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      ‘We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe’, says Barcelona’s Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE hailed Alexia Putellas’s classy cameo after Barcelona ended their run of Champions League final losses to Lyon in style. The midfielder’s late strike clinched a 2-0 win with incoming Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor enduring defeat in her last Lyon game. Barcelona’s 2-0 victory resulted in them winning the Women’s Champions League for a third timeCredit: GettyBronze was among her team’s standout players in the hardfought contestCredit: GettyAlexia Putellas’s injury-time strike secured the 2-0 victory for her side with Lyon pushing for a late levellerCredit: GettySonia Bompastor saw her final game in Europe at Lyon’s helm end in defeatCredit: GettyAnd Bronze, who shone in defence for Barca, became the first English player to triumph in five Women’s Champions League finals following three wins during her three-year spell at Lyon.After the game the Lioness full-back told DAZN: “We needed to be a club that really made history. “It’s hard to win it once, but to do it back-to-back, Lyon showed how difficult it is. This team has finally done that. “We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe.”Read More Football StoriesThe 190th Barca goal netted by two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas sealed a fairytale finish to a season disrupted by knee issues for the midfielder. Her team claimed back-to-back trophy wins in the contest for the first time in their history. Their third triumph in four years in the competition’s decider led to eight-time winners Lyon falling to their first defeat in seven finals.  Both sides had three shots on target between them in a hardfought first-half. Most read in FootballLyon skipper Wendi Renard volleyed against the post in the 15th minute and Mariona Caldentey saw her effort cleared off the line 14 minutes later. Aitana Bonmati broke the deadlock with an angled strike deflected home off Lyon defender Vanessa Gilles.Aitana Bonmati sixth Champions League goal this season gave her side a 1-0 lead in the 63rd minuteCredit: GettyAnd Putellas, who signed a new two-year deal with Barca this week, fired in a thunderous finish over goalkeeper Christiane Endler to put the result beyond doubt. Bronze added: “She’s the queen of Barcelona for a reason. “She’s had to work really hard to get back fit. She showed why she’s a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.” More

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      ‘World’s most famous napkin’ used by Barcelona to complete Lionel Messi transfer aged 13 sells for £760,000 at auction

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      THE napkin that Lionel Messi signed to promise he would join Barcelona has been sold at auction.Messi, 36, was famously signed by the Spanish giants after club chiefs put pen to napkin on a deal to sign the then 13-year-old.The napkin used to sign Lionel Messi for Barcelona has sold for nearly $1millionCredit: GettyThe napkin was signed in December 2000 to bring Messi to SpainCredit: ReutersBonhams Auctions said it had sold for a massive fee on FridayCredit: ReutersIt was signed in December 2000 by former Barca sporting director Carles Rexach, transfer advisor Josep Minguella and Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli over lunch at a tennis club.Messi then joined the Spanish side’s youth set up from Newell’s Old Boys before going on to make his debut in 2004.From there the attacker went on to become the club’s best ever player with a record 672 goals scored as well as more than 30 trophies. On his journey with Barcelona he also won six Ballon d’Or titles, before landing a seventh while with Paris Saint-Germain and an eighth with Inter Miami after winning the World Cup in 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi’s exploits have made the napkin story famous, and it was finally given a financial figure for its worth when it was sold.Auction house Bonhams said on Friday that the napkin had been sold for a staggering £762,4000 or $969,000.Ian Ehling,the head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York said: “Yes, it’s a paper napkin, but it’s the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi’s career.”It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMessi had a tearful exit from the Blaugrana in 2021.He would spend two playing in Paris before moving to David Beckham’s Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.Football Food Tour: Behind the Scenes of Hospitality at Inter Miami, with incredible foodMessi career stats

      Barcelona: 778 games. 672 goals. 303 assists.
      10x LaLiga titles. 4x Champions League titles. 3x Club World Cup. 7x Spanish Cup winner. 3x Uefa Supercup winner. 8x Spanish Supercup winner.
      PSG: 75 games. 32 goals. 35 assists.
      2x Ligue 1 titles. 1x French Supercup winner.
      Inter Miami: 26 games. 23 goals. 16 assists.
      1x Leagues Cup winner.
      Argentina: 180 games. 106 goals. 56 assists.
      1x World Cup winner. 1x Copa America winner. 1x 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist.
      Individual: 8x Ballon d’Or wins. 8x The Best Fifa Men’s Player wins. 3x Uefa Best Player in Europe. 10x Player of the Year.

