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Wednesday's briefing: Van Dijk prays for injured fans and Earps retires


Wednesday's briefing: Van Dijk prays for injured fans and Earps retires

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said his "thoughts and prayers" were with everyone affected after a car ploughed into the crowd at the Premier League champions' parade.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca backed his young side to silence their critics by following up Champions League qualification with victory in Wednesday's Conference League final.

Englad goalkeeper Mary Earps retired just a month before the European Championship while Ruben Amorim closed in on a new Manchester United signing.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is "praying for a speedy recovery" for those hurt after after a car struck pedestrians following the Reds' Premier League trophy parade on Monday, with more than 50 people injured - including one child who was seriously hurt.

Merseyside Police said a 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 11 people remained in hospital and were said to be in stable condition. More than 50 people were initially taken to hospital, with others treated at the scene.

Van Dijk wrote on an Instagram Story: "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. Praying for a speedy recovery for everyone who suffered injuries. We are all with you."

Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold, former captain Steven Gerrard and ex-manager Jurgen Klopp all expressed their sadness and horror at the incident on social media.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca told his team they can defy their critics and demonstrate beyond doubt they have come of age when they face Real Betis in Wednesday's Conference League final in Wroclaw.

The Italian issued a stinging rebuke on Sunday to those he believes had lacked faith in his squad - the youngest in Premier League history - after their 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest secured Champions League football for next season, telling anyone who had doubted his team to "eff off."

Defender Levi Colwill also swore during a post-match media interview and Maresca said: "I think it's a good feeling that the players react when there are some critics. Levi's reaction, my reaction, was just an outburst for the moment.

"In our bad moments in February and March when we dropped points many people were talking, and from our point of view they were not talking in the right way."

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football with immediate effect.

The 32-year-old was number one in the Lionesses side that won Euro 2022 and reached the World Cup final the following year.

Earps joined Paris St Germain from Manchester United last year and her decision to stand down, after earning 53 caps, comes ahead of this summer's European Championship in Switzerland.

She said: "I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive."

Manchester United have been granted permission by Wolves to finalise a deal to sign Matheus Cunha, the PA news agency understands.

The 26-year-old has been a key target for the Red Devils as Ruben Amorim looks to reshape the team on the back of the club's worst season in 51 years.

United had sought to negotiate with Wolves over the terms of Cunha's deal but have now met the Brazil international's £62.5million release clause and been given permission to start a medical.

Meanwhile, head coach Ruben Amorim stressed the importance of keeping key building block Bruno Fernandes as United look to make summer improvements within their financial restrictions.

Chelsea take on Real Betis in the Conference League final in Wroclaw (8pm), with Enzo Maresca's side bidding to become the first club to complete the full set of major European trophies.

The Londoners have been heavy favourites to win the competition all season, while Spanish side Betis are hoping to lift their first European trophy.

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