Dele Alli Discusses Childhood Sexual Abuse, Says He Went to Rehab for Addiction
Jul 13, 2023
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - AUGUST 29: Besiktas' new transfer Dele Alli warms up before the Turkish Super Lig week 4 soccer match between Besiktas and Sivasspor at the Vodafone Park in Istanbul, Turkiye on August 29, 2022. (Photo by Elif Ozturk Ozgoncu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Everton midfielder Dele Alli revealed he was a victim of sexual abuse and entered treatment for addiction that stemmed from his childhood trauma.
The 27-year-old spoke with Gary Neville for The Overlap and said he was molested when he was six by a family friend. His ordeals compounded from there.
"Seven, I started smoking; eight, I started dealing drugs," he said (via the Guardian's Andy Hunter). "An older person told me that they wouldn't stop a kid on a bike, so I rode around with my football, and then underneath I'd have the drugs—that was eight.
"Eleven, I was hung off a bridge by a guy from the next estate, a man. Twelve, I was adopted—and from then, I was adopted by an amazing family, I couldn't have asked for better people to do what they'd done for me. If God created people, it was them."
As he got older, Alli told Neville he developed an addiction to sleeping pills and began drinking to "escape from the reality."
"I was never really dealing with the problem which was growing and the traumas I had, the feelings I was holding on to; I tried to deal with it all by myself," he said. "My adopted family, my brother, there were times they would take me aside crying, asking me to just speak to them about what I was feeling, but I couldn't do it. I lost myself for a few years, I was just turning everyone away, when I had the family that saved my life crying, asking me to tell them what's wrong, and I just didn't want to do it."
Alli was the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2015-16 and 2016-17, and he was only 20 when he made four appearances for the national team at Euro 2016. He appeared to be primed for superstardom, only to see his career stall out.
The former England international detailed how he contemplated retiring altogether when he was just 24 after he had fallen out of favor with Tottenham Hotspur manager José Mourinho. He said it was "heartbreaking" to even ponder walking away given how much he loves the game.
Alli explained to Neville he felt compelled to seek out professional help after he discovered he needed to undergo knee surgery, which brought his loan with Beşiktaş to an end.
"I was waking up every day, and I was winning the fight, going into training, smiling, showing that I was happy," he said (via ESPN). "But inside, I was definitely losing the battle and it was time for me to change it because when I got injured and they told me I needed surgery, I could feel the feelings I had when the cycle begins and I didn't want it to happen anymore."
Alli was at a treatment facility in the United States for six weeks this summer to address his mental health. He told Neville he came forward in part to encourage others experiencing the same problems to get the help they need.
"I want to help other people to know that they're not alone in the feelings they've got and that you can talk to people; it doesn't make you weak to get help, to be vulnerable," he said. "There's a lot of strength in that. So, to come out and to share my story, I'm happy to do it."
Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas Join 49ers Group Buying Leeds United Ownership Stake
Jul 12, 2023
BELLEAIR, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 10: Jordan Spieth of the United States and Justin Thomas of the United States celebrate with their bracelets after defeating Tiger Woods of the United States and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland to win The Match 7 at Pelican Golf Club on December 10, 2022 in Belleair, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images for The Match)
Star golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have become investors in English soccer club Leeds United after aligning with the group led by 49ers Enterprises.
49ers Enterprises, the venture capital arm for the NFL franchise, is set to take full control of Leeds United after striking a deal with majority shareholder Andrea Radrizzani in June.
Spieth confirmed to Sky Sports that he and Thomas are obtaining minority stakes in Leeds, calling it "a really cool opportunity."
Jordan Spieth confirms he is an investor in Leeds United with Justin Thomas 🔵🟡 pic.twitter.com/fScypiN68N
The three-time major champion added that Leeds' relegation from England's Premier League played a role in their decision. Dropping into the EFL Championship lowered the club's valuation, thus making it easier for outside investors to buy in.
Spieth told Sky Sports he and Thomas will have a "very, very minority stake." He said Rickie Fowler was approached about the idea but seemed to be dissuaded after Leeds was relegated.
NBA players Larry Nance Jr. and T.J. McConnell had already signed on to the venture.
Report: Arsenal Agrees to $133M Declan Rice Transfer After Manchester City Rumors
Jun 28, 2023
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 19: Declan Rice of England after his sides 7-0 win during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between England and North Macedonia at Old Trafford on June 19, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
The Gunners got their man.
