Inter Milan's Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu during their Champions League semi-final victory over AC Milan. Reuters
Inter Milan's Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu during their Champions League semi-final victory over AC Milan. Reuters
Inter Milan's Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu during their Champions League semi-final victory over AC Milan. Reuters
Inter Milan's Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu during their Champions League semi-final victory over AC Milan. Reuters

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Calhanoglu can expect more Turkish delight than Gundogan at Champions League final

Inter's skipper chose to represent Turkey while Man City captain opted for Germany

Ian Hawkey
Ian Hawkey

June 08, 2023

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The captain of the favourites for Saturday’s European Champions League final will not quite be the favourite skipper taking part, at least when it comes to the citizens of Istanbul.

Loved though Ilkay Gundogan is by supporters of Manchester City, appreciated as he is by neutrals who recognise a superb footballer and an inspiring leader, there are tens of millions of Turks who prefer the pass-master of Internazionale’s midfield.

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Hakan Calhanoglu is Turkey’s captain, you see, wearer of the armband for the national team, and, for that, a touchstone for what will be significant local presence in the grandstands at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

“Turkish fans will be divided,” says Simone Inzaghi, the Inter head coach, “some for Hakan, some for Ilkay.”

A few more, though, lean towards the player who, given the choice, decided to represent Turkey rather than the one who elected, instead of Turkey, to play for his country of birth.

Calhanoglu, 29, and Gundogan, 32, have followed parallel paths to this, the match that will give one of them the greatest prize yet of their careers.

They are both natives of Germany, born to families who moved there from Turkey for work.

Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan lifts the FA Cup after their victory against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. AP
Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan lifts the FA Cup after their victory against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. AP

Their careers took off with Ruhr clubs, Bayer Leverkusen in the case of Calhanoglu and Borussia Dortmund for Gundogan. By then, they had diverged internationally.

Calhanoglu committed to Turkey, despite interest in him from the German Football Federation, from his early teens. Gundogan, courted by Turkey, said yes to Germany, with whom, but for injury, he would have travelled to the 2014 World Cup and finished with a winner’s medal.

Their journeys to their current clubs were complicated, their growth as midfield all-rounders tied closely to their coaches Inzaghi and Pep Guardiola. Calhanoglu was the first new player into Inter when Inzaghi arrived there in the summer of 2021. The move was controversial: the club Calhanoglu was leaving, having let his contract expire, were AC Milan.

That he crossed the city enraged milanisti; that he joined the fiercest rivals for free stoked the sense of betrayal.

When Milan then won the Serie A title, pipping Inter, the season after Calhanoglu swapped black-and-red for black-and blue, he was taunted. When Inter, with Calhanoglu exerting great influence, beat Milan last month in the Champions League semi-final, he silenced the jeers.

