Ahead of City's return to the Principality Stadium for Sunday's Community Shield clash with ***** nal, we rewind back to August 2003, when two worlds collided in the UEFA Cup…
Words: David Clayton
Legendary Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling perhaps summed up Welsh club Total Network Solutions' somewhat bizarre club name in one hilarious moment several years ago.
It wasn't anything to do with their game against City, he was just affectionately highlighting how a football club had been be named after a fibre optic installation company over their original name, Llansantffraid F.C.
They were the first club to adopt their sponsor's name as their club name but were forced to play any European games as TNS due to sponsorship rules.

#ahead #principality #stadium

NICE, France (AP) — Dutchwoman Demi Vollering is defending the race leader's yellow jersey as the final stage of the Tour de France got underway on Sunday.
The 2023 champion is looking to win the race for the second time but only has a slender lead of 8 seconds over Polish rider Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney, the 2024 champion, and 1 minute, 12 seconds over Marlen Reusser in third overall.
Two years ago, Niewiadoma-Phinney claimed her first Tour **** le in dramatic manner on a final day mountain stage, beating Vollering by just four seconds overall in a thrilling finish.
The 29-year-old Vollering has won all three Grand Tours, including two Spanish Vueltas and the Giro d'Italia in June.
Stage 9 is just under 100 kilometers (62 miles) long and features four loops around the southeast city of Nice and four sharp climbs of Col d'Èze, nestled in the hills overlooking the tiny Principality of Monaco.

#seconds #nice #race

Charlotte Casiraghi turns 40 on Monday, August 3, and the milestone finds her in one of the most fulfilling periods of her life. Princess Caroline of Monaco's daughter is in love with novelist Nicolas Mathieu, has published her first solo book, and is taking on a more visible role at the principality's most important events.
Charlotte Casiraghi turns 40 on August 3, entering a new chapter shaped by love, family, and a growing public role in Monaco. (GC Images)
Long known for guarding her privacy, Charlotte now appears more settled and self-assured. As she balances family life, philosophy, literature, and official duties, she is shaping a path of her own while carrying forward the elegance and cultural legacy of her grandmother, Grace Kelly.
Although she does not hold the ***** le of princess, Charlotte has become a familiar presence at Monaco's most important official events. (Corbis via Getty Images)
Princess Caroline of Monaco's daughter appears to be happier and more at peace than ever. Always discreet, yet surrounded by an air of elegance and mystery, she has found a balance among her personal life, professional pursuits, and official responsibilities. After years of rarely appearing alongside the Grimaldis, she has become an important source of support for her uncle, Prince Albert. He increasingly relies on his nieces and nephews to help represent the principality at official events, including Monaco's National Day celebrations.

#charlotte #princess #life #casiraghi

Liverpool have approached Monaco over the potential signing of Maghnes Akliouche (24) during the summer transfer window, according to a report from Sky. The French international attacker has been a priority target for Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Les Parisiens have sent several offers to the principality club to try and secure the 24-year-old's services but they have thus far failed to strike an agreement. The French champions' latest offer was believed to be in the region of €40m.
It is no secret Liverpool aim to recruit an attacker this summer and that pursuit continues. The Anfield club have contacted Monaco to understand the Frenchman's availability. It remains to be seen whether Les Monégasques will be receptive to the Reds' interest.
GFFN | Liam Wraith

#summer #Liverpool #attacker

AS Monaco's Radoslaw Majecki (26) is set to join Cypriot side Pafos on a season-long loan deal, according to a report from L'Équipe.
Majecki spent last season on loan at Stade Brestois, but endured a difficult campaign at the Stade Francis Le Blé. By the end of the campaign, he had lost his place in the side. He returned to Monaco at the end of the season but he won't remain with the Principality club. Lukas Hradecky remains the No.1 at the Stade Louis, whilst Philipp Kohn remains the No.2 choice.
There are no prospects of the Polish keeper playing for Les Monégasques next season and as a result, he is now set for a season-long loan to Pafos in Cyprus.
L'Équipe understands that Majecki has been authorised to travel to Cyprus in order to undergo a medical and complete the deal. No buy option will be included in the goalkeeper's loan deal.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

