More stories

  • in

    Classy Angel Di Maria refused to know what his own salary would be in desperate bid to land Champions League transfer

    ANGEL DI MARIA was so desperate to move to Benfica he was not bothered about his salary, according to the club’s president. Benfica’s chief Rui Costa confirmed the 35-year-old would play for “any euro you’ll give me” for the Champions League contenders.
    Angel Di Maria refused to know his salary before joining BenficaCredit: AFP
    Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed Di Maria was desperate to play for the clubCredit: Getty
    Fabrizio Romano revealed on Twitter Costa’s comments about how Di Maria was eager to play for the Primeira Liga side and was not concerned about his wage.
    He tweeted: “Rui Costa: ‘Di María’s salary doesn’t go over the salary cap, he came without any signing bonus’.
    “He didn’t want to know what his salary would be, he didn’t even ask for another euro.
    “He told me: ‘I really want to play for Benfica for any euro you’ll give me’.”
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    The midfielder signed with Benfica from Juventus and has so far scored four goals in five appearances.
    This is the Argentine ace’s second debut for the club and he received an incredible welcome after re-signing for Benfica 13 years after leaving for Real Madrid.
    Di Maria quit Juventus after just 12 months in Serie A last month.
    He moved to Juve last summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain following seven years in the French capital.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    In 2014 he joined Manchester United but he would spend just one year at Old Trafford, later complaining about the bad weather and calling Louis van Gaal the “worst coach” he has ever had.
    Now the 2022 World Cup winner is back at the club where it all began for him in Europe on a one-year deal.
    Benfica won the Primeira Liga title for the first time since 2019 last term and reached the Champions League quarter-finals. 
    Fans took to Twitter to react to the news with excitement about the Argentine star.
    One fan tweeted: “Great news! Di Maria is a great player and I’m sure he will be a huge asset to Benfica. He’s also down to earth.”
    Another added: “That is one of the player i respect the most. Always hard working and giving everything on the field on every match.”
    A third wrote: “That’s the kind of dedication and love for the game that truly sets players like Di María apart.”
    While other fans seemed to dig at stars who have made a move to Saudi Arabia including Cristiano Ronaldo.
    One fan said: “Unlike Ronaldo & them Saudi Arabia hustlers.” More

  • in

    Cops probe Man Utd star Antony after ex Gabriela Cavallin shares ‘I hope you die’ texts & injury pics

