Twitter

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares108 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Lisandro Martinez and Adama Traore’s heated feud as Fulham star carries on row after defeat to Man Utd

      by

      THE HEATED feud between Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez and Fulham ace Adama Traore continues.Martinez, 27, and Traore, 29, locked horns in Sunday’s Premier League clash between United and the Cottagers at Craven Cottage.Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez and Fulham ace Adama Traore extended their rivalryCredit: APMartinez trolled Traore in August when he overpowered him in their first meetingCredit: PATraore caught wind of Martinez’s comments and vowed revengeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/adamatrd37/It was the second meeting between the two teams after August’s Prem opener at Old Trafford that saw Man Utd prevail 1-0 thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s winner.Martinez and Traore were locked in some intense challenges on the pitch during that season opening fixture.At some point the centre-back’s 5’9″ frame somehow managed to overpower his heavyweight Fulham opponent.The Argentina international went on to rub it in with a cheeky statement during a post-match interview.Read More on Man UtdMartinez, who’s nicknamed ‘The Butcher’, said: “I sent him back to the gym. I learned from the first one where he killed me, I killed him back. He is difficult to play against and I learned from the first situation.”Traore caught wind of the Argentine’s comments and hit back on social media.The winger posted a pic of himself training and tagged Martinez with an ominous warning and a winky-face emoji.Traore posted: “Don’t worry we will meet again.”Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe ex-Wolves star kept his promise as he got the better of some intense challenges with Martinez during Sunday’s meeting.Things looked at risk of boiling over when Martinez went in two footed on his much larger opponent.Fulham boss Marco Silva regrets ‘cruel’ loss to Man Utd Bizarrely, it was Martinez who crumpled to the floor following the dangerous tackle.Traore took a swipe out of the defender on social media after the match by sharing a cheeky snap.It showed the forward walking back to his half with the Man Utd ace left on the floor writhing in pain following the clash between them.Traore posted the following casual caption on Instagram: “Tough loss. We deserved more, but we will keep working hard and improving.”Nevertheless, Martinez got the last laugh during the latest chapter of their saga as he scored the winner on 78 minutes to lead United to an important 1-0 victory in west London.Martinez celebrates after his winning goal gave Man Utd a 1-0 winCredit: GettyMAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet. More

    • 263 Shares108 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans turn on Sir Jim Ratcliffe with X-rated chant after seeing he is at Craven Cottage for Fulham clash

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans piled X-rated abuse on Sir Jim Ratcliffe after spotting him at Fulham.United’s minority owner was even compared to the Glazers’ hated regime before him in the rudest chant of all.Away supporters reacted angrily to seeing Sir Jim RatcliffeLisandro Martinez celebrates his deflected winner for Man UtdCredit: RexRatcliffe, Britain’s richest man, angered supporters last month by raising Old Trafford ticket prices to £66.And he arguably made things worse with the club’s following by insisting United should not charge less than Premier League rivals like… Fulham.So when he was picked out in the Red Devils’ scrappy 1-0 win at Craven Cottage, he faced brutal verbal abuse from away supporters.A chant rang out of “Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t – just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t”.READ MORE TOP STORIESFans had been desperate for Ratcliffe and his Ineos company to take over from the Glazers, which they finally did in December 2023.But recent cut-backs off the pitch have helped send relations between Ratcliffe and supporters plummeting.And observers online appeared to back the hostile reaction he received in West London on Sunday evening.One responded: “Best away fans in the country.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Beautiful scenes,” added a second, while a third was gleeful that the chanting took place “while he’s there too.”Ruben Amorim’s men clawed their way up to 12th via a wickedly-deflected winner from Lisandro Martínez on 78 minutes. ‘Managers don’t get that now’ – Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd ‘intel’ that wouldn’t happen todayBut for many fans the bigger picture is the rising costs back at Old Trafford.United say the changes will put the club “on a stronger financial footing” – after making a total loss of more than £300million over the past three years.But supporters unfurled a “your debt not ours” banner during Thursday’s dramatic 2-1 home victory over Rangers in the Europa League. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