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      Xavi ‘WON’T stay at Barcelona with club set for double U-turn after manager’s comments angered president Joan Laporta’

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      XAVI will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports.The manager was set to quit the club before making a shock U-turn last month by agreeing to stay.Xavi will leave Barcelona at the end of the seasonCredit: APXavi reportedly met with club president Joao Laporta in April and agreed a new deal, with his contract up in June.But reports in Spain claim a clash with Laporta over recent comments made by Xavi have led to another U-turn, which will see Xavi depart at the end of the season.According to Sport, Laporta took exception to Xavi bemoaning the fact his side would not be able to compete with Real Madrid next season due to their financial restraints.Following victory over Almeira on Thursday, Xavi said: “We will try to compete with Madrid, but I think the fans have to understand that the situation is very tough. First of all on a financial level.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We can no longer say: ‘We want this player, and this player’. We do not have the same conditions as the other clubs with a good financial situation.”The Barcelona fans have to understand that.”That doesn’t mean we can’t challenge, but that’s Barça’s situation at the moment. We need time and stability, but we will also try to compete.”Xavi first decided he wanted to quit the Nou Camp in January as he “reached the point of no return”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said following Barcelona’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal: “I will leave Barcelona in June.”We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.Xavi announces he’s stepping down as Barcelona coach at the end of the season”As a Culé, I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June.”Barcelona will now be on the search for a new manager and could reportedly try and lure Mikel Arteta from Arsenal, with the Gunners boss revealing he would like to return to Spain. More

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      Liverpool ace Luis Diaz ‘is Barcelona’s top summer transfer target’ as winger ‘dreams’ of playing for Spanish giants

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      BARCELONA are lining up a move for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz this summer, a report claims.The winger has been key in Jurgen Klopp’s squad since his £50million arrival from Porto in 2022.Barcelona are reportedly lining up a move for Diaz this summerCredit: GettyDiaz, 27, has made 97 appearances for the Reds, scoring 24 goals and adding 13 assists.The 47-cap Colombian international has started in 31 of Liverpool’s 36 Premier League games this season.And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen to sign a winger this summer, with Diaz their top target.Despite the club’s financial struggles, the report suggests that the Catalan giants remain determined to bolster their squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club’s pursuit of Diaz is a strategic move to strengthen their left wing.Diaz has emerged as their top choice, but they are also interested in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Porto’s Pepe.Xavi’s side are convinced that Diaz’s style of play is ideal for their tactical set-up and are actively devising strategies to secure his services.For Diaz, a switch to Barcelona would fulfil a lifelong dream, which his father has echoed in the past.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe report adds Diaz’s chances of moving are boosted by Klopp leaving the club at the end of the season and to be replaced by expected successor Arne Slot.Diaz’s contract runs until 2027, yet an offer from Catalonia could influence his future at the club.Watch Gary Neville’s brilliant reaction to Aston Villa equaliser against Liverpool on live TV as fans beg ‘meme that’Barcelona have been trying to find ways to overcome their economic challenges, including the sale of future television rights revenues to private companies.According to the report, the club’s strategy for bolstering their squad this summer hinges on complying with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations and salary caps, to allow them to spend more.The increase in spending capacity is to be supported by new sponsorship agreements with Nike and the selling of shares in Barca Studios – the club’s in-house production company.Barcelona are also set to sell some of their key stars to cover the cost of transfers this summer. More

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      Barcelona star Raphinha set to return to Premier League with Tottenham in transfer battle for £60m winger

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are poised to battle it out for former Leeds winger Raphinha.But a host of Saudi Pro League sides are also in the mix after Barcelona confirmed the Brazilian international will be available this summer.Raphinha is being eyed by Premier League clubs including Tottenham HotspurCredit: AFPTottenham have been linked with Raphinha while an unnamed English team is understood to have made a £60million move for him in January.Raphinha struggled to hold down a regular place after leaving Elland Road for Barca two years ago in a deal worth up to £56m.But the 27-year-old has still managed nine goals and 12 assists in 35 appearances this term – including three strikes in the 6-4 aggregate defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final.He earned his move to the Catalan club after just two seasons in Yorkshire where he scored 17 goals and picked up 12 assists in the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere has been talk of him returning to Leeds if they win promotion – but spending restrictions are likely to prevent his former club coming up with the £50m-plus fee.While they have seen youngster Crysencio Summerville excel in the Championship this year on the wing – winning the competition’s Player of the Year award.LaLiga giants Barcelona want every penny they can get to push through their plans to sign Spain winger Nico Williams, 21, from Athletic Bilbao.Williams has attracted interest from all over Europe for his efforts this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe star has managed seven goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season for Bilbao as a crucial cog in the history making side.Bilbao won the Copa del Rey for the first time since 1984 this year with Williams racking up eight goal contributions throughout the tournament to help them lift the trophy against RCD Mallorca.Meet Brazil’s stunning Wags from glam influencer to sultry Mexican singerBarcelona are stepping up their efforts to sign Nico Williams from Athletic BilbaoCredit: Getty More

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      Darwin Nunez’s agent Jorge Mendes ‘wants star to QUIT Liverpool and leaks asking price with Barcelona keen on transfer’

