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      I’m a Real Madrid legend and beating Barcelona was like an orgasm – but losing gave me nightmares

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      REAL MADRID legend Mesut Ozil has such fond memories of his El Clasico showdowns that he insists beating Barcelona was like an “orgasm”.Former Arsenal superstar Ozil rolled credits on his 18-year career at the age of 34 due to recent injuries that have taken their toll on him.
      Real Madrid legend Mesut Ozil believes he played in the best era for El Clasico matchesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Real Madrid hero Mesut Ozil insists beating Barcelona felt like an “orgasm”Credit: Reuters
      And the ex-playmaker is now looking back at his celebrated career that saw him win the LaLiga and Copa del Rey trophies with Real, four FA Cups with the Gunners as well as the 2014 World Cup with Germany.
      But the German has a soft spot for the legendary clashes he had with Barcelona during his time under Jose Mourinho at Los Blancos.
      The former attacking midfielder insists he lived the “best period” with some brutal encounters that included stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi fighting it out from the first until the last second.
      The ex-Werder Bremen midfielder remembers the humiliating 5-0 loss to Pep Guardiola’s Barca in 2010 as well as all the “orgasmic” victories.
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      Ozil told Marca: “I think I lived through the best period of the Clasicos, Madrid-Barca at its peak.
      “Up to the Champions League semi-finals. They were parties that had it all. It was Mou [Mourinho] against Pep, Cristiano against Messi…
      “Nowadays El Clasico has lost intensity and emotion, I would say.
      “Beating Barcelona at that time was like an orgasm, because they were incredibly strong games.
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      “I also have to say that our 5-0 defeat in LaLiga in 2010 was one of my biggest nightmares on the pitch.
      “I have played many games, many derbies, but I think there will be nothing like those Clasicos.”
      Ozil joined Real from Werder Bremen in 2010 after a stunning World Cup campaign and spent three years at the Santiago Bernabeu before his move to Arsenal.
      The former Schalke star amassed a total of 27 goals and 81 assists in 159 appearances with the Madrid giants.
      Ozil has enjoyed four wins against Barcelona but also endured six losses in 16 matches during his time at Real. More

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      Arsenal fall behind Leeds in transfer race for ‘the next Riyad Mahrez’ with wonderkid set for Barcelona exit

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      ARSENAL have fallen behind Leeds United in their battle for ‘the next Riyad Mahrez’, according to reports.Despite the Whites being dangerously close to the bottom three, they are still looking at targets for next season.
      The 18-year-old Ilias Akhomach is reportedly close to signing a 4-year deal with LeedsCredit: EPA
      Leeds find themselves lagging 13 places behind Arsenal in the Premier League, but reports in Spain claim they are close to beating them to the signing of Barcelona wonderkid Ilias Akhomach.
      The teen won’t renew his relationship with Barcelona, instead looking to join a new club for next season with Sevilla, Club Brugge and AC Milan among those linked.
      He is out of contract in the summer.
      While the Gunners have been closely following the skilful winger, Leeds have apparently pulled out a lead, having been in advanced negotiations to sign Akhomach.
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      Spanish outlet El Chiringuito even claim Leeds have agreed a four-year deal with the 18-year-old, who has impressed with his stunning talent on the pitch.
      Akhomach has had a string of solid displays for Barcelona’s second string, earning comparisons to Manchester City ace Mahrez.
      He even got a call-up to the first team during the 2021-22 season, where he ended up making three appearances for the Catalan giants.
      His entourage are confident that Leeds will stave off relegation, but if they do drop to the Championship then he will STILL sign with them, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
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      The team managed to pull themselves back up the table after a win over Wolves last weekend.
      Arsenal may be set to miss out on the Akhomach, but they have been tipped to land some other big names.
      Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda is rumoured to be leaving for Arsenal in a £13million winter move, and West Ham captain Declan Rice is another key target for the Gunners this summer according to reports. More

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      Sergio Aguero gives major update on Lionel Messi’s future and reveals next transfer with star likely to quit PSG

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      LIONEL MESSI will return to Barcelona, according to Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero’s prediction.Messi is likely to quit Paris Saint-Germain with his contract running out in June, despite his deal having an option to extend by a further year.
      Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi is likely to leave in JuneCredit: EPA
      Sergio Aguero believes Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain for BarcelonaCredit: PA
      However, Aguero doesn’t expect his former Argentina team-mate to extend his hapless PSG stint and instead believes there is a “50 per cent chance” he is going back to the Nou Camp.
      The former striker insists the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner should retire at “home” with the Blaugrana.
      The 34-year-old, who was forced to retire two years ago as a Barcelona player due to a heart condition, has urged club president Joan Laporta to do everything he can to bring Messi back.
      Aguero told Kings League: “My feeling is that there is a 50 per cent chance that Leo Messi will return at Barca.
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      “I think that Leo should retire at Barca. Barcelona is his home, he has to finish his career here.
      “Laporta has to make an effort in bringing back Leo.”

