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      Bukayo Saka ‘tells Arsenal he wants to STAY with England star closing in on staggering £200k-a-week contract’

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      BUKAYO SAKA has allegedly agreed to stay at Arsenal.And he is now closing in on a bumper new contract worth £200,000-a-week.
      Bukaya Saka has reportedly agreed terms on a bumper new Arsenal dealCredit: Alamy
      The Gunners winger was in brilliant form for England during the World Cup in Qatar.
      Saka, 21, was named in L’Equipe’s team of the tournament – with the French newspaper a notoriously harsh critic.
      Since returning from the Middle East he has continued to shine for table-topping Arsenal despite entering the final 18 months of his deal.
      Saka has scored five goals since heading back to North London, with his latest helping his team to beat Aston Villa 4-2 last weekend.
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      Now supporters have been dealt a huge boost ahead of the trip to Leicester on Saturday after a fresh report claimed he has agreed to commit his future to the club.
      The Athletic states he has reached “an agreement in principle over a new long-term contract”.
      However, the deal is still not officially signed and “may take some time to finalise”.
      But it adds that it is “now in place and will come as a huge boost to the club”.
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      The Daily Mail has also reported that Saka has “told Arsenal he wants to stay”.
      And they claim that his new package will earn him over £10m annually. More

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      World Cup’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll drapes herself across police cars in busty see-through dress outside Parliament

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      THE World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll has been turning heads on the streets of London.The Croatian superfan shot to fame in Qatar and ever popularity is still on the rise.
      Ivana Knoll caught the eye on the streets on WestminsterCredit: Splash
      She posed in front of Big Ben and an iconic London busCredit: Splash
      She also took a cheeky snap on top of a police car
      The model also posed next to a telephone boxCredit: Splash
      Ivana wore a short skirt and huge heelsCredit: Splash
      The outfit allowed her to show off her long legsCredit: Splash
      Ivana turned heads outside Parliament
      She even caught the attention of on-duty police officers
      Since the tournament finished she has mingled with the likes of Drake and Jamie Foxx and partied in the United States.
      And now she has come over to sample life in London by posing around the streets of Westminster
      Donning a skimpy outfit and heels, Ivana embraced her surroundings by walking into a typically British telephone box.
      She showed off her long legs with one snap in front of Big Ben and an iconic red bus.
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      Ivana caught the attention of passers by, including police officers working outside Parliament.
      The former Miss Croatia strutted about in high heels and even pole danced on a lampost.
      She recently confessed that she is a passionate dancer with pole dancing and belly dancing her forte.
      Ivana occasionally shows off her moves on social media, much to the excitement of her 3.6million Instagram followers.
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      The model appears to be enjoying herself in London and took in Arsenal vs Manchester City last week, being gifted a shirt with her name on the back by the Gunners.
      She then went out in London, before attending the Baftas after-party on Sunday. More

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      From the Crazy Gang to Gazza’s tears, the seven most iconic moments of John Motson’s career as BBC legend passes away

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      FOOTBALL has lost its most iconic voice after John Motson passed away, aged 77.Fans across the country are mourning the legendary BBC commentator, who hung up his mic – and famous sheepskin coat – five years ago.
      BBC commentary legend John Motson has passed away, aged 77Credit: PA:Press Association
      During his distinguished 48-year career, Motty covered ten World Cups, ten European Championships, 29 FA Cup finals and more than 200 England games.
      But there are some moments that stand out more than others and will NEVER be forgotten.
      Here are SunSport’s favourite memories from the ‘Voice of Football’…
      You can’t fault his appetite for the game
      The famous sheepskin John Motson wore at Adams Park became synonymous with the BBC legend
      It was an image that became synonymous with Motty.
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      And was always a running joke when the weather mimicked arctic conditions.
      In December 1980, Motty reported live from Adams Park before Wycombe Wanderers entertained Peterborough United.
      Battling the elements, he delivered his message with aplomb and the sheepskin became a regular fixture.
      His commentating was something quite poetic
      John Motson delivered the famous line, “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club” when Wimbledon beat LiverpoolCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Motty tapped into popular culture too.
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      One of the biggest Cup Final shocks of all time came when Wimbledon beat Liverpool 1-0 thanks to a Lawrie Sanchez goal in 1988.
      Cue scenes of hysteria and disbelief at the final whistle and a distraught looking Kenny Dalglish as The Reds missed out on doing the double.
      “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club,” he delivered when the ref called time.
      And it is a line that has gone down in history.
      And he loved it when England did well
      The favourite game John Motson ever commentated on was England’s 5-1 drubbing of GermanyCredit: PA:Press Association
      When Michael Owen scored his third goal, John Motson was particularly vocalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Motty confessed that his favourite match he ever commentated on was England’s 5-1 drubbing of Germany in Munich.
      You could really tell too, because he took so much delight in Michael Owen grabbing a hat-trick at the Olympiastadion during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.
      He bellowed: “Ohhh, this is getting better and better and better. One, two, three for Michael Owen!”
      But arguably his most famous commentary line came when he first started out
      Ronnie Radford’s goal for Hereford United defined John Motson’s careerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      It was the goal that changed Motty’s life, he admitted.
      Effectively, he was on trial at the BBC and he confessed that he “hadn’t pulled up too many trees at that point.”
      “What a goal, what a goal,” Motson screamed as Ronnie Radford hit a screamer for Hereford United in their famous FA Cup shock against Newcastle.
      “Radford the scorer. Ronnie Radford.” Motty then became a permanent voice.
      Don’t mention Brian Clough though
      John Motson loved interviewing Brian Clough
      Brian Clough was prickly with John Motson in a awkward interview in 1979
      In 1979, the legendary Nottingham Forest manager gave Motty a particularly prickly interview.
      Cloughy wasn’t happy about the BBC over-analysing the beautiful game, so he let rip on the journalist.
      “I think what you do to referees is nothing short of criminal,” Cloughy told him in no uncertain terms.
      Despite that, Clough and Motty always had fun jousting over the years and Motty always said he was his favourite manager to interview.
      Gazza’s tears at Italia 90
      Paul Gascoigne’s tears were best described by John Motson during England’s semi final game against Germany at Italia 90Credit: Getty – Contributor
      TURIN – JULY 4: Paul Gascoigne of England bursts into tears after losing the FIFA World Cup Finals 1990 Semi-Final match between West Germany and England played at the Stadio Delle Alpi, in Turin, Italy on July 4, 1990. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra-time, with West Germany winning 4-3 in the […]Credit: Getty – Contributor
      When Paul Gascoigne launched into a mistimed tackle and earned a booking that would rule him out of a possible World Cup Final appearance, we were shot to pieces.
      Gazza soon got emotional on the pitch, and his Spurs colleague Gary Lineker gestured to manager Bryan Robson to keep an eye on him.
      “Oh dear. Oh dear me,” Motty reasoned with the nation. “He’s going to be out of the final, if England get there.”
      “Here is a moment that almost brings tears to his eyes.”
      Finally, he wasn’t afraid to call it how it was
      John Motson was scathing of Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup FinalCredit: AFP
      John Motson will be sorely missedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      When Zinedine Zidane got sent off against Italy at the 2006 World Cup the world was stunned by what they’d seen.
      The world’s greatest player threw a headbutt towards Italian defender Marco Materazzi who collapsed to the ground.
      “And the referee has gone across now with his hand in his pocket,” Motty told us as we awaited the official’s decision.
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      “He’s been told about it. He’s off, it’s red, it’s Zidane! You can’t excuse that, Zidane’s career ends in disgrace!”
      Motty, you’ll be missed. More

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      Man Utd takeover by Qataris will be great for club as Sheikh is ‘very good person’ – reveals Barcelona boss Xavi

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      XAVI believes a Qatar takeover will be good for Manchester United.The Barcelona coach played for Qatar side Al Sadd between 2015-19 and went on to coach them from 2019-21.
      Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi warmed up for Thursday’s Europa League second leg at Old Trafford by praising United bidder Sheikh JassimCredit: EPA
      Man Utd would flourish if Sheikh Jassim took over, Xavi suggests
      He was also an ambassador for the recent World Cup and knows United bidder Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
      Ahead of Barca’s Europa League match against United he said the club-owning Glazers would do well to accept his bid.
      Xavi said: “I have a good relationship with the Sheikh and I think he would do a good job.
      “I think he is a very good person with serious responsibilities.”
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      Sheikh Jassim is up against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group to take control of the club after the Glazer’s put it up for sale for around £6billion.
      In a statement last week Sheikh Jassim made his intentions clear to buy the club out right and make it number one again.
      His statement said: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football club once more.
      “The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.
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      “The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.”
      Xavi also believes that the Sheikh would be buying a club on the up again under Erik Ten Hag’s management.
      He said: “Manchester United are one of the best teams in Europe at the minute, showing their quality and competitiveness through great results.
      “They’re the best United I’ve seen in the last few years, with a great coach, and great players who show a lot of personality and passion.”
      To beat them tonight Barcelona will have to try and keep Marcus Rashford quiet.
      He scored in the 2-2 first leg of this tie, which has a place in the last 16 of the competitions as the reward.
      After his double at the weekend against Leicester he now has 16 in his last 17 games since returning from the World Cup and 24 in all for the season.
      Centre-back Joules Kounde had a tough time handling him in the first leg and Ten Hag was furious that he had not been sent off when coming into contact with the England international as he broke away in the second-half.
      But Kounde said: “I think it was 50-50. There is contact but I think it’s very light.
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      “I think it’s very light and the referee decided to not give me a red card, so I don’t feel lucky. I feel it’s part of the decision of the referee.
      “It’s true that I think I could have been sent off because it was 50-50 but the referee made the decision and obviously I’m very happy.” More

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      Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun urged to QUIT England and switch international allegiance to become ‘poster boy’

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      ARSENAL prodigy Folarin Balogun has been told to snub England and instead become America’s new poster boy.The 21-year-old is the joint-leading scorer in Ligue 1 alongside PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe and Lille’s Jonathan David with 14 goals for loan club Stade de Reims.
      Folarin Balogun is eligible to play for England, USA and NigeriaCredit: AFP
      The Gunners could be ready to cash in on the hotshot, who only has 18 months left on his contract, this summer after his exploits surprised many at the club.
      However, at international level, the USA is ready and waiting to convince him to switch his allegiance.
      Balogun was born in New York, America, to Nigerian parents and raised in England and is eligible to represent all three nations at international level. 
      He has represented the States four times for their Under-18s, but he has also been capped by the Three Lions at youth level and has seven goals in 13 appearances for the U21s.
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      But with a host of young talents such as Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah and Yunus Musah, USA legend Eric Wynalda says that the forward can be the man to fire his country to glory.
      And he is adamant that the US Soccer Federation should be promising him all-sorts of endorsements and incentives to get him to turn his back on England.
      Speaking to The Action Network’s Wondergoal Podcast, Wynalda, who scored 34 goals in 107 caps, said: “If we get Folarin Balogun him we solve a lot of problems. 
      “I’m impressed with everything about him. The power that he has, the timing of his runs.
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      “We have to appeal to his ego which is the reality of this. We should let him know that he will be a star.
      “An absolute star at a World Cup, in his own country as he was born in New York.”
      Wynalda added: “We need to lock him in with some sponsors too. 
      “He will be a star with us. He won’t necessarily be a star with England.
      “It will come down to how important it is for him to be in the spotlight. That’s the only chance we’ve got to get him.” 
      “Everything from the Mastercards, the Budweisers, the Coca-Cola’s, the big ones that will be sponsors of this World Cup. They have to figure out how to fit him into the budget.” More

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      ‘Gonna cause accidents on the streets’ – World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll dances around lamppost in skimpy outfit

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      THE World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll is living her best life as she holidays in London.The Croatia megafan gathered a huge fanbase during the tournament in Qatar as she stunned in a series of creative outfits.
      Ivana Knoll has gotten into the London spiritCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Co7xsuFIzew/?hl=en
      The Croatia megafan performs a twirlCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Co7xsuFIzew/?hl=en
      Since the tournament finished she has mingled with celebs and partied in the United States.
      And now, she has come over to sample life in London.
      Ivana took in Arsenal vs Manchester City last week, being gifted a shirt with her name on the back by the Gunners.
      She then went out in London, before attending the Baftas after-party on Sunday.
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      As is customary, she also had to go and see Big Ben.
      Donning a skimpy outfit and heels, Ivana embraced her surroundings by walking into a typically British telephone box.
      She then strutted up to a street sign, performing a twirl around it.
      Ivana captioned her post: “Someone said: ,,London got a bit warmer today” 🥵”
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      And her 3.5million Instagram followers are loving her London exploits.
      One joked: “Gonna cause accidents on the streets.”
      A second commented: “Typical British weather.”
      While a third added: “London got hotter that day.”
      And a fourth gushed: “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”
      In addition to exploring London, Ivana has also recently taken in some warmer climates.
      She recently visited St Tropez, donning orange swimwear in the nice weather.
      Ivana loves wearing Croatia-themed outfitsCredit: Instagram / @knolldoll
      The World Cup’s hottest fan wore an Arsenal shirt last weekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/knolldoll/
      She wore a sparkly dress for the Baftas after-partyCredit: Splash
      Ivana took in the sunshine in St TropezCredit: Instagram @knolldoll More

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      Diego Maradona ‘Hand of God’ ball fails to sell at auction for SECOND time as 1986 World Cup ref holds out for more cash

