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    Andres Iniesta buys ‘incredibly exciting’ football club just weeks after Barcelona legend announced retirement

    ANDRES INIESTA has bought an “incredibly exciting” football club just weeks after retiring from playing.The Barcelona and Spain legend called time on his incredible career last month after starring in over 1,000 games.Andres Iniesta has become a club owner just weeks after retiringCredit: AFPThe ace ended his playing career after starring for Barcelona and SpainCredit: ReutersIniesta won nine titles and four Champions League at the Nou Camp.And he also played a key role in two Euro wins and a World Cup triumph with his national side.After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta spent five years in Japan with Vissel Kobe before heading to the Middle East with UAE side Emirates.But Iniesta decided it was time to bow out of the beautiful game this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd last month he broke down in tears while announcing his exit from the field.Iniesta has already made his next career move, starting a coaching course as he looks to get into management.But in the meantime, he has also entered the world of club ownership after purchasing a side in Europe.Thought his jointly-founded sports management and consulting company, NSN, Iniesta has now become co-owner of Danish third division side Helsingor.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNSN have entered into an agreement with Swiss investment group Stoneweg.And Iniesta will now look to improve Helsingor’s standing in Denmark.Andres Iniesta ‘ends Gerrard/Lampard debate’ as he receives signed shirt from legend he has ‘always greatly admired’Andres Iniesta’s incredible careerHonoursBarcelona:La Liga x9, Champions League x4, Copa del Rey x6, Spanish Supercup x5, Uefa Super Cup x2, Club World Cup x3Vissel Kobe:J-League, Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super CupInternational:World Cup – 2010, European Championship – 2008 and 2012Stats:Barcelona (2002 – 2018) – 674 appearances, 57 goalsVissel Kobe (2018 – 2023) – 134 appearances, 26 goalsEmirates Club (2023 – 2024) – 23 appearances, 5 goalsSpain (2006 – 2018) – 131 appearances, 13 goalsThe Scandinavian side already have a mighty Catalonian presence at the club, with former Barcelona youth manager Pep Alomar their head coach.Helsingor’s sporting director, Quim Ramon, also previously worked at Barca’s academy.And Iniesta feels he has made the perfect investment with an “incredibly exciting” side.He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to get to know football in a different way.“It’s an incredibly exciting club with really good facilities, a lot of good people in around the club, and a potential in the city to become an important part of Danish football.” More

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    Tottenham flop, 35, becomes an OIL TYCOON in major career change three years after retiring from football

    FORMER Tottenham star Giovani dos Santos has swapped boots for barrels… by becoming an OIL TYCOON.The Mexico winger, a £9million Spurs buy from Barcelona, spent four seasons at White Hart Lane.Giovani Dos Santos has become an oil tycoonCredit: instagram @ oficialgioThe footballer spent time at Tottenham and Ipswich during his careerCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe scored three goals in 33 games, and also had a loan spell with Ipswich Town, before leaving for Mallorca in 2012.Dos Santos also helped Mexico win gold at the 2012 London Olympics, beating Brazil 2-0 in the final at Wembley.Dos Santos, 35, retired in 2021 and has since had a business buying and selling luxury cars in his home country.But the 106-cap international has now become the JR Ewing of football by investing in Procura Mexico.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe company is part of the country’s state-owned oil giant Pemex.And Dos Santos is reported to be earning up to £400,000 a year from Pemex, Latin America’s second-largest oil company.A source said: “According to our information, his new job brings him in four to five hundred thousand dollars a year – over 10 million Mexican pesos.”Barcelona academy product Dos Santos was once dubbed the new Lionel Messi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also had spells with Galatasaray, Racing Santander, Villarreal, LA Galaxy and Mexico’s Club America before hanging up his boots.Dos Santos played eight times for Ipswich in 2009, scoring four Championship goals.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDos Santos’ brother Jonatha, right, starred for VillarrealCredit: Rex FeaturesHe comes from a footballing family with his brother, Jonathan, also a successful pro.He also came through the youth ranks at Barcelona.He went on to play for Villarreal before moving to the MLS with LA Galaxy.He then returned to Mexico to join Club America in 2022 and is still playing for the club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    BBC launch reality show to find new football expert just hours after Gary Lineker’s bombshell MOTD exit revealed

