SOCCER

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The BBC has confirmed that its long running football programme Football Focus will come to an end this summer, closing a chapter that has lasted more than five decades. First airing in 1974, the show has been a familiar part of Saturday lunchtime viewing for generations of football fans, often seen as the unofficial start to the weekend’s action.

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Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah has reiterated his desire to exit Anfield “in the right way” after playing a starring role in the Reds’ dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton on Sunday evening, April 19.

In what was his final Merseyside derby, the Egyptian international scored the opening goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, equalizing Steven Gerrard’s record of nine goals to become the joint-top scorer in the fixture’s Premier League history.

Despite a challenging final season, Salah delivered a clinical first-time finish into the bottom-right corner following a pass from Cody Gakpo.

Everton’s Beto later equalized, but a 100th-minute header from Virgil van Dijk secured a victory that moved Liverpool seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Salah focused on his ultimate goal: ensuring the club returns to Europe’s elite competition.“I hope I will just keep scoring and help the team to achieve the Champions League this season.

Hopefully, I say farewell in the right way,” Salah said. Reflecting on the intensity of the rivalry, he added, “It feels great. The most important thing was to help the team to settle down and feel more confident.

We knew before the game it was going to be tricky, difficult, and I’m glad we were able to win it.”

Salah, who confirmed last month that he will leave at the end of the campaign after a glittering nine-year stint, received high praise from his captain.

Van Dijk described him as an “outstanding teammate,” noting that while the appreciation often intensifies once a player has left, the squad recognizes his immense value now.

With only a handful of games remaining in the season, Salah remains determined to leave a lasting legacy by securing a top-four finish.

Rosenior had been handed a five and a half year contract after joining from French side Strasbourg, another club under the ownership of Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Despite the long-term vision behind his appointment, results quickly deteriorated.

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Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva will depart the club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season. The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been a key player since joining from Monaco in 2017, accumulating 76 goals and 77 assists in 451 appearances. His tenure includes 15 major honors, notably the Treble-winning 2022-23 season, capped by last month's Carabao Cup victory.

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An Australian rules football player has been hospitalized after experiencing a mental health episode during a recent game.

The Carlton Football Club confirmed on Monday, April 20, that Elijah Hollands had been admitted to hospital following behaviour observed during a match held on Thursday, April 16. The club released a statement asking for privacy as he continues to receive care.

"While the Club acknowledges the public's interest, it again asks that the privacy of Elijah and his family be respected," the statement read. It also urged media outlets not to speculate about his condition or whereabouts, stressing the importance of confidentiality during his recovery.

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Union Berlin has appointed Marie-Louise Eta as its interim head coach, making her the first woman to lead a men’s team in the Bundesliga. The 34-year-old succeeds Steffen Baumgart, who was dismissed late Saturday alongside his coaching staff following a 3-1 loss to Heidenheim. Eta takes over as the club battles to avoid relegation, marking the first time a woman has coached a men's team in Europe’s "big five" leagues.

Eta, who was coaching Union’s Under-19 men’s team and agreed earlier this month to take over as coach of Union’s women’s team next season, has five games to secure the Köpenick-based club’s Bundesliga survival.

“Staying in the Bundesliga is not yet guaranteed given the point-differences in the lower half of the table. I’m happy that the club entrusts me with this challenging task,” Eta told the club website. ”One of Union’s strengths has always been our ability to pull together in such situations. And of course I’m convinced that we’ll get the decisive points with the team.”

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Bayern Munich secured a record-extending 35th Bundesliga title after a commanding 4-2 victory over VfB Stuttgart, with Harry Kane continuing his prolific form by scoring his 32nd goal of the season.

Bayern needed just a point to seal the title, but delivered a dominant performance at home. Despite falling behind early to a goal from Chris Führich, the hosts responded emphatically, scoring three times in quick succession to take control of the match before halftime.

Raphaël Guerreiro equalised after being set up by Jamal Musiala, before Nicolas Jackson and Alphonso Davies added further goals, both assisted by Luis Díaz.

Kane extended the lead early in the second half, effectively putting the result beyond doubt and ensuring Bayern’s latest league crown. Stuttgart managed a late consolation through Chema Andrés, but the outcome was never in question.