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      Rodri lands in Barcelona for further medical tests after Man City star suffers ‘suspected cruciate ligament tear’

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      RODRI has arrived in Barcelona for tests that could confirm he’ll miss the rest of the season.Manchester City fear their star midfielder tore a cruciate ligament against Arsenal on Sunday.Rodri faces a medical exam to see if his injury is as bad as fearedCredit: X/victor_naheThe Man City midfielder went down twice against Arsenal on SundayCredit: RexThe Spaniard arrived in Barcelona to see a renowned specialistCredit: X/victor_naheAn initial exam the following day indicated his knee injury was worse than hoped.Now reports in Spain say the anchorman is preparing for a complete assessment in his home country.Rodri, 28, was seen walking out gingerly at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport.He appeared to have a slight limp but there was no sign of a crutch or any protective wear.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe Spaniard, who looked relaxed, wore black tracksuit bottoms and a white top with the hood up as he got into a waiting vehicle.Journalist Victor Navarro said Rodri was with Etihad doctor Ed Mauri and would meet Dr Ramon Cugat – dubbed the “Messi of medicine”.The famed orthopaedic specialist is City’s expert of choice for many injuries.Rodri collapsed dramatically just EIGHT SECONDS into Sunday’s 2-2 home Premier League draw after colliding with Gunners’ attacker Kai Havertz.Most read in FootballRodri looked in agony with his second injury of the Prem matchCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it was another freak collision, with midfield counterpart Thomas Partey, that forced the Euro 2024 winner out of the game midway through the first half.And it’s that knee problem that City are sweating on.Furious Ian Wright calls Erling Haaland a ‘coward’ and says Man City star throwing ball at Gabriel ‘really boiled me up’ John Stones’ last-gasp leveller against ten-man Arsenal put Pep Guardiola’s men top, one point above Liverpool and Aston Villa. But Rodri is that rare thing among the champions’ bulging squad – a player almost impossible to adequately replace.Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal. More

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      Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen set to miss rest of season as 52-word statement released after horror injury

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      MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a horror injury.Barcelona confirmed the veteran goalkeeper was set for a long period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a torn patellar tendon in his right knee.Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgeryCredit: GettyThe German was replaced in Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Villarreal after being stretchered offCredit: GettyA 52-word statement read: “First team player Marc-Andre ter Stegen underwent successful surgery this afternoon on a patellar tendon injury in his right knee, performed by Dr Joan Carles Monllau under the supervision of the FC Barcelona Medical Services at the Hospital de Barcelona. “He will be unavailable for selection until he has fully recovered.”Ter Stegen, 32, had started all six of the Spanish giants LaLiga games this season.However, in the latest game against Villarreal, Ter Stegen had to be stretchered off and replaced in injury-time of the first half after going down injured.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInaki Peña, 25, replaced him as Hansi Flick’s side went on to win the game 5-1.It is estimated he will be out for at least eight months.The timing could not be worse for Ter Stegen after he was named as Germany’s new No1 by Julian Nagelsmann following the international retirement of Manuel Neuer.Speaking on the injury, he said: “The news of Marc’s injury was a big shock for us. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We will miss him very much in the national team on and off the pitch. “We wish Marc all the best for the operation and a good and quick recovery. We will always be there for him on his way back!”Rodri lands in Barcelona for further medical tests after Man City star suffers ‘suspected cruciate ligament tear’Ter Stegen is not the only major international star to suffer an injury over the weekend after Ballon d’Or candidate and Manchester City star Rodri fell foul to a cruciate ligament injury.Like his German counterpart, the Spanish midfielder looks set to miss the remainder of the season.Manchester City star Rodri is also set to miss the rest of the seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Forgotten Premier League star, 41, offers to come out of retirement to save Barcelona after horror Ter Stegen injury

