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Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gareth Bale replaces Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports after memorable Europa League jibe
Gareth Bale replaces Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports after memorable Europa League jibe Gareth Bale has been announced as a new pundit for TNT Sports, replacing Rio Ferdinand on the broadcaster's Premier League coverage after the Manchester United legend's departure Gareth Bale is to replace Rio Ferdinand at TNT Sports New TNT Sports pundit Gareth Bale once delivered a witty jibe at Manchester United that seemed to unsettle Rio Ferdinand. This moment of jest occurred during TNT Sports' broadcast of Tottenham's triumph over United in the Europa League final in May and has gained more attention since Bale succeeded Ferdinand as a pundit on the channel's Premier League panel. At Athletic Bilbao's San Mames Stadium, Tottenham celebrated ending their 17-year wait for silverware with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a stroke of luck for Brennan Johnson's goal. Bale, a two-time PFA Player of the Year with Spurs, was analysing the game and took the opportunity to tease United. Bale responded to a Tottenham social media post mocking the term 'Spursy', traditionally used to describe the club's habit of stumbling in important matches. With a cheeky smile, he retorted: "It could be a Unitedy thing now, I'm telling you!" implying that Manchester United might now be branded with the stigma of failing at critical times. Ferdinand, a United great, appeared uncomfortable following Bale's comment. He is said to have muttered: 'Can we get off air now?' clearly not amused by the Welshman's playful dig. The interaction provided a humorous highlight for those watching and showcased the charm and sharp humour that likely made Bale an attractive choice for TNT Sports as the 36-year-old joins their team, reports the Mirror. Article continues below Gareth Bale enjoyed aiming a cheeky jibe at Rio Ferdinand after Spurs' Europa League final victory (Image: Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) The broadcaster formally confirmed Bale's appointment on Monday, alongside four other fresh faces: former West Ham striker Michail Antonio, ex-Lionesses stars Fara Williams and Anita Asante, plus former Scotland women's player Jen Beattie. Bale stands out as the jewel in the crown, with the five-time Champions League winner from Wales bringing his world-class footballing credentials to the studio. His remarkable career - featuring a memorable eight-year stint at Real Madrid - two spells at Tottenham, and a crucial part in guiding Wales to the 2016 European Championship semi-finals - provides him with unparalleled authority. In contrast to Ferdinand, whose punditry frequently drew upon his defensive knowledge and Manchester United-focused viewpoint, Bale provides a wider perspective, informed by his time at elite clubs across different nations. His cheeky dig at United demonstrated he's willing to provoke debate, a quality that could endear him to viewers in the studio. Spurs' triumph and Bale's following analysis also underlined his lasting bond with the north London club. He commended then-boss Ange Postecoglou's approach, giving the Australian credit for securing silverware despite a disappointing Premier League campaign. The Real Madrid great posed alongside his former Wales team-mate Ben Davies after Spurs' victory (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire.) Article continues below "I like the football he plays," Bale stated, though he playfully noted that Postecoglou "lacks a bit of a plan B." This honesty, combined with his innate charisma, indicates Bale will inject fresh energy into TNT Sports. Ferdinand has been a familiar face on TNT, providing analysis for Premier League, Champions League and Europa League matches since 2015, when he joined the channel, then known as BT Sport. The 46-year-old opted to seek pastures new, focusing on his own YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, along with his other business ventures. Meanwhile, Bale will join an impressive line-up of pundits still associated with the broadcaster, including his former Spurs colleague Peter Crouch, Chelsea legend Joe Cole, Liverpool stalwarts Michael Owen and Steve McManaman, and Scottish football icon Ally McCoist.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Bale's brutal dig that irritated Ferdinand before replacing him on TNT Sports
