Sports
Belgium name Rudi Garcia as manager after Domenico Tedesco exit
Frenchman Rudi Garcia has been appointed head coach of Belgium.
The 60-year-old replaces Italian Domenico Tedesco, who was sacked last week after less than two years in the post.
Garcia’s last job was at Serie A side Napoli, but he was dismissed after just 16 games in charge in 2023.
He will be formally introduced at a news conference on Friday.
Before taking the Napoli job, Garcia – who has also managed Lille, Marseille and Lyon and had a three-year spell at Roma – took charge of Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2022.
He left the club by mutual agreement after 10 months in charge.
Belgium, who are ranked eighth in the Fifa world rankings, face Ukraine in the Nations League play-offs in March.
Team news for Saturday and Sunday’s Scottish Premiership fixtures.
Sports
Kyle Walker sends emotional message to wife after sealing loan move from Man City to AC Milan
Kyle Walker has bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City after sealing his move to AC Milan, sharing a heartfelt 247-word message on social media.
The 34-year-old defender decided to seek a new challenge last month after nearly eight years with the Premier League champions.
“Manchester City… where do I start?” Walker wrote in his farewell post. “Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.”
The England international’s departure comes after Pep Guardiola revealed earlier this month that Walker was keen for a fresh start elsewhere.
Sources close to the player had quickly ruled out any potential move to the Saudi Pro League.
Kyle Walker has issued a statement online
GETTY/PA
In his farewell message, Walker reflected on his remarkable achievements at the Etihad Stadium.
“Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child,” he wrote.
The defender paid special tribute to his manager, stating: “To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today.”
Walker also thanked his teammates, describing them as “friends, but also family for life.”
He expressed gratitude to the City fans for “embracing me as one of your own from day one.”
During his time at Manchester City, Walker amassed an impressive collection of 17 trophies.
His silverware haul included six Premier League titles and the coveted Champions League trophy.
The defender has been a key figure at the Etihad since his arrival in 2017, though he has struggled for form this season.
Matheus Nunes has been filling in as City’s right back in recent weeks.
While Walker’s City contract runs until 2026, sources indicate his permanent departure is likely this summer, having made clear his desire to finish his career abroad.
Walker will begin his new chapter in Italy alongside wife Annie Kilner and their four children, after the couple have reconciled following recent relationship troubles.
A source told MailOnline: “They’ve had well publicised struggles but are now looking to put all that behind them and start afresh in Italy.”
Kilner, who will travel by private jet to join Walker, had previously served divorce papers in October but has since moved the footballer back into their marital home.
The couple will relocate with their children Roman, 13, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon.
“Maybe Milan will be a fresh start for them?” the source added.
Walker included a message for his family in his statement on social media, adding: “To Annie, our children and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.”
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Kyle Walker spent eight years at the Etihad
PA
AC Milan will cover Walker’s entire salary during his loan spell at the Italian club.
The move comes after a difficult campaign for Walker at Manchester City, where he has struggled to maintain his best form.
The loan arrangement will run until the end of the current season, with Walker’s City contract set to expire in 2026.
Despite the contract having time to run, sources suggest his permanent exit from the Etihad is expected this summer.
The defender had made it clear he wanted to experience playing abroad before ending his career, with Italy emerging as his preferred destination.
At a time when United co-chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ordered a cost slashing exercise that has seen ticket prices rise, 250 people lose their jobs, staff perks axed, Sir Alex Ferguson’s status as a paid ambassador revoked, legends have their remuneration cut and fans sent a letter warning the club is in danger of breaching profit and sustainability rules, you almost have to blink and look again when reminded of how much Antony cost.
United were gushing with pride in August 2022 when they confirmed they had struck a deal with Ajax for the winger.
The fee? £81.3m, second behind Paul Pogba as United’s most expensive player. At the time, it was the fourth highest transfer fee paid by a Premier League club.
In justifying it, United pumped out a lot of information.
Antony was a priority signing for new manager Erik ten Hag, they explained. The pair had worked together at Ajax and the pursuit had lasted all summer. Ajax, it was claimed, had played hard ball, but Antony was as keen for the deal to go through as United were.
