Andy Robertson will make his final appearance for Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday against Brentford as the legendary defender prepares to leave the club.

The Scotland captain is departing Merseyside following a highly successful spell that cemented his status as one of world football’s elite left-backs.

Celebrations of his time at the club are already underway, including the unveiling of a new mural near the famous stadium.

However, the humble full-back insists he is completely content to take second billing during his own farewell fixture.

A defensive partnership for the ages

The outgoing star revealed the emotional toll of receiving a departing gift from former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The England international, who recently transferred to Real Madrid, gifted his long-time defensive partner a framed picture celebrating their 2019 Champions League victory.

“Trent got me a gift which nearly tipped me over the edge,” Robertson admitted.

The dynamic duo famously drove each other to unprecedented heights on the pitch.

Both men repeatedly shattered the Premier League record for assists by a defender during their time together on Merseyside.

“Because we both have a competitive nature, we both wanted to better each other,” Robertson explained.

“Me and him just went on the best journey ever.”

Sharing the final Anfield goodbye

Sunday’s fixture against Brentford marks the end of a glorious era for the Reds.

Mohamed Salah is also set to bid his own emotional farewell to the home supporters this weekend.

The Scottish international admitted he is perfectly happy to let his prolific teammate take centre stage.

“I’m glad that one of our Egyptian friends might take a bit more of the limelight and I’m more than happy about that,” he said.

The fixture will also feature the return of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

Robertson expressed his desire for the Anfield crowd to give their former skipper the special ovation he never officially received.

Life beyond Merseyside

Leaving such a historic institution is incredibly difficult, a sentiment echoed by several of Robertson’s former colleagues.

The Glasgow-born defender consulted closely with Henderson and James Milner before finalising his decision to move on.

He has also watched close friends like Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain successfully find happiness after leaving the club.

“You will always miss it, but it is also about finding happiness elsewhere, which a lot of people have shown can be done,” he stated.

The legendary left-back warmly noted that Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently thriving after recently winning the league title with Celtic.

Chelsea have joined Premier League rivals Arsenal in the pursuit of Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, though the south coast club remain determined to keep their prized asset.

The 19-year-old French talent has attracted significant attention from London’s elite clubs ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

However, the Cherries have issued a firm stance that the highly-rated attacker is not currently for sale.

United plot ambitious midfield overhaul

Meanwhile, Manchester United are growing increasingly confident of completing a massive double swoop to reinforce the centre of the pitch.

The Red Devils are actively targeting Atalanta’s Brazilian dynamo Ederson alongside Newcastle United’s Italian international Sandro Tonali.

Both 26-year-old midfielders have been identified as primary targets to rebuild the engine room at Old Trafford this summer.

The Manchester club are also monitoring Magpies left-back Lewis Hall, although they face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Liverpool for the England international.

Villa flush with European cash

Over in the West Midlands, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is preparing for a significant summer spending spree following their recent Europa League triumph.

The Spanish tactician has reportedly been handed a substantial £100m transfer budget to strengthen his victorious squad.

Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson features prominently on Emery’s wishlist, though Everton are also circling the 29-year-old Welshman.

The Toffees are hoping to secure the experienced playmaker on a free transfer when his current contract expires at Craven Cottage this June.

Alonso plans Stamford Bridge retention

In West London, incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is already shaping his squad for the new campaign.

The 44-year-old’s imminent arrival at Stamford Bridge is expected to block Atletico Madrid’s attempts to sign Spanish defender Marc Cucurella.

However, English striker Liam Delap looks destined to leave the Blues, with Everton currently sitting in pole position for the 23-year-old’s signature.

Elsewhere in the capital, Arsenal are preparing to reward Dutch defender Jurrien Timber with a lucrative new contract following his return to full fitness.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers faces an uncertain timeline for his return from a complex knee injury, according to head coach John Harbaugh.

The 22-year-old tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee last September.

He underwent initial surgery that included a full meniscus repair, but recently required a second operation to remove stiffening scar tissue.

Harbaugh admitted on Thursday that the franchise is unsure if their star playmaker will be available for their season opener.