Gareth Bale made Rio Ferdinand feel uncomfortable before taking the Manchester United legend's job (Image: Getty Images) Gareth Bale has never been one to shy away from a bit of banter, and his cheeky swipe at Manchester United earlier this year left Rio Ferdinand visibly rattled. The incident, which took place during TNT Sports' coverage of Tottenham's win over United in the Europa League final back in May, has taken on new significance now that Bale has officially replaced Ferdinand as a pundit on the broadcaster's Premier League panel. Back in Bilbao's San Mames stadium, Tottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a fortuitous Brennan Johnson goal. Bale, who won the PFA Player of the Year twice while at Spurs, was on punditry duty and couldn't resist a dig at United's expense. Commenting on Tottenham's social media post poking fun at the term 'Spursy' - often used to describe their historical tendency to falter in big games - Bale flipped the script. "It could be a Unitedy thing now, I'm telling you!" he quipped with a grin, suggesting the Red Devils had inherited the unwanted label of underperforming in crucial moments. READ MORE: TNT Sports unveil line-up for new season with two huge names joining after Rio Ferdinand exit READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand issues three-word response after Man Utd make 'unrealistic' transfer move The remark left Ferdinand, a United icon, squirming. "Can we get off air now?" he reportedly muttered, clearly unimpressed by Bale's jab. The exchange was a light-hearted moment for viewers and offers a window into the charisma and quick wit that may have drawn TNT Sports to the 36-year-old. The broadcaster officially announced Bale's appointment on Monday, along with four other newcomers: ex-West Ham star Michail Antonio, former Lionesses Fara Williams and Anita Asante, and ex-Scotland women's ace Jen Beattie. Bale, pictured here with former Wales team-mate Ben Davies, couldn't resists taking a swipe at Man Utd following Tottenham's Europa League final win (Image: Getty Images) Bale sticks out as the cream of the crop, with the five-time Champions League-winning Welshman able to bring his global football pedigree to the studio. His illustrious career - which included a legendary eight-year spell at Real Madrid, two stints at Tottenham and a pivotal role in leading Wales to the 2016 Euros semi-finals - gives him unmatched credibility. Unlike Ferdinand, whose analysis often leaned on his defensive expertise and United-centric perspective, Bale offers a broader lens, shaped by his experiences across top clubs and different countries. His playful jab at United showed he's unafraid to stir the pot, a trait that could make him a fan favourite in the studio. Tottenham's victory and Bale's subsequent commentary also highlighted his enduring connection to the club. He praised then-manager Ange Postecoglou's tactics, crediting the Australian for delivering a trophy despite a shaky Premier League campaign. Bale has joined TNT Sports' punditry team full time (Image: Getty Images) "I like the football he plays," Bale said, though he cheekily added that Postecoglou "lacks a bit of a plan B." Such candidness, paired with his natural charm, suggests Bale will bring a fresh dynamic to TNT Sports. Ferdinand has been one of their most recognisable faces on TNT during Premier League, Champions League and Europa League matches and has been an ever-present since joining in 2015 under the channel's previous name BT Sport. The 46-year-old said he wanted to experience a new chapter and focus on his own YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, as well as his other business interests. Bale, meanwhile, will join a host of famous names still with the broadcaster, including his former Spurs team-mate Peter Crouch, Chelsea icon Joe Cole, Liverpool greats Michael Owen and Steve McManaman and Scottish legend Ally McCoist. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Herald Scotland
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Saturday's briefing: Wirtz completes Liverpool move and Jackson dismissed in CWC
No fun for Reds' record signing Wirtz Liverpool made Florian Wirtz their £100million record signing (Bradley Collyer/PA) Liverpool's record signing Florian Wirtz insists he has not moved to Anfield to 'have fun' but believes it is the right place for him to improve and be successful. The Premier League champions have paid Bayer Leverkusen £100million for the 22-year-old Germany international but that fee could potentially become a British record as there are £16m of add-ons included. If achieved that would surpass the existing mark of £115m which Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023 and it is understood Liverpool will be happy to pay these 'aspirational bonuses' as it will mean they have enjoyed considerable success at elite level. 'I'm not coming (to) have fun here, I want also to achieve something and give the fans what they deserve,' Wirtz told the club's website. 'I would like to win everything every year. I'm really ambitious.' Jackson loses cool in Philly heat Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson was sent off just four minutes after coming on at the Club World Cup (Chris Szagola/AP) Nicolas Jackson was sent off as Chelsea crashed to a 3-1 loss to Flamengo at the Club World Cup. Pedro Neto fired the Blues ahead early on but Enzo Maresca's side imploded in the second half in Philadelphia. The Blues conceded twice and saw Jackson dismissed for a horror tackle in the space of just six minutes after the break. Their woes were compounded when Wallace Yan wrapped up the scoring late on, adding to earlier goals from fellow substitute Bruno Henrique and veteran Danilo. The result – played out in temperatures of 27C in front of a crowd of 54,019 at Lincoln