What should have been the most anticipated game in a decade was overshadowed by Ronnie O'Sullivan's declaration that this will be his final World Championship.

Luis Suarez is heeding warnings from his wife in an attempt to change his image. The striker was described as 'sometimes having the mentality of a child' by Henk Veldmate.

Tony Fernandes believes the club missed Joey Barton's 'fighting spirit' in their unsuccessful battle against relegation and has opened the door on a return to Loftus Road.

Liverpool will reject the chance to qualify for Europe through the back door after committing to a lucrative pre-season tour of the Southern Hemisphere.

Tottenham are hopeful of signing long-term target Leandro Damiao. The Brazil striker, 23, is set to leave Internacional for Europe with Napoli also expressing interest.

Amir Khan, who is flying to Las Vegas to watch Floyd Mayweather in action, will have to return to Sin City if he gets his enriching shot at the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov, 32, is wanted by Russian side Zenit St Petersburg. The Bulgarian's agent Emil Danchev said: 'I have heard of interest from Russian clubs.

Silverstone chiefs have appealed for home grown Formula One stars Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button to get back to winning ways to drum up ticket sales for the British Grand Prix.

Colombian legend Faustino Asprilla has revealed that he has told compatriot Radamel Falcao to sign for Manchester United. The striker has been the subject of speculation.

Sunderland striker Stephane Sessegnon cannot help his club in their relegation scrap after losing his appeal over a three-match ban for his red card against Aston Villa.

Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed to stay at Real Madrid and continue to fight for trophies despite the club once again falling short in the Champions League.

Basle are confident of pulling off a minor miracle and winning at the home of last season's Champions League winners to advance to the Europa League final.

Football's acrimonious relationship with Government is best demonstrated by former Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney's description of a verbal attack on him.

A measles outbreak has prompted stars of Premier League side Swansea City to get emergency inoculations. There have been over 1,000 cases in south west Wales.

Papiss Cisse and midfielder Cheick Tiote have assured fans the players remain united and fully committed to the task of avoiding relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Sunderland owner Ellis Short has ruthlessly axed chief scout Bryan 'Pop' Robson and his entire scouting network.

Former Chelsea midfielder Deco has tested positive for a banned substance - a diuretic which can help hide performance enhancing substances - in Brazil.

CHARLES SALE: The domination of the football pundit sofa by former Liverpool players will be increased when BT Sport unveil their team of analysts later this month.

Arsenal and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has called for everyone to be patient as he looks to 'kick on' again next season.

Liverpool look set to sign Reading defender Alex Pearce. The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Brendan Rodgers is poised to make his move.

The choice for Warren Gatland was ultimately a simple one. You pick the captain around whom you can build a winning Test team - and Sam Warburton is the right choice.

The Lions have been branded 'big slabs of red meat' and burly winger Tommy Bowe showed he has an appetite for tackling the Aussie challenge head-on.

Tuesday was probably one of the most surreal days of my whole life. Hearing my name being called out live on television as a British and Irish Lion simply hasn't sunk in yet.

Guan Tianlang may have made history at the Masters, but his status as the youngest player in European Tour history will disappear in the Volvo China Open tomorrow.

Audley Harrison has finally retired from boxing after his latest comeback lasted just 70 seconds. The London heavyweight was knocked out by Deontay Wilder last Saturday.

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow underlined their Test credentials with a 231-run partnership for Yorkshire against Derbyshire at Headingley on Wednesday.

JEFF POWELL: The mystery of why Amir Khan is the most polarising sporting figure in this country remains as perplexing as ever.

For years Liverpool dominated English football - and while success on the pitch has tailed off, the club are making their presence felt in the commentary box and on the sofa.