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Is Novak Djokovic playing Laver Cup?
Blog, Tennis

Canadian Open Director Blames ATP Schedule After Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic Withdraw from Montreal

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Canadian Open Director Blames ATP Schedule After Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic Withdraw from Montreal The withdrawal of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic from the 2026 Canadian Open has sparked fresh debate over the demanding ATP calendar, with tournament organizers expressing frustration over losing some of the sport’s biggest stars ahead of one of the key Masters 1000 events. The absence of the two Grand Slam champions has become one of the biggest talking points in tennis as the North American hard-court swing gets underway. The news comes as a significant blow for Sinner and Djokovic fans. The Canadian Open, held in Montreal this year, was expected to feature the world’s leading players as part of their preparation for the US Open. However, player workload and health concerns have once again overshadowed the tournament. Sinner arrives after another remarkable stretch of form, having successfully defended his Wimbledon title and further cemented his position as World No. 1. Djokovic, meanwhile, reached the Wimbledon semi-finals before losing to Sinner, continuing to carefully manage his schedule at this stage of his illustrious career. Tournament Director Calls for Change After High-Profile Withdrawals Canadian Open tournament director Valerie Tetreault did not hide her disappointment following the withdrawals. She stated that organizers were “very disappointed” to lose both Sinner and Djokovic, especially after the pair also missed last year’s event in Toronto. She emphasized that the recurring absence of top stars from ATP Masters 1000 tournaments has become a broader issue for the sport. “We are obviously very disappointed that Jannik and Novak won’t be joining us in Montreal this year, especially after they also withdrew from last year’s tournament in Toronto. We respect their decisions and understand that, with such a demanding schedule, players’ health must remain the priority. That said, we believe the frequency of these last-minute withdrawals in the last few years raises a broader issue for our sport.“ While Tetreault acknowledged that player health must remain the priority, she suggested that tennis authorities need to review the crowded schedule. Discussions with the ATP are reportedly ongoing as organizers seek solutions that protect both player welfare and the prestige of major events. Sinner cited health considerations as the main reason behind his withdrawal, while Djokovic opted to manage his workload after a demanding season. Their exits, combined with Carlos Alcaraz’s continued recovery from a wrist injury, leave the Canadian Open without three of the sport’s biggest attractions. Despite the setback for Montreal, all eyes will now turn toward Cincinnati and the US Open, where the leading stars are expected to resume their campaigns

Jannik Sinner- Carlos Alcaraz
Tennis

Toni Nadal Warns Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz About Alexander Zverev’s Roland Garros Threat

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Toni Nadal Warns Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz About Alexander Zverev’s Roland Garros Threat The dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has defined men’s tennis over the past two seasons, but Toni Nadal believes the conversation surrounding the sport’s biggest rivals should not overlook Alexander Zverev. As Roland Garros approaches, the renowned coach has warned that the German remains a serious contender despite the widespread focus on the sport’s new leading duo. Sinner and Alcaraz have shared the biggest titles in recent years, establishing themselves as the benchmark on the ATP Tour. Their thrilling battles and Grand Slam success have created the perception that they are a step ahead of the rest of the field, particularly on the biggest stages. However, Toni Nadal believes dismissing Zverev would be a mistake. The former coach of Rafael Nadal pointed out that while Sinner and Alcaraz may currently lead the sport, Zverev possesses the game and experience to challenge both players deep into major tournaments. Toni Nadal Highlights Alexander Zverev’s Ability to Challenge Tennis’ Top Two Zverev heads into the clay-court season after another strong run on tour, consistently reaching the latter stages of major events. Although he is still chasing his maiden Grand Slam title, the German has repeatedly shown that he can compete with the sport’s elite and remains one of the most dangerous players outside the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry. According to Toni Nadal, Zverev himself has admitted that he would rather face Alcaraz than Sinner. The veteran coach revealed that the German sees the world No. 1 as a particularly difficult matchup, while also emphasizing that Alcaraz is not far behind the Italian in overall level. Toni’s assessment suggests that the gap between the top contenders may not be as large as many believe. One of the key quotes attributed to Toni Nadal was that Zverev considers Sinner a tougher opponent, while Nadal maintained that Alcaraz remains on a comparable level. His comments serve as a reminder that, despite the dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz, the Roland Garros title race could still feature a significant challenge from Zverev. With his powerful baseline game and proven clay-court pedigree, the German could emerge as the biggest obstacle to the sport’s reigning superstars in Paris.

