More stories

  • in

    West Ham star left CRYING after beating Man Utd as he releases emotional statement

    GUIDO RODRIGUEZ has revealed that he was left CRYING after West Ham beat Manchester United.The Hammers midfielder posted an emotional statement after the victory at Old Trafford.Guido Rodriguez was left crying after helping West Ham beat Manchester UnitedCredit: instagram @guiido_rodriguezHe was an important part of the Hammers’ midfield in the matchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialRodriguez, 31, joined the East London club on a free transfer last summer after leaving Real Betis.The Argentine has struggled for regular game time in England despite being a World Cup winner in 2022. Since the arrival of manager Graham Potter, Rodriguez had only seen two minutes of action before the trip to Manchester.His inclusion in the starting XI came as a surprise to fans but he justified his selection.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe midfielder helped West Ham end an eight-game winless run and leapfrog the Red Devils and Tottenham in the Premier League table.After the match, he took to social media to celebrate the win and admitted that he was left crying at the achievement of a boyhood dream.He included a number of pictures from his performance as well as a selfie of him teary-eyed.He wrote: “It was about three months without playing… and after so much endurance and effort, today was a reward.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Better days, worse days, and today I was able to let out what was inside me.”Little Guido, who watched the Premier League and Old Trafford games at home on Sunday mornings, dreaming of being a soccer player one day, would be very proud of what he became, of what he achieved with his drive and dedication.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel Messi”Of how he enjoyed and continues to enjoy the process.”Of how he cried after the game. And of how he continues to pursue and work for his dreams.”Rodriguez received plenty of support from his West Ham team-mates as they flooded the comment section.Club captain Jarrod Bowen wrote: “You deserve brother.”Loan star Carlos Soler posted: “A great player, an impeccable professional, a tireless fighter, and, most importantly, a 10/10 person.”Vladimir Coufal commented: “You were amazing today.”Edson Alvarez said: “You are immense, brother.”Luis Guilherme added: “You deserve it bro.”West Ham ran out 2-0 winners over Ruben Amorim’s side with Tomas Soucek and Bowen netting the goals.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Rodriguez has been tipped to leave the Hammers this summer.Reports have claimed he has had offers from former clubs River Plate, CF America and Betis. More

  • in

    ‘Have they brought their boots?’ – Jordan Pickford and Man Utd icon cheer on Sunderland in play-off against Coventry

