CLUBS AND FANS PAY TRIBUTE TO FORMER NEWCASTLE UNITED PLAYER AND MANAGER KEVIN KEEGAN

Tributes have been paid to the former Newcastle United footballer and manager, Kevin Keegan, who has died at the age of 75.

In a statement, his family said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

Keegan, who also played for and managed the England national team, had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

The family statement continued: "Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.

"This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."

The Newcastle United legend revealed he had cancer in January 2026, which later spread to stage four.

Kevin Keegan played for and managed Newcastle United.
Credit: PA

In 1992, Keegan made his first step into management at Newcastle, leading them into the Premier League and to within touching distance of the 1995-96 title, but they missed out to Manchester United.

A statement from Newcastle United called Keegan "the beating heart of the club for generations of supporters".

It said: "As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.

"As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.

"Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.

"Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.

"At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

"Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.

"Rest in peace, King Kev."

Alan Shearer paid tribute to his hero and friend Kevin Keegan following the death of his former Newcastle manager at the age of 75.

Keegan was in charge at St James’ Park when the club paid a then world-record fee of £15million to sign Shearer in 1996.

“My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss,” Shearer wrote on X.

After leaving St James’ Park in January 1997, a brief stint at Fulham followed before he became England manager in 1999 following Glenn Hoddle’s departure.

After overseeing a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned on the back of defeat by Germany at Wembley, the last match at the national stadium before it was rebuilt.

A spell at Manchester City followed and then an emotional return to Newcastle in 2008, but he only lasted eight months at St James’ Park following tensions with the board and owner Mike Ashley.

On the international stage, he scored 21 goals in 63 England appearances and played at the 1982 World Cup finals.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:

“Kevin Keegan brought joy to so many of us in the North East and across the world. It is hard to believe someone with so much energy and passion is no longer with us.

"King Kev fought such a brave battle against cancer, and while today we will all mourn his passing, we should also find room to celebrate with a smile everything he achieved.”

- itvX

YOUNGEST GRAND PRIX POLE SITTER IN F1 HISTORY | KIMI ANTONELLI

 

FRED VASSEUR MAKES 'DESTROYED' LEWIS HAMILTON CLAIM IN FERRARI DEFENCE

Fred Vasseur says he would be "destroyed" if Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc gave positive feedback to Ferrari given its current form.

© XPBimages

Fred Vasseur has explained how he would be "destroyed" if Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc told him Ferrari was doing a "good job" after its troubled season in 2025.

Hopes were high at Maranello in 2025 that, following finishing just 14 points behind McLaren in '24, it could mount a bid for a first title since 2008, especially after signing Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes.

However, Ferrari ultimately went winless for the first time since 2021 as it fell to fourth in the constructors', 435 points behind McLaren, as Hamilton endured a horrid first season, and went without a podium for the first time in his career, although he did win the China Sprint and finish third in the Miami one.

Reflecting on the season, Vasseur gave a strong defence of the work Ferrari is doing, and explained how he would be "destroyed" by positive feedback from his drivers.

"I would be destroyed if I had the drivers telling me that we are doing a good job," Vasseur told media, including RacingNews365, after the 2025 season.

"Their DNA, and my DNA, is to try and to push the team to do a better job, and between them, they have to come to us, Charles and Lewis, not Lewis or Charles, both of them, they have to come to us and push the team to the limit everywhere, in every single area.

"For sure we can improve everywhere, but [in 2024], we were fighting until the last corner and the reaction was exactly the same with Charles: 'we need to improve on every single area, ono the simulator, on the set-up.' 

"This is their DNA and I'm not shocked at all when they are coming to me and saying: 'Fred, we have to improve on this, this, this and this,' because that is what we're asking them to do. 

"I saw sometimes with some articles that we have reports from drivers asking for modifications, but honestly, this is a bit naive because we have reports from the drivers every single race, and there is nothing when the driver sends a report to the team saying: 'Ok, we have to do this.'"

- Ian Parkes

'DISGUSTING: OSCAR PIASTRI'S AUSSIE INTERVIEW BAN AHEAD OF ABU DHABI GP

Explosive new claims of bias towards Oscar Piastri’s McLaren teammate have rocked F1 ahead of this weekend’s season-ending Grand Prix.

