Rita, living in a £2million mansion in Buckinghamshire, separated from Algerian star Riyad, 29, with whom she has two children, last year.
      Watford-born Joshua is single. He split from dancer Nicole Osbourne in 2016 and they have a son, JJ, four.

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      AJ is said to have ‘backed away’ when he realised Rita was footballer Riyad’s missusCredit: PA:Press Association

      He told The Sun in May that finding love now would be tricky as it would mean having to change his ways.
      He said: “I don’t know how easy that would be.”
      A spokesman for Joshua said: “Anthony doesn’t personally know Mrs Mahrez and has no wish to, now or in future. He’s disappointed that she or people around her have tried to use his name to generate publicity.”

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      Rita, living in a £2million mansion in Buckinghamshire, separated from Algerian star Riyad, 29, with whom she has two children, last yearCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Talking about Rita, a source said: ‘He fears she’s targeted him for publicity as she’s trying to launch a music career’Credit: PA:Press Association

      Anthony Joshua calls out Tyson Fury saying he has the worst fashion sense
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Soccer

      Neco Williams reveals England approaches as Liverpool whizkid prepares for first Wales start

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      LIVERPOOL whizkid Neco Williams revealed he snubbed advances from England — as he gears up to make his first start for Wales.
      The 19-year-old full-back bluntly declared: “England were trying to snap at me but I wasn’t having any of it.”

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      Liverpool starlet Neco Williams snubbed England in pursuit of Wales gloryCredit: Huw Evans Picture Agency
      Now one of Anfield’s brightest young talents hopes to continue his rapid progress with a full debut against Bulgaria at Cardiff City Stadium.
      Williams’ stunning breakthrough on Merseyside last season saw him make six top-flight appearances as Liverpool were crowned champions for the first time in 30 years.
      The right-back seemed to come from nowhere to feature regularly under Reds manager Jurgen Klopp when football returned from lockdown.
      He became only the fifth Welshman to claim Premier League glory alongside Ryan Giggs, Mark Hughes, Clayton Blackmore and ex-Leicester midfielder Andy King.

      It capped a remarkable rise for the Wrexham-born Cefn Albion product, who joined Liverpool aged just six and could have played for boss Gareth Southgate’s England.

      Hopefully I can get as many caps as I can for Wales and keep progressing.
      Neco Williams

      But Williams made his Wales debut off the bench in the 1-0 Nations League win in Finland on Thursday.
      He said: “I spoke to the gaffer and said my intentions were with Wales.
      “Hopefully I can get as many caps as I can for Wales and keep progressing.

      “As a young kid, you always dream of making your debut. This is only the start for me.”
      Williams came through the Welsh set-up and senior boss Giggs was never too worried about losing him, despite the ace qualifying for the Three Lions via his grandparents.

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      Williams came through the Welsh set-up but qualified for England via his grandparents
      Ex-Football Association of Wales education and welfare officer Cledwyn Ashford has a keen eye for talent, having spotted Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledley at junior level.
      Ashford said: “In the junior Welsh camps Neco was very quiet.
      “He wasn’t too keen on his homework, he used to like forgetting to bring it from school! But his behaviour was exemplary.
      “He never got involved in any bother. He was very focused on what he wanted to do — which was to play for Wales’ first XI.

      I’m so pleased for him. Neco deserves great credit for what he’s achieved — but this is just the beginning for him
      Ex-Football Association of Wales education and welfare officer Cledwyn Ashford

      “Gary Speed was the best Under-11 player I’ve seen in my life. In Neco’s year there were so many good players that he didn’t really stick out as much — but what you saw in him was technical ability, strength and pace.
      “He’s got that great pace, yet you wouldn’t have said he’d be where he is now.
      “I’m so pleased for him. Neco deserves great credit for what he’s achieved — but this is just the beginning for him.”
      And Williams clearly proved his determination by choosing Liverpool over his boyhood club Manchester United and has never looked back.

