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BRAZILIAN sensation Estevao Willian rejected the offer to spend the rest of the Club World Cup with his Chelsea team-mates – because he wanted to say a proper goodbye.

Enzo Maresca and the Blues hierarchy urged teenage starlet Estevao to share the Chelsea embrace after the youngster scored against his new side in the quarter-final showdown in Philadelphia.

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Palmeiras’ Estevao douses himself in in his final game for the club[/caption]

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Cole Palmer was seen exchanging words with his soon to be teammate Estevao Willian.[/caption]

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Chelsea players were keen to make him feel welcome[/caption]

Cole Palmer was just one of a clutch of Chelsea players who spoke to Estevao after the final whistle as they welcomed the youngster.

They included Reece James, who spoke his “welcome to Stamford Bridge” message in Portuguese, Enzo Fernandez, Liam Delap, Moises Caicedo and another new recruit, Dario Essugo.

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Despite being touched by the invitation, Estevao said he had a debt to his pals at Palmeiras that needed to be repaid before he could move on with the next chapter of his life in London.

That meant getting on a flight back to Sao Paulo rather than moving on to New York with Maresca’s men ahead of their semi-final against Fluminense.

The youngster explained: “I had to ask Essugo what Cole had said to me. He laughed a bit before translating, telling me ‘Cole said he’s excited for you and want you to come with us after the game’.”

Estevao added: “I wanted to stay some more time with my team pals.

“I came here with them. And I should go back to Brazil with them.

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“My heart is broken because only we know how hard we worked.

“But I leave with pride. And I am happy to have a giant club as Chelsea opening its doors to me.

“I just wanted to show my new fans in England who I am. That it is all.

“I hope to learn. I am sure I come to London to evolve, and to make history there too.

“Chelsea, though, can wait a few more days.

“I want to say goodbye properly to each and every player, technical staff and working person at our base camp.”

Estevao’s emotional departure was also a huge signal to Maresca and the Chelsea dressing room that they are getting a gem – and one close, potentially ready, to adorn the team.

Enzo told the 19-year-old: “We’ll make history together” while fellow Brazilian new boy Joao Pedro hugged him and said: “This is your new home, little brother.”

Delap offered a warm and enthusiastic handshake, Christopher Nkunku, Essugo and Caicedo pushed him gently and messed with his hair, before Brazilian Andrey Santos greeted him in their native tongue and spent a minute locked in an embrace of friendship.

There was a final, parting, conversation with Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira in a quiet hallway.

Ferreira said: “You’re leaving through the big door.
“But now it’s time to close cycles and believe in your future.”

PASCHAL Donohoe has been appointed President of the Eurogroup for a third successive term.

It comes after the US pushed this week’s deadline for the end of its “pause” on higher EU tariffs to August 1.

The Finance Minister was the only candidate for the role after the Spanish and Lithuanian nominees withdrew shortly before the vote.

Donohoe, 50, was “elected by consensus” for another two-and-a-half years, the Council of the European Union confirmed.

His new term will start on Sunday.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said: “I want to warmly welcome the re-election of Paschal as President of the Eurogroup and congratulate him on a significant personal achievement.

“The renewal of his mandate for a third term reflects the confidence and trust of his European colleagues and is a source of great pride for the Fine Gael party — and for Ireland.”

He added: “Paschal has brought clarity, integrity and a deep commitment to European cooperation during his two terms, guiding the Eurogroup through a period marked by economic uncertainty and global challenges.

“His pragmatic and consensus-driven approach has strengthened the Eurogroup’s role in promoting stability, sustainable growth, and sound economic governance across the euro area.

“I’m so proud that one of our own will continue to play such a central role in shaping the economic direction of the Eurozone. I want to wish him every success as he continues this important work.”

In a statement, Minister Donohoe said he was “very grateful to my fellow ministers for the trust they have placed in me to continue leading our important work for a third term”.

He said: “In the face of significant geopolitical changes, the euro area has proven to be very resilient.