The Giants host the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on 13 September for a Sunday Night Football clash.

Complicated rehabilitation process

Speaking after organised team activities (OTAs), Harbaugh stressed the severity of the situation.

“It’s an ACL, and whatever else he had in that knee. Not a simple knee injury, you know?”
“He’s in the slog of it, the grind of it I would say. So he’s fighting through it and he’s here every day working hard at it.”

The head coach added that getting the wideout back on the field during training camp remains the primary, albeit unpredictable, target.

Initial hopes that the former LSU standout would be fully ready for the start of training camp have faded.

Offensive reshuffle for Dart

The receiver’s absence creates an immediate challenge for quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Dart is already operating without Darius Slayton, who is recovering from core muscle surgery but is expected back for training camp.

In their absence, new signings Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III, alongside third-round draft pick Malachi Fields, have been rotating with the first-team offence.

Mental toll of recovery

The lengthy rehabilitation has proven mentally taxing for a player who delivered a historic rookie campaign in 2024.

His debut season yielded a franchise-record 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns.

Before suffering his season-ending injury, he had played just four games of the most recent campaign.

Harbaugh acknowledged the psychological difficulty of navigating a major career setback for the first time.

“My experience with guys is the first time they have a serious injury, it’s tough because it’s new for him. It’s a tough process, so our job is to stay close to him and stay with him.”

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to help Al Nassr secure their first Saudi Pro League title since his arrival following a 4-1 final-day victory over Damac on Thursday.

The decisive victory ensured the club finished two points clear of fierce rivals Al Hilal at the summit of the table.

It marks an 11th domestic crown in the history of the side, but their first since the former Manchester United forward arrived in January 2023.

A glittering career continues

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has now claimed top-flight league championships across Portugal, England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia.

He surpassed the 100-goal milestone for his current employers during a prolific three-season spell in the Middle East.

Prior to this triumph, the veteran attacker’s only silverware with the team came via the non-FIFA sanctioned Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.

Star-studded supporting cast

The Portuguese icon was joined on the scoresheet by former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane during the title-clinching fixture.

Ex-Chelsea and Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix also featured for Jorge Jesus’ triumphant side as they navigated a tense final matchday.

Attention will eventually turn to the international stage, with the prolific goalscorer preparing for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance with Portugal in 2026.

English golfer Aaron Rai has revealed how simple but powerful advice from his wife helped him overcome his fears to win his maiden major title at the US PGA Championship.

The Wolverhampton-born golfer entered the final round of the tournament tied for second place and admittedly concerned about the pressure of a congested leaderboard.

Despite facing a star-studded chasing pack that included two-time major champion Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, the Englishman remained completely composed.

His calmness was sparked by his wife, professional golfer Gaurika Bishnoi Rai, who offered a few reassuring words before he teed off.

“She said to me on Saturday night and before I started on Sunday as well: ‘You’re ready.’ That was really powerful,” Rai explained.

Overcoming a crowded leaderboard

Heading into Sunday, the 31-year-old was far from the pre-tournament favourite to lift the Wanamaker Trophy.

America’s Alex Smalley held the overnight advantage, with 22 players sitting within four shots of the lead in a historic battle.

However, the world number 15 seized control of the tournament after making a crucial eagle on the ninth hole.

From that moment, the famously two-gloved player became untouchable as he shot six under par through his final 10 holes to secure a commanding three-shot victory.

Embracing the spotlight

Known for avoiding attention, the major champion famously has no agent and manages his own affairs with the help of his long-term mentors.

He admitted that the prospect of dealing with heightened media commitments had previously been a source of anxiety.

“[My wife] is extremely honest with me – through the good and through the not-so-good. That particular piece of advice was very reassuring,” he added.

Since clinching the title and sharing an emotional embrace by the 18th green, the new champion has begun adapting to his elevated status.

“The reception and the warmth that has come from Sunday has been a little overwhelming. I am blown away by the amount of reaction,” he noted.

Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are set to be left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup in the United States.