    • 250 Shares137 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea flop forced to explain himself after he is spotted sitting with Man City fans for defeat at Etihad

      by

      CHELSEA flop Danny Drinkwater has sparked a row after sitting with Manchester City fans and appearing to brand his old club a circus.The ex-England midfielder saw City dent the Blues’ top-four hopes with a 3-1 comeback win at the Etihad.Danny Drinkwater was with Man City fans, not in the Chelsea endDrinkwater offered this reason for his sittingCredit: InstagramDrinkwater is far from a favourite with Chelsea supporters following a dismal spell at Stamford Bridge from 2017-2022 after his £35million switch from Leicester.And fans who reckoned he was a waste of money were seething again after spotting him with home supporters in Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash.Drinkwater justified his actions on social media afterwards  – but his explanation stirred up more discontent.The now-retired star, 34, posted on Instagram: “For the @Chelsea fans asking why I’m in the City end… I asked the club for tickets!?! I didn’t receive any.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDrinkwater then spelt out his feelings by adding two emojis – a circus and an eye roll.That didn’t go down well with fans who recalled his anonymous, injury-hit six years at Stamford Bridge.But other supporters slammed Drinkwater’s treatment by Chelsea at the weekend as proof of the “disrespectful” way former players are treated under the club’s majority owners Clearlake.The fortunes of the three-cap ace hurtled downwards on and off the pitch once he immediately swapped 2015-16 Prem title glory with Leicester for Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballThe ex-midfielder had five injury-hit years with ChelseaCredit: 2021 VisionhausJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd one fan said of his ‘snub’ at the Etihad: “Why would they give him tickets lol.”Another posted: “He took enough from the club. They gave him a nice retirement package.” Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him A third wrote: “I wouldn’t give him any tickets either. He can f*****g buy them with the wage he received.”A fourth added: “If he really wanted to support the club then I don’t see any harm in him buying a ticket btw.” A fifth chuckled: “Did him dirty.. Didn’t do anything notable for the club.”But despite Drinkwater being such a costly misfit at Chelsea, the Etihad episode left some supporters pointing their finger at the current Stamford Bridge reign of Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake.One fan said: “Clearlake disrespecting former Chelsea players, get them out.”Another demanded the same: “Get the owners out of here” – followed by two clown emojis.Drinkwater has described his humbling descent while at Chelsea as “the darkest I’d felt. It was like I was drowning and forgotten how to swim”. And his life away from the pitch has also been beset by an array of difficulties in recent years.He was banned from the wheel for 20 months in 2019 after admitting drink-driving following a crash in his Range Rover that injured his two passengers.And in September that year, Drinkwater was attacked outside a Manchester nightclub, suffering head injuries and ankle ligament damage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen in November 2023, just a week after quitting playing, the Sun revealed how he lost £782,000 from a failed restaurant business.Drinkwater has since been working as a property developer. More

    • 263 Shares197 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘No way he did that’ – Man Utd fans in tears after seeing what Antony did in Real Betis unveiling video

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans reckon Antony trolled them with a mischievous trick in his Real Betis announcement video.The Brazil winger, 24, was given the superstar treatment as Betis unveiled their loan signing from Old Trafford.Antony produced his trademark but controversial skill in a Real Betis videoAntony took the opportunity to produce his trademark spin skill – a 360-degree turn with the ball stuck to the inside of his left boot.It’s a move that divided supporters and perhaps summed up the plight of the £86million misfit plight during 30 months at United. That’s because it’s a routine that might be revered on the training pitch but ridiculed in the stands – as it could have little end product in matches.So not surprisingly, Red Devils fans groaned when they saw the former Ajax hero perform the swivel in the green and white stripes of Betis.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLThe difference this time was the display was for the cameras not for points.One viewer who shared the clip on social media wrote: “No way has Antony done his spin skill in the Real Betis announcement video!”Another labelled him a “joker”.And a third believes the 16-cap ace not only knew the reaction he’d get, but was right to do it.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThat fan posted: “Brilliant. Will piss off all the right people.”However, other supporters focused on the bigger picture of the poor value Antony represented at Old Trafford.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everThis view typified such comments: “One of the biggest Flop EVER. €100m and he’s done nothing. Waste of money, what of time, waste of space, waste of energy, waste of fidget spinning. Never seen anything like this.”The fan added: “Our transfer ID is awful. Could’ve signed so many world class players for that money. Woeful.”Meanwhile, Antony just seems relieved to start again, having sealed his six-month switch to mid-table LaLiga side Betis.He told reporters: “I’m so happy, I’m ready”.Now he just needs to put Spanish defences in a spin, rather than tumble as he did in the Prem.Departing ace Antony, left, had turned on the style in training for Man Utd but not enough where it really mattered – on matchdaysCredit: AFP More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans can’t believe what Fabio Cannavaro looks like now as Italy World Cup winner, 51, resurfaces at Arsenal clash

