The crosstown rivals will meet at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday

Rohit Sharma completed 15 years with the Mumbai Indians on Friday, marking a long association with the franchise that has included five IPL titles as captain.Rohit began his IPL career with Deccan Chargers between 2008 and 2010 before joining the Mumbai Indians in 2011. The move was backed by Sachin Tendulkar, who was leading the side at the time.The franchise marked the occasion by presenting Rohit with a portrait, recognising his journey and contribution over the years. During his time with Mumbai Indians, Rohit has been part of multiple title wins and has led the side through different phases.Speaking after the presentation, the former MI captain thanked the team, support staff and everyone associated with the franchise, saying their collective effort shaped his journey and the teams success."Thanks, Polly, Hardik, Surya, Mali, and also the rest of you all, thank you so much. It couldn't have been what it is for me without the effort of all you guys. This is a very, very special team. Very, very special franchise. Very, very special people are involved in this team. Yes, we won five trophies, but obviously we all know that it is not possible without an effort of the entire team who is involved in making this franchise so, so special." mipaltan (@mipaltan) He also spoke about how his time with the franchise helped him develop as a leader, crediting those who supported him during that phase."I wouldn't have learned the art of being a leader if it was not for this franchisee. Obviously, there's a lot of people to thank for that. A lot of people helped me grow into that leadership role and also now as a player as well, you know, there's been immense support from everyone, you know, even the guys who are not here. I sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, would like to thank everyone for making this special journey. Like obviously Polly (Pollard) keeps saying, long may that continue for this franchisee and long may that continue for all the players, staff and everybody."Rohit added that he hopes the team continues to build on its record in the future."Let's keep this legacy of this franchisee growing higher and higher."

The first free agent contract ever was signed 50 years ago today. We rate the 8,340 deals of the past half-century.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Arsenal host Bournemouth at the Emirates in the Premier League.

Arslanbek Makhmudov has wrestled a 600lb bear in a forest clearing near Moscow ahead of tonight's heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The Dagestani powerhouse, who now calls Montreal home, accepted the challenge when a friend arranged the extraordinary encounter nearly two years ago.Makhmudov admitted this week: "I like being challenged, but it was terrifying."The 36-year-old believes this primal confrontation with one of nature's most dangerous predators has given him psychological armour that conventional training simply cannot provide.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayFootage of the encounter went viral on social media, showing the heavyweight grappling with the enormous Eurasian brown bear before tonight's career-defining opportunity against the former world champion.The viral footage captures the 6ft 6in fighter, dressed in army vest and fatigues, displaying nimble footwork as he tangles with the towering 10ft beast in a woodland clearing.Makhmudov demonstrates considerable courage throughout the encounter, eventually executing a wrestling manoeuvre to position himself behind the massive animal.The sheer scale of the Eurasian brown bear, weighing approximately 66 stones, makes the interaction all the more remarkable.Makhmudov said: "It was very terrible. Not just scary, but really crazy terrible."The heavyweight contender, who carries 19 knockouts from 21 victories into tonight's bout, has built a reputation for unconventional training methods, including sledgehammer strikes to strengthen his abdominal muscles and immersion in freezing water.The fighter explained that the experience taught him invaluable lessons about managing his emotions under extreme pressure.He said: "Since I was a kid I have liked a challenge, that's why I did that just to test myself to see how I would feel in that crazy situation."LATEST SPORT NEWSTyson Fury explains decision to quit UK with his family and move to tax havenTyson Fury shows off incredible physique at weigh-in ahead of Arslanbek Makhmudov fightTyson Fury to pay tribute to Ricky Hatton in comeback boxing fightHe added: "You only understand its strength when you're close to it. In one second you can become like meat, just meat, just like that."It is good preparation for boxing because you have to control your emotions and your fear. You have to beat your fear, beat your phobias. For that it was good, but one time is enough!"The fighter confirmed he has no intention of repeating the encounter, noting the animal possessed real claws and teeth capable of ending a life instantly.Such encounters with bears hold deep cultural significance in Dagestan, where wrestling forms the very fabric of society and determines social standing within communities.The tradition extends beyond Makhmudov as legendary UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov famously wrestled a bear cub at just nine years old in footage that became part of his fighting mythology.His late father, Abdulmanap, viewed the practice as the ultimate examination of a young fighter's spirit, reasoning that composure against such an animal would make any human opponent seem manageable.For fighters from the Caucasus region, the bear represents Russian strength, and subduing one demonstrates an unbreakable spirit.As Makhmudov prepares to face Fury tonight, a man returning from 16 months away and consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

A man is charged over the deaths of two men and two women who drowned trying to cross the Channel on Thursday.

Moral gezeigt - aber wieder nicht gewonnen: Die TSG Hoffenheim erleidet im Rennen um die Champions-League-Qualifikation den nchsten Rckschlag.[mehr]

Peoria, IL - The South Bend Cubs have once again tied this week's away series at Peoria, and with an 8-6 victory on Friday evening, the Cubs evened th... - MWL South Bend Cubs

Philippe Montanier s'est confi RMC Sport avant le match de la 30e journe de Ligue 2 entre l'AS Saint-Etienne et Dunkerque. Arriv en fvrier, l'entraneur des Verts a relanc l'quipe et pourrait l'aider remonter rapidement dans l'lite.

The defending champion Crusaders cruise over in Brisbane with No.8 Christian Lio-Willie scoring the opening try against the Reds in Brisbane.