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    Cristiano Ronaldo releases 53-word statement after heartbreaking Euros exit as ex-Man Utd star says ‘we deserved more’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO spoke out for the first time after Portugal’s heartbreaking exit from Euro 2024.Roberto Martinez’s side crashed out in the quarter-finals on Friday after a 5-3 loss to France on penalties following a drab 0-0 draw.Queríamos mais. Merecíamos mais. Por nós. Por cada um de vocês. Por Portugal.Somos gratos por tudo o que vocês nos deram e por tudo que conquistámos até aqui.Dentro e fora de campo, tenho certeza de que este legado será honrado e continuará a ser construído. Juntos. pic.twitter.com/C34YgfKLmg— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 6, 2024

    Cristiano Ronaldo spoke for the first time after Portugal’s eliminationCredit: RexManchester United legend Ronaldo insists Portugal ‘deserved more’ at Euro 2024Credit: RexRonaldo, 39, took to social media and insists the team as well as the fans “deserved more” from this year’s tournament.The Manchester United legend also paid tribute to the supporters and the way they stood by the team in Germany.And the Al-Nassr superstar hinted he will be part of the national team that will challenge for the 2026 World Cup despite his advanced age.Ronaldo posted: “We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal.Read More on Football”We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far.”On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honored and will continue to be built. Together.”Ronaldo failed to score a single goal during this year’s European championship.The star forward only managed to hit the back of the net during Portugal’s last two penalty shoot-outs against Slovenia and of course France.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Atletico Madrid ace Joao Felix missed from the spot in Hamburg.And Porto star Diogo Costa couldn’t replicate his penalty heroics against Slovenia this time around as France scored all of their shots.Fans convinced Cristiano Ronaldo made major mistake before penalty shootout that could have cost Portugal vs FranceOusmane Dembele, Youssouf Fofana, Jules Kounde, Bradley Barcola and Theo Hernandez were all on target.How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano RonaldoCRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.Euro 2004After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.Euro 2008Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.Euro 2012Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.Euro 2016Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.Euro 2020Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Fans baffled as Jadon Sancho hangs out with Jake Paul in ‘such random link up’ at Michael Rubin’s all-white celeb party