The highly anticipated travelling party will be officially confirmed by the national team manager on Friday, 22 May.

Both Blues players have endured difficult domestic campaigns hampered by severe fitness issues.

Injury setbacks halt Colwill’s progress

Colwill ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during pre-season training last summer.

That devastating blow limited the promising 23-year-old to just three first-team appearances across the entire season.

The central defender did manage to complete the full 90 minutes during his club’s recent FA Cup final defeat against Manchester City.

However, he was subsequently rested for a midweek victory over Tottenham Hotspur as coaching staff carefully managed his returning workload.

Despite showing flashes of his immense potential since returning to the pitch, the five-cap international will not travel to North America.

Palmer struggles to replicate European heroics

Palmer has also suffered a frustrating year marred by persistent niggling injuries.

The attacking midfielder has managed a modest return of 13 goal contributions in 33 appearances across all competitions.

It is a stark contrast to his previous heroics, which included scoring a dramatic last-gasp equaliser in the final of the 2024 European Championship.

Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White are now expected to be selected ahead of the 14-cap playmaker.

Wharton and United duo face exclusion

Beyond the Stamford Bridge pair, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also anticipating a surprise omission despite enjoying a stellar domestic campaign.

These high-profile exclusions follow news that Manchester United defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will remain at home.

Reacting to the managerial decision, the veteran centre-back expressed his profound disappointment.

“Shocked and gutted.”

Harry Maguire

Tuchel must now finalise his defensive options, with Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah potentially stepping up after recently moving ahead of Maguire in the manager’s pecking order.

The Three Lions will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in the group stages of the expanded tournament.

Before their campaign officially begins, the national side will stage vital preparation friendlies in Florida.

The Detroit Lions have signed All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell to a four-year contract extension that will keep him with the franchise until the end of the 2030 NFL season.

Financial terms of the new agreement were not immediately disclosed by the team on Thursday.

This long-term commitment arrives shortly after Detroit declined the lucrative fifth-year option on his rookie deal.

That 2027 option would have cost an estimated $21.9m (£17.3m), which would have briefly made him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the league.

Breakout season secures long-term future

The 25-year-old established himself as the undeniable linchpin of the Detroit defense during a stellar 2025 campaign.

He earned first-team All-Pro honours and a maiden Pro Bowl selection in what was his third professional season.

The former Iowa standout dominated statistically, recording a team-high 176 total tackles, five sacks and nine tackles for loss.

Selected 18th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, the dynamic tackler has shown consistent year-on-year improvement.

Lions look to tie down core draft class

Securing their defensive anchor is just the first step in a broader strategy to retain elite homegrown talent.

The franchise is actively seeking long-term agreements with fellow 2023 draftees Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch.

Detroit recently exercised the $14.3m (£11.3m) fifth-year option on star running back Gibbs to provide more negotiating time.

However, tight end LaPorta and defensive back Branch are both slated to become unrestricted free agents at the conclusion of the upcoming season.

Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his contract with Ferrari runs until at least the end of 2027, dismissing suggestions that he is ready to retire from Formula 1.

The 41-year-old joined the Scuderia at the start of last year but endured a difficult maiden campaign in 2025.

That season marked the first time in the seven-time world champion’s illustrious career that he failed to secure a podium finish.

Focus remains on the future

The British driver started the current season brightly, claiming his first top-three finish in red at the second race in China.

However, he has recently lacked the outright pace of his team-mate Charles Leclerc at the latest rounds in Japan and Miami.

When the former Mercedes star signed his multi-year deal, the exact length was kept undisclosed by the Italian marque.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, the veteran racer clarified his ongoing commitment to the sport.

“I’m still under contract, so everything’s 100 per cent clear to me,” he said when asked about his future.

Silencing the critics

“I’m still focused, I’m still motivated. I still love what I do with all my heart, and I’m going to be here for quite some time, so get used to it.”

“There’s a lot of people that are trying to retire me, and that’s not even all my thoughts.”

“I’m already thinking of what will be next, and planning for, like, the next five years. But I still plan to be here for some time.”