Latest news with #StevenGerrard
Daily Mail
17 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rio Ferdinand takes his 'Last Dance' as Man United legend ends his TNT Sports career alongside Steven Gerrard and Laura Woods at the Champions League final in Munich
Saturday was a big day for Rio Ferdinand as the former Manchester United and England defender made his final appearance as a TNT Sports pundit. The 46-year-old was part of the broadcaster's coverage of the UEFA Champions League final in Munich. Before kick-off between Paris Saint-Germain faced Inter Milan, Ferdinand joined ex-England team-mate Steven Gerrard and presenter Laura Woods pitchside. Ferdinand and Gerrard was pictured deep in conversation with Gerrard, who recently rejected an offer to resume his managerial career with Rangers. He was also seen embracing Inter Milan striker Marko Arnautovic in a warm exchange as the players inspected Allianz Arena pitch. Saturday's farewell appearance marked the end of Ferdinand's 10-year run with TNT Sports and its predecessor BT Sport. The Last Dance 🎤 #UCLfinal — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 31, 2025 He had become a regular face on both domestic and European football coverage. Around half an hour before Saturday's game got underway, Ferdinand tweeted a photo of himself next to Gerrard and Woods, captioning it: 'The Last Dance', followed by a microphone emoji. Confirming his departure earlier this week, Ferdinand had said: 'After 10 incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final. 'Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sport and TNT Sports.' He went on to thank behind-the-scenes staff, his family, and management team for their support over the years and said he would now focus on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast and other ventures.
The Sun
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Laura Woods wears bold outfit for Champions League final as fans say she's singlehandedly saved TNT Sports coverage
LAURA WOODS stunned in a bold outfit as viewers declared she had singlehandedly saved TNT Sports' coverage of the Champions League final. All eyes are on Munich tonight as giants Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan prepare to do battle for European football's greatest prize. 5 5 5 Stars including Ousmane Dembele and Lautaro Martinez are sure to light up the pitch. But off it, it was Woods who caught the eye in a striking ensemble. The popular presenter, who returned to screens earlier this month after giving birth to first child Leo with fiance Adam Collard, bowled fans over as she opted for an amazing all-cream outfit. Woods bared her arms as she also went sleeveless in the warm German evening. She was joined by Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard on the sideline as the icons, who have both won the Champions League, delivered their pre-match thoughts. For Ferdinand, it was a poignant moment after the Manchester United legend declared it would be his final appearance on TNT Sports. Meanwhile, Gerrard dug deep for his best analysis after being strongly linked with a return to Rangers. But as far as viewers were concerned, it was Woods who was the star of the show. One said: 'Thank f**k for Laura Woods.' Another declared: 'Great to see Laura Woods presenting the final.' Laura Woods gives Adam Collard a telling off as they watch Newcastle vs Arsenal and reveal who their baby is supporting There was also praise for fellow TNT Sports presenter Jules Breach. She dazzled in a green dress while going behind the scenes. And one fan had plenty to say. They boomed: 'Jules Breach showing levels this evening.' 5 5
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Steven Gerrard's massive net worth, model wife and daughter's baby with jailed criminal's son
Steven Gerrard's massive net worth, model wife and daughter's baby with jailed criminal's son The Liverpool legend is on punditry duty for TNT Sports' coverage of the Champions League final Gerrard and his wife Alex Curran will celebrate 18 years of marriage next month (Image: Dave J Hogan/Dave) The biggest prize in European club football is up for grabs tonight as Paris Saint-Germain take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Munich. Inter are looking to seal their fourth Champions League title after overcoming Barcelona in a thrilling semi-final contest, while PSG are determined to finally get their hands on the trophy that has eluded them throughout their history and win it for the first time, having beaten a string of English sides - Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal - to make it to the final. Millions will tune in from around the world to watch the eagerly-anticipated clash, with TNT Sports broadcasting the game in the UK. The coverage will be fronted by Laura Woods, with a stacked punditry line-up featuring Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand, Karen Carney and Owen Hargreaves. Gerrard, of course, knows a thing about winning the Champions League, having lifted the trophy as captain of Liverpool after their remarkable comeback win against AC Milan in the 2005 final in Istanbul. An Anfield legend, the former midfielder hung up his boots in 2016 as he brought the curtain down on a career that also saw him win countless individual awards as well as two FA Cups, three League Cups, a UEFA Cup and a UEFA Super Cup. Since retiring from playing, Gerrard has moved into management, taking charge of Rangers, Aston Villa and Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. However, he left the Saudi Pro League club in January. As he prepares to give his take on Saturday night's action, here's what you need to know about the Liverpool icon's life away from football. Huge net worth After a lucrative playing career, Gerrard has a huge estimated net worth of around £75 million, according to 888Sports. He is believed to have earned around £22.5 million over the course of his career which saw him spend 17 years at Liverpool before hanging up his boots at MLS side LA Galaxy. The 45-year-old has also earned a pretty penny in management, having been on a reported £15.2 million-a-year salary while manager of Al-Ettifaq. That figure made Gerrard the fourth-highest paid manager in the