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      Emi Martinez admits he ‘creates chaos’ and reveals he got into Bruno Fernandes’ head with brutal Cristiano Ronaldo joke

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      EMI MARTINEZ has opened up on what makes him so successful at saving penalties. The Aston Villa goalkeeper, 30, has developed a reputation for doing whatever it takes to ensure he comes out on top in shoot-outs after helping Argentina beat France in the World Cup final.
      Martinez has developed a reputation as a penalty specialistCredit: tictock
      Martinez revealed how he got inside Bruno Fernandes’s head before a penalty in 2021Credit: tic tock
      The 30-year-old also starred in the quarter final penalty win against The Netherlands with saves from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis.
      And he saved three out of five penalties in Argentina’s Copa America semi final shoot-out win over Colombia en route to lifting the trophy in 2021.
      Later that year Martinez was playing for Villa against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
      Having gone ahead in the 88th minute they conceded an injury time spot kick.
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      The World Cup winner admitted that he was surprised Bruno Fernandes and not Cristiano Ronaldo was taking the spot kick and he used this this to his advantage.
      Speaking to Ian Wright and Oriana Sabatini on Behind The Game he said: “I saw Ronaldo disappointed for not taking it, and I thought there is tension here.
      “I said ‘Come on, you take it now. He (Ronaldo) doesn’t want to shoot’. I said to Cavani ‘Why is Ronaldo not shooting?’ ”
      The shot-stopper’s antics caused a delay to the penalty being taken and he was accused of trash-talking Fernandes.
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      The former Arsenal man denied this and explained he just wanted to put doubt in Fernandes’s mind.
      Martinez was also seen jumping up and down on his line and swaying side to side, which was a tip international team-mate Lionel Messi had given him.
      He said: “It’s not even trash-talk. I create chaos. It was the 92nd minute of the game, I have to distract him in some way because they’ve got everything to win.
      “Bruno, he didn’t miss a pen for 25 pens or something. I asked Messi and he said when you move all around the place like that, they don’t like it. 
      “I was dancing not because I want to dance. I never practised that. I don’t know how to do it now, that just came out in the moment. 
      “The strikers they said ‘We pick a spot’, and the quality they’ve got they can put the ball in the spot.
      “So if you’re moving around so you create chaos, actually we see different spots.”
      Fans flooded to social media to give their thoughts on the explanation.
      One replied: “That was a pretty cool explanation of Bruno’s pen, goalkeepers are always at a disadvantage in pens so it’s kinda cool to hear all the little tactics each keeper employs to level the field.”
      A second said: “Even as a United fan I respect it. Especially because time has passed a bit since.
      “The s*** housery is elite and I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t appreciate that.”
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      A third added: “It’s just mind games and it’s part of taking a penalty. Someone who can do that to an opponent consistently deserves to be admired.”
      Maritnez and Aston Villa are flying high in fifth place in the Premier League and will continue their quest to secure European football away at Manchester United on Sunday. More

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      What Alejandro Garnacho told Erik ten Hag with Man Utd set to lose winger to Under-20 World Cup at worst time

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO has reportedly handed Erik ten Hag a major blow concerning Manchester United’s bid for a cup double.The Argentina winger, 18, became an integral part of the Red Devils first-team this term before picking up an injury in the 0-0 draw with Southampton on March 12.
      Alejandro Garnacho has delivered a blow to Erik ten Hag and Man UtdCredit: Getty
      He has made 29 appearances and scored four goals so far this term and is now nearing a return to full fitness ahead of the run-in.
      Garnacho’s comeback would provide a huge boost to Ten Hag’s United depleted squad as they look to tie up a top four finish and then lift the FA Cup to go along with their Carabao Cup triumph.
      However, the teen could miss that Wembley showdown with Man City on June 3 at his OWN REQUEST.
      According to Argentinian outlet Doble Amarilla, the starlet has asked Ten Hag to grant him leave in order to represent his country at the Under-20 World Cup.
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      The tournament starts in May in his home country and runs until June 11.
      Garnacho has already been selected in the preliminary squad named by boss Javier Mascherano, who played for both Liverpool and Barcelona.
      And that would rule him out of playing in the FA Cup derby clash.
      The publication claims that Garnacho, who has never been capped at senior level despite several call-ups, has told Ten Hag: “I need to write my story with the Argentine shirt.
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      “I ask you please to let me go.”
      Neither Argentina or United have made any public comment yet on whether the attacker, who is still recovering from his ankle knock, will participate at the showpiece. More