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      DIEGO MARADONA’S “Hand of God” ball has failed to sell at auction for a second time in four months.Bids were made but fell short of the £2.5million asking price.
      Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball has failed to sell at auction againCredit: The Mega Agency
      It is the ball from the 1986 World Cup quarter final against EnglandCredit: Getty
      Ali Bin Nasser is hoping to make £2.5million from the ballCredit: AFP
      The person selling the ball is Ali Bin Nasser, the referee from the 1986 World Cup clash between Argentina and England when the iconic moment happened.
      He failed to spot Maradona using his hand to beat England’s Peter Shilton to the ball and guide it into the goal to help his side win the quarter-final 2-1
      Despite the incident being one of the most controversial and iconic of football history, bids for the ball only reached £1.4m.
      In November, the ball failed to sell at London-based auction house Graham Budd Auctions.
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      Bids then reached a monumental £2m.
      However, that was £500,000 under the asking price set by Bin Nasser.
      Maradona’s shirt from that game was sold for £7.7 million last May.
      This sale is believed to be the highest price ever paid at an auction for a piece of sports memorabilia.
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      Argentina went on to win the World Cup in 1986 after dumping out England.
      Maradona scored twice against Belgium in the semi-finals to help his side to a 2-0 win.
      He did not get on the scoresheet in the final, but goals from Jose Luis Brown, Jorge Valdano and Jorge Burruchaga were enough to edge out West Germany 3-2 to win the trophy. More

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      England women Euro 2022 winners up for Laureus team of the year award against Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Real Madrid

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      THE LIONESSES have been recognised for their spectacular Euro 2022 triumph by being shortlisted for the Team of the Year category at the Laureus World Sports Awards.Head coach Sarina Wiegman masterminded England women’s stunning victory in extra time over Germany at Wembley last summer.
      England celebrate after winning Euro 2022Credit: Getty
      The squad have been nominated for the prestigious team accolade alongside World Cup winners Argentina, the France men’s rugby team, the Golden State Warriors basketball team, Red Bull F1 team and Champions League winners Real Madrid.
      England forward Ella Toone, who scored the first goal in the final against the Germans, said: “It’s amazing to be nominated for the Laureus World Sports Award Team of the Year.
      “It’s nice to have that recognition but we deserve it.
      “We deserve the attention we’re getting because of how well we did over the summer.
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      “We’re being recognised to show young girls that, yes, women can do it.
      “Women can put their mind to anything and achieve whatever they want to.
      “For us it’s about being role models to all those young girls starting out in their journey. We just hope that we can be role models to so many more.
      “We just want to show them that you can dream big and achieve your dreams.”
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      Manchester United midfield star Christian Eriksen returned to football last year after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch in June 2021 when he was playing international football for Denmark against Finland in Copenhagen.
      The playmaker, 31, is on the shortlist for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award alongside 15-time major-winning golfer Tiger Woods.
      Footballers Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, tennis icon Rafa Nadal and F1 world champion Max Verstappen are on the shortlist for the Laureus Sportsman Award.
      Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is among the Breakthrough Nominees.
      The shortlists were compiled by a Laureus panel consisting of more than 1,400 global sports media.
      Winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards will be revealed in the next two months.
      2023 LAUREUS SPORTS AWARDS
      World Sportsman of the Year: Steph Curry (Basketball), Mondo Duplantis (Athletics), Kylian Mbappe (Football), Lionel Messi (Football), Rafael Nadal (Tennis), Max Verstappen (F1)
      World Sportswoman of the Year: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Athletics), Katie Ledecky (Swimming), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Athletics), Alexia Putellas (Football), Mikaela Shiffrin (Alpine Skiing), Iga Swiatek (Tennis)
      World Team of the Year: Argentina men’s football team, England women’s football team, France men’s rugby team, Golden State Warriors, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Real Madrid
      World Breakthrough of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis), Tobi Amusan (Athletics), Nathan Chen (Figure Skating), Morocco men’s football team, Elena Rybakina (Tennis), Scottie Scheffler (Golf)
      World Comeback of the Year: Francesco Bagnaia (Motorcycling), Christian Eriksen (Football), Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Athletics), Klay Thompson (Basketball), Annemiek van Vleuten (Cycling), Tiger Woods (Golf)
      Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Diede de Groot (Wheelchair tennis), Catherine Debrunner (Para-athletics), Declan Farmer (Para ice hockey), Cameron Leslie (Para-swimming and wheelchair rugby), Oksana Masters (Para cross-country skiing), Jesper Saltvik Pedersen (Para alpine skiing)
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      World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Justine Dupont (Big wave surfing), Stephanie Gilmore (Surfing), Eileen Gu (Freestyle skiing), Chloe Kim (Snowboarding), Rayssa Leal (Skateboarding), Filipe Toledo (Surfing) More