world at the time, with only Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone ahead of him. His huge net worth has also been boosted by several different sponsorship deals over the course of his career, having endorsed the brands including Adidas, Jaguar and Lucozade. Model wife Gerrard will celebrate 18 years of marriage with his wife Alex Curran next month, having tied the knot in a glamorous ceremony in Buckinghamshire in June 2007. Funnily enough, the couple - who first got together in 2002 - married on the same day as the weddings of his England team-mates Gary Neville and Michael Carrick. A former nail technician, Curran later moved into modelling and worked as a fashion columnist for the Daily Mirror and OK! Magazine. Together, the couple have four children together - Lilly-Ella, Lexie, Lourdes and Lio. During Gerrard's time at Al-Ettifaq, Curran and the children chose to live in Bahrain rather than Saudi Arabia and lived a glamorous lifestyle in a luxury villa. While he was manager at Rangers, the former Liverpool ace admitted his wife would see him quit football management "tomorrow" due to the pressure it puts on their family life. He told the High Performance Podcast: 'There are times when it dominates your life and you can't control that. That's what it is. 'But there will be a stage in my life where I have to give it up, for the sake of my family and for myself. To cut it, and live life with a bit of peace. There's got to be a stage of your life where you have calm and peace, but at the moment I don't feel ready for it. 'I do still feel full of energy. I do think I can help players. I do see opportunities to have more highs, and buzzes, and adrenaline rushes. 'For Alex and the kids, at some stage, I'm going to have to give me self to them, 100%. When that will be, who knows? Alex would take it tomorrow. She'd take it tomorrow.' He added: 'Alex is the one who brings me down, when I've come in, and think I'm fantastic. If I've scored a goal, or we've won a game, she pipes me down. 'And when you're on the floor, and you're staring at the wall, she's the one who helps pick you up." Daughter's baby with jailed criminal's son In January, Gerrard's eldest daughter Lilly-Ella revealed that she is expecting her first child with boyfriend Lee Byrne. The 20-year-old revealed the news on social media as she shared a photo of her positive pregnancy test and added the caption: "Our little secret. "The best news," she added. "Mini us is on the way." Her partner Lee is the son of notorious Dublin criminal Liam Byrne, who was sentenced to five years in prison for weapons charges in October 2024. Meanwhile, Lee's grandfather, James 'Jaws' Byrne, who died last year at the age of 77, was a career criminal. Article continues below However, LBC reports that Gerrard treats Lee "just as he would anyone else', while he was also thrilled to hear that he was becoming a grandfather at the age of 45. In response to Lilly-Ella's announcement, he wrote: 'We can't wait, great news and congratulations - we love you."
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Rangers takeover officially CONFIRMED as new American owners plan instant £20million summer transfer spree
THE Rangers takeover has been officially signed and sealed - with consortium tycoon Andrew Cavenagh vowing to take the club to the TOP. The buy-out deal - backed by San Francisco 49ers Enterprises - has now been confirmed following months of talks. 3 3 3 An initial £20million investment has been promised for summer signings following a proposed share issue which will be outlined at an EGM on June 23. Frontman Cavenagh takes control as chairman with Paraag Marathe named vice-chairman - after they finally acquired 51 percent of the club late on Wednesday night and secured SFA approval. Cavenagh said: 'We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers board, shareholders, staff, and supporters. 'This club's history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn't win matches. 'We know that the true way to honour the club's heritage will be to drive performance. 'Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs - at the top.' Marathe's involvement had to be ratified by the SFA given his position as chairman of Leeds United. And Hampden chiefs have confirmed there are no dual ownership issues. Marathe added: 'At 49ers Enterprises, we have built a track record of sporting and business success. Robert Grieve & Bill Leckie have the very latest on the Rangers manager situation as Steven Gerrard & Russell Martin emerge as front-runners 'But our driving motivation is our deep connection to the clubs and communities we serve. 'We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club, and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.' Dave King and John Bennett now have no shares in Rangers after agreeing to sell up. And the club has now formed a new-look board. That will include new names Mark Taber, Andrew Clayton and Gene Schneur. Patrick Stewart, Fraser Thornton, John Halsted, and George Taylor all remain - but Graeme Park, Julian Wolhardt, and Alastair Johnston step down. The roles will all be ratified at an EGM on June 23. That will include a resolution to be passed for a share issue and also a motion to move Rangers from being an unlisted PLC to a private company. Thornton said: 'This new ownership phase represents a significant step forward for Rangers FC. 'The incoming shareholders bring not only funding but also deep expertise in strategic planning, infrastructure development, and sporting excellence. 'On behalf of Rangers, I also want to put on record our appreciation to the outgoing board members who have selflessly served the club. 'I also want to acknowledge our major shareholders whose backing has brought the club to this point, the vast majority of whom have chosen to reinvest in the club and continue with us on the next stage of the journey.' Patrick Stewart said: 'From my earliest conversations with Paraag and Andrew, I have been excited and confident in the shared vision and what it could mean for the future of Rangers. 