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      A FORGOTTEN Premier League goalkeeper has offered to come out of retirement to play for Barcelona.The LaLiga giants have been rocked by the season-ending injury to star stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Barcelona are considering signing a free agent goalkeeper after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injuryCredit: RexClaudio Bravo has offered to come out of retirement to play for the clubCredit: GettyThe German international ruptured his patella tendon in his right knee during Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Villareal. This means that manager Hansi Flick has been left with just Inaki Pena as his sole option between the sticks.Ter Stegen, 32, is expected to be out for at least eight months and was pictured in a wheelchair in hospital after the injury.Barcelona have now been linked with a move to bring a new goalkeeper in to cover during his absence.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the club would have to dip into the free agent market to sign a stopper due to the transfer window being closed.Former Manchester City ace Claudio Bravo, 41, has offered his services to Barcelona.He told WinWin: “If Barcelona want me, I will be ready to come out of retirement.”The Chilean starred for Barcelona during his playing career in a two-year spell between 2014 and 2016.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBravo won the LaLiga title in both seasons at the club as well as the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2015.After playing 75 times in all competitions, he left the club in 2016 and joined Manchester City.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsKeylor Navas could be an option as he is without a clubCredit: GettyBravo retired from playing earlier this year after four seasons with Real Betis.Barcelona could also turn to other free agents, such as former Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rica ace has been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.Reports have also claimed that Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski could try to tempt ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement.The Polish star hung up his gloves in the summer after Juventus released him.Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius could also be an option as he available after he left Newcastle.Loris Karius is a free agentCredit: AlamyWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Three Champions League giants ‘already tracking Mason Greenwood’ with Man Utd set to cash in again

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      MASON GREENWOOD is being tracked by three Champions League clubs, transfer reports say. Greenwood has five goals in just four games since signing for Marseille in France in the summer. Mason Greenwood has made a good start to life in MarseilleCredit: AFPAnd his form has seen the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich all register interest, according to talkSPORT.Scouts from all three are said to have watched Greenwood in action for Marseille.It comes after the forward scored ten in 36 games on loan for Getafe in Spain last season. Greenwood was banished from Manchester United from January 2022 after being charged with attempted rape and assault, which he denied.READ MORE IN football The criminal charges were dropped 12 months later.Following an investigation by United, he spent last season away before joining Marseille for £30million in a permanent deal this summer.Greenwood, 22, also has no way back into the England set up and now looks to switch allegiances to Jamaica. As revealed by SunSport, the FA have been approached by the Jamaican Football Federation with a formal request to transfer Greenwood’s international registration. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe process is already underway with Greenwood looking to end his near-four year international exile.Jamaica first tried to get Greenwood to switch his international allegiance after the criminal charges were dropped last February.But he initially declined as he wanted to revive his career with England – although that was ruled out by interim boss Lee Carsley.’I miss it sometimes,’ says Sir Alex Ferguson as former Man Utd manager opens up in rare interview More

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      Barcelona turn down world-record bid from Arsenal to sign England star Keira Walsh before summer transfer deadline