Inter v AC Milan: player ratings

INTER MILAN RATINGS: Andre Onana 7 – Ever dependable between the sticks for Inter, dealt well with the few shots that headed his way. Held on nicely to an early strike by Brahim Diaz, which was as close as Milan got to scoring all night. Getty
INTER MILAN RATINGS: Andre Onana 7 – Ever dependable between the sticks for Inter, dealt well with the few shots that headed his way. Held on nicely to an early strike by Brahim Diaz, which was as close as Milan got to scoring all night. Getty
Matteo Darmian 6 – Had one or two shaky moments up against the rapid Rafael Leao, but improved massively in the second period to shut out the Portuguese international. Reuters
Matteo Darmian 6 – Had one or two shaky moments up against the rapid Rafael Leao, but improved massively in the second period to shut out the Portuguese international. Reuters
Francesco Acerbi 8 – A proverbial wall at the back for Inter, starving Olivier Giroud of service all afternoon. A dominant performance by the veteran Italian – especially aerially. Reuters
Francesco Acerbi 8 – A proverbial wall at the back for Inter, starving Olivier Giroud of service all afternoon. A dominant performance by the veteran Italian – especially aerially. Reuters
Alessandro Bastoni 7 – Looked very solid in Inter’s back three, stepping out impressively at times to assist the hosts in their build-up play. AP
Alessandro Bastoni 7 – Looked very solid in Inter’s back three, stepping out impressively at times to assist the hosts in their build-up play. AP
Denzel Dumfries 7 – Provided real energy down the right for the hosts, while also doing well to deny Leao space in the final third. Another solid display from the Dutchman. AP
Denzel Dumfries 7 – Provided real energy down the right for the hosts, while also doing well to deny Leao space in the final third. Another solid display from the Dutchman. AP
Nicolo Barella 8 – Ran the show centrally, breaking the lines with beautiful driving runs and slick link-up play. The diminutive playmaker oozed class throughout. AP
Nicolo Barella 8 – Ran the show centrally, breaking the lines with beautiful driving runs and slick link-up play. The diminutive playmaker oozed class throughout. AP
Hakan Calhanoglu 7 – Contributed more in a defensive capacity in the first half, helping to shield his backline as Milan pushed for the opening goal. However, his free-kick prowess was also on full display again, as Edin Dzeko almost netted from one of his deliveries just before half-time. AFP
Hakan Calhanoglu 7 – Contributed more in a defensive capacity in the first half, helping to shield his backline as Milan pushed for the opening goal. However, his free-kick prowess was also on full display again, as Edin Dzeko almost netted from one of his deliveries just before half-time. AFP
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 6 – The former Manchester United and Arsenal man got off to a bright start but was unfortunately subbed off with an injury in the first half. Reuters
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 6 – The former Manchester United and Arsenal man got off to a bright start but was unfortunately subbed off with an injury in the first half. Reuters
Federico Dimarco 6 – A quieter game from the Milan-born full-back, whose role was far more conservative tonight. However, he remained mistake-free defensively and seldom gave the ball away. AFP
Federico Dimarco 6 – A quieter game from the Milan-born full-back, whose role was far more conservative tonight. However, he remained mistake-free defensively and seldom gave the ball away. AFP
Lautaro Martinez 8 – The Argentine’s match-winning goal was well deserved, as he looked a real threat all evening. After flashing a handful of shots over Mike Maignan’s goal, he made no mistake in the second half, firing home from close range to send Inter to Istanbul. AP
Lautaro Martinez 8 – The Argentine’s match-winning goal was well deserved, as he looked a real threat all evening. After flashing a handful of shots over Mike Maignan’s goal, he made no mistake in the second half, firing home from close range to send Inter to Istanbul. AP
Edin Dzeko 7 – Not quite as influential as his strike-partner on this occasion, but the 37-year-old very nearly opened the scoring after his headed effort forced an incredible save from Maignan. Dzeko continues to be a menace in and around the penalty box. Getty
Edin Dzeko 7 – Not quite as influential as his strike-partner on this occasion, but the 37-year-old very nearly opened the scoring after his headed effort forced an incredible save from Maignan. Dzeko continues to be a menace in and around the penalty box. Getty
SUBS: Marcelo Brozovic (for Mkhitaryan, 44’) 7 – Settled nicely into the Inter midfield after replacing Mkhitaryan in the first half. Worked hard for the cause and kept things neat and tidy in possession. AP
SUBS: Marcelo Brozovic (for Mkhitaryan, 44’) 7 – Settled nicely into the Inter midfield after replacing Mkhitaryan in the first half. Worked hard for the cause and kept things neat and tidy in possession. AP
Romelu Lukaku (for Dzeko, 66’) 7 – Looked very sharp after replacing Dzeko mid-way through the second half. The Belgian forward even grabbed an assist after playing Martinez in for his winning goal. Getty
Romelu Lukaku (for Dzeko, 66’) 7 – Looked very sharp after replacing Dzeko mid-way through the second half. The Belgian forward even grabbed an assist after playing Martinez in for his winning goal. Getty
Robin Gosens (for Dimarco, 66’) 6 – Put in a solid shift as Inter looked to tighten their grip on the game in the later stages. Getty
Robin Gosens (for Dimarco, 66’) 6 – Put in a solid shift as Inter looked to tighten their grip on the game in the later stages. Getty
Joaquin Correa (for Martinez, 84’) N/A – Came on for the final few minutes of the game, adding some good energy to Inter’s press as they closed out the win. Reuters
Joaquin Correa (for Martinez, 84’) N/A – Came on for the final few minutes of the game, adding some good energy to Inter’s press as they closed out the win. Reuters
Roberto Gagliardini (for Barella, 84’) N/A – The Italian came on for fellow countryman Barella with five minutes left to play. AP
Roberto Gagliardini (for Barella, 84’) N/A – The Italian came on for fellow countryman Barella with five minutes left to play. AP
