‘He passed away around eight years ago. I know he'll be excited for me' – Erin Healy's family ties binding her in green
Erin Healy almost quit playing football until, thanks partially to the kindness of a 90-year-old Portuguese grandmother, she realised the flame still burned.
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The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal files: Transfer target Viktor Gyokeres gives rare look into life at Sporting and Gunners face goalkeeper dilemma
ARSENAL fans are confident they know all about Viktor Gyokeres – the Sporting Lisbon superstar heavily linked to a £60m move to North London this summer. But in a rare, in-depth interview with Vogue Scandinavia this week, the Swedish goal-scoring machine let his mask down and revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes titbits. Advertisement 9 Arsenal are eyeing Viktor Gyokeres this summer Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 Gyokeres has won two titles with Sporting in the last two years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial His Lisbon home – in the quiet enclave of Charneca de Caparica – is described as a 'lair', one with 'Scandinavian minimalism', featuring glass walls and a backyard pool . The ground floor's main decoration includes numerous trophies below a large black and white photograph of He explained: 'Me and my friends were going on vacation, and we were talking about [what to do when I score]. One of them came up with the idea for the mask, and we all liked it. 'Since then, I've always done it when I score ... and it definitely stuck. As for the [Bane] character, of course, I've seen it. But it's a little like, take it how you want it. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS 'If you think it's Bane, you can think that. If you think it's something else, that's fine too.' His daily routine includes taking a shot of ginger and some water, and his breakfast is usually an array of fruit [strawberries, blueberries and pomegranates] and three eggs. Gyokeres also admits he sets his alarm '10-15 minutes before I leave' because he values sleep . In terms of how he has built himself into the monstrous No.9 he is today, compared to the skinny kid that struggled at Brighton before banging in goals at Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive 9 Swedish football's pride and glory was on the cover of Vogue this week 9 Gyokeres has pictures of his 'Bane mask' celebration in his house Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'I do my pull-ups, push-ups, and sometimes shoulder press. Sometimes after a game where I need to rest my legs. I can focus on the upper body. Advertisement 'I can do my exercises at home, which is why I have a gym here. That's what I enjoy on a daily basis.' Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK Home from training by 4pm, he then likes to nap for an hour before having a Portuguese speaking lesson or taking his mind off football by playing some Call of Duty. To let his hair down, he heads out for dinner in Lisbon. He explained: 'With Swedish culture, I think people work hard during the week, and then if they want to do something, they do it on weekends. 'Here, people enjoy the weekdays too. They see their friends on a Monday or whatever day, have dinner, a glass of wine . In Sweden, that's rare. That's the big difference.' Advertisement Despite his expectation to leave England in the coming weeks, with the Gunners in pole position, he does suggest: 'I think Lisbon has to be one of the best cities in Europe ... it feels like home.' And intent on not giving anything away about his future , he added about the speculation: 'That's just clickbait . Sports news is now constant, like 24/7, so they just find things to talk about.' 9 However, he goes on to suggest he has always 'dreamed' of 'being on the best teams in the world', even if he reveals that as a kid, it took him time to fall in love with football . Advertisement He said: 'I didn't like football at first [as a six-year-old] because I was on a team with people I didn't know. I was new, and I wasn't comfortable with that. 'It was more the social aspect that was hard rather than the football itself. 'Of course, when you're younger – 10, 11, 12 – you're always talking with your friends about playing for this club or that club, dreaming about being on the best teams in the world. 'But that was all talk. Of course, you want to do it, but at that age, you don't really think it through. It's more of a dream. Advertisement I didn't like football as a six-year-old because I was on a team with people I didn't know. Gyokeres Vogue He added: 'Playing football in front of people – it's just something I'm so focused on. Of course you think about it sometimes, but for me, it's easy.' Meanwhile, he has pulled out of Sweden's upcoming fixtures against future move. But Sweden boss 'I was happy just to see him and have him involved in our meetings. That says a lot about Viktor, how much he wants to be involved.' Advertisement ZUBIMENDI WATCH There was a rare glimpse into the future on Thursday night, watching a current future one. In Spain's dramatic 5-4 Nations League semi-final victory over next to Martin Zubimendi – who is expected to officially be announced as a Gunners following his £51m move from Real Sociedad at some point next week. Merino – who arrived in North London last summer from Sociedad for around £32m – played as a No.8 on the left of the midfield three, while Zubimendi sat deep as a No.6. It was an intriguing watch, giving several examples of exactly how the two can compliment each other in an next season. Advertisement For large parts, Zubimendi, 26, sat deep in front of the back four, happy to be under pressure with his back to the opposition, taking balls off the two centre backs on the turn and feeding the likes of Merino and Pedri . 9 Inside the opening few minutes, Zubimendi did just that for Merino, allowing him to drive forward into space and spark an attack, something And when the ball was lost, with Merino triggering the press, Zubimendi would not be far behind him, not afraid to put his body on the line to break up play. Advertisement He did just that in the first half to leave Les Bleus star The Spanish media wrote: 'When Merino advanced his position and Pedri approached him, that's when [Zubimendi] brought out his full potential. 'The midfielder is in an ungrateful position because he has to take out the dirty balls so that the one who passes close to him can take the clean balls. But he does that very well.' But it is not just the dirty work that Zubimendi thrives in. At times against Arsenal target . Advertisement You could not help but imagine Zubimendi doing the same for Bukayo Saka down the right, something the KEPA OR GARCIA? Among other areas in the squad, With Neto heading back to Bournemouth following his season-long loan last term – making just one appearance – There are candidates from within: 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup last season. Advertisement However, Arteta does not feel either are ready to take on such a big responsibility next campaign, while Setford could potentially head out on loan to gain some experience should the right opportunity arise, after joining from 9 Unwanted Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been lined with Arsenal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It is understood that Setford is highly rated by Arteta, viewing him as a first-team player of the future . So, where does that leave them now? It is quite similar to their striker conundrum, currently deliberating whether to go for a ready-made, older Gyokeres, or pay more money to acquire a younger star with potential who can grow in Advertisement There are two options as it stands: First there is Joan Garcia, the £25m Espanyol keeper, but it will be a battle to sign the 24-year-old with And then there is a new possibility of Kepa, 30 – the unwanted Arteta would welcome such an experienced goalie to compete with Raya, and is understood to have always admired the Spaniard from afar for his ability to play out with his feet. GABRIEL AND SALIBA'S FEAR FACTOR Brazilian centre back Gabriel, 27, has finally Advertisement SunSport understands that there is no option to extend that until 2030 as it stands, but he will now earn a weekly wage north of £100k. 9 Gabriel has put pen to paper on a new contract It is the first of many new deals that sporting director Andrea Berta has been working on. The likes of Saka and next , as well as Hale End graduates Interestingly, Gabriel has revealed just how feared he and his centre back partner Saliba are in the Prem, forming a bond that has made them a world class duo, perhaps the best in Europe . Advertisement He said: 'I play against some strikers now and afterwards they say: 'you are so strong now, you and Saliba are so good together' and things like that, so it's good to hear. 'That's what we are aiming for on the pitch, we want to keep improving and we want to win trophies.' 9
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
England star Angel Gomes ‘snubs Premier League return as former Man Utd wonderkid agrees free transfer'
ANGEL GOMES has agreed a three-year contract with Marseille, according to reports. The 5 Angel Gomes is leaving Lille this summer Credit: Getty 5 Gomes, 24, earned his first four England caps last year Credit: Getty Gomes came through Having debuted for England last year, the playmaker attracted interest from Per French football reporter Having been impressed by READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The transfer will see the former Man Utd academy starlet reunite with Born less than a year apart, Gomes and Greenwood played together for various Red Devils age group sides, as well as briefly overlapping in the first team set-up. Having previously been a key player, Gomes hardly featured for Lille during the second half of the Ligue 1 season. Since returning from a calf injury in January, the four-cap England star made just four brief league appearances as he ran his contract down. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 5 Gomes played alongside Mason Greenwood at Man Utd Credit: Reuters Having spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Portuguese side Boavista, Gomes spent four seasons in Lille's first team. The diminutive 5ft 6in ace played 134 times for Lille, winning the Trophee des Champions in 2021. Lee Carsley gives glowing review of Angel Gomes and reveals England star's staggering football knowledge 5 Announcing his "This club has been more than just a team — it's been a family, a home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch. "Like any journey, there were ups and downs, highs and lows, but I'm truly grateful to my team-mates and the fans for sticking with me throughout. "I'm proud of what we achieved together and thankful for every moment. "To the fans — thank you for your amazing support and for believing in me. I will forever be grateful. "I always gave everything I had for the badge and for all of you. "Lille will always have a special place in my heart." 5
Irish Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
‘Whether you are PSG or Drogheda' - LOI side's level playing field plea to UEFA
Daire Doyle says Drogheda United should be treated no differently to the biggest European clubs when it comes to implementing UEFA's multi-club ownership rules. Multi-ownership is becoming more and more common throughout the game, with European champions Paris St Germain just one example. They are owned by Qatar Sports Investment, as are Portuguese side Braga, who are set to compete in next season's Europa League. Drogheda United's problem is, their owners, Trivela Group, bought a majority stake in Danish side Silkeborg, who last weekend qualified for the same competition - the Europa Conference League - as the Boynesiders. This has put Drogheda's place in European competition this summer in jeopardy, and talks are ongoing between the League of Ireland side and UEFA on how to resolve the issue. Similar discussions are ongoing regarding Europa League qualifiers Crystal Palace and Lyon, who are both majority-owned by US businessman John Textor. United assistant manager Daire Doyle said: 'You'd hope it would be the same procedures regardless. I know they (Crystal Palace) were over at the same time. 'The procedures should follow, whatever it is, whether you are PSG or Drogheda, it should be the same.' Talks are ongoing, with a resolution needed ahead of the European draws, which take place on June 17. Doyle continued: 'I know the club have been in contact with UEFA over the past number of months, they're doing all they can and they've let me know that they're hopeful that we can see a positive outcome to it all. 'There has been indirect contact with UEFA for a number of months now, there has been work done over a period of time to do what we need to do to find a solution to it. 'Talks have been going on, I think they're confidential talks. I know the club and the board are doing everything they can to make sure it turns out we're playing in Europe. That the big thing. 'But at the moment, them talks are confidential, and are ongoing. 'We'll hope for a positive outcome and look forward to a European campaign but on top of that, I don't know much else to be honest.' Trivela bought a majority stake in Silkeborg earlier this year and straight away that raised alarm bells at Drogheda, who secured their European spot by winning last November's FAI Cup final. The Danish outfit only claimed their place in last week's play-off for the country's final European spot. But in the event that UEFA ruled only one club could proceed into the Europa Conference League, Silkeborg would advance because of their higher league finish to Drogheda's last season, when they finished ninth in the Premier Division. 'Hopefully we are in a position where ourselves and Silkeborg can both play in Europe,' Doyle continued. 'The players are aware of the situation, we've told them as much as I've told you today. 'We're trying to keep them in the loop as regards what's happening but the outcome hasn't come out as yet. 'So we now have to wait on that, we've gone into UEFA with the full respect that the situation deserves, we've put forward our case to them and we're hopeful that we'll be in Europe come July.' In the meantime, Doyle and manager Kevin Doherty are doing all they can to prepare for the club's first foray into Europe in 12 years. 'We focus on the football and on the pitch, that is our job, we leave that sort of stuff to the board that do the job on that end,' he said. 'They've assured us they are doing everything they can. We want it to be positive and we believe it will be but until the decision is made, there is not a lot we can really say. 'As regards the players, we're just keeping them focused on the next few games, we've had a really good first half of the start of the season where we picked up a lot of points with our performances. 'That's going to be the challenge now for the second half of the year, can we put in the performances to get them points to keep us in a position that we're challenging. That's what we're focused on.' Drogheda's focus will soon include their defence of the FAI Cup - and yesterday they were handed a banana-skin of a home tie against top Leinster Senior League side Crumlin United. 'I've actually seen them play this season, I go to quite a few Leinster Senior League games myself,' said Doyle. 'I have a 22-year-old son (Jack) playing for Home Farm. I've seen quite a few games this year, they've quite a few good players. 'James Lee is an excellent manager and former player as well, we're really happy we got a home draw, that's the most important thing. 'We'll do our homework on Crumlin now and make sure we find out as much as we can about them before the game.'