Just days out from its shot at a drought-breaking F1 drivers’ title, McLaren is in disarray amid revelations Oscar Piastri has been banned from speaking to Australian media.

The season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix gets underway this weekend, with championship leader Lando Norris in the box seat on 408 points and his McLaren teammate Piastri in the mix on 392.

They are separated by Max Verstappen (396 points), with all three in mathematical contention to claim this year’s title.

Yet instead of a buzz around the F1 world over a thrilling end to this year’s championship, McLaren is in damage control following a damning report from CODE Sports.

An article from the masthead that landed on Thursday afternoon (AEDT) addressed the year-long speculation the British outfit would prefer Englishman Norris take out this season’s crown.

Oscar Piastri reacts after finishing second at the Qatar GP. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

 

Talk McLaren has favoured Lando Norris (right) has bubbled along for months. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
 

McLaren is well placed to win a first drivers’ world title since Lewis Hamilton’s salute back in 2008, but that is barely rating a mention outside of its Woking base.

The team’s much maligned ‘papaya rules’, which insist the two drivers are on a level playing field, have been all but debunked by this stage as Aussie Piastri has repeatedly had odds stacked against him by his own team.

The latest was their mea culpa after McLaren was the only team not to pit after an early yellow flag in last week’s Qatar GP, blowing a dominant Piastri’s hopes of victory and handing the win to Verstappen.

Smiling team boss Zak Brown has said ad nauseam all is well among the team, but CODE stated it’s well known that is no longer the case, calling the situation “bordering on toxic”.

A pitiful team representation when Piastri celebrated his second place in Qatar only added fuel to the fire and the Victorian admitted he was “speechless” over team radio after they blew his shot at a victory that would have drawn him much closer in the title fight.

Piastri has now been banned from holding individual interviews with Australian media, with CODE stating the team feels he is too busy, although that sounds flimsy at best and downright laughable in reality.

A number of journalists and McLaren team insiders spoke to CODE about the situation and all were united in condemning the treatment of the 24-year-old Aussie.

One was quoted as saying: “It’s disgusting to see what’s happening. It’s like he’s fighting with one arm tied behind his back.”

“He’s constantly being undermined by the team. The bias against Piastri is unquestionable.”

Fans are also well and truly fed up with the perceived treatment of the young Aussie star.

McLaren’s official X account posted a tweet on Thursday morning with the caption: “23 races, 20 countries visited. Country 21, round 24, Abu Dhabi, let’s do this.”

A number of fans used that opportunity to vent their feelings.

One wrote: “From now on, I’ll remember 2025 F1 season, not for McLaren winning the constructors championship, but for the sneaky ways they found to prevent Oscar Piastri from becoming World Champion.”

 Another replied: “23 races, 20 countries visited, 90% support for Norris, 10% support for Oscar. 100% loser team.”

Many F1 fans have tired of the message coming from Zak Brown (right) and McLaren. (Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1 via Getty Images)
 

A third offered: “And you destroyed a young man’s spirit – poor Oscar.”

Whatever its approach to this point, McLaren will be unable to gag Piastri in the lead-up to and after this weekend’s race.

He has mostly kept his cool and maintained his dignity to this point, when many others in such a competitive arena would have blown their stack."

Unless he finds a way to win this year’s title – needing to win the race in Abu Dhabi and have Norris finish sixth or lower – Piastri’s ultimate reaction to a season of missed opportunities could prove as fascinating as the race itself.

- James Dampney

 

LIONEL MESSI REVEALS HIS FAVOURITE CAREER GOAL AND IT IS PURE BARCELONA PLAY

Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Lionel Messi has scored over 800 goals in a career packed with brilliance, magic, and jaw-dropping moments, but the Barcelona legend has now revealed which one stands out above the rest, and it might surprise some fans. 

In a recent interview, the Inter Miami forward admitted that his favourite goal ever is not one of his signature solo runs or curling finishes, but a header. Yes, a header, and one that sealed a historic night for Barça.

“I had many goals that are perhaps even more beautiful and of a lot of value, because of the importance as well, but the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United was always my favourite,” Messi explained as quoted by SPORT.

Relive the header

That goal came on May 27, 2009, in Rome, during the UEFA Champions League final. It was a rare sight for a player known more for weaving through defenders than leaping above them. 