Arsenal has agreed to a deal with West Ham United for the transfer of Declan Rice after Manchester City pulled out of the race for the English midfielder, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.
Arsenal will pay £105 million, or nearly $133 million, for the transfer of Rice. The fee will be a Premier League record for a British player.
Manchester City initially matched Arsenal's £90 million proposal for Rice, but both bids were rejected, and the Gunners then increased their offer to £100 million and an extra £5 million in add-ons.
Rice debuted with West Ham in 2017 and he made 245 appearances for the club. He has been one of the best midfielders in Europe with his ability to break up play on the defensive end and turn it around on the attack.
The 24-year-old helped the Hammers to a seventh place finish in the Premier League in 2022-23 and a 2-1 victory in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina earlier this month.
Following the club's victory over Fiorentina, West Ham chairman David Sullivan told reporters that Rice likely had played his last game for the Hammers and that he "wants to go."
"We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can't ask for a man who has committed more to us this season," Sullivan said. "In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement — or several replacements.
"It's not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000 a week 18 months ago. He turned it down. It's cost him £10 million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go.
"You can't keep a player who doesn't want to be there."
After finishing second in the Premier League to Manchester City last season, the Gunners have made it a priority to bring reinforcements to London this summer.
In addition to the transfer of Rice, the club agreed to a long-term contract with forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea and is also reportedly in "advanced talks" to sign Ajax defender Jurien Timber.
EPL Schedule 2023-24: Official List of Fixtures for New Premier League Season
Jun 15, 2023
Manchester City's Portuguese defender Ruben Dias (L) and Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (R) celebrate with their trophies on stage following an open-top bus victory parade for their European Cup, FA Cup and Premier League victories, in Manchester, northern England on June 12, 2023. Manchester City tasted Champions League glory at last on Saturday as a second-half Rodri strike gave the favourites a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in a tense final, allowing Pep Guardiola's side to complete a remarkable treble. Having already claimed a fifth Premier League title in six seasons, and added the FA Cup, City are the first English club to win such a treble since Manchester United in 1999. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City will look to keep its dominance going when the 2023-24 Premier League season begins on Aug. 11.
The three-time defending EPL and newly crowned UEFA Champions League champs will play Burnley at Turf Moor in the season opener. The Clarets are back in the Premier League this season after being relegated to the Championship following an 18th-place finish during the 2021-22 season.
Here is the list of all 380 fixtures for the upcoming Premier League season that will end on May 19.
Friday, August 11
Burnley v Manchester City
Saturday, August 12
Arsenal v Nottingham Forest
AFC Bournemouth v West Ham
Brighton v Luton Town
Everton v Fulham
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Newcastle v Aston Villa
Sunday, August 13
Brentford v Spurs
Chelsea v Liverpool
Monday, August 14
Manchester United v Wolves
Saturday, August 19
Aston Villa v Everton
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Fulham v Brentford
Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth
Luton Town v Burnley
Manchester City v Newcastle
Nottingham Forest v Sheffield United
Spurs v Manchester United
West Ham v Chelsea
Wolves v Brighton
Saturday, August 26
AFC Bournemouth v Spurs
Arsenal v Fulham
Brentford v Crystal Palace
Brighton v West Ham
Burnley v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Luton Town
Everton v Wolves
Manchester United v Nottingham Forest
Newcastle v Liverpool
Sheffield United v Manchester City
Saturday, September 2
Arsenal v Manchester United
Brentford v AFC Bournemouth
Brighton v Newcastle
Burnley v Spurs
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace v Wolves
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Luton Town v West Ham
Manchester City v Fulham
Sheffield United v Everton
Saturday, September 16
AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Everton v Arsenal
Fulham v Luton Town
Manchester United v Brighton
Newcastle v Brentford
Nottingham Forest v Burnley
Spurs v Sheffield United
