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      Footballer at centre of Chelsea’s transfer ban now tearing it up with Ajax after incredible start to season

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      THE star at the centre of Chelsea’s two-window transfer ban in 2019 is now tearing it up at European giants Ajax.Bertrand Traore was the player that sparked Fifa’s investigation into Chelsea’s transfer business some five years ago now.Bertrand Traore has hit top form at AjaxCredit: GettyTraore used to be on the books at ChelseaCredit: ReutersTraore, 29, spent four years on the books at Stamford Bridge after making the switch from French side Auxerre to the Blues’ Cobham academy.Traore left the club in 2017, signing for Lyon in an £8.8m transfer.He later went on to spend four years at Aston Villa before heading to Villarreal on a free transfer in February.His time in Spain was cut short when, after just six months with the La Liga club, he left on another free transfer to join Dutch superclub Ajax this summer.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd despite having a pretty underwhelming career to date, Traore has found a new lease of life in the Eredivisie, seemingly hitting his best ever patch of form.The 78-time Burkina Faso international has got four goals and four assists since the start of the season and is Ajax’s joint top goalscorer in the league.Traore’s best ever return in the Premier League was just seven goals in 36 games during Villa’s 2020/21 campaign.And the wide-man looks set to smash that return this term if he continues on his current trajectory.Most read in FootballBertrand Traore’s career to dateA brief look at Traore’s career…2012: AJ Auxerre U19s2013 – 2017: Chelsea2014 – 2015: Vitesse (loan)2016 – 2017: Ajax (loan)2017 – 2020: Lyon2020 – 2024: Aston Villa2022 – 2023: Basaksehir (loan)2024: Villarreal2024 – present: AjaxFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTraore’s start in English football was clouded by controversy after he was the star that kickstarted FIfa’s investigation into Chelsea’s transfer activity.Fifa alleged that Chelsea had signed Traore before 18th birthday – despite the club claiming that was false.Enzo Maresca post-match press conferenceChelsea officially registered Traore as a player in 2014, just after his 18th birthday, but Fifa’s investigation claimed that the Blues had actually signed him some time before that date when he was only 16 years old.Fifa investigated the SW6 club’s transfer business for three-years, deep diving into 19 different transfers made by the Premier League side.Ultimately they were stung with a two-window transfer ban that they saw out back in 2020. More

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      Ant and Dec ‘used clout to promote Saudi takeover of Newcastle according to Amanda Staveley’s leaked WhatsApp messages’

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      TV SUPERSTARS Ant and Dec allegedly helped to promote the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s Newcastle United takeover.But the Premier League will not look into the legality of the £305m deals amid fresh claims over the involvement of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Ant and Dec allegedly helped to promote the Saudi PIF’s Newcastle takeoverCredit: GettyAmanda Staveley’s alleged leaked WhatsApp messages promised the pair would ‘push’ articlesCredit: PAGeordie duo Ant and Dec were reportedly asked to share an article from the Shields Gazette in October 2020 about opposition to the Premier League failing to approve the PIF buy-out.The Telegraph have claimed to have seen WhatsApp messages from ex-Newcastle director Amanda Staveley that promised the multi-award winning big screen pair would ‘push’ the piece.Ant and Dec then shared the article on Twitter within four minutes.The Shields Gazette had written about a supporters’ group who were claiming that by delaying the takeover the Premier League was acting against UK anti-competition law.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis investigation by The Telegraph then states that Ant and Dec shared another article from the same publication two days later regarding the progress of the takeover and that answered questions on it.The Premier League had refused to sanction the takeover earlier that summer due to concerns about the consortium, which was backed by PIF, and their links to the Saudi state.That led to the bid initially being abandoned due to them not being able to provide separation between themselves and the Saudi state, which is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. That led to a petition that called on Prem chiefs to explain their reasons for delaying the takeover of the consortium that was made up of the Saudi Arabian PIF, the Reuben Brothers, and Staveley.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThings turned nasty when Premier League chief executive Richard Masters came under a personal attack and had his home address shared on fan forums online.The main sticking point and hold up was with regards to the completion of a key Premier League form in the owners and directors test about club control and ownership.Ant and Dec watch Newcastle United’s first game since Saudi takeoverAnt and Dec attended Newcastle’s first match following the takeover in 2021Credit: GettyIn particular, the residing of the 80 per cent stake in the club in Saudi.Top-flight bosses wanted to make the link between the Saudi Arabian state and Newcastle open but it was met by resistance and, after an offer to place the issue in arbitration was also rejected, the consortium pulled out.However, over a year later in September 2021 the £305m takeover was completed after proof that the Saudi state would not actually be in control of the North East club was provided and the Premier League owners’ and directors’ test was passed.Sun Sport have approached Ant and Dec, otherwise known as Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, for comment.Meanwhile, in the series of leaked WhatsApp messages, Staveley is said to have written to associates of the then Toon owner Mike Ashley: “The Crown Prince is losing patience – I need to assure him we will get there.”A further message then read: “(Yasir Al-Rumayyan) is trying to hang on to the deal and convince the Crown Prince not to pull out.”The messages raised questions over the political involvement in the deal but Sun Sport understands that the Premier League will not look into the matter as they were satisfied that the government interactions they were aware of at that time did not influence their decision in the Owners’ and Directors’ Test.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe lawyers of Staveley, who sold her stake in Newcastle this summer, say that she only referenced the Crown Prince in his capacity as PIF chairman.They added that any suggestions the messages cast doubt on the separation of the Saudi state and the running of Newcastle is “as illogical as it is misconceived”. More

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      Man Utd legends dress up in traditional South Korean robes as excited Sky Sports host say ‘what a reunion this is’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been treated to a reunion from a group of club legends.Several of the stars of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 2008/09 Premier League title-winning side linked up in Seoul, South Korea.Manchester United legends have reunited in Seoul in traditional South Korean robesCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5Fans were thrilled to see the Premier League winners reunite togetherCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5Rio Ferdinand and Dimitar Berbatov posed for photos together in South KoreaCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5The group donned tradition South Korean robes as they posed for photos in the city.Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar, Dimitar Berbatov and Park Ji-sung were all smiles for the camera.Ferdinand shared several of the snaps to Instagram, including a picture of himself and Berbatov holding up a tiny robe.Alongside the post, the former defender wrote: “When Ji takes us shopping in Seoul. Ps @patrice.evra swipe… we got you one also.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSFans were left amazed by the reunion, including Sky Sports News presenter Hayley McQueen.Underneath the upload, she wrote: “What a reunion this is!”Another fan added: “Our club legends.”A third also commented: “This is my United.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, one more simply said: “Iconic.”Ferdinand also uploaded a video of himself, Vidic and Berbatov showing off their traditional outfits.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic and Park Ji-sung also joined the reunionCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5Fans on social media were pleased to see ‘our club legends’ link up againCredit: Instagram @rioferdy5In the caption, he asked: “Who wore it better?” with a pair of crying laughing emojis.All five players were members of the United side which lifted the Premier League in 2009.Between them, the group made 1,374 first-team appearances for the Red Devils.Vidic, Van der Sar, Park and Ferdinand also won the Champions League and Premier League under Ferguson in 2008 during a trophy-laden period for the club.Man Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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      Arsenal’s once reliable defenders starting to creak but should Dream Team bosses hold their nerve?

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      DREAM TEAM managers accustomed to Arsenal clean sheets will have noticed a worrying trend of late.Following their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, the Gunners have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five domestic fixtures.Saliba owners endured a miserable Saturday eveningCredit: Dream TeamMikel Arteta’s side did keep PSG at bay in Gameweek 6 but there’s no denying the points have dried up for David Raya (£4.9m) and company recently.Arsenal’s goalkeeper has mustered 13 points from his last four outings, as has Gabriel (£5.4m), while William Saliba (£5.2m) has notched just nine in the same time frame as a result of his much-discussed red card at the Vitality Stadium.The Frenchman was the most-popular defender in Dream Team heading into Gameweek 8 and so plenty of gaffers will be seeking a replacement to step in while the 23-year-old is suspended.It should be noted that Saliba will only miss one game (vs Liverpool) as he was dismissed for a professional foul against the Cherries.Saliba’s red card has prompted an early wave of transfers ahead of Gameweek 9Credit: RexMore broadly, Dream Team bosses will be wondering whether Arsenal’s expensive defensive assets are worth sticking by now the clean sheets have dried up.Last season, the North London side kept 18 clean sheets in the league alone with Manchester City and Everton their closest rivals in the metric on 13 each.At the start of the current campaign, it was normal service resumed as they registered three clean sheets in their first four league games (four in five in all competitions) but they’ve since conceded to Man City, Leicester, Southampton and Bournemouth in succession.Arsenal even conceded a goal to Bolton in their otherwise emphatic Carabao Cup victory in the third round.Most read in FootballThere’s no shame in conceding to Pep Guardiola’s side but given the other opponents, Dream Team managers would have expected at least one domestic clean sheet from the last four Gameweeks.Raya remains Dream Team’s top goalkeeper but his returns have decreased of lateCredit: GettyIt’s been a different story in the Champions League, where they’re yet to concede having drawn 0-0 with Atalanta and dispatched PSG 2-0.A similar outcome at home to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night would be warmly welcomed by many gaffers.Looking further ahead, Arsenal are set to embark on a relatively tricky run of fixtures from Gameweek 9 onwards.They’re due to host Arne Slot’s league leaders next Sunday with Preston, Newcastle, Inter and Chelsea to follow before the November international break.For such a long time, Dream Team bosses haven’t had to worry about Arsenal defenders at all but they now face a test of patience.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWCalafiori has outscored Gabriel, Raya and Saliba over the last four GameweeksCredit: GettyIt should be noted that Raya still leads the way among keepers with 57 points in total while Gabriel is currently ranked fourth among defenders on 66 points.Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori (£3.8m) has scraped a respectable 21 points from his last four outings thanks to his tackles, shots on target and bonus points.The fact Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester United all failed to keep clean sheets at the weekend meant Arsenal assets weren’t punished to the full extent, although Saliba obviously dropped down the rankings having incurred minus three points.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe situation at the Emirates is not a disaster by any means but Dream Team managers have a decision to make – stick or twist?A solid showing against Shakhtar in midweek would settle a few nerves.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Shocking moment assistant referee is hit by lighter launched from stands before player leaps to his defence