Lionel Messi scored a rare headed goal against Manchester United. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Yet, in the 70th minute, Messi latched onto a stunning cross from Xavi Hernández and launched himself into the air. Despite being just 1.70m tall, he outjumped defenders and sent a looping header over the towering Edwin van der Sar. 

It was Messi’s only headed goal in a Champions League final, and what a time to do it. The strike sealed a 2-0 victory over Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and capped off a legendary season for Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. 

That 2008–09 campaign saw Barça win the treble, La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, making them the first Spanish club to ever achieve that feat.

For all the thunderous free-kicks, magical dribbles, and impossible angles Messi has conquered, his favourite goal remains a reminder of what Barcelona stood for at their peak: precision, unity, and brilliance. 

And at the heart of it, a little Argentine who rose above it all, bootless and fearless.

- Swapnil Bhopatkar

EX ARSENAL PLAYER - MATHIEU FLAMINI IS WORTH £10BILLION

Back in 2008, Mathieu Flamini and his business partner, Pasquale Granata, founded 'GF Biochemicals' in an attempt to revolutionise the energy industry. 

Nearly 17 years after it was set up, the company is now worth £21 billion, with Flamini having a net worth of £10 billion.

PETER WINDSOR THINKS CHARLES LECLERC MUST ANSWER ONE QUESTION AT FERRARI IN 2025 AFTER LEWIS HAMILTON'S ARRIVAL

Vegas GP

Charles Leclerc will know how big an opportunity he has to win his first Formula 1 world championship in 2025.

Although Ferrari haven’t won a title since the 2008 Constructors’ Championship, they showed their potential at the end of last season.

Although the championship battle was between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, all of a sudden, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were constantly challenging for victories.

Sainz’s win in Mexico City was fantastic, leading from the front after a stellar pole position lap.

Leclerc didn’t win any of the last five races, but his victories in Monaco and at Monza were particularly poignant.

He defeated both McLarens with a stunning one-stop strategy at Ferrari’s home race with Nico Rosberg hailing team principal Frederic Vasseur for aiding Leclerc that day.

In 2025, he’ll want to go a couple of places better in the Drivers’ Championship and finish ahead of Verstappen and Norris.

However, the arrival of Lewis Hamilton is likely to complicate matters as for the second time in his career, he comes up against a multiple world champion as his teammate.

Leclerc expertly saw off Sebastian Vettel in the past, but Hamilton will be desperate to win a record eighth title in Ferrari colours.

Peter Windsor was speaking on his YouTube channel and believes the Monegasque driver has one key question he has to answer if he wants to achieve that accolade.

Charles Leclerc told he must manage his emotions to defeat Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Windsor was talking about the 27-year-old’s championship chances and said: “I think the interesting thing now will be how Charles Leclerc performs alongside Lewis.

“Obviously, Lewis was quicker in terms of the lap times on this test because he did a lot more miles.

“They rebuilt the car and Charles went out in it and didn’t do a lot in it and then Dino Beganovic the new favoured academy driver who’s really quick, got a lot of time for Dino did a run as well.

“So, for me, it’s a question of how Charles Leclerc is going to react now because I can imagine, certainly not because there was a shunt at all, but it would have been kind of welcome to Ferrari, Lewis when he hit the wall.

“But there’s no doubt that Lewis is already super quick and doing a great job in the car.

“So, for me, it’ll be a question of how Charles manages his emotions now.

“He’s got to be ready for Lewis potentially to have just through circumstances a very good start to the year and how Charles reacts to that.

“I still think over a 24-race championship, Charles is the guy most likely to win a championship for Ferrari if it’s a championship-winning car.”

Why Charles Leclerc was furious with Ferrari at last season’s Las Vegas Grand Prix

Windsor referred to Leclerc needing to keep his emotions in check, something he’s not always managed in the past.

One race from last season that stands out is the Las Vegas Grand Prix when Ferrari’s drivers started second and fourth, but Leclerc missed out on a podium after a phenomenal drive from Hamilton.

Eddie Jordan was left shocked by Leclerc in Las Vegas, as his outburst at the team and Sainz seemed quite out of character.

Ferrari’s strategy that day was poor, calling Sainz into the pits before keeping him out at the last second.

They then let Leclerc be undercut by his teammate after he initially passed him during the first round of stops and the whole race was managed very poorly.