    THE BBC has launched a new reality show to find a fresh-faced football expert following Gary Lineker’s announced exit.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down from the much-loved show at the end of the season.Gary Lineker is stepping down from his role at the BBCCredit: PAThe broadcaster is looking to social media to find a new football expert – perhaps like Man Utd content creator Mark Goldbridge (pictured)Credit: RexLineker, 63, will continue to feature on FA Cup shows and at the World Cup in 2026.However, the Beeb are planning on bringing new faces into their talent pool.The new show will try to attract a younger audience to the broadcaster.It will be aiming to recruit a new football expert who uses the social media platform TikTok – perhaps like divisive Manchester United content creator Mark Goldbridge.READ MORE ON SPORTIt will be broadcast on iPlayer in the lead-up to the Women’s European Championship next summer.The winner of the show will apparently be offered a paid role producing digital content for BBC Sport.Their work will also appear on TV programmes like Football Focus, radio channels like BBC Radio 5 Live as well as digital and social media.A web page created for the new show states: “We are looking for talented football obsessives who are as comfortable explaining the latest tactical innovations to fan culture to interviewing top players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”All shortlisted candidates will have an on-screen opportunity as well as receiving training and upskilling as part of the scheme.”After completion of the series, the competition winner will be also offered a paid opportunity as a BBC Sport contributor.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″The window for applications will open in December 2024 and full details will be available on this page in the coming weeks.”Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has insisted that the opportunity could be life-changing for the winner.He said: “There can’t be many better jobs than working with the BBC’s football team, so if you think you know the game better than anyone, get applying.”This could change your life.”It comes as SunSport revealed BBC staff fear Match of the Day will go woke following Lineker’s exit.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.We also revealed that Roman Kemp is being lined up for a shock role in a revamped version of the show.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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    Ruud van Nistelrooy sends emotional message to Man Utd fans after being brutally axed by Ruben Amorim

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has penned an emotional farewell message to his beloved Manchester United fans.The interim boss, 48, was let go following the arrival of Ruben Amorim, after failing to make the cut on the new manager’s coaching staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy has sent a touching message to Man Utd fans after he was released by new manager Ruben AmorimAmorim decided to let Van Nistelrooy go in his first decision as bossVan Nistelrooy had been holding out hope to go sink back into his assistant role at Carrington following Amorim’s arrival on Monday.But the incoming Portuguese manager decided to axe him in a bid to start afresh.Van Nistelrooy’s touching statement read: “To everyone at Manchester United Football Club.”In particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together. “Man United will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon – not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it! “All the best and take care, Ruud.”The legendary striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer to work under Erik ten Hag and was installed as interim gaffer following his compatriot’s sacking on October 28.Most read in FootballVan Nistelrooy posted his tribute on social mediaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan Nistelrooy was keen to stay on in a role following Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League win against Leicester, which capped an unbeaten four-match stint in charge.But that proved to be his final game with United with Amorim deciding to let him go in his first decision as boss.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourVan Nistelrooy reportedly took the news well and urged players to get behind their new gaffer in his final chat with them.A source said: “Ruud made clear to the bosses he wanted to stay at United because he loves the club.”But he was also pragmatic and expected that Amorim would want total control of things, including his backroom staff.“He made all that clear to the players and demanded that they give their all to the new manager.”Van Nistelrooy said goodbye to the Stretford End for the final time on SundayThe club legend was given a standing ovation from fans inside Old Trafford after Sunday’s trouncing of Leicester.The makeup of Amorim’s coaching staff is yet to be confirmed but the Dutchman will not be part of it.Meanwhile, Amorim gave his new United players some much needed TLC this week.The Red Devils chief was snapped greeting Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer at Carrington.Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher and Stalwart Fletcher survived Amorim’s cull and will remain on in a coaching capacity.Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, Emanuel Ferro and Jorge Vital all travelled with Amorim to Manchester — but have not been confirmed yet.The third youngest current Prem manager has stepped up to take on the league’s biggest job.He shocked fans by gatecrashing a stadium tour of Old Trafford this week.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club shared a video in which Amorim joined the crowd in the dressing room and made sure to give each fan a handshake.The 39-year-old will take charge of his first United game away at Ipswich Town on November 24.He shook the hands of each fan as he introduced himself during a stadium tourAmorim was all smiles at Carrington while meeting his new squad More