AC MILAN RATINGS: Mike Maignan 6 – Had a stellar first half, pulling off some world-class saves to deny Dzeko from close range. However, all his good work was undone in the second half, after he failed to get a strong enough hand to Martinez’s match-winning shot. Getty
AC MILAN RATINGS: Mike Maignan 6 – Had a stellar first half, pulling off some world-class saves to deny Dzeko from close range. However, all his good work was undone in the second half, after he failed to get a strong enough hand to Martinez’s match-winning shot. Getty
Davide Calabria 5 – A tough evening for the Milan captain, who was caught out of position on several occasions. His second-half struggles seemed to perfectly encapsulate Milan’s flat display after a promising opening 30 minutes. Getty
Davide Calabria 5 – A tough evening for the Milan captain, who was caught out of position on several occasions. His second-half struggles seemed to perfectly encapsulate Milan’s flat display after a promising opening 30 minutes. Getty
Malick Thiaw 6 – A mixed game from the young German, who was drafted in to replace the experienced Simon Kjaer. Won a fair few duels throughout, although he did lack composure on occasions, which eventually saw him pick up a yellow card. AFP
Malick Thiaw 6 – A mixed game from the young German, who was drafted in to replace the experienced Simon Kjaer. Won a fair few duels throughout, although he did lack composure on occasions, which eventually saw him pick up a yellow card. AFP
Fikayo Tomori 7 – Much improved from the first leg, not that it helped his side a great deal in the end. The England international dealt especially well with crosses into the box and always looked to be positive on the ball. AFP
Fikayo Tomori 7 – Much improved from the first leg, not that it helped his side a great deal in the end. The England international dealt especially well with crosses into the box and always looked to be positive on the ball. AFP
Theo Hernandez 5 – Virtually anonymous throughout, with his biggest contribution in the first half being a mistake inside his own penalty box that almost led to an Inter goal. The hugely talented wing-back had a night to forget. AP
Theo Hernandez 5 – Virtually anonymous throughout, with his biggest contribution in the first half being a mistake inside his own penalty box that almost led to an Inter goal. The hugely talented wing-back had a night to forget. AP
Rade Krunic 6 – Cut a frustrated figure at times, as Inter outnumbered their cross-city rivals in the centre of the park. Another frustrating outing after his disastrous first-leg display – with the 29-year-old picking up a late yellow just for good measure. Reuters
Rade Krunic 6 – Cut a frustrated figure at times, as Inter outnumbered their cross-city rivals in the centre of the park. Another frustrating outing after his disastrous first-leg display – with the 29-year-old picking up a late yellow just for good measure. Reuters
Sandro Tonali 7 – Alongside Tomori, he was one of the few bright sparks for Milan. He almost handed his side an early lead after bursting past Darmian, getting to the byline and laying the ball on a plate to Diaz – who squandered the chance. Getty
Sandro Tonali 7 – Alongside Tomori, he was one of the few bright sparks for Milan. He almost handed his side an early lead after bursting past Darmian, getting to the byline and laying the ball on a plate to Diaz – who squandered the chance. Getty
Brahim Diaz 5 – Far too wasteful in possession, having also missed the aforementioned guilt-edged chance from Tonali’s cut-back. The former City starlet shows flashes of brilliance, but the end product was lacking on this occasion. Getty
Brahim Diaz 5 – Far too wasteful in possession, having also missed the aforementioned guilt-edged chance from Tonali’s cut-back. The former City starlet shows flashes of brilliance, but the end product was lacking on this occasion. Getty
Junior Messias 6 – Got off to a bright start, getting the better of Bastoni in a handful of early one against one duels. However, the winger tailed off badly in the second half and failed to offer his side a great deal in the final third. Reuters
Junior Messias 6 – Got off to a bright start, getting the better of Bastoni in a handful of early one against one duels. However, the winger tailed off badly in the second half and failed to offer his side a great deal in the final third. Reuters
Rafael Leao 6 – After missing the first leg due to injury, Milan’s star man almost got them off to the perfect start. However, his powerful first-half run into the Inter box eventually saw him drag his shot just wide. Sadly for the 23-year-old, that was as good as it got all evening. AP
Rafael Leao 6 – After missing the first leg due to injury, Milan’s star man almost got them off to the perfect start. However, his powerful first-half run into the Inter box eventually saw him drag his shot just wide. Sadly for the 23-year-old, that was as good as it got all evening. AP
Olivier Giroud 6 – A tough game up front for the Frenchman, who was largely feeding off scraps. On the odd occasion he did win aerial duels against the likes of Acerbi, his teammates weren’t able to capitalise and feed off his hold-up play. AP
Olivier Giroud 6 – A tough game up front for the Frenchman, who was largely feeding off scraps. On the odd occasion he did win aerial duels against the likes of Acerbi, his teammates weren’t able to capitalise and feed off his hold-up play. AP
SUBS: Pierre Kalulu (for Thiaw, 64’) 5 – Looked well off the pace after replacing the carded Thiaw, losing his man for Martinez’s goal. Reuters
SUBS: Pierre Kalulu (for Thiaw, 64’) 5 – Looked well off the pace after replacing the carded Thiaw, losing his man for Martinez’s goal. Reuters
Divock Origi (for Diaz, 76’) 6 – Came on to join Giroud up top in the Milan attack, but hardly had a touch of the ball. Reuters
Divock Origi (for Diaz, 76’) 6 – Came on to join Giroud up top in the Milan attack, but hardly had a touch of the ball. Reuters
Alexis Saelemaekers (for Messias, 76’) 6 – Replaced Messias for the final 10 minutes, but was equally ineffective in the final third. Reuters
Alexis Saelemaekers (for Messias, 76’) 6 – Replaced Messias for the final 10 minutes, but was equally ineffective in the final third. Reuters

