Latest news with #ex-WestHam
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Wolves release TEN players including Wrexham-linked former European champion and Champions League runner-up
The club's top scorer has already departed this summer WOLVES have announced TEN players will leave the club this summer. Skipper Nelson Semedo is among those to be offered a new deal at Molineux. Advertisement 2 Pablo Sarabia is among ten players leaving Wolves this summer Credit: Getty 2 Defender Craig Dawson is also on the lookout for a new club Credit: Getty But Pablo Sarabia and Craig Dawson are heading out of the exit door. Sarabia, 33, joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2023. The Spaniard was a Champions League runner-up with PSG in 2020 and brought flair to Wolves on the flanks. He scored eight goals in 77 games, twice winning the club's Goal of the Season award. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL 'STARSTRUCK' Grealish poses with unrecognisable Prem icon and calls him his 'boyhood hero' Sarabia confirmed last week he was to leave the Midlands after just over two years. He wrote on Instagram: "Two and a half seasons ago, I had the chance to become part of the Wolves family and experience a league as competitive as the @premierleague. "It's been an exciting challenge, and even though we went through tough moments, we reached our goals — thanks to the unity between the club and the fans. "Now it's time to start a new chapter, taking with me some amazing memories from a club that my family and I will never forget. " Advertisement "Wishing you all the best for the future. Once a Wolf, always a Wolf. Thank you @wolves." BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Dawson has been linked with a move to ambitious Championship side Wrexham following their consecutive promotions. The ex-West Ham defender played 61 times in the gold of Wolves. Advertisement Matheus Cunha gifts Wolves team-mates Joao Gomes and Andre a Rolex ahead of Man Utd transfer And reports suggest Wrexham have tabled a contract offer to the former Conference League champion. Wolves also announced eight players from their youth setup will be released. Stan Amos, Justin Hubner, Testimony Igbinoghene, Aaron Keto Diyawa, Lucas Kibrya, Filozofe Mabete, Josh Nyakudya and Matty Whittingham are all free to find new clubs. The club have also chosen not to take up the option in Carlos Forbs' loan deal, with the forward returning to Ajax. Advertisement It comes after last season's top scorer Matheus Cunha moved to Manchester United for £62.5million. The Brazilian looks set to be joined in leaving by Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is a target for Manchester City.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Real Betis XI vs Chelsea: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Conference League final today
Real Betis look set to have Giovani Lo Celso fit for their Conference League final showdown with Chelsea tonight. The former Tottenham attacking midfielder has featured regularly for Manuel Pellegrini's side since returning to the Estadio Benito Villamarin in a last-gasp cut-price deal last summer, but missed out on the 1-1 home draw with Valencia on Friday evening as Betis finished the 2024/25 LaLiga season in sixth place. Lo Celso had initially been considered a doubt to face Chelsea in Wroclaw on Wednesday night, but was seen training normally in an open session held at the stadium on Tuesday afternoon, alongside the likes of Johnny Cardoso, Ricardo Rodriguez and Fran Vieites. Senegal right-back Youssouf Sabaly is also expected to be fit, though Betis remain without former Arsenal stalwart Hector Bellerin, as well as Diego Llorente, Marc Roca and Chimy Avila. Pellegrini has to decide whether to go with Vieites or Adrian in goal on Wednesday, with the former having started in the Conference League since Rui Silva joined Sporting Lisbon in January but ex-West Ham and Liverpool man Adrian typically getting the nod in LaLiga. Sabaly should continue to deputise for Bellerin at right-back, with Marc Bartra and Napoli loanee Natan the likely central defensive pairing and Rodriguez on the left. Tottenham transfer target Cardoso will be in the engine room, with Pellegrini seeking to strike the right balance with plenty of attacking options including another ex-West Ham player in Pablo Fornals, plus impactful Manchester United loanee Antony and former Real Madrid star Isco. Sergi Altimira is another potential option in midfield, while Cedric Bakambu should lead the line. Abde Ezzalzouli could retain his place if Lo Celso is not ready to start. Predicted Real Betis XI: Adrian, Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez, Johnny, Fornals, Antony, Isco, Lo Celso, Bakambu Injured: Bellerin, Llorente, Roca, Avila Doubt: Lo Celso Venue: Stadion Miejski, Wroclaw (Poland) How to watch: TNT Sports Referee: Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Wales Online
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Sacked Soccer Saturday pundits and truth behind six departures at Sky Sports
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Soccer Saturday was once a staple of many football fans' weekend itinerary before significant changes were made to its punditry line-up. The Sky Sports show delivered countless memorable moments at its peak. The quartet of Phil Thompson, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Paul Merson offered unmissable entertainment with their analysis, humorous quips and occasional live TV blunders. With the legendary presenter Jeff Stelling at the helm, Soccer Saturday was the envy of other sports shows due to the unique rapport between its pundits - not to mention the reporters who would interject with goal updates from across the UK. However, the programme today is vastly different from a decade ago after broadcaster Sky instigated several shake-ups by letting go long-standing pundits, with the most ruthless cull occurring prior to the 2020/21 season. We examine why Sky Sports decided to dismiss many of its favourite pundits... Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier Thompson was the first of the Soccer Saturday icons to be informed he was being let go in August 2020, followed closely by Nicholas and Le Tissier. Sky's head of football arranged a meeting with the Liverpool legend, then 66, who was told the broadcaster was moving in a new direction. "They wanted to do it sensitively rather than one day you're gone," Thompson told the Daily Mail. However, the former defender didn't hide his disappointment when Sky informed him that his services were no longer needed after a 22-year stint. "It became a way of life, so taking that away... I miss it. We were a band of brothers," he said. (Image: Sky Sports) Arsenal legend Nicholas had a meeting scheduled an hour after Thompson's for the same reason, while Le Tissier met the same fate. Sky's official position on the changes was: "We are changing some parts of our football coverage Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes." Thompson, being the oldest of the three, felt the others should have stayed, adding: "It was three parts of a midfield. The others could have continued." Sky's decision at the height of the pandemic could have been both financially driven and a response to calls for more diversity on its programmes. Le Tissier was "hit the hardest" due to his relatively younger age, according to long-time colleague Stelling. Meanwhile, BBC pundit Ian Wright responded to the backlash on social media by saying: "Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson, they've had an unbelievable run, it's been a great show. This happens to everyone in the industry. This is Sky's decision to evolve the show." Tony Cottee Tony Cottee parted ways with Soccer Saturday after the 2020/21 season. The ex-West Ham, Everton and Leicester ace was a regular during the show's golden years but, as the show's popularity dwindled, Sky Sports decided to axe him and move in a new direction. Reflecting on his exit during the Under the Cosh podcast, he said: "I had 20 great years there and I look back and I don't like the way it ended. It was their choice more than my choice. I wanted to carry on being part of the show, obviously Soccer Saturday. "But I also look back and think I had 20 wonderful years. Some of the characters - Jeff Stelling's an amazing presenter. Then you think of the Kammy's (Chris Kamara) and the McInally's (Alan McInally), and then the lads who were on the panel. Merse, Le Tiss, Charlie, Thommo. Just wonderful characters." (Image: Sky Sports) Rodney Marsh Rodney Marsh became known for his candid commentary. The ex-Manchester City player once famously lost his hair on a bet after dismissing Bradford City's chances in a relegation battle. However, Marsh's tenure on the show ended abruptly when he made an inappropriate joke concerning the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Despite issuing an apology, he was dismissed. Post-Sky, Marsh took part in 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here' in 2007 and has appeared on various other programmes. Now at 79, he continues to share his football insights on Sirius XM. (Image: Sky) Bianca Westwood Westwood parted ways with Sky Sports in August 2023 after a 22-year stint. As part of a sweeping overhaul, fellow respected colleagues such as Dickie Davis, Guy Havord, Greg Whelan, Lynsey Hooper and Jaydee Dyer also bid farewell to their roles, a move believed to be driven by budgetary constraints at the network. Transitioning to talkSPORT, Westwood expressed her sentiments on Instagram: "A bit like when I did my first match report, I didn't want to make a fuss but I've had SO many messages and questions about where I'll be today I thought I might as well let you know. (Image: Bianca Westwood/Youtube) "I haven't quite made enough money to retire unfortunately, but I am retiring from Sky Sports and Soccer Saturday. It's been a phenomenal 22 and a half years and I've been a small part of building the channel into the giant of broadcasting it is today. What a ride! "Being the first female match reporter on Soccer Saturday is something I'm immensely proud of and that can never be taken away from me. I've covered hundreds and hundreds of games, I've interviewed hundreds of players and managers."
