Over the years, British sport has produced some brilliant athletes. It’s hard not to immediately think about football on that front, with the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Gareth Bale, and George Best instantly springing to mind.
Of course, some iconic sports stars have emerged away from the beautiful game as well. Stars like Lewis Hamilton, Mo Farah, Andy Murray, Laura Kenny, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Phil Taylor, Jonny Wilkinson, and Kelly Holmes are all considered to be greats within their fields.
It’s interesting to learn, then, that one man stands out in the eyes of US President Donald Trump. Indeed, the 79-year-old could not help but mention Rory McIlroy during a recent speech.
Trump Singles Out Rory McIlroy During Speech
Trump was speaking as host of a State Dinner in honour of King Charles and Queen Camilla. The US President interrupted himself to go off on a tangent about Northern Irish golfer McIlroy, saying:
“The entire world has been uplifted by this distinct and special character we share. This unstoppable daring. This unconquerable courage. It really is unconquerable… speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy?
“Stand up, Rory. That was unconquerable courage. That was very good, Rory. I don’t know if that helps them talk about how wonderful the speech (is) but I had ot interrupt my speech because I watched that man win a tournament that was tough. That was a tough one. Congratulations. Very proud of you.
“Alright, now I’ll get back to my speech, Rory.”
Trump was, of course, referencing McIlroy’s latest Masters triumph. The Northern Irishman sealed a one-shot victory over World No 1 Scottie Scheffler earlier in April to claim his second green jacket. In doing so, he become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2002 to go back-to-back at the Augusta National.
Sir Nick Faldo is convinced there are still four golfers in history better than Rory McIlroy.
Trump is a Huge Fan of ‘Legend’ McIlroy
The 36-year-old has kept a low profile since his victory, having skipped the PGA Tour’s event at the president’s Trump National Doral in Miami earlier in the week, but was with his wife Erica Stoll among the A-list guests, which included Jeff Bezos, at the White House for Trump’s glowing speech.
It seems as though the American is a huge fan of McIlroy, having also said online recently: “Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters! He performed tremendously under intense pressure, something which few people would be able to even think about doing.
“With each year, Rory is becoming more and more a LEGEND! I look forward to watching him compete in two weeks at Doral. The quality of Professional Golfers today has become extraordinary, each and every one of them.
“They should all be proud of the way they played at The Masters this weekend!”
Trump often provokes debate with his comments in the media, but on this rare occasion, he appears to have said something that most will agree with. Certainly, following his recent success, there can be no doubt that McIlroy has cemented his status as a legend within the world of golf.
Tottenham Hotspur mean business in this summer transfer window, and they clearly have no intention of finding themselves near the relegation zone in the Premier League again anytime soon.
Tottenham have already completed the signings of three players ahead of the Roberto De Zerbi revolution, including a Champions League and Premier League winner in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
It has been suggested that they want to complete seven summer signings, with a midfielder and three attackers to follow, although Spurs are also being linked with a second central midfielder and goalkeepers with Guglielmo Vicario expected to leave.
The north Londoners have been working hard on a deal to sign De Zerbi’s top target Sandro Tonali, having already had a £75m bid rejected by Newcastle United for the Italy international.
The 26-year-old is said to be keen on a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to link up with Italian compatriot De Zerbi, as Spurs continue to show huge ambition in the market.
Tonali isn’t the only midfielder De Zerbi has on his wishlist however, with the 47-year-old also wanting to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes on top of the Italian, following the Irons’ relegation to the Championship.
Tottenham ‘Very Close’ to Mateus Fernandes Agreement
via Reuters
Italian journalist Matteo Moretto reported on Saturday that Tottenham are now ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement on personal terms with Fernandes, as they look to try and beat Premier League rivals Manchester United to his signature.
United had looked to be in clear pole position to sign the Portugal international, who would like to link up with Portuguese teammate Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford, but Spurs appear to have made an attractive offer to him as well, which would allow him to remain in London.
The Red Devils can also offer the ‘elite’ 21-year-old star Champions League football next term while Spurs have no European football to offer at all.
