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      Arsenal’s Leah Williamson opens up on tearful moment after Women’s Champions League win and her trophy hunger

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON urged Arsenal to keep on winning silverware after fans’ raucous celebrations of their Champions League triumph.Like fellow club icons Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, the Gunners star wants to be remembered for major trophies wins as well as loyalty to the team.Leah Williamson and her team-mates celebrated their Women’s Champions League with fans gathered outside the Armoury in front of the EmiratesCredit: GettyThousands had flocked to the stadium celebrate the club’s second Women’s Champions League tourmanent winCredit: AlamyWilliamson paid tribute to skipper Kim Little after revealing they both broke down in tears following their defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League finalCredit: GettyChloe Kelly was serenaded by fans who chanted “we want you to stay” with the England forward currently out of contractCredit: GettyAlex Scott invited Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius to say a few words to the crowd gathered outside the EmiratesCredit: AlamyWilliamson, who broke down in tears after her side’s Champions League final defeat of Barcelona, joined team-mates for a public celebration of their triumph at the Emirates today. The centre-back put in one of her best performances of her career as Spain’s club football queens were shut out during Saturday’s showdown in Lisbon.  Her efforts helped her side secure Arsenal’s second Women’s Champions League trophy win following the club’s first triumph in 2007. And the lifelong Arsenal fan wants her legacy to be about loyalty combined with winning the biggest prizes with the Gunners. Read More Football StoriesWilliamson said: “You have to win trophies and I’m so proud of what we do off the pitch, who we are, how we lead and how we carry ourselves. “I’m so proud of that but I want to win and Arsenal should be winning. “I’ve looked at that legacy all my life and I’ve been aware of that and I wanted to contribute to it. “I don’t want to end my career just being loyal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Loyalty is great but loyalty with trophies is just something else.”This week I’ve spoken to Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, people I watched (when I was young). Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants and has ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in Champions League parade”They were incredible and they won and that’s why they are remembered the way they are. “I’m proud that we’re the only team in the land (to have won the Women’s Champions League). “Anybody that’s Arsenal – red and white – is going to have a summer to remember.”This morning thousands of fans flocked outside the Armoury in front of the stadium as  Williamson and her team-mates held their European trophy aloft. And Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe had supporters cheering following her leading expletive laden chants concerning rivals TottenhamAfter a mix of lighthearted and moving short speeches delivered by several players and head coach Renee Slegers, Williamson shared her reflections on her team’s success. Williamson, who spoke to Thierry Henry and Tony Adams this week, wants to be remembered for more than just her loyalty to ArsenalCredit: ReutersAnd she paid a touching tribute to skipper Kim Little, who is currently the team’s long-serving player having made more than 300 appearances. Williamson added: “If you look at this celebration today, the turnout and what we’ve done over the last couple of years, this is the stuff that makes you stay. “(After our win) I dropped to my knees because of the tears and then I went to look for Kim. We were just sobbing.”Kim Little is everything I would want to be as a person. “I’m just glad (for her) because you don’t get recognised sometimes and that’s unjust.  Read More on The Sun”You need to win trophies and to win the biggest things to get what you deserve. Kim deserves everything.”People had the game of their lives and I genuinely don’t know if anyone (on the team) that put a foot wrong in terms of the game plan and what it was meant to be.” More

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      Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants at Champions League parade – but Win the dog steals the show