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      BARCELONA rejected a world-record bid from Arsenal to sign Keira Walsh a day before the WSL summer transfer deadline on Friday. Reports claim the Gunners tabled a megabucks offer for the England star on September 12 – believed to be around £930,000 according to BBC Sport. Arsenal are claimed to have had a late summer transfer bid for Keira Walsh’s services knocked back by BarcelonaCredit: GettyBarcelona Women’s boss Pere Romeu described Walsh as “super professional” says his side will be counting on her this seasonCredit: ReutersArsenal’s reported bid for Walsh follows the Gunners signing ex-Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey in JulyCredit: GettyHowever Spanish paper Sport claims the Catalan giants rebuffed the bid from the North London side, with Chelsea also rumoured to be keen on the player. This is despite Walsh, 27, who has helped her team win seven trophies including two Champions League titles, entering the final year of her current contract. Earlier this summer it was reported the Lioness, who in September 2022 sealed a then world record-breaking £400,000 Barcelona transfer, was attracting interest from Arsenal. The midfielder, who joined the team from Manchester City after helping England win the Women’s Euros, has emerged as an influential figure for the Catalan outfit.Read More Football StoriesShe has shone in midfield alongside Spain stars Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmati with the trio helping their side win four major trophies last term. The club see the Rochdale-born midfielder, who started in Barcelona’s first two league matches this season, as a key player within their squad Yesterday boss Pere Romeu confirmed the club had no intention of parting ways with the player who helped her side win a ninth top-flight title last seasonHe told reporters: “There’s no case for Keira leaving. Most read in Football”She’s been with us throughout pre-season and is a key player for us.”She totally gets our style of play, is super professional, and has shown an amazing attitude and commitment from day one. “We’re definitely counting on her this season,” It is claimed Walsh does not intend to renew her contract which is set to expire in June next year. Since her move to Barcelona, who this April signed a two-year partnership with Spanish airline Vueling, the England midfielder has played in 49 games in Spain’s top-flight. On the domestic front Walsh has lifted two Liga F trophies, two Spanish Women’s Super Cups, and a Copa de la Reina.And she appeared in their five pre-season matches including their 2-0 Joan Gamper Trophy win against AC Milan last month.Had Arsenal succeeded in their efforts to sign Walsh, the move would have made her the second player to join the club from Barcelona this summer.In July World Cup-winning Spain forward Mariona Caldentey sealed a permanent switch the Gunners following a 10-year spell with the Catalan side.María Pérez is among the senior players to have left Barcelona this summer with the Spain midfielder joining London City LionessesThis summer’s transfer window has also seen the club bid farewell to Spain international María Pérez.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier today the defensive midfielder, 22, was announced as the newest signing of London City Lionesses whose squad includes Sweden stars Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson. The Women’s Championship side, owned by American businesswoman Michelle Kang, are chasing WSL promotion this term. More

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      Ousmane Dembele becomes third most expensive transfer EVER seven years after leaving Borussia Dortmund

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      OUSMANE DEMBELE has become the third most expensive transfer of all-time… SEVEN years after completing the move.The winger, 27, joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for an initial £96million.Ousmane Dembele’s Borussia Dortmund exit has become the third most expensive transfer everCredit: EPABarcelona paid a total of £125million after add-ons and bonuses for Dembele in 2017Credit: AP:Associated PressHis fee saw him tied with Paul Pogba’s Manchester United return as the eleventh most expensive deal in football history.However, Dembele has now risen to third in the list after the final cost of his Barca switch was revealed.He leapfrogs Philippe Coutinho’s 2018 move to the Nou Camp from Liverpool, in a deal understood to have been worth £105million.According to Bild, the Spanish giants paid £125million in total for the Frenchman once bonuses and add-ons were included.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong those add-ons was £17million from Barca qualifying for the Champions League twice during Dembele’s time at the club.The fees see Dembele place behind Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who were signed by Paris Saint-Germain for £198million and £163million, respectively.His move to LaLiga came just a year after joining Dortmund from Rennes for £30million.During his single season in Germany, Dembele scored 10 goals and provided 22 assists in 50 appearances.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe forward went on to spend six years at Barcelona before a £42million switch to PSG last summer.That deal took his cumulative transfer fees to £197million following 40 goals in 185 appearances for the Blaugrana.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveDembele joined Paris Saint-Germain last summer to take his cumulative fees to £197millionCredit: RexMeanwhile, Bild also report Dortmund have made more from player sales than any other German club since 2015.Across the last nine years, BVB have raked in £876million in transfer fees.Those fees include Jude Bellingham’s £87million move to Real Madrid in 2023, which could rise to £115million with add-ons.Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland have also been sold for over £50million in recent seasons.Dortmund have raked in £876million from player sales since 2015, including an initial £87million for Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyErling Haaland and Jadon Sancho were also sold for a combined £123millionCredit: AFP More

