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      Gerard Pique retiring is set to save Barcelona £44MILLION with boss Xavi hailing it a ‘gesture of spectacular greatness’

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      BARCELONA boss Xavi hailed Gerard Pique ‘gesture of spectacular greatness’ as the legend gave up £44million by retiring mid-contract.Centre-back Pique, 35, played 615 games in 14 years with Barca but is now mainly on the bench since Xavi told him in the summer he’d only be a bit-part player for the cash-strapped giants.
      Gerard Pique has been praised for his incredible generosity as he forsake a huge sum from his contract to retire after 14 glorious years at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Barcelona manager Xavi saluted Pique’s gesture and revealed how difficult it was to tell the icon he wouldn’t be a regular this seasonCredit: AFP
      But rather than see out his deal until 2024, the 102-cap Spaniard has opted to bow out at home to Almeria in LaLiga this Saturday.
      Marca calculate the ex-Manchester United youngster has saved Barcelona around £44m in wages as they struggle with debts and Financial Fair Play.
      Former team-mate Xavi said: “Pique is a player who still has a contract and who could have continued at the club, so his gesture shows spectacular greatness.
      “We had a private conversation at the beginning of the summer. 
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      “I had to explain my intentions to him and it was one of the most difficult moments I’ve had to do as a coach.
      “We heard about Pique’s decision this week. Surely I have had an important weight in making this decision, but the truth is that I have to make decisions and in many situations someone else played over Pique.
      “For me it is not a relief that he is leaving now. It is a personal decision for him, due to the circumstances and due to the conversation we had in the summer.”
      Former midfield genius Xavi, 42, reluctant to elaborate on his awkward pre-season chat with Pique.
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      But he said: “I’ve tried to be honest with Pique… the footballer always feels when you don’t play him, the coach is to be blamed.
      “That’s why I say that sometimes the job of a coach is unpleasant because you have to make difficult decisions. The conversation we had is private.” 
      Pique won 30 trophies with his boyhood and hometown club Barca, including three Champions League successes and eight LaLiga crowns. More

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      Barcelona legend Gerard Pique announces he’s LEAVING club in emotional video after 14-year spell and will retire aged 35

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      GERARD PIQUE has announced he is leaving Barcelona after 14 years and will RETIRE from football.The Spaniard revealed the news in a touching video on social media, in which he said Saturday’s game will be his last at the Camp Nou.

      Gerard Pique announced he will be leaving BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Pique showed off some old footage of him as a youngster in the academyCredit: Twitter @3gerardpique
      The Spaniard grew up on the teachings of Barca’s legendary academyCredit: Twitter @3gerardpique
      Pique concluded the video with by reaffirming his love for BarcelonaCredit: Twitter @3gerardpique
      In the video which runs for just over two minutes, Pique reflects on his time with the club which he joined back in 2008 from Manchester United.
      The 35-year-old has gone on to make well over 600 appearances for the club.
      And he has been a stalwart for the club throughout his long service.
      With the Spanish giants he won a mighty collection of 31 trophies including four Champions League’s and eight La Liga titles.
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      Towards the end of the the emotional video, Pique said: “I have always said that after Barcelona there wouldn’t be another team and that’s the way it will be.
      “This Saturday will be my last game in the Camp Nou.
      “I will become a regular fan. I will support the team. I will pass my love of Barca to my children like my family did with me.
      “And you know me. Sooner or later. I’ll be back.
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      “I’ll see you at the Camp Nou. Long live Barca. Always.”
      Pique’s football career began in Barcelona’s iconic La Masia academy.
      The defender showed off clips of his days as a youngster while in the academy during his video farewell.
      Pique was also a vital cog in Spain team which dominated international football for a time as he won the 2012 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
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      Overall, Pique will retire knowing that he has one of the most impressive trophy collections of any player – with a whopping 37 trophies for club and country.
      However, Pique has endured a rough few months both on and off the pitch, seeing himself relegated to the bench and splitting up from partner Shakira.
      Pique will retire with a staggering 37 trophies to his nameCredit: Getty
      Pique celebrates winning the 2010 World Cup alongside Cesc FabregasCredit: AFP More

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      AC Milan join Barcelona in transfer chase for Chelsea star Jorginho who could leave for FREE in summer