Ferrari explained to Leclerc in the post-race briefing the mistakes he made that led to their strategy decisions, but if he’s going to defeat Hamilton and the rest of his rivals in the paddock, then he’ll need to stay calmer under pressure.

- Ben Evans

USYK CEMENTS LEGACY AS BEST HEAVYWEIGHT OF HIS GENERATION

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- With 24 rounds between them and no need for a third bout following another Oleksandr Usyk victory -- this time more clearly than the first bout -- Tyson Fury leaned over and kissed his rival on the head as the heavyweight champion celebrated.

The show of respect isn't surprising after just how grueling these two fights were. With so much at stake -- Fury's quest to regain his titles as a three-time champion and Usyk's push to turn him back again -- it was Usyk who pulled away down the stretch on Saturday night.

Their May meeting, the front-runner for ESPN's Fight of the Year, established Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) as the world's best heavyweight and No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the ESPN rankings. The rematch meant even more. In addition to reinforcing that dual status, a second, more definitive victory cemented Usyk as the best heavyweight of his generation, the greatest fighter in boxing's glamour division since Lennox Lewis retired in 2004, and an all-time great.

When Usyk won gold at the amateur European Championships in 2008, he was a light heavyweight while his Ukrainian countryman, Wladimir Klitschko, reigned as heavyweight champion in the pros. Four years later, Usyk captured gold at the Olympic Games in London as a heavyweight while Anthony Joshua won a gold medal at super heavyweight. Years after that, as a pro, Usyk cleaned out the cruiserweight division as undisputed champion and defeated Joshua twice at heavyweight to become unified champion.

The May split-decision victory over Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) earned Usyk, 37, the undisputed championship at heavyweight, too. And in that fight, he came close to stopping Fury in Round 9 when he landed 14 unanswered punches and delivered Fury's eighth trip to the canvas of his career.

Seven months later, there was no seminal moment with either fighter in serious trouble. And while the bout was entertaining, it wasn't nearly as thrilling as the first meeting. Despite no knockdowns scored, Usyk's victory was never in doubt this time, winning via unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 116-112).

"I very respect this guy because I think he's very tough," Usyk told ESPN. "... Tyson Fury makes me strong. Tyson is a great opponent. Big man. He's a good man. Tyson, a lot of talk but it's just show."

Fury was adamant that he deserved the nod. When asked if he felt Usyk's spirit in the bout, Fury responded, "Yeah, Christmas spirit, he received a Christmas gift."

Usyk conceded this fight was easier than the first time.

Oleksandr Usyk, above, retained his WBC, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles with another decision victory over Tyson Fury on Saturday. Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Fury, 36, boxed well, particularly when he switched stances and fired a southpaw jab followed by punishing left hands. But like the first fight, he faded down the stretch. He lost Rounds 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 on all three scorecards.

"When you don't get the knockout, this is what can happen," Fury said. "... I did the best I could. If I could have done more, I would have done it, and that's it."

Usyk left no doubt he was the better fighter, even if many rounds were very close. A third bout isn't necessary. Two future Hall of Famers met over 24 rounds and Usyk proved that he was the better man despite a 50-plus-pound disadvantage and giving up nearly six inches in height.

Usyk will fight on, of course. There are tens of millions to be made as his star continues to grow and he brings more attention (and pride) to war-torn Ukraine. Daniel Dubois, whom Usyk KO'd in nine rounds in August 2023 in Poland, interrupted Usyk's postfight interview to call for a rematch.

"I want my revenge," said Dubois, who picked up the IBF title Usyk was stripped of in June with a fifth-round KO of Joshua in September.

Usyk quickly responded that he was ready for a rematch, but that fight won't approach the marquee stage he enjoyed this year with two wins over Fury, one of the sport's top stars. The first Dubois bout wasn't remotely competitive, and Usyk scored the KO with a jab.

England's Dubois has enjoyed an impressive run since with three consecutive wins inside the distance (TKO victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic before the upset of Joshua).

Dubois, however, must push past a tough test against former titleholder Joseph Parker on Feb. 22 in Riyadh. With Joshua and Fury out of the way for good, there's no megafight on the horizon for Usyk.

Fury, meanwhile, could face Joshua in the loser's bracket in a fight that will still be highly anticipated for their combined star power, especially in the U.K. And no matter where Fury goes from here, he'll go down as an all-time great.