    TWO Premier League stars cheered on old club Sunderland in an epic play-off – as fans initially wished at least one of them was on the pitch rather than in the stands.Manchester United winger Amad Diallo and Everton’s England keeper Jordan Pickford watched on anxiously – but then in joy as Dan Ballard sunk Coventry in the FINAL minute of extra time. Amad Diallo was a huge fans’ favourite when on loan at the SoLSunderland is Jordan Pickford’s home town and first clubCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDan Ballard sparked wild scenes with his last-gasp Black Cats winnerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDiallo’s Red Devils team-mate Harry Maguire had also gone back to his roots the previous night – to watch his home-town first club Sheffield United book their place at Wembley. Now there will be two jackpots at stake when the Black Cats take on the Blades in the Championship play-off final on May 24.First there’s a spot in the Premier League – and, second, there’s the £200million that comes with it.Diallo, 22, was a popular and exciting loan hit for the Black Cats in 2022-23.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd local lad Pickford, 31, spent the first six years of his career at Sunderland, albeit with six temporary spells away before Everton pounced in 2017. But it was spotting Diallo in the crowd that appeared to rouse Black Cats supporters most.One posted: “Has Amad brought his boots?” Another wrote: “Amad Diallo was among those in attendance.”Most read in FootballMany just noted the duo were there – with Diallo in a black cap and jacket, while Pickford wore a polo shirt.Club icon Jermain Defoe spent time before kick-off signing autographsCredit: PABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoth were seen looking almost as nervous as the fans as the tie went into extra time.Coventry wideman Ephron Mason-Clark had steered the only goal of normal time in the 76th-minute, making the aggregate score 2-2.Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is there youngest-ever outfield player But in the 120th minute Ballard thundered home a header to send the Stadium of Light wild with delight.Diallo will soon be preparing for a tense finale to the season himself.The Ivorian has a Europa League Final to look forward to next Wednesday for United against Tottenham and is no stranger to the Championship play-offs.He suffered heartbreak in them against Luton two years ago when his impressive season-long loan stint at Sunderland came to a painful end.Diallo remains a firm favourite with the Black Cats faithful after his 14 goals and four assists from his 42 appearances.And the North East club still holds a strong place in his heart as he regularly shows his support via social media.Diallo even sent Sunderland a message ahead of Tuesday’s crunch clash.The club posted highlights from a 2-1 win over Luton from 2023 in which Diallo opened the scoring.Spotting it, the attacker shared the post to his story and captioned it with the loving eyes emoji to show his backing for them.Diallo was one of a host of famed players past and present who took part in a guard of honour before kick off.And former 1973 FA Cup-winning hero Jim Montgomery walked through before the club revealed that the SoL’s West Stand was being renamed after the iconic goalkeeper.Legendary striker Jermain Defoe was also at the Stadium of Light – notably signing loads of autographs before kick-off.But it was current top-flight heroes Diallo and Pickford who got much of the attention on social media.”Jordan Pickford and Amad Diallo both at SoL tonight to watch #SAFC,” said one supporter.Another fan played it straight too.Read More on The SunHe posted: “Amad Diallo was among those in attendance for the Championship play-off match between Sunderland and Coventry City at the Stadium of Light.” But now centre-back Ballard will go down in folklore – after sinking Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues at the death.Coventry’s Ephron Mason-Clark celebrated taking the tie to extra time only for Frank Lampard’s men to then suffer agony in the dying secondsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Ricky Hatton shows off dramatic new look as boxing legend poses with stunning Sky Sports walk-on girl

    RICKY HATTON took to Instagram to show off a surprise new look. The former light-welterweight and welterweight world champion was pictured on social media alongside a Sky Sports walk-on girl.Ricky Hatton poses with his new trim Sky Sports walk-on girl Jade SlusarczykRicky Hatton has shaved his hair off for charityCredit: InstagramThe Briton, whose professional record stood at 45-3, had been at ‘Blowfest’ in Blackpool.The ex-boxer posted a picture of himself and Jade Slusarczyk, a TV presenter and walk-on girl.Hatton sported a a fresh head shave, and he posed with sunglasses tucked into his black t-shirt with a pint of Guinness in his hand. Hatton had revealed two days previously that he was shaving his head for charity. Read more BoxingHe was raising money for the Brain House Children’s Hospice, which he tagged in a previous Instagram post, when he still had a full head of hair. Now, ‘The Hitman’ is sporting a very different look, and he captioned his picture with Slusarczyk: “Brilliant couple of days in Blackpool at #blowfest @vivablackpool Good to see you again @jade_slu Brilliant time & laugh. X”A pal said: “There were a few people who had to do a double take when they saw him as he looked a bit different. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”But the new style really suits him and he’s looking and feeling great.Most read in Boxing“Ricky had a brilliant time in Blackpool and is looking forward to lots more partying and travelling over the summer.”‘He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightRicky, who tours the world giving speeches and appearing at after dinner events, still trains and manages a stable of fighters.He recently split with actress Claire Sweeney, although the pair remain firm friends.The source added: “Ricky’s loving life, having fun and just enjoying himself. He worked so hard in his career but he’s found contentment in retirement too: mainly because he keeps himself so busy.”Earlier this month, Ricky delivered his verdict on the eagerly awaited rematch between Daniel Dubois and Oleksander Usyk.He said: “Daniel Dubois is one hell of a fighter and the first fight against Oleksandr Usyk was a good fight with a bit of controversy and Daniel looked like he had hurt Usyk.“But the fact that this AJ win will give him the confidence now going into that fight means it wouldn’t be a foregone conclusion if they rematch.“The fact Oleksandr Usyk has beaten Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, he deserves to be the number one in the division. But if I had to bet my house, I wouldn’t say it’s a foregone conclusion, especially with Daniel’s confidence.”Hatton’s boxing career spanned from 1997 to 2012, across 48 bouts. He won the WBU light-welterweight title in 2001 before successfully defending the belt a record 15 times in a three-year period.He made his debut at welterweight in 2006, winning the WBA title vs Luis Collazo.He returned to light-welterweight to claim the IBF title in 2007, as well as the IBO crown. He suffered his first defeat at the hands of Floyd Mayweather as he challenged for the WBC, Ring, and lineal welterweight belts. He then was beaten by Manny Pacquiao in 2009, losing his IBO, Ring, and lineal light-welterweight titles. Read More on The SunHis last fight was against Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012 at the Manchester Arena, three and half years on from his defeat to Pacquiao. Hatton was knocked out in the ninth round with a left hook, and he announced his retirement from the sport in the ring afterwards. More

