Sports
Milan edge closer to qualification after victory over Girona
Rafael Leao’s first-half goal was enough for AC Milan to beat Girona and edge closer to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League.
Watch highlights as goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior lead a clinical Real Madrid to victory against RB Salzburg in the Champions League.
Celtic secure a place in the next round of the Champions League for the first time in 12 years after Loris Benito’s late own goal earned them a dramatic victory over Young Boys in Glasgow.
MATCH REPORT: Celtic 1-0 Young Boys
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Plymouth Argyle forward Morgan Whittaker missed his side’s 5-0 Championship loss to touted transfer destination Burnley as he “did not show up” in time for the game.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a £5m-plus move to the Clarets during the current transfer window.
He had been picked by head coach Miron Muslic to start the match, but was not in the team or among the substitutes for Wednesday night’s defeat.
Whittaker, who scored Argyle’s winning goal in the FA Cup third-round tie at Brentford this month, was spotted in the stands during the game.
“Morgan didn’t show up,” Muslic, who had recently praised Whittaker’s professionalism amid ongoing rumours over the player’s future, told BBC Sport.
“We had a game today and he was in the selection and he wasn’t there.”
Austrian coach Muslic took over from Wayne Rooney less than two weeks ago and the former Cercle Brugge boss says he has never had a situation where a player picked in the line-up was not at the ground in time.
He reiterated that Whittaker, who has also been linked with Middlesbrough, was still an Argyle player until a club pays a fee Plymouth feel is appropriate.
“It shows the mentality, or even the lack of mentality,” Muslic added of the forward, who has scored 24 goals in 72 games since moving to the club permanently in 2023.
“I think you always have your responsibilities and you are under contract.
“You have to be professional, you have obligations, not only towards Argyle as an organisation, you have an obligation towards your team-mates and you don’t let your team-mates down, never.”
Sports
Kyle Walker ‘agrees deal with new club’ with £150,000-a-week Man City star set to head abroad
Manchester City captain Kyle Walker is reportedly set to join AC Milan on a 12-month loan deal, with the England defender expected to arrive in Italy in the coming days.
The 34-year-old right-back will be unveiled by the Rossoneri after agreeing terms with the Serie A giants.
“The deal is done. Kyle is keen to get to Italy as soon as possible for the formalities,” a source told The Sun.
“He’s excited about the future and can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”
Manchester City captain Kyle Walker is reportedly set to join AC Milan on a 12-month loan deal
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Walker had initially been poised to join Inter Milan after expressing his desire to leave the Etihad, but negotiations collapsed over wage demands.
AC Milan have now stepped in, agreeing to cover the majority of Walker’s £150,000-a-week salary.
The move ends Milan’s pursuit of Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, as Serie A rules permit clubs to sign only one British player per year.
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Kyle Walker recently informed Pep Guardiola of his desire to leave Man City behind
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently confirmed Walker’s request to explore opportunities abroad.
“Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad. He asked after the Treble, when Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough,” Guardiola said.
“I prefer to play players whose mind is here,” the City boss added. “We cannot understand the success that the club had these years without Kyle. It is impossible.
READ MORE: Man Utd legend Bryan Robson faces massive tax bill after losing HMRC case as ‘disguised employee’
“He’s been our right-back and given us something we didn’t have. He’s been amazing.”
Walker has enjoyed a glittering eight-year spell at Manchester City since his £50million move from Tottenham in 2017.
The defender has amassed an impressive 17 major honours during his time at the Etihad.
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His trophy haul includes six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.
Walker opted against a move to Saudi Arabia to preserve his England career, with sources indicating he had rejected approaches from Middle Eastern clubs.
The 34-year-old remains determined to reach 100 England caps, currently standing at 93 appearances for the Three Lions.
Kyle Walker has won six Premier League titles during his glittering spell at Man City
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“He’s not about to give up on that dream. He’s achieved so much already – but 100 England caps would be his crowning glory,” another insider said.
The defender will need to make England’s World Cup squad next year to achieve this historic milestone.
“Don’t write him off,” the source added. “He knows his career is coming to an end but he’s not done yet.”
Watch as MOTD pundits discuss if Barcelona’s “vulnerability” at the back will dent their chances of winning the Champions League.
Sports
Tyson Fury ‘fears retirement’ and ‘is afraid’ after boxing legend stunned the world by quitting
Tyson Fury ‘fears retirement’ and ‘is afraid’ of walking away from boxing, according to Teddy Atlas.
The 36-year-old recently stunned the world by announcing he would be walking away from the sport, just weeks after his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Some still feel Fury will end up coming back, with a seismic showdown with Anthony Joshua still being worked on behind the scenes.