Football

‘England Need to Be Better’ – New Zealand Boss Darren Bazeley Delivers Honest Verdict After World Cup Warm-Up

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‘England Need to Be Better’ – New Zealand Boss Darren Bazeley Delivers Honest Verdict After World Cup Warm-Up England secured a narrow 1-0 victory over New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup warm-up fixture, but it was the post-match assessment from New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley that grabbed attention. Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel, and the opposition boss Bazeley suggested that England themselves have room for improvement ahead of the tournament. The encounter saw England dominate possession and create several opportunities, with captain Harry Kane once again proving decisive in front of goal. However, despite the result, England failed to produce the level of fluency expected from one of the favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bazeley’s comments echoed some of Tuchel’s own frustrations following the match, as the England manager admitted his side lacked structure at times. The New Zealand boss believes England will need to raise their game significantly if they are to challenge for football’s biggest prize. Bazeley Questions England’s Performance Despite Victory Speaking after the game, Bazeley offered a candid assessment of England’s display and insisted that the Three Lions have another level to reach before the World Cup begins. “I think most countries, including England today, when they’re playing their first game, they want to get everybody good minutes, acclimatised, get the legs moving heading into the World Cup,” he said. “England were good today, but they need to be better to go and win the World Cup than they were today, even though they won the game.” The New Zealand coach acknowledged the quality within England’s squad but suggested that their overall performance did not fully reflect the standards expected of a team aiming to win the World Cup. His remarks came after England struggled to convert their dominance into goals and often lacked cohesion in the final third. Bazeley also viewed the match as a valuable learning experience for his own players. While New Zealand were pleased with aspects of their defensive display, the coach noted that facing elite opposition highlighted the standards required at the highest level. His comments regarding England served as both an observation of the match and a reminder that every team—including tournament favorites—still has work to do before the World Cup kicks off.

Rishabh Pant
Cricket

Sunil Gavaskar Hails Rishabh Pant’s Knock, Says India Star Is Playing Without Leadership Burden

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Sunil Gavaskar Hails Rishabh Pant’s Knock, Says India Star Is Playing Without Leadership Burden India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant earned high praise from legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar after his impressive performance on Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur. Pant played a crucial role alongside captain Shubman Gill, helping India dominate proceedings with an aggressive and confident batting display. The innings came at an important time for Pant, who has experienced a turbulent few months. While he remains one of India’s most impactful red-ball players, his IPL 2026 campaign as captain of the Lucknow Super Giants attracted scrutiny after the franchise finished at the bottom of the points table. His leadership and form were widely debated throughout the season. However, Pant looked completely at ease in the Test arena. The left-hander batted with freedom and intent, reminding fans why he remains one of the most dangerous wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket. His partnership with Gill put Afghanistan under immense pressure and shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour. “It was good to see Rishabh Pant bat so freely in his 50th Test. He’s completely free from the pressure of being India’s vice-captain in Test Cricket and captaining an IPL side. He looked completely relaxed. You could see it in his body language when he walked out to bat. No tense shoulders and visible stress. He just looked calm and ready. Then came that one over where he broke free with three sixes. That changed everything. You could sense that he now wants to make a statement with a big hundred. He is already halfway there. Tomorrow, he might continue in the same way, maybe even a little more aggressively. If he does, he could take India to 500 or 550 quite quickly,” Gavaskar said. Sunil Gavaskar Believes Pant Is Thriving Without Captaincy Pressure Speaking after the day’s play, Gavaskar suggested that Pant is benefiting from being free of additional leadership responsibilities. The former India captain noted that the wicketkeeper appears more relaxed and focused solely on his batting, which is reflected in his performances. Pant’s recent journey has been a tale of resilience. Since returning to top-level cricket after his long injury layoff, he has re-established himself as a key member of India’s Test side. Despite criticism surrounding his IPL campaign, he has continued to deliver valuable performances in the longest format and remains one of India’s most dependable match-winners. Shubman Gill also received glowing praise from Gavaskar after producing a classy century. The batting great highlighted the Indian captain’s technique, balance, and shot selection, describing his batting as a delight to watch. Together, Gill and Pant laid a strong foundation for India, with their partnership emerging as the biggest talking point of the opening day.