      by

      FOOTBALL fans were left rubbing their eyes after seeing what Fabio Cannavaro now looks like.Cannavaro, now 51, looks completely different to his playing days.World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro now looks completely differentCredit: AP:Associated PressHe was in charge of Dinamo Zagreb as they faced Arsenal last nightCredit: GettyAnd he now sports a full head of hairCredit: AFPFans were given a full broadside of shock as they saw the Italian pop up during Arsenal’s clash against Dinamo Zagreb last night.The 2006 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner was appointed as head coach of the Croatian side at the end of December.And consequently, this saw him in charge of the visitors for the clash at the Emirates.Unfortunately for him, Arsenal were too good on the night as they cruised to a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, fans were more concerned about the former defender now having a full head of hair.Taking to social media, one fan said: “Wait since when did Fabio Cannavaro have hair?”A second said: “Cannavaro is the Zagreb coach?? And why does he have hair on his head??”A third added: “Seeing baldies suddenly appear with full hair after retirement is so creepy man. Cannavaro, Ba, etc.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother said: “Not used seeing Cannavaro with a full head of hair.”Regardless, the result served to all but secure the Gunners qualification in the knockout stages of the Champions League, with a huge goal difference turnover needed for them to drop into the playoff positions.Arsenal Dominates Dinamo Zagreb: Player Ratings RevealedIn Zagreb’s case, they dropped into the bottom eight elimination zone, meaning they will have to win their final match against AC Milan to have any hope of progressing.Mikel Arteta opened up on a conversation he had with the Italy legend, saying: “I just said hello to him, and wished him the best. “He’s someone that I admire a lot as a player, not only in his career, but the presence that he has and the way he behaves, and you can see that in the touchline as well. “I like what he did, he did some very clever things to cause us problems so, I wish him all the best.”Cannavaro retired from the beautiful game in 2012 following a glittering career which saw him star for the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Parma.He took his first managerial job in China with Guangzhou Evergrande in 2014.This was followed by stints with Al-Nassr, Tianjin Quanjian and a second spell with Guangzhou before he returned to European football with Benevento in 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESCannavaro followed this with a brief stint managing Udinese before taking the Zagreb job. He was also manager of the China national team for two games but failed to win either of them before leaving the post.Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chanceBy Katherine WalshDavid Raya – 6A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.Jurrien Timber – 5Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.Gabriel – 6Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.Jakub Kiwior – 7For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.Declan Rice – 8Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.Jorginho – 6Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.Martin Odegaard – 7Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.Raheem Sterling – 4A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.Gabriel Martinelli – 8A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?Kai Havertz – 7Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.SubsEthan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6Assured cameo in midfield.Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5Calm on the ball after coming on.Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5Made his 100th appearance for the club. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 fans go wild as they’re convinced WINDOWS behind Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari unveiling pic have a secret meaning

      by

      FORMULA One fans are convinced that the WINDOWS behind Lewis Hamilton in his Ferrari photo-shoot have a secret meaning.Hamilton drove his new SF-24 for the first time this morning after arriving at Ferrari’s HQ in Maranello.Lewis Hamilton has been pictured on his first official day working at FerrariCredit: PABut fans are convinced that the windows have secret meaningHamilton wore a beaming smile as he greeted eager fansThe Brit posted a photo on social media of him standing outside a red house and next to a scarlet red Ferrari F40 on Monday.But the picture, outside the home of team founder Enzo Ferrari, sparked a bizarre theory online.Fans noted that the house had seven windows – a possible hint towards the number of World Drivers’ championships Hamilton has won.But it was the red door in the middle, with the yellow flag above it, that had F1 enthusiasts excited.READ MORE F1 NEWSPeople proposed that the door may symbolise that his arrival will open the gates to him winning a record-breaking eighth title.Hamilton, who has logged the most race wins in F1 history (105), tied Michael Schumacher’s seven titles in 2020.A year later, his historic title fight with Max Verstappen saw him controversially miss out on breaking the record.Race director Michael Masi was sacked from his role for his “human error” mistake in the final race of the season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Aussie failed to follow strict safety car rules in the Abu Dhabi GP finale and set up a final lap showdown between Hamilton and Verstappen.The upshot was that Verstappen on fresh tyres was able to pass Hamilton half a lap from the end of the race and win the title. Start of F1 races will look very different in 2025 with major change for first time in over a decadeHamilton, 40, will hope the iconic red brings him fresh joy and luck on the track this year.One viral X user captioned their post: “7 windows and a door to 8th! 👑♥️.”While another fan said: “Ferrari knew what they were doing with this photo – manifesting some destiny right here.”A third added: “Hopefully Lewis can walk through that eighth door!”Hamilton said he had always dreamed of driving for the ScuderiaHamilton wrote on Instagram: “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today is one of those days.”I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible.”But part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red.”I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today.”Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”He becomes the 13th British driver to race for Ferrari in F1.The 40-year-old is following in the footsteps of Nigel Mansell, Eddie Irvine and John Surtees – the last Brit to win the world title in red in 1964.Ollie Bearman, who will drive for Haas on the 2025 grid, became the the first Brit to drive for Ferrari in the 21st century in Saudi Arabia last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton’s deal, reported to be worth £363million including salary, bonuses, image rights and sponsorships, will run until 2027.The Brit has just over a month to ease into life in scarlet red before pre-season testing commences in Bahrain on February 26.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Teenager, 17, arrested after investigation into sick social media abuse against Kai Havertz’s wife Sophia