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      ‘I’m not at the start of my career. I have to make smart moves to accomplish my dreams’, says Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE is desperate to fulfil a dream that has so far eluded her during a trophy-laden 17-year playing career.Lifting the Champions League trophy with an English club is a milestone the Chelsea star, 32, is yet achieve.Lucy Bronze believes Chelsea are in a stronger position to win the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe England full-back has won the competition five times with Lyon and BarcelonaCredit: GettyBronze helped her former club Barca win their third Champions League title when they beat Lyon 2-0 in May this yearCredit: GettyBut it’s something she hopes to do with the Blues determined to end their trophyless run in the tournament.Adding Europe’s biggest club prize to their collection of 16 trophies – including seven WSL titles – is a top priority in a new era for the Blues under Sonia Bompastor.The France-born head coach, 44, has won the contest as a midfielder and a manager during a playing and coaching career spanning 17 years with Lyon.And Bronze is no stranger to winning the tournament having done so three times with the French side, and twice with Barcelona.Read More Football StoriesThe right-back, who joined Chelsea on a two-year deal in July after two years in Spain, said: “Those moments: Champions League finals, World Cup finals, European finals, they don’t come along that often.“They’re the best feelings that you have as an athlete.”Going for those every year is something that really motivates me but I’m motivated by the fact that I absolutely love what I do.”I’m not at the start of my career so I had to make smart moves to try to accomplish these dreams that I have.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Winning the Champions League with an English team has always been my dream.”Coming to Chelsea, I wanted to win the Champions League with an English team and they are the best team to do that with.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club”I won the tournament for the first time at Lyon, but nothing would ever be as good as doing it with an English team.”That’s something that I felt playing for England as well, winning a tournament with England means more to me than anything else.”Bronze’s hunger to help Chelsea become the first English side since Arsenal to win Europe’s elite club competition is an ambition shared by her boss.It has been 17 years since a team from these shores has triumphed in the contest.Within that time clubs from France and Germany have been the most dominant sides prior to Barcelona’s emergence as champions on three occasions since 2021.Bompastor’s former club Lyon are the contest’s current record winners. Since 2011 they have lifted the trophy eight times, with Bronze featuring in their wins in 2018, 2019 and 2020.In her first Blues press conference last month Bompastor made it clear that Champions League glory with Chelsea was among her targets.  And she believes a triumph in Europe would take her team 2to the next level”.Bompastor, whose side will host Aston Villa on September 20, said: “They have had a lot of success in past seasons thanks to Emma (Hayes).”My job is to work really hard to build on that legacy and try to bring the club to the next level.”Being able to win the Champions League will be a big challenge because there are a lot of really competitive clubs in Europe.”I think we have all the talent in the squad to go to the final and have a chance to win it.”In Bronze’s mind Chelsea emerging as victors in the tournament is just a matter of the team adding a “small bit” to their big pushes in Europe.Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.Lucy Bronze Past forays have seen them notch up firsts including beating two-time contest winners Wolfsburg for the first time in the tournament in 2021.They did so on the way to reaching the contest’s decider for the first time, where they were defeated by Barcelona. But Bronze, whose chat with Bompastor after this year’s final in June paved the way for move to London, believes her gaffer’s experience will be key to the Blues’ aim to join the list of tournament’s winners.  The Northumberland-born defender, who helped Barcelona beat Lyon in this year’s final added: “Chelsea have been to the final. “They’ve beaten the top teams. They are already in a lot better position. “Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.”Sonia’s been very experienced in the Champions League and that makes a huge difference.”Since her senior club football debut for Sunderland at 16 in 2007, Bronze has played for the Black Cats, Everton, Liverpool, Lyon and for Manchester City in two separate stints.During her playing career in England, the Lioness has won seven major domestic trophies including three WSL titles. The full-back was also an influential figure in England’s run to the last Women’s Euros and World Cup finals, helping her team become European Champions for the first time in 2022.Next summer Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will attempt to make history with their hope of becoming the first England team to win back-to-back Euros.Since the Lionesses’ tournament win two years ago, Bronze made 69 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions during her two-year spell there.But while the Catalan giants offered her a contract extension, reports claim the full-back was not a guaranteed to be a starter next season.On whether competing for an England spot for next year’s Euros influenced to her decision to leave the club, Bronze said: “I knew that as a Barcelona player I didn’t think I could keep going at that level.”Playing that amount of games every year, and all the travel they go through.”So coming back to England there are less games, maybe they are a bit more intense each, but I have more time to recover which I think is more important to me.”The (Women’s Super) league is special because the rivalries are getting stronger each year. “They are the games you look forward to no matter what league you play in.Bronze is set to make her first appearance in the WSL as a Chelsea player when they host Aston Villa on September 20Credit: Getty”To come back and to play in these rivalries, and to witness other ones like City and United, that’s what the supporters like to see.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It brings the drama to the game so I am looking forward to that. “The Chelsea-Arsenal game is the one I’m looking forward the most.” More