  • in

    Johnny Fisher opens up on backstabbers who turned on him after controversial Dave Allen win ahead of huge rematch

    JOHNNY FISHER says the boxing backstabbers were ready and waiting to twist the knife after his controversial win over Dave Allen.Fisher was dropped in the fifth round against Allen in December but edged out a contentious split-decision victory in Saudi Arabia. Johnny Fisher controversially beat Dave Allen on pointsCredit: GettyUp until that point, it had only been love and adulation for the hugely popular Romford Bull and his social media star dad Big John.But Fisher – one of Britain’s most prolific ticket sellers – says he felt backs being turned on him in the aftermath of the bout. He told SunSport: “If you’re a professional boxer or an athlete of any perspective or any person in some sort of public eye, you’re gonna get negative comments.”And when it is a close fight, people with their knives are waiting to dig in and and defame you, but people who know their boxing thought it was a close fight.READ MORE IN BOXING”I believe I won by one round. I don’t, don’t dispute people that thought it could have gone around the other way or it was a draw.”But objectively looking at it, I thought I won by a round and that’s a close fight. So we can do it again.”Fisher’s popularity has been boosted hugely by the online love for his Chinese takeaway-loving dad. But Fisher Sr bared the brunt of his son’s disputed decision win in Riyadh, taking to social media in defence of his boy.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe passionately backed Johnny against criticism coming from those they deemed their closest confidants. And Fisher Jr said: “It’s my dad, we’re the same person.”And if my son was in that position and people who you thought you were friends, people would be around your house were making it hysterical and creating a hysteria, I’ll do the same thing for my son.”Fisher ended up in hospital after the 12 brutal rounds against Allen – and revealed he relished the damaging slugfest.He said: “They’re the things you dream of as a professional fighter. “Can’t do it all the time but to show people I’m not just a knockout artist, I can dig in, that’s another good positive.”That’s what you live for, that’s why we entertain people.” Fisher, 26, now rematches Allen, 33, on Saturday at his adopted home of the Copper Box Arena, ready to silence the deafening doubters.He said: “It was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do it again because it was a close fight.Read More on The Sun”But then I watched it back and thought I won by one round. There’s always other opportunities – my life don’t revolve around this rematch.”But something in the back of my mind wanted to do it again – so let’s do it.”Johnny Fisher with his dad Big JohnCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyFisher and Allen ahead of their rematchCredit: PA More

  • in

    Man Utd legend Eric Cantona poses in rival kit as fans announce fresh protests against 20 years of Glazer ownership

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans marked the 20th anniversary of the Glazer ownership by announcing plans for another protest.Supporters group ‘The 1958’ will again make their feelings known when Old Trafford stages the final home match of the season on May 25.Manchester United fans are planning a fresh protest against the Glazer ownershipCredit: PAThe Glazers took over the club in 2005Credit: AFPFans claim the owners have ‘betrayed’ the clubCredit: PAEric Cantona wore the colours of FC United to show his supportCredit: X/FCUnitedMcrIt is now two decades since the American family completed their controversial takeover of the Red Devils.And a spokesman for the 1958 said their legacy is ‘greed, decay and betrayal’.They said: “May 2005 marked one of the darkest days in the history of Manchester United.“The Glazer family became majority shareholders – triggering a compulsory takeover that was completed in June that year.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“That moment signalled the beginning of the end for the soul and community of our once great club – sacrificed at the altar for corporate greed.“We will march as one fanbase to make it clear that 20 years on the fire still burns red with fury and defiance. We protest, once again, at the Villa game.“Lifelong supporters are being driven away from the club they love – priced out and pushed aside – another dagger to the heart of our football community.“We want the Glazers out of our club. They were never welcome, they are not welcome now. They will never be welcome.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe group said legendary former boss Alex Ferguson has been a staunch defender of the Glazer family but his success had only masked the problems.Club legend Eric Cantona has also joined in the protest.’I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief lifts lid on most expensive window in club historyThe Frenchman was pictured wearing an FC United of Manchester kit and bucket hat on social media.He has done so as “Football belongs to the fans.”United are currently enduring their worst domestic season in 51 years, although they still have the chance to salvage something by winning the Europa League.Their statement said: “Since his retirement, the rot beneath has been laid bare for all to see — the true cost of 20 years of financial exploitation and mismanagement.“The club is drowning in over a billion pounds of debt, our fanbase Is fractured and divide and our stadium neglected.“All while the Glazers continue to pocket dividends, year after year, regardless of failure on the pitch.“Old Trafford, once the Theatre of Dreams, is crumbling from decades of neglect. They’ve taken everything.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

  • in

    ‘No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight message

    GARY LINEKER issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the Day after a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixtures.Southampton and Manchester City played out a drab goalless draw at St Mary’s, Everton won 3-1 at Fulham, Brighton prevailed 2-0 at Wolves, Brentford beat Ipswich 1-0 at Portman Road and 10-man Aston Villa picked up a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.Gary Lineker issued a no-nonsense sign off on Match of the DayLineker blasted a hapless round of Saturday Premier League fixturesThe games left much to be desired and Lineker, 64, suggested the BBC found it hard to put together an exciting highlight reel.So much so that the famous presenter described Saturday’s action as “probably one of the worst”. Lineker issued the following savage verdict: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Read More on FootballMatch of the Day shared a clip of that remark with the following caption: “No sugar-coating from @GaryLineker there.”Several football fans were left in stitches with that unique sign-off and took to social media.One fan tweeted: “The man Gary.”Another laughed: “Bahahahaha!”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Keepin’ it real, yess!”Wayne Rooney cracks up live on BBC Sport after Gary Lineker’s brutal Micah Richards gagAnd a further post read: “Straight shooter Gaz.”Lineker dropped that tongue-in-cheek statement in one of his last ever appearances on Match of the Day as he will step down as presenter in May after 26 years in the esteemed show.The former England international will also leave the BBC altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.The Leicester legend will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker insists he will not be seen on any TV rival after leaving the Beeb and will instead be doing podcasts while also focusing on his personal life. More

  • in

    Sevilla flops forced to spend night at training centre after defeat as ‘violent’ fans launch horrific attacks

    SEVILLA stars were forced to spend the night at their training ground after angry fans stormed it following their defeat to Celta Vigo.The club’s poor season continued on Saturday thanks to a 3-2 defeat away to Celta Vigo.Sevila suffered a 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo on SaturdayCredit: EPAFurious Sevilla fans took out their season’s frustrations by attacking the club’s training groundCredit: XFootage on social media showed fans storming the ground after breaking through a gateCredit: XSevilla’s 15th league defeat of the campaign has left them in 16th place in the La Liga table and dangerously close to the relegation zone with three matches remaining.And a small number of the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan faithful showed their anger by attacking the club’s training ground.Footage on social media showed an angry mob attacking and breaking through the training ground’s protective gate.Joaquin Caparros’ troops had to take refuge in their training ground for the night due to fears for their safety after heading there on their return from the Celta Vigo game.READ MORE FOOTIE NEWSSevilla issued a scathing statement on the incredible act of violence, in which they urged the authorities to take serious action.It read: “Sevilla FC strongly condemns the organised vandalism that took place this Saturday night at the Jose Ramon Cisneros Palacios Sports City, following the first team’s arrival at the facilities after the match against Celta de Vigo.“Sevilla FC requests that the Security Forces and Corps exercise the utmost diligence to locate those responsible for these despicable acts, perpetrated by a gang of organized radicals who acted with extreme violence.“Beyond the complaints, Sevilla FC is committed to doing everything in its power to assist in the pursuit of the perpetrators of these crimes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSevilla are six points above the relegation zone with three La Liga matches remainingCredit: REX”It will try to help identify those involved in these actions and will act relentlessly in the event that they are Sevilla FC fans and members.“Finally, Sevilla FC expresses its absolute condemnation of any protest that involves violence and criminal acts like those seen this Saturday, May 10.Ex-Premier League star Jesus Navas breaks down in tears as he plays final home game for Sevilla“The club is certain that these actions do not represent the Sevilla fans, who are also aware of the significance of Tuesday’s match against UD Las Palmas at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.”Sevilla are a mere six points above the relegation zone following Saturday’s defeat to Celta.Hot on their heels are 18th-placed Las Palmas, whom they’ll host at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan on Tuesday night for a relegation six-pointer.Defeat to Los Amarillos could all but condemn Sevilla to the Segunda Division as they face tricky ties against Real Madrid and Villarreal in their last two matches of the season. More

  • in

    ‘Please delete this’ – Southampton send cringeworthy message to Derby after passing lowest Premier League points tally

    SOUTHAMPTON fans have blasted the club’s social media account after it celebrated passing Derby County’s lowest ever Premier League points tally.The already-relegated Saints earned their 12th point of the season after a 0-0 draw with Manchester City, to overtake Derby’s 11 points secured in 2007-2008.Southampton beat officially beat Derby’s worst-ever Premier League side points tallyThe already-relegated Saints won their 12th point of the season against Manchester CitySouthampton tagged Derby County in an X post at full-timeRock bottom and Championship-bound Southampton survived 26 shots at goal to hold Champions League-chasing City on Saturday afternoon.And it even prompted a cheeky dig from the official Saints X account at full-time, which read: “Sorry if we got your hopes up, @dcfcofficial.”But other supporters were left fuming with the “humiliating” post and begged the club, who have now drawn six games, to rip it down.One wrote: This is embarrassing as f***. Please delete this. On behalf of Every saints fan.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA second said: “Even for bait this is proper tragic, head would be on Mars if I was a Saints fan.”A third added: “This is embarrassing 😶.”While another footie supporter chimed in with: “Imagine bragging about being the second worst team in Premier League history 😂.”And Saints fans probably won’t want to hear what proud goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had to say about passing Derby’s tally.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former Arsenal stopper said: “Delighted. We’re not happy about how the season has gone but we’re happy we’ve avoided that record.”We’re under no illusions that it’s not a great points tally. The fans are happy in the sun smiling.Ivan Juric leaves Southampton after woeful relegation from Premier League with club on track to make unwanted history “Everyone knows it’s been a difficult season for us. That one was for the fans and also the lads who have given everything. “A lot of Mondays coming in after heavy defeats. Today is a relief.”When Rusky came in he asked us to be extraordinary in concentration and personality and we showed that in abundance today.”Credit to the lads and way they defended. We made it hard for them.”In fairness to Southampton, much has been made about whether or not they can beat Derby’s unwanted record. And now they’ve done it.And interim manager Simon Rusk did urge his side to leave the Premier League “with as much dignity as possible” before kick-off.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, City failed to sew up a top-five finish in the race for the Champions League, and missed out on the chance to move level on points with Arsenal in second.Pep Guardiola’s side now stay within touching distance of their fellow Champions League chasers Newcastle, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, with 65 points in third place. More