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      Williams made six top-flight appearances as Liverpool achieved Premier League glory last seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
      His dad Lee said: “I’m a United fan and Neco supported them when he was younger.
      “He was training at both clubs. He had the choice and it was Liverpool.
      “We followed him all over the world in tournaments when he was young.
      “We’ve been to Tokyo, Qatar and Switzerland. So not being able to be at Anfield when he came on to make his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace was so frustrating for all of us.”

      I’m a United fan and Neco supported them when he was younger. He was training at both clubs. He had the choice and it was Liverpool.
      Lee Williams

      Williams still retains close links to Cefn Mawr, the north Wales village in which he grew up.
      After being part of the Liverpool side which won the Club World Cup in Qatar in December, the teenager was back at Cefn Albion the next day for their Christmas jumper party.
      His home was besieged by Liverpool fans keen for a picture or autograph.
      Albion club secretary Nick Jones said: “He always comes home level-headed and supporting his village. We couldn’t be prouder of him.”

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      Williams is set to be handed his first start for WalesCredit: Reuters
      Williams spent his childhood making the four-hour trip from Cefn Mawr to Cardiff for junior international camps and was rewarded when Giggs handed him a debut in Helsinki last Thursday.
      Williams impressed in an unfamiliar midfield role but Giggs sees him as a long-term replacement for Chris Gunter on the right of his defence.
      Wales Under-19 manager Rob Edwards said: “There are many great Liverpool players who haven’t got a Premier League medal.
      “I think Neco will end up being a player who can do it all. He is the typical modern defender and he’s got a lot of strings to his bow.”
      Williams, Manchester United’s Dylan Levitt and Swansea’s Ben Cabango all made international bows against Finland as Giggs gave the youngsters a chance.
      Edwards added: “Since Ryan has taken over, the number of young players who have moved into the senior squad has been massive.

      “He will have to fight to earn his shirt in the Wales team as well as at Liverpool — but potentially Wales have got themselves a top player.”
      With next summer’s Euros being followed by the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Williams’ emergence has come at an opportune time.
      Ashford added: “I’ve always said it’s a shame the World Cup is in Qatar because if it was in Europe, then Wales could go all the way with this bunch of players.”

      Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale joins Wales team training in Finland More

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      in Soccer

      Man City legend Yaya Toure offered to hire sex workers for Soccer Aid team ahead of UNICEF charity match

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      FOOTBALL ace Yaya Toure has been axed from this weekend’s Soccer Aid after offering to hire sex workers for his team-mates.
      Married dad Toure, 37, boasted he could bring 19 girls to the side’s five-star hotel in Cheshire.

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      Yaya Toure offered to hire sex workers for his Soccer Aid team-matesCredit: PA:Empics Sport

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      Organisers of the UNICEF charity match have axed him from the line-upCredit: Reuters
      He also posted a pornographic video showing a naked woman in a bath in the group WhatsApp chat.
      It sparked a string of complaints from his appalled team-mates, who included several female players as well as celebrities.
      They called on Soccer Aid and ITV bosses to axe Toure from the game, held annually in support of children’s charity Unicef.
      Toure, who has three children with wife Gina, deleted the messages and issued an apology but today got the boot from Sunday’s game.

      An insider said: “Everyone at Soccer Aid was disgusted by Yaya’s messages.
      “There is a WhatsApp group for his team, the World XI, and everyone had been chatting in it.
      ‘ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL’
      “Without being prompted, Yaya posted a video of a naked woman in a bath.
      “She was acting in a lewd manner and it was highly inappropriate.

      “He went on to say he could get 19 women like the one in the video to come to the hotel to the pleasure of those playing the match.
      “It was absolutely disgraceful and caused a huge amount of distress to some of the people who received the messages.
      “Soccer Aid is a charity game and is raising money for children.
      “So to have one of the players, especially one who is supposed to be a professional, making such lewd and gross suggestions is despicable.”