“It will be my task to further strengthen our common currency area and facilitate tangible progress on our key work streams during this next mandate – from budgetary coordination to the Capital Markets Union, and from the digital euro to the Banking Union.”

In his candidacy letter, Mr Donohoe said the global economy is “at a pivotal juncture”.

He added: “We now have the opportunity to overcome our differences, find compromises and make progress.”

Meanwhile, speaking after a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Taoiseach Micheal Martin today said he is anticipating a “framework agreement” between the EU and US to be agreed.

US President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order creating the new deadline.

Mr Martin also posted congratulations to Mr Donohoe on X.

He said: “Congratulations @Paschald on your re-election as President of the Eurogroup for a third term.

“An important and experienced voice for Europe at a time of global economic uncertainty.”

Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images

WATCH the shocking moment a thug punches a cop in the face.

Video footage shows a female police officer being attacked by a cowardly thug while he is detained.

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A man brutally punched the woman detaining him[/caption]

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He then continued to fight another man[/caption]

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The cop was seen holding her head after being knocked backwards by the punch[/caption]

The incident occurred in the Handsworth Wood area of Birmingham over the weekend.

A man in a pink shirt is already being detained by police when another man brutally punches the woman holding him.

The black-jacket clad thug then hits another man in a blue top next to him, as the detained pink-shirted man attempts to break free.

Meanwhile the hurt police officer can be seen staggering backwards and holding her head.

While the two men continue to fight, the man in the pink shirt kicks the car next to where he is detained.

An onlooker can be heard saying: “What the f**k. Oh my God, she’s just been hit. No way, no way. Oh my God.”

He adds: “They are going to have to call back up. It’s women, that’s not right, why have they not sent men?”

Thankfully, the brave police officer quickly recovers to take control of the situation.

After breaking the fight apart she manages to detain the hat-wearing assailant, while the third man in the blue top walks away.

Both men can then be seen being held to the ground by the cops.

One of the police officers radios for backup while pinning the men’s arms behind them.

A woman in a pink tracksuit decides to get involved in the tense moment, walking over to stand on the attacker’s head.

A sickening thud can be heard as his head smacks into the ground.

The video has since gone viral on social media after it was uploaded by Birmz Is Grime.

One commenter said: “All blokes standing about.”

Another added: “Instead of filming, why don’t you go and help?”

Others were satisfied by the video’s ending, commenting “I’m so glad he got his karma in the end.”

While another wrote: “Taste of vigilante justice at the end.”

Some commenters suggested the women deserved a pay rise after seeing how difficult their job can be.

West Midlands Police has been approached for comment.

A BRITISH man has died after collapsing in the early hours at a popular resort on the holiday hotspot island of Ibiza.

The man, said to be aged between 45 and 50, was already in cardiac arrest when emergency responders arrived.

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Police in Ibiza are investigating the death of a British man[/caption]

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The man, said to be aged between 45 and 50, was already in cardiac arrest[/caption]

He tragically died at the scene following unsuccessful attempts to revive him – believed to have lasted more than an hour.

An autopsy is yet to take place – but sources close to the investigation said the possibility his death was linked to drug consumption was being investigated.

The alert was raised around 12.30am this morning.

The tragedy occurred in the popular resort of Playa d’en Bossa, near a four-star hotel called Ibiza Twiins.

The man was in the street near the hotel rather than on the beach.

There has not yet been any official comment from the National Police – the force that dealt with the incident.

Officers are expected to offer information tomorrow.

It is not yet clear whether the Brit was on holiday on the island or lived locally, although he is thought to have been a tourist.

Sources confirmed he was a British national but could not specify his exact age.

ITV is poised to axe expensive flop The Genius Game after its finale had the same viewing figures as a BBC2 show about pangolins.

The reality game show hosted by David Tennant is believed to have cost £2.5million to make but drew an average audience of 661,000 by the end.

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ITV is axing expensive flop The Genius Game after low ratings, pictured host David Tennant[/caption]

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The show’s finale had the same viewing figures as a BBC2 show about pangolins[/caption]

That was matched by Pangolins: The World’s Most Wanted Animal which looked at why the scaly creatures are so endangered.

