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      Enzo Fernandez ‘wants to leave Chelsea and offers himself to Barcelona despite having 8 YEARS left on contract’

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      CHELSEA midfielder Enzo Fernandez is keen on joining Barcelona, according to reports.Fernandez, 23, signed for the Blues in a £107million transfer from Benfica last winter.
      Enzo Fernandez allegedly wants to join BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      He completed the switch just one month after winning the World Cup with Argentina and signed an eight-and-a-half year contract upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
      However, the midfielder is now understood to be open to a move away.
      And according to Spanish outlet Sport, he wants to join Barcelona.
      The La Liga giants consider Fernandez a top target, but their financial issues will likely prevent a deal from happening.
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      His current contract runs until 2032 so Barcelona would have to table a significant offer for Chelsea to even consider selling.
      Recent reports have claimed that Fernandez is unhappy at Stamford Bridge, largely due to Chelsea’s poor run of form.
      After finishing 12th in the Premier League table last season, the Blues have failed to make much progression.
      They currently sit 11th, behind the likes of Wolves, Newcastle and Brighton.
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      But Fernandez appeared to squash the exit rumours on Wednesday during Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth round replay against Aston Villa.
      After scoring a stunning free kick to put the Blues 3-0 up in the 54th minute, the midfielder held his shirt up to the cameras and pointed to his name.
      Chelsea’s 3-1 FA Cup win at Aston Villa was the team’s best performance of the season, says Mauricio Pochettino
      Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino later said: “Today, Enzo showed why he’s here and he showed his quality.
      “But we didn’t have any doubts about him, or about Caicedo or about different players, young players that arrived here with expectation to win titles and to score with every single touch!

      “He is a world champion player. Look, when he signed one year ago, he arrived after nearly two years with no holidays, no rest, with the pressure, still young, different environment, different language, different culture, a team that needs time to build.
      “All of these types of circumstance, you need time. I don’t want to annoy the people. For me, it’s not an excuse. I want to be here because I really believe in the project, I really believe in the player.
      “But please, stop to create expectation that does match to the reality and help the players that are here to try and build something.
      “Of course, if that happens again, we will be there to help. It does not surprise me because Enzo has the quality, not only to score this type of goal, but to perform in the way today he performed.” More

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      Barcelona ‘draw up shortlist of names to replace Xavi’ including Premier League quartet and Liverpool legend

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      BARCELONA have reportedly compiled a shortlist of eight potential managers to replace Xavi Hernandez, with four of the Premier League’s creme de la creme in hiring-range.Xavi announced last month that he would be leaving Barca this summer, which marks the end of his third season.
      Xavi Hernandez announced he would be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season.Credit: Getty
      In a press conference that shocked fans, he said the club needed a ‘change of dynamic,’ and he was taking the decision for ‘the good of the board, and the club.’ 
      The announcement came off the back of a 5-3 loss at home to Villarael who currently sit 14th in LaLiga, a defeat that reflected Barcelona’s struggle to find form this season. 
      Xavi’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season anyway, but his statement shut down any potential of his staying on at the club. 
      All eyes turned to his replacement and Deportivo Mundo claim the following names are in the frame.
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      Mikel Arteta
      Mikel Arteta has recently been criticised for over-celebrating Arsenal’s victory against LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      The Arsenal boss is a logical proposition seeing as he came through Barcelona’s academy himself and his attacking style of play already suits the Nou Camp club. 
      But Arteta recently shut down rumours of a potential move to Barca as ‘fake news’, not to mention his contract at Arsenal doesn’t officially expire until 2025.
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      Luis Enrique
      Paris Saint-Germain manager has been touted to replace XaviCredit: Rex
      The Paris Saint-Germain manager is an attractive prospect given he coached the club when they won a Treble in 2015 and is aligned with the attacking Barca style of play.
      But he’s in the same boat as Arteta, currently sitting on a contract that does not expire until next year, and Mundo reckons he ‘usually fulfils his commitments.’
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      Roberto De Zerbi
      Roberto De Zerbi has led Brighton to new heightsCredit: Getty
      The Italian has masterminded the meteoric rise of The Seagulls which landed them in sixth place last season and bang slap into the Europa League.
      De Zerbi’s dynamic style suits Barca, but Mundo point out his lack of experience managing players of the very top calibre might stand against him.  
      Xabi Alonso
      Xabi Alonso is top of the betting to replace Jurgen Klopp at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Alonso is having something of a golden hour as he leads the Bundesliga table with Bayern Leverkusen as well as the betting to replace Klopp at Liverpool, where he used to be a star player.
      He ticks all the boxes in terms of style of play, but might be hindered by his links with other clubs; firstly Liverpool, and also Real Madrid, where he spent five years coaching.
      Hansi Flick
      Hansi Flick was the first manager ever to get fired from the German National teamCredit: Getty
      The ex-German coach has ‘personality and good taste for the game’ , although it did not prevent him from being the first German coach ever to get the sack after the national team lost 4-1 to Japan.
      He does have an impressive record with Bayern Munich under his belt, and president Joan Laporta is reportedly ‘attracted to the German school of technicians.’
      Unai Emery
      Unai Emery is currently sitting fourth in the Premiere League with Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      Emery’s having a brilliant season with Aston Villa, and his hefty coaching experience at Almeria, Valencia, Arsenal and Villarreal will add to his cause too.
      But his disaster at PSG in the Champions League in 2017, when he threw away a 4-0 lead to lose 6-1 to Barcelona, may still hang over him.
      Jurgen Klopp
      Jurgen Klopp shocked the sporting world when he announced he would be leaving LiverpoolCredit: Rex
      Earlier this season Klopp made the bombshell announcement that he would be leaving The Reds come the end of the season, citing burnout as the reason. 
      This makes him a far-fetched option, but Mundo notes that Laporta still admires the intensity of Klopp’s game as well as his character.
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      Sergio Conceicao
      Sergio Conceicao is one of the least likely candidatesCredit: Getty
      The current Porto manager’s contract will expire in June and the Portugese club are assuming he will not be staying on.
      However, his reputation as being an ‘unflexibe’ coach with a ‘volcanic’ personality that he does not hide from the media is a factor that could put Barca off. More