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      AN assistant referee was hit by a missile thrown from the stands at the end of a match.A third-tier game between CF Montanesa and CE L’Hospitalet turned ugly as fans made their feelings clear.An object was thrown at an assistant referee in SpainCredit: X @MarcadorCatHe clutched his head despite appearing to block the missileCredit: X @MarcadorCatA fan pleaded for calm from the standsThey shouted at the officials as they walked off the pitch and a lighter was thrown at the assistant referee.He raised his hand to block the object before clutching his face, appearing to be hurt.Two people came to his aid but he seemed fine and began shouting towards the stand.A Montanesa player then jumped to his defence and called for calm from the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpain has been hit by fan unrest in recent weeks with the Madrid derby halted by objects thrown from the stands last month.Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the target of many of the missiles thrown due to his former ties with Atletico.Atletico boss Diego Simeone criticised the behaviour of his fans after the match.He said: “The message was to think about the club, think about your team.Most read in Football”You aren’t helping the team. They said it wasn’t their fault, they said they’d been provoked by the opposition goalkeeper.”CF Montanesa beat CE L’Hospitalet 1-0.David James saves penalty from young fan at half-time of Liverpool’s win over Chelsea More

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      Fans puzzled as former Man Utd star from David Moyes era links up with football royalty for legends game

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      FOUR Ballon d’Or winners, countless World Cup League heroes, and Marouane Fellaini teamed up in a star-studded legends super-side.But fans have been left puzzled after spotting former Manchester United star Fellaini playing in a clash of the titans exhibition tie in South Korea.Football legends from around the world gathered for a game in South KoreaBut a group of harsh fans have questioned why Marouane Fellaini was involved after spotting him pictured next to Brazilian Ballon d’Or winner KakaThe game saw a unique game of teams made up of attackers vs defenders, including Clarence Seedorf and Thierry HenryRetired football royalty from around the world assembled in South Korea for a spectacular attack-vs-defence showdown on Saturday.The aptly named FC Spear was made up of some of the best former forwards the game has ever seen.While Shield United featured some of the most prominent defenders and holding midfielders to have ever played the beautiful game.But it was the latter defensive outfit who emerged victorious, after thumping the attacking team 4-1.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe winning outfit was made up of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic Yaya Toure, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Carles Puyol and former Man Utd keeper Edwin van der Sar.While 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, Eden Hazard, Carlos Tevez, Michael Owen made up their ‘attacking’ competition captained by Didier Drogba and managed by Thierry Henry. But the biggest shock for many fans was the presence of ex-United and Everton midfielder Fellaini for the glittering attacking side.Football lovers were quick to call out Fellaini’s shock inclusion after spotting Alessandro Del Piero’s Instagram post.Most read in FootballEdwin van der Sar played in goal for the winning side FC SpearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne user wrote: “Why on earth is Fellaini there?🤣”A second said: “Wow, all those legends…and Fellaini😶.”Rio Ferdinand and Man Utd legends dress up in traditional South Korean robes While another added: “I’m sorry but how was Fellaini asked? He was good but not on their level.😂”Fellaini starred for the Red Devils between 2013 and 2019, making 177 appearances having travelled with former boss David Moyes from Everton.Before that he made the exact same appearances for the Toffees, scoring 33 goals during five years in the Merseyside, where he was a crucial leader in the team.Former United star Berbatov also appeared for FC Spear in front of 64,000 excited fans in Seoul.The winning goals came from Toure, Seedorf, Park Joo-ho and Javier Mascherano.While the only consolation FC Spear came from United legend Park Ji-Sung’s penalty.Three former Korean internationals filled in the gaps where necessary, including goalkeeper Kim Byung-ji.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe legends also participated in preliminary events that pitted players to see who is better at shooting and one-on-one situations.The game has been described as an exhibition and was organised by South Korean game company Nexon.The legends match occurred in Seoul, South Korea in front of some 64,000 fansRio Ferdinand, Carles Puyol and Ricardo Carvalho played for the defensive side Shield United More