Football

Thomas Tuchel Unconcerned by Tampa Pitch as England Step Up World Cup 2026 Preparations

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Thomas Tuchel Unconcerned by Tampa Pitch as England Step Up World Cup 2026 Preparations England manager Thomas Tuchel has brushed aside concerns over the playing surface in Tampa ahead of the Three Lions’ first World Cup warm-up fixture against New Zealand. As England continue their preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The German coach insisted that the condition of the pitch would have no bearing on his team selection or tactical plans. The friendly at Raymond James Stadium marks the beginning of England’s final preparations before the tournament kicks off later this month. With the World Cup set to be played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, England have established a training base in Florida to help players acclimatize to the demanding heat and humidity expected during the competition. Tuchel and his staff have focused heavily on sports science, recovery, and climate adaptation as they seek to give England an edge in challenging conditions. Speaking ahead of the New Zealand clash, Tuchel dismissed suggestions that the Tampa pitch could affect his plans. The England boss said: “I just saw it now. It will not affect my team selection.” His comments underline the confidence within the camp as England enter the final phase of their World Cup preparations. England’s World Cup Road Begins The New Zealand encounter is the first of two scheduled warm-up matches for England. Tuchel’s side will also face Costa Rica on June 10 before travelling to Kansas City, which will serve as their World Cup base during the tournament. England’s World Cup campaign begins against Croatia on June 17 in Texas before further Group L matches against Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27. The Three Lions will be targeting a strong start as they aim to challenge for their first World Cup title since 1966. Tuchel’s squad is packed with established stars including captain Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, John Stones, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon and Jordan Pickford. Several Arsenal players joined the camp later following club commitments, while the manager is expected to rotate heavily during the friendlies to assess squad depth and fitness levels ahead of the tournament. England Warm-Up Fixtures England World Cup Group L Fixtures

Tennis

Andre Agassi Questions Jakub Mensik’s Decision to Add Mental Coach Ahead of French Open Semi-Final

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Andre Agassi Questions Jakub Mensik’s Decision to Add Mental Coach Ahead of French Open Semi-Final Jakub Mensik’s remarkable run at the 2026 French Open has made him one of the biggest talking points in tennis. The 20-year-old Czech star reached his maiden Grand Slam semi-final after a series of impressive performances at Roland Garros, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents on the ATP Tour. His breakthrough campaign has drawn praise from players, coaches, and pundits across the tennis world. Ahead of his highly anticipated semi-final clash against Alexander Zverev, Mensik made headlines for another reason. The young Czech revealed that he had brought in a mental coach during the latter stages of the tournament, a move that sparked debate among tennis analysts covering the event. The decision became a major discussion point as Mensik prepared for the biggest match of his career. Among those weighing in was tennis legend and former world No. 1 Andre Agassi. Speaking as part of TNT Sports’ Roland Garros coverage, Agassi questioned the timing of the move, suggesting that a player who has already reached a Grand Slam semi-final should trust the mindset and processes that helped him get there. Andre Agassi Believes Jakub Mensik Should Trust His Existing Formula Jakub Mensik entered the semi-finals riding a wave of confidence after defeating several high-quality opponents, including a straight-sets quarter-final victory over Joao Fonseca. The Czech youngster also received encouragement from Novak Djokovic during his impressive Paris campaign, underlining the growing respect he commands within the sport. “I’m not a big fan of bringing in a mental coach in the semi-finals of a Slam. You’re supposed to bring in your mum at that stage. Like, ‘come on, mum, you’ve got to come watch me play the semis’. But bringing in a mental coach? I don’t know. It seems like there’s only a downside for that mental coach,” Agassi said. Agassi admitted he was “not a big fan” of bringing a mental coach into the team at such a crucial stage of a Grand Slam. The eight-time major champion indicated that reaching the final four of Roland Garros is evidence that a player’s mental approach is already working effectively. In his view, making significant adjustments during the tournament could risk disrupting the rhythm and confidence that produced the breakthrough run. Ultimately, Mensik’s dream run ended in the semi-finals as Zverev secured a four-set victory to reach the French Open final.