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      Voice of football revealed as fans vote for greatest commentator – is it your favourite?

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      JOHN Motson has been voted the greatest football commentator of all time in a poll of fans.The late sheepskin-loving soccer encyclopedia beat Brian Moore, David Coleman and Clive Tyldesley to top spot.
      Late sheepskin-loving soccer encyclopedia John Motson has been voted the greatest football commentator of all timeCredit: Getty
      Motty’s line, “The Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club”, as Wimbledon beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final was named the fifth most iconic.
      But the top piece of commentary was Kenneth Wolstenholme’s “Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over — it is now” as England won the 1966 World Cup.
      The survey for CopyBet.com found 33 per cent of fans want commentators to have great player knowledge.
      Meanwhile, 26 per cent look for impartiality.
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      24 per cent of fans want an engaging narrative.
      Knowledge was the top asset for a pundit.
      Alan Shearer and Ian Wright were joint favourites.
      A spokesperson for the site said: “We’ve been blessed with some amazing commentators over the years and sadly we’ve lost some of the greats in recent years.
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      “For many of us, our memories of particular moments are likely entwined with the lines of commentary.
      “It’s hard not to think of that winning goal from Aguero and not hear the words of Martin Tyler or England winning the World Cup and not hear ‘they think it’s all over…’” More

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      Man Utd handed huge FA Cup final blow as Alejandro Garnacho ‘chooses to miss City clash for Argentina U20 World Cup’

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO could miss Manchester United’s FA Cup final to play in the Under-20 World Cup for Argentina.Reports in Garnacho’s homeland claim the teen star, 18, has decided to turn out for his country ahead of the derby blockbuster at Wembley.
      Alejandro Garnacho could reportedly miss the FA Cup finalCredit: AFP
      The winger has reportedly decided to play in the Under-20 World Cup – which kicks off on May 20Credit: GETTY
      United face neighbours City at Wembley on June 3.
      And that could clash with the knock-out stages of the youth tournament which will kicks off in Argentina on May 20.
      Argentina journalist Damian Villagra tweeted: “Alejandro Garnacho’s decision is to come and play the World Cup for the Argentina National Team.”
      Garnacho has been on the sidelines with an ankle injury sustained in March.
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      He has scored four goals for Erik ten Hag’s side this season – including the third goal in the FA Cup fifth round 3-1 win over West Ham at Old Trafford.
      Garnacho’s decision to play in the tournament has yet to be confirmed by United or Argentina.
      But that hasn’t stopped some of the Old Trafford faithful from panicking.
      One United fan said: “Garnacho going to the World Cup when we'[re] in a Dawg Fight.”
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      Garnacho hasn’t played since picking up ankle ligament damage in last month’s 0-0 draw with SouthamptonCredit: REX
      And another said: “So he won’t be available for the FA Cup final.”
      One questioned: “Alejandro, bro?”
      While one supporter, referencing United’s injury woes, chimed in: “Garnacho, [Raphael] Varane, [Lisandro] Martinez and now Bruno [Fernandes]. We don’t deserve this.”
      Garnacho has been on the sidelines since March after suffering ankle ligament damage in the Red Devils’ 0-0 draw with relegation battlers Southampton.
      But he seemingly handed Ten Hag a boost last Saturday by ditching the supports outside Cibo Restaurant in Hale Village.
      He left Old Trafford on crutches and was seen using them again six days later.
      Ten Hag was optimistic earlier this month about Garnacho’s chances of returning to the starting XI before the end of the season.
      The Dutchman said: “We have something in our heads.
      “But I don’t want – he will definitely be back before the end of the season. 
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      “I think he will be in the final stages, but I don’t want to bring so much pressure on the medical and Garnacho to set a date when to be back.”
      United will be back in action on Thursday, travelling to North London to take on top-four rivals Tottenham. More

