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      Ronaldinho’s son, 19, moves to England with influencer girlfriend as he follows in Barcelona legend’s footsteps

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      RONALDINHO’S son has moved to England and is set to play for Burnley.Joao Mendes, 19, has made a permanent move to the UK with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 24.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has moved to England with his girlfriendCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is following in his father Ronaldinho’s footsteps in footballCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes is set to play for Burnley in the ChampionshipCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes has moved to the UK with his influencer girlfriend Giovanna BuscacioCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna has over 131,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes was pictured with a Clarets shirt in August after reportedly signing with the Championship outfit.Reports now suggest the winger, who could start out in Burnley’s Under-21 side, has now moved to Manchester.The Brazilian has reportedly been living in Manchester since September with his influencer girlfriend with whom he’s been with for two years.Giovanna has over 131,000 followers on Instagram and has been sharing several snaps on social media showing their new life in England.Read More on FootballMendes has been following in his father’s footsteps since the age of 13 when he started playing club football in Brazil.The led the forward to Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy where he played until June.Mendes’ contract with Burnley will reportedly run for the next two years.Ronaldinho, 44, burst onto the scene in the 2002 World Cup when he helped Brazil lift the trophy by beating Germany in the final.Most read in ChampionshipThat led to a lucrative move to Barcelona in 2003 where he amassed a staggering total of 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 appearances.The star forward also won two LaLiga titles, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2006 Champions League during his five-year stint with Barca.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe Brazil legend rolled credits on his 17-year career, which also saw him playing for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, in 2015 with 33 goals in 97 caps.Giovanna has already started sharing snaps from their new life in EnglandCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is set to start playing for Burnley’s Under-21 sideCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna shares a series of glam pics on social mediaCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashGiovanna will be rooting for Mendes from the standsCredit: @giobuscacio/Newsflash More

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      Barcelona considering sensational transfer swoop for Neymar – but only if they can’t lure Premier League star

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      BARCELONA are reportedly considering a shock move for Neymar.The Brazilian could make a sensational return to the club seven years after his exit.Barcelona are considering a move to bring Neymar back to the club next summerCredit: APHowever, Barca’s pursuit is dependant on them missing out on signing a Premier League star.Neymar was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for a world record £198million in 2017 after four years in Spain.During that time, he scored 105 goals and provided 76 assists in 186 appearances for Barcelona.He also won nine trophies with the club, including the Champions League and a pair of league titles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Sport, Neymar could now return to the Nou Camp next summer.The report claims Barca are considering a move for the 32-year-old if they miss out on signing Erling Haaland first.Haaland is understood to be their priority target for the 2025 summer transfer window.Neymar remains a target, though, with his Al-Hilal contract expiring at the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSClub president Joan Laporta wants to give him another chance but would face competition from Brazilian side Flamengo.Laporta’s relationship with Neymar’s agent Pini Zahavi could boost his hopes of striking a deal.Top 10 highest paid sports stars in 2024Barca would reportedly only look to sign Neymar if they cannot bring in Erling HaalandCredit: GettyBarcelona will also be helped by his desire to play at the 2026 World Cup with the offer to play high level football again.Neymar joined Al-Hilal last summer, penning a two-year deal worth £314million.However, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament just two months later after making just five appearances for the Saudi Pro League side.After a year out with the injury, Neymar recently returned to training and could make his comeback at the end of this month.Neymar spent four years with Barcelona before his world record move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017Credit: Getty More

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      Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta retires and plans to formally announce decision on sentimental date

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      ANDRES INIESTA is set to retire from professional football, according to reports.The legendary midfielder has been without a club since July after his contract expired at UAE side Emirates Club.Andres Iniesta is set to retire from footballCredit: GettyIniesta is the second-most decorated player in Barcelona’s historyCredit: GettyHe won a staggering 37 trophies with the Spanish sideCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup finalCredit: AFPAnd the 40-year-old will announce he is hanging up his boots on October 8, according to Relevo.It comes after Iniesta teased his future endeavours on his Instagram page.The Spaniard, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, posted a video to his social media of him painting onto a mural of himself.He captioned the post: “COMING SOON. 8, 10, 24,” a date synonymous with his shirt number.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIniesta’s incredible career stretches over 22 years, having made his pro debut with Barcelona in 2002.He went on to appear in 674 games for the Blaugrana, scoring 57 goals and adding 135 assists.His exploits for the Catalan giants saw him land 37 trophies – the second most in the club’s history behind only Lionel Messi’s haul of 35 – including nine La Liga, four Champions League and three Club World Cup titles.Playing alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, Iniesta is also considered to have been part of arguably the greatest midfield trio football has ever seen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIniesta would eventually leave the club in 2018 to join Japan’s Vissel Kobe on a free transfer.He would go on to spend five years in the J-League, winning the league, Japanese Cup and Japanese Super Cup.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersEmirates Club, whom he joined in 2023, would prove to be his final team as he made 23 appearances for them, scoring five goals and adding one assist.On the international stage Iniesta earned 131 caps for Spain, scoring 14 goals – including the decisive winner in the 2010 World Cup final.Iniesta also won the European Championship twice at senior level, as well at Under-16 and Under-19 level. His individual accolades were nothing to sneer at either, being named as Uefa’s Best Player in Europe in 2012, the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2012 and La Liga’s Best Midfielder on no less than five occasions.Away from the pitch, he has also been honoured with Prince of Asturias Awards, the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit, the Queen Sofia Award and the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit.Reacting to Iniesta’s social media post seemingly confirming his retirement, one fan said: “This man retiring without winning the Ballon d’or is a crime.”A second said: “Good luck legend.”A third added: “Legend.”Another said: “THANK YOU FOR YOUR FOOTBALL.”Speaking back in July, Iniesta suggested he would be open to returning to Barcelona.He said: “I would like to go back to Barca at some point. But obviously, I still don’t know when or how; it’s something nobody knows. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ll see how it all goes. I want to continue playing until I feel that the moment has come to stop.”Given the mural in Iniesta’s Instagram video is one of him in a Barcelona shirt, there is a chance his announcement on October 8 will see him return to his former club in some capacity.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 goals More

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      Barcelona ready to make stunning £60m Mason Greenwood bid – but face two-horse transfer race with PSG for ex-Man Utd ace

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      BARCELONA are set to make a summer bid for Mason Greenwood – but face a major fight for the forward.Greenwood has enjoyed a brilliant start to his career at Marseille, scoring five goals in six games for the French side.Barcelona are lining up a move for Mason Greenwood after his flying start at MarseilleCredit: AFPScouts from the Nou Camp have watched four of Greenwood’s games so far.And SunSport understands they are prepared to bid as much as £60m for the former Manchester United star, who they were tracking last season.Barcelona know that Greenwood can play in LaLiga after impressing there last term while on loan for Getafe. And they’ve now made securing the 22-year-old one of their priorities for the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Greenwood’s impressive start to the season has also caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, who are desperate to add to their firepower.They’ve also sent scouts to watch the former England international and would have no trouble matching Barcelona if the clubs became embroiled in a bidding war.And sources say Greenwood would welcome the idea of remaining in France long-term, having settled quickly in the country.A source said: “Mason loves France. He’s been welcomed with open-arms and is loving life in the league.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSunSport’s revelation comes days after reports claimed Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich were also tracking the player. Neither club is believed to have sent scouts to watch him this season. ‘Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyBut Greenwood is quickly emerging as one of the most coveted players in Europe.His success in France comes at the same time as former club Manchester United endure a torrid period.They were booed off on Sunday following a 3-0 home defeat to Spurs.And Erik ten Hag – who never wanted Greenwood to leave the club – is now under pressure with two wins and three defeats in six Premier League matches. More

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      Haley hopeful Brighton and Spain ace Bruna can help Seagulls soar in points battle with WSL rivals