Football

Why Japan Could Be the Ultimate Dark Horse at the FIFA World Cup 2026

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Why Japan Could Be the Ultimate Dark Horse at the FIFA World Cup 2026 The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to be dominated by traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, France, Argentina, England, and Spain. However, if there is one nation capable of upsetting the established order and producing a historic run, it is Japan. The Samurai Blue enter the tournament as one of the most well-drilled and tactically sophisticated teams outside football’s traditional elite, making them a genuine FIFA World Cup 2026 dark horse. Their rise over the past decade has transformed them from a respected Asian powerhouse into a team that can compete with anyone on the world stage. Japan’s credentials as a potential World Cup underdog are backed by results rather than hype. During the 2022 World Cup, they stunned both Germany and Spain in the group stage, proving they can defeat elite opposition under pressure. Since then, Hajime Moriyasu’s side has continued to evolve, recording impressive victories over major football nations and qualifying comfortably for the 2026 tournament as the first non-host nation to secure its place. Japan’s depth of talent playing across Europe’s top leagues is another plus point. Unlike previous generations that relied on a handful of stars, the current squad boasts quality throughout the pitch. Players such as Takefusa Kubo, Wataru Endo, Ayase Ueda, Daichi Kamada, Ko Itakura, and Zion Suzuki have developed in highly competitive environments, giving Japan a level of experience and tactical maturity rarely seen from Asian nations at a World Cup Why the Samurai Blue Are Ready for a Deep World Cup Run Japan’s greatest strength lies in its collective identity. While many nations depend on individual brilliance, Moriyasu has built a team capable of pressing aggressively, maintaining possession, and transitioning quickly between attack and defense. Their structure allows them to compete against technically superior teams while also controlling matches against lower-ranked opponents. Analysts across international football have repeatedly highlighted Japan as one of the most complete dark-horse candidates heading into the tournament. Recent performances further strengthen their case. Japan qualified for the World Cup with remarkable efficiency and have since recorded notable victories against strong opposition, including England and Brazil in the build-up to the tournament. These results demonstrate that Japan are no longer content with merely reaching the knockout stages—they are aiming to challenge the world’s best. Japan’s Recent Results Date Match Result May 31, 2026 Japan vs Iceland Won 1-0 March 2026 England vs Japan Won 0-1 March 2026 Scotland vs Japan Won 0-1 June 2025 Japan vs Indonesia Won 6-0 March 2025 Japan vs Bahrain Won 2-0 2022 World Cup Japan vs Spain Won 2-1 2022 World Cup Japan vs Germany Won 2-1 Japan’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Fixtures Date Fixture Venue June 14, 2026 Netherlands vs Japan Dallas June 20, 2026 Tunisia vs Japan Monterrey June 25, 2026 Japan vs Sweden Dallas Group Analysis and Potential Knockout Path Group F presents both challenges and opportunities for Japan. The Netherlands are likely favorites to top the group, but Japan’s recent record against elite opposition suggests they can compete for points in the opening match. Tunisia are disciplined and difficult to break down, while Sweden possess physicality and tournament experience. However, none of these opponents are unbeatable for a Japanese side that has already proven capable of defeating the best in the world. A realistic scenario could see Japan finish second behind the Netherlands or even challenge for top spot if they secure a positive result in their opening fixture. The expanded 48-team World Cup and Round of 32 format also provide a more favorable pathway into the knockout rounds than previous editions. Should Japan advance, their disciplined structure and tactical flexibility make them a dangerous opponent in one-off matches