Gundogan was City’s first signing after Pep Guardiola joined as manager in 2016. There were risks in luring him from Dortmund. He was in recovery from a knee injury. He ruptured a cruciate ligament two months after making his City debut.

Guardiola kept faith not only in a fit Gundogan as high-energy marshal from deep in midfield, but as a player who could extend his repertoire. In five seasons with Dortmund – where he reached a Champions League final in 2013, converting the equaliser from the penalty spot on the way to a 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich – he never registered more than four goals in a season.

Since Guardiola began to encourage Gundogan to maximise his impact in the opposition penalty box, he has thrived as a finisher.

In 2020-21 he was City’s top goalscorer, a fact that made his selection as the deepest, only holding midfielder in the XI who lined up to face Chelsea in the Champions League final that season seem even more bizarre. Guardiola’s decision to start both Fernandinho and Rodri on the bench would be heavily criticised after Chelsea won 1-0.

In the two years since, Gundogan has been better protected, Rodri now a mainstay anchoring midfield, John Stones reinforcing that zone. A liberated Gundogan is a chief beneficiary.

Last weekend he passed double figures for goals in a season for the third campaign running, getting there after only 12 seconds of the FA Cup final against Manchester United, and later adding City’s winning goal.

That dramatic early strike at Wembley would have appealed to Calhanoglu, a specialist in long-range shooting. Calhanoglu is also an expert with a dead ball, with direct free-kicks or pinpoint deliveries for teammates to make use of.

A Calhanoglu corner set up Edin Dzeko’s early opening goal in the first leg of the semi-final against Milan, with Inter in charge of the tie from then on.

But, like Guardiola with Gundogan, Inzaghi has stimulated Calhanoglu to discover other fortes. When Mario Brozovic, long-term anchor of Inter’s midfield, suffered injury earlier this season, Calhanoglu was asked to retreat to a deeper role. He made accomplished work of it.

His sense of belonging and progress at Inter was endorsed this week with his committing to extend his contract there.

By contrast, Gundogan, having won five Premier Leagues with City, is considering moving on, seeking another challenge.

If, in his third Champions League final, he at last collects the European medal that has eluded him, he can regard his City adventure as totally fulfilled.