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    Concerned Man Utd fans jump to support Garnacho as he’s abused over Argentina cameo days after refusing to celebrate

    TROUBLED Man Utd fans have jumped to Alejandro Garnacho’s defence after he was subjected to online abuse from Argentina fans while playing on international duty.It comes days after the 20-year-old refused to celebrate his banger from the bench which capped off United’s 3-0 win over Leicester in the Prem.Man Utd fans have backed Alejandro Garnacho after he was targeted by Argentina fans on social mediaIt comes days after Garnacho refused to celebrate his stunning goal against LeicesterGarnacho would have wanted to kick on from Sunday’s stunner, but things couldn’t have gone more wrong for him.The young winger was scolded by fans on social media after his 26 minute cameo in Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Paraguay last night.Garnacho was berated for failing to make an impact after entering the fray in the 64th minute with Argentina already 2-1 down.The United star was mocked with memes and edited pictures online, as fans wrote: “Garnacho should never be called up, he’s not good enough.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhile another brutal Argentina fan wrote: “Garnacho will never prove himself, terrible player.”But United fans have jumped to their star-boy’s defence, with one writing: “Garnacho didn’t even play 30 minutes and was hardly helped.”While another wrote: “Please tell me what Lionel Messi did in that game?”A third said: “Garnacho needs a lot of support from us when he comes back to Manchester, probably feeling very low. Things could really kick on under Ruben Amorim.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was reigning champs Argentina’s third World Cup qualifying defeat and Garnacho didn’t even play in the losses to Uruguay and Colombia.But the bombarding couldn’t have come at a worse time for the young winger.’He should get a job somewhere else,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Man Utd star for gesture after goal Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes hinted on Garnacho’s mental struggles after Sunday’s goal at Old Trafford.Fernandes said: “He celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.”I told him to celebrate, it was something special. He is a special player, we have difference makers. They are the ones who win us games. We want them to score every game but that isn’t going to happen.”But former United captain Roy Keane blasted Garnacho for his refusal to celebrate on the Stick to Football podcast this week.The 53-year-old fumed: “If a younger player can’t enjoy scoring a goal for Man Utd, then get a job somewhere else.”When you score a goal, there should be nothing else on your mind. You’ve got fans who have travelled, paid fortunes to get there, and he’s on about people having a go at him.”Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee urged Garnacho to celebrate his goal against LeicesterGarnacho was involved in an altercation with a fan before United’s 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League last week.The fan could be heard saying: “Garnacho, you’ve got to pass better today, yeah please?”Pass better today, score a goal, and work on your first touch as well.”Garnacho responded by saying: “Why are you not playing?”But it wasn’t all doom and gloom a few days later against Leicester.In a heartwarming moment caught on camera, a young fan chanted Garnacho’s name as he was about to be subbed on and the star took notice by blowing a kiss. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentine didn’t forget the gesture after the match as he gave the boy his match worn shirt and a long hug. The adoring fan was overcome with emotion as he cried and held Garnacho’s shirt tight to his chest, with his mum later posting him wearing it in their living room.Garnacho had a heartwarming interaction with a young fan after scoring against Leicester on Sunday More

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    Italy vs France: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses with William Hill

    THE Nations League has thrown up a beauty of a fixture on Monday night when Italy host France.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Rugby ace Joe Marler left stunned as ex-footballer and Soccer AM star Jimmy Bullard reveals his biggest wage of career