Nevertheless, Fernandes seems ready to join Tottenham if they can agree a fee with West Ham, as he looks to avoid playing in England’s second tier.
Tonali Will Love Fernandes
via Reuters
If Tottenham can pull off an audacious double swoop for Tonali and Fernandes, like De Zerbi wants them to, they would arguably have one of the best central midfield partnerships in the Premier League.
Tonali is a physically imposing midfielder with impressive strength and stamina, while he has also shown his ability to dicate matches and make an impact in the final third at St James’ Park too.
Fernandes could prove to be the perfect player to complement him in the Tottenham engine room, given the Portuguese’s own versatility.
The 21-year-old has proven he can play as a ‘6’, ‘8’ and a ’10’ during his spells with West Ham and Southampton, and that adaptability will allow Tonali to not only sit deep, but also get involved in more attacking areas too because he knows he can rely on him for tackling success.
When Tonali finds Fernandes in possession, he knows that youngster will use the ball well too after what we’ve seen from him at St Mary’s and the London Stadium.
Arsenal are facing a fight to keep hold of defender Piero Hincapie, as ESPN reports that Real Madrid have made enquiries about signing the Ecuadorian international this summer.
However, with centre-back problems lurking in the background for the Spanish giants, they are back shopping in the Premier League, and are looking to swipe a star from the Gunners.
Real Madrid Want Piero Hincapie
After failing in an attempt to sign Calafiori, Real Madrid are looking at Arsenal star Hincapie, as ESPN reports that enquiries have been made over a deal.
It comes as Los Blancos want a left-footed centre-back, with moves elsewhere in the backline set to free up a space for the position this summer.
Any deal looks difficult, however, as Arsenal are set to make Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen permanent this summer with a £45 million clause in his deal.
That’s not to say a move isn’t possible, but the Gunners would likely be hesitant to let the 24-year-old leave without at least banking a significant profit on a switch to a Champions League rival.
Having already sounded out Hincapie, the report adds that Real Madrid have also enquired about Ruben Dias, Alessandro Bastoni, and Nico Schlotterbeck – though the latter is now unlikely to move due to an injury sustained at the World Cup with Germany.
In all, it means Arsenal could face a potential battle in keeping the versatile defender, but have all the cards in their hand to keep him if they so wish.
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What Mikel Arteta has said about Hincapie
Hincapie wasn’t always a guaranteed started for Arsenal over the course of the previous season, but he did play a large role in the team finally winning the Premier League.
The defender was a reliable option, especially when injuries struck in the backline, adding plenty of pace and physicality at full-back in particular.
“When I spoke to Xabi just before we were going to sign him, I said if you have to describe him in one word, what would you use, and he said, ‘He’s a warrior,'” Arteta said in March to TNT Sports.
Arsenal continue to be linked with potential forward options in the market, but face a battle to land one key target.
“He will play through brick walls for you and he’s one of the most competitive players that I have had. He’s come into the Premier League after surgery and a difficult start without a pre-season, and when you see him around his team-mates and competing on the pitch, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years.
“He has an aura, a charisma – a really special character.”
It shows exactly what Arteta thinks of Hincapie, and perhaps further underlines how tough it may be for Real Madrid to tempt a move this summer.
One England player chose not to shake Thomas Partey’s hand before the Three Lions faced Ghana in their second World Cup game in Boston on Tuesday night.
The Ghanaian midfielder, previously of Arsenal, is currently facing allegations that include seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four different women, as per The Mirror.
These incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2020 and 2022, with investigations taking place while he was still plying his trade in the Premier League.
England have been urged to change their national anthem for football matches, and ditch ‘God Save the King’.
England Player Refuses Thomas Partey’s Handshake Before World Cup Tie
Cody Grubbs (Sipa USA via Reuters)
Heading into the clash, the English FA’s stance was that the players could make their own decision on whether or not to embrace Partey following the national anthems being played.
In Djed Spence’s case, the Tottenham defender chose to keep his arms by his side as his former north London adversary walked past him. Watch the incident below:
