data-mm-id=”_xac157l7g”>Tom Benson's legacy in the NFL and New Orleans is complicated. From repeated rumors of moving the team from New Orleans to the legal issues he faced near the end of his life, Benson was a polarizing figure around the league. But no one can deny that he made a genius move when he bought the Saints on this day in 1985 for $70,204,000. Forbes most recent valuation of the Saints was $2.275 billion. While inflation would increase Benson's purchase of the Saints from $70 million to around $171 million today, it's clear he made a smart investment when he bought the team from John Mecom. After buying the Saints, Benson had an up-and-down career as their owner. The highs started immediately when he hired Jim Mora as coach and they made their first playoff appearance in 1987. The Saints also won their first Super Bowl in 2009 and Benson's celebratory sideline dancing in the waning seconds of wins, replete with an umbrella in true New Orleans fashion, made him a popular man among casual fans. Things weren't always perfect, however. Rumors circulated in 2001 that Benson was considering relocating the team amidst negotiations with Louisiana over renovation funds for the Superdome. In 2005, reports indicated he was considering a permanent move to San Antonio after the team was forced to play there because of Hurricane Katrina. Those rumors put a damper on his reputation around New Orleans, but ultimately didn't come to fruition as the NFL committed to keeping the team there. Benson passed away in 2018 and his third wife Gayle took over as Owner/Chairman of the Board. His adopted daughter from his first marriage, Renee, and grandchildren, Ryan Benson LeBlanc and Rita Benson LeBlanc, were originally expected to take control of the Saints, but Benson changed his will in 2014, which led to a legal dispute. Gayle ultimately retained control of the team. Regardless of the ups and downs, Tom Benson (along with help from Sean Peyton and Drew Brees) transformed the Saints from the laughingstock of the NFL to one of the top teams to play for. On this day 35 years ago, that journey started.
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A delighted Muller received the man of the match award following another exceptional display from the forward, who suggested Bayern s style of play rendered the opposition practically irrelevant.
I think in this moment our team is in incredible shape, the Germany international told BT Sport.
Thanks for the man of the match trophy – maybe we have 12 to 15 players who deserve it. We worked so hard and have this intensity. It s tough to beat us. It was so much fun.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a more difficult game than most. It was his error that led to Neal Maupay opening the scoring from the penalty spot and he was nowhere to be found when Solly March scored in the 94th minute to make it 2-2.
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Roberto Mancini is confident Italy can replicate the likes of France and Spain and usher in a new era heading into Euro 2020.
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Their qualification campaign continues against Greece on June 8, before Italy host Bosnia-Herzegovina three days later.
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If we do good work, if we play attacking football that is entertaining and gratifying, then results are possible, Mancini told La Stampa newspaper.<…
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In what promises to be a mouth-watering affair this weekend, Chelsea and Manchester City will face off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, managing to extend on their EFL Cup adventure with a penalties victory against Aston Villa in midweek, the mood in Chelsea s camp should be at a real high. Only continuing to impress since bringing Thomas Tuchel to Stamford Bridge earlier in the year, many have tipped the Blues as a leading contender in the title chase this season. Last seen on Premier League duties putting in another stellar display on the road, the former PSG boss saw his side land London bragging rights thanks to a thumping 3-0 win against Tottenham. Breezing past their bitter rivals acros…
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Skipper Sam Cane laid the shirt, which bore the number 10, in the middle of the pitch before the hosts traditional haka ahead of the match in Newcastle.
It was a touching tribute following the Argentinian legend s death on Wednesday at the age of 60.
Maradona attended numerous Pumas matches and was in England to follow the team s fortunes at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
A special gesture from the All Blacks to Argentina before tonight s Haka.
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks)
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Elsewhere, Manchester United belatedly got up and running at Old Trafford, while Brighton and Hove Albion also triumphed.
We reflect on another topsy-turvy day of top-flight action with the aid of Opta data.
Newcastle United 0-2 Chelsea: Tammy and Timo team up
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Erik ten Hag will let Manchester United s money men get on with the process of selling the club as the Dutchman waits to see how it affects his leadership.
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Others could come forward, with United looking set to perhaps pass entirely out of the hands of the Glazer family, who have controlled the club for 18 years.
Ten Hag has delivered a turnaround of fortunes on the pitch this season, with United just five points off the top of the Premier League after 23 games, sitting third.
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After long deliberations, I have decided not to renew my expiring contract, he posted on Instagram.
After five fantastic years at Borussia Monchengladbach, it is difficult for me to take this step, but I ve decided upon a different path for my personal and professional development.
I owe a lot to the fans of Borussia and shall always carry this club in my heart. Now I will go with a full head of steam into the second half of the season.
Those who know me know that I will give everything to accomplish the goals still possible in this season together with everyone else.
Ginter has made 165 appearances for Gladbach since joining in July 2017, 141 of those coming in the Bundesliga – the 12th most of any player in the division over that period.
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What the papers say
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