Others, however, believe he really is well and truly done.
Tyson Fury recently stunned the world by announcing his retirement from boxing
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Atlas, who once coached a young Mike Tyson, has now reacted to Fury’s decision to quit.
And he feels the Briton may have made the right call, while also expressing a belief that he’s ‘afraid’ of what the future might now hold.
Speaking to CanadaCasino.Ca, Atlas said: “Yes [Tyson Fury fears retirement] because I think boxing stabilises his life.
“I have a lot of respect for Tyson Fury. I think he’s a tremendous fighter and I think he’s a great symbol.
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“I do think he’s afraid [to retire], because I think that having this in his life, having boxing, the structure of boxing, the discipline, the people around him in camp, is a reason to get up every day and be strong.
“He’s smart, he’s not dumb. He’s very smart. I think he realises that it’s important in his life, but at some point, he has to learn to live life without the help of boxing.
“It’s kind of like you stop doing drugs or you stop drinking. Whatever it is.
“You have a sponsor, you have somebody that’s with you, and he goes to the meetings with you, and he meets you every day when you feel like you’re getting a little weak.
READ MORE: Man Utd legend Bryan Robson faces massive tax bill after losing HMRC case as ‘disguised employee’
“He’s there for you, that person. But someday he can’t be there. There has to come a day where it’s just you. And that day is here.
“He realised, he’s smart, he can’t box forever. And I think he’s worried about losing that guy.
“That guy not being there with him to say ‘you can be strong’ and ‘you got to be strong, buddy’. I think he’s concerned about that, and I don’t blame him, and I pray for him.
“I pray for him that he can find his way without boxing.”
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Tyson Fury ‘fears retirement’ and ‘is afraid’ of walking away from boxing, according to Teddy Atlas
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Atlas also feels Fury has timed his retirement well, with the 68-year-old adding: “I think it’s time for him to walk away. I love to see a movie end in a good way.
“My wife gets nuts, she will not watch a movie with me because she says, ‘as soon as it gets to that bad part you don’t like the way it’s going to end, you turn it off’. Yeah, I do. I turn it off. I don’t want to see it, so I would like to see him walk away.
“He’s made enormous amounts of money. God bless him.
“He could take care of his family for who knows how many lifetimes and he earned it.
Tyson Fury quit boxing just weeks after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time
PA
“I’d like to see him walk off into the sunset before the sun crashes down, before it gets all dark.
“I’d like to see him actually on his own, in the right way, walk off into that movie sunset, I don’t want to see another Muhammad Ali, the great Muhammad Ali stayed too long.”
Match of the Day pundit and former Celtic striker Chris Sutton reflects on the Scottish champions’ victory over Young Boys, and what it means for the club to reach the Champions League knockout football for the first time in 12 years.
WATCH MORE: Celtic seal play-off spot with dramatic win over Young Boys
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Sports
Iga Swiatek makes feelings clear after controversy strikes Australian Open win over Emma Navarro
Iga Swiatek has powered through to the Australian Open semi-finals after a commanding win over eighth seed Emma Navarro on Wednesday morning, with a row breaking out as she secured victory.
The Polish star’s dominant run continued as she dropped just three games in the quarter-final match.
However, the comprehensive win was marked by controversy during the second set when Navarro disputed a crucial point.
Swiatek has been in remarkable form throughout the tournament, having lost only 14 games en route to her second Melbourne semi-final.
Iga Swiatek has powered through to the Australian Open semi-finals after a commanding win over eighth seed Emma Navarro on Wednesday morning, with a row breaking out as she secured victory
REUTERS
The victory keeps her on course for a potential first Grand Slam final showdown with Aryna Sabalenka.
The controversial moment occurred during a 2-2 rally in the second set, when Swiatek sprinted to return the ball and won the point.
Navarro immediately protested to umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, claiming the ball had bounced twice before Swiatek’s shot.
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Crazy scenes in the Swiatek Navarro match at Australian Open
Iga did not get to the ball on 1 bounce… although it was very close
It should’ve been Emma’s point. But according to the rules, Emma had to stop play when she saw the double bounce
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 22, 2025
While video replays appeared to support Navarro’s claim, she was unable to use the tournament’s new video review system.
Under official rules, players can only challenge judgment calls when it’s a point-ending shot or if they immediately stop play.
Navarro had continued playing the point, which prevented her from accessing the video review feature recently introduced at the Australian Open.
READ MORE: Man Utd legend Bryan Robson faces massive tax bill after losing HMRC case as ‘disguised employee’
When questioned about the incident in her press conference, Swiatek claimed she hadn’t seen the replay of the contentious point.