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      Former Premier League star shares beach pic with stunning bikini-clad wife… then savages troll in brutal five word blast

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      RAPHINHA showed off a beach break with his bikini-clad wife as he tore into trolls.The Barcelona winger shared loving photos as he relaxed with a smile and ravaged critics with some brutal comebacks.Many fans reckon pictures speak louder to trolls than wordsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/raphinha/Raphinha and Natalia Rodrigues are one of Brazilian sport’s glamour couplesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/raphinha/Raphinha split opinion by deciding to hit back at sad jibesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/raphinha/Raphinha posed in just swim shorts with his arms round Natalia Rodrigues, a childhood friend who he began dating three years ago and wed in February 2022.But followers of the former Leeds hero were divided between praise for his straight-talking and shock that he took time out to deal with “keyboard warriors”.One of the strangest pieces of abuse faced by Raphinha was this message: “I’m not ugly I just don’t have money.”But the 68-cap Brazilian responded with: “You ugly even with money.”READ MORE TOP STORIESRaphinha arguably fired into the top corner even more fiercely with another reply.One social media user queried: “What would happen to you if you weren’t a Barca player?”The ex-Rennes and Sporting Lisbon ace retorted: “A lot more man than you, monster.”Prem giants like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with Raphinha since he switched from Elland Road to Barca in July 2022.Most read in FootballRaphinha’s partner Rodrigues is a huge star onlineCredit: Instagram @taia_belloliBut the Spanish giants have generally insisted he is not for sale.And in fact transfer talk over the 27-year-old faded dramatically over the last summer.Who are these famous footballers?FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNow the main speculation is over why Raphinha has engaged with sad comments online.One fan wrote: “Why is he entertaining keyboard warriors.”Watch Raphinha PUNCH Marcos Alonso’s seat repeatedly in meltdown after Barcelona star is subbed against Man UtdRaphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds two years agoCredit: RexAnother said of the “ugly” flare-up: “The crazy thing is Raphinha is handsome so makes no senseA third observer handed out this advice: “Raphinha should stop replying and just enjoy life.”And a fourth put snide remarks down to jealousy.He posted: “Raphinha is living there dream lives playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world making 6 figures weekly lol whilst they do nothing but hate.”Meanwhile, the superstar is recuperating on the international break with his partner Natalia.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd many of his fans reckon the 25-year-old Instagram star is the only person who should be an influencer on him when it comes to online views.Rodrigues starting dating the footballer in 2021 and wed the next yearCredit: Instagram / @taia_rodriguessShe has been known as the fashionista of the Brazilian WAGsCredit: Instagram / @taia_rodriguessNatalia shares exotic fans with her army of online followersCredit: Instagram @taia_belloliNatalia has known Raphinha since childhoodCredit: Instagram / @taia_rodriguess More