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      THE future for Jorginho is heating up after AC Milan reportedly entered the transfer race to sign him next summer.Chelsea star Jorginho is free to leave the club when if his contract is not renewed by next summer.
      Jorginho celebrates a man of the match award after Chelsea’s win over SalzburgCredit: PA
      Barcelona have been an interested party for some time now.
      However, despite Barcelona’s long-term interest in the Italian who has reportedly already made a transfer commitment to them, they are no longer the only ones with an interest.
      According to Spanish outlet Sport, Serie A champions Milan are best-positioned alongside Barcelona to sign the 30-year-old.
      They report the two clubs have “taken the lead” and made “important moves” to push a deal through.
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      Barcelona want Jorginho as a replacement for legend Sergio Busquets, whose own contract is running out next summer as well.
      The pair play the same position and are both good on the ball, with the “Barcelona DNA” demanding technically proficient players.
      But Sport’s report indicates his next move could come down to the contract offered to him.
      In this sense, the Blaugrana are at an instant disadvantage due to their already soaring wage bill, their precarious finances, and the relatively low tax level in Italy.
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      Previous reports have suggested that Jorginho has already rejected a contract proposal from Chelsea due to wanting a package worth £150,000 per week.
      Jorginho has previous experience in Serie A, spending his entire career in Italy prior to his Chelsea move in 2018.
      Four of those years were spent at Napoli, with ex-boss Maurizio Sarri coaxing him into the Chelsea transfer. More

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      ‘I lost my identity’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic says his one season at Barcelona was ‘worst memory’ of stunning career

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC claims playing for Barcelona was the “worst memory” of his glittering career.The Swedish legend, 41, believes he “lost his identity” in his only season at the Nou Camp, under Pep Guardiola in 2009-10.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic was discontented playing for Spanish giants Barcelona, a brief spell which came between successful periods with Inter and AC MilanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Striker Ibrahimovic now cuts a relaxed figure in his second spell with AC Milan but has been out injured for several monthsCredit: AP
      But Ibrahimovic says he regained his swagger once he left and “conquered the world”.
      The former Manchester United striker is now in his second spell with AC Milan, albeit out until the new year following an ACL knee injury.
      And he suggested Barcelona was the one place where he was not his true self.
      He told France’s Canal Plus TV: “My worst memory? I think it was Barcelona, but not for football. 
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      “Yes I disappointed myself. I did things differently. I thought twice before acting and I disappointed myself. 
      “I lost my identity there. Afterwards, I found it again, and that allowed me to conquer the world.”
      Ibrahimovic arrived at Barca after three Serie A titles in a row with Inter.
      And in fact his domestic record in his sole campaign in Spain was decent enough, including 22 goals in 46 games.
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      The 121-cap hero did not explain the reasons behind his Nou Camp woes but has previously revealed he had problems with Guardiola.
      He told Sky Sports Italia in 2017: “I’d walk into a room and he’d walk out. I’d go to meet him and he’d go somewhere else. 
      “I understood that there was something beyond football.
      “The problem was his, it was he who hadn’t solved the problem with me. 
      “I remember on my first day, he told me that the Barcelona players didn’t turn up to training in Ferraris or Porsches.  
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      “He’d already judged me then, but if you don’t know a person then you can’t judge them.  
      “He wasn’t the worst coach I’d worked under, but he was certainly the most immature because a man solves his problems.” More

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      Barcelona interested in Benjamin Pavard transfer with Bayern Munich full back’s contract expiring in 2024

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      BARCELONA are considering making a move for Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard, according to reports.The right-back’s contract at the German champions expires in 2024 and he supposedly would like to leave the club.
      Benjamin Pavard is reportedly ready to leave Bayern Munich with his deal running outCredit: Getty
      Barcelona are keen to sign a full-back with nobody consistently nailing down the spot in the starting XI this season.
      Sergi Roberto has featured 11 times on the right side of the defence this campaign but his contract ends at the end of this season.
      Former Arsenal ace Hector Bellerin was signed by Barca in the summer to play there but he has made just four appearances since arriving at the Nou Camp.
      Jules Kounde has had to fill in at right-back despite predominately being a centre-back.
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      Xavi reportedly sees adding a new full-back to the squad as a priority and Pavard could be his first choice, claim outlet Sport, after scoring against his potential new employers.
      The 26-year-old has starred for Bayern since joining them in 2019.
      He has featured 136 times winning the Bundesliga three times and the Champions League once.
      But the French World Cup winner is ready to quit the club in the summer in seek of a new challenge.
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      If a deal for Pavard does not materialise then they could potentially turn their attention to Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot.
      Barcelona could be set for another busy window at the end of the season amid talks regarding legend Lionel Messi and a plethora of midfielders.
      Messi could be set to join Inter Miami and is reportedly ignoring calls from Barcelona who want to bring him ‘home’.
      The Catalan giants have also been linked with Jorginho, Bruno Guimaraes and Ruben Neves. More