    COPS have launched a probe into Man Utd star Antony after his ex-girlfriend revealed disturbing texts amid allegations of abuse.The United winger, 23, who was bought for £85m last year, has been accused of assaulting Gabriela Cavallin.
    Manchester United star Antony has denied all domestic abuse allegationsCredit: Getty
    DJ and influencer Gabriela Cavallin came forward with new WhatsApp messagesCredit: Social Media
    The messages allegedly sent by the footballer
    Antony has strongly denied the allegations and vowed to clear his name.
    He posted on Sunday: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family I feel obligated to speak publicly about the false accusations I have been a victim of.
    “I come to deny the accusations made and inform that I remain at the full disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify what is needed.
    “I trust the ongoing police investigations will reveal the truth about my innocence.”
    Read More On Manchester United
    It came after Gabriela shared texts allegedly sent from the footballer saying “I hope you die”.
    Greater Manchester Police has confirmed it is aware of the accusations against the Brazilian international footballer.
    The force said in a statement: “Greater Manchester Police is aware of the allegations made and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this report.
    “We will not be commenting any further at this time.”
    Most read in Football
    Police in Sao Paolo, Brazil opened inquiries in June when Cavallin filed a report alleging “domestic violence, threat and bodily injury”.
    The alleged victim is also reported to have filed a separate complaint to GMP.
    Antony posted an online response denying what he called “false” allegations while offering to co-operate with any investigations.
    He insisted the ongoing inquiries would “reveal the truth about my innocence”.
    Cavallin’s fresh claims were first published by Brazilian outlet UOL, one of the South American country’s largest news providers.
    She also shared two new images showing injuries on her head and fingers, claiming to be a result of Antony’s alleged attacks.
    She alleges her finger was cut to the bone and that the footballer attacked her while she was pregnant.
    In a new string of undated WhatsApp messages, the DJ and influencer, 23, claims Antony wished she was dead and told her “go f*** yourself” after she allegedly refused to reply to his messages and calls.
    “It’s over between me and you,” Antony reportedly wrote. “I hope you die and go f*** yourself.
    “You’re disgusting you even left WhatsApp and turned off your internet.”
    The texts go on to read that Antony, also 23, allegedly called Gabriela “deceitful” and urged her to pick up his phone calls.
    “You’ve been deceitful,” the Brazil winger reportedly wrote.
    “You did that with all the guys that you came across with in your life.
    “Pick up the phone if you’re woman enough.”
    A second screenshot from Gabriela’s mobile phone exposes the Man United star’s allegedly “unforgivable” actions.
    Antony allegedly replied: “I understand, just take care of yourselves okay? That’s all I ask of you.”
    Gabriela, who has nearly 500,000 Instagram followers, replied: “You tried scaring the life out of me speeding in your car and playing the steering wheel.
    “So don’t tell me to take care of myself now.”
    Gabriela also shared pictures of injuries in her headCredit: Gabriela Cavallin / UOL
    She claims the injuries are a result of Antony’s alleged attacksCredit: Gabriela Cavallin / UOL
    The shocking allegations come weeks after Gabriela was allegedly preparing to report Antony to police in the UK over domestic abuse allegations.
    She had previously filed a complaint against the player which is currently under ongoing investigation in his native Brazil.
    A total of four alleged attacks are described in a police report seen by respected sports news site ESPN.
    She says she dated Brazil World Cup ace Antony, also 23, on and off for two years and lived with him in Amsterdam while he played for Ajax.
    She claims the first assault came at a nightclub in São Paulo last July when she was around 17 weeks pregnant with his baby.
    Antony allegedly dragged her out by the arm and hair then pushed her into a car after she ended their romance.
    Gabriela told cops they got back together soon after and she moved with him to Manchester after his transfer to the Red Devils.
    A second alleged attack came at Gabriela’s flat in January.
    The “jealous” star is alleged to have left her needing surgery to fix displaced silicone boob implants.
    Two more alleged assaults followed in England – one witnessed by her friend and Antony’s mother.
    Gabriela also said Antony threatened her after she returned to Brazil last month.
    She has requested “urgent protective measures” against Antony, according to Brazilian media.
    A spokesman for Manchester United said the club did not have any comment.
    The couple’s romance was first made public last year.
    In July, Gabriela shared on social media that she had suffered a miscarriage.
    The baby boy would have have been named Luca Mateo.
    Antony issued a lengthy denial and vowed to clear his name when the allegations were first made in June.
    He had written: “To friends, fans, and followers,
    “For your sake, after giving my statement at the police station where the investigation involving my name is being conducted, I would like to speak publicly for the first time since I was falsely accused of assault.
    “I remained silent until this moment so that nothing could interfere with the investigative process, but during all these days my family and I suffered in silence.
    “Even though I was born and raised in a very underprivileged community, I had never been through a situation similar to this one, in which a false accusation of assault generated a prior and unfair public judgement by some people.
    Read More on The Sun
    “After the investigation is closed, my innocence will be proven, it being certain that justice will prevail and the damage initially caused to my image will remain in the past.
    “Thank you for the countless messages of support received during this very difficult time.” More

  • in

    Joao Felix ‘open to Chelsea return’ as he pushes for transfer exit – with fans spotting major hint on his Twitter

    CHELSEA fans reckon Joao Felix could be coming back after spotting a hint on his Twitter.The Portuguese playmaker spend the second half of last season at Stamford Bridge but the Blues did not make the deal permanent.
    Joao Felix is awaiting a deal from BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Felix, 23, is now back at Atletico Madrid – but has been completely frozen out by boss Diego Simeone.
    Reports in Spain suggest Felix has been waiting for Barcelona to make a move.
    And he was even linked with a shock move to Liverpool, with Mo Salah being chased in a mega-money deal by Saudi side Al-Ittihad.
    But Ben Jacobs reports Felix would be up for another chance with Chelsea.
    READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
    And Blues supporters reckon he could be in Blue again this season after seeing Felix’s Twitter page.
    The £112million striker’s profile picture still shows him in his Chelsea gear… with “Chelsea Football Club💙” in his bio.
    Atletico signed Felix for the incredible fee from Benfica in 2019.
    But he failed to live up to his price tag, netting 34 goals in 131 games.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    He hoped to resurrect his career with Chelsea last season but, while he showed some flashes of brilliance in the struggling Blues side, he only managed to contribute four goals in 16 appearances.
    As a result, new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino decided not to opt and sign Felix on a permanent deal for the 2023/24 season.
    Saudi Arabia have been a possible deal maker for a permanent move for the Portuguese star- but he remains set on a season-long loan.
    A number of the Gulf State clubs are interested in Felix including Al-Ittihad, Al-Shabab and Al-Hilal.
    However, Felix has confirmed he wants to remain in Europe – with Catalan giants Barcelona in the lead to sign the winger but have until Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline to finalise.
    Felix has hinted at a possible Chelsea return on his Twitter accountCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Furious Bruno Guimaraes hits out at Newcastle fans with ‘short, stupid memories’ in now-deleted tweet