He was high on the scouting radar before Ten Hag arrived, had a lot of technical ability and a winning mentality. United pushed and eventually got their man.
He certainly had been on their radar before Ten Hag arrived. His predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was told about him. The Norwegian would have accepted him. But his advice was not to pay more than £30m.
Still, when Antony became the first United player in 50 years to score in their first three league appearances, it looked like a good deal.
No-one was to know at the time that initial burst would represent 25% of the league goals he would score.
In 96 United appearances to date, Antony has scored 12 goals and claimed five assists.
The last time he found the net was in a 7-0 EFL Cup victory over League One Barnsley on 17 September. The last time he helped someone to score was on 4 April 2024, when he crossed for Alejandro Garnacho to net United’s third in what turned out to be a dramatic 4-3 defeat at Chelsea.
Knowing Antony was regarded as his man, Ten Hag backed the player for a long time.
Eighteen months after his arrival, at a point where he had not scored or created a goal for nine months and it was becoming obvious to most observers Antony may be well short of the standard United required, Ten Hag was still offering his support.
“He can do so much better,” he said, in a press conference on 12 January 2024.
“His end product at Ajax was very high. He should return to those levels. He is capable of doing it.”
Ten Hag also made reference in that media briefing to a legal case that saw Antony dropped from the Brazil national squad after assault allegations were made against him. Police investigations in Brazil concluded in August 2024 with no charges being brought. Antony has always denied the claims.
Ten Hag said the case had a negative impact on the winger, which given the gravity of what he was facing, is understandable.
Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has completed a move to Italian club AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the season.
The England defender completed a medical with the seven-time European Cup winners on Thursday.
Milan’s deal for Walker includes an option to buy the 34-year-old when his loan deal expires at the end of the season.
Walker, a six-time Premier League winner with City, joins fellow Englishmen Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham at the San Siro.
Alexander Zverev has criticised the Australian Open crowd after Novak Djokovic was booed off court at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday morning.
Djokovic lost the first set to Zverev before then ultimately choosing to quit due to injury.
The former world No 1 sustained a muscle tear during his epic victory over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week.
But Djokovic was unable to play through the pain on Friday, with the former world No 1 choosing to talk away from the possibility of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Alexander Zverev has criticised the Australian Open crowd after Novak Djokovic was booed off court at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday morning
REUTERS
After quitting the match, the Serb was booed by the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena.
And that has sparked criticism from Zverev, who was unhappy with their antics.
He said: “Please, guys, don’t boo a player who leaves the court due to injury. I know that everyone paid to be here and hopes to see a great five-set match.
“But you have to understand that Novak Djokovic has given his all to this sport for 20 years.”
The 27-year-old will lock horns with either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton on Sunday.
As for Djokovic, the Serb was understandably frustrated at having to pull out of the match and walk away from another potential record.
He said after the clash that he did everything possible to play but, ultimately, it wasn’t enough.
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Alexander Zverev is through to the Australian Open final following Novak Djokovic’s decision to withdraw
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“Yes, I did everything I possibly can to basically manage the muscle tear I had,” he insisted.
“Yes, medications and I guess the strap, and the physio worked helped to some extent today.
“But yes, towards the end of that first set I just started feeling more and more pain.
Alexander Zverev has hailed Novak Djokovic following the Serb’s withdrawal from the Australian Open
REUTERS
“It was, yes, too much, I guess to handle for me at the moment. Yes, unfortunate ending, but I tried.”
On whether he could soon retire, he continued: “I normally like to come to Australia to play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here.
“So I’m fit, healthy, motivated. I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come. But there’s always a chance, yeah.”
Sports
Kyogo Furuhashi: ‘Big mistake’ or ‘good business’? Your views on Celtic striker’s proposed exit
Dylan: Losing Kyogo is such a big loss for Celtic. Under Brendan Rodgers, he understandably hasn’t been at the same levels that he was under Ange, but he is such a key member of the team. His off-the-ball movement is THE best Celtic have had and he has an eye for scoring goals, especially against Rangers. He is a great person also, so I wish him the best.
Steven: No way we should be selling Kyogo, absolutely no way, a brilliant finisher with brilliant pace.