But he'll always rank behind Usyk.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN Boxing Insider

PEP STUMPED AS MAN CITY FACE UNTHINKABLE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT

PA Wire

TURIN, Italy -- Manchester City are facing elimination and Pep Guardiola now looks as vulnerable and troubled as any other manager who has suffered a seventh defeat in 10 games. Both statements would have seemed unthinkable just a month ago, but after Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League loss against Juventus, the old certainties no longer apply.

Second-half goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie put Juventus on course for a playoff spot and left City in 22nd position in the Champions League, a point clear of 25th place Paris Saint-Germain, currently below the cut-off point that will see teams drop out of the competition altogether. City face PSG in Paris in their next game and if they lose that, elimination from the Champions League will loom large.

But while that prospect would be a humiliation for a club of City's stature and ambition -- they were Champions League winners in 2023 -- the biggest problem might just turn out to be Guardiola and whether we are witnessing the beginning of the end of his incredible eight-year reign in charge.

Is Guardiola's position as City manager under threat after his team's unprecedented slump? It is highly unlikely that the club's hierarchy, who were in Turin led by chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak, would be so knee-jerk as to think about dismissing the most successful manager in City's history, a man who has delivered 18 trophies since 2016, but the faith and support of his bosses is not the issue.

With Guardiola cutting an unusually restrained figure on the touchline during this game in Turin -- when he wasn't slumped in his seat he stood with his hands in his pockets, barely delivering instructions to his players -- the real question is how long he will be able to sustain himself in a role when nothing is working.

Guardiola has never been just another manager, one of those guys who has good days and bad days and ultimately runs out of solutions when the problems begin to mount. Yes, he has had bad results in charge of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City, but Guardiola has never been through the kind of crisis that all other managers endure. Until now.

The gilded career that has been a tale of almost unbroken success since he won the Treble with Barcelona in his first season in 2008-09 has placed the 53-year-old above the trials and tribulations of his contemporaries, but now that he is having to deal with them himself. Guardiola is failing for the first time in his career.

In Turin, he watched his team struggle to overcome a Juventus side that had gone into this game with just one win from their last six games and he did virtually nothing about it. He watched Kevin De Bruyne (33) and Ilkay Gündogan (34) run out of steam in midfield and left them toiling until waiting until the 87th minute to make his first change by introducing Matheus Nunes in favour of Jack Grealish.

Erling Haaland, City's goal machine, once again failed to contribute anything in a game when he doesn't score -- he managed just 18 touches all night. But again, Guardiola was unable to make the crucial tweak in his selection or system to make the difference.

When asked after the game whether he was now questioning himself, Guardiola conceded he was, but with an air of defiance rather than hinting at a lack of self-confidence.

"Of course I question myself and I have my thoughts," Guardiola said. "I'm stable in good moments and bad moments. I try to find a way to do it."

When pushed on whether he was now experiencing the toughest challenge of his career, Guardiola insisted it was not.

"My biggest challenge is to get results to continue to work in the first seasons [at Barcelona]," Guardiola said. "It's life, it happens. Sometimes you have a bad period, but I'm going to insist until we're there."

When Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension last month, he said that he had begun to view this season as his last at City.

"I was thinking a lot," he said. "There were some moments, I have to be honest, I thought this should be the last one. But at the same time, when the situation comes and the problems we had in the last month, I felt now is not the time to leave, I would let the club down and I had the feeling I had to do it.

"Don't ask me the reason why. Maybe the four defeats were the reason why and I felt I cannot leave."

Those four defeats on the spin have now become seven defeats in 10 -- one win in the same period -- so the situation has become much worse. City have had no bounce on the back of Guardiola's new deal and they are now, along with their Champions League struggles, eight points behind Premier League.

And with City due to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States next summer, their season still has another seven months to run and Guardiola and his players already look to be out of energy and ideas.

They have become a team of old men, with none of the vibrancy and attacking verve of Guardiola's great teams, and the manager himself is literally scratching his head for answers.

What we're left with is the scenario that City might be relegated from the Champions League and Guardiola's new contract may end up being worth less than the paper it is written on.

Unthinkable? Not anymore.

- Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

ABU DHABI GP: LEWIS HAMILTON ENDS MERCEDES CAREER WITH P4 FINISH

Lewis Hamilton finished his Mercedes career with an impressive comeback, clinching fourth place after starting 16th at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton, rolling back the years, overtook teammate George Russell on the final lap.

The race called time on the most successful driver-team partnership of all time -- in his 12 years since joining Mercedes, Hamilton won 84 races and six world championships, adding to the title he won with McLaren in 2008.

The partnership even surpassed Michael Schuamcher's legendary stint at Ferrari between 1996 and 2006.

The British driver will now look to follow in Schumacher's footsteps by ending a drivers' championship drought for Ferrari, which stretches back to Kimi Raikkonen's 2007 title in Hamilton's rookie season.

If he does so, he will also move clear of the joint record of seven world championships he shares with the German driver.

Lewis Hamilton is waving goodbye to Mercedes ahead of his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season Joe Portlock/Getty Images

"That was the drive of a world champion," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said to Hamilton on team radio after the race.,

Hamilton, meanwhile, told race engineer Peter Bonnington: "We dreamed alone but together we believed. What started out as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books."

Hamilton's debut Ferrari appearance will not take place until early 2025.

There was a chance he could have appeared for the team in the post-season test taking place at the Yas Marina circuit next week if an early release was settled on, but he is still contracted to Mercedes until the end of the calendar year.

"It's been a really turbulent year, probably the longest year of my life," Hamilton added to reporters in Abu Dhabi. "Lots of ups and downs, emotionally, but we finished off with a high today."

Lewis Hamilton performs donuts on the grid after finishing fourth at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Mercedes. ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images

Next week Hamilton will visit Mercedes' title sponsor, Petronas, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as well as Mercedes' headquarters in Stuggart, Germany before visiting the team's two UK-based Formula 1 factories in Brixwoth and Brackley.

Mercedes has said the visits will be a celebration of Hamilton's career with the team.

Italy's Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already been confirmed as Hamilton's replacement for 2025 -- the teen prodigy will partner George Russell.

Hamilton, who stood on his Mercedes car after performing donuts on the Abu Dhabi grid, concluded: "Every moment that I've got in the car this week I've known that it's one of the last.

"It's been really hard to let go."

- Nate Saunders, Senior Writer, F1

'I UAVE ACHIEVED EVERYTHING THAT I CAN' - MARK CAVENDISH CONFIRMS RETIREMENT AND FINAL RACE

Britain's Mark Cavendish, the most successful sprinter in cycling history, will retire after racing in the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore on Sunday.

The 39-year-old from the Isle of Man, who said in May that this season would be his last, broke the Tour de France record for stage wins with his 35th victory in July.

Cavendish won the road world title in 2011 and twice won the green jersey - awarded to the rider with the most points - at the Tour.

He has won 165 races since the start of his professional career in 2005, including 17 stages in the Giro d'Italia and three in the Vuelta a Espana, and received a knighthood in October.

On the track, Cavendish won omnium silver at the 2016 Olympics and was a three-time madison world champion.

"Racing career - completed it," Cavendish, who rides for the Astana-Qazaqsta team, wrote on Instagram.

"I am lucky enough to have done what I love for almost 20 years and I can now say that I have achieved everything that I can on the bike.

"Cycling has given me so much and I love the sport. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in it and now I am ready to see what the next chapter has in store for me."

Cavendish showed promise as a BMX and mountain bike rider, and was then part of the new era of investment in cycling in Britain as British Cycling dominated track cycling at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

He began his professional career on the road in 2005 in a feeder team for T-Mobile, winning his first Tour stage in 2008 for Team Columbia.

Cavendish suffered from injury and illness from 2017 and hinted at the end of the 2020 season that he could retire.

But following a return to form the following year he won four more Tour stages and the green jersey in his second spell with Quick Step.

Cavendish and his family were the victims of a violent robbery at their home in 2021.

He was omitted from Quick Step's Tour squad the following year, after which he signed for Astana-Qazaqstan for 2023.

Cavendish was set to retire at the end of the 2023 season but, after a crash ended his involvement in the Tour that summer, he delayed it by a year.

Having jointly held the record for Tour stage wins with the legendary Eddy Merckx since 2021, Cavendish surpassed the Belgian with victory in Saint Vulbas in July.

He finished third in the Tour de France Saitama Criterium in Japan last weekend.