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      MADISON HALEY reckons the dynamic Bruna Vilamala will keep the Seagulls soaring.Brighton forward Haley thinks a top-four spot could be a realistic target for the club who have had a flying start to the Women’s Super League season.Madison Haley believes Bruna’s instensity and versatility on the pitch can make Brighton more dynamic in attackCredit: AlamyThe Spain forward made her WSL debut for Albion when they beat Everton 4-0 in their season-opener on September 21Credit: AlamyHaley and her Seagulls team-mates will be hoping to continue their strong start when they visit Manchester CityCredit: GettyAlbion face a tricky early-season test at highly fancied Manchester City this afternoon.The eagerly awaited contest, which kicks off at 12:30pm comes on the back of their 4-0 opening-day thrashing of Everton last Saturday when Kiko Seike ran riot with a historic debut WSL hat-trick.Now American Haley (right), 25, is backing another summer signing in Bruna to make a big impact.Striker Bruna, 22, who has joined on loan from Barcelona, scored four goals in ten top-flight starts for the Catalan club last season.Read More Football Stories She made her senior international debut for Spain in June.And Haley revealed: “People have been asking me who’s the one to watch. Bruna was one of the players I said.”With her coming from Barcelona, the technical ability is there in abundance.”She gives us some really good quality in possession as well as out.Most read in Football”She can play multiple positions and I guess it makes us a bit more dynamic as a team.”Her intensity, the distance she covers and effort that she puts in is there. She can also keep the opposition on their toes.”That makes us more flexible as a team, because you can have people swapping positions live in the game.”It just gives us a bit more flexibility and makes us more dynamic as a team, which I think is something maybe we didn’t have last season as much.”This summer has seen Brighton undergo a massive overhaul with the departure of 13 players and 12 new arrivals.Among those coming in were England forwards Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris.And along with striker Michelle Agyemang, 18, from Arsenal, Bruna is one of two promising young players to have joined the club on a season’s loan.The Seagulls have also undergone a transformation in playing style with the team more front-footed in attack under new boss Dario Vidosic.The Brighton gaffer, 37, was appointed in July.He took over from interim chief Mikey Harris, who guided the south coast team to a ninthplace finish last term.Following all the chopping and changing in the dugout, former Melbourne City Women’s boss Vidosic is the fifth manager to take charge of Albion since December 2022.And Haley believes the WSL side are making progress under their new boss who is a big admirer of Pep Guardiola’s early coaching success with Barcelona’s B team.The Texas-born player added: “With Dario coming in with his new approach, we’re moving in the right direction most definitely. We’re in a good place overall.”All the small tweaks and tactical things, of course, that’s going to be different from manager to manager.”But Brighton’s philosophy has stayed true throughout with the changes.”For the most part, it’s been a pretty easy transition.”We want to be pushing as high as we can in the table. With the new additions, we can definitely do that.Manchester City aim to get their first win in the WSL this season when they take on Brighton at the Joie StadiumCredit: Alamy”The expectations are the same, from the club’s perspective. We want to be a top-four team. “We’ve added a lot of big players and having an overarching goal is good.”But then it’s also about being a bit realistic as well.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s no doubt that the sky’s the limit for this team.”Manchester City vs Brighton can be watched live at 12:30pm today on BBC Two. More

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      Barcelona slapped with Uefa ban after fans show Nazi banner in Champions League clash against Monaco

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      BARCELONA have been slapped with a Uefa ban and fine after fans displayed a Nazi-inspired banner during their Champions League opener against Monaco.Barca suffered a 2-1 defeat during their their first European match of the season last week at Stade Louis II.Barcelona were slapped with a fine and ban due to fans displaying a Nazi bannerThe racist banner appeared to be addressing Barcelona boss Hansi FlickCredit: RexThe Blaugrana sustained an even bigger blow as some of their travelling supporters unfurled a racist sign that read: “Flick Heil (Hail Flick)”.That was of course a play on words referring to the infamous “Sieg Heil (Hail victory)” statement used by the Nazis during Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship in Germany.And those yobs seemed to be addressing that sickening banner towards Barcelona’s German manager Hansi Flick.The sign managed to get through security but was swiftly removed after being spotted and reported to Uefa.Read More on FootballThe incident caught the attention of Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) who who issued swift penalties.As a result, the Catalan giants have been fined €10,000 (£8,332) and prevented from selling tickets for their away game against Red Star Belgrade on November 6.UEFA has also issued the LaLiga outfit a one-year suspended ban, which will be triggered in the event of any further breaches within the next 12 months.This comes after Barcelona were handed a suspended ban following racist behaviour by their fans during a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in April.Most read in Champions LeagueBarca fans caused damage and let off fireworks inside the Parc des Princes five months ago, which led to a €32,000 fine (£26,673) and a suspended ban on selling away tickets.The CEDB cited Article 14 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations reads: “Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.”Barcelona had even more problems on the pitch against Monaco as they lost Eric Garcia to a straight red card just ten minutes after kick-off.Maghnes Akliouche opened the scoring for the hosts just six minutes later before Lamine Yamal’s equaliser on 28 minutes.But Adi Hutter’s side completed a famous victory against Barcelona in the 71st minute with George Ilenikhena’s winner. More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘peak Glazer insanity’ after finding out club failed in £83.5m transfer for Premier League flop