Financial Field – left Chelsea with a win and a loss from their two outings in Group D having earlier looked set to take a giant stride towards the last 16. Bale bid for Bluebirds Former Wales forward Gareth Bale is interested in buying Cardiff (Mike Egerton/PA) Gareth Bale is part of a United States investment group wanting to buy League One club Cardiff, according to reports. The 35-year-old former Real Madrid and Wales forward was understood to be part of a consortium that had conversations regarding a takeover of Plymouth earlier this week, along with several other clubs, but it appears they have now turned their attention to south Wales. The Athletic reports that the consortium sent current Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan a letter of intent last month, which included financial figures, but it was rejected. Salah favourite for PFA award Mohamed Salah is in the running for PFA Player of the Year (Peter Byrne/PA) Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah leads a six-player shortlist for the Professional Footballers' Association Men's Player of the Year award. The Egyptian was instrumental in the Reds' Premier League title success last season, scoring 29 goals and adding 18 assists. Earlier this year he was voted footballer of the year by the Football Writers' Association, and will now be favourite to win the vote of his peers. He is joined on the shortlist by team-mate Alexis Mac Allister, Arsenal's Declan Rice, Cole Palmer of Chelsea, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes. What's on today? Jobe Bellingham is set for another outing with new club Borussia Dortmund (Seth Wenig/AP) Jobe Bellingham gets another chance to impress for new club Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup with a game against Mamelodi Sundowns. Inter Milan face Urawa Reds while Fluminense take on Ulsan. England's Under-21s have a European Championship semi-final against Spain.
Glasgow Times
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Saturday's briefing: Wirtz completes Liverpool move and Jackson dismissed in CWC
Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson loses his head in Club World Cup defeat, while Gareth Bale is looking at getting back into football. No fun for Reds' record signing Wirtz Liverpool made Florian Wirtz their £100million record signing (Bradley Collyer/PA) Liverpool's record signing Florian Wirtz insists he has not moved to Anfield to 'have fun' but believes it is the right place for him to improve and be successful. The Premier League champions have paid Bayer Leverkusen £100million for the 22-year-old Germany international but that fee could potentially become a British record as there are £16m of add-ons included. If achieved that would surpass the existing mark of £115m which Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023 and it is understood Liverpool will be happy to pay these 'aspirational bonuses' as it will mean they have enjoyed considerable success at elite level. 'I'm not coming (to) have fun here, I want also to achieve something and give the fans what they deserve,' Wirtz told the club's website. 'I would like to win everything every year. I'm really ambitious.' Jackson loses cool in Philly heat Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson was sent off just four minutes after coming on at the Club World Cup (Chris Szagola/AP) Nicolas Jackson was sent off as Chelsea crashed to a 3-1 loss to Flamengo at the Club World Cup. Pedro Neto fired the Blues ahead early on but Enzo Maresca's side imploded in the second half in Philadelphia. The Blues conceded twice and saw Jackson dismissed for a horror tackle in the space of just six minutes after the break. Their woes were compounded when Wallace Yan wrapped up the scoring late on, adding to earlier goals from fellow substitute Bruno Henrique and veteran Danilo. The result – played out in temperatures of 27C in front of a crowd of 54,019 at Lincoln Financial Field – left Chelsea with a win and a loss from their two outings in Group D having earlier looked set to take a giant stride towards the last 16. Bale bid for Bluebirds Former Wales forward Gareth Bale is interested in buying Cardiff (Mike Egerton/PA) Gareth Bale is part of a United States investment group wanting to buy League One club Cardiff, according to reports. The 35-year-old former Real Madrid and Wales forward was understood to be part of a consortium that had conversations regarding a takeover of Plymouth earlier this week, along with several other clubs, but it appears they have now turned their attention to south Wales. The Athletic reports that the consortium sent current Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan a letter of intent last month, which included financial figures, but it was rejected. Salah favourite for PFA award Mohamed Salah is in the running for PFA Player of the Year (Peter Byrne/PA) Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah leads a six-player shortlist for the Professional Footballers' Association Men's Player of the Year award. The Egyptian was instrumental in the Reds' Premier League title success last season, scoring 29 goals and adding 18 assists. Earlier this year he was voted footballer of the year by the Football Writers' Association, and will now be favourite to win the vote of his peers. He is joined on the shortlist by team-mate Alexis Mac Allister, Arsenal's Declan Rice, Cole Palmer of Chelsea, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes. What's on today? Jobe Bellingham is set for another outing with new club Borussia Dortmund (Seth Wenig/AP) Jobe Bellingham gets another chance to impress for new club Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup with a game against Mamelodi Sundowns. Inter Milan face Urawa Reds while Fluminense take on Ulsan. England's Under-21s have a European Championship semi-final against Spain.