    FOOTIE fans were left baffled by Jadon Sancho’s bizarre rendezvous with Jake Paul at a plush American party.The Manchester United outcast is currently enjoying a well-earned holiday following his exploits with Borussia Dortmund last season.Jadon Sancho is currently enjoying a well-earned summer holidayCredit: GETTYThe 24-year-old has been living his best life in AmericaCredit: SPLASHHe was a guest at Michael Rubin’s White Party, where he rubbed shoulders with boxer Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM@MICHAELRUBINSancho has opted to visit the States during his well-deserved break and managed to secure himself an invite to one of the most exclusive shindigs.The 24-year-old, somehow, managed to scoop an invitation to Michael Rubin’s famous White Party in the Hamptons.Sancho – who made sure to stick to the strict dress code – rubbed shoulders with the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Drake and Megan Foxx.The winger posed for a snap with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, which left Red Devils fans stunned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote on X: “Nah this is a new low for Sancho man… hanging out with Jake Paul.”Another said: “What a randoma** link-up.”And another said: “File this under unexpected link-ups.”One remarked: “No, no, no.”Most read in FootballEngland player ratings: Saka the saviour for Three Lions but subbed Kane stuggles in penalties thriller vs SwitzerlandBUKAYO SAKA showed huge courage as he dug England out of a hole and through on penalties against Switzerland, writes Tom Barclay.The Three Lions looked to be going out when Breel Embolo had put Swiss ahead on 75 minutes.But Arsenal star Saka dragged England back into five minutes later with a stunning effort off the post.To penalties it went – just like it did between these two sides five years ago in the Nations League.And just like back then, Jordan Pickford made a save – repelling the Swiss’s first effort from Manuel Akanji.England were perfect from then on, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellignam, Saka, Ivan Toney and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold sending the Three Lions into the semi-final.Here’s how the players rated…Jordan Pickford: 7Had his heart in his mouth when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner deep into extra-time hit the post and bar, but then pulled off a smart stop to take it to penalties.Saved Manuel Akanji’s first spot-kick by diving low to his left.Kyle Walker: 6Spent most of the game on the right side of a three which meant he could not get forward. Embolo got in front of him for Switzerland’s opener. Won the toss so the penalties were taken in front of the England fans.John Stones: 6Crisper passing in the first half, much better than his sloppy Slovakia display, but his deflection on Dan Ndoye’s cross diverted it to Embolo.Ezri Konsa: 6Was decent in the first half of his maiden start at a major tournament but, like the rest of the team, went into his shell after the break.Kieran Trippier: 6Had been expected to play right wing-back but was once again on the left.Solid defensively but, as has been the case throughout the tournament, offered little going forward on his unnatural side.Declan Rice: 7Anticipated, and subsequently, won a number of 50-50s at the base of England’s midfield.It was his decoy run that opened up the space for Saka to find the corner, before his 25-yard wonderstrike was denied by a flying Yann Sommer save in extra-time.Kobbie Mainoo: 6Some decent drives forward from midfield. Looked as if he would fire home an opener just before the break afterBukayo Saka’s nice cutback, but was denied by Granit Xhaka’s excellent block.Bukayo Saka: 8 and STAR MANDid not play at left wing-back as expected, but was England’s most dangerous attacking player throughout – and none more so when he came to the rescue with his 80th-minute leveller which flew in off the post.Showed huge courage in the shoot-out as he stroked home his penalty beautifully, three years on from missing in the last Euros final.Jude Bellingham: 6Produced a few graceful dribbles which showcased his quality in the first half but pretty quiet.Looked knackered but showed big cojones with his low penalty.Phil Foden: 6Admitted before the game that his central role would suit him better and it seemed to in the first 20 minutes, but faded after that.Harry Kane: 4This system just does not suit him. He needs runners, but does not look like he is going to get them.Just could not get into the game and was subbed out of it in extra-time, seconds after he was sent crashing into his manager on the touchline.SUBSCole Palmer (for Konsa, 78): 7One of three players to come on in reaction to Switzerland’s opener – why did it take so long, Gareth? Dispatched England’s first spot-kick with aplomb.Luke Shaw (for Trippier, 78): 6First minutes of football since February, slotting in on the left side of back three as Southgate went for broke.Eberechi Eze (for Mainoo, 78): 6Carved out a nice bit of space for himself in the dying moments but fired wide.Ivan Toney (For Kane, 109): 7It was no surprise to see him come with the prospect of penalties on the horizon – what was more of a shock was that it was for spot-kick maestro Kane. Was knocked over in the box right at the end of extra-time, but nothing was given. Confident penalty.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Foden, 115): 7Thrown on late into extra-time. Belted home his spot-kick to win it.Gareth Southgate: 4The adjusted back three system worked to a certain extent, but still the approach looked to be to keep it tight and rely on a moment of magic.Saka provided that for the leveller, but given the talent at his disposal, it seemed very limited.Took an age to make a change – prompted only by Switzerland going ahead. But got his subs right when it came to the penalty shoot-out.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea made two of the biggest transfers ever in January 2023Another chimed in: “I’ve seen it all now.”Sancho’s future with Manchester United is up in the air following Erik ten Hag’s signing of a new contract.Jadon Sancho belts out Adele as he leads Dortmund’s Champions League dressing room celebrations The Dutchman banished Sancho from the first-team squad after the winger hit out at him on social media.That paved the way for a loan return to Dortmund, whom he helped reach the Champions League final.Ten Hag kept a close eye on his performances for the German giants and was impressed by what he saw.After Dortmund’s semi-final first-leg win over Paris Saint-Germain, he said: “So let’s say this: yesterday he played very good and he’s a very good player.”Yesterday he showed why Manchester United bought him and he showed he represents a high value for Manchester United. Which is good.”I’m happy for Jadon, for the performance yesterday and we’ll see what is going to happen in the future.” More

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    Glamorous footballer Madelene Wright shows off her curves in tiny bikini sending fans into meltdown

    LEYTON ORIENT footballer Madelene Wright took social media by storm with a stunning bikini snap.Wright returned to football in May after four years out of the game, having previously played for Charlton.Madelene Wright took social media by storm once moreCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wrightWright posed in a tiny black bikini for her social media followersCredit: INSTAGRAM @madelene_wrightDespite her comeback, she vowed to continue with both her social media and OnlyFans career.That led to a strong fanbase on Instagram where she boasts 325,000 followers.That is where she shares a raft of glam pics, such as the latest one that saw her pose in a black bikini by the seaside.Wright posted the following caption on Instagram: “Dream.”Read More on FootballHer fans were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One follower posted: “Bloody hell.”Another commented: “Very beautiful.”A third said: “Lovee.”Most read in FootballThis fan wrote: “Goddess.”And that one gushed: “Sheesh.”Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic Wright recently claimed to have made hundreds of thousands of pounds from OnlyFans.Inside Madelene’s glamorous life as footballer and OnlyFans star…Wright lives a glamourous lifestyleShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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    Premier League’s hottest Wag goes braless in black leather top as fans envy ‘lucky’ Man Utd star