Gerry: Kyogo has carved out legendary status in Glasgow and frightened every Rangers player and manager. Should he want to go, we would never stand in his way but miss him like only Henrik Larsson felt like.
Anon: I think they are making a big mistake selling Kyogo as he brings a lot to the team and why get rid of your top player? He will be missed.
Nathan: I think it’s a bad decision to let Kyogo leave as he has always scored vital goals playing in behind the defence.
Anon: Kyogo will leave a huge hole that no other current Celtic player will come near to filling. It’s not just his goal scoring ability, it’s his movement – this alone tears opposition apart, leaving gaps to be exploited by team-mates. He’s worth more than any sum of money they get for him.
Ian: Fantastic to have qualified for the CL play-offs. Bittersweet aftermath, though. Great to get Jota back but really sorry to see Kyogo go. He was unique and will be hugely difficult to replace. Would’ve liked to have seen him get the send off he deserves this weekend.
Anon: Terrible decision to sell our main striker at this stage of the season when still a lot to play for. We could have waited until the end of the season.
Edward: Not sure this is the correct decision in January window, no like for like replacement readily available and could’ve got the fee up in the summer.
John: I think it’s sad to see a player like Kyogo leave but if that’s what he wants then so be it. Great little striker. Hopefully we acquire a better one if possible. Thank you for entertaining us during your spell. Good luck.
Vincent: It wasn’t just his goals, it was his whole attitude, energy and persona. He is beloved by the fans and we will miss him terribly. It’s worth reminding some Celtic players that when they leave they usually fade into obscurity.
Sports
Martin Brundle makes feelings clear on Lewis Hamilton’s chances of winning eighth world title at Ferrari
Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton can still clinch a record-breaking eighth Formula 1 world title at Ferrari, despite being past his peak years.
The assessment comes as Hamilton completed his first test drive for Ferrari this week, marking a historic shift for the seven-time world champion.
“I have no doubt that if Ferrari have a race-winning car or a championship-winning car, then Lewis can win races and even the championship,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.
The veteran commentator suggests Hamilton retains “96-97 per cent” of his abilities at age 40.
Hamilton’s Ferrari debut took place at the iconic Fiorano test track in Italy on Wednesday, where he donned the famous scarlet colours for the first time.
“Two of the biggest names in the 75-year history of Formula 1, some might say the biggest names. Lewis Hamilton dressed all in the scarlet of the prancing horse, an absolutely extraordinary story,” said Brundle.
The move represents only Hamilton’s third team in Formula 1, with Brundle noting that Hamilton “will want to show that, despite just turning 40, he’s not over the hill.”
The historic moment drew significant attention from Ferrari’s passionate Tifosi fanbase.
Hamilton completed 30 laps, covering 55 miles, during his first outing in the 2023 Ferrari F1 car.
The test session drew 1,500 spectators to the Fiorano circuit, with fans erupting in cheers and chants as Hamilton arrived at the track.
The British driver was accompanied by his family for the momentous occasion.
The session also provided Hamilton with valuable time to familiarise himself with new race engineer Riccardo Adami and Ferrari’s systems.
Martin Brundle is tipping Lewis Hamilton to succeed at Ferrari
GETTY
It marked the first time Hamilton has driven a Formula 1 car not powered by Mercedes engines.
Brundle acknowledged that Hamilton’s peak performance is behind him, pointing to occasional qualifying mistakes and racing incidents.
“Do I think the best of Lewis Hamilton is ahead or behind him? I think it’s behind him,” Brundle explained to Sky Sports News.
However, the Sky Sports F1 pundit highlighted Hamilton’s victories at Silverstone and Spa in 2024 as evidence of his enduring speed.
“He was extraordinary all through practice in Las Vegas and then fluffed it in qualifying, something he didn’t used to do much, and then was extraordinary in the race,” Brundle noted.
Hamilton’s British Grand Prix win ended a 56-race winless streak, before adding his 105th career victory in Belgium.
Brundle highlighted significant challenges ahead for Hamilton at Ferrari, particularly regarding his new teammate.
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Lewis Hamilton endured a difficult last few years with MercedesLewis Hamilton endured a difficult last few years with Mercedes
“There are some big challenges, his team-mate Charles Leclerc has been there seven years effectively and knows exactly where the buttons are, and who does what,” said Brundle.