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Forget the Best XI - These Were the Most Disappointing Players of the Season
Forget the Best XI - These Were the Most Disappointing Players of the Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's at this time of the year that journalists roll out their "Team of the Season" picks, with Salah, Palmer, Isak etc leading the way. But just as disappointed in the Premier League in 2024/25? Advertisement It would be tempting to simply pick the entire Southampton team, with a few Ipswich and Leicester players thrown in for good measure. But here at Athlon Sports, we're not interested in the relegation duds upon whom nothing was expected (and who over-delivered on that metric). Instead, here's our list of "good" players who one might have expected to shine but instead spectacularly failed to live up to their price tag or previous form. Note, a player had to have played at least 10 games to make the cut. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez (Chelsea) - A close second was Manchester United's André Onana, a man capable of the the spectacularly bad. But Chelsea have spent nearly $200m on goalkeepers in the last six years, only to end up with Sanchez who has made five errors leading to goals and has built an unfortunate reputation for flapping at crosses and giving away possession. Defenders Kyle Walker (Manchester City) - Once the best right back in the country and an England regular, time has simply caught up with Walker and at 34 his blistering pace is no more. His stock fell so far that City loaned him out to AC Milan and replaced him with the inexperienced youngster Rico Lewis. Advertisement Andy Robertson (Liverpool) - This is harsh given that Liverpool won the league, but there's a reason Arne Slot is rumored to be in the market for Bournemouth's left back Milos Kerkez. Robertson has previously been a reliable provider of assists and even chipped in with goals in previous seasons. In 24/25 he had none of either. Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal) - After a promising start to life at Arsenal last year, he's struggled defensively this season and has failed to hold down a regular place in the team. The good led to the emergence of the talented 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United) - Plagued by injuries and inconsistency, the $50m signing managed just 14 starts and has faced criticism for inconsistent form, fitness and physique. Midfield Phil Foden (Manchester City) - In 2023/24, Foden was named the PFA Player of the Year. But the 2024/25 season will be one he wants to forget. He's suffered with both physical injuries and mental issues away from the pitch and City (and England) will be praying he regains his dazzling form. Advertisement Jadon Sancho (Chelsea) - Things didn't work out at Man Utd who loaned him out to things didn't work out either. The permanent deal he craved at Chelsea now looks unlikely. He probably should have stayed in Dortmund where he thrived. Jack Grealish (Manchester City) - Perhaps the effects of that infamous title celebration have lingered longer than expected. One goal in 19 games would suggest so and he's dropped down the pecking order in Pep's team selection. Son Heung-min (Spurs) - Another who's suffered from injury and a dramatic loss in form, going from 17 goals in 23/24 to seven this season. He's been symbolic of Spurs decline and they will need him back firing on all cylinders to have any hope of surviving in the Champions League next year. Forwards Rasmus Højland & Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United) - No need to look much further than Man Utd's frontline here. Both players have just three goals from 28 and 32 appearances respectively. A dismal return for players who cost a combined $146m. You can't win soccer games if you don't score goals. Manchester United have not been winning many soccer games. Substitutes Dominic Solanke (Spurs); Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea); Raheem Stirling (Arsenal on loan from Chelsea); João Félix (Chelsea); Niclas Fűllkrug (West Ham); Jacob Ramsay (Aston Villa). Manager Ruben Amorim (Manchester United) - This was a coin flip between Spurs' Ange Postecoglou and Amorim with both managers leading two of the supposed biggest clubs in England to near the foot of the table. But Ange got the last laugh in the Europa League Final, so the "award" has to go to the Man Utd man. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