    FURIOUS Bruno Guimaraes hit out at moaning Newcastle fans with “short, stupid memories”.Some Toon supporters were quick to hammer their players on social media following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester City.
    Newcastle stars were singled out for criticism following their 1-0 loss to Man CityCredit: Getty
    But Bruno Guimaraes hit back at the claimsCredit: Alamy

    NUFC360, a popular fan account with just under 134k followers, tweeted: “Is it too early in the season to start focusing blame onto individual players?
    “Was there an overreaction to the loss to Man City?”
    Brazilian midfielder Bruno, 25, was pictured in the post alongside Joelinton, Dan Burn and Miguel Almiron – none of who were at their best at the Etihad. 
    Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022 when the Magpies were battling relegation but admitted in July there are “doubts” over signing a new deal.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    And he hit back: “Is this serious? We are in the Champions League, we lost against maybe one of the best teams in the world.
    “We have lost one game!
    “Support in the best moment is easy. Short, stupid memories you all have.
    “Look what we have done for the team in this year and a half.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Bruno deleted his Tweet and NUFC360 backtracked, replying: “We are with you Bruno, this post was a way to try and focus on the craziness of those trying to find players to blame after two games.
    “I’m sorry if this was not expressed on that matter.” More

  • in

    Six stars from top flight club nearly MISS match after being trapped in elevator before firefighters have to rescue them

    BREST stars had to be rescued by firefighters after becoming trapped in a lift on Sunday.The incident occurred ahead of their 2-1 win away at Le Havre in Ligue Un.
    Breda Chardonnet shared a photo of him and his team-mates in the lift
    The group were rescued by firefighters after 45 minutesCredit: https://twitter.com/BrendanC29
    Defender Brendan Chardonnet was one of six unfortunate stars who were trapped in the lift.
    He shared the ordealon social media but was able to see the funny side despite being stuck for 40 minutes.
    After the game he tweeted: “Sunday adventures at 11.45 a.m.
    “Six unlucky people stuck for 40 minutes in the elevator! Thank you to the firefighters of Le Havre for freeing us 👏🤣🤣”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Chardonnet, 28, shared a photo of him and his team-mates in the lift looking a little sorry for themselves.
    He also posted two videos, one of which showed them sliding the lift door open to show a wall on the other side.
    The next video showed their rescue as a firefighter held open the door as the players climbed out to safety.
    Grégoire Coudert, Axel Camblan, Jérémy Le Douaron and Mathias Pereira Lage were all involved in the incident, as well as Romain Del Castillo who opened the scoring against Le Havre.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Lillian Brassier also got on the scoresheet after Le Havre had equalised to continue Brest’s winning start to the season.
    They have won two out of two in Ligue Un and are second in the table. More