“Honestly, I didn’t see the replay after this point because after the point I didn’t look up for the screens because I wanted to stay focused,” Swiatek explained.
The world number one admitted uncertainty about whether it was a double bounce or if she had hit the ball with her frame.
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“I thought this is like the umpire’s kind of job to call it,” she added. “I was also waiting for the VAR, but I didn’t see it, so I just kind of proceed.”
When asked about the video review rules, Swiatek remained noncommittal.
“I never really thought about it deeper,” she said. “This is first time something like that happened to me, so I’m not sure.”
The five-time major winner also suggested that tennis authorities had likely considered all options.
Iga Swiatek was too strong for Emma Navarro in their Australian Open clash
REUTERS
“If there would be some better option, I think tennis would use it,” Swiatek added, noting that similar situations had occurred in other matches.
The Polish star will now focus on her upcoming semi-final clash with Madison Keys as she pursues a place in the Australian Open final.
Keys, the 19th seed for the competition, beat Elina Svitolina on Wednesday to book her own place in the last four.
Sports
Novak Djokovic sparks injury fears as tennis icon misses training ahead of Australian Open semi-final clash
Novak Djokovic has sparked fresh injury concerns after missing his scheduled practice session at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, just two days before his Australian Open semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev.
The 37-year-old’s absence from training follows his gruelling three-hour-and-37-minute quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, where he summoned the magic of old.
The former world No 1 appeared to struggle with a thigh injury during his four-set triumph.
During the opening set against Alcaraz, Djokovic required a medical timeout when trailing 4-5.
Novak Djokovic has sparked fresh injury concerns after missing his scheduled practice session at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, just two days before his Australian Open semifinal clash with Alexander Zverev
REUTERS
The Serbian returned to court with heavy strapping on his upper left thigh.
The injury continued to trouble him throughout the match, prompting him to take painkillers before the fourth set.
Despite the physical setback, Djokovic managed to secure an impressive 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory, marking his 13th Australian Open semi-final appearance.
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Novak Djokovic was forced to use painkillers during his Australian Open win over Carlos Alcaraz
REUTERS
Speaking to Eurosport after the match, Djokovic revealed he had contemplated retiring from the contest.
“Maybe they expected me to retire. I have to admit that I was considering that. I didn’t know how I’d react,” he said.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion remained defiant about his upcoming semi-final challenge, too.
READ MORE: Man Utd legend Bryan Robson faces massive tax bill after losing HMRC case as ‘disguised employee’
“A great win. Very proud of this performance,” he remarked.
“I keep on going. I’ve got another paramount challenge on Friday against Zverev, who is in red-hot form. It’s just trying to be able to move now and produce my best tennis.”
The injury has sparked controversy within tennis circles, with legend John McEnroe warning Alcaraz not to be ‘fooled’ during the opening set.
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Former US Open champion Andy Roddick also expressed skepticism about the severity of Djokovic’s condition.
“He was moving as well as I’ve seen Novak move in 18 months, maybe two years. It didn’t work that way in my career. If I pulled a groin, it kinda tended to stay pulled and maybe get worse,” Roddick said.
Following his victory, Djokovic directed an emotional roar towards Andy Murray, later explaining the gesture.
Novak Djokovic is set to face Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Friday
REUTERS
“We face challenges every single day. People don’t see that obviously,” Djokovic said.
The Serbian praised Murray’s commitment to his career and the tournament.
“He’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be. He accepted to work with me. He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work. This was a huge win for all of us.”
Rodgers has already won all there is to win in Scotland, comfortably and repeatedly. Europe was the hurdle he had failed to clear with them – until now.
After the 7-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund at the start of October, this would have been almost unimaginable.
“The ultimate aim is to get into the knockout phase and that’s what they’ve done so it’s a brilliant night,” former manager Neil Lennon said on TNT Sports.
“Off the back of the heavy defeat in Dortmund, they’re unbeaten in the Champions League. For them to bounce back from that was great character and great ability.”
That five-game unbeaten streak has propelled Celtic to qualification with a game to spare, taking the pressure off next week’s trip south to face Aston Villa. Victory there could even mean a top-eight finish and direct entry to the last 16.
“I couldn’t dream that he would get a point away against Atalanta, for example, and that showed really that they’ve matured,” said former defender Johan Mjallby.
“The balance is better. They know they can’t go gung-ho and always on attack. They’re a bit better in balancing to keep the ball a bit longer nowadays. That’s been a key, especially the way the away form has been very, very good.”
On a similar theme, Rodgers added: “For us to win it, it shows the maturity and the development of this squad. You’ve seen where they’ve come from last season, where we played well but didn’t quite get the points.”
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