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      DARWIN NUNEZ’S agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly leaked Liverpool’s asking price as he pushes for a move to Barcelona.SunSport exclusively revealed last week that the Catalans are eyeing a shock move for Nunez to replace Robert Lewandowski.Darwin Nunez has struggled to take his chances this seasonCredit: PRESS ASSOCIATIONAnd the Uruguayan fuelled speculation when he deleted all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram.He was then spotted in Barcelona on a day off from training this week.And, according to reports in Spain, Nunez’s agent Jorge Mendes is now pushing for a deal to happen.Mas Que Pelotas (via Sport) say that super agent Mendes hopes Barca would get the best out of the misfiring frontman.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd it is claimed he has even told the Spanish giants that Liverpool will accept an offer of £73million.And cash-strapped Barca believe they could afford that fee is they manage to offload their big earners in the summer.Barca’s salary cap has been slashed to just over £174million by LaLiga, meaning they will have to offload higher-paid to press on with a planned rebuild.With wages that will rocket to £27m next season, Lewandowski is the biggest earner of all — and almost certain to be sacrificed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNunez is among the best paid at Liverpool but he is on about a quarter of the Polish forward’s money, which puts him well within Barcelona’s range.The Uruguay hitman is the Reds’ record buy, costing £85m from Benfica two years ago, with a contract running to 2028.Ex-Liverpool star reveals ‘horrendous’ Rafa Benitez cost him £200k with ‘absolute disgrace’ Champions League final callBut Anfield top brass are aware of handing incoming boss Arne Slot a decent summer kitty.Nunez has made 95 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 33 goals and registering 17 assists.But he has struggled this season, scoring only 11 goals in 34 Premier League appearances.The striker has lacked a clinical edge, with no player in Europe’s top five leagues missing more big chances.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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      Darwin Nunez ‘dreaming of joining Barcelona this summer’ as LaLiga giants target Liverpool star to replace Lewandowski

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      LIVERPOOL striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly “dreaming” of a summer move to Barcelona.Nunez, 24, joined the Reds in a club-record £85million transfer from Benfica in 2022 but has struggled to meet expectations.Darwin Nunez is reportedly eager to join BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe striker has scored 11 Premier League goals this season, leaving him 16th in the Golden Boot race.Some fans have been heavily critical of him as a result, with club legend Jamie Carragher even questioning his role in the team.Speaking on Sky Sports, the former defender said: “You want him to do well because he gives everything, he causes trouble, he gets the odd goal.”But after two years, when Liverpool are going for the title or in big games, you need your man to score at Old Trafford or at Goodison Park. This is the business end. He’s ground to a halt.Read More in Football”After two years there’s going to be no improvement in him. This is what he is. He can cause trouble but he’s erratic with his finishing – it’s not enough to win you trophies so there’s a big decision to be made on him.”With Nunez’s future at the club now in doubt, he could be set for a move away.According to Mundo Deportivo, the Uruguay international is now “looking for a way out” of Anfield.And he is “dreaming” of a move to Barcelona ahead of the 2024-25 season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSunSport recently revealed the striker has emerged as a top target for Xavi’s side.The La Liga giants could attempt to sign him if Robert Lewandowski leaves this summer.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at LiverpoolBarcelona’s salary cap has been cut to just over £174million by La Liga, meaning they will have to offload their highest earners – including Lewandowski – to pursue a planned rebuild.Nunez currently earns around a quarter of what the Poland international does, putting him in Barca’s price range.The Liverpool man fuelled speculation about his future earlier this week by appearing to delete every Reds-related picture from his Instagram.Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Darwin Nunez spotted in Barcelona just days after he’s made transfer target and he deletes Liverpool pics off Instagram

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      DARWIN NUNEZ has been spotted in Barcelona just days after emerging as a transfer target.SunSport revealed the forward is a shock candidate to join the Spanish giants this summer.Darwin Nunez has been pictured with Ronald Araujo in BarcelonaCredit: instagram / @ronaldaraujo_4Nunez has deleted all his Liverpool photos from InstagramCredit: GettyHe is also a candidate to replace Robert Lewandowski at BarcelonaCredit: GettyHe has also deleted all pictures of himself playing for Liverpool from his Instagram page.Nunez has now appeared to fuel the speculation after linking up with an international team-mate.The 24-year-old is in Barcelona with fellow Uruguayan Ronald Araujo, who plays for Barca.Araujo shared a selfie of himself and Nunez to Instagram along with the words: “Mi Hermano,” meaning “My Brother”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair have played together 17 times for Uruguay at both youth and senior level.It comes as Barcelona eye a potential move for the striker in the summer.Nunez has been identified as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski if he leaves the club.Barca also believe Liverpool would be willing to sell Nunez to boost incoming boss Arne Slot’s transfer kitty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKlopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      The rumours have been fuelled further by the Reds star’s social media activity.Any Liverpool-related photos have been removed from Nunez’s Instagram, leaving snaps of him at Benfica and Uruguay or enjoying family time.Darwin Nunez ‘strong favourite for the Grand National’ after Liverpool star’s wild Carabao Cup final celebrationsNunez still has four years remaining on his contract at Anfield, having signed from Benfica in 2022.Despite criticism from rival fans, he has scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions this season.Only Mohamed Salah has scored more goals than Nunez for Liverpool so far this term. More