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France 24
18-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Vardy signs off in style with 200th Leicester goal
Vardy was making his 500th and final appearance for Leicester after a remarkable spell including a stunning Premier League title triumph in 2016 -- the Foxes were rank 5,000/1 outsiders before that campaign started -- and FA Cup glory in 2021. The fact the 38-year-old began his career in non-league football, having been released by hometown club Sheffield Wednesday before going on to win 26 England caps, just added to his cult appeal with Leicester fans. Sunday's match also came exactly 13 years to the day since Vardy joined Leicester from Fleetwood for a non-league record fee of £1 million (£1.3 million). "I've enjoyed every minute of this," Vardy, speaking on the pitch after full-time told the Leicester faithful. "I look forward to keeping an eye on the club I love. They are in my heart. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking myself and my family in as your own. I hope I've repaid you." With Leicester demoted from the Premier League long before Sunday's match against fellow relegated side Ipswich, Vardy had already announced he was leaving the Midlands club at the end of the season. It was then agreed Vardy, the club's record goalscorer, would not play in next weekend's final game of the campaign, away to Bournemouth, to ensure his last Leicester appearance came at the King Power Stadium. And he gave fans one more moment to savour when he opened the scoring in the 28th minute before being given a guard of honour by his team-mates when substituted with 10 minutes to go as he walked off the pitch as a Leicester player for the last time. He had led Leicester out onto the pitch before kick-off, with fans waving flags in the stands with "Thank you Vards" printed on, while two banners were hung up behind each goal end as the scoreboard read "Goodbye GOAT (Greatest of All Time)". The 2019/20 Premier League Golden Boot winner had already missed the target with two chances but it was third time lucky just before the half-hour when he finished expertly for his ninth league goal of the season following a through ball from James Justin. Kasey McAteer ensured Vardy would be on the winning side in his final Leicester appearance by making it 2-0 -- the midfielder's first Premier League goal -- in the 69th minute. "I'm happy I could play my way into the game and get on the scoresheet as well as Vardy," McAteer told Premier League Productions. "It's classic Vardy, it's spoken about how he always delivers and that's what he's done for 13 years at this club... To play with him and call him my team-mate is an honour. I was buzzing he got his 200th goal."
Metro
14-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Man Utd plot bargain £20m transfer move for 'complete' Premier League star
Manchester United are reportedly considering a bargain £20m transfer move for 'complete' Premier League star Callum Hudson-Odoi. Nottingham Forest slapped a £40m price tag on the player last summer but the winger will enter the final 12 months of his current deal next month. It means that Hudson-Odoi could potentially be available for much cheaper this summer with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at €24m (£20m). Forest don't want to lose Hudson-Odoi, 24, and talks over a new contract are ongoing in an attempt to avoid losing him in the next transfer window. The former Chelsea star will assess his options at the end of the season with Napoli and Roma also thought to be interested in a potential deal. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. United have now joined the race, according to Sky Sports, with the Red Devils believed to be keeping an eye on his contract situation at Forest. Hudson-Odoi has become a popular figure at the City Ground since his switch to Forest to 2023 and was lauded by teammate Murillo this week. Speaking to Premier League Productions, Murillo said: 'I think [Hudson-Odoi is] a complete player, both defensively and especially going forward. 'Having come through at Chelsea, he knows what it means to play for a big club and to win titles. 'He's a great player, and I've always thought that. He keeps coming up with important goals for us.' Hudson-Odoi has conjured up eight goal involvements across 29 Premier League games for Forest so far this season. It has been a historic campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, who have qualified for European football for the first time in 29 years. There were dramatic scenes after Forest's last match – a home draw against Leicester City – after owner Evangelos Marinakis went on the pitch and appeared to remonstrate with Nuno following the full-time whistle. Marinakis was slammed by football pundit Gary Neville for his 'absolutely scandalous' behaviour but Nuno defended him, insisting that there had been confusion over a late injury suffered by Taiwo Awoniyi. More Trending Forest issued a long statement on social media on Tuesday, calling out 'fake news' over Marinakis. 'We urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context – least of all the injured player,' part of the Forest statement read. 'Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one — least of all the injured player. 'We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.' MORE: Arsenal stance on signing Rodrygo this summer revealed as Chelsea make first move MORE: Arsenal star Thomas Partey makes transfer decision after Barcelona approach MORE: Joe Cole says Inter Milan star would be the 'perfect signing' for Arsenal
Metro
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