He emphasised Leclerc’s speed as a key factor Hamilton will need to contend with.
Yet Brundle remains confident in Hamilton’s ability to adapt, noting: “He will not be overwhelmed driving a Ferrari like so many drivers have.”
The Sky Sports pundit also pointed out that Hamilton already enjoys strong support from Ferrari’s fanbase, saying “the Italian fans, known as the Tifosi, adore him.”
Celtic say they cannot guarantee that Saturday’s Scottish Premiership visit by Dundee will go ahead because Storm Eowyn has “caused some damage” to their stadium.
The League 1 match between Arbroath and Kelty Hearts had earlier been postponed following damage at Gayfield Park.
Celtic say that “a full assessment and decision will be made as early as possible” on Saturday morning at Celtic Park, where the match is due to kick-off at 15:00 GMT.
“Our stadium and safety staff are currently unable to fully assess the extent of the damage due to the ongoing extreme conditions,” Celtic said in a website statement.
“In light of this, and in order that we communicate fully and openly with our fans, in the interests of supporter safety, we are unable to confirm at this stage whether the match tomorrow between Celtic and Dundee will be able to proceed.”
Weather warnings are in place throughout Scotland because of Storm Eowyn, but Saturday and Sunday’s other Scottish Professional Football League fixtures remain scheduled to go ahead.
Sports
Tom Brady snubs Bill Belichick reunion as 73-year-old hired as new Las Vegas Raiders head coach
Pete Carroll has been appointed as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming the oldest head coach in NFL history at the age of 73.
The veteran coach has agreed to take charge of the Raiders on a three-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year.
Carroll, who will turn 74 in September, joins the Raiders following a successful 14-season spell with the Seattle Seahawks, where he amassed an impressive 137-89 record.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in NFL history, as Carroll is set to surpass the age record previously held by Romeo Crennel, who was 73 during his time with the Houston Texans in 2020.
Tom Brady missed out on a chance to reunite with Bill Belichick
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Carroll’s appointment comes after the Raiders initially targeted former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who opted to join the Chicago Bears instead.
The decorated coach brings an impressive pedigree to Las Vegas, having previously managed the New York Jets and New England Patriots before his tenure in Seattle.
His arrival coincides with Tom Brady’s involvement as Raiders minority owner, who played a role in securing Carroll’s services despite interest from the Dallas Cowboys.
There had been some talk about Bill Belichick potentially reuniting with Brady at the Raiders.
Belichick signed a five-year deal with the University of North Carolina earlier this week, but it’s reported to have included a buyout clause should an NFL side look to hire him.
But the Raiders seemingly have no interest in bringing in Belichick with their commitment to Carroll.
Carroll belongs to an elite group of coaches who have achieved success at both NFL and college level.
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His crowning achievement came in 2013 when he led the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl victory.
Prior to his NFL success, Carroll established himself as a dominant force in college football, securing back-to-back national championships with USC in 2003 and 2004.
His departure from the Seahawks following the 2023 season marked the end of an era that saw him transform the franchise into a consistent contender.
Carroll faces significant challenges in his new role, with the Raiders having missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
The team’s recent record of 18-33 led to the dismissals of both Josh McDaniels and Antonio Pierce.
Las Vegas has managed just one winning season since 2017, with quarterback issues being a particular concern.
The Raiders’ struggles were evident in 2024, with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell sharing quarterback duties without either cementing their position.
Following a 4-13 finish, the Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, though top quarterback prospects Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders may be unavailable when their selection comes.
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Carroll’s appointment marks the fifth head coaching hire of this cycle, following a series of appointments across the NFL.
The Raiders turned to Carroll after their initial target, Ben Johnson, chose to take the vacant position at the Chicago Bears.
Working alongside new general manager John Spytek, Carroll will need to address the team’s roster gaps, particularly at quarterback.
The Raiders’ decision to appoint Carroll leaves only the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints yet to name their new head coaches for the upcoming season.
Before The Traitors final on BBC One, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi shares his winning tips, after beating his England team-mates in their version of the game during Euro 2024 camp.
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