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      Toure, 37, has three children with wife GinaCredit: Rex Features

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      He came under fire after posting a pornographic video in a group WhatsApp chatCredit: Reuters
      Midfielder Yaya, who left Manchester City in 2018, sent the X-rated messages on Thursday night.
      The WhatsApp group was made up of his team-mates from his World XI side — including ex-Man United star Patrice Evra and female players Julie Fleeting, Lianne Sanderson and Chelcee Grimes.
      Players and coaches from their England XI opponents were also in the group.
      A string of complaints were then made to Soccer Aid and ITV, which is broadcasting the match live.
      The insider added: “The messages turned the stomachs of the women, along with the men.
      “The atmosphere among both teams had been so good and spirits were high. These messages have really soured the mood.
      “Julie, Lianne and Chelcee made their feelings clear about how wrong they thought his messages were. They called for Toure to be taken off the team.”
      After bosses at Unicef and ITV were notified of the content, Yaya was told to delete them.
      He was then forced to apologise to everyone who received the messages and was warned his place in the squad was in jeopardy.
      However, feelings were running high during breakfast at the hotel this morning, with many feeling he should get the boot.
      ‘AN APOLOGY WON’T CUT IT’
      A source explained: “Within a few minutes his messages had been deleted and Yaya got a mouthful from the bosses.
      “He repeatedly apologised to them and also said he was sincerely sorry for what he had posted to those in the group.

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      The ‘inappropriate content’ sparked a string of complaints from female players, including Fulham’s Chelcee Grimes

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      England striker Lianne Sanderson was also in the team’s group chatCredit: Getty

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      Scotland’s Julie Fleeting is one of the stars who ‘made their feelings clear about how wrong they thought his messages were’Credit: Scottish News and Sport
      “Not everyone was impressed however and it’s hard to move on from. This wasn’t just banter.
      “To many it felt misogynistic and wrong — and an apology just won’t cut it.
      “At breakfast on Friday morning it was all anyone could talk about.
      “There was no laughter and no one thought it was funny in the slightest.
      “Everyone signed up to Soccer Aid is there with one goal — to raise money for Unicef. This has cast a shadow over the event.”
      Toure was then told this afternoon it was the right thing for him “to step back”.

      This wasn’t just banter. To many it felt misogynistic and wrong.

      A spokesman for Soccer Aid last night told The Sun: “Inappropriate content was shared in a private group text. The message was quickly deleted and a full apology was made to all.
      “Soccer Aid for Unicef has discussed the above with the individual involved and he has decided to no longer continue to participate in this year’s event.
      “While it was an error of judgment, it was felt that the behaviour didn’t align with the values of the event and its cause, and it was the right thing for him to step back from this year’s match.”
      A second insider working on the charity match, which is in its 14th year, insisted that Yaya’s boasts would never have come to fruition — because of Covid-19.
      They said: “There are strict social distancing rules in place at the hotel the teams are staying at so Yaya’s suggestion to his team-mates could never have come to pass.
      “The hotel is blocked off solely for the teams and all those working on the game and there are rules in place. People cannot just come and go.
      “Yaya acted incredibly foolishly and is now paying the price for his stupidity.”
      This year’s match will be played behind closed doors for the first time in its history due to Covid-19 restrictions.

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      £38m winner

      By Daniel Hammond

      SOCCER Aid has so far raised more than £38million for Unicef UK.
      The idea of footballers and celebs taking on each other in an 11-a-side game was initiated by Robbie Williams and mate Jona­than Wilkes in 2006.
      It was held every two years until 2018 when it switched to annually.
      The England team leads the head-to-head with five wins to three.
      From last June, female stars were included in the two squads.
      This year, for the first time in the match’s history the Government and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, will both match public donations, meaning every £1 donated becomes £3 – up to £3million – until October 6.
      Unicef provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children around the world.