    RUGBY star Joe Marler was left gobsmacked when he found out how much Jimmy Bullard was earning in his heyday as a Premier League footballer.Two of the UK’s most popular sports, rugby and football, have got drastically differing wages.Jimmy Bullard has revealed the biggest contract of his football careerCredit: TIKTOK/ thingspeoplepodRugby star Joe Marler was left shocked by the huge numberCredit: TIKTOK/ thingspeoplepodMarler, who retired from international rugby this month, has played for one of rugby union’s top teams, Harlequins, for his entire career.But despite always being at the top of his sport, he was shocked to learn how much mid-table journeyman Jimmy Bullard was pocketing as a Premier League footballer.Bullard, 46, spent his career playing for the likes of Hull City, Fulham and Wigan Athletic.But when asked by Marler how much he was earning in his heyday, Bullard revealed a stunning number.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on Marler’s Things People Do podcast, he said: “My biggest contract was £50k-a-week”.Marler was in disbelief at the hefty salary, that would have meant Bullard was earning £2.6MILLION per year.Bullard was asked to give an estimate on what kind of money a “top Premier League footballer” would be earning these days, with the former midfielder retiring in 2012.He said: “I’d have to say a few of the Man City boys must be on £350k a week”. Most read in FootballJimmy Bullard’s careerA brief look at Jimmy Bullard’s playing career…1998 – 1999: Ebbsfleet1999 – 2001: West Ham2001 – 2003: Peterborough2003 – 2006: Wigan Athletic2006 – 2009: Fulham2009 – 2011: Hull City2011 – 2012: Ipswich Town2012: MK DonsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFootball salary site Capology claims that Man City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland are the Prem’s two top earners.It’s said that De Bruyne is pocketing a whopping £400,000-per-week, while Haaland makes £375,000 every week himself.Top 10 highest paid footballersBy comparison, previous England captain Owen Farrell is the current highest-paid rugby union player in the world.Farrell is understood to be earning £1.2MILLION-per-year at Racing 92, the equivalent of £23,077-a-week.That means Kevin De Bruyne earns Farrell’s annual salary every 21 DAYS.Owen Farrell is rugby union’s top earnerCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne is the Premier League’s top earner, and makes over 17 times more than FarrellCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia opens up on injury hell that sparked wild conspiracy theories

    TYRELL MALACIA has responded to wild conspiracy theories that emerged online during his lengthy injury lay-off.The Manchester United left-back, 25, has not featured for the Red Devils since the final Premier League game of the 2022/23 season in May last year.Tyrell Malacia’s last Manchester United game came in May 2023Credit: RexHe has been plagued by a recurring knee problem, but returned to the pitch earlier this week in an U21s game against Huddersfield in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.Dutchman Malacia posted very little on social media during his 17-month absence, leading fans to speculate about his whereabouts.Outlandish theories were dreamt up by conspiracy theorists on social media, including that he’d entered witness protection.But Malacia has now quashed any of those suggestions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Athletic, he said: “No, nothing was true. No, no. I’ve just been doing my rehab.”Especially when I was in Holland, I was close to my family — so just training, family, sleeping; training, family, sleeping. The only thing I’ve done.”He continued: “First of all, I’m not really a guy who’s on social media a lot.”If it wasn’t my cousin or my mum sending me this, I wouldn’t even know. Most of the time, a week after I’d find out they were saying this or that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As long as my family and I know I’m good, it’s enough. The most important thing is that I know I’m good.”During his time on the sideline, Malacia’s dad fell ill and his grandmother – who he describes as “my second mum” – passed away.Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS outAmid this difficult time, he kept a low profile and remained very private.On his dad, he said: “It’s a bit difficult, because I’m not like a guy who talks about these types of things, but my dad got sick.”He wasn’t able to walk anymore. For my family, it was a big, big impact. It’s still difficult sometimes.”But social media discussions about where he was still got back to him through friends when he was in Holland.He said: “People were saying ‘are you not worried or don’t want to say anything’, especially friends around me, because other people were asking them because they couldn’t get through to me.”They were asking me, ‘Don’t you want to say something publicly about it?'”I was like, ‘No, because I’m not on the internet a lot, I don’t get all this information. If you guys didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t even know. I’m fine’.”Malacia’s imminent return is an early boost to new manager Ruben Amorim as he looks towards his first game in charge away at Ipswich on November 24.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played 39 games during his first season but did not feature at all in the 2023/24 campaign.He has revealed Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winner’s medal after they triumphed at Wembley last season. More