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      Man Utd ‘hold Alexis Mac Allister transfer talks’ but fans instantly spot massive red flag in move for Argentina star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly opened talks with Alexis Mac Allister over a summer move – but fans aren’t convinced by his reported transfer demand.The Brighton midfielder has caught the eye of several teams over the last 18 months with a string of impressive displays.
      Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: REX
      But not all Red Devils fans are keen on the potential signingCredit: REX
      Mac Allister really put himself in the shop window and in Argentina’s successful World Cup campaign last December.
      And, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have already made overtures to sign the 24-year-old.
      Some of the Old Trafford faithful, however, aren’t convinced by the potential acquisition of Mac Allister.
      One tweeted: “[Moises] Caceido is a better choice.”
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      Another said: “No and no to that please.”
      And another said: “No, F**K No.”

      One remarked: “Caicedo or [Declan] Rice should be first priority.”
      Another chimed in: “[Lionel] Messi made him look good. He’s a fraud we’ve seen him yesterday.”
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      Some supporters were fine with the idea of Mac Allister coming in – but scoffed at the idea of United actually getting a deal done.
      One fan joked: “So that’s us out of the picture then.”
      Another remarked: “There’s no way we’re signing him then. We don’t conclude deals early in the transfer window.”
      One chimed in: “United making early transfers, pahahah.”
      Mac Allister inked a bumper new five-year deal – with the option of another 12 months – at the Amex weeks before last winter’s World Cup.
      But the Seagulls are seemingly open to cashing in on their star midfielder – for the right price.
      Club CEO Paul Barber told talkSPORT: “With Alexis, we sat down before the World Cup with his father, Carlos, and his agent.
      “That was about making sure Alexis was as settled as possible before the World Cup goal.
      “And afterwards, we ensured he got back focused on the Premier League – to his credit he absolutely has done. Has performed very, very well.
      “What the summer brings? We don’t know. What we do know is our players will come under a lot of scrutiny and interest.
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      “And we will manage that, as we always do, when and if it happens.”
      Brighton will be back in action on Wednesday, travelling to the City Ground to take on Prem strugglers Nottingham Forest. More

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      Giant Pele doll with ‘hand for penis’ leaves fans terrified after kicking off cup final in Brazil

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      A MAN wearing a gigantic Pele costume left football fans both baffled and terrified at a cup final in Brazil.The Brazilan legend, a three-time World Cup winner and one of the greatest to ever play the game, passed away last year aged 82.
      A giant Pele doll with a ‘hand for penis’ left fans traumatisedCredit: Twitter @AndreSilvares
      The huge doll was on show before a cup final in BrazilCredit: Twitter @AndreSilvares
      The person inside the doll waved to fans and gave a thumbs up while leaning out of Pele’s fly zipCredit: Twitter @AndreSilvares
      At the time, thousands of mourners lined the streets at Santos football stadium to say a final farewell ahead of the icon’s funeral following his battle with cancer.
      Four months on from his death, the former goalscorer was honoured again in a bizarre way.
      It came prior to kick off in the first leg of the Campeonato Pernambucano final between Retro and Sport Recife on Saturday.
      A huge Pele figure marched out onto the pitch with an eerie smile as both players and officials applauded.
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      And the crowd were loving it also as they cheered on from the stands.
      The figure came complete with a Brazil-themed superhero cape and a huge gap around the fly area of the trousers.
      It then proceeded to perform some pivots before kicking the ball to one of the watching players before floating back off the field.
      But, as he left, the man inside the costume pushed his arm through the trouser gap – which made it look remarkably like the figure had taken some of the viagra Pele famously had advertised for years.
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      As the clip began to go viral on social media, footy fans quickly began revelling in the remarkable scenes.
      “I’ll be seeing that face when close my eyes for weeks,” tweeted one fan.
      Another wrote: “This is genuinely the scariest thing I’ve ever seen.”
      A fellow supporter said: “It’s what Pele would have wanted.”
      Another then wrote: “I’m not really one to call for people to lose their jobs but whoever thought this was a good idea needs sacked.” More