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      KATIE McCABE got the party started as Arsenal lifted the Women’s Champions League trophy in front of a huge crowd of supporters outside the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners beat European giants Barcelona 1-0 on Saturday to win their second Champions League title.Katie McCabe got the party started at Arsenal’s Champions League trophy celebrationsCredit: ReutersThe full-back sang an anti-Tottenham chantCredit: GettyMcCabe recreated the moment Jack Wilshere addressed the crowd at Arsenal’s 2015 FA Cup celebrationCredit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal just seven minutes after coming off the bench for midfielder Frida Maanum.Against the odds, Arsenal went on to lift the trophy at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.After partying into Saturday night – and enjoying a performance by popstar Jess Glyne at their hotel – the Gunners returned to London the following afternoon.They spent Sunday evening partying in Mayfair before taking to the Emirates Stadium on Monday for a trophy lift.READ MORE ON ARSENALAt least 10,000 fans arrived at the ground to watch Renee Slegers and Co parade the silverware.But it was McCabe who stole the show during the presentation, which was hosted by Alex Scott just above the club megastore.The defender took the microphone from the Arsenal icon before breaking into song.McCabe sang chants for the likes of Blackstenius, Slegers and Beth Mead before having a ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in front of the supporters.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMuch like the fan-favourite midfielder did in 2015 after Arsenal’s FA Cup final win over Aston Villa, McCabe said: “What do we think of Tottenham?” to which the crowd responded: “S**t!”The full-back then screamed: “What do we think of s**t?” before the fans then replied: “Tottenham!”Inside Katie McCabe and her family’s wild Champions League celebrations after Arsenal’s historic winArsenal’s second mascot, a labrador named Win, also made an appearance at the celebration.She was lifted up to the crowd by Mead after the trophy lift.Speaking about the match, head coach Slegers said: “I’m often very calm and there’s a lot of thoughts and feelings inside me. When the whistle blew for the final, I knew we had two weeks of preparation.”We were so prepared. We were ready, let’s go and see where we’re at and go for the win.”We are working everyday with the players and the staff, there is incredible work being done. When we step on the pitch and see you guys, it makes it all real. Thanks so much, you’ve been incredible.”The club’s labrador Win was lifted up to show the crowd by Beth MeadCredit: Getty More

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      Chloe Kelly shows off her dancing as Arsenal stars get private performance from Alex Scott’s girlfriend Jess Glynne

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      CHLOE KELLY led the dancing as Alex Scott’s singer girlfriend Jess Glynne put on a private show for history-making Arsenal.Sub Stina Blackstenius’ sizzling strike sunk holders Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final in Lisbon.Chloe Kelly spearheaded the revelling at Arsenal’s partyCredit: Instagram / @alessiaGunners’ fan Jess Glynne helped make it an extra special nightBubbly in hand, Kelly took a brief break from dancingCredit: Instagram / @alessiaSinger Glynne was as overjoyed with victory as the playersAnd exuberant celebrations at a party afterwards suggested the Gunners agreed with pundits that it was their finest ever achievement.Arsenal had lifted the top European domestic crown just once before – in 2007.And the jubilation this time, on the final whistle in Portugal, was certainly wild.But it didn’t compare to the joyous way the team bopped the night away on the dancefloor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStriker Kelly looked especially proud of her footwork – as she shimmied at the front with a winner’s medal round her neck as Glynne performed on stage.Glynne, 35, has been dating 40-year-old BBC football presenter Scott, an Arsenal legend, since 2023.And as the songwriter belted out tunes, Kelly beamed as she held a glass of bubbly while wearing an Arsenal shirt with the words “Champions 2025” on it.The Lionesses star shared two clips of her efforts on her Instagram Stories page.Most read in FootballAlex Scott celebrated as if she was still an Arsenal playerCredit: GettyGlynne and Scott were at the final triumph in the Estadio Jose AlvaladeCredit: PAScott wore a retro shirt from the 1980s, albeit croppedCredit: PABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKelly’s team-mate Alessia Russo added more ecstatic scenes from the evening on her own social media account.Arsenal fan Glynne had shared champagne with Kelly at the Estadio José Alvalade stadium the previous day, in front of 38,356.Katie McCabe slides on the floor in Arsenal dressing room after Champions League finalAnd if anything, the Londoner looked even happier than her partner – at least until Scott headed onto the pitch to rejoice afterwards with arms aloft as if she was still a player.It was an explosion of joy and relief, showing she had lived every minute with the current Gunners as they defended brilliantly before conjuring a clinical winner.The Gunners were in dreamland after shocking favourites BarcelonaCredit: AFPArsenal lifted the top domestic European crown for the second timeCredit: AP More

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      Chloe Kelly ‘grateful’ to find happiness and Champions League success with Arsenal after being in ‘dark place’