'Our focus now is on the hard work ahead, preparing thoroughly for the new season, appointing the right men's head coach, and ensuring we have the structures in place to support success on the pitch.' The news will be celebrated by Rangers supporters who have been desperately crying out for change. A statement released by the club said: 'Rangers Football Club is pleased to announce that a consortium of investors, led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, has purchased a majority stake in the club, with approval from the Scottish FA. 'The consortium will chart a new strategic vision for the club's future prioritising on-pitch performance and long-term financial sustainability. 'The new leadership has committed to invest £20 million into the club at this time, which will be subject to shareholder approval at the General Meeting on 23 June 2025. 'Cavenagh, a business leader and healthcare executive, will serve as board chairman. 'He will work closely with Paraag Marathe, who joins the board as vice chairman and is the president of 49ers Enterprises, a sports investment entity also led by San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York. 'Cavenagh and Marathe have spent decades leading highly successful businesses and world-class sports brands and, as part of the board, will oversee all aspects of the club in this next chapter.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sky Sports Confirms Steven Gerrard's Plans Amid Liverpool Return Rumours
Steven Gerrard's Managerial Future: A Pause, Not a Full Stop Steven Gerrard's decision to step away from football management for the time being has been confirmed, with Sky Sports reporting he will not return to Rangers despite advanced talks. This update comes after weeks of speculation regarding a potential Ibrox reunion, following Philippe Clement's departure. However, it appears Gerrard is not in the running, with Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin now considered leading candidates for the job. Advertisement 'Steven Gerrard will not become the next Rangers manager,' Sky Sports confirmed, despite the Liverpool icon having 'held talks over a return to the club, three and a half years after leaving Glasgow.' His absence from the managerial scene isn't without precedent. Gerrard left Saudi side Al Ettifaq in January after a mixed spell, with the club languishing in 12th place, just five points above the relegation zone. The departure was, as Sky Sports reports, via mutual agreement. It's clear that Gerrard's focus has shifted. 'I want to be free, I want to play a round of golf, go down the boozer and have a couple of beers, do normal things that you can't do when you're coaching,' he recently told reporters, revealing a refreshingly human side often hidden behind the tactical rigours of modern football management. Rebuilding Reputation After Saudi Arabia Gerrard's experience in the Saudi Pro League was far from the triumphant campaign many expected. After a promising start, his side faltered, and questions around his tactical adaptability began to circulate. His record in Dammam may have cooled interest from higher-tier clubs, at least temporarily. Advertisement Still, his past successes, notably Rangers' historic 55th league title win in 2021, ensure his stock hasn't completely fallen. The conversation around him includes links to Championship clubs like Derby County and lower-league sides such as Carlisle United, with a short-lived rumour of a potential Premier League opportunity at Southampton. That these rumours have emerged at all suggests there's still admiration for Gerrard's potential. Yet it also highlights a key dilemma: where does Gerrard fit in the current managerial landscape? Photo: IMAGO Liverpool Role Speculation Gathers Pace With John Heitinga reportedly heading to Ajax, Liverpool fans have speculated about Gerrard returning in a backroom role under new boss Arne Slot, who has just delivered a stunning Premier League title in his debut season. On paper, it's a reunion filled with romance and narrative weight. Advertisement However, there's no indication Gerrard is interested in such a role. His comments suggest a more extended break is on the cards, prioritising family time and a mental reset from the 24/7 nature of coaching. 'I'm happy with waking up and being free, doing the family stuff, just being free away from stress,' he said, a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who's seen the relentless pressure top-level management entails. What's Next For Gerrard? In truth, the future remains open. Gerrard is still only 45, with decades ahead of him should he wish to return. His reputation in the game, especially in Glasgow and Liverpool, remains largely intact. What matters now is timing and opportunity. Advertisement His recent comments suggest that whenever he does return, it won't be for a short-term fix or a vanity project. Instead, expect a more considered, perhaps humbler path, likely one that allows for development, autonomy, and the space to evolve as a coach. With Sky Sports reporting he's not a front-runner for the Rangers role, and with other clubs exploring options, Gerrard may well bide his time until the right project presents itself. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a Liverpool fan's perspective, Gerrard's current detour away from management is bittersweet. On one hand, his legend status at Anfield and his historic achievements at Rangers make him an ideal figure to bring back into the fold. The prospect of Gerrard shadowing Arne Slot, learning from a tactician who just won the Premier League in his first campaign, is intriguing. There's also the emotional allure of seeing him back on the touchline at Anfield, even in a supporting capacity. Advertisement But on the other hand, his honesty about burnout is commendable. Gerrard's admission that he needs time, that he wants to reconnect with everyday life, shows maturity. This isn't someone chasing jobs for the sake of it. It's someone preserving longevity in a profession notorious for its toll. Perhaps this is precisely why he remains such a revered figure. He's not forcing a narrative. He's letting it unfold. If and when Gerrard returns to management, Liverpool supporters will be watching, hopeful. And who knows — maybe someday the romantic script will write itself, and he'll return in a more significant capacity. But for now, the legend rests, and rightly so.
