By Chris Wright

It all got a bit emotional at the Parc des Princes yesterday evening when, come the 82nd minute, David Beckham’s number came up and the 38-year-old veteran shuffled off the pitch one last time and away into retirement.

Paris Saint-Germain’s game against Brest was temporarily halted for several minutes as a tearful Beckham thanked his teammates (most of whom had died their hair red, white and blue in tribute to their British cohort) on the way off, hugging it out with every single person on the PSG payroll before finally taking his place on the bench…

After the final whistle (already-crowned Ligue 1 champs PSG racked up a 3-1 win), Beckham was chucked around in celebratory fashion as the tears continued to well in his eyes…

Well played and farewell Becks, wherever the tides may take you.

(Photos: PA)

                          

By Chris Wright

Hark ‘ere at the all new Nitrocharge boots, which join the f50s, Predators and adiPures as Adidas’ fourth boot line in their current range – specifically designed players with “an engine”: think Dani Alves, Daniele De Rossi and Javi Martinez (who are all signed up to wear the Nitrocharge as and when it rolls out).

As well as being darn purdy, the Nitrocharge is designed to assist in “off-the-toe sprinting”, with the ENERGYSLING and ENERGYPULSE helping improve the wearer’s turning, reaction and sprinting action. We’re not sure if it’s guaranteed to work on the feet of your average, wildly-hung over, 20-a-day Sunday League clogger, but every little helps, right?

Here they be in all their glory (click for full size images)…

                          

Nice touch from Bobby Mancini in this morning’s Manchester Evening News, in which the former Man City boss took out a full-page advert in the sport section of the paper to thank the City fans for their three-and-a-smidge years of support…

Apparently, according to Telegraph scribe Henry Winter, many City fans are now contemplating pitching in to take out a similar advert in the Gazzetta Dello Sport to reciprocate the love and wish their newly-departed manager all the best in the future.

How lovely!

(Image via Telegraph)

                          

By Alan Duffy

Now that’s not a headline I ever expected to write.

It seems that the ‘banter’ in the Potters’ dressing-room has gone a tad too far with the news that someone left a pig’s head in Kenwyne Jones’ locker.

Amercian star Brek Shea posted a photo of the butchered piggy bonce on his Instagram account (above), with the words “Locker room banter gone wild!”. But apparently Trinidad & Tobago international Jones didn’t see the funny side of the prank and immediately went out and smashed in the windshield of a car belonging to Glenn Whelan, who Jones was convinced was behind the porky prank.

Stoke City are now set to investigate the incident while rumours are growing that Whelan may now be sold to the Trotters.

                          

By Alan Duffy

What a cheeky young scamp 11-year-old Louis Kearns is. The Liverpool fan had watched the Europa League final with his old man before decided to get closer to two of his heroes, Fernando Torres and Rafa Benitez. And in doing so, he ended up slap bang in the middle of the Blues’ celebrations, even finding himself face to face before a bemused Michel Platini at the medal-giving ceremony.

Young Louis eventually gets collared by a UEFA official who spots the odd one out. He’s obviously aware of Chelsea’s failure to promote its own youth team players.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo today, the whippersnapper said:

“Fernando Torres is my favourite player and I saw the opportunity and ran over to get a picture. I was made up to meet Torres and I spoke to him, John Terry, Eden Hazard and Michel Platini from Uefa.”

“I was gutted when I was ushered away because I wanted to touch the cup. It was boss but it would have been better if it was my team Liverpool FC – that would have been the best.”

Still, the young chap deserve a round of applause for his fantastic bravura.

Fast forward to around the one minute mark and enjoy…

(video:R100N3Y10)

                          

One of the most coveted players in the Premier League, Marouane Fellaini, followed through on a promise he made earlier in the season.

The Belgian powerhouse had vowed to dye his magnificent afro silver if Everton fans raised £25,000 for the club’s official charity, Everton In The Community. And that they did.

Fair dues to Fellaini for going through with the makeover, though. Personally, I think he should keep it for next season too.

Here’s a few more photos of the superb makeover…

Photos: Everton FC

                          

By Alan Duffy

At last, the crown-prince of English sport, David Beckham has finally decided to call it a day on what has been an incredible career, spanning such mighty clubs as Man Utd, Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy, PSG and, of course, Preston North End.

However, as well as possessing a mighty fine right foot, Mr. Beckham has also lit up our lives with his ever-changing hair-styles, which we at Pies feel deserve a little gallery of their own. Enjoy…

                          

By Chris Wright

Up above the streets and houses, rainbow climbing high. Everyone can see it climbing, through the sky. Paint the whole world with a rainbow! (Click through for the full-sized images)

(Photos: PA)

                          

We’d almost be disappointed if John Terry didn’t get all dressed up in true full kit w****r stylee these days, and on Wednesday night injured Chelsea captain didn’t disappoint.

JT was resplendent in his Chelsea kit as he held aloft the Europa League trophy. God love him.

                          

By Alan Duffy

Benfica 1-2 Chelsea – Europa League – 15th May 2013

In lifting the Europa League trophy in Amseterdam last night, Chelsea became the first side ever to hold both that title and the Champions League title at the same time.

Branislav Ivanovic was the goal-hero for the Blues, heading home at the death from a Juan Mata corner to secure a win which came despite Benfica having the majority of the best chances. Indeed, the Super Eagles were super wasteful throughout the game with the highly rated Nicolas Gaitan particularly guilty of fluffing his lines in front of goal.

Fernando Torres opened the scoring on the hour-mark, outmuscling the Benfica defenders before rounding goalie Artur to slot home. However, the Portuguese side were level soon after, with goal-machine Oscar Cardozo converting a spot-kick after Cesar Azpilicueta had handled in the box.

With the game headed towards extra-time, there was one last sting in the tail for Benfica, with Ivanovic heading home superbly to finish Rafa Benitez’s stormy time in charge at Chelsea in style.

As for Benfica, they have now lost their last seven European finals in a row.

Photos…

Highlights…

Photos: PA