West Ham v Manchester City
Wolves v Liverpool
Saturday, September 23
Arsenal v Spurs
Brentford v Everton
Brighton v AFC Bournemouth
Burnley v Manchester United
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Liverpool v West Ham
Luton Town v Wolves
Manchester City v Nottingham Forest
Sheffield United v Newcastle
Saturday, September 30
AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Brighton
Everton v Luton Town
Fulham v Chelsea
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Newcastle v Burnley
Nottingham Forest v Brentford
Spurs v Liverpool
West Ham v Sheffield United
Wolves v Manchester City
Saturday, October 7
Arsenal v Manchester City
Brighton v Liverpool
Burnley v Chelsea
Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest
Everton v AFC Bournemouth
Fulham v Sheffield United
Luton Town v Spurs
Manchester United v Brentford
West Ham v Newcastle
Wolves v Aston Villa
Saturday, October 21
AFC Bournemouth v Wolves
Aston Villa v West Ham
Brentford v Burnley
Chelsea v Arsenal
Liverpool v Everton
Manchester City v Brighton
Newcastle v Crystal Palace
Nottingham Forest v Luton Town
Sheffield United v Manchester United
Spurs v Fulham
Saturday, October 28
AFC Bournemouth v Burnley
Arsenal v Sheffield United
Aston Villa v Luton Town
Brighton v Fulham
Chelsea v Brentford
Crystal Palace v Spurs
Liverpool v Nottingham Forest
Manchester United v Manchester City
West Ham v Everton
Wolves v Newcastle
Saturday, November 4
Brentford v West Ham
Burnley v Crystal Palace
Everton v Brighton
Fulham v Manchester United
Luton Town v Liverpool
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth
Newcastle v Arsenal
Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa
Sheffield United v Wolves
Spurs v Chelsea
Saturday, November 11
AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle
Arsenal v Burnley
Aston Villa v Fulham
Brighton v Sheffield United
Chelsea v Manchester City
Crystal Palace v Everton
Liverpool v Brentford
Manchester United v Luton Town
West Ham v Nottingham Forest
Wolves v Spurs
Saturday, November 25
Brentford v Arsenal
Burnley v West Ham
Everton v Manchester United
Fulham v Wolves
Luton Town v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Liverpool
Newcastle v Chelsea
Nottingham Forest v Brighton
Sheffield United v AFC Bournemouth
Spurs v Aston Villa
Saturday, December 2
AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa
Arsenal v Wolves
Brentford v Luton Town
Burnley v Sheffield United
Chelsea v Brighton
Liverpool v Fulham
Manchester City v Spurs
Newcastle v Manchester United
Nottingham Forest v Everton
West Ham v Crystal Palace
Tuesday, December 5
Aston Villa v Manchester City
Brighton v Brentford
Everton v Newcastle
Fulham v Nottingham Forest
Luton Town v Arsenal
Sheffield United v Liverpool
Spurs v West Ham
Wolves v Burnley
Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth
Wednesday, December 6
Manchester United v Chelsea
Saturday, December 9
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Brighton v Burnley
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v West Ham
Luton Town v Manchester City
Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth
Sheffield United v Brentford
Spurs v Newcastle
Wolves v Nottingham Forest
Saturday, December 16
AFC Bournemouth v Luton Town
Arsenal v Brighton
Brentford v Aston Villa
Burnley v Everton
Chelsea v Sheffield United
Liverpool v Manchester United
Manchester City v Crystal Palace
Newcastle v Fulham
Nottingham Forest v Spurs
West Ham v Wolves
Saturday, December 23
Aston Villa v Sheffield United
Crystal Palace v Brighton
Fulham v Burnley
Liverpool v Arsenal
Luton Town v Newcastle
Man City v Brentford
Nottingham Forest v AFC Bournemouth
Spurs v Everton
West Ham v Manchester United
Wolves v Chelsea
Tuesday, December 26
AFC Bournemouth v Fulham
Arsenal v West Ham
Brentford v Wolves
Brighton v Spurs
Burnley v Liverpool
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Everton v Manchester City
Manchester United v Aston Villa
Newcastle v Nottingham Forest
Sheffield United v Luton Town
Saturday, December 30
Aston Villa v Burnley
Crystal Palace v Brentford
Fulham v Arsenal
Liverpool v Newcastle
Luton Town v Chelsea
Manchester City v Sheffield United
Nottingham Forest v Manchester United
Spurs v AFC Bournemouth
West Ham v Brighton
Wolves v Everton
Saturday, January 13
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Brentford v Nottingham Forest
Brighton v Wolves
Burnley v Luton Town
Chelsea v Fulham
Everton v Aston Villa
Manchester United v Spurs
Newcastle v Manchester City
Sheffield United v West Ham
Tuesday, January 30
Aston Villa v Newcastle
Fulham v Everton
Luton Town v Brighton
Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
Spurs v Brentford
West Ham v AFC Bournemouth
Wolves v Manchester United
Crystal Palace v Sheff Utd
Wednesday, January 31
Liverpool v Chelsea
Manchester City v Burnley
Saturday, February 3
AFC Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest
Arsenal v Liverpool
Brentford v Manchester City
Brighton v Crystal Palace
Burnley v Fulham
Chelsea v Wolves
Everton v Spurs
Manchester United v West Ham
Newcastle v Luton Town
Sheffield United v Aston Villa
Saturday, February 10
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
Fulham v AFC Bournemouth
Liverpool v Burnley
Luton Town v Sheffield United
Manchester City v Everton
Nottingham Forest v Newcastle
Spurs v Brighton
West Ham v Arsenal
Wolves v Brentford
Saturday, February 17
Brentford v Liverpool
Burnley v Arsenal
Everton v Crystal Palace
Fulham v Aston Villa
Luton Town v Manchester United
Manchester City v Chelsea
Newcastle v AFC Bournemouth
Nottingham Forest v West Ham
Sheffield United v Brighton
Spurs v Wolves
Saturday, February 24
AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City
Arsenal v Newcastle
Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest
Brighton v Everton
Chelsea v Spurs
Crystal Palace v Burnley
Liverpool v Luton Town
Manchester United v Fulham
West Ham v Brentford
Wolves v Sheffield United
Saturday, March 2
Brentford v Chelsea
Burnley v AFC Bournemouth
Everton v West Ham
Fulham v Brighton
Luton Town v Aston Villa
Manchester City v Manchester United
Newcastle v Wolves
Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
Sheffield United v Arsenal
Spurs v Crystal Palace
Saturday, March 9
AFC Bournemouth v Sheffield United
Arsenal v Brentford
Aston Villa v Spurs
Brighton v Nottingham Forest
Chelsea v Newcastle
Crystal Palace v Luton Town
Liverpool v Manchester City
Manchester United v Everton
West Ham v Burnley
Wolves v Fulham
Saturday, March 16
Arsenal v Chelsea
Brighton v Manchester City
Burnley v Brentford
Crystal Palace v Newcastle
Everton v Liverpool
Fulham v Spurs
Luton Town v Nottingham Forest
Manchester United v Sheffield United
West Ham v Aston Villa
Wolves v AFC Bournemouth
Saturday, March 30
AFC Bournemouth v Everton
Aston Villa v Wolves
Brentford v Manchester United
Chelsea v Burnley
Liverpool v Brighton
Manchester City v Arsenal
Newcastle v West Ham
Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
Sheffield United v Fulham
Spurs v Luton Town
Tuesday, April 2
AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Arsenal v Luton Town
Brentford v Brighton
Burnley v Wolves
Nottingham Forest v Fulham
West Ham v Spurs
Wednesday, April 3
Chelsea v Manchester United
Newcastle v Everton
Liverpool v Sheffield United
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Saturday, April 6
Aston Villa v Brentford
Brighton v Arsenal
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
Everton v Burnley
Fulham v Newcastle
Luton Town v AFC Bournemouth
Manchester United v Liverpool
Sheffield United v Chelsea
Spurs v Nottingham Forest
Wolves v West Ham
Saturday, April 13
AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Brentford v Sheffield United
Burnley v Brighton
Chelsea v Everton
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Luton Town
Newcastle v Spurs
Nottingham Forest v Wolves
West Ham v Fulham
Saturday, April 20
Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth
Brighton v Chelsea
Crystal Palace v West Ham
Everton v Nottingham Forest
Fulham v Liverpool
Luton Town v Brentford
Manchester United v Newcastle
Sheffield United v Burnley
Spurs v Manchester City
Wolves v Arsenal
Saturday, April 27
AFC Bournemouth v Brighton
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Everton v Brentford
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Manchester United v Burnley
Newcastle v Sheffield United
Nottingham Forest v Man City
Spurs v Arsenal
West Ham v Liverpool
Wolves v Luton Town
Saturday, May 4
Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth
Brentford v Fulham
Brighton v Aston Villa
Burnley v Newcastle
Chelsea v West Ham
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Liverpool v Spurs
Luton Town v Everton
Manchester City v Wolves
Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest
Saturday, May 11
AFC Bournemouth v Brentford
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Everton v Sheffield United
Fulham v Manchester City
Manchester United v Arsenal
Newcastle v Brighton
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
Spurs v Burnley
West Ham v Luton Town
Wolves v Crystal Palace
Sunday, May 19
Arsenal v Everton
Brentford v Newcastle
Brighton v Manchester United
Burnley v Nottingham Forest
Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Wolves
Luton Town v Fulham
Manchester City v West Ham
Sheffield United v Spurs
The Blues are going to be favorites to win the Premier League title for a fourth consecutive season. They dominated the field last season with 89 points and a plus-61 goal advantage.
Pep Guardiola's squad followed that with an unbeaten run in Champions League play, capped with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the final on June 10.
Arsenal should pose a formidable challenge to Man City yet again. The Gunners were the only other club that finished with at least 80 points in the 2022-23 Premier League season (84). Their second-place finish last season was their best showing since 2015-16.
Manchester United and Liverpool are not to be taken lightly. United will get to host City in the first Manchester Derby of the season on Oct. 28. The rivals split their two meetings last season, with each winning on their home turf.
City came out on top 2-1 in their most recent meeting in the FA Cup Final on June 3.
Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town are new to the EPL field this season. Luton Town has never been in the Premier League since it was founded for the 1992-93 season. Its last appearance in the First Division was the 1991-92 season.
Report: Pep Guardiola Could Leave Manchester City After Contract Expires in 2025
Jun 12, 2023
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - JUNE 10: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with the Champions League Trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final match between FC Internazionale and Manchester City FC at Atatuerk Olympic Stadium on June 10, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been cryptic about his future at the club before, but finally guiding City to a UEFA Champions League title might have him seriously weighing his options.
ESPN's Rob Dawson reported Monday that Guardiola "has not yet made a decision on his future but is leaning towards ending his time in charge at the Etihad Stadium after two more seasons."
The 52-year-old's contract runs through the 2024-25 campaign. Dawson wrote the legendary manager believes "he has already stayed at the club longer than he envisioned when he took over in 2016 and has doubts about whether he will want to negotiate a new contract next summer."
Manchester City secured its fifth Premier League title in six seasons this year, and that kind of domestic dominance might lead to a manager feeling a bit restless. The quest for Champions League glory at least presented Guardiola with a fresh challenge.
Now, the project he embarked upon seven years ago is basically complete, so it's understandable why he might start contemplating an exit plan.
The specter of Manchester City's alleged financial fair play breaches lingers as well. Guardiola might be out of the picture entirely if the hammer eventually falls on the club.
Thanks to Guardiola's management and the ownership's limitless well of funding, City has built a perpetual winning machine. Whether that can continue with a new manager at the helm might be put to the test in a few years.
Top Winners and Losers After Champions League 2023 Final
Jun 10, 2023
Manchester City's German midfielder #8 Ilkay Gundogan (C) lifts the European Cup trophy as they celebrate on the podium after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Inter Milan and Manchester City at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, on June 10, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City have completed a historic treble and are finally kings of the UEFA Champions League, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in the 2023 UCL Final on Saturday at Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.
It's been a long time coming for the Sky Blues, which fell to Chelsea in the 2021 UCL Final before a disappointing semifinal loss to eventual champion Real Madrid last year.
Manchester City needed just one goal to win its first Champions League title, and Rodri delivered in the 68th minute with just his second-ever goal in the competition to lift the Premier League side to victory.
Rodri’s second-ever Champions League goal was one to 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 🚀
Inter Milan had numerous chances to capitalize in Saturday's match, but the team's inability to put the ball in the back of the net was ultimately a disappointment for the Serie A side.
Here's a look at the biggest winners and losers from this year's UCL Final.
Winners: Rodri and Ederson
Rodri, one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, is an obvious winner given his second-half goal that put Manchester City ahead. The 26-year-old is the first Sky Blues player to ever score for the club in a European Cup Final.
Rodri is the first Spaniard to score in a UCL final since Marco Asensio did so for Real Madrid in 2017.
Inter is 0-1-2 (W-D-L) when trailing at any point in the Champions League this season (all in group stage: losses vs Bayern, draw vs Barcelona) pic.twitter.com/XEZzoB6Qd1
52 - Rodri is making his 52nd start of the season for Manchester City in all competitions - across Pep Guardiola's managerial career, the only outfield player to have started more games in a single campaign under him was Lionel Messi in 2011-12 (57). Pivotal. #UCLFinalpic.twitter.com/03HJJzEkyx
While Rodri's goal was clutch, Manchester City also would not have lifted the Champions League trophy if not for the performance of Ederson, who was brilliant in goal.
Ederson made a number of crucial saves in Saturday's match, but perhaps none more important than an 88th-minute stop on Lukaku:
Rodri and Ederson are two players who don't always get the credit they deserve, but after Saturday's big win, no one will ever forget the performances that helped power Manchester City to its first title.
Loser: Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku was subbed on for Edin Džeko in the second half of Saturday's match as Inter Milan looked for life on the attacking side.
However, the Belgian striker proved to be a disappointment. He not only missed a couple of chances, but he blocked a shot by teammate Frederico Dimarco that could have tied the match.
Lukaku with a great bit of defending…for Man City. 🙈
Lukaku was expected to play a big role in Saturday's match, but he's now being considered "useless" by soccer fans across the globe. His season had been difficult due to injuries, but that's no excuse for his poor performance on the biggest stage.
The 30-year-old had been on loan to Inter Milan from Chelsea this season, and his future with the Italian club was already in question prior to Saturday's UCL Final.
Winner: Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest managers in the history of soccer.
The 52-year-old joins Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, and Zinedine Zidane as the only men's managers to win the European Cup three times. He also led Barcelona to UCL titles in 2009 and 2011.
Additionally, Guardiola has won the Treble for the second time in his career, and he's the first manager to ever do it with two different clubs, having also accomplished the feat with Barcelona in 2008-09.
Pep Guardiola as a manager:
3x Champions League winner 5x Premier League winner 3x Bundesliga winner 3x LaLiga winner 3x UEFA Supercup winner 2x DFB-Pokal winner 2x FA Cup winner 2x Copa del Rey winner 4x English League Cup winner 3x Spanish Supercopa winner
Manchester City's 2023 UCL victory only solidifies Guardiola's status as one of the greatest managers to ever do it. And with how the club has played of late, there's no reason to believe he can't lead the Sky Blues to another historic win next year.
Loser: Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne can't seem to catch a break when it comes to the Champions League Final.
The Belgian midfielder was forced to exit Saturday's match after just 36 minutes due to a hamstring injury. He also exited Manchester City's appearance in the 2021 UCL Final against Chelsea after suffering a facial injury in the second half.
2021: Kevin De Bruyne goes off injured in the Champions League final
2023: Kevin De Bruyne goes off injured in the Champions League final
De Bruyne had never won the Champions League entering Saturday's contest, so he was understandably disappointed when he was subbed off in the UCL Final for the second time in three years.
Loser: Serie A
To say Serie A would be a loser is an understatement.
Italy's top flight has not seen a Champions League winner since Inter Milan defeated Bundesliga side Bayern Munich in 2010. Additionally, Inter Milan is now the third Italian club to lose a European final this year.
AS Roma fell to Sevilla on penalties in the Europa League Final and Fiorentina fell to West Ham 2-1 in the Europa Conference League Final.
Given the league's lack of success offensively on the big stage, it's clear Serie A clubs need to bring in some offensive talent heading into 2023-24 if they hope to see one of their clubs lift a major European trophy next year.
Leeds United Announce Sale of Club to 49ers Enterprises After Relegation From EPL
Jun 9, 2023
Leeds United's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Rodrigo reacts during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
New owners are coming to Elland Road.
Leeds United announced on Friday an agreement between Aser Ventures and 49ers Enterprises for the sale of the club following its relegation from the Premier League last month.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. and Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell are also among the minority investors in the club, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. and Pacers guard T.J. McConnell, league sources say, are among the minority investors in the group that has purchased historic Leeds United Football Club (@LUFC) in England.
The deal will end Andrea Radrizzani's reign over Leeds United. The Italian businessman had held a 56 percent stake in the club.
Radrizzani had been the majority shareholder of Leeds since 2017, and he was facing immense pressure to sell the club after its three-year stint in the Premier League came to an end with a 19th-place finish in May.
"Both parties continue to work through the details, and further updates will be provided soon," Leeds United said in a statement. "All of our focus remains on a quick return to the Premier League.
"Thank you for your continued support. Marching on together."
49ers Enterprises, which owns the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, had already owned 44 percent of Leeds United after first acquiring a 15 percent stake in the club in 2018.
