
Mikel Arteta’s People and Places
Come inside Mikel Arteta’s home as he sits down, in his living room, with Guillem Balagué to chat about all the great moments in his life – both in football and away from it. From his childhood on the beaches of San Sebastián, to the bunk beds of the Barcelona academy, hear his stories of moving to Paris with his mum and embracing the British weather in Glasgow. Through the influences of Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, his parents – and especially his wife – we explore his growth from a player to the Arsenal manager, while delving into the more personal aspects of his life, like why Mallorca holds such a special place in his heart.
16 Mai 202454min

What Can Manchester United Fans Expect From Jim Ratcliffe?
A new era begins for Man Utd but what can fans expect? Sir Jim Ratcliffe sits down with BBC sports editor Dan Roan after completing his deal to buy a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United. He says it's a boyhood dream to be involved in United and that restoring them to the pinnacle of English and European football is the greatest challenge. Sir Jim also reveals his plans for a new stadium.Producer: Jonathan McKeith.This is also available as a Sports desk special on BBC Sounds.
21 Feb 202450min

In Focus with Sir Elton John and Gary Lineker
Ahead of a new book launch, 'Watford Forever' by John Preston – which tells the story of how Sir Elton John and Graham Taylor saved Watford, the pop legend sits down with Gary Lineker to talk about his love of football, why FA Cup finals are like headlining Glastonbury and why Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney remind him of himself.
24 Nov 202321min

Lionel Messi: Destiny
Lionel Messi has won his eighth Ballon d’Or and Guillem Balague gives a behind-the-scenes account of how in Qatar, the Argentinian won the World Cup. Guillem hears from the biggest names in the sport; from Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, former England forward Gary Lineker and ex-Argentina defender, Pablo Zabaleta - who give their unique perspectives on what happened during that tournament. We are taken on a journey – from that shock loss in Argentina’s opening game against Saudi Arabia, to one of the best international finals ever – where Argentina beat France on penalties, fulfilling Lionel Messi’s destiny of winning the World Cup and cementing himself as one of the greatest players of all time
30 Okt 202330min

Remembering Sir Bobby Charlton
This is a special episode celebrating the life of England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton. Mark Chapman is joined by former England strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, as well as former Man Utd captain Steve Bruce. Also hear from football correspondent John Murray, former England manager Roy Hodgson, ex-Man Utd players Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. And hear archive audio from Sir Bobby himself on winning the World Cup.02:05 Football correspondent John Murray 03:30 Sir Bobby Charlton on winning the World Cup 05:05 Gary Lineker on ‘England’s greatest ever player’ 09:10 Alan Shearer and Steve Bruce on a fellow son of the northeast 14:20 Former England manager Roy Hodgson on a ‘humble and charming man’ 15:45 Ex-Man Utd players Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick reaction 17:45 Man City boss Pep Guardiola sends ‘big hug’
21 Okt 202318min

72+ Top 10: Play-off Moments
The Football Daily’s 72+ team of Aaron Paul, Phil Brown & Jobi McAnuff discuss and debate their EFL top 10s in this brand new mini-series. In episode one, the guys rank the big play-off moments. From Dean Windass to Troy Deeney, and from Josh Windass to Bobby Zamora – who will top the lot?
23 Jun 202338min

The Making of Mikel
A BBC World Service documentary revealing the untold stories behind Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s journey to the top.In Barcelona, former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina relives his time sharing bunk beds with Arteta at the world-famous La Masia academy, declaring that the boy from the Basque country was “born to be a manager”.Presenter John Bennett travels to Arteta’s home town of San Sebastian to meet his childhood coach at a small club, next to a hair salon, that has become an amazing football talent factory.Hear from former teammates at Everton, Arsenal and Rangers, from where Dutch great Ronald de Boer remembers Arteta stepping up aged 21 to score a stoppage-time penalty to snatch the title from Glasgow rivals Celtic: “To take that responsibility, at such a young age, in such an important game and moment of that decisive title race against Celtic was impressive.”And find out why the Welsh city of Newport played such an important part in Arteta’s journey into coaching.Arsenal legend Arsène Wenger and former Man City captain Vincent Kompany also feature in this documentary, which paints a picture of a single-minded, intelligent and meticulous man, schooled in the Barcelona style of play, who is now mixing it with the top managers in the game and has got Arsenal fans dreaming of glory once again.
22 Jun 202358min

75 years of Sports Report
75 years ago, we heard Sports Report for the first time. On this podcast, Mark Chapman and Pat Murphy speak to fans, broadcasters and those who’ve been on the other side of the microphone. Jockey AP McCoy, author Lee Child and manager Tony Pulis are among those to explain why Sports Report is so special. **This is pre-recorded, so please do not message in**TOPICS: 7:00 – Author Lee Child, 12:40 - What is it like actually working as a reporter on the show? 18:50 – Manager Tony Pulis, 26:15 – Stories from our presenters, 33:20 – Jockey AP McCoy, 42:30 - The most difficult day in the history of the programme, the day of Hillsborough, 50:20 – The wrong theme tune!
3 Jan 202353min