  • in

    Sky Sports legend confirms new job following shock Soccer Saturday exit

    FORMER Sky Sports reporter Bianca Westwood has landed a new role following her Soccer Saturday exit.Westwood had worked with Sky for 22 years before making a shock departure from the broadcaster earlier this month.
    Bianca Westwood has announced her next jobCredit: Rex
    Westwood left after a string of budget cuts at the broadcasterCredit: Getty
    However, she has now revealed she is already back in work with talkSPORT.
    Taking to Twitter, she wrote: “Still got a headset but I’m making my debut for a new team tonight!
    “Around the grounds with @TheAdrianDurham on @talkSPORT & I’ll be doing updates from Adams Park. Very excited.”
    Fellow former Soccer Saturday star Chris Kamara said: “Good luck Bee. Talksport have got themselves a goodun.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Journalist Henry Winter was also thrilled at the news, replying: “Game, headset and match 👊 great news Bianca.”
    And her arrival at talkSPORT sees her follow Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling.
    Stelling was confirmed as Laura Woods replacement on the talkSPORT breakfast show.
    Westwood and Stelling are also set to work together again for the “An Evening with Jeff Stelling” tour, set to run through January and Februay.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Westwood left Sky following a raft a budget cuts, penning an emotional response as she announced her departure.
    Sharing a video of snaps from her time with the broadcaster, she told her followers: “I haven’t quite made enough money to retire unfortunately, but I am retiring from Sky Sports & Soccer Saturday.”
    She was one of a number of reporters who left the broadcaster. More

  • in

    Premier League club’s Twitter account mysteriously deleted – and fans all make the same joke

    THE Twitter account of Brighton has mysteriously been deactivated. And it has left fans making the same joke.
    Moises Caicedo is the latest star to move from Brighton to ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The Blues have spent more than £225million on Brighton personnel in the last year including Graham PotterCredit: PA
    When attempting to find the club’s Twitter page, the handle @OfficialBHAFC apparently does not exist.
    And after another huge purchase from the club, fans have joked that Chelsea have added another piece of Brighton to their club.
    One fan said: “Chelsea even buying Brighton’s twitter now 😭.”
    A second wrote: “[Todd] Boehly bought Brighton Twitter 😂.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “Chelsea submit £50m for Brighton’s twitter account. Medical booked for Thursday after admin rejected Liverpool proposal,” joked a third.
    A fourth said: “Caicedo, Mac Allister, now Brighton’s Twitter gone…”
    Brighton later got their account back and celebrated with a gif of manager Roberto De Zerbi going wild on the touchline.
    Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo from Brighton for a British transfer record of £115million earlier this week.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The 21-year-old makes it 10 players and staff who have been purchased by the Blues in the past year.
    Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also made the move to Stamford Bridge this summer for the sum of £25m.
    There was a mass exodus of Seagulls staff when Graham Potter was appointed Blues boss last September, with Billy Reid, Bruno, Bjorn Hamberg, goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts and assistant head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay joining him in the capital.
    Head of player recruitment Paul Winstanley then left two months later to become co-sporting director at Chelsea.
    Marc Cucurella also joined Chelsea from Brighton last year and is now a Newcastle loan target. More

  • in

    Alan Shearer will be ‘ecstatic’ if Harry Kane moves to Bayern Munich, says Gary Lineker

    PREMIER League great Alan Shearer will be “ecstatic” if Harry Kane moves to Bayern Munich.The Newcastle legend holds the division’s goalscoring record with 260.
    Alan Shearer will be ‘ecstatic’ if Harry Kane moves to Bayern Munich – as it may help preserve his own goal-scoring recordCredit: Getty
    Shearer fears Kane — on 213 — could beat his 260-goal record if he stays in EnglandCredit: Getty
    And he fears Kane — on 213 — could beat him if he stays in England.
    Shearer, 52, has even joked he would drive Kane to Germany himself to protect his record.
    Reacting to the striker’s possible departure, his pal Gary Lineker wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “An emergency podcast is on the cards with an ecstatic Alan Shearer.”
    The social media platform was flooded with memes yesterday suggesting Shearer was wildly celebrating the England skipper’s possible departure.
    READ MORE ON HARRY KANE
    Meanwhile, other Premier League greats had their say on the will-he-stay, will-he-go saga.
    Ex-Liverpool and Man United star Michael Owen said Kane should stay at Spurs, adding: “Becoming all-time Premier League top goalscorer is a bigger achievement than winning the league in a country dominated by one team.”
    His former teammate Jamie Carragher agreed, saying breaking Shearer’s record would be “huge”.
    But Rio Ferdinand saw it differently, saying: “You don’t start ya career wanting to win the Golden Boot. You want to win things for ya team.”
    Most read in Football
    And Gary Neville urged Kane to leave — for his old side Man United, saying: “He puts them in the realm of catching City.”
    Jamie Carragher said breaking Shearer’s record would be ‘huge’Credit: Getty More