Sport

Raphael Varane lands new job alongside football royalty just weeks after ex-Man Utd star’s retirement aged 31

Published

5 hours ago

October 19, 2024

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Raphael Varane lands new job alongside football royalty just weeks after ex-Man Utd star's retirement aged 31

RAPHAEL VARANE has landed a new job just three weeks after hanging up his boots.

The 31-year-old officially retired from football, having sustained a severe knee injury on his debut for Como.

Raphael Varane is now on the board at ComoCredit: Getty

The ex-Man Utd star hung up his boots after sustaining a serious knee injuryCredit: AP

But Varane is staying with the Italian side and has been appointed as a board member, with a particular role in the running of the club’s youth teams.

Como revealed in a statement: “Varane will bring his experience and leadership to this new role, marking the next chapter of his career off the pitch.

“He will collaborate with Osian Roberts, Como’s head of development, and Juliette Bolon, head of the education program, to support the club’s youth development efforts.

“His involvement will benefit not only the players but also the broader community through educational initiatives.

“By integrating academic, leadership, and vocational training into the youth programs, Varane aims to help young athletes prepare for life beyond football.”

Como, who are embarking on their first season in Serie A since 1989, are managed by Cesc Fabregas and have Thierry Henry as a minor shareholder.

Ex-Liverpool duo Pepe Reina and Alberto Moreno are in the squad.

Varane signed for Como on a free transfer in the summer after his contract at Manchester United expired, having spent a total 219 days out injured while at Old Trafford.

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The French centre-back signed off by lifting the FA Cup in his final Red Devils appearance.

But just three months later, he managed just 20 minutes on his Como debut before hobbling off injured.

Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’

He later revealed he has battled knee injuries throughout his career and it impacted his decision to call it a day.

Varane won the World Cup with France in 2018 and four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.

Varane’s retirement statement

“They say all good things must come to an end.

“In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfilment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.

“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.

“Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.

“I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey.

“The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.

“I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.

“And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.

“Thank you, football.

“With love, Rapha.”

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Sport

British Champions Day: Anmaat shock 40-1 win at Ascot; Kyprios, Charyn triumph

Published

6 mins ago

October 19, 2024

NewsAdmin

Solheim Cup 2024: US beat Europe in Virginia for first win since 2017

Anmaat sprang a 40-1 shock in the Champion Stakes at Ascot as the outsider defeated favourite Calandagan.

French challenger Calandagan had been short of room during the race but made his way to the front before Jim Crowley came with a perfectly timed run on the winner, trained by Owen Burrows.

Royal Rhyme (25-1) was third in the big race on British Champions Day, while second favourite Economics was back in sixth.

Kyprios and Charyn were among the other winners on the country’s richest raceday, where £4m in prize money was on offer.

The Aidan O’Brien pair of Continuous and Los Angeles claimed the front spots as the Champion Stakes developed, with Calandagan among those pegged in behind.

Crowley also had to wait for a gap, but when it appeared, his mount surged through and won by half a length.

“He wasn’t going to run after he disappointed in France but this was his day,” said Crowley of the winner, who had finished fifth at ParisLongchamp this month.

Irish Champion Stakes winner Economics, losing for the first time this season, was found to have bled from his nose, said trainer William Haggas.

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MMA

We’re split on Hernandez vs. Pereira

Published

8 mins ago

October 19, 2024

NewsAdmin

The UFC stays put on its home turf this week with a pair of ranked middleweights at the top of the bill.

UFC Fight Night 245 (ESPN+) takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Get main card pick results from our 11 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers, as well as additional analysis, below.

Darren Elkins vs. Daniel Pineda

Elkins vs Pineda

Records: Elkins (28-11 MMA, 18-10 UFC), Pineda (28-16 MMA, 5-7 UFC)
Past five: Elkins 3-2, Pineda 1-2-2
Division: Featherweight
Rankings: None
Odds (as of 10.19.24): Elkins -120, Pineda +100
Junkie pick results: Pineda 6, Elkins 5

Jake Hadley vs. Cameron Smotherman

Hadley vs Smotherman

Records: Hadley (11-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC), Smotherman (11-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Past five: Hadley 3-2, Smotherman 4-1
Division: Bantamweight
Rankings: None
Odds (as of 10.19.24): Hadley -500, Smotherman +380
Junkie pick results: Hadley 10, Smotherman 1

Charles Johnson vs. Su Mudaerji

Johnson vs Sumudaerji

Records: Johnson (16-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC), Mudaerji (16-6 MMA, 3-3 UFC)
Past five: Johnson 3-2, Mudaerji 3-2
Division: Flyweight
Rankings: Johnson honorable mention
Odds (as of 10.19.24): Johnson -245, Mudaerji +200
Junkie pick results: Johnson 10, Mudaerji 1

Rob Font vs. Kyler Phillips

Font vs. Phillips

Records: Font (20-8 MMA, 10-7 UFC), Kyler (12-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC)
Past five: Font 1-4, Phillips 4-1
Division: Bantamweight
Rankings: Phillips honorable mention
Odds (as of 10.19.24): Font +400, Phillips -535
Junkie pick results: Phillips 7, Font 4

Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira

Hernandez vs. Pereira

Records: Hernandez (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC), Pereira (31-11 MMA, 9-2 UFC)
Past five: Hernandez 5-0, Pereira 5-0
Division: Middleweight
Rankings: Hernandez honorable mention
Odds (as of 10.19.24): Hernandez -140, Pereira +120
Junkie pick results: Hernandez 6, Pereira 5

