'It was an incredibly emotional day'

20-05-2025

I had an interesting weekend. On Saturday night I was at my old stomping ground Stamford Bridge, where I was MC for a night celebrating the legacy of Roberto di Matteo – and what a lovely man he is. The Italian scored in three Cup finals for Chelsea and as manager brought the FA Cup to the club before delivering their first Champions League trophy in 2012. It was quite emotional as the fans were able to show their appreciation at last.Twelve hours later I was 200 miles north at another old stomping ground, this time for the last time. Many of us former Everton players were invited back for the final men's game at Goodison Park and it was an incredibly emotional day.From Neville Southall, the finest keeper in the world on his day, to Duncan Ferguson and Wayne Rooney, most of the greatest names in the club's history who are still living, were on the pitch at the end. It was an honour to be among them, but even more of an honour to be in front of those fans one last time.I have rarely if ever heard a noise as loud as the one at the beginning of the game. It was a visceral celebration and outcry that no one who was there will ever forget. Everton won and Iliman Ndiaye scored a couple but the game and the result didn't matter.Many fans talked to me about their memories - friends made and family moments cherished. They recalled precious moments with other Everton fans who are no longer with us. Fathers and sons hugging on the terraces after a goal, when they could never hug anywhere else.The atmosphere was charged with positive emotions and, yes, plenty of sentiment. It was like so many other places around football at the moment, the end of a season as well as the end of an era can have those effects. Those who do not love the game can never fully understand and share our passions.I feel a little sorry for those people today, they don't know what they are missing.'Goodbye to Goodison' is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer, where you can hear from fans, players past and present, and David Moyes on what Goodison Park means to Everton Football Club.Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

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Euro 2025 has been a wild ride. Are you enjoying the drama?

The Guardian

3 hours ago

The Guardian

Euro 2025 has been a wild ride. Are you enjoying the drama?

The end is in sight and so is the trophy. And, somehow, England still have their eyes on the prize. Euro 2025 has been a tournament of unlikely comebacks for Sarina Wiegman's team. They lost their opening game to France but rallied and made it through to the knockouts; they went 2-0 down to Sweden in the quarter-finals but came back to win a preposterous penalty shootout; and they looked beaten in their semi-final against Italy but somehow found an equaliser in the 96th minute and a winner in the 120th minute. The champions are not letting go of their trophy lightly. Have you been enjoying the drama? Whether you have watched matches in Switzerland, fan parks, pubs or on the edge of your sofa, we would love to hear from you. Is there a buzz of excitement about the final? Which teams have impressed you? Who will be crowned champions on Sunday? Does this tournament feel like a step up in quality from the previous Euros three years ago? You can share your thoughts on Euro 2025 using this form. Please include as much detail as possible. Please include as much detail as possible. Please include as much detail as possible. Please include as much detail as possible. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you include other people's names please ask them first. If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

The more comical the action at women's Euros, the more woke BBC get – one pundit's pearl of wisdom was red card offence

Scottish Sun

7 hours ago

Scottish Sun

The more comical the action at women's Euros, the more woke BBC get – one pundit's pearl of wisdom was red card offence

A SIMPLE equation is at play with the BBC and ITV's coverage of the women's Euros – the funnier the football gets, the more earnest the pundits must become. To the point, when things go really haywire, they sound more like they're dissecting Garry Kasparov versus the Deep Blue chess computer than the latter stages of a football tournament. 7 BBC's pundits during the England/Sweden game 7 Pundit Gabby Logan for BBC Sport Credit: Instagram/gabbylogan 7 Ian Wright during ITV's coverage of England/Italy semi-final Credit: Pixel8000 A sly reference to the exquisite mayhem of the England/Sweden penalty shoot-out, in Zurich, on BBC1, which has to be a contender for the...

Napoli ready to hand Raheem Sterling transfer lifeline with Chelsea locked in talks over two MORE arrivals

Scottish Sun

8 hours ago

Scottish Sun

Napoli ready to hand Raheem Sterling transfer lifeline with Chelsea locked in talks over two MORE arrivals

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