Tennis

Joao Fonseca Admits Jakub Mensik Was ‘Different’ After Roland Garros Exit Despite Stunning Wins Over Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud

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Joao Fonseca Admits Jakub Mensik Was ‘Different’ After Roland Garros Exit Despite Stunning Wins Over Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud Rising Brazilian star Joao Fonseca saw his memorable Roland Garros campaign come to an end in the quarterfinals, but the teenager left Paris with plenty of positives. After producing headline-grabbing victories over Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud, Fonseca established himself as one of the biggest breakout stars of the French Open. The 19-year-old entered the tournament with limited expectations due to physical concerns, but quickly exceeded them with a remarkable run to his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal. His comeback victory over Djokovic and subsequent win against Ruud highlighted both his talent and maturity on the biggest stage. However, Fonseca found a different challenge in Czech youngster Jakub Mensik. The Brazilian acknowledged that Mensik’s level, composure, and serving quality made him a difficult opponent as the Czech star secured a straight-sets victory to advance to his first Grand Slam semifinal. Joao Fonseca Praises Mensik After Quarterfinal Defeat at Roland Garros Fonseca’s French Open journey was one of the tournament’s biggest stories. The teenager stunned the tennis world by recovering from two sets down to defeat Djokovic before eliminating former French Open finalist Ruud in the fourth round. Those victories reinforced his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest young talents. “This year, I had already played two big matches in Roland Garros against Djokovic and Ruud. Today, the level also seemed very high to me in terms of experience and game feeling. It was a different type of match, with different conditions: today the roof was closed, the court was slower, and the ball bigger.” “The most different thing today was Mensik’s playing style. He stayed a lot at the back of the court, always opening angles. He applied a lot of pressure, liked to take risks, and moved quite well at the net. The level was very high, and although I can’t exactly compare it to other matches, I would say it was at the level of the previous ones.“ Following his quarterfinal loss, Fonseca admitted that Mensik felt “different” compared to the opponents he had faced earlier in the tournament. The Brazilian praised the Czech’s ability to remain calm under pressure and highlighted the effectiveness of his serve throughout the match. He also expressed satisfaction with his own tournament, noting that the deep run helped him better understand his physical and mental capabilities at Grand Slam level.

Cricket

Anil Agarwal Pushes for Bihar IPL Team as Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Strengthen State’s Cricketing Case