- BBC

MUSIC LEGEND AND ARTISTIC ADVISER FOR THE 2008 BEIJING GAMES QUINCY JONES DIES AT AGE 91

 

As the Olympics come to a close…I want to congratulate all of the athletes for doing such an INCREDIBLE job in the midst of an undoubtedly trying time. I had the honor of being appointed the only American Artistic Adviser for the 2008 Beijing Games & co-composed/arranged/produced the theme song “Grace” for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics (which also appeared as the B-side to “We Are the World)…so, I’ve been a part of this space for a very long time, & I know how much work y’awl put into training. It makes me smile to see humanity persevering during a pandemic, to come together in the form of the Olympics & remind us of what determination can do. Big-time props to all-a-y’awl, & to the beautiful country of Japan for hosting!

- Quincy Jones 

JOE MAZZULLA SAYS CELTICS UNDER 'ZERO PRESSURE'TO REPEAT

BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics aren't feeling the pressure ahead of the start of their title defense Tuesday night.

With the Celtics set to raise their 18th banner before kicking off the regular season against the New York Knicks, head coach Joe Mazzulla said there's "zero pressure" on Boston to repeat as champions.

"We're all going to be dead soon, and it really doesn't matter anymore. So there's zero pressure," he told reporters Monday. "You have an opportunity to carry the organization forward, to double down on the tradition and history of what this organization has. And what else would you expect than someone expecting you to win all the time?"

The Celtics cruised through the NBA regular season last year -- finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference by 14 games -- and then went 16-3 in the playoffs. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, they are bringing back their entire starting lineup and most of their bench, and are the favorites to win it all again.

"It's not pressure," Mazzulla said. "There's nothing anyone in this circle can do to me that's going to impact my identity and who I am as a person or a coach. We're either going to win or we're not, and 40 years from now, none of you are invited to my funeral and that's it."

The Celtics won 16 NBA titles from 1957 to 1986, with Bill Russell claiming 11 in 13 years. The 1970s teams of Dave Cowens and John Havlicek won a pair, and the Big Three of Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale won three more in the 1980s.

When Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen won it all in 2008, they ended the franchise's longest title drought. They made it back to the NBA Finals two years later, but lost to the Lakers. (The period from 2008 to 2024 was the second-longest drought.)

Celtics guard Payton Pritchard said that to be considered among the Celtics greats, they will need to win another.

"A lot of people can do it once," Pritchard said. "I know a championship's hard, but there's a lot of people who have won one. But winning it multiple times, creating almost like a dynasty, that's hard to do. So that's greatness, and that's something we're trying to achieve."

The quest begins against the Knicks, who have positioned themselves as Boston's top competition in the East after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges over the summer.

Mazzulla said he thinks his team will be ready.

"I trust who they are. I think they have an understanding of both 'this is what we accomplished' and 'this is what we're trying to do,'" the coach said. "All the intangibles that go into winning should carry over from one season to another season.

"You have to appreciate it. But you've got to know what got you there and if you forget what got you there, you'll never get back."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

- Associated Press 

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS 🏅 | PARIS 1924 - PARIS 2024

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 Carlos Alcaraz: The Newest Phenom on Grass and Clay! 🌟🎾

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MICHAEL JORDAN AND WIFE YVETTE PRIETO HOLD HANDS AS THE BOARD A BOAT DURING SAINT-TROPEZ VACATION

Jordan and Prieto married in 2013 and share twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel

 

Michael Jordan seen out in the French sunshine with his wife Yvette Prieto on their holidays in Saint Tropez. PHOTO: BACKGRID

 

NBA legend Michael Jordan is enjoying a European vacation with his wife Yvette Prieto this summer.

The 61-year-old retired athlete and Prieto, 45, were spotted holding hands during a lunch outing to the Casa Amor restaurant in Saint-Tropez on Wednesday, July 9.

The couple looked relaxed as they soaked in the hot temperatures on their French vacation. In addition to lunch, the couple enjoyed a boat ride during their beach day."

The retired Chicago Bulls star sported a black Jordan brand hat, a white t-shirt and black shorts as he smoked a cigar and walked hand-in-hand with his wife on the beach.

Prieto looked stylish in a white crochet shorts set with a hot pink bikini top and aviator sunglasses during the couple's lunch date in France.