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      Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta immediately lands new job after retiring from football aged 40

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      ANDRES INIESTA is already looking to land a new job after retiring from football.The 40-year-old announced he was hanging up his boots earlier this month after more than two decades as a professional.Andres Iniesta is already looking to make a return to football after retiringCredit: X/andresiniesta8The World Cup winner announced he was hanging up his boots earlier this monthCredit: X/andresiniesta8He ended his career in the United Arab Emirates with Emirates Club after a stint in Japan with Vissel Kobe.However, Iniesta is best remembered for his time with Barcelona after coming through the club’s famed La Masia academy.Less than a month on from retiring, though, the former midfielder is already looking to get back into the sport.Iniesta has joined a coaching course to begin his pathway into management.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard is already studying on a UAE FA course in the Middle East.He shared an update with fans after beginning the course, sharing a series of snaps to social media.In a post on X, Iniesta wrote: “First days in the coaching course. Thank you @uaefa_ae for giving me the opportunity to start learning and training.”His move towards coaching comes after he emotionally announced he was ending his career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIniesta’s decision even prompted a statement from Barca’s bitter rivals Real Madrid honouring his career.During his time with the Blaugrana, Iniesta made 674 appearances, scoring 57 goals and providing 135 assists.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 goalsHe also won 32 major trophies for the club, including four Champions Leagues and nine LaLiga titles.At international level, Iniesta scored 14 goals in 131 caps for Spain.His most famous strike came in extra time of the 2010 World Cup final with the winning goal against the Netherlands.That triumph came in between winning the Euros in both 2008 and 2012.Iniesta is studying for his coaching badges with the UAE FACredit: X/andresiniesta8 More

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      ‘Sergio Busquets is an absolute crybaby – I gave Barcelona legend a stern warning’

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      SERGIO BUSQUETS has been labelled a “crybaby” and “whiner” by Wesley Sneijder.Sneijder, who starred for Real Madrid and Inter Milan, slammed the Spaniard as he reflected on their past battles.Wesley Sneijder has recalled how he did not like playing Sergio BusquetsCredit: GettyHe labelled him a ‘crybaby’ and ‘nasty guy to play against’Credit: GettySneijder recalled Busquets antics in the 2010 Champions League semi-final to try and get Thiago Motta sent offCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Dutchman recalled how the Barcelona legend’s antics got under his skin.Speaking to Ziggo Sports, he said: “He was an extremely annoying player, he was always giving it to others but he could never receive it.”The second leg of the 2010 Champions League semi-final game was one that particularly irked Sneijder when Thiago Motta tackled the midfielder. Sneijder said: “In 2010 we beat Barcelona 3-1 at home, then we had to go to Camp Nou and after eight minutes Busquets started rolling on the ground while looking through his hands to see if Motta had a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He then got up again and was fine, the crybaby. A nasty guy to play against.”He continued: “I had fights with him in every game.”Sneijder also revealed how he warned Busquets about meeting in Ibiza, adding: “I’ll see you in Ibiza in the summer, then you and I will talk again.”Under Jose Mourinho that season, Inter Milan emerged with a remarkable win over Pep Guardiola’s Barca side – considered by many to be the greatest team in football history.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey then went on to bag the continental Treble, a first in Italian football history.Meanwhile, Sneijder was full of praise for the recently retired Andres Iniesta. World Cup fans all say the same thing as Sergio Busquets runs into Leon Goretzka – and German’s reaction is pricelessUnlike his old rival and team-mate, 36-year-old Busquets continues to ply his trade in Major League Soccer alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. More