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      Bobby Moore’s family ‘overwhelmed’ with support after his 1966 World Cup winner’s shirt vanished from ex-wife’s attic

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      BOBBY Moore’s family has been overwhelmed by messages of support over his missing 1966 World Cup-winning shirt.Bobby’s ex-wife Tina had thought the famous red jersey was safely stowed in her attic.
      Bobby Moore’s family has been overwhelmed by support over the shirt that went missingCredit: Getty
      In 2021, she was shocked to learn the shirt had turned up for sale at an auction.
      Tina, 79, is unsure how it went missing or who had it and has spent £33,000 in legal fees trying to recover the shirt.
      It disappeared with the one Pele gave her husband after the England-Brazil game in the 1970 World Cup.
      Tonight, West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady said: “I hope the shirt is returned to the family and would urge whoever has it to give it back to its rightful owners.”
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      Bobby’s daughter Roberta, 58, said: “We’ve been so touched by the support we’ve received from concerned fans.
      “We are hugely grateful for their warmth, love and respect for my father.
      “People are shocked to hear what’s happened and how we’ve not been able to get any answers.”
      Tina added: “It’s been an amazing response. The phone doesn’t stop ringing.
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      “I just hope we can find the shirt.”
      She is pleading with the shirt owner to come ­forward, saying: “Those shirts belong to our family.
      “We’d like to loan them to a football museum or the FA so everyone can see a part of this country’s footballing history.”
      Bobby’s pal and ex-agent Dave Davies said: “It would be great if the FA could get hold of the shirt and put it on display for the nation.” More

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      Premier League star is incredibly hard to recognise on cover of Vogue – can you tell who it is?

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE star has appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine but it is incredibly hard to recognise them.The footballer appears on the cover with a bucket hat pulled down over his face, hiding his identity.
      A Premier League star is incredibly hard to recognise on the cover of VogueCredit: Vogue Netherlands
      Along with the bucket hat, the star is wearing an open-necked shirt with some jewellery.
      The cover is for Vogue Netherland’s May issue in which he discusses his performance at the World Cup in 2022.
      He also discusses his time at time at one of the biggest clubs in Holland before sealing a move to the Premier League in 2020.
      The attacker completed a £35million deal and has won plenty of silverware since.
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      This includes the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and a Fifa Club World Cup.
      He has also picked up runner-up medals in the FA Cup and League Cup.
      He has however struggled for regular games, having only made 60 appearances in the Premier League, scoring six goals.
      Despite his club form, it did not stop him from starring for Morocco in Qatar.
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      The player is of course Chelsea and former Ajax star… Hakim Ziyech.
      He spoke to Vogue about the North African side’s run to the World Cup semi-finals before being knocked out by runners-up France.
      Despite the amazing achievement, Ziyech admitted that he was still disappointed not to have done more.
      He said: “We were in the last four. We were so close and we just didn’t make it to the final.
      “I wouldn’t say sadness, but the disappointment was great. For the outside world, everyone was very happy.
      “But when you’re on the pitch, it’s all about one thing: winning. And we didn’t.”
      Even though he impressed on the international stage, Ziyech has not had the same success at Stamford Bridge this season.
      And he is expected to be one of the players heading through the exit door this summer.
      Hakim Ziyech is the player on the cover of the magazineCredit: Getty More