LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Everton defender Ashley Young will leave the club as a free agent in the offseason when his contract expires.
The 39-year-old Young, a former Manchester United and England player, has played 34 times this season despite his age.
Everton manager David Moyes hailed Young's professionalism and leadership qualities.
“His versatility, experience and know-how have also been really beneficial to the team and me,” Moyes said.
With United, Young won the Premier League title as well as the FA Cup and English League Cup. He has also played for Inter Milan and had two spells at Aston Villa.
Everton also said back-up goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia would be leaving as free agents.
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FILE - Everton's Ashley Young celebrates winning goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Everton, at Selhurst Park Stadium in London,Saturday, Feb 15,2025. AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
ISLAMABAD (AP) — A gas cylinder explosion early Sunday after a wedding reception at a home in Pakistan’s capital killed at least eight people, including the bride and groom, police and officials said.
The blast occurred as guests who had gathered to celebrate the couple were sleeping at the house, causing part of the house to collapse, according to the Islamabad police. Seven people were injured.
In a statement, police said the explosion occurred in a residential area in the heart of the city. A government administrator, Sahibzada Yousaf, said authorities were alerted about the blast early Sunday and officers are still investigating. He said some nearby homes were also damaged.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the victims’ families, according to a statement from his office. He directed health authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment and ordered a full investigation.
Many Pakistani households rely on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders because of low natural gas pressure, and such cylinders have been linked to deadly accidents caused by gas leaks. Police said investigations were ongoing.
Government officials survey the damage of a home caused by a gas cylinder explosion hours after a wedding reception, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Ehsan Shahzad)