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed the “peak insanity” from the Glazers after learning about their failed bid for a Barcelona flop.The controversial owners made a £83.5million offer to the LaLiga giants for Ansu Fati in 2020 – when the winger was just 17 years old.Manchester United’s £83million bid for Ansu Fati was rejected in 2020Credit: GettyThe forward failed to make his mark while on loan at BrightonCredit: GettyThe Glazer family has repeatedly come under fire for their failed recruitment plansWhile Fati was coming through the ranks and had burst onto the scene in Spain at the time, nothing warranted that price tag.In his 2019-20 debut season, then 16-year-old Fati became Barca’s youngest goalscorer — a record since taken by Lamine Yamal.He subsequently finished second in the 2020 Golden Boy award behind Erling Haaland – who arrived at Manchester City for £52million in 2022.United’s summer approach for Fati came on the back of a third-place finish in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBarca were able to fend off interest and tie Fati down to a long-term deal with a mammoth £363m release clause.When Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Fati took over the No10 shirt — but then a serious knee injury struck.He was shipped out on a season-long loan to Prem side Brighton in 2023 – but failed to live up to their near £7million investment.Fati has been absent with a foot injury so far this season and still has plenty of time to realise his immense potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited fans have lashed out at the Glazers after learning new details of the failed move from The Athletic.One wrote: “Peak Glazer insanity”, before another commented: “That family were in a league of their own 😂.”Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian WrightA second said: “Typical United willing to send a fortune on any mid player.”A third added: “Obviously Ed Woodward and co would immediately overpay for such a player.”While another noted: “WOW. We dodged a nuke.”United left it late to do their business in 2020, sealing deadline day deals for Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri. Amad also signed at the end of the window, though he didn’t join until January 2021.Poor recruitment from the Glazer family has arguably been the greatest issue among fans throughout United’s post-Fergie era.The transfer strategy was so bad that it, alongside “draining the club allegations”, sparked as series of protests outside Old Trafford from 2021 onwards.United are guilty of over-spending on both unreliable and unproven players.Just look at the millions spent on Paul Pogba, Angel di Maria, and more recently Antony and Harry Maguire.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, Bruno Fernandes’ arrival in 2020 is perhaps the only transfer decision that United have got right in the last 10 years.But the Red Devils have now placed their hopes in new minority stake co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who promised a different transfer strategy moving forward.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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      Former Arsenal star ‘ready to end retirement just FOUR WEEKS after quitting game with shock transfer’

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      A FORMER Arsenal star could be tempted out of retirement just four weeks after hanging up his boots.The ex-Gunners favourite, who left the Emirates in 2017, confirmed his emotional decision in a statement last month.A former Arsenal star is being considered for a high-profile moveCredit: Action Images – ReutersHaving played at the highest level, he admitted that he’d lost the hunger for the game, despite still being physically able at 34.In his statement, he wrote: “I’ve made friends for life, created unforgettable memories and met people who have made an incredible impact on my life. Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football…”But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, every day, without excuses. Today, though my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore.”I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust weeks after making his decision, however, Wojciech Szczesny may be tempted to return.According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona chiefs are mulling over a shock move for the Polish goalkeeper.The Catalan giants are looking to bring in a new stopper, after No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty knee injury against Villarreal last weekend.Ter Stegen, 32, underwent successful knee surgery on Monday, and is expected to be ruled out for at least seven months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWojciech Szczesny confirmed his retirement last monthCredit: GettyMarc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a nasty injury at the weekendCredit: RexIn the short-term, La Masia graduate Inaki Pena, 25, will take the gloves.But Barca chiefs want to recruit a more experienced option.What happened to Highbury?Szczesny made 35 appearances in Serie A for Juventus last season.Barca bosses hope that the allure of playing for another huge club could tempt him out of retirement.Another factor could be talismanic Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.The forward, 36, has a long-standing relationship with Szczesny, having played with him for his national team for many years.In fact, the duo took to the field together as recently as the summer, when both featured at Euro 2024 in Germany.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Barca have approached Szczesny’s representatives CAA Stellar.Should Barca fail to sign Szczesny, they could look to former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rican, 37, is a free agent having left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.He rejected advances from Brazil and Saudi Arabia over the summer, and has remained fit by training at Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa.Navas made six appearances in total for PSG last season, including four in Ligue 1, as he backed up first choice Gianluigi Donnarumma.The 6ft 1in stopper was most recently a first choice during the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, which he spent on loan at Nottingham Forest.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite his history with Real Madrid, it’s claimed that Navas would have no qualms about joining Barcelona.He is represented by agent Jorge Mendes, who has close ties with the Catalan club.Keylor Navas left Paris Saint-Germain in the summerCredit: Getty More