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      Man Utd face losing in-form Diogo Dalot as super-agent Jorge Mendes ‘endorses’ move to Barcelona next summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Diogo Dalot’s agent Jorge Mendes is working on moving him to Barcelona, according to reports.The Portuguese ace has been in superb form this season, drawing special praise from Gary Neville last weekend.
      Diogo Dalot is enjoying his best season at Man UnitedCredit: Getty
      Jorge Mendes is reportedly keen to move Dalot to BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
      Dalot’s contract is set to expire in the summer, with Barcelona among a host of teams interested in securing his signature for free.
      According to Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo, Mendes has offered Dalot to Barca, a club he has an “exquisite relationship” with.
      The super-agent has “backed” and “personally endorsed” a move to the LaLiga giants for his client, despite the right-back enjoying his best season at Man United to date.
      Asked about his future after the 1-0 win over West Ham last weekend, Dalot was noncommittal.
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      He told Sky Sports: “I don’t think it’s the time to think about my contract situation.
      “We’re in the process to improve our game as team.
      “I love to play for Man United as I always try to show. I’m happy – this is the most important thing.”
      Following the win over the Hammers last weekend, Man United icon Neville praised the Red Devils’ defence.
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      He said: “They’ve all contributed. They’re all going to (David) De Gea but Dalot, (Lisandro) Martinez, (Harry) Maguire and De Gea in that last 15-20 minutes were outstanding.
      “(David) Moyes must wonder what he needs to do to win a game at Old Trafford. He can’t believe it.”
      Dalot, 23, has started every game this season under Erik ten Hag.
      His form has seen Aaron Wan-Bissaka frozen out at Old Trafford.
      Barca, meanwhile, have used a number of players at right-back this term – including Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto, Hector Bellerin and Alejandro Balde.
      Hector Bellerin has played at right-back for Barcelona this seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Lionel Messi ‘ignoring calls from Barcelona’ with old club desperate to seal return despite Inter Miami transfer talks

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      LIONEL MESSI is IGNORING calls from Barcelona as he holds talks over a sensational transfer to Inter Miami, reports suggest. The legendary Argentine has been linked with a switch to the MLS side when his current contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires in the summer.
      Lionel Messi is said to be ignoring phone calls from Barcelona’s presidentCredit: Getty
      This is despite the clear desire of former club Barcelona to bring him back – with their season once again threatening to capitulate.
      And according to Spanish outlet Sport, Messi has even been ignoring phone calls from a close negotiator to club president Joan Laporta – which would doubtless come as a huge blow to their ambitions.
      Messi, 35, seems to have finally hit his stride in Paris, with 12 goals and 13 assists in just 17 games this season.
      And while PSG would also like to keep him for longer, most reports on Messi’s future see it pointing elsewhere.
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      Inter owner David Beckham hinted at a possible move for Messi months ago.
      With this plan now out in the open the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and PSG star’s MLS franchise is said to be growing “increasingly confident” about securing Messi’s services.
      Miami already plays host to a $9million apartment for Messi, who previously admitted a desire to one day play in America.
      Messi has confirmed that the Qatar World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament.
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      And as fate would have it, his 1000th career appearance could well be the final – though he would need to miss a few games between now and then to make that coincidence a reality.
      He “scared millions” earlier this month after going down and appearing to be injured – only for him to tie up his laces instead.
      The former Barca man recently overtook the record of Brazilian great Pele for the most goals and assists ever. More

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      Barcelona line up Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes transfer after admitting defeat in pursuit of Man City’s Bernardo Silva

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      BARCELONA will switch their sights to Bruno Guimaraes after admitting defeat in their bid to land Bernardo Silva.The Spaniards spent six months targeting Manchester City star Bernardo, and there were fears he would press for a move to the Nou Camp.
      Bruno Guimaraes has become a transfer target for BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      But Barca were priced out by City’s £80million valuation and Guimaraes now tops their wanted list.
      The Brazilian only left Lyon for Newcastle in a £35m switch in January, but is already a Toon hero.
      In his 27 games for the club, he has already registered seven goals.
      While he is expected to feature in Brazil’s World Cup squad in Qatar.
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      Newcastle would like to give him a new £200,000-a-week deal and chiefs say they would knock back any Guimaraes bids.
      Yet for all their wealth, Toon sporting director Dan Ashworth admitted their £210m spending spree is unsustainable, and they will eventually “have to trade.”
      “Absolutely I do not want to sell Bruno,” he told The Times.
      “He is a top player and a really important part of this journey. Again, I go back to, we try to manage our talent properly, we try to give them the part of the journey, part of the vision, part of building something and the connecting with the city and the supporters you’ve seen.”
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      Now Barca plan to test Newcastle’s resolve.
      Guimaraes, himself has revealed he is settled in the North-East and wants to become a club legend.
       “I feel at home,” he told Sky Sports.
      “The experience I’ve had here has been amazing. Yes, sometimes it can be difficult to leave the house because everybody recognises me!
      “But they [the fans] are always so friendly, so loving, not just with me but with everyone in my family. It’s always nice when there are teams looking at you, but my plan is just to do my best at Newcastle. The rest, I leave with my agent.
      “I have three or four years of contract left. It’s so long. I swear I’m not thinking about other things. My focus now is just on Newcastle and the World Cup. There is a long way to go. I love playing here, I love to bond with the fans, and I want to become a legend here.” More