A TV insider said: “Publicly ITV maintains that no firm decision has been taken, but most execs and commissioners view it as a disaster.

“Not only did it occupy a primetime 9pm slot, it had a big-name host and was seen as a potential rival for BBC’s The Traitors.

“But of the five main channels on June 11, it was beaten by two and equalled by BBC2, thanks to those pangolins.”

That night 4.2 million watched BBC1’s Race Across the World.

Channel 5’s Casualty 24/7: Every Second Counts had 718,000 viewers.

The Genius Game, in which contestants take on mental challenges, drew 1.2 million at the start, slumping to 846,000 by episode two.

ITV said: “No decision has yet been made.”

Pangolins live in Africa and Asia and are hunted for their keratin scales and meat, which are said to have medicinal qualities in China.

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AN iconic British rocker has been forced to cancel a performance amid safety concerns.

The Fields of Gold singer, 73, cancelled his performance in Italy amid “dangerous” weather conditions.

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Sting was forced to cancel one of his recent European gigs[/caption]

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The Fields of Gold singer left his fans devastated by the news[/caption]

His cancelled show comes six months after he was forced to pull out of several upcoming shows after it was revealed he had fallen ill.

Sting was due perform in Parco Ragazzi del ’99, a park in Bassano del Grappa, a city in North East Italy, as part of his Sting 3.0 tour.

The performance was due to take place on Sunday, but due to bad weather conditions, the Mayor advised that the event should be postponed.

With weather proving to be an issue, a warning for a severe thunderstorm threw Sting’s performance into chaos.

On Sunday, the temperature was 27 degrees but a severe thunderstorm had been predicted for the afternoon.

There was a possibility of “lightning and extremely high winds”, which made up the minds of the organisers.

Organisers of the gig were concerned, with heavy thunderstorms still expected Monday through to Tuesday.

Sting took to social media to share the sad news of his gig’s cancellation with fans.

“The mayor of Bassano del Grappa wisely said it would have been too dangerous for the performance to take place with the possibility of lightning and extremely high winds last night,” he said.

“The safety of my audience, band and crew is paramount.

“I promise we will return as soon as we can,” Sting concluded.

Though his fans were devastated, they understood and praised that he put “safety first”.

“Last night we were very sad but the weather was terrible and safety is the first thing.. we wait for you soon,” commented one.

Another said: “Safety for you, your band and for us. We’re waiting for you next time!!!”

“It was heartbreaking, but you’re right, safety first. Can’t wait to see you live someday,” added a third.

A fourth then wrote: “I was so looking forward to the concert, hopefully it can be re-organised soon!”

And a fifth said: “Better safe than sorry. Always. Thank you for looking after everyone.”

Back in January, Sting was forced to pull out of a performance on doctor’s orders.

“On advisement from his doctor, due to illness, it is with sincere regret that Sting must cancel his appearance at the Bass Magazine Awards this Thursday,” a statement read at the start of the year.

It went on to reveal that he would also “postpone his STING 3.0 concerts in Phoenix, AZ (originally scheduled for January 24) to June 1 and Wheatland, CA (originally scheduled for January 26) to May 28 as well as his performance at the Cherrytree Music Company’s 20th anniversary, now taking place May 29”.

The statement went on to say: “Fans should retain their tickets for the postponed shows, as they will be honoured on the new dates.

“Sting sincerely apologises for any inconvenience and extends his gratitude to the fans for their understanding.”

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Sting was forced to cancel shows earlier this year after he had fallen ill[/caption]

A WOMAN accused of “solely” setting fire to a Dublin Bus, which was “completely destroyed” during the November 2023 riots, has been sent forward for trial.

Violence broke out after a girl, aged five, was severely wounded, and two other children and a woman were injured in a knife attack at Parnell Square in Dublin city centre earlier that day.

Leanne Kelly, 34, who is from Wicklow but of no fixed abode, was accused of torching the bus on O’Connell Bridge, causing €477,851 worth of damage to the public service vehicle.