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Victor Lindelof was subbed a “lucky” man for his wife’s latest Instagram snaps. Lindelof has been married to social media influencer Maja since 2018. Victor Lindelof’s wife Maja poses in a black outfitShe had fans gushing over her braless lookMaja is a social media starThe model has gained a name for herself with over 250,000 Instagram followers. She shares her extravagant life as a Wag, travelling the world. In her latest post, Maja poses braless in a black dress as fans rushed to her comment section. One said: “Lucky Lindelof.”READ MORE IN football Another added: “Magic in the earrings.”Maja had been enjoying her time on holiday with Lindelof. They vacationed on the Greek island of Mykonos as Maja revealed pictures from their dinner date. The couple have welcomed two children together since tying the knot in 2018.Most read in FootballTheir Mykonos trip follows a getaway to Portugal last month, where Maja also dazzled in another flowing red dress.Lindelof is currently enjoying pre-season after signing a new deal with United through to 2025 back in January.Maja often shares her extravagant life as a WagCredit: instagram @majanilssonlindelofHere she is posing with husband LindeloofCredit: instagram @majanilssonlindelofShe has over 250,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelofMaja had been enjoying her time on holiday with LindelofCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelofHere she is on a beach dayCredit: Instagram @majanilssonlindelofMeet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024 More

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    Stunning former Premier League Wag sets pulses racing in see-through top as fans say ‘looking gorgeous as ever’

    MARTA DIAZ has set pulses racing after posing in a see-through top on social media.The former Premier League Wag shared a collection of snaps from what she got up to in June to Instagram.Marta Diaz wowed fans with her latest uploadCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/She wore multiple stunning outfitsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/She left little to the imagination with a knitted topCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/She also wore a bright pink bikiniCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/Marta, 23, used to date Tottenham defender Sergio Reguilon and confirmed their split on her Amazon Prime show back in 2023.She has an astonishing 3.3million followers on Instagram and regularly wows her fans with her pictures.Her latest post was no different as she shared a collection of pictures taken in the last month.She captioned the post: “A lot of sun, a lot of Ibiza, even if it doesn’t come out, a lot of family, and a lot of beautiful people.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong the pictures, she wore multiple outfits, including a see-through T-shirt which said “I know I’m your favourite” on it.The social media star also stunned in a knitted top which left little to the imagination.Fans could not help themselves as they flooded the comment section.One pined: “She couldn’t be more precious.”Most read in FootballA second posted: “So beautiful.”A third wrote: “From the best there is.”Football’s 10 richest wags including music stars and millionaire modelsA fourth commented: “You are very beautiful.”A fifth said: “Looking gorgeous as ever.”Another added: “I love these photos.”She started dating Reguilon in 2019 and went public online.Then, they were spotted together at the wedding of Sergio Ramos and Pilar Rubio.Meanwhile, she recently sent fans wild with a braless outfit to go out for a night in Paris.Spanish beauty Marta has her own YouTube channel with more than two million subscribers.Scroll for a glimpse inside Marta Diaz’s glamorous life…Marta has an enormous online followingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/She has 3.3million followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/She also has a YouTube channel with over 2million followersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/In this post, she showed off her ping-pong tableCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/She spent some time soaking up the sunCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/She also posed in front of one of her modelling campaignsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/martaa_diiaz/ More

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    Fans convinced Lionel Messi ‘transferred some of his powers to Lamine Yamal’ as pics emerge of Spain star as a baby

    FANS are convinced that Lionel Messi “transferred some of his powers” to Lamine Yamal after seeing his baby pictures.The Barcelona prospect has been lighting up Euro 2024 with his excellent performances with Spain.Lionel Messi was in a charity calendar advert with a baby Lamine Yamal in 2007Fans have been left stunned by the photoshootCredit: Instagram / hustle_hard_304Yamal, 16, has picked up two assists in his four games for Luis de la Fuente’s side.Pictures of the winger have now emerged from a charity calendar photoshoot in 2007, when he was just a baby.There is a very recognisable face in the photos as Messi, 37, also stars alongside baby Yamal.Yamal is placed in a bathtub for the pictures as the Argentinian is snapped with him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe pictures have been shared on social media, and fans have all been saying the same thing.One posted: “Messi gave his power to Yamal, and that is why he is already better than many wingers at 16.”A second commented: “Greatness touched a baby, and the baby is on his way to greatness as well.”This is beautiful. This is football. This is history.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third wrote: “Yamal was baptised by the GOAT MESSI, now it is explained.”A fourth said: “Bro gave him the GOLDEN touch innit.”Watch Lionel Messi fluff Panenka penalty as Argentina legend endures tournament even worse than Cristiano RonaldoMessi is considered as one of the best footballers of all timeCredit: GettyYamal has been impressive at Euro 2024Credit: RexA fifth shared: “Bro was touched by god.”Another added: “Never knew Lamine Yamal got his blessings directly from the living Goat legend himself. No wonder he is doing wonders on the pitch.”Messi has not enjoyed the same success that Yamal is having as he plays in the Copa America with Argentina.The reigning champions have reached the semi-finals and beat Ecuador after a penalty shootout.Messi, however, fluffed his effort as he chipped the ball onto the crossbar. More

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    I’m a UFC icon who went on a four-week bender before losing to Jake Paul, that’s why he beat me, says Nate Diaz

    NATE DIAZ has claimed he was on the razz for a full MONTH before he threw down with Jake Paul.The former UFC superstar entered the professional boxing world last August to take on the YouTube and social media sensation.Nate entered the boxing world last August to take on Jake PaulCredit: REUTERSThe former UFC star was dropped by the YouTuber in the fifth round of their Texas tussleCredit: REUTERSDiaz claims to have gone on a “four-week bender” before the fightCredit: GETTYAnd like fellow MMA fighters, Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva before him, Diaz fell at the hands of The Problem Child.Diaz, 39, was dropped in the fifth round on his way to suffering a lacklustre decision defeat, which he claims was the result of him living his best life a month before fight night.He recently told ESPN: “I went on a four-week bender before the fight.“We trained hard for months on months and we were over it, me and my whole team.READ MORE ON NATE DIAZ”So I sat back and started kicking it. I was over training.”He added: “If it was a scary opponent, you wouldn’t allow yourself to do that.”But it was just easy to go to sleep at night fighting that guy.”But it was good that it happened like that because now it’s necessary to work out, get disciplined, and go back and whip his a**.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNate Diaz rematches former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal this weekendCredit: GETTY“I’m the weakest puncher, and you’re the one that wanted to fight 30lb over my original weight division?”You think I was just trying to sit there and just knock you out? Like throw as hard of punches as I can?Leaving my kids for training camp is tearing me apart but Nate Diaz will pay for it, says Jorge Masvidal ahead of fight”I was just getting through that fight because I was halfway to my potential that day.”Diaz also claims his performance was hindered by a niggling injury, saying: “I couldn’t even really throw a punch.”I was f***ed up. And for two, he was the easiest fight I ever had.”That was the longest fight at the heaviest weight class I ever had. Never got tired. Never got hurt. Nothing.“Even when I got knocked down, I think it was timing because it didn’t hurt, I got up like ‘You good?’ ‘Oh, I’m fine.’ I thought he was pretty weak himself.”Fan favourite Diaz returns to the ring early on Sunday morning for a rematch with rival Jorge Masvidal.Diaz suffered a third-round TKO defeat to ‘Gamebred’ in the inaugural BMF title fight at UFC 244 in November 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd preparations for the rematch have gone swimmingly in comparison to his last fight.When asked how his training camp has been, Diaz said: “A lot better than the last fight, that’s for damn sure!” More

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    Sky Sports issue grovelling apology to Nottingham Forest after Gary Neville’s ‘Mafia gang’ outburst

    SKY SPORTS has issued a grovelling apology to Nottingham Forest after Gary Neville’s “Mafia gang” comment.The Manchester United legend criticised Forest’s ownership after they released a brutal statement following their chaotic 2-0 defeat to Everton last season.Sky Sports have issued an apology to Nottingham Forest after Gary Neville’s ‘Mafia gang’ commentCredit: GettyNottingham Forest felt they deserved three penalties during their 2-0 loss to Everton in AprilCredit: RexForest issued a brutal statement after the controversial clashForest were raging after being denied what they felt were three clear penalties during their clash against the Toffees on April 21.The club are understood to have sent Sky a legal letter of complaint and today Neville and the broadcasting company released a joint statement.It read: “In response to a Nottingham Forest statement outlining their grievances with PGMOL following their match with Everton on 21 April, Gary Neville, commenting on Super Sunday, strongly criticised Nottingham Forest’s approach.”Sky Sports have discussed with Gary the language used and its potential to cause offence. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Gary has agreed not to use the same or similar terms in future coverage. “Sky Sports apologises to Nottingham Forest for any offence caused by this language.”After the game with Everton, Forest released a statement on social media in which they revealed they had “warned PGMOL that VAR assistant [Stuart Attwell] is a Luton fan”, who were among the sides scrapping to avoid relegation.Neville described Forest’s statement as “like a mafia gang”.Most read in FootballHe said: “I mean, honestly, what the hell are they playing at? It’s like a petulant child, it’s embarrassing.“And some of those things they’re saying in there, the suggestion of some sort of inferring of cheating because there’s an official in VAR in Stockley Park who’s a Luton fan is a scandal, and they will pay for that.”Premier League Fixtures released for 2024/25 seasonNeville also insisted at the time that former referee Mark Clattenburg should resign from his position as a consultant at Forest.And Clattenburg officially resigned from his position in April and has since admitted his role was misunderstood.Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was furious at Neville’s post-match comments on Sky Sports.The controversial defeat at Goodison Park left Nuno Espirito Santo’s side fearing relegation with the club later demanding audio of the VAR officials.Lucky for Forest they avoided relegation to the Championship by six points despite suffering a four-point deduction for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. More