James Milner confirms it was Liverpool's decision not to offer him a new contract, against the judgment of manager Jurgen Klopp. The 37-year-old is expected to join Brighton on a free transfer.

Max Verstappen saw off Fernando Alonso to take pole position in a scintillating qualifying session for the Monaco Grand Prix. Alonso’s Aston Martin mechanics celebrated wildly after it appeared as though the 41-year-old Spaniard had taken his first pole in 11 years. F1 grid: Starting positions for Monaco Grand Prix But Verstappen delivered a mesmerising final sector in Monte Carlo to take top spot with his final throw of the dice, beating Alonso by just 0.084 seconds. Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari but received a three-place grid drop for impeding Lando Norris, so starts sixth with Esteban Ocon in third and Carlos Sainz fourth. Lewis Hamilton qualified sixth for Mercedes, two places ahead of team-mate George Russell, but starts in fifth due to Leclerc’s penalty - with Sergio Perez set to start Sunday’s 78-lap race from last place after he crashed out. Follow updates from the Monaco Grand Prix with The Independent - the race starts at 2pm (BST). Read More F1 grid: Starting positions for Monaco Grand Prix Max Verstappen fends off Fernando Alonso to take stunning pole in Monaco Lewis Hamilton makes joyous revelation despite Monaco qualifying result

Paul Konchesky has left his position as West Ham manager after the Women’s Super League season ended on Saturday. The former England defender, who made 70 appearances for the Hammers, was promoted from assistant in May 2022 when boss Olli Harder departed the club. Konchesky signed a two-year deal, but has left the Hammers after just 29 games in charge, with the club finishing eighth in the WSL table following a 2-2 draw at home to London rivals Tottenham in their final match of the campaign. “I am proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to manage this club,” Konchesky told the club’s official website. “My players and my staff have always given me 100 per cent and while some of our results have been disappointing this season, we still have a lot to be proud of, including reaching the semi-final of the Conti Cup. I wish the club well for the future.” West Ham Women general manager Aidan Boxall said: “We would like to thank Paul for his contribution to the club, both as manager and during his spell as assistant manager. “He has played a key role in the ongoing development of the women’s team and we wish him well for the future.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

There are plenty of clear favorites heading into the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500

Lewis Hamilton has become not only a household name, but one of the most successful drivers in the history of Formula One. The Brit holds a number of records, including the joint-most wins of the Driver's World Championship (seven times), the most race wins (103) and most podium finishes (192). It started when his father, Anthony Hamilton, bought him a go-kart aged six after the youngster faced racism and bullying in school, and he quickly excelled through the ranks into a worldwide sensation - even receiving a knighthood from the then-Prince of Wales for services to motorsport. Hamilton continues to compete for Mercedes, however, there is speculation a Ferrari future could be on the horizon for the champion. Click here to sign up for our newsletters.

Luton captain Tom Lockyer has thanked medical staff for their “swift and thorough response” after collapsing during his side’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final victory against Coventry. The defender fell to the floor while running back during the match and received treatment before being carried off the pitch on a stretcher. The game went to penalties after Jordan Clark’s opener was cancelled out by Gustavo Hamer to finish 1-1 after extra time, and the Hatters secured Premier League football for next season with a 6-5 victory on penalties. Luton players held up Lockyer’s shirt throughout their celebrations and the captain posted an update on Instagram. He said: “Well not quite where I thought I’d be celebrating at the final whistle! “I would just like to say a massive thank you to the amazing physios and doctors at Luton and Wembley for the swift and thorough response. “A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure! “Commiserations to Coventry a fantastic opponent over 3 games which had to be decided by penalties. “I am currently in hospital under precaution and will stay here overnight for further tests in the morning. “I am feeling very much myself, helped by the way the lads left it all out on pitch! It’s such an honour to be part of this team.. Premier League baby.” A thrilling finale at Wembley saw victory secure a return to the top flight for Luton for the first time since 1992. It is a remarkable turnaround given just nine years ago the Hatters ended a five-season stretch in the fifth tier, but manager Rob Edwards admitted emotions were “mixed” afterwards following Lockyer’s collapse. “I felt a bit numb. I just made sure I shook Mark’s hand and his staff,” Edwards said. “I don’t want to be that guy that just starts running off and celebrating before I’ve seen the other manager. “I just felt very numb. I still do. It hasn’t sunk in quite yet. It might take a few days, but it’s great. It does feel good. “It was mixed because of Locks (Lockyer), that’s why I couldn’t really go for it celebrating.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ethan Pinnock signs new four-year contract at Brentford Opening batter Ben Duckett backed to thrive long-term in second England chance Aryna Sabalenka to begin French Open against player who ‘hates’ her

Ethan Pinnock has signed a new four-year contract at Brentford. The defender, who turns 30 on Monday, will now stay with the Bees until the summer of 2027. Pinnock joined Brentford from Barnsley in 2019 and has made 153 appearances for the club. Bees boss Thomas Frank told the club’s official website: “This is great news for Brentford and I am incredibly pleased that we have Ethan with us for four more years, I am sure our fans are delighted. “Ethan has been a mountain in defence for us for the last four years. He played a key role in our journey to the top half of the Premier League. He is a top, top player and a great person. “He has stepped seamlessly in the Premier League and it is an amazing story for him, and for football, that he can progress from non-league to the top of the game so quickly. “He has proven himself to be a typical Brentford signing, he meets every challenge he faces and we think there is still more development for him. “Ethan has been so reliable and consistent for us and I am sure that will continue. He will be spending the prime years of his career with us and we look forward to him helping the team be successful in the coming seasons.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Formula One’s Fernando Alonso has reignited his alleged love of flowers ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, by uploading a video of himself to TikTok watering them at a restaurant. Just weeks ago the Aston Martin was caught sniffing flowers and now appears to be playing into the viral moment at any opportunity, branding himself as the ‘flower padre’. Alonso will start second behind Max Verstappen at today’s race (28 May), after losing out on Pole by 0.084s. Click here to sign up for our newsletters.

Carlo Ancelotti admits he does not know what the future holds for Marco Asensio at Real Madrid but would be disappointed if the Spaniard left the club this summer. PSG are understood to be in advanced talks over a move on a free transfer.

Southampton and Liverpool bring respective disappointing campaigns to an end on Sunday when they meet at St Mary's.

Xavi admits that Barcelona must find a top quality replacement to replace Sergio Busquets in the midfield anchor role. The 34-year-old is leaving Camp Nou as a free agent 15 years after breaking into the first team.

Erik ten Hag admits he expects Marcus Rashford to renew his contract at Manchester United this summer. The 25-year-old has scored 30 goals in all competitions during 2022/23, becoming the first player since Robin van Persie in 2013 to do so.