Man City v Man United: player ratings

MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Stefan Ortega – 7: Little chance with Fernandes’s penalty. Unflustered throughout and distributed the ball well. EPA
MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Stefan Ortega – 7: Little chance with Fernandes’s penalty. Unflustered throughout and distributed the ball well. EPA
Kyle Walker – 6: Handled Rashford’s pace well and wasn’t really put under any pressure until Garnacho came on. Fluffed a clearance to let Rashford in with a chance. AP
Kyle Walker – 6: Handled Rashford’s pace well and wasn’t really put under any pressure until Garnacho came on. Fluffed a clearance to let Rashford in with a chance. AP
Ruben Dias – 7: In almost total command of his back line. The Portuguese defender oozed authority and class. Getty
Ruben Dias – 7: In almost total command of his back line. The Portuguese defender oozed authority and class. Getty
John Stones - 7: Another assured performance from the England international. Moved between the lines with ease and made a couple of vital interceptions. Reuters
John Stones - 7: Another assured performance from the England international. Moved between the lines with ease and made a couple of vital interceptions. Reuters
Manuel Akanji – 7: Shook off a horrible tackle from Casemiro to put in a shift of unfussy quality and composure. AFP
Manuel Akanji – 7: Shook off a horrible tackle from Casemiro to put in a shift of unfussy quality and composure. AFP
Rodri – 7: Went close to doubling City’s lead with a clever header early on. Found himself outnumbered by United at times as the game went on but barely put a foot wrong. AFP
Rodri – 7: Went close to doubling City’s lead with a clever header early on. Found himself outnumbered by United at times as the game went on but barely put a foot wrong. AFP
Bernardo Silva – 6: Didn’t get much change out of Luke Shaw but did keep the United left-back occupied to blunt his attacking threat. PA
Bernardo Silva – 6: Didn’t get much change out of Luke Shaw but did keep the United left-back occupied to blunt his attacking threat. PA
Kevin De Bruyne – 8: A quiet first half but clocked up two assists and should have earned a penalty when he was brought down by Fred as he burst into the box. AFP
Kevin De Bruyne – 8: A quiet first half but clocked up two assists and should have earned a penalty when he was brought down by Fred as he burst into the box. AFP
Ilkay Gundogan – 10: A masterclass from the City captain. His volleyed opener with his right foot was perfection and his second goal was a clever finish with his left. The definition of a big-game player. PA
Ilkay Gundogan – 10: A masterclass from the City captain. His volleyed opener with his right foot was perfection and his second goal was a clever finish with his left. The definition of a big-game player. PA
Jack Grealish – 6: Didn’t make his usual impact as Wan-Bissaka kept him under wraps for the most part. Was unlucky to concede the penalty. Getty
Jack Grealish – 6: Didn’t make his usual impact as Wan-Bissaka kept him under wraps for the most part. Was unlucky to concede the penalty. Getty
Erling Haaland – 6: Kept United’s back line busy throughout but his finishing was below par. PA
Erling Haaland – 6: Kept United’s back line busy throughout but his finishing was below par. PA
SUBS: Phil Foden (On for De Bruyne, 76’) – 6: A lively cameo from the young Englishman. AFP
SUBS: Phil Foden (On for De Bruyne, 76’) – 6: A lively cameo from the young Englishman. AFP
Nathan Ake (On for Grealish, 89’) – N/A. Aymeric Laporte (On for Walker, 90+4’) N/A. Reuters
Nathan Ake (On for Grealish, 89’) – N/A. Aymeric Laporte (On for Walker, 90+4’) N/A. Reuters
MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David De Gea - 5: Stood stunned as Gundogan’s right footed volley flew past him. His long balls forward were found by blue shirts too often, but he struggled going short too. Should have done better for City’s second. Saved from De Bruyne just after hour mark. Getty
MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David De Gea - 5: Stood stunned as Gundogan’s right footed volley flew past him. His long balls forward were found by blue shirts too often, but he struggled going short too. Should have done better for City’s second. Saved from De Bruyne just after hour mark. Getty
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 7: Headed a ball across the City goal, which Grealish handled to concede a penalty. One of the few effective United players in the first half. Booked for a tackle on Grealish. AFP
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 7: Headed a ball across the City goal, which Grealish handled to concede a penalty. One of the few effective United players in the first half. Booked for a tackle on Grealish. AFP
Victor Lindelof - 6: Not alert enough for the opening goal and had his hands full with Haaland. Struck by an object thrown from fans after the United penalty, his outstretched leg sent a City ball heading towards his own goal 10 minutes after break. AFP
Victor Lindelof - 6: Not alert enough for the opening goal and had his hands full with Haaland. Struck by an object thrown from fans after the United penalty, his outstretched leg sent a City ball heading towards his own goal 10 minutes after break. AFP
Raphael Varane - 6: Turned by Haaland who then shot for goal after 20. Had a chance just before break but wasn’t balanced to get a shot on target. It was the type of chance United needed to score to win. Stopped Haaland scoring in front of the 83,179 crowd. Getty
Raphael Varane - 6: Turned by Haaland who then shot for goal after 20. Had a chance just before break but wasn’t balanced to get a shot on target. It was the type of chance United needed to score to win. Stopped Haaland scoring in front of the 83,179 crowd. Getty
Luke Shaw - 6: Difficult for him as City were so effective pressing United back, but he spotted Silva’s runs and did well up against the Portuguese. AFP
Luke Shaw - 6: Difficult for him as City were so effective pressing United back, but he spotted Silva’s runs and did well up against the Portuguese. AFP
Casemiro - 6: Man of the match in the League Cup final, he didn’t have the same impact though he smelled danger to clear a Haaland attack later in first half. Passes went astray, but he’s still a top performer and important for United in the near future. Getty
Casemiro - 6: Man of the match in the League Cup final, he didn’t have the same impact though he smelled danger to clear a Haaland attack later in first half. Passes went astray, but he’s still a top performer and important for United in the near future. Getty
Fred - 5: Won the ball ahead of De Bruyne in the first half, made a silly challenge on the same player at the start of the second, which led to a free-kick and City’s second. Booked for a foul on Grealish. He’s been man of the match against City in the past. He was far from that on Saturday. AFP
Fred - 5: Won the ball ahead of De Bruyne in the first half, made a silly challenge on the same player at the start of the second, which led to a free-kick and City’s second. Booked for a foul on Grealish. He’s been man of the match against City in the past. He was far from that on Saturday. AFP
Christian Eriksen - 5: Stopped a 22nd minute attack, but largely ineffective since he needs the ball to create. And his side didn’t have it enough. AP
Christian Eriksen - 5: Stopped a 22nd minute attack, but largely ineffective since he needs the ball to create. And his side didn’t have it enough. AP
Bruno Fernandes - 6: Careless to give the ball to Grealish after 5, but stepped up to finish the first-half penalty, side footing calmly past Ortega to level the score. Did well to get a cross late in game. PA
Bruno Fernandes - 6: Careless to give the ball to Grealish after 5, but stepped up to finish the first-half penalty, side footing calmly past Ortega to level the score. Did well to get a cross late in game. PA
Marcus Rashford - 5: Central and on the left. Often had two defenders with him. Tame header towards goal midway through first half. Made key runs in difficult circumstances, ran back to win the ball after 66. Struck shot well moments later, but flew over. EPA
Marcus Rashford - 5: Central and on the left. Often had two defenders with him. Tame header towards goal midway through first half. Made key runs in difficult circumstances, ran back to win the ball after 66. Struck shot well moments later, but flew over. EPA
Jadon Sancho - 5: Played as a central striker at times and had a couple of half-chances and encouraging runs as he tried to weave through City, though it was difficult against Walker and Rodri. Booed by fans of his former club when he came off late in game. AP
Jadon Sancho - 5: Played as a central striker at times and had a couple of half-chances and encouraging runs as he tried to weave through City, though it was difficult against Walker and Rodri. Booed by fans of his former club when he came off late in game. AP
SUBS: Alejandro Garnacho (Eriksen, 61') - 7: Arrival cheered by fans who knew their side needed to be bolder. Clever run, touch and shot wide on 72. United pushed on with him. Getty
SUBS: Alejandro Garnacho (Eriksen, 61') - 7: Arrival cheered by fans who knew their side needed to be bolder. Clever run, touch and shot wide on 72. United pushed on with him. Getty
Wout Weghorst (Sancho, 77') N/A: United had gone long for most of the match, so arrival was little surprise. Likely to be his final appearance for United. Reuters
Wout Weghorst (Sancho, 77') N/A: United had gone long for most of the match, so arrival was little surprise. Likely to be his final appearance for United. Reuters
Scott McTominay (Lindelof, 82') N/A: Came close to scoring near the end. AFP
Scott McTominay (Lindelof, 82') N/A: Came close to scoring near the end. AFP
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
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The tours 
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Day 1, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Dimuth Karunaratne had batted with plenty of pluck, and no little skill, in getting to within seven runs of a first-day century. Then, while he ran what he thought was a comfortable single to mid-on, his batting partner Dinesh Chandimal opted to stay at home. The opener was run out by the length of the pitch.

Stat of the day - 1 One six was hit on Day 1. The boundary was only breached 18 times in total over the course of the 90 overs. When it did arrive, the lone six was a thing of beauty, as Niroshan Dickwella effortlessly clipped Mohammed Amir over the square-leg boundary.

The verdict Three wickets down at lunch, on a featherbed wicket having won the toss, and Sri Lanka’s fragile confidence must have been waning. Then Karunaratne and Chandimal's alliance of precisely 100 gave them a foothold in the match. Dickwella’s free-spirited strokeplay meant the Sri Lankans were handily placed at 227 for four at the close.

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Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

Zayed Sustainability Prize
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Price, base: Dh1,731,672

Engine: 6.5-litre V12

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm

Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm

Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km

New schools in Dubai
Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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How to help or find other cats to adopt
More on Palestine-Israeli relations
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On Women's Day
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:

Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 

Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto 

Power: 1,600hp

Torque: 1,600Nm

0-100kph in 2.4seconds

0-200kph in 5.8 seconds

0-300kph in 12.1 seconds

Top speed: 440kph

Price: Dh13,200,000

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:

Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 

Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto 

Power: 1,500hp

Torque: 1,600Nm

0-100kph in 2.3 seconds

0-200kph in 5.5 seconds

0-300kph in 11.8 seconds

Top speed: 350kph

Price: Dh13,600,000

Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)

Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)

MUSEUMS & SOCIETY
If you go

The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.

The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Racecard
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Recommended
ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

Federer's 19 grand slam titles

Australian Open (5 titles) - 2004 bt Marat Safin; 2006 bt Marcos Baghdatis; 2007 bt Fernando Gonzalez; 2010 bt Andy Murray; 2017 bt Rafael Nadal

French Open (1 title) - 2009 bt Robin Soderling

Wimbledon (8 titles) - 2003 bt Mark Philippoussis; 2004 bt Andy Roddick; 2005 bt Andy Roddick; 2006 bt Rafael Nadal; 2007 bt Rafael Nadal; 2009 bt Andy Roddick; 2012 bt Andy Murray; 2017 bt Marin Cilic

US Open (5 titles) - 2004 bt Lleyton Hewitt; 2005 bt Andre Agassi; 2006 bt Andy Roddick; 2007 bt Novak Djokovic; 2008 bt Andy Murray

While you're here
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Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

A German university was a good fit for the family budget

Annual fees for the Technical University of Munich - £600

Shared rental accommodation per month depending on the location ranges between  £200-600

The family had budgeted for food, books, travel, living expenses - £20,000 annually

Overall costs in Germany are lower than the family estimated 

As proof that the student has the ability to take care of expenses, international students must open a blocked account with about £8,640

Students are permitted to withdraw £720 per month

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
If you go

 

  • The nearest international airport to the start of the Chuysky Trakt is in Novosibirsk. Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer codeshare flights with S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow for US$5,300 (Dh19,467) return including taxes. Cheaper flights are available on Flydubai and Air Astana or Aeroflot combination, flying via Astana in Kazakhstan or Moscow. Economy class tickets are available for US$650 (Dh2,400).
  • The Double Tree by Hilton in Novosibirsk ( 7 383 2230100,) has double rooms from US$60 (Dh220). You can rent cabins at camp grounds or rooms in guesthouses in the towns for around US$25 (Dh90).
  • The transport Minibuses run along the Chuysky Trakt but if you want to stop for sightseeing, hire a taxi from Gorno-Altaisk for about US$100 (Dh360) a day. Take a Russian phrasebook or download a translation app. Tour companies such as  Altair-Tour ( 7 383 2125115 ) offer hiking and adventure packages.
Plastic tipping point
School uniforms report
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
War and the virus
Main report
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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

War on waste
The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
On Women's Day
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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

Updated: June 08, 2023, 10:49 AM`
Manchester CityPremier LeaguePep Guardiola