Preliminary card picks

Martinez vs. Ardelean

Although they don’t count toward the standings, MMA Junkie staff members still pick the fights on the prelims. Here are the results:

Asu Almabayev vs. Matheus Nicolau: Almabayev 7, Nicolau 4
Brad Katona vs. Jean Matsumoto: Matsumoto 10, Katona 1
Joselyne Edwards vs. Tamires Vidal: Edwards 8, VIdal 3
Jessica Penne vs. Elise Reed: Reed 8, Penne 3
Alice Ardelean vs. Melissa Martinez: Martinez 11, Ardelean 0
Robelis Despaigne vs. Austen Lane: Despaigne 11, Lane 0

Check out all the main card picks below.

(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 245.

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

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Motorsports

Central European Rally Saturday morning highlights

Published

22 mins ago

October 19, 2024

NewsAdmin

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Sport

Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund slammed as ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ by Ben Foster for injuring team-mate in training

Published

27 mins ago

October 19, 2024

NewsAdmin

Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund slammed as 'rubbish' and 'poor' by Ben Foster for injuring team-mate in training

MANCHESTER UNITED ace Rasmus Hojlund was dubbed “rubbish” and “poor” by ex-England goalkeeper Ben Foster after breaking a team-mate’s tooth during training.

The incident took place last summer before Euro 2024 when Hojlund, 21, linked up with Denmark to prepare for the tournament in Germany.

Man Utd ace Rasmus Hojlund knocked a team-mate's tooth out during training — Man Utd ace Rasmus Hojlund knocked a team-mate’s tooth out during trainingCredit: Getty

Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was injured by Hojlund during training with DenmarkCredit: Rex

Ex-Man Utd keeper Ben Foster branded Hojlund 'rubbish' and 'poor' after the incident — Ex-Man Utd keeper Ben Foster branded Hojlund ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ after the incidentCredit: Alamy

The Danish national team organised an “optional” set-piece training that would see them working on corner-kicks with Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, 24, between the sticks.

A cross was whipped in from the corner and Hermansen was set to pick the ball up in the air.

However, Hojlund got a little overzealous as he went for the ball with full force and accidentally elbowed the keeper in the mouth.

That led to the Leicester ace losing a tooth just before the European Championship.

Hermansen discussed the incident in Foster’s Fozcast podcast: “You know as a goalkeeper sometimes when you have set-piece practice. It’s like, ‘Are we going 100 per cent? Are we just a bit easy?’

“So we were with the national team just before the Euros, it was optional training, you could come in and train if you want.

“So let’s do some corners. I go: ‘Keepers!’ And he just comes in with everything, elbow straight to my tooth.”

Foster, 41, was not at all impressed with Hojlund after hearing the story and didn’t hold back on his assessment as he insisted the striker should have “taken it easy” considering it was just a training session.

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The ex-United goalkeeper responded: “Cheers Rasmus, appreciate that. That’s rubbish that. I’m not having that, it’s poor.

“When you’re doing it in a bit of practice set-piece thing, you’ve got to take it easy. You can’t go full blooded like that.”

Rasmus Hojlund hailed for opening up on acne issue as Man Utd striker shows before and after pics after laser treatment

However, Hermansen defended Hojlund and insisted he is a real “professional”.

The Danish shot stopper replied: “He is that kind of guy and I love that about him.

“He’s giving everything, always. He’s just got an exceptional way of being a professional.”

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MMA

PFL: Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira live stream watch party

Published

29 mins ago

October 19, 2024

NewsAdmin

PFL: Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira live stream watch party

MMA Fighting has a live stream watch party for Saturday’s PFL: Ngannou vs. Ferreira pay-per-view fight card in Saudi Arabia. In the main event, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou makes his promotional debut against Renan Ferreira for the PFL Superfight heavyweight title.

Join MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew to watch the main card live as it happens.

In the co-main event, Bellator champion Cris Cyborg faces two-time PFL $1 million champion Larissa Pacheco for the PFL Superfight women’s featherweight title.

PFL: Ngannou vs. Ferreira also includes a Bellator middleweight championship rematch between Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards, along with an intriguing matchup between former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee and surging lightweight contender Paul Hughes.

The pay-per-view main card will also feature a featherweight tilt between Husein Kadimagomaev and Zafar Mohsen.

Watch the PFL: Ngannou vs. Ferreira live watch party on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

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Football

'Gritty, ugly, physical game' – HC Matt Rhule on how Nebraska can defeat Indiana | Big Noon Kickoff

Published

41 mins ago

October 19, 2024

NewsAdmin

'Gritty, ugly, physical game' – HC Matt Rhule on how Nebraska can defeat Indiana | Big Noon Kickoff

“Gritty, ugly, physical game.” – Head Coach Matt Rhule on how the Nebraska Cornhuskers can defeat the Indiana Hoosiers.

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Raphael Varane lands new job alongside football royalty just weeks after ex-Man Utd star’s retirement aged 31

Varane’s retirement statement

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British Champions Day: Anmaat shock 40-1 win at Ascot; Kyprios, Charyn triumph

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We’re split on Hernandez vs. Pereira

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'Gritty, ugly, physical game' – HC Matt Rhule on how Nebraska can defeat Indiana | Big Noon Kickoff

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