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Dimitri Payet breaks silence on claims he beat lover & made her film sick sex acts saying relationship was ‘consensual'
FORMER Premier League star Dimitri Payet has broken his silence after abuse claims made by his ex-lover. Larissa Ferrari alleged the married midfielder subjected her to "physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence" - including forcing her to film degrading videos, in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday. 7 Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of 'physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence' Credit: Newsflash 7 The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims Larissa Credit: Newsflash 7 Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to police The Brazilian lawyer, 28, also accused the former West Ham and French international Payet, 38, of making her take part in a fake wedding and wearing a ring to 'prove her love'. She also alleged he made her drink her own urine and water from the toilet, and lick the floor. Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday photos of her bruises which she said she'd handed to police. The mum-of-two said: 'He's a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I'm still scared." Payet, however, has denied "physical and psychological violence" in a statement to Brazilian cops, reports local outlet G1, which claims to have seen a document detailing the case. The footballer admitted to having had a seven-month affair with his accuser after "becoming lonely" while playing for Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro. Larissa told G1 she suffers from Borderline personality disorder and claims Payet took advantage of her condition. "Dimitri knew about my passion and psychological problems, using this against me," she is reported to have said by the Brazilian outlet. "Dimitri convinced me to put my head in the trash, in the toilet, made me drink my own urine and other sexual bizarre acts." However, Payet's statement allegedly sees him claim everything was consensual and proposed by his accuser. Dimitri Payet breaks down in tears after announcing he is leaving Marseille It refers to an incident where Larissa "requested slaps during sexual intercourse" which resulted in marks on her body. The footballer is also said to have claimed the pair used wooden chairs during sex. G1 reports Payet alleges he refused Larissa's wish to continue their relationship as he prepares to return to France, which would include him paying her expenses. Payet has four children with his wife of nearly 20 years, Ludivine, who remained in France after he joined the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club in 2023. Payet's lawyer Sheila Lustoza told G1: "It is regrettable that confidential records were leaked, but the case reveals with evidence something that is very clear: a woman exercising her freedom and will, as it should be, contrary to what has been publicly narrated up until now. "The defence is confident that the truth that is proven by documents will demonstrate these facts." 'I only want justice' Speaking to The Sun on Sunday previously, Larissa went on to say: 'I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.' Payet spent 18 months with West Ham before Marseille paid £25million for him in January 2017. He then moved to Rio in 2023 after signing for Vasco de Gama. 7 Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West Ham Credit: PA:Press Association 7 Larissa wearing bridal gear for 'ceremony' The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp. Larissa, who knew the star was married, initially flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio's Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match. She said: 'He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.' As the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time. Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a 'normal couple'. But in early December Larissa's pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them. Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: 'This was the first time I saw this side of him." She alleges that sparked off the abuse. In text messages seen by The Sun, Payet asked for 'humiliating' sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for 'disgusting acts' to prove her love. Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night 0808 2000 247 Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. 7 Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of four Credit: AFP
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Dimitri Payet breaks silence on claims he beat lover & made her film sick sex acts saying relationship was ‘consensual'
FORMER Premier League star Dimitri Payet has broken his silence after abuse claims made by his ex-lover. 7 Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of 'physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence' Credit: Newsflash 7 The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims Larissa Credit: Newsflash 7 Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to police The Brazilian lawyer, 28, also accused the former West Ham and French international Payet , 38, of making her take part in a fake wedding and wearing a ring to 'prove her love'. She also alleged he made her drink her own urine and water from the toilet, and lick the floor. Larissa showed The Sun photos of her bruises which she said she'd handed to police. The mum-of-two said: 'He's a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I'm still scared." READ MORE NEWS Payet, however, has denied "physical and psychological violence" in a statement to Brazilian cops, reports local outlet G1, which claims to have seen a document detailing the case. The footballer admitted to having had a seven-month affair with his accuser after "becoming lonely" while playing for Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro. Larissa told G1 she suffers from Borderline personality disorder and claims Payet took advantage of her condition. "Dimitri knew about my passion and psychological problems, using this against me," she is reported to have said by the Brazilian outlet. Most read in Football "Dimitri convinced me to put my head in the trash, in the toilet, made me drink my own urine and other sexual bizarre acts. " However, Payet's statement allegedly sees him claim everything was consensual and proposed by his accuser. Dimitri Payet breaks down in tears after announcing he is leaving Marseille It refers to an incident where Larissa "requested slaps during sexual intercourse" which resulted in marks on her body. The footballer is also said to have claimed the pair used wooden chairs during sex. G1 reports Payet alleges he refused Larissa's wish to continue their relationship as he prepares to return to France, which would include him paying her expenses. Payet has four children with his wife of nearly 20 years, Ludivine, who remained in France after he joined the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club in 2023. Payet's lawyer Sheila Lustoza told G1: "It is regrettable that confidential records were leaked, but the case reveals with evidence something that is very clear: a woman exercising her freedom and will, as it should be, contrary to what has been publicly narrated up until now. "The defence is confident that the truth that is proven by documents will demonstrate these facts." 'I only want justice' Speaking to The Sun previously, Larissa went on to say: 'I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.' Payet spent 18 months with 7 Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West Ham Credit: PA:Press Association 7 Larissa wearing bridal gear for 'ceremony' The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp. Larissa, who knew the star was married, initially flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio's Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match. She said: 'He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.' As the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time. Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a 'normal couple'. But in early December Larissa's pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them. Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: 'This was the first time I saw this side of him." She alleges that sparked off the abuse. In text messages seen by The Sun, Payet asked for 'humiliating' sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for 'disgusting acts' to prove her love. Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or on 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring on 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. 7 Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of four Credit: AFP 7 Larrisa claims Payet made her wear a wedding ring
