Pablo López pitched his first career shutout, a four-hitter complete with a career-high 12 strikeouts, in the Minnesota Twins’ 4-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night

Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain paid tribute to the “inspirational” Ilkay Gundogan after the midfielder’s long-expected free transfer to Barcelona was confirmed. The treble-winning captain turned down the chance to stay at City and is set to sign with Barca, who have set his buyout clause at 400million euros (£342m), until 2025 following the expiration of his existing contract. Gundogan, who was manager Pep Guardiola’s first signing in July 2016, signed off in style by lifting the Champions League earlier this month after victory over Inter Milan in his 304th and final appearance. “Ilkay has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City, and he leaves our club on a very special high having captained us to a historic treble,” said Begiristain. “He has played a huge part in the successes we have enjoyed in recent seasons and Ilkay’s intelligence, leadership and commitment to the club – both on and off the field – has been an inspiration to everyone. “Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career.” During his seven years at City Gundogan won the Premier League five times, in addition to two FA Cups – this season scoring the quickest goal in final history at 12 seconds – four League Cups and the Champions League. “I have been lucky to have experienced so many unforgettable moments in my time here and to have been captain for this extra-special season has been the greatest experience of my career,” said the former Germany international. “First, I would like to thank Pep. To have been able to play under and learn from him for so long has been something I will never forget. “I would also like to thank all my team-mates – past and present – who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing. “Finally, I would like to thank the incredible City fans. They have supported me from the moment I arrived, and I owe them all so much for their support. “This club made me realise all my dreams and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity.”

Steve Clarke savoured the chance to celebrate Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualification with the Hampden crowd after his side rounded off their campaign with a “strange” 3-3 draw against Norway. Scotland had qualified with two games to spare and finished second behind Spain in Group A after a second consecutive draw ensured they have only lost once in the section. The players, including injured captain Andy Robertson, did a lap of honour afterwards to mark their achievement. Clarke said: “It was nice – and nice for the supporters – to say thank you to the team, a nice night for the team and staff to thank the supporters. “It’s always nice to qualify for a major tournament. Obviously the last one was Covid-restricted so we missed that connection and that feel with the fans. “It’s great for everyone in the country that we have something to look forward to next summer.” Clarke’s side twice came from behind in the first half through John McGinn’s penalty and an own goal before Stuart Armstrong netted a well-worked goal to out them in front just before the hour mark. However, former Celtic winger Mohamed Elyounoussi came off the bench to head home in the 86th minute as Norway scored their third goal from a cross originating from right-back Julian Ryerson. “It was a strange game,” Clarke said. “I need to go away and analyse it. “What we have worked really hard at is being competitive, being a competitive team every time we go on to the pitch. “That’s why I was a little bit disappointed with the first half, I didn’t think we were competitive enough. Much more competitive second half. “We are Scotland, we have a certain way of playing, we like to play on the front foot.” A two-goal win would have put Scotland in pot two for the December 2 draw, although they are arguably better off in pot three given they will now avoid the likes of the Netherlands, Italy and Croatia. “I’m not bothered,” Clarke said. “I don’t know even know who else is in pot three and pot two. I’m sure I will find out when I get to Hamburg.” Norway head coach Stale Solbakken felt his side should have been ahead at half-time but feels Scotland will pose problems in Germany. “Overall we were the better team and should have won but it’s not easy, Scotland are always very well organised,” he added. “They have a great coach and have very disciplined players who know their strengths and limitations. That’s very important – they play to their strengths and don’t pretend to be something else. “They also have tournament experience so I think they can be a handful for everyone next summer. They also play two systems which is valuable. “There will be no easy games for those teams who meet Scotland.” Read More Gareth Southgate targeting top of the world as England drive for Euros glory Rico Lewis hopes his versatility helps him make late push for Euro 2024 squad Declan Rice putting pressure of price tag behind him to pursue biggest prizes Trevor Lawrence leads Jacksonville Jaguars to victory against Tennessee Titans Scotland sign off on successful Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with six-goal thriller Ludvig Aberg keen to ‘love golf for long time’ after clinching RSM Classic title

There are a lot of new faces on the team that finished with the worst record in the NFL in 2022. The Chicago Bears still have some work to do.Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has been a popular subject this offseason. The player who ran for the second-most yards by a quarterback in a sing...

Dan Snyder has agreed to sell the Washington Commanders to 76ers owner Josh Harris, but the final piece of Snyder's NFL exit still needs to come through.Dan Snyder's embarrassing tenure as the owner of the Washington Commanders is just about over.On Friday, Snyder and Josh Harris a...

From one NBA legend to another, Kevin Durant celebrated Carmelo Anthony's retirement in the best way possible.One can generally tell how close two friends are based on the pictures in their respective camera rolls. If that's the case, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony were the best of b...

The Kansas City Royals unveiled detailed plans for two dramatically different locations for a replacement to the aging Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday

Rodri believes winning the UEFA Super Cup for the first time on Wednesday is another chance to put Manchester City "on the map in Europe" after ending their long...

Roma manager Jose Mourinho has never lost a European final while Sevilla are six from six in Europa League finals. Something has to...

England will face Chile in the Rugby World Cup this afternoon at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille. Steve Borthwick’s side will be hoping to record a third victory after last weekend’s scrappy bonus-point win against Japan and their opening defeat of Argentina. Owen Farrell returns from his red-card ban alongside 12 other changes, including Marcus Smith at full back, as England aim to give squad members who have featured less so far a good run out. England currently sit top of Pool D with nine points after their first two wins and a win would all but secure a quarter-final place. Los Condores lost their first two matches in what is their first Rugby World Cup and currently sit 22nd in the world rankings compared to England’s sixth. They are currently at the bottom of Pool D with zero points. Follow all of the action here live from Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Plus get the latest Rugby World Cup odds here and tips on England vs Chile here. Read More Marcus Smith backed to shine at full-back as England tackle unfancied Chile Owen Farrell recalls emotional roller-coaster ride of exile from England team

Defending champions England take on New Zealand in Thursday's opening match of the World Cup in a rematch of their epic showdown in...

The Arizona Coyotes have signed 2022 first-round draft pick Logan Cooley to a three-year, entry-level contract