In just over a month, Enzo Maresca will take charge of his first official match as the manager of Manchester City. City take on ******* nal in the FA Community Shield at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, August 16, following their preseason tour of Asia. Ahead of that match and the beginning of his first preseason as Manchester City's manager, Enzo Maresca now has his coaching staff all in place. All of the pieces needed for Maresca to begin a new era at City are now in place.
Last week, Manchester City confirmed the coaches that will join the club as members of Enzo Maresca's backroom staff. Roberto Vitiello, Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Denis Silva and Javier Molina have all joined the club. The only two coaches remaining from Pep Guardiola's staff will be set-piece coach James French and goalkeeping coach Richard Wright. Each member of Enzo Maresca's coaching staff has worked with him previously, which will help Maresca begin his tenure as Manchester City manager with staff that he knows well.
With his coaching staff in place, Enzo Maresca now has all of the tools he needs in place to begin his time as Manchester City manager. Maresca will be surrounded by coaches that he has worked with previously. This should aid Maresca in quickly getting his philosophy across to the City squad, which will hopefully accelerate the bedding in process that Maresca will face with his new team.
With Enzo Maresca bringing in an entirely new group of coaches, there is a fresh feel to Manchester City. They are embarking on a new era, one without Pep Guardiola at the helm. Maresca will only have two of Pep Guardiola's staff at the club, which does allow him clean air in which to work. This can only be a positive for Enzo Maresca. While Pep Guardiola's presence will forever loom over City, Maresca will have a team in place to help him get his ideas across.
Manchester City have confirmed the coaches that will work with Enzo Maresca. All of the pieces are now in place for the Italian manager to get to work as the 2026-27 season looms around the corner.

Despite relegation to Ligue 2, FC Nantes continue to hold out for a big bid for Matthis Abline (23). As per a report from L'Équipe Les Canaris have rejected another offer for the France youth international.
Last summer, Nantes valued Abline between €40-50m. Despite interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Paris FC, notably, that valuation was not met and so he consequently remained at the Beaujoire. The Frenchman had a middling season, however (34 games, eight goals) as Nantes were relegated from Ligue 1.
His future is once again a hot topic. He has already been the subject of a bid from AS Monaco worth €20m. The Principality club remain in contact with their counterparts at Nantes. They face strong competition from Paris FC, who have retained their long-term interest and submitted a €23m bid, as per L'Équipe. It is an offer that has once again been rejected.
However, there is a sign that Nantes are budging on their valuation. The Loire-based club expected a minimum of €30m, down from the €40m touted last summer and cited as recently as last month.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Principality Stadium bosses say they are ready to host the proposed heavyweight fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh, who is coordinating the all-British bout, wants to stage the fight in the UK but at a time to maximise a global TV audience.
If the fight was timed to suit prime time audiences in the United States, the main event could start as late as 04:00 GMT.
That would mean Wembley Stadium, the preferred option, would require special permission from the local London authority to remain open beyond the usual 23:00 curfew.
But the Welsh Rugby Union is now ready to step in to host the highly-anticipated fight if Wembley cannot stay open.

AS Monaco have completed the signing of Aymen ***** ab (17). The midfielder joins on a free transfer after he opted against signing a first professional contract at formative club Paris Saint-Germain.
Assab did not make a first-team appearance for Les Parisiens, but he is very highly rated thanks to his performances at youth level. He notably impressed in the UEFA Youth League last season, whilst he also won the U19 league and the Coupe Gambardella.
Upon announcing ***** ab’s signing on Monday, the Principality club confirmed that the midfielder would initially train with the first team. He will be observed by new Monaco manager Filipe Luis, whose arrival at the club was also officialised on Monday. He will participate in his first session with the pros on Wednesday.
The duration of the France U18 international’s contract with Les Monégasques has not been revealed.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Dennis Schmitt has been named the new manager of AS Monaco’s youth side, known as the Groupe Élite.
Last season, the Principality club’s Groupe Élite was managed by Djimi Traoré as the club took part in the UEFA Youth League. However, it was announced at the end of the season that Traoré would leave his role as manager of Monaco’s youth side.
Les Monégasques have moved swiftly in finding a replacement. Schmitt, who last season had an interim spell in charge of Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, has joined the club, it was confirmed on Friday.
At the Principality club, Schmitt will be joined by Sofyane Cherfa, who will occupy the ****** istant role. The Franco-Algerian played more than 300 matches at professional level.
With the senior side missing out on qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, there will be no Youth League football for Les Monégasques in the coming campaign.

Last week, Manchester City confirmed the signing of Mathys Detourbet (17) from ESTAC Troyes. The Frenchman has now joined AS Monaco on loan, it has been confirmed.
Detourbet was one of the key pillars of an ESTAC side that secured promotion back to Ligue 1. In 27 games in all competitions, he has scored four goals and registered seven ******* ists. The playmaker came through the ranks at Troyes and had been drawing significant interest.
Manchester City, the mothership of the City Group, of which Troyes are also a part, opted to sign him but have now sent him directly out on loan to Ligue 1 club Monaco.
Announcing the transfer, the Principality club revealed that they have the option to extend the loan by a further year and should they do so, they would also have the option to make Detourbet’s move permanent.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Get French Football News understands that Sadibou Sané (21) will sign a five-year deal at AS Monaco after a deal was struck with his current club, FC Metz.
Foot Mercato understands that the deal that will take the Senegal international to the Principality club is worth around €10m, including bonuses. A deal between all parties has been close for several days, GFFN understands. The defender is now set to undergo his medical, iron out the finer details and sign with Les Monégasques.
It looks set to be a very busy start of July for Monaco. As well as the impending arrival of Sané, GFFN understands that the arrival of Filipe Luis as the club’s new manager is also imminent. Mathys Detourbet, whose move from ESTAC Troyes to Manchester City was confirmed over the weekend, is also set to join on loan, whilst ****** nho is set to join from Cercle Brugge.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Mercedes have withdrawn their appeal against George Russell's time penalty at the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this month.
Russell was one of five drivers punished for pit-lane speeding in the principality on June 7, and a failure by Mercedes to serve his penalty correctly meant he was also hit by a drive-through sanction which dropped him out of the points.
Championship leaders Mercedes served a 'right of review' when Alpine's Pierre Gasly had his Monaco podium reinstated after Formula One's governing body accepted there were inaccuracies over the pit-lane speeding measurements.
Gasly had been demoted from third to seventh after he was given two separate five-second time penalties.
McLaren, whose driver Oscar Piastri had already served time penalties for the same offence earlier in the race, and Red Bull have lodged separate protests with the FIA Court of Appeal and they are ongoing, but Mercedes have opted not to pursue the matter.

Kim Kardashian was present in the Monaco Grand Prix paddock on Saturday, publicly supporting Lewis Hamilton as he vied for his first pole position with Ferrari.
The 41-year-old racing driver's relationship with the reality television star has been a subject of speculation since the beginning of the year, with Kardashian making their romance 'Instagram official' just this week.
Her arrival in Monte Carlo, however, marked her first appearance in the Formula One paddock since the pair began their relationship.
Hamilton will undoubtedly be hoping to commemorate their joint F1 debut with a coveted maiden pole position for Ferrari.
The principality's slow-speed, twisty circuit is widely considered to play to Ferrari's strengths, and Hamilton demonstrated this potential by finishing 0.111 seconds ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc during Friday's practice session.