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      CHLOE KELLY will be forever grateful to Arsenal after finding happiness and Champions League glory, following some dark moments this term. However the England star was tight-lipped on her future with her loan move ending after the Gunners’ defeat of Barcelona. Chloe Kelly wrapped up her loan stint with Arsenal by helping the team win this year’s Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe England forward played for 68 minutes in of the Gunner’s 1-0 win against Barcelona at Sporting Lisbon’s home ground in PortugalCredit: GettyKelly and her Arsenal pals are set to celebrate their contest triumph with a trophy outside the Emirates on Monday 26 MayCredit: AlamyFollowing her Man City to Arsenal switch in January, Kelly, 27, has impressed for the club, including during their triumphant Champions League charge. The forward made eight appearances in Europe for Renee Slegers’ side this term. And she played for 68 minutes yesterday as the team fought their way to a 1-0 defeat of Barcelona in this year’s decider played in Portugal’s capital Lisbon. The loan move that led to Kelly helping the Gunners win a second Champions League trophy, was preceded by her bombshell statement concerning a lack of game time at City. Read More Football Stories In the written post Kelly mentioned her mental wellbeing and lack of minutes affecting her career as well as her need to be happy again The England forward said: “From being in such a dark place to now, it’s crazy. “I was ready to take a break from football completely (but now) I’m just grateful. As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness. Most read in Football“As soon as Renee Slegers got on the phone to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her.”Tomorrow Kelly and her Champions League-winning pals will gather outside Emirates Stadium for a trophy celebration set to be attended by Arsenal fans. Players are due to celebrate their triumph in Armoury Square near the ground with the Bank Holiday Monday shindig expected to begin at 11:30.Of the club’s supporters, Kelly added: “I love them, they’re flipping amazing. Whether I was playing against them or for them, they’re the best fans.” Kelly’s Arsenal experience goes all the way back to 2010 when she joined their academy before making her senior debut five years later at 17. Spells at Everton and Man City followed the forward from 2016 before she made her Gunners return this January. On whether she wishes to stay at Arsenal with her Man City contract ending in June, Kelly added: “If it’s my last game for the club, I’ll forever be grateful. “They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness.They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. “It’s not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.”Arsenal’s Champions League triumph saw Slegers become the first Dutch coach to steer a team trophy glory in the contest. Beth Mead laid on the assist for Arsenal’s winning goal after coming on as a substitute for Kelly in the 69th minute of their 1-0 defeat of BarcelonaCredit: GettyAnd Beth Mead, 30, hopes the performance Arsenal produced against Barcelona can be replicated by the team throughout a season. Read More on The SunThe forward, who teed up Stina Blackstenius’ match-winning goal, said: “The European journey has been incredible. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs but we’ve shown so much character to win. Now as a team, we’ve got to do that throughout a full season.” More

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      Alex Scott shows off midriff in retro Arsenal kit and sips bubbly with Jess Glynne at Women’s Champions League final

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      ALEX SCOTT went down memory lane with partner Jess Glynne – as they watched Arsenal Women make history.The football presenter sipped champagne with singer Glynne in the Lisbon stands as they wore retro tops and cheered the Gunners to glory in the Women’s Champions League final.Jess Glynne and partner Alex Scott chose 1980s’ Arsenal topsCredit: PAScott watched her old team win the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe ex-Lionesses star looked as toned as ever as she balanced the bubblyCredit: PAGlynne and Scott saw history made at the Estadio Jose Alvalade venueCredit: PASub Stina Blackstenius’s brilliant 74th-minute strike edged out favourites and holders Barcelona 1-0.Scott, 40, was in the Arsenal side on the only other occasion they lifted the crown – in 2007 when it was called the Uefa Women’s Cup.And she looked as toned as she did back then – in a cropped yellow shirt revealing her impressive abs.Glynne was seen grinning as the couple looked on in classic short-sleeved tops from 1988-90, midway during Arsenal’s JVC sponsorship era.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-defender Scott walked down steps with a glass of bubbly in each hand.Yet at times Glynne looked to be enjoying herself even more than the famous ex-Gunner.The 35-year-old smiled and laughed as the couple settled in for the action at the Estadio Jose Alvalade stadium in the Portuguese capital.In fact, they could not have looked more relaxed – in contrast to the tense final that developed below them on the pitch.Most read in FootballBarcelona’s Irene Paredes slid in to net an own goal – only for VAR to deny Arsenal that opener as crosser Frida Maanum was ruled offside.But although the Spaniards were often on top, Leah Williamson masterminded the Gunners’ fierce defending.Scott celebrated victory as if she was still a playerCredit: GettyGlynne might have been even happier than Scott, judging by this picCredit: PAAnd Blackstenius came on to fire a first-time winner for WSL runners-up Arsenal following a sublime pass from fellow substitute Beth Mead.Scott was ecstatic at the end after making her way down to the pitch – celebrating with arms as wide as any of the club’s current players.It was sheer joy from the BBC star, who as a player won 140 caps for the Lionesses and lifted the WSL crown five times with Arsenal.Scott’s relationship with Glynne became public two years ago.She’s since called it “special” and has promised to protect it.Meanwhile, the couple have regularly shared blissful snaps – including a spectacular adventure holiday in Costa Rica in January.A glimpse into Scott’s glam life…Alex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexShe was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal 1 Barcelona 0: Blackstenius climbs off bench to win Gunners first Women’s Champions League in 18 years