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      Barcelona ‘ready to axe SIX first-team stars including ex-Chelsea ace Marcos Alonso and club legend

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      BARCELONA are already going to be without manager Xavi at the start of next season.And it seems that there could be a mass exodus of players too with the club reportedly looking to shift on six stars in the summer.
      Marcos Alonso looks to be on his way out of Barcelona this summerCredit: Getty
      Sergi Roberto could face a similar fateCredit: Rex
      According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona are planning a “new project” which will mean a new gaffer and five or six departures from the club.
      Former Chelsea star Marcos Alonso is one of those who is expected to head for the exit doors as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
      While La Masia graduate Sergi Roberto is likely to see his 18-year spell at the Catalan club come to an end too with his contract also up in the summer.
      Barca are also hoping to raise funds by selling some other players amid their financial struggles in recent times.
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      Oriol Romeu is one name who could be shifted on with Xavi the driving force for his arrival at the club this summer.
      While Ex-Leeds United star Raphinha is another name that could pull in some money for the cash-strapped outfit.
      Raphinha arrived at Barcelona in 2022 for around £55m and could fetch a similar fee if he is sold at the end of the season.
      The Brazilian has managed 14 goals and 19 assists in his 70 appearances since swapping West Yorkshire for Spain.
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      Barca will reportedly also look at at their back-line as a way of raising funds with five centre-backs currently on the payroll.
      Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde have all been named as potential casualties of the new-look rebuild in Catalonia.
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      Barcelona currently sit third in La Liga and are eight points off league leaders Real Madrid.
      They now face an uphill battle to return to their best with the knowledge that a new boss will be in charge at the start of next season.
      Ronald Araujo is one player who could be sold with Bayern Munich reportedly interestedCredit: Getty
      Raphinha could also be up for grabsCredit: AP More

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      Dani Alves denies ‘nightclub toilet rape’ & says ‘I’m not that type of man’ as ex-Barcelona star faces 12 years in jail

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      EX BARCELONA star Dani Alves has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a young woman in a nightclub.After two days of testimonies from the alleged victim, witnesses, and experts, the 40-year-old defender told a Spanish court that their encounter had been consensual. 
      Dani Alves has testified in court on the last day of his three-day trialCredit: Reuters
      Model Joana Sanz said her ex-husband “stank of alcohol” when he went home the night of the alleged attackCredit: EPA
      The verdict is expected to be delivered in weeks
      The Brazilian footballer is accused of raping a woman in the toilet of  Sutton nightclub in Barcelona in the early hours of December 31, 2022.
      He has denied any wrongdoing, telling his defence lawyer that he is “not that type of man”.
      His accuser told the prosecution that she had been dancing with the footballer and had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
      She claims that he was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.
      READ MORE ON DANI ALVES
      In response, Alves said: “She never told me to stop. We were both enjoying ourselves.”
      He claimed that the woman never asked to leave the bathroom and also denied having been aggressive with her.
      State prosecutors are seeking for him to be jailed for nine years if convicted while the lawyers representing his accuser want 12 years.
      Alves was escorted in handcuffs into the small courtroom of Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court for the trial that is expected to conclude today.
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      A verdict normally takes weeks to be delivered.
      The alleged victim testified on Monday behind closed doors on order of the court.
      State prosecutors asked for the court to take extra measures to protect her identity after a video circulated on social media last month that allegedly identified the woman.
      During the first day of the footballer’s trial a friend and cousin of his accuser claimed he also groped them in the VIP area.
      The two women claim he then invited their friend, the alleged rape victim, to follow him through a separate door after flirting with her.
      The dad-of-two has previously confirmed he had sex with a woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.
      His ex-wife Joana Sanz told the court Alves Sanz told the court Alves “smelled of alcohol” and “he bumped into several pieces of furniture and collapsed on the bed” after arriving home the night of the alleged assault.
      But she said she didn’t want to talk to him because of “the state he was in”.
      Alves initially claimed he had never met his female accuser before telling a judge in a court hearing he had lied to cover up his “marital infidelity.”
      The footballer was ordered to stand trial last November.
      He was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest after he flew back to Barcelona to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral.
      He has made repeated bail requests but they have all been turned down, with judges saying his alleged victim’s version of events was coherent and pointing out Alves had changed his story several times as the evidence authorities have against him has emerged.
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      As well as two spells at Barcelona, Alves has played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo.
      He is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time and became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup in December 2022 in Qatar.
      Alves’ family speaking to a court official in Barcelona
      Alves has denied any wrongdoingCredit: AFP
      He has been accused of raping a woman in the toilets of Sutton in BarcelonaTimeline of Dani Alves’s case

      December 30, 2022: A woman alleges she was sexually assaulted in the toilets of Sutton nightclub
      January 1, 2023: Cops in Barcelona are investigating an alleged sexual assault in a nightclub involving Dani Alves.
      January 5, 2023: Dani Alves’s alleged victim makes a formal complaint claiming she was sexually assaulted
      CCTV footage shows Alves had been alone for 47 seconds in a toilet at the nightclub with his accuser
      January 20, 2023: Alves had been remanded in custody by a judge in Barcelona
      He initially denies ever meeting his accuser but later confirms they had sex in the nightclub’s toilets – but insists was consensual
      January 31, 2023: His wife Joana Sanz, 29, demands divorce
      February 8, 2023: It emerges that Alves is said to be receiving ‘VIP treatment’ in prison
      March 17, 2023: Alves is going on hunger strike following split from wife
      November 14, 2023: The footballer is ordered to stand trial for the alleged assault
      November 24, 2023: Prosecutors demand nine years jail time and to pay the alleged victim  £130,000, if found guilty
      February 5, 2024: Alves appears in court in Spain facing twelve years in jail
      February 6 2024: Joana Sanz testified in court about a “drunk” phone call her husband made to her after the alleged assault More

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      Dani Alves appears in court for ‘nightclub toilet rape’ trial as ex-Barcelona star, 40, faces 12 years in prison

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      FORMER Barcelona star Dani Alves is set to appear in court this morning as he is facing a 12-year prison sentence for rape.The 40-year-old Brazilian defender was driven to court in a police van from Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona where he has been held on remand for more than a year.
      Dani Alves is facing 12 years behind bars after he was accused of rapeCredit: AFP
      The footballer appeared in court in Barcelona this morningCredit: Reuters
      Prosecutors are also seeking a compensation payment of £128,000Credit: EPA
      The footballer’s mum Lucia Alves arrived in court in Barcelona for his trialCredit: AFP
      A van of Barcelona’s Mossos d’Esquadra arrives at the High Court of Justice of CataloniaCredit: AFP
      Alves’s family speaking to a court official in BarcelonaCredit: AFP
      Media outside the court ahead of Alves’s trialCredit: Rex
      State prosecutors have said they wanted him jailed for nine years if convicted of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
      The dad-of-two has previously confirmed he had sex with a woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.
      A lawyer acting for Alves’ female accuser, has called for him to face the maximum 12-year prison sentence if he is found guilty.
      Both prosecutors are also seeking a compensation payment of £128,000.
      READ MORE ON DANI ALVES
      Failing an eleventh-hour plea bargain deal, the trial will start at 10am local time at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court and is scheduled to last for three days.
      The three judges, who are sitting without a jury as is normal in Spain for sex crime cases, have around a fortnight to return their verdict once the trial ends and will announce their decision in a written ruling.
      Alves, who can opt to take the stand on the last day, has insisted he had consensual sex with the woman who has accused him of forcing himself on her.
      At first he had claimed to have never met the woman in question, before backtracking at a later date and saying the pair had consensual sex.
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      It was also initially reported he had put his hands down a woman’s underwear in the club’s VIP area’s toilets, but it later emerged the 23-year-old was alleging she had been the victim of rape.
      She has been given permission to testify behind-closed-doors.
      Dani Alves’ estranged wife shares kiss with female pal on Instagram after ‘demanding divorce’ over star’s rape charges
      Her cousin and a female friend who were with her the night of the alleged sex attack are among the witnesses called to give evidence along with waiters in the VIP area of Sutton’s where Alves met the woman whose accusations ended with his arrest and incarceration ahead of today’s trial.
      Alves’ wife Joana Sanz will testify on behalf of the footballer following his pre-trial public apology to the model for “cheating on her” with the woman who claims he raped her.
      The footballer was ordered to stand trial last November.
      Initially, it was reported Alves had been accused of putting his hands down a woman’s underwear inside a toilet in the VIP area of Sutton nightclub before it emerged his alleged victim was saying she had been raped.
      He was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest in Barcelona at the start of last year after he flew back to the Catalan capital to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral.
      He has made repeated bail requests but they have all been turned down, with judges saying his alleged victim’s version of events was coherent and pointing out Alves had changed his story several times as the evidence authorities have against him has emerged.
      Alves claimed before his arrest he had never met his female accuser but ended up backtracