Latest news with #UefaConferenceLeague
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘With you, I started to smile again' – Tearful Antony announces Real Betis exit as £86m flop forced to return to Man Utd
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANTONY hailed his Real Betis loan spell as "one of the most beautiful chapters of my life" as he prepares for his return to Manchester United. The Brazil winger scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances for Betis in his reviving six-month loan move. 4 Antony said goodbye to Real Betis with an emotional video 4 The winger must return to Man Utd this summer But Antony and Betis endured a painful last dance, losing 4-1 to Chelsea in the Uefa Conference League final in Poland. He is set to return to Man Utd, who would not accept a cut-price deal or another loan move. The 26-year-old was grateful for his time at Betis as he penned an emotional open letter on Instagram. Antony said in Spanish: "Today is the day to give thanks for one of the most beautiful chapters of my life. "As I write this page of my story, I need to tell you why you have been —and always will be —so special to me. "Since I was a child, football wasn't just a dream, it was my only chance to change my life. "Life took me far, from the favela to the world. I left Brazil, played in the Netherlands, played in England, and went from being a boy to becoming a father. "A lot has changed, but football has always been there, always my safe harbour. Until one day, everything collapsed. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford "From heaven to hell. The ball stopped going in, the joy faded, my world darkened, and I began to doubt myself, my talent, and my passion for the game. "That's when football gave me one last gift: Real Betis. From the first step into this club, I felt something different. 'Leaving Man Utd works wonders' - Fans love Antony's wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flag "It was like coming home, like finding a piece of myself that I thought I had lost. With you, I started to smile again. "Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own. Thank you for giving me back the joy of playing football. "And thank you for reminding me why I fell in love with the game. My home, my people, thank you so much." Antony captioned the heartwarming post with: "My world. My people." The video started with Antony walking around an Villamarin Stadium, soaking his final days with the club who desperately wanted to keep him. Football gave me one last gift: Real Betis. Antony 4 The goodbye video showed Antony's best moments in a Betis shirt He was wearing his Betis jersey, with his young kids popping up in the green and white kits too. It then showed his best match highlights, including his incredible goal against former Man Utd team-mate David de Gea at Fiorentina. Dramatic Hans Zimmer-like piano music played in the background throughout. Antony endured a torrid first half of the season in the Premier League, compounding what had been a frustrating two seasons at Old Trafford following his £86million from Ajax in 2022. While he might not be accepted back into the fold at Old Trafford, Antony attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by former United boss Erik ten Hag.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘With you, I started to smile again' – Tearful Antony announces Real Betis exit as £86m flop forced to return to Man Utd
ANTONY hailed his Real Betis loan spell as "one of the most beautiful chapters of my life" as he prepares for his return to Manchester United. The Brazil winger scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances for Betis in his reviving six-month loan move. 4 4 But Antony and Betis endured a painful last dance, losing 4-1 to Chelsea in the Uefa Conference League final in Poland. He is set to return to Man Utd, who would not accept a cut-price deal or another loan move. The 26-year-old was grateful for his time at Betis as he penned an emotional open letter on Instagram. Antony said in Spanish: "Today is the day to give thanks for one of the most beautiful chapters of my life. "As I write this page of my story, I need to tell you why you have been —and always will be —so special to me. "Since I was a child, football wasn't just a dream, it was my only chance to change my life. "Life took me far, from the favela to the world. I left Brazil, played in the Netherlands, played in England, and went from being a boy to becoming a father. "A lot has changed, but football has always been there, always my safe harbour. Until one day, everything collapsed. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford "From heaven to hell. The ball stopped going in, the joy faded, my world darkened, and I began to doubt myself, my talent, and my passion for the game. "That's when football gave me one last gift: Real Betis. From the first step into this club, I felt something different. 'Leaving Man Utd works wonders' - Fans love Antony's wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flag "It was like coming home, like finding a piece of myself that I thought I had lost. With you, I started to smile again. "Thank you for welcoming me as one of your own. Thank you for giving me back the joy of playing football. "And thank you for reminding me why I fell in love with the game. My home, my people, thank you so much." Antony captioned the heartwarming post with: "My world. My people." The video started with Antony walking around an Villamarin Stadium, soaking his final days with the club who desperately wanted to keep him. He was wearing his Betis jersey, with his young kids popping up in the green and white kits too. It then showed his best match highlights, including his incredible goal against former Man Utd team-mate David de Gea at Fiorentina. Dramatic Hans Zimmer-like piano music played in the background throughout. Antony endured a torrid first half of the season in the Premier League, compounding what had been a frustrating two seasons at Old Trafford following his £86million from Ajax in 2022. While he might not be accepted back into the fold at Old Trafford, Antony attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by former United boss Erik ten Hag.
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Chelsea 2024/25 season review and player ratings: Palmer 8, Sancho 5, Nkunku 3
Season synopsis Premier League final position: Fourth FA Cup: Fourth round League Cup: Fourth round Uefa Conference League: Winners, beat Real Betis 4-1 in final It is still difficult not to view Chelsea through the lens of the gratuitous and at times reckless billion-plus spend under the current ownership group. On the pitch they might be a young and improving side with a manager adept at working with such a squad, but given the outlay and the astonishing wastefulness – Joao Felix on a seven-year £130k-a-week contract for example – the praise can be a little thin on the ground. After all, that's a lot of investment to celebrate sneaking fourth place in the Premier League on the final day of the season and lifting Uefa Conference League. However, it's also hard to argue that they aren't a better side than 12 months ago, and returning to the bUefa Champions League is a big step in the right direction. Best performance of the season Chelsea 3-1 Liverpool: Chelsea gave the newly crowned champions a guard of honour – followed by a pasting at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Fernandez struck after just three minutes before Jarrell Quansah's second-half own goal doubled Chelsea's lead. Virgil van Dijk's late header pulled a goal back but Cole Palmer had the final say, ending an 18-game goal drought from the spot. Worst performance of the season Ipswich 2-0 Chelsea: Back in December, Chelsea fell apart in a grim display at Portman Road. Ipswich striker Liam Delap bullied the visiting defence, scoring a 12th-minute penalty and then setting up former Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson for a second eight minutes after the break. Thriller of the season Chelsea 4-2 Brighton: Cole Palmer became the first player to score four first-half goals in a Premier League match last September when Chelsea swept aside Brighton to go fourth. In an entertaining match, Palmer, 22, also hit the post and had another one ruled out before the break as Chelsea took advantage of Brighton's high defensive line. The Seagulls scored twice early, with both of their goals stemming from errors by Chelsea's former Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. However, after Georginio Rutter headed the visitors ahead, Palmer single-handedly destroyed the Brighton defence. Player of the season Moises Caicedo: It turns out Chelsea did sign a world-class defensive midfielder from Brighton after all. Following a tough first season in blue, the Ecuadorean has looked much more like a British transfer record signing. At 23, there's still plenty of room to improve. Will play Champions League football for the first time in his career next season and that will only help his development. Goal of the season Pedro Neto v Fulham: Last-minute rocket against local rivals ended a long wait for an away win and kick-started Chelsea's strong run-in. Manager Enzo Maresca – 7.5 Chelsea showed signs of progress in 2024/25 and Maresca deserves credit for helping shape that with a defined style of play and an identity. It's a young side, and despite their lavish spending, they could still do with an elite centre-back and an upgrade in the central striking position. It looks like Maresca will be around to implement phase two of his project. Also, never hurts to put silverware in the cabinet. Goalkeepers Robert Sanchez – 6 Shaky, lost place, earned it back, strong end to season. Filip Jorgensen – 5 Looked bright early, fumbled his chance, became Conference League keeper. Defenders Marc Cucurella – 8.5 Player transformed, massive in defence and transition and important goals. Arguably player of the season. Gone from villain to hero. Levi Colwill – 7.5 Big step forward, growing into a leader. Scored a crucial goal at Nottingham Forest. Malo Gusto – 6 Opportunities more limited this season but did his part. Trevoh Chalobah – 7.5 Massive call to bring the defender back from loan at Crystal Palace. Slotted straight in. Wesley Fofana – 6 Injuries again. Worrying trend continues, but what a player when fit. Reece James – 6.5 Encouraging signs of fitness progress. Chelsea much better for his availability. Tosin Adarabioyo – 6.5 Understated presence and rock solid in the season run-in. Midfielders Enzo Fernandez – 8 Goals, assists and energy – finally getting closer to the World Cup star Chelsea signed. Romeo Lavia – 7 Could be team's best midfielder, but couldn't stay fit again. Mykhailo Mudryk – 2 Minimal contribution then banned for alleged doping. The future looks bleak. Cole Palmer – 8 Barren spell shouldn't blight another strong season of 15 Premier League goals. Also stepped up when his side needed him in the Conference League final. Elite talent. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6 Did his part when called upon but used sparingly. Moises Caicedo – 8.5 Arguably best defensive midfielder in the league. Outstanding all season. Forwards Noni Madueke – 7 Lively and threatening but went missing at times. Needs to score more from chances he makes for himself. Nicolas Jackson – 6 Superb start to the season, then hit by a goal drought then injury. Lucky his red card against Newcastle wasn't more costly. Pedro Neto – 6 Lively in parts and scored a few big goals but is much better than he showed overall. Jadon Sancho – 5 Similar to Neto, but a level below. Christopher Nkunku – 3 Doesn't fit into Maresca's system. Unlikely to stay. Tyrique George – 7 The Academy success story of the season. Bright future, could do with a loan spell away and regular game time next season.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Chelsea's Conference League celebrations as Caicedo sings karaoke until early hours and Mudryk poses with medal
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHELSEA stars partied into the early hours of the morning after getting their hands on the Uefa Conference League trophy. The west Londoners completed the set of European club trophies on Wednesday night thanks to a 4-1 win over Real Betis in Poland. 12 Chelsea got their hands on the Uefa Conference League trophy on Wednesday night Credit: GETTY 12 The Blues beat Real Betis 4-1 to complete the set of European club trophies Credit: GETTY 12 Pedro Neto was joined on the pitch by his other half, Claudia Silva after getting his winners' medal 12 Marc Cucurella was joined by his wife, Claudia Rodriguez Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo sealed a famous victory in Wroclaw for the Blues. There were joyful scenes on the pitch after the final whistle. And skipper Reece James sent the travelling Stamford Bridge faithful into a state of ecstasy when he raised the trophy high into the sky. But the celebrations didn't stop on the pitch, with Enzo Maresca's troops keeping the party going in the dressing room. The players, understandably, were in the mood for busting a move - particularly Marc Cucurella. The Spaniard did his best two-step as Caicedo broadcast the celebrations on Instagram Live. Goal scorers Fernandez and Jackson also cut a rug as several of the Spanish-speaking players belted out Daddy Yankee's 2004 hit 'Gasolina'. Marc Guiu was seen in the background enjoying one of the beers brought through for the players to enjoy. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 12 There were joyful scenes in the dressing room, with Marc Cucurella dancing along to some Central Cee 12 The west Londoners celebrated long into the night back at the team hotel Credit: INSTAGRAM@ENZOJFERNANDEZ 12 They were joined scores of staff members who travelled to Wroclaw Credit: INSTAGRAM@LEVICOLWILL 12 Moises Caicedo serenaded his team-mates with a rendition of a reggaeton song Credit: INSTAGRAM@YUNGCHALOBAH The Blues continued their celebrations back at the team hotel, where they had a private room to dance the night away. Pedro Neto and Filip Jorgensen were well and truly in the mood for dancing, getting downtown to Bruno Mars' 'Uptown Funk'. CBS Sports reporter asks Cole Palmer why he's carrying trophy in his shorts and Chelsea star's answer doesn't disappoint There was also some late-night karaoke, with Caicedo treating his team-mates to a rendition of a reggaeton song. Trevor Chalobah posted footage of Caicedo's sing-song to his Instagram story, with his accompanying caption reading: "Ladies and gentlemen, my CDM." Noni Madueke also got on the mic, rapping to Meek Mill's 'Dreams and Nightmares'. It was a late night for Ecuador international Caicedo, who was still going strong at 4am. The 23-year-old returned to Instagram Live in the early hours of the morning, prompting team-mate Romeo Lavia to tell him to "go to bed". Several players shared snaps of themselves proudly showing off their winners' medals, including the BANNED Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukrainian, who is serving a provisional drugs ban, wore a medal for a snap with Fernandez despite not having played in the competition since last November. Levi Cowill gave a glimpse at just how many people were in attendance at the celebrations with a photo shouting out the club staff. 12 Noni Madueke also got on the mic, rapping Meek Mill's 'Dreams and Nightmares' 12 The midfielder was on Instagram Live at 4am and was told to go to bed by team-mate Romeo Lavia Credit: instagram 12 Mykhailo Mudryk joined in on the celebrations - despite serving a provisional drug ban Credit: INSTAGRAM@ENZOJFERNANDEZ 12 Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was happy as Larry during the celebrations Credit: INSTAGRAM@KDH_8 Maresca, 45, was nowhere to be seen during the late-night celebrations, which may have resulted in a sore head or two. The Italian is hoping the Conference League triumph will be the first of many trophies during his reign, saying: "I'm very proud, and very happy. "I know the fans deserve it, they've waited for a few years for good moments. "The club has invested a lot of money so they've been waiting too. "Hopefully, this can be a starting point and we can begin to create something important. "The target for next season? We're going to try again. "We'll enjoy it for a week or so, and then start looking ahead."
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Chelsea's Conference League celebrations as Caicedo sings karaoke until early hours and Mudryk poses with medal
CHELSEA stars partied into the early hours of the morning after getting their hands on the Uefa Conference League trophy. The west Londoners completed the set of European club trophies on Wednesday night thanks to a Poland . Advertisement 12 Chelsea got their hands on the Uefa Conference League trophy on Wednesday night Credit: GETTY 12 The Blues beat Real Betis 4-1 to complete the set of European club trophies Credit: GETTY 12 Pedro Neto was joined on the pitch by his other half, Claudia Silva after getting his winners' medal 12 Marc Cucurella was joined by his wife, Claudia Rodriguez Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo sealed a famous victory in Wroclaw for the Blues. There were joyful scenes on the pitch after the final whistle. And skipper sky . But the celebrations didn't stop on the pitch, with dressing room . Advertisement READ MORE ON CHELSEA The players, understandably, were in the mood for busting a move - particularly The Spaniard did his best two-step as Caicedo broadcast the celebrations on Instagram Live. Goal scorers Fernandez and Jackson also cut a rug as several of the Spanish-speaking players belted out Daddy Yankee's 2004 hit 'Gasolina'. Advertisement Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 12 There were joyful scenes in the dressing room, with Marc Cucurella dancing along to some Central Cee 12 The west Londoners celebrated long into the night back at the team hotel Credit: INSTAGRAM@ENZOJFERNANDEZ 12 They were joined scores of staff members who travelled to Wroclaw Credit: INSTAGRAM@LEVICOLWILL Advertisement 12 Moises Caicedo serenaded his team-mates with a rendition of a reggaeton song Credit: INSTAGRAM@YUNGCHALOBAH The Blues continued their celebrations back at the team hotel, where they had a private room to dance the night away. Pedro Neto and Filip Jorgensen were well and truly in the mood for dancing, getting downtown to Bruno Mars' 'Uptown Funk'. CBS Sports reporter asks Cole Palmer why he's carrying trophy in his shorts and Chelsea star's answer doesn't disappoint There was also some late-night karaoke, with Caicedo treating his team-mates to a rendition of a reggaeton song. Advertisement Trevor Chalobah posted footage of Caicedo's sing-song to his Instagram story, with his accompanying caption reading: "Ladies and gentlemen, my CDM." Noni Madueke also got on the mic, rapping to Meek Mill's 'Dreams and Nightmares'. It was a late night for Ecuador international Caicedo, who was still going strong at 4am. The 23-year-old returned to Instagram Live in the early hours of the morning, prompting team-mate Advertisement Several players shared snaps of themselves proudly showing off their winners' medals, including the BANNED The Ukrainian, who is serving a provisional drugs ban, wore a medal for a snap with Fernandez despite not having played in the competition since last November. Levi Cowill gave a glimpse at just how many people were in attendance at the celebrations with a photo shouting out the club staff. 12 Noni Madueke also got on the mic, rapping Meek Mill's 'Dreams and Nightmares' Advertisement 12 The midfielder was on Instagram Live at 4am and was told to go to bed by team-mate Romeo Lavia Credit: instagram 12 Mykhailo Mudryk joined in on the celebrations - despite serving a provisional drug ban Credit: INSTAGRAM@ENZOJFERNANDEZ 12 Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was happy as Larry during the celebrations Credit: INSTAGRAM@KDH_8 Maresca, 45, was nowhere to be seen during the late-night celebrations, which may have resulted in a sore head or two. Advertisement The Italian is hoping the Conference League triumph will be the first of many trophies during his reign, saying: "I'm very proud, and very happy. "I know the fans deserve it, they've waited for a few years for good moments. "The club has invested a lot of money so they've been waiting too. "Hopefully, this can be a starting point and we can begin to create something important. Advertisement "The target for next season? We're going to try again. "We'll enjoy it for a week or so, and then start looking ahead."