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      STINA BLACKSTENIUS stunned Barcelona by firing Arsenal to Champions League glory wrecking the Catalan giants hopes of a European three-peat.The Sweden ace, who has a knack for netting tournament-winning goals, bagged one that saw the Gunners win the contest for the first time in 18 years.Arsenal have won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: APThe Gunners stars posed with their medals after beating Barcelona 1-0Credit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the winning goal as Arsenal won the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: AFPArsenal returned to European glory for the first time in almost 20 yearsCredit: APThe Gunners were massive underdogs heading into the finalCredit: PAEmotional scenes at full-time showed how much it meant to the Arsenal fansCredit: APWith Arsenal under the cosh the Sweden striker was called into action by boss Renee Slegers, along with Beth Mead in the 69th minute at the home of Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.The duo did not disappoint with Blackstenius pouncing on Mead’s classy reverse pass to drill low a shot beyond keeper Cata Coll six minutes later.The striker, who bagged Arsenal’s winner in the Women’s League Cup, was mobbed by her team-mates with Barca’s players looking stunned to go behind.The Gunners also had a goal chalked off in a tense encounter which they were jeered by a largely partisan crowd of 38,356 onlookers.READ MORE IN SPORTDespite the jeers of Barca’s fans, with just 5,000 Gunners supporters present, Slegers capped Arsenal’s renaissance by guiding the team to football’s top club prize.Respect and belief were the buzzwords around her camp as time drew near to the team’s biggest European game in 18 years.It was almost two decades ago (2007) that Arsenal claimed a Champions League trophy for the first time.Gunners legend Ian Wright, watching from the stands, had urged Slegers side to embrace the moment.Most read in FootballIan Wright watched on from the standsCredit: PAArsenal chairman Josh Kroenke was seen chatting to Uefa president Aleksander CeferinCredit: PAArsenal legend Alex Scott watched alongside partner Jess GlynnCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor periods of the game they certainly did with some of Arsenal’s top brass watch from the stands including co-owner Josh Kroenke and managing director Richard Garlick.The queens of Spain’s top-flight have pretty much demolished most of their Champions League rivals, lifting the trophy three times in the last four years.Ever since their first triumph in 2021, with Chelsea thrashed 4-0, they have been a force to be reckoned with.From the WSL this season, Manchester City were the only side able to lay a glove on Barcelona in Europe, with their tactically smart 2-0 win in the group stage.WSL champions Chelsea tried and failed to get past them conceding eight times across their two-leg semis tie.So the odds were very much against Arsenal at the home of Sporting where a large Barcelona contingent roared the holders on.After some panicky defending in their box early on, Slegers players appeared to settle into the game restricting the holders to just ONE first half shot on target.The Gunners thought they had taken the lead after Irene Paredes poked home an own-goal but a VAR check found Frida Maanum was offside.Read More on The SunAfter Claudia Pina had a 58th minute shot blocked and Barca fired some efforts narrowly over the bar.Arsenal took the lead much to the Catalan giants dismay. And they held out to capture the trophy for the first time in almost 20 years.Blackstenius found the bottom corner from inside the area to score the only goalCredit: AFPArsenal put on a defensive masterclass to stop Barcelona from scoringCredit: AFP More

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      Alessia Russo willing ‘to suffer’ in Arsenal’s battle Champions League glory with holders Barcelona 