      Messi’s future is currently uncertain even though he led Argentina to World Cup glory in the winter.
      Barcelona are keen to have their record goalscorer back but their mounting financial woes are a significant obstacle.
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      The 35-year-old amassed a staggering 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances during his glittering 17-year stint in Catalonia.
      However, Messi left in 2021 when his contract expired as Barcelona could not agree new terms with the player, who agreed to take a pay cut, due to LaLiga’s salary cap rules.
      The Argentine legend then joined PSG where he has amassed a total of 29 goals and 32 assists in 66 appearances but has still struggled to establish the reigning French champions as an elite club. More

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      Two-time Champions League winner once dubbed ‘next Messi’ retires at 32 and turns focus to completely different sport

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      EX-BARCELONA hero Bojan Krkic has found a Nou gear – after quitting football at 32 to enjoy cycling.The two-time Champion League winner once dubbed the “new Messi” says his dreams are as powerful as the one he had aged 10 – to play for Barca.
      Bojan Krkic won LaLiga four times and the Champions League twice during three spells with Barca but is now retiring as a playerCredit: Reuters
      Spanish forward Bojan bowed out as a footballer with two years at Vissel KobeCredit: AFP
      The bike fan, who played for Stoke from 2014-2019, left Japanese club Vissel Kobe in January.
      And now the one-cap Spaniard has confirmed his retirement as a player, days after Barcelona legend Gerard Pique leaked the news by mistake.
      Bojan revealed he agonised over his decision but now plans to have fun trail riding.
      He posted on Instagram: “After traveling around the world, I return to my home to communicate to you one of the most deliberate, difficult and, at the same time, most important decisions of my life: I stop being a professional footballer because I feel that I have to start a new phase. 
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      “And I do it with the same enthusiasm as that 10-year-old boy who dreamed of playing at the Camp Nou with the Barça first team. Never stop dreaming. Never stop smiling. Thanks!”
      Bojan won LaLiga four times in the second of his three spells at the Nou Camp, also playing for Roma and Montreal Impact, plus having loan spells with AC Milan, Ajax, Mainz 05 and Alaves.
      And he’ll use much of his new free time for gravel cycling.
      Former Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta has joined him in promoting a new cycling brand, Guava.
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      Bojan said: “It is a good way to combine sport and social activity.
      “I could participate soon to be in some races. I’m going to prepare for it.
      “I have always liked the bike, even as a means of transportation, but for about five years I have loved gravel. Whenever I can, I go out to do my routes.” More

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      I’m a Barcelona legend – I wasn’t bothered when I earned my first million but I bought my dad a heartwarming present

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      FOR many young footballers, earning their first million is a massive shock and giddy with excitement they often don’t know what to do with it. But this wasn’t the case with Barcelona legend Jordi Alba, who wasn’t fazed by it at all.
      Jordi Alba has revealed what he did with his first millionCredit: Getty
      Alba has made over 450 appearances for BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      In an interview with Marca, the 34-year-old Spaniard revealed the heartwarming thing he did with the first million he earned.
      He said: “My first million euros I won at Valencia. I didn’t care about it, really, honestly.
      “Yes, I value money, I attach importance to it, but it’s not the most important thing in my life.
      “With my first million euros, I bought a car from my father. Every four days I went down to Valencia.
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      “He would take the car and go to Valencia to see me until one day he had an accident with a truck.
      “The materials fell and destroyed his car. A big scare. I went to the dealership, I wanted to buy him a car.
      “I bought the car (a Mercedes) by surprise because otherwise I wouldn’t have wanted to.
      “He didn’t believe it, he started crying, but mostly because he thought about him, not because of the car itself.”
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      Alba eventually swapped Valencia for Barcelona in 2012.
      Despite reports linking him with the exit door, there is no denying he is a legend at the Nou Camp.
      The explosive left-back has made over 450 appearances for the club.
      His outings have helped the club win a ton of trophies, including the Champions League, five LaLiga titles, five Spanish Cups and the Club World Cup.
      He also enjoyed success on the international stage, winning the European Championships in 2012.
      Alba is one player Barca could look to offload as they look for ways to lower their plumped-up wage bill.
      But with just 12 months left on his deal when the summer window rolls around, Alba has openly said he would help the club by lowering his wages. More

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      Chelsea outcast Aubameyang could have contract ripped up for second time in career to seal summer transfer

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG could have his contract ripped up for the second time in the space of 18 months this summer.Aubameyang left Barcelona on transfer deadline day last August and joined the Blues following a £10m deal between the two clubs.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could reportedly be released by Chelsea this summerCredit: Rex
      But the former Arsenal star’s return to London has quickly developed into a nightmare.
      He has fallen well out of favour since Thomas Tuchel was sacked days after his arrival and has since only managed 123 minutes of football without starting a single game this year.
      The Gabon international was also axed from Graham Potter’s Champions League squad after Chelsea’s huge January spending spree.
      And all of this has led to Spanish publication SPORT claiming that “everything indicates that he could be released this summer” by the Blues.
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      Aubameyang is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2024 and currently earns £160,000-a-week.
      We reported yesterday how Barcelona are keen on bringing him back.
      That was after Aubameyang was pictured celebrating with his former team-mates in the dressing room after their 2-1 triumph over Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico.
      The forward still has an excellent relationship with the Blaugrana stars, especially Ousmane Dembele with whom he played at Borussia Dortmund.
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      Barcelona manager Xavi is also keen on the ex-Arsenal star as his 13 goals in 24 appearances during the second half of last season sealed Champions League qualification.
      His move there came after Arsenal agreed to terminate his contract there in order to get him out of the club. More

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      Chelsea flop labelled ‘best defender in the world’ by international boss after release on free transfer

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      FORMER Chelsea flop Andreas Christensen has been hailed as one of the best centre-backs in the world.The Danish defender left the Blues at the expiry of his contract last summer.
      Andreas Christensen joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summerCredit: Getty
      Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has hailed him as ‘one of the best’ centre-backsCredit: EPA
      He went on to sign for Barcelona on a free transfer and has become a regular member of the team.
      The 26-year-old has featured 25 times in all competitions this season for Xavi’s side.
      Christensen is also currently on course to win a LaLiga title in his first season with the club.
      Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has praised the defender ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Finland and Kazakhstan.
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      He said: “Andreas Christensen is one of the best centre-backs in the world, if not the best.
      “If I was at a club and I had to choose a centre-back, I would choose him.”
      The comments echo that of Xavi’s own praise for Christensen back in January when he hit back at critics that suggested Real Madrid had done the better deal by signing Antonio Rudiger, who had also walked away from Chelsea.
      He said: “Surely the signing of Christensen has been the less highlighted, but he has been extraordinary.
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      “I remember when people said that Real Madrid signed Chelsea’s starting centre-back, and we signed the substitute.”
      During his time at the Blues, Christensen featured 161 times but was often not the first-choice defender.
      The Dane was viewed as a backup to either Rudiger or Thiago Silva. More

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      Barcelona LOSE appeal to register wonderkid Gavi as first-team player putting Man Utd and Liverpool on transfer alert

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      BARCELONA’S second attempt to register wonderkid Gavi as a first-team player has been REJECTED in court.The Nou Camp giants had their original effort turned down by LaLiga back in January as the club were also banned from adding to their squad.
      Barcelona have suffered a huge blow in their attempt to keep hold of GaviCredit: Getty
      However, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that the club’s appeal against overturning the first-team registration of Gavi has been rejected.
      Barcelona registered Gavi as a first-team player on January 31 after obtaining a precautionary measure from the court.
      However, LaLiga filed an appeal against the same as they cited the fact that Xavi’s side had missed the deadline.
      The court allegedly ruled in favour of the Spanish league earlier this month but no concrete verdict was reached as Gavi was allowed to continue as a first-team member.
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      But this fresh update states the financially troubled club appealed against the ruling last Wednesday but had their appeal rejected by the 10th Commercial Court of Barcelona.
      That means that Gavi, who is a full Spanish international, will no longer be counted as a first-team member and must revert back to his youth contract until the end of the season.
      And in what could be a huge boost for Manchester United, the attacker will also be deregistered for the next season as Barcelona have exceeded their salary limit.
      As we reported previously, the Nou Camp club had thought the departures of Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique would allow them to register Gavi.
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      Gavi has been a key player for Barcelona this season
      Barca have a negative balance, which is largely due to their Champions League exit in the group stages, and so LaLiga did not validate Gavi’s extension.
      Barca will now have to significantly reduce their wage bill in summer, or find new sponsorships to register contracts.
      We revealed how they could be set to unload some of their biggest stars as the troubled club look to raise £178m.
      The Spanish giants face a summer of no incoming signings after wild spending left the club struggling to reign in their costs.
      Player sales appear the most likely way to get the situation under control and Premier League clubs are among those who could be circling.
      United and Liverpool have been joined by Bayern Munich in the race to sign Gavi.

      But he is not the only one that could be going out the exit door.
      Ex-Leeds star Raphinha, who only arrived at the Nou Camp a year ago, and fellow United target Frenkie de Jong are among 10 players who could also be sold to free up funds. More