'I was booed by Liverpool fans - this is how Trent Alexander-Arnold will feel'
Trent Alexander-Arnold was subjected to boos from Liverpool fans at Anfield during the Premier League clash against Arsenal. Alexander-Arnold, who has been at Liverpool since the age of six, recently confirmed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. His decision comes following a lengthy contract dispute with Liverpool and amid interest from reigning European champions Real Madrid. Anfield legend Jamie Carragher was among those to express his disappointment with Alexander-Arnold, who has made over 350 appearances for the Reds and helped his boyhood club win two Premier League titles and the Champions League. Alexander-Arnold was named on Liverpool's bench for Sunday's clash with Arsenal and was booed as he warmed up on the side of the pitch. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Those jeers ratchet up when the 26-year-old came on in the 67th minute and almost every time he touched the ball. Carragher disagreed with the boos but insisted he understood the frustration from the fans, while fellow Liverpool hero Steve Nicol described the scenes as 'absolutely disgusting'. Michael Owen knows better than most how it feels to be booed by Liverpool fans and said Alexander-Arnold will be 'mortified' and feel 'absolutely sick'. Liverpool supporters were unhappy with Owen's decision to leave the club for Real Madrid in 2004 and made their feelings know when he returned to Anfield with subsequent clubs Newcastle United and Manchester United. 'For his own people to boo him, it's a big lump in your throat,' ex-England striker Owen said on Premier League Productions after Liverpool's draw with Arsenal. 'I remember sitting in the player's lounge after playing against Liverpool for Newcastle. Me and my family were in floods of tears because I'd just been booed by my own players. 'I still struggle to comprehend it so I'm probably the closest person on the planet that knows exactly what it feels like to be in Trent's shoes right now. 'He will be mortified. Trent will leave now knowing that people booed him and it's hard to get that out of your head, despite what's happened over the last 20 years. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I forget a lot of the good times and just remember the booing. It makes you feel absolutely sick.' Owen added: 'I do question what Arne Slot will do in the remaining two games, especially the one at Anfield. 'They were chanting about Conor Bradley and Steven Gerrard. It wasn't the whole stadium. You will hear a minority of boos, it certainly wasn't the whole stadium. 'There are a lot of fans who want to thank and praise Trent for his contribution and rightly so.' Andy Robertson, Alexander-Arnold's team-mate of eight years, admitted it was 'not nice' to hear the boos. 'But you can't tell people how to feel,' the Scottish defender said. 'That's how I feel about it and I'm not going to tell anyone else how to feel about it. 'Disappointed to lose a good friend, he's an amazing player and an amazing person. He has pushed me through and made me a better player. 'His legacy will always be there, he's done so much for this club. He will be missed for me as one of my best friends in the game. 'We've done it all together. He's took me to levels I never knew existed. It hasn't been an easy one for Trent but he has made the decision.' Liverpool manager Arne Slot, meanwhile, said when asked about the reception his right-back received: 'Everybody can have their own opinion and you can express it in any way you want to. 'I heard mixed opinions but the only opinion I have is I owe it to the players and fans to try to win a game of football. 'And if Conor Bradley can't go on because he is tired and I have Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, I will bring him in because we want to win this game of football. More Trending 'And he was very close for us to win it because he had two or three passes… What makes him so special, for me. 'It is quite simple: If I want to win, I bring him in and that's what I did. For the fans, they are entitled to have their own opinion.' Alexander-Arnold is expected to join La Liga giants Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool. Madrid, who look set to miss out on a trophy this season, tried to sign Alexander-Arnold in January but were knocked back by Liverpool. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Ian Wright names the Manchester United player he would 'love' at Arsenal MORE: Lamine Yamal takes swipe at Jude Bellingham after Barcelona beat Real Madrid in Clasico thriller MORE: Jamie Carragher makes Mikel Arteta sack prediction after Arsenal draw with Liverpool
Metro
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Michael Owen explains how Chelsea 'got lucky' against Liverpool
Michael Owen says Chelsea 'got lucky' with the timing of their Premier League clash with newly crowned champions Liverpool. Chelsea boosted their chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League with a well-deserved 3-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday. Enzo Fernandez put the Blues ahead after just three minutes and Chelsea doubled their lead when Virgil van Dijk's attempted clearance struck Jarell Quansah and rebounded into his own net. Liverpool, who won their 20th English league title last weekend, got a goal back through Van Dijk but Cole Palmer capped a superb performance with an injury-time penalty to seal the victory. The win could turn out to be of huge importance as Chelsea look to secure Champions League qualification and Owen felt the Blues 'deserved' the victory on the balance of play. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. However, the ex-England striker believes Chelsea 'got lucky' playing Liverpool just a week after they celebrated a record-equalling Premier League title win. Liverpool could have travelled to Stamford Bridge needing a result to boost or secure the title but impressively and surprisingly – given how tight recent title races have been – got the job done with four games to spare. With the title already wrapped up, Slot was able to rotate his squad in west London and opted to bench Ibrahima Konate, Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz. 'Liverpool played quite well,' Owen said on Premier League Productions. 'They made a good game of the second half after going 2-0 down. 'They brought the big guns off the bench and they were pushing for an equaliser. 'Chelsea got lucky that they were playing Liverpool the game after they won the league. 'Chelsea deserved to win but Liverpool put up a performance, you can see they're champions through their attitude today. 'Cole Palmer was very good today, he deserved to be on the winning side.' Ex-Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend added: 'Chelsea have deserved it today. 'They started the game really well and they finish it with a big moment, as Chelsea need Cole Palmer back among the goals. 'He's played really well today and it's the big thing for Chelsea to have him scoring again, because they've got some big games still to go.' Chelsea are fifth in the Premier League with three games remaining, three points above Nottingham Forest, who now have a game in hand. Newcastle United, Manchester City, Arsenal and of course Liverpool all sit above Enzo Maresca's Chelsea. Rating Chelsea's chances of qualifying for the Champions League, former Blues winger Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'It was a good performance from various players. 'Madueke was brilliant, the two central defenders were fabulous but you have to caveat it slightly – this was not Liverpool at their very best. More Trending 'It was low power Liverpool until 70 minutes, and then you saw the real Liverpool turning up. 'Chelsea had a difficult time around Christmas and New Year, they fell away from it, got themselves on a good run and now have got it absolutely in their own hands. 'If they get just as good as this out of Cole Palmer, more from Nicolas Jackson, also from Lavia, who was magnificent today, Chelsea will look strong. 'If they can get to the Champions League, get the money from that they can look forward to next season. But everything relies on that top five.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Cole Palmer hits out at 'social media idiots' after ending goal drought against Liverpool MORE: Ruben Amorim says he has to remove 'really intelligent' Man Utd star from training MORE: Man Utd target £60m-rated Brentford star after starring against Red Devils
Metro
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Amorim says he has to remove 'really intelligent' Man Utd star from training
Ruben Amorim heaped praise on one Manchester United star following their 4-3 loss at Brentford – but says the player is training a bit too much at the moment. United suffered yet another defeat in the Premier League on Sunday, though their main focus is on the Europa League semi-final clash with Athletic Bilbao. They did very nearly salvage a point however, with Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo scoring late on to make the scoreline more respectful, and Amorim was able to take positives from the match. The head coach was especially proud of Mason Mount's performance, with the midfielder opening the scoring at the G-tech Community Stadium – his first goal of the season. 'It's not just the finish, it's the position he has on the pitch,' Amorim said of the England international in his post-match press conference. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. 'He's like a third midfielder that can reach the box. He's really intelligent, he's getting there.' Mount has made little impact at Old Trafford since his £55million transfer from Chelsea two years ago, missing a whopping 60 games through injury. As a result, Amorim, who usually demands intensity and hard-work in his training session, has urged the 26-year-old not to over exert himself at Carrington. 'He trains really hard. Sometimes I have to push him back and take him out of the pitch because he wants to do so much more,' the Portuguese added. 'We are taking care of him, he wants to play more minutes but I'm really happy with him.' Sunday's result leaves United 15th in the Premier League but, as mentioned, their priority is winning the Europa League, which will qualify them for the Champions League. More Trending 'We need to do better. We need to win this game,' Mount told Premier League Productions. 'We started well but that second half and end of the first half conceding goals where we knew what was coming. We knew they put crosses in box and we need to defend that better. We can perform better in the game. 'We have a big game on Thursday. It doesn't matter the scoreline [United are 3-0 up from the first-leg]. We attack it like it's 0-0. We know what we need to do. 'We can get into the Champions League next season and that's the most important thing. The season we've had in the Premier League is something we need to look at massively but if we can get into final and win that it's a positive end to the season.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Man Utd target £60m-rated Brentford star after starring against Red Devils MORE: Ruben Amorim 'really concerned' about Manchester United star after 4-3 defeat to Brentford MORE: Chelsea vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League latest score and goal updates as hosts double lead