She was charged last week and faced her latest appearance before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Monday when gardai served her with a book of evidence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that she face “trial on indictment” at a higher level with greater sentencing powers.

Judge Finan acceded to a request from prosecutor Sharon Rossiter to grant a return for trial, sending her case forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed for mention on July 31.

When Ms Kelly was first charged in April, the judge set her bail at €300 and required a €3,000 independent surety, which had to be approved before Ms Kelly could be released under strict terms.

However, she had been unable to take it up and remained in custody since then.

Her solicitor, Niall O’Connor, asked the court to consider reducing the bail, adding that her client would be able to live with relatives in Co Wicklow and was a different person now.

However, Detective Garda Barry Brennan objected.

He agreed with Mr O’Connor that the bus had already been damaged before Ms Kelly allegedly got involved. However, he maintained that she “solely caused it to be set alight”.

He alleged the incident occurred during the “Dublin riots” and he claimed that at about 7.30 pm, Ms Kelly picked up a piece of rubbish and ran to a garda car that had been set on fire.

Detective Garda Brennan said she “extracted flames from the garda car onto the piece of rubbish and she ran to the Dublin Bus”.

The court heard it had already been abandoned after being surrounded by rioters.

It was claimed that Ms Kelly ran onto the bus and threw the burning rubbish on the ground.

TRIAL PLEA

The accused wept as she pleaded to be freed pending the trial telling the court: “I have no intention of f****** this up”.

She spoke out saying she had suffered trauma at a young age, was living in a tent at the time of the riots, and there had been a family bereavement while she was in custody.

Judge Finan decided to reduce the surety to €1,000 and emphasised that if taken up, she must obey conditions set earlier: reside at Kilbride Grove, Bray, Co Wicklow, obey an 11pm to 6am curfew, sign on daily at the local Garda station, and remain contactable by phone.

The charge under Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act carries a possible 10-year sentence and a €10,000 fine.

Ms Kelly was granted legal aid and told she must notify prosecutors if she intends to use an alibi in her defence. gardaí were also directed to hand over interview videos to the defence.

To date, 85 people have been arrested in connection with the Dublin riots, with 66 charged.

Meanwhile, a man awaits trial accused of attempted murder of three children earlier that day at Parnell Square in the city centre.

PA

DENISE Richards’ husband, Aaron Phypers, has filed for divorce.

He cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for breaking up their marriage after six years together.

Phypers and Richards separated on July 4, court documents said, according to TMZ.

Neither Richards nor Phypers has spoken publicly about the split yet.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

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ARSENAL are close to securing the long-awaited signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners have been desperate for a centre-forward and now appear set to get their man.

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Arsenal are close to securing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres[/caption]

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Andrea Berta reportedly flew to Portugal for face-to-face talks with Sporting[/caption]

Gunners’ sporting director Andrea Berta flew to Portugal for talks at the end of last week to push the deal through, according to CNN Portugal.

SunSport revealed that Sporting feared Gyokeres would push through a reported threat to go on strike this week.

And the striker has now been given extended leave from pre-season as talks intensify.

However, Sporting are still not willing to buckle on their £68.9m (€80m) asking price.

Currently, Arsenal have indicated they are prepared to pay £56m up front and £8.6m in add-ons, which is a total of £64.6m.

But it seems certain that eventually, the Londoners will end up paying the £68.9m which Sporting want for a player they signed for just £20m from Coventry two years ago.

Ideally, Arteta would like Gyokeres at the club before Arsenal head to Singapore for their pre-season tour on July 19.

There have also been reports that Gyokeres is ready to pay a portion of his own transfer fee to push through the move.

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Record claim that Gyokeres is willing to pay £1.7m (€2m) to meet Sporting’s demands.

Gyokeres had been heavily linked with Man Utd after a successful spell playing under Ruben Amorim when he was manager of the Portuguese champions.

But the Swede is said to have made clear that he is now only interested in a move to Arsenal.

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