
James Maddison's now-deleted tweet about Gareth Bale resurfaces as he is interviewed by Spurs legend on TNT Sports
JAMES MADDISON'S now-deleted tweets about Gareth Bale have resurfaced after he was interviewed by the Welshman.
The
5
James Maddison was interviewed by Gareth Bale on TNT Sports
Credit: TNT SPORTS
5
Maddison once tweeted this about Bale
Credit: x
5
He has since deleted the anti-Spurs posts
Credit: x
The pair were pitchside before the game as
Maddison and Bale made up part of the panel on TNT Sports' coverage before the match.
As the two discussed the match, Maddison's now-deleted tweets about the five-time Champions League winner resurfaced on social media.
The then 16-year-old posted about not liking Tottenham and claimed
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
The first tweet from 2012 read: "I hate Gareth Bale with a passion, calm down you monkey, [Jack] Wilshere is 10x better than you chimpanzee."
And in another, from March 2013, Maddison posted: "Hope Luis Suarez destroys Tottenham today, don't like Spurs!
"Especially that monkey everyone's on about!"
Maddison deleted the tweets ahead of his £40million transfer from
Most read in Europa League
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
He was a part of the Coventry youth system when he made the posts.
They have been deleted and can not be seen on his account, along with every other tweet before 2019.
Man Utd & Spurs supporters party all day in Bilbao's fan zones ahead of Europa League final
5
Latest betting odds, offers and predictions
Fans have seen the funny side of the encounter as they reacted on social media.
One posted: "Getting Gareth bale and
A second wrote: "Maddison standing next to Bale rn haha."
A third commented: "Maddison next to Bale in the studio…….awkward."
A fourth said: "Maddison standing next to Bale, must be awkward after those tweets."
Another added: "So awks."
Meanwhile,
5
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


RTÉ News
19 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
The countdown is on for the Club World Cup, but does anyone care?
The countdown is on. It's now just seven days until the start of the competition that will answer the question on everyone's lips; who is the best football club in the world? Is it the Chelsea side that limped to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League this season? Or perhaps Porto, who triumphantly battled to third in this year's Liga Portugal? If stylish catenaccio football is more your thing then look to Juventus, who finished fourth in Serie A. Not convinced by those European giants? Why not cast your gaze further afield to Auckland City FC, the team that currently sit behind Birkenhead United in the New Zealand Regional Leagues Northern League. Over 29 days, 32 teams will play out 64 games before the best team in the world is crowned and while we can't know who that will be yet, we know who it won't be. It won't be Premier League champions Liverpool, nor the winners of La Liga, Barcelona. Not even the Serie A champions Napoli, none of whom have been invited. But hey, there's Inter Miami who will play because, well, they have Lionel Messi. FIFA's efforts to expand the Club World Cup from a small mid-season distraction to a fully-fledged summer tournament has left many people unconvinced by the need for it and FIFA's motivation behind it all. Fundamentally, taking the Club World Cup from an annual six team kickabout between the winners of the six continental confederation tournaments to the bloated unwieldy structure facing us this summer is about money and influence. FIFA have long looked enviously at UEFA and the Champions League, wondering how they could claim a slice of that pie. With the World Cup only being held every four years, there's a long-standing desire within the organisation to come up with another huge money-spinning event and for them to exert a measure of influence on some of the biggest clubs in the world. But how do you create a major tournament from scratch? Well throwing a lot of money at it certainly helps. FIFA have put a pot of $1billion to be shared about the 32 teams with the winners taking home a pay cheque for $125million, while $525million of that billion will be shared out between the clubs just for turning up. That kind of money rivals the Champions League payouts and with this year's winners Paris Saint-Germain netting roughly $165million, FIFA have ensured that the Club World Cup is too rich for the invited clubs to ignore. Throwing this kind of cash around in an attempt to grow interest and legitimacy within the tournament is the only real move FIFA could have made but there's questions over their long-term ability to offer such a prize fund. The tournament looks likely to run at a loss for the organisers, who struggled to drum up interest among broadcasters when it came to the rights sales. With reports claiming that FIFA had initially set a target of broadcast revenue of $4billion, they were unable to attract bids anywhere near that mark and eventually agreed a deal with online streaming platform DAZN for the rights. Ticket sales have hardly been encouraging either, with The Athletic reporting on Wednesday that FIFA has been forced to slash prices for the tournament's opening fixture between Messi's Inter Miami and Egyptian team Al-Ahly. Soccer remains very much down the pecking order of sports in the US and with local fans shrugging their shoulders and a dynamic ticket price structure in place, the cost of admission to the tournament opener has slumped from $349 in December to just $55.75. Meanwhile a ticket for newly crowned European champions Paris Saint-Germain and Brazilian outfit Botafogo at the 90,000-seater Rose Bowl can be had for $33.45. Even that ticketing firesale may not be enough to spare organisers the sights of thousands of empty seats throughout the tournament. While major international soccer tournaments usually attract huge numbers of supporters from abroad, the Club World Cup looks likely to struggle, thanks in no small part to the policies of Donald Trump's government. FIFA's top brass would have had their collective heads in their hands on Wednesday when Trump announced a new travel ban on 12 nations, further deepening the sense of hostility felt at the border for travellers into the US. With teams from Mexico, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Morocco among those involved in the Club World Cup, travelling numbers are going to take a hit with supporters not wanting to risk disappearing into a private detention facility. Even fans currently residing in the US, particularly those of Mexican teams who would usually fill stadiums, may think twice before turning up en masse, given the seemingly never-ending footage of Trump's masked ICE agents snatching people off the street. We're left with the very real prospect of games being played in mostly empty stadiums by players frustrated about being there, concerned by burnout and fatigue related injuries that will come from going straight into a 32-team club tournament after a gruelling season. The footballer's union FIFPRO has been against the expanded Club World Cup since its announcement, launching a legal claim against FIFA over the unilateral creation of the tournament, citing concerns over player welfare. With players like Real Madrid star Kylian Mpappe speaking out about the lack of a meaningful break between the end of the season and the start of the tournament, there's the prospect of some players featuring in more than 80 games over the course of the season. Separately MLS team Seattle Sounders have been protesting their involvement in the tournament over what they say is a lack of fairness on player payments, wearing "Club World Ca$h Grab" t-shirts during their warm-up in a recent league game. Under the standing MLS collective bargaining agreement between the league, their bonus for the Club World Cup is capped at $1m for the entire team, meaning that players are likely to only receive 10% of the money their club get for their participation in the tournament. Indeed it seems that the only people truly happy with the event are club accountants and moneymen, adding to the sense of grubbiness surrounding the entire project. Football at the highest level has always been beholden to big money, but FIFA's newest innovation really lays that avarice bare. It's no coincidence that Real Madrid were willing to spend €10million on bringing Trent Alexander-Arnold to the club a month earlier than they had originally planned, given the financial incentives on offer. We have fans that won't be there, players that don't want to be there and clubs that are only there for the money. Despite all that there's still the chance that the Club World Cup could capture the public imagination. With no other major male international sporting event this summer, FIFA have timed the tournament to give them a captive audience. The early stages of the competition may struggle to attract eyeballs but as it progresses there is the prospect of some enticing fixtures. The clash between PSG and Atletico Madrid on 15 June is one of the earlier highlights while Bayern Munich and Boca Juniors meet a few days later in Miami. Manchester City and Real Madrid could easily meet in the first knockout round as could Bayern Munich and Chelsea. As the tournament gets into the higher stake games, we'll see just how serious the European teams are taking it. Gianni Infantino and his crew will be eager for the big stars to line out but with the tournament kicking off just two weeks after the end of the European season, they may have to wait sometime to see the household names start. FIFA are desperate for the Club World Cup to be a success and given everything they've invested in it, they need this tournament to start strongly and shake off the negative sentiment surrounding it. Whether that's a realistic prospect remains to be seen.


The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool make £113m Wirtz offer, Inter inquire about Hojlund, Spurs target Frank as new manager
THE thrills and spills of the summer transfer window are finally here - with some huge deals already in the pipeline. Advertisement Elsewhere, Inter have made an inquiry about out-of-form In other news, Follow ALL the latest news, moves and completed deals with our live blog below... Advertisement By Tell me Mor Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has emerged as a summer transfer target for Arsenal. According to The playmaker only joined Villa in 2023 for £15million from Middlesbrough and extended his contract until 2030 last November. But missing out on the Champions League could see players moved away this summer as the Villans are at serious risk from PSR rules, according to research undertaken by The club have lost £206.2m in the past two seasons, the highest deficit in the Premier League in that time. Research from the outlet suggests project Villa can only lose £15m in 2024-25 and remain in line with Prem rules. As a result, they may be forced to listen to offers for a number of stars this summer. Copy link Copied By Viktor Gyokeres boost Manchester United are ready to win the race for Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres. United recently revealed total operating expenses have dropped by £41.6million to £162.1m in the latest quarterly club accounts after Sir Jim Ratcliffe's brutal cost cutting. That is despite the cash spent on the Glazers' debt spiralling to a staggering £1.2billion. Man Utd's gradual U-turn in club finances means they are ready to pip Arsenal to land Gyokeres. The striker has an £85m release clause but it is understood that the Portuguese giants would accept a fee closer to £60m this summer. United boss Ruben Amorim is now ready to raid his former club after the boost in their accounts. Copy link Copied By More Tottenham departures Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has lost his right-hand woman in executive director Donna Cullen, who has left after 20 years of service. Elsewhere, Ryan Mason has also left the club to further his managerial career by taking up the vacant position at Championship side West Brom. They are set to be the first two of many departures this summer after Ange Postecoglou's dismissal as manager. The shake-up also includes the appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as CEO, who previously served bitter rivals Arsenal in the same role. Sources add these moves could be the prelude to majority owners Enic pumping fresh funds into the club. Copy link Copied By Liverpool bid for Wirtz Liverpool have raised their bid for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz. According to Sky Sports, the Reds have offered a staggering £113million to Leverkusen for Wirtz. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports a deal for the playmaker could be completed in the next few days. Negotiations between the two clubs are at the final stages with final details being sorted. Then the Germany international will travel for his medical at Anfield. Copy link Copied By Bryan Mbeumo price Brentford have named their price for Bryan Mbeumo ahead of the summer transfer window. Manchester United are rigorously trying to sign Mbeumo after landing Matheus Cunha from Wolves. But United will not be able to sign the winger on the cheap. According to The Independent, the Bees want more than £60million for the Cameroon international. Copy link Copied By Latest on Rodrygo Real Madrid star Rodrygo continues to pose as one of Arsenal's top targets. The Gunners are aiming to bolster their attack, with the disgruntled forward fitting the bill. According to Sky Sports, a deal could move forward following the international break. The Brazil international is facing immense competition at Real with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham ahead of him. Copy link Copied By Frank favourite for Tottenham Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham with Brentford boss Thomas Frank the frontrunner to take over. Spurs are expected to make a decision on Postecoglou's successor next week but there is yet to be any contact with the Bees. Frank poses as the favourite but there are other candidates, such as Fulham's Marco Silva and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner. Firing Postecoglou and hiring the Danish tactician could prove a costly business, with the former's compensation in the millions and the latter's release clause believed to be around £10million. The Aussie head coach also walks away with £2m in bonus for landing the Europa League - the club's first trophy since the League Cup in 2008. Copy link Copied By Sesko keen on Arsenal RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is keen on a move to Arsenal this summer. That is according to transfer insider Florian Plettenberg, who reports negotiations between the Gunners and Sesko are advancing positively. Plettenberg adds there has been " clear progress" regarding personal terms, but no full verbal agreement has been reached yet. The North Londoners have also not submitted an official offer to Leipzig. Nevertheless, the striker is keen on a move to the Emirates this summer. Copy link Copied By Inter-ested Inter Milan are amongst the clubs looking at signing Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United this summer. Hojlund has struggled to find form since his arrival at Old Trafford and looks set for the exit doors in the coming month. Fabrizio Romano has reiterated that Champions League finalists Inter remain keen on the 22-year-old, despite the exit of boss Simone Inzaghi this week. Hojlund managed four goals in 32 Premier League appearances this season. Credit: Getty Copy link Copied By Tottenham statement Tottenham praised Ange Postecoglou's contribution but also revealed that a 'unanimous' decision was taken within the board to move on. Spurs insist they have to compete on all fronts after their worst ever Premier League season. And news regarding Postecoglou's successor will soon be shared in due course. Here's Tottenham's full statement after Ange Postecoglou's dismissal: Ange Postecoglou dismissal statement Tottenham released a lengthy statement explaining their decision to dismiss manager Ange Postecoglou: FOLLOWING a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties. Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month - an achievement that will live with us all forever. We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph. It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision. We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future - he will always be welcome back at our home. News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course. Copy link Copied By Ange Postecoglou 'SACKED' Tottenham have fired Ange Postecoglou! After weeks of deliberation by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy the decision was made to sack Postecoglou. That is despite the fact the Aussie tactician ended the North Londoners' 17-year run without a trophy. The 59-year-old head coach made history by beating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final. Copy link Copied By Franco Mastantuono blow A number of clubs have been dealt a massive blow in their bid to sign River Plate star Franco Mastantuono, who is one of the most in-demand prospects in world football. However, Mastantuono appears to be on his way to Real Madrid, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. It is reported the playmaker has agreed to every detail on his contract with Real. Los Blancos have now started club-to-club negotiations with River Plate. Manchester United, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan have also targeted the 17-year-old, who has been duvet the "Argentine Phil Foden". Copy link Copied By Gunners in Sesko chase Arsenal are in talks with RB Leipzig to sign striker Benjamin Sesko, according to reports. The Gunners are desperate to bolster their front line this summer. Per Sky Sports, Mikel Arteta's side are mulling over a £70m bid for the 22-year-old. Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Copy link Copied By Man Utd place Mbeumo bid The Red Devils have lodged a second bid for Bryan Mbeumo, according to reports. United first offer of £45m plus £10m in add-ons was turned down by Brentford. Per transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Ruben Amorim's side have come back with an improved offer worth more than £60m. Copy link Copied By Man Utd striker chase Manchester United will still want to sign a striker even if they get Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. The Red Devils are keen to sew up a deal for the Brentford ace, following the £62.5m arrival of Wolves star Matheus Cunha. Per Sky Sports, Ruben Amorim's side will still be in the market for a No9, with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee having struggled. Copy link Copied By Arsenal chase Real star Rodrygo has emerged as one of Arsenal's top targets this summer. The Gunners are aiming to bolster their attack, with the disgruntled Real Madrid ace fitting the bill. Per Sky Sports, a deal could move forward following the international break. Credit: Getty Copy link Copied By Liverpool icon tipped for Madrid Liverpool cult hero Roberto Firmino has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid, reports claim. Real are looking for an experienced goalscorer to support Kylian Mbappe up top, after finishing second behind LaLiga champions Barcelona this season. It comes just days after Madrid swooped Liverpool boyhood star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who ended his 20-year career at Anfield for sunny Spain. And according to Spanish outlet AS Sport, Madrid are in the hunt for a new Joselu-like figure to come to the Bernabeu - with Al-Ahli ace Firmino fitting the bill. Copy link Copied By Juric back Ivan Juric is back in management following his disasterous stint with Southampton. The manager was sacked before the end of the season after replacing Russell Martin. He is reportedly back in a job and will be in the dugout of Serie A outfit Atalanta next season. Copy link Copied By Juric back Ivan Juric is back in management following his disasterous stint with Southampton. The manager was sacked before the end of the season after replacing Russell Martin. He is reportedly back in a job and will be in the dugout of Serie A outfit Atalanta next season. Copy link Copied By Wilson to stay? Callum Wilson is in talks to extend his stay at Newcastle United. The veteran striker joins goalkeeper John Ruddy who coul yet stay at St James Park. The news comes as it was announced that Jamal Lewis will leave the club upon his contract expiry. Lloyd Kelly will also leave permanently for Juventus after his loan ends. Copy link Copied By Gomes to reject PL Angel Gomes is reportedly set to reject a return to the Premier League. The former Manchester United prospect has established himself in world football after leaving England. After excelling in Portugal, he moved to France with Lille and earned his first England caps. After leaving Lille at the end of his contract he was linked with West Ham and Tottenham. However, reports in France claim he is set to stay in Ligue and join Marseille. However, reports in France claim he is set to stay in Ligue and join Marseille. Credit: Rex Copy link Copied By Boniface move? Victor Boniface could be on the move this summer according to reports. The Nigerian striker has previously been linked with the likes of Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle in the past. Boniface was thought to be moving to Saudi in January before his move collapsed. Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that Bayer Leverkusen could part ways with the forward if a good proposal arrives. Credit: Reuters Copy link Copied By Cross-London West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Djordje Petrovic from cross-London rivals Chelsea. The 25-year-old impressed last season during his loan spell at Strasbourg in France. The Hammers are keen on a new goalkeeper this summer to compete with Alphonse Areola after Lukasz Fabianski left. The Daily Mail have claimed that Petrovic could be the man to fill the void. However, Aaron Ramsdale has also been linked with the London Stadium. Copy link Copied By Osimhen update Viktor Osimhen could be left in limbo yet again, according to reports. The Nigerian striker was tipped with a move to Saudi outfit Al-Hilal. However, it has been claimed that the club has left the race to sign him due to his cost being too high. Reports suggest that Osimhen was demanding a salary of £500,000-a-week. Copy link Copied By Osimhen update Viktor Osimhen could be left in limbo yet again, according to reports. The Nigerian striker was tipped with a move to Saudi outfit Al-Hilal. However, it has been claimed that the club has left the race to sign him due to his cost being too high. Reports suggest that Osimhen was demanding a salary of £500,000-a-week. Copy link Copied 1 …


The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Leo Cullen plans for penalties as Leinster target URC final breakthrough in Glasgow semi-final
LEO CULLEN wants Leinster to kick on to the URC final — and he is ready for kicks to decide it if it comes to that. Advertisement 2 Leinster boss Leo Cullen admitted that he's left no stone unturned ahead of the URC semi-final against Glasgow 2 Munster suffered a heartbreaking defeat via penalties against the Sharks last week - and Leinster boss Cullen is ready for that if needs be And while favourites for victory, Cullen is taking no chances as he admitted He said: 'I don't know was the fact there was a penalty shootout in one of the games last week, does that play on our minds, stacking the bench with kickers? 'It is a possibility and it is definitely something that needs to be considered.' What it means is that, as well as Ciarán Frawley, Ross Byrne is Advertisement read more on rugby Frawley normally covers No 10 when he is on the bench but will now cover midfield and full-back. And, along with Prendergast, it gives Leinster three quality kickers in their panel as the Blues head into their fifth knockout game of the season between the Champions Cup and the URC. Shootouts are a rarity in rugby and Leinster have never been in one. But Cullen's men have been preparing for that eventuality over the past two months. Cullen continued: 'It has been there. This is play-off game five. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union 'Extra-time has been in the mix for a while now so it's one of those scenarios that we would talk about and practice for the kickers.' But while Leinster prepare for all eventualities as they bid to get to the final, Cullen is confident that motivation is one area that does not need addressing. 'Big weekend' - Peter O'Mahony embarking on hectic gardening project as he aims to add '300 plants' Ever since that agonising 37-34 loss to Northampton, a cloud has hung over the province. But a URC final and victory would end a four-year trophy drought. Advertisement And He said: 'I was watching the Champions League and a lot of the pundits were saying the other team was going to win. They lost. 'We think we might know what's going to happen but it's two teams going at it and we'll wait and see. 'There's enough going on to be motivated to get through this game at the weekend. If you put on and get a performance, lots of things will fall into place.' Advertisement Cullen's troops are near full strength but Lions quartet Garry Ringrose (calf), Tadhg Furlong (calf), Josh van der Flier (hamstring) and Hugo Keenan (calf) will not be risked as they near returns. Their absences open the door for Jimmy O'Brien at full-back and Scott Penny — overlooked by Ireland for the upcoming games against Georgia and Portugal this week — on the flank, while Jamie Osborne starts in midfield. Osborne, 23, has played in all five backline slots this season but Cullen admits midfield may be his best position. He said: 'We have had that conversation with Jamie. Advertisement 'He's played 15 for Ireland, on the wing in the Six Nations and has featured in the centre. He's more of a midfielder or No 15. I don't think we see him on the wing anyway. 'He can do a job on the wing, but we don't see him as a winger, he's a midfielder who plays 15 or a 15 that plays midfield. 'He's still very young at 23. If he's nailed down a position as a 25-year-old, you'd hope he'd have ten years left in his career.' LEINSTER: J O'Brien, T O'Brien, J Osborne, J Barrett, J Lowe, S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheenan, T Clarkson, J McCarthy, J Ryan, R Baird, S Penny, J Conan. Reps: R Kelleher, J Boyle, R Slimani, RG Snyman, M Deegan, L McGrath, R Byrne, C Frawley. Advertisement