Leeds' valuation dropped drastically following its relegation from the Premier League. According to The Athletic's Phil Hay, 49ers Enterprises valued the club at £170 million. Had it remained in England's top flight, the club would have been worth closer to £400 million, per Hay.
In addition to an ownership change, Leeds is looking for a new head coach and new director of football this summer.
49ers Enterprises is only the latest American ownership group to have control of a Premier League club.
Todd Boehly, who co-owns Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers, purchased Chelsea in 2022. Stan Kroenke, who also owns the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, is the owner of Arsenal.
There are also several other American ownership groups in the Premier League, including Tom Werner and John Henry (Liverpool), the Glazer family (Manchester United), Albert Smith (West Ham United), Shahid Khan (Fulham), Wesley Edens (Aston Villa) and John Textor (Crystal Palace).
Erik ten Hag's first season with Manchester United is over. After an awful start and that 4-0 defeat to Brentford, the Red Devils achieved way more than…
Neymar Transfer Rumors: 'No Truth' to Buzz Linking PSG Star to Manchester United
May 22, 2023
PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 19: Neymar Junior of Paris Saint Germain celebrates his goal during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lille OSC at Parc des Princes on February 19, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
French outlet L'Equipe reported on Monday that Manchester United have already contacted Paris Saint-Germain regarding a potential transfer for star winger Neymar (h/t ESPN's Julien Laurens).
Per multiple reports, however, such a pursuit won't be happening:
Manchester United aren’t pursuing a deal for Neymar. Not the current regime anyway.
Neymar, 31, has been the subject of rumors for much of the season suggesting that this could be the end of the road for him at the club. It would make sense—if PSG also see Lionel Messi leave on a free transfer, building a younger roster around Kylian Mbappé would make sense.
For all of the star power and fanfare of the Mbappé-Messi-Neymar attacking trio, it failed to land the club a Champions League title in two seasons together.
Injuries have continued to plague Neymar, meanwhile, as he was limited to 20 Ligue 1 appearances this season. When healthy he remains dynamic, scoring 13 goals and adding 11 assists in those matches. But at 31, it's fair to question how many years he has left playing at an elite level.
That, of course, will be the question that interested clubs raise in transfer negotiations. Add in Neymar's exorbitant wages, and only certain clubs will, or could, be in the running.
Manchester United have the resources to be one of them, and adding a bite in the attack has to be a priority this summer. The Red Devils have only scored 52 goals in 36 Premier League games this season, which ranks ninth behind champions Manchester City (93), Arsenal (83), Liverpool (71), Brighton (70), Newcastle (67), Tottenham (66), Brentford (57) and Fulham (54).
For a club of Manchester United's resources and rich history of attacking superstars, nearly finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League in goals is shocking.
Neymar would undoubtedly help in that regard. For now, however, it appears United will be seeking an attacking upgrade elsewhere.
Report: Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea Reach Contract Agreement as New Head Coach
May 13, 2023
PSG's head coach Mauricio Pochettino gestures from the touchline during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Brest at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Mauricio Pochettino is heading to the Premier League.
Pochettino has agreed to a deal to become the next head coach of Chelsea FC, according to insider Fabrizio Romano. Details of the pact are expected to be finalized in the coming days, and the Argentine is expected to start his new role this summer, per The Athletic's David Ornstein.
Chelsea had been searching for a new head coach since firing Graham Potter last month. Former Blues midfielder Frank Lampard has been coaching the club on an interim basis since.
Chelsea has been one of the most disappointing clubs in the Premier League this season, sitting 11th in the table with a 11-10-14 record and 43 points. The Blues were also eliminated in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal by Real Madrid.
It's been an especially tough season for the Blues after finishing the 2021-22 season third in the Premier League with a 21-11-6 record. They also won the 2021 UEFA Super Cup and 2021 FIFA Club World Cup.
Pochettino has not coached since leaving his role with Ligue 1 side Paris-Saint Germain in July 2022. He helped the Parisians capture the Coupe de France in 2021 and the Ligue 1 title in 2022.
This will mark Pochettino's third stint in the Premier League. He previously coached Southampton from 2013-14, going 23-18-19, and Tottenham from 2014-2019, going 159-62-72. He accumulated a 55-15-14 record with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 51-year-old will be Chelsea's third permanent manager since Todd Boehly-Clearlake capital purchased the club last year. He beat out Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann for the position.
Chelsea have three games remaining after posting a draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