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      ALESSIA RUSSO is ready to suffer against Barcelona if this leads to Arsenal lifting Europe’s biggest club prize once more.The chance of playing in Champions League final is a dream the Gunners striker has carried since childhood. Alessia Russo and her team-mates face huge Champions League final test against BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe Gunners receives dozens of messages from well-wishers and fans ahead of their bid to help the club win the contest for a second-timeCredit: GettyBarcelona have been in imperious form in Europe this term and scored eight goals across two games during their semi-final tie against ChelseaCredit: AFPAn ambition she “would have bitten off an arm” to fulfil.The dream Russo, 26, had during her younger years of featuring in a Champions League final is just hours away from coming true.It will be shared with a club who are to date the only English side to have won the women’s contest with their triumph over Swedish outfit Umea 18 years ago. This striker said: “As a little kid, the idea of competing in the Champions League, let alone playing in the final, is something I would have bit an arm off to get. Read More Football Stories “Now it’s coming around, it feels special and we’re just trying to enjoy the build-up and the moment.”I know that (so much) work has been done (by the players and the club) for a long time “Arsenal have been significant in terms of women’s clubs from England in the Champions League and making history in that competition.”We know what we’re coming up against with Barcelona. Their history speaks for itself.”Most read in FootballBarcelona have come a long way since their Champions League debut back in October 20212A match that ended with their 4-0 group stage loss to an Arsenal team then managed by English gaffer Laura HarveyAt 5:00pm today at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, a massive challenge faces Russo, her team-mates and their Dutch coach Renee Slegers.Arsenal hope to become the first team to topple Barcelona in the contest’s decider since Lyon’s triumph three years agoThe ten-time top-flight champs of Spain have won three of the last four finalsTheir journey to this one included a semi-final dismantling of Chelsea with an 8-2 aggregate win. Russo added: “They’ve been there and done it in almost everything. “Knowing that we’re coming up against an absolute world-class team, we have to be at our best, switched on, humble and ready to go”I feel if we weren’t, then we wouldn’t be in the final in the first place.”                                                              The 50,095 capacity ground they will play in, home of Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, has hosted some memorable games in the past.Encounters include Sporting’s 3-1 defeat of Manchester United in August 2003 in the stadium’s inaugural fixture.A friendly in which the trickery of a then 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo caught the eye of ex-Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson. A game that proved pivotal in influencing the Scotman’s decision to sign the forward who would go on to become the men’s Champions League’s all-time top scorer. Today Russo wants to create some pivotal moments of her own just as she did during Arsenal’s semis knockout of Lyon last month. “It’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to suffer in moments. Alessia Russo She scored her side’s third goal last as they pulled off a gutsy, second-leg fightback with the tournament’s record winners trounced 4-1 after their 2-1And the striker, who netted seven goals in ten Champions League appearances, this term is willing to suffer to secure the win. Russo added: “We want to leave everything on the pitch.”It’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to suffer in moments. “In games like this you just have to leave absolutely everything out there. I know that sounds cliché but it’s true.”The more you’re playing in these games and dealing with the pressures, the highs and the lows of it all can only help you further down the line.”We (my team-mates and me) talked about the biggest games in our careers.””This is definitely one of them. It’s massive for us all and to be doing it with Arsenal feels really special.”The last clash between the Gunners and their opponents, ended in a heavy 4-0 group stage loss for the London side in December 2021Today the Gunners have the bonus of an ex-Barca star Mariona Caldentey, 29, within their ranks. The Champions League-winning experience of the Spain playmaker, who has lifted the trophy three-times in the past four years, will be crucial. Russo said: “Mariona has got a crazy football brain and I’m sure she’s got some things up her sleeve. “It’s nice to have input from her, not only just because she’s played for Barcelona, but because she’s won the Champions League and the World Cup.”She knows how to win in these important moments.”Arsenal’s last foray in a Champions League final 18 years ago resulted in a triumph over Umea after a two-match tie. The decisive second leg for the team, then managed by former club kitman Vic Akers, ended as a 1-0 win at Boreham Wood with full-back Alex Scott’s strike sealing the victory.It’s a game Russo and her pals have been watching in the run-up to today’s match. The striker adds: “We were watching the highlights a couple of weeks ago of the second leg at Boreham Wood. “It’s crazy to think that was the last time an English club won the Champions League. “I was at an Adidas event with Rachel Yankey (who played in the match) and she reflected on the game. Russo reckons Mariona Caldentey’s experience of winnning the Champions League three times will be important for ArsenalCredit: PA“She recalled (the atmosphere) at Boreham Wood being electric. Read More on The Sun”Rachel said the players wanted to use the crowd massively because our fans are incredible.”I know we’ll have an amazing support out in Lisbon.” More

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      Manchester United boss Marc Skinner enjoying ‘carnage and chaos’ of World Sevens Football seven-a-side test

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      MARC SKINNER reckons claiming the top prize at the World Sevens Football contest could be huge for Manchester United financially. Along with Man City his Red Devils got off to a winning starts on the first day of the women’s seven-a-side tournament yesterday. Celin Bizet was among Man United’s scorers yesterday on the first day of the inaugural World Sevens Football tournamentUnited and Man City are among eight sides battling it out for the contest’s top prize with the winning team set to claim around £1.8million from a £3.76 prize potKerolin, who scored twice for Man City in their 4-0 defeat of FC Rosengard, reckons the style of play of the tournament felt “a little bit Brazilian”In the coastal town of Estoril in Portugal, the two WSL rivals are battling it out with six other European teams competing for the chance to be the contest’s overall victors. The winning side of the inaugural three-day seven-a-side tournament will earn around £1.8million ($2.5m) from a £3.76m ($5m) prize pot. And total prize money for this competition is more than what the victors of this year’s Women Champions League final will win with holders Barcelona up against Arsenal on May 23. Skinner said: “For any team who wins it would do a lot. First and foremost the players are enjoying it and having a good time. Read More Football Stories”If we then get to the point where we can win the prize money then of course that can be huge for us as well.” “But more importantly, the players have to enjoy it and that’s exactly why we were here.”It’s carnage, chaos. You have to allow the players to make decisions themselves. We will learn. The ball is fast, light and the pitch is quick.”Along with Ajax, Roma, Benfica, Bayern Munich, FC Rosengard and Paris Saint-Germain, United and Man City competed in 30 minute matches played two halves of 15 minutes. Most read in FootballTeams are permitted to use unlimited substitutions from the 14 players allowed to be part of their squad for each game. United, who take on Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain today, defeated Roma 3-2 following Man City’s 4-0 triumph over Swedish side FC Rosengard. Aside from being in a seven-a-side format, the pacy, goal-laden matches played at the home of Primera Liga side Estoril Praia, featured a DJ playing live music during the action. And fans being permitted to drink alcohol in the stands during games was another departure from the norms of a Women’s Super League match day.Brazil star Kerolin, who scored twice for City side in their win, reckons the style of play and atmosphere felt a little bit Brazilian. The City forward said: “I think it’s a good opportunity to be myself, especially after I came back from my ACL injury.”I tried to go one-v-one all the time. It’s hard to do that when it’s 11-aside as there’s too much to think (about). “Here I just want to enjoy that and be aggressive. “I liked the music a lot. In Portugal the weather is really nice so everyone is like ‘OK, we like these vibes.’ “Let’s just see how the tournament goes. “Harder games will come. We prepare for that and we just need to wait to see how we perform.”We try. It’s a little bit Brazilian I think. I like the ginga. I just think about getting back those things and being a little bit brave.”The Man City squad selected by interim boss Nick Cushing for the World Sevens features a few of the club’s promising young prospects including Codie Thomas, 18, Poppy Pritchard 19, and Lily Murphy, 19. Anita Asante, who is a member of the tournament’s Players Advisory Council, sees the contest as another platform on which younger players can make their mark. The ex-Lioness, Arsenal and Aston Villa ace said: “There’s room to be creative. Ayemu Oyama, who scored for Man City in their opener, is likely to be in action when her team play Ajax and Bayern Munich today”It also gives players an opportunity to showcase their talent at an elite level that could be unique to the women’s game sport.Read More on The Sun“It’s a fantastic opportunity for clubs to utilise the tournament to give further development and playing opportunities including their younger players.””It might provide the platform for showcasing emerging talent in general.” More