      The star-studded England squad includes Olly Murs, 36, Mark Wright, 33, and Paddy McGuinness, 47. Last year’s game raised more than £6.7million for Unicef.
      Funds raised this year will go to helping children battle coronavirus around the world.
      Like their Premier League counterparts, the Soccer Aid players will take the knee as a mark of respect to the Black Lives Matter movement before kick-off at Old Trafford.

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      This year’s star-studded line-up includes Mark Wright and Olly MursCredit: ollymurs/Instagram

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      TV host Paddy McGuinness is also playingCredit: PA:Press Association

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      France’s Patrice Evra is one of the male players that have been lined up

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      England’s Wes Brown will also play in the charity matchCredit: PA:Press Association

      Wayne Rooney sparks Soccer Aid rumours after announcing ‘short-term managerial role’ with Derby’s permission More

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      in Soccer

      What will footie’s greatest player Lionel Messi be missing in Manchester?

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      THE world’s greatest footballer’s move to Manchester fell through yesterday – but we toured the city with a Messi model to show him what he is missing.
      We took Andre Luiz Paie to Man City’s Etihad Stadium and other sights then stuck the Barcelona genius’s head on our pictures for good measure.

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      How City supporters might imagine their hero at the Etihad Stadium

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      Our hero tries the fries at Tony’s Chippy on the way to the Etihad
      The real Messi, nicknamed The Flea, may still join City in a year when his Barca contract expires — and the locals assured him of a reet good welcome.
      Mum-of-two Trina Worthington, 37, asked for a picture with her three-year-old son Daniel and said: “He’d be made to feel very welcome. This city would love him to come.”
      Tanya Jackson, 30, wearing her City strip, added: “Seeing Messi at the Etihad would be a dream.”
      Even a Man United fan, Rachel Clare, 35, asked our Messi for an autograph.

      She said: “It would be great if he comes — let’s face it, City need all the help they can get.”

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      A pint of Blue Moon in Mary D’s pub right beside the City ground

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      Our Messi finds time for a spot of keepy-uppy in Manchester’s Reyner Street
      Our Messi gazed at Manchester Central Library on St Peter’s Square, with its neoclassical rotunda, and nodded approvingly.
      At Tony’s Chippy, near the Etihad, owner Carl Lee, 47, said: “Messi’s welcome here any time. We’re a traditional Manchester chippy and he needs to try our mushy peas.”
      In the shadow of the Etihad, we introduced Messi to the legendary Mary D’s pub — and as he supped a pint of Blue Moon lager, named after the City fans’ anthem, barmaid Jan Burton, 52, said: “He’s welcome in here for a pint any time.”

      Our tour also took in the Coronation Street studios and the Salford Lads Club, pictured on The Smiths’ 1986 album The Queen Is Dead.

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      Our hero outside the landmark Manchester Central Library

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      Messi MkII outside the Corrie Studios in Trafford Wharf

      Our Messi, Brazilian-born Andre, said: “I’ve been given a remarkable welcome by everyone I’ve met in Manchester today.
      “I loved the chips and the lager. British weather can be difficult for us South Americans but I’m used to it, so I’m sure Messi can be too.
      “My advice to him is come to Manchester — you won’t regret it.”

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      The legendary Smiths LP cover at Salford Lads ClubCredit: Getty – Contributor

      8

      Our Messi recreates the iconic image

      Lionel Messi’s dad Jorge confirms for first time son is considering staying at Barcelona after positive talks with club
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      in Soccer

      Furious Tottenham star Danny Rose branded team-mates ‘s***’ and accused Jose Mourinho of picking his favourites

      by

      TOTTENHAM sent Danny Rose to Newcastle after he branded team-mates “s**t” and accused Jose Mourinho of picking his favourites.
      England left-back Rose joined the Toon on loan in January after being left out by new Spurs boss Mourinho.