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Anil Agarwal Pushes for Bihar IPL Team as Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Strengthen State’s Cricketing Case Bihar IPL team discussions have gathered fresh momentum after Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal publicly backed the idea of the state having its own IPL franchise. Highlighting Bihar’s growing contribution to Indian cricket, Agarwal pointed to talents like Ishan Kishan and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as examples of the region’s ability to produce elite cricketers and compete on a bigger stage. The Bihar IPL team debate has intensified at a time when players from the state are making headlines with standout performances across domestic and franchise cricket. Agarwal’s comments have sparked conversations around whether Bihar, a state with a passionate cricket following, deserves representation in the cash-rich T20 league just like other major cricketing centres in India. Agarwal’s backing comes as Bihar cricket continues to gain visibility, largely due to the rise of Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Their performances have strengthened the argument that Bihar has the talent pool to support a competitive IPL side and build a stronger cricketing ecosystem in the state. Anil Agarwal Highlights Bihar’s Rising Cricket Talent Anil Agarwal strongly endorsed the idea of a Bihar IPL team and said, “Bihar deserves its own IPL team.” He further praised the state’s cricketing talent, adding, “Players like Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can make it one of the best teams in the world.” His remarks underlined the belief that Bihar has both talent and passion to make a mark in the IPL if given a franchise of its own. “Ishan Kishan, born in Patna, scored the fastest ODI double century in terms of balls faced. Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Samastipur became the youngest player to make an IPL debut. And today, the eyes of the entire world are on the brilliant bowling of Saqib Hussain, born into an ordinary family in Gopalganj,” wrote Agarwal on X. “It has always been my dream and endeavor to ensure that the youth of Bihar get full opportunities to excel in every field, and that our players receive world-class infrastructure and support right here in Bihar. I’m fully confident that if our children get the right inspiration and facilities, the team emerging from our Bihar will become the best in the world,” he added. “And I stand firmly with the youth of Bihar in this effort. I will provide unconditional support from my side to advance Bihar’s cricket team and its players here. For me, Bihar is not just a state—it’s an emotion. And now the time has come for the talent of our soil to shine on the field,” wrote Agarwal. The argument gains weight when looking at recent performances. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in IPL 2026, smashing 579 runs in 13 matches at a remarkable strike rate above 230, including multiple fifty-plus scores and a century. His recent knocks of 93, 46, 36, and 43 have showcased consistency, making him one of Bihar’s biggest cricketing success stories. Ishan Kishan, meanwhile, remains Bihar’s established IPL face and has continued to be a vital performer in franchise cricket, even taking up leadership responsibilities for Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2026. With Kishan’s experience and Sooryavanshi’s explosive rise, Bihar’s cricketing credentials have received a major boost, giving fresh life to the Bihar IPL team conversation and strengthening calls for the state to secure representation in the league.

Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Football

Mikel Arteta Reveals Emotional Family Moment After Arsenal’s Premier League Triumph

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Mikel Arteta Reveals Emotional Family Moment After Arsenal’s Premier League Triumph Arsenal’s long-awaited Premier League title win delivered unforgettable scenes on Tuesday night, and manager Mikel Arteta has now shared his personal story of how he experienced the historic moment. The Arsenal boss, who has guided the club back to the summit of English football, admitted that the occasion brought one of the most emotional moments of his life. Speaking after Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions, Arteta revealed that despite plans to watch the decisive match with his players and staff, he chose to step away because he felt unable to bring the energy the group needed. Instead, the Spaniard spent the tense evening at home, turning to a quiet family barbecue while the title race unfolded in the background. For Arsenal fans, Arteta’s heartfelt account adds another emotional chapter to a season defined by consistency, resilience, and standout performances from his squad. Mikel Arteta Opens Up on Emotional Title Celebration Arteta said winning the Premier League was “one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,” but admitted he avoided watching the match itself. “I didn’t watch any of it,” he said, explaining that he stayed in the garden making a barbecue while hearing crowd reactions from afar. The defining moment came when his oldest son ran outside in tears and told him: “We are champions, daddy!” Arteta described the scene as “beautiful” and “magical” as his wife and other children joined the celebration, turning the private family moment into one of pure joy after Arsenal’s historic success. The celebrations quickly shifted back to football when Odegaard called him on video asking, “Where are you?! Come over!” Arteta told his players to enjoy the moment before meeting later in London, capping a memorable night for Arsenal and their manager after a title-winning season built on strong performances, tactical discipline, and belief. Full quotes below: “It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I was supposed to be here, at Sobha, watching the game with the boys and staff, because that’s what they wanted, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t bring the energy that I wanted and I think it was the moment as well to watch it together, to be themselves and just see what the outcome would be. I went home, I went outside to the garden & I started to build some fire and to do some barbecue. I didn’t watch any of it. I was just hearing some noises in the background. Suddenly, the magic happened. My oldest son opened the garden door & he started to cry. He gave me a hug and said, ‘We are champions, daddy! Then my other two boys & my wife came over & it was beautiful. Just to see that joy on them as well, it was magical. A minute later, Martin Odegaard was on the video [call], ‘Where are you?! Come over!’. I said, ‘Guys, enjoy it for a while & see you in a few hours somewhere in London!’”

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