Jordan and Prieto have been married since 2013, but the couple rarely make public appearances together. They were last seen on a red carpet in June 2023 when they attended a party at Electric Jane in Nashville to celebrate the start of NASCAR race weekend.

Prieto, a model, met the six-time NBA champion at a Miami nightclub in 2008. They share twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel, 10.

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Jordan has three older children through his first marriage to Juanita Vanoy: Jeffrey, 35, Marcus, 33, and Jasmine, 31, who are all involved in the business side of basketball and their dad's Air Jordan line.

Marcus Jordan, Michael jordan, Jasmine Jordan and Jeffrey Jordan. PHOTO: JEFFREY JORDAN/INSTAGRAM

 

Marcus has made headlines recently for his relationship with Real Housewives of Miami star Larsa Pippen, 50, who was married to Michael's former teammate and ex-friend Scottie Pippen.

 In October, Jordan reached a new financial milestone when his net worth climbed to $3 billion after selling his stake in the Charlotte Hornets a few months prior.

According to Forbes, Jordan's updated net worth puts him among the 400 wealthiest people in America. He is the first athlete to make the list, joining the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.

Jordan's NBA earnings totaled approximately $94 million, and an estimated $2.4 billion coming from brands like McDonalds, Nike, Hanes and Gatorade, per Forbes.

- Natasha Dye

DEMIRAL DOUBLE POWERS TURKEY PAST AUSTRIA INTO EURO 2024 QUARTER-FINALS

Reuters 

 Turkey's Merih Demiral struck in each half and their goalkeeper Mert Gunok pulled off a superb stoppage-time save as they secured a high-octane 2-1 victory over Austria on Tuesday to book their spot in Euro 2024's last eight.

The central defender, who was man-of-the-match, scored after 57 seconds and added another with a powerful header just before the hour to set up a quarter-final on Saturday in Berlin against the Netherlands, who beat Romania 3-0 earlier on Tuesday.

Austria cut the deficit through Michael Gregoritsch midway through the second half and were denied in the final seconds when Christoph Baumgartner's header was kept out by a stunning one-handed stop from Gunok.

Celebrations broke out across many cities in Germany at the final whistle as thousands of Turks took to the streets, honking car horns, waving flags and chanting, with their national team eyeing a repeat of their Euro 2008 semi-final run.

"This match was a very important match," said Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella. "It was a match where we reflected the team spirit from the first minute to the last minute."

"This is actually a historic result, we have matched 2008 in terms of victories. This is very important. We are advancing step by step."

For tournament dark horses Austria, it was a bitter end to their European Championship with the team still waiting for their first win in a knockout match at any major tournament since 1954.

FANTASTIC START

The Turks snatched the lead in a frantic start to the game when Demiral pounced on a goalmouth scramble following a corner to fire into the roof of the net for the fastest ever goal in a Euros knockout match.

Turkey were happy to leave possession to Austria, who beat them 6-1 in a friendly back in March, but kept pressing high and looked to catch them on the break, disrupting their opponents' usual no-frills playing style.

Reuters 

Despite missing suspended captain Hakan Calhanoglou, the hard-charging Turks kept Austria at bay, with Ralf Rangnick's side having no efforts on target in the first half.

The Austrians came out fighting following the break, picking up the pace and should have levelled six minutes after the restart when captain Marko Arnautovic was sent through with only the keeper to beat but his shot was blocked by Gunok.

Instead it was the Turks who struck again with Demiral beating two players in the air to head home from yet another corner by the excellent teenager Arda Guler for a 2-0 lead in the 59th minute.

Amid pouring rain, Austria pulled a goal back when substitute Gregoritsch finished at the far post in the 66th and they reached a total of 20 attempts on goal as they kept pushing forward in search of an equaliser.

Baumgartner thought he had got it with his added-time header but Gunok pulled off the save of the match, and possibly the Euros, by palming it wide to protect their slim lead.

"We didn't have the necessary luck. I believe if the game had gone to extra time we would have had a chance to win, the Turks were fairly exhausted towards the end," said Rangnick.

"The team tried everything, we scored, had chances to score but it's difficult if you have Gordon Banks in goal," he added, recalling the former England keeper's stunning stop to deny Brazil's Pele at the 1970 World Cup.

- Reuters