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      Danny Rose blasted his Spurs team-mates during a heated conversation with Jose MourinhoCredit: Reuters
      The final straw for the 30-year-old came when he was axed again for the 0-0 draw at Watford on January 18.
      Rose turned up at the club’s Enfield training HQ the following morning to have it out with his gaffer.
      The meeting — shown in a new  episode of Amazon Prime Video’s hit new  documentary All Or Nothing:  Tottenham Hotspur — went like this . . .
      Danny Rose: “Gaffer, I was just wondering what the problem is?”

      Jose Mourinho: “What do you mean by that?”
      DR: “You know exactly what I mean. How I’m being treated.
      “You know I was very excited when you came in as manager but if you don’t want me to play I’d rather you just tell me now and I’ll stay at home gaffer and I’ll train at home.”
      JM: “No but let me try to be as open as I can with you, because I think you deserve that.

      “When I arrived, you played some matches, you were on the bench for other matches, I didn’t select you for other matches.
      “And I think also this is not what a player wants because a player wants to feel the trust. But also it was not a gun and the player was playing more.
      “Before Liverpool you were fantastic in training. That made me decide that in probably the most difficult game against the most difficult opponents you play. I think you didn’t play well.
      “Then the next game against Middlesbrough, (Japhet) Tanganga played so well and did so strong defensively and does not make any mistakes because he is so fast and so powerful.
      “I cannot say are you going to be first choice, are you going to play every match. It depends on you.”
      DR: “OK, I respect what you’re saying about I didn’t play well against Liverpool, which is true. But I play once every four weeks.
      “Do you want me to be Man of the Match and give my best performance when I play one game and then don’t play again for three or four weeks?  The defence has kept two clean sheets, they play every game. It’s not fair.”

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      Rose accused boss Mourinho of showing favouritismCredit: Reuters
      JM: “So who do you want me to play instead of them?”
      DR: “No, you’re the manager. But you’re saying to me I was s**t against Liverpool.”
      JM: “No no no no, not s**t.”
      DR: “OK, I wasn’t good, it wasn’t my best game. You’re right and I respect what you say. But other people have been s**t in training, s**t in games but play every game and are in the squad every game. It’s not fair.”
      JM: “That is your perspective.”
      DR: “It’s facts. The whole changing room know it’s facts. Not fair. And I’m going to see Daniel (chairman Daniel Levy) as well.”
      JM: “I think you are an honest guy so you should.”

      The documentary then shows Levy telling Mourinho that Rose wants to join a top club but the only ones willing to take him on loan are Newcastle and Bournemouth — and the defender does not want to go to the Cherries.
      Rose moved to the Toon a few days later for the rest of the season.
      He said later: “If I have a problem or am not happy about something, I have to be able to have an honest debate or conversation with somebody. He is a very straight talker, as am I.”
      This is not the first time the out-spoken star has criticised team-mates.
      Three years ago, he said he had to Google ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino’s signings to know who they were.
      Rose admitted: “I can be a bit of a handful. There have been times I’ve said a few things in anger when we’ve lost. But it’s just how I’m programmed. I want to win.”
      He added: “Obviously I do want to play every week, if possible.

      “He’s the manager and you have to respect him because only 11 people can play and if a squad’s been assembled to have two very good players in each position, you have to realise you can’t play every game.
      “So I think it’s just something you have to come to terms with when you get closer to your 30s.
      “I’ve spent pretty much all my  professional career at this club and I just wish I was involved.
      “I fully believe I am Tottenham’s best left-back still — and I can’t watch centre-backs and right-footed centre-backs play in my position. It’s a slap in the face, basically.”
      Rose’s Spurs  contract runs out at the end of the season.
      He said: “Everybody has a price in football and sometimes when you get to a certain age, or have a certain amount of years on your contract, people within a football club will think it’s time to move somebody on, or get someone younger in.
      “It’s a business. You have to try to not take that too personally.
      “Moving to Newcastle was part of wanting to play and thinking the Euros were this summer. I’m thankful the club allowed me to.”

      Jose Mourinho tells Dele Alli he is ‘f***ing lazy’ in All or Nothing Tottenham doc More