Breakfast Bulletin: John Terry, Lewis Hamilton, Rory McIlroy, Andre Greipel and Rob Gronkowski

ByTom Bennett

Updated 14/05/2016 at 04:39 GMT

In Saturday's news, Chelsea get one over their captain in the PR battle and Lewis Hamilton struggles to keep up with Nico Rosberg. Elsewhere, Rory McIlroy rues a poor finish after a stunning round at Sawgrass, Andre Greipel sprints to a stage win on the Giro, and Rob Gronkowski wonders how he can top last year's birthday bash.

SATURDAY MORNING’S BIG STORIES

1- Chelsea wrong-foot Terry in PR battle

Euro Qualifying

'I knew my time would come' - Konsa reacts to first England call up

14/11/2023 at 19:00

John Terry is a Chelsea legend – a fact that has been underlined by the countless articles ordering the club to reward their captain with a new contract this week. Jamie Carragher’s astonishing piece in Saturday’s Daily Mail is the latest, which claims that Chelsea should not only allow John Terry to stay, but they should keep him for another ten years!

That’s all very well and good. Except that Chelsea and new manager Antonio Conte don’t seem to want a 35-year-old centre-back who turns like an oil tanker yet will kick up a fuss if he isn’t picked to start every single week.

That’s why the club’s latest move in the PR battle with their captain is such a masterstroke.

By announcing to the media that they have “offered Terry a new contract” it puts the onus right back on the player. He can either accept the deal (and all the financial and appearance limitations he has insinuated that would entail). Or he leaves and looks like he is willing to turn his back on his boyhood club for the money elsewhere.

The ball is back in Terry’s court… but that means only one thing: this isn’t the last we’ve heard of his contract saga.

-Chelsea must look to keep John Terry for 10 years - The Daily Mail

-John Terry stalls on Chelsea contract extension citing change to role

-Best Tweets: Chelsea fans struggle to contain glee at John Terry news

2- Rosberg threatens to leave Hamilton behind

Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona

Image credit: AFP

It has not been the start to the Formula 1 season that Lewis Hamilton had planned. Hamilton, the defending champion, went into the season with high hopes thanks to Mercedes' continued dominance. But instead it is his team-mate Nico Rosberg who has made the most of that platform.

Rosberg has won seven races in a row, including the first four of this season, to rack up a sizeable lead in the standings. And the German was faster than Hamilton once again as he set the pace in practice for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

Hamilton was only third fastest around the Barcelona circuit and is going to have to find a way to compete with his team-mate quickly if he isn't to be left behind.

3- McIlroy left frustrated despite stunning round

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland stands on the 14th hole during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship at the TPC Stadium course on May 13, 2016

Image credit: AFP

Rory McIlroy steamed back into contention at the PGA Players Championship at Sawgrass with a stunning 64, but still left the course disappointed.

McIlroy equalled the Sawgrass record for the back-nine as he marched around in just 29 shots to start his second round in spectacular fashion. But a bogey on his final hole denied him a course record and left him still well behind a dominant Jason Day on the leaderboard.

The Players - held in Florida and with a prize purse of over $10 million - is regarded by many to be the unofficial fifth major of the year.

-Colt Knost and Rory McIlroy go low at the Players

-Rory McIlroy frustrated after missing out on Sawgrass course record at Players Championship - The Telegraph

-The Players leaderboard

SHARING IS CARING – TODAY’S VIRAL GEMS

Andre Greipel came from a long way back to win a dramatic sprint finish on Stage 7 of the Giro d'Italia.

Andre Greipel snatches win in Stage 7

Rarely has one tweet sparked so much news, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic caused a media storm when he confirmed his PSG departure on Friday.

COMING UP ON SATURDAY

-Giro d'Italia - [LIVE ON EUROSPORT]

The Giro hits gravel roads on its way up to Alpe di Poti in Saturday's Stage 8.

-Championship Play-off

Hull face Derby in the first leg of their play-off semi-final, following Sheffield United's win over Brighton on Friday.

-European Football

Leagues around Europe come to their conclusions this weekend, with La Liga's title race the headline event. You can follow the Barcelona and Real Madrid matches live on the Eurosport website.

-Rome Masters

The clay court season continues in Rome.

-Euro U17s

Eurosport will bring you video updates from football's European under-17 Championship in Azerbaijan.

-European Diving Championships

Video highlights of the European Diving Championships will be available on the Eurosport website.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to Rob Gronkowski… or "Gronk” as he’s better known. The New England Patriots tight end turns 27 today.

Transfers

Brentford manager Frank prepared for Toney departure - Paper Round

20/09/2023 at 13:24

Premier League

Candy improves Chelsea bid as shortlist of preferred bidders set to be announced

22/03/2022 at 08:34

Premier League

Rooney warned by FA after admitting changing studs to 'hurt someone'

17/02/2022 at 19:08