      by

      A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of sending vile and abusive messages to Arsenal forward Kai Havertz’s wife Sophia, cops have said. Sophia revealed she was subjected to horrific online abuse following Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.Kai Havertz’s wife Sofia revealed she received vile messages from fans on SundayCredit: Instagram/@kaihavertz29Havertz missed a penalty against Man UtdCredit: AFPSophia shared screenshots of several DMs she had received on social mediaCredit: InstagramHertfordshire Police said the boy, 17, was snarred on “suspicion of sending malicious communications” during the social media abuse probe against Sophia.Havertz, 25, missed a penalty in his side’s shootout loss at the Emirates on Sunday.The ex-Chelsea man saw his spot-kick saved by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir as the Gunners crashed out of the competition.Havertz also spurned a glorious chance to nab a late winner for Arsenal during extra time, blasting a shot over the bar despite being in front of the net.After full-time, Havertz’s wife Sophia shared screenshots of several DMs she had received on social media.Each one was filled with sick abuse aimed at the German influencer, 25, who announced her pregnancy in November.Sophia’s caption on the first screenshot read: “For anyone to think it’s okay to write something like this is so shocking to me.“I hope you are so ashamed of yourself.”Most read in FootballA second caption from Sophia on another message added: “I’m not sure what to even say but please guys be more respectful.“We are better than this…”Sophia and Havertz started dating in 2018 while the forward was still at Bayer Leverkusen.She followed him to Chelsea when the Blues paid £62million to sign him in 2020.And Sophia is now a regular fixture at Arsenal, who signed Havertz from Chelsea for £65m in 2023.The couple got engaged that same summer in lavish celebrations.And they got married in July 2024 after Havertz’s Germany was knocked out of Euro 2024.Sophia announced she was pregnant in NovemberCredit: Instagram @ kaihavertz29 More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘World’s most beautiful footballer’ reveals why she ‘hates football’ as she breaks down in tears in video

      by

      ANA MARIA MARKOVIC issued a tearful video stating that she “hates” football sometimes.Markovic, 25, plays for Braga and has been dubbed by some as the “world’s most beautiful footballer”.Ana Maria Markovic declared she ‘hates’ football sometimesMarkovic is a top footballer who has a legion of fans on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @anamxrkovicMarkovic said goodbye to her boyfriend Tomas Ribeiro at the airportAnd Markovic filmed herself breaking down in tearsHowever, it appears the beautiful game takes a toll on the forward on occasion. The Croatia international took to TikTok where she filmed herself saying goodbye to her boyfriend and fellow footballer Tomas Ribeiro, who recently signed for Farense, at the airportMarkovic issued the following caption: “Sometimes I just hate football.”She also filmed herself crying on camera for her followers.Read More on FootballThe Croatian moved to Braga last August from Grasshoppers when Ribeiro was playing for Vitoria Guimaraes, which is nearby.However, the centre-back signed for Farense this month which means he will be based in the other end of the country.Markovic also wrote: “Good luck bubi, you will do amazing and I can’t wait to see your games.”Fans stormed the comments section to reach out to their favourite footballer.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesOne fan posted: “The sacrifice is emotionally demanding.”Another commented: “Majority of people don’t understand the struggle of playing football and having to do long distance relationships..”‘World’s most beautiful footballer’ Ana Maria Markovic drives fans wild as she stuns in see-through outfitA third wrote: “Hopefully he shines at he’s new club.”This fan said: “I’m crying with you.”And that one stated: “You’ve got this.”Scroll down for more from Ana Maria MarkovicMarkovic pictured in a pink bikiniCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovicMarkovic has been dubbed the ‘world’s most beautiful footballer’Credit: Instagram @anamxrkovicThe 25-year-old regularly posts stunning snapsMarkovic is also a Croatia InternationalShe plays for Braga after a stint with GrasshoppersCredit: AlamyMarkovic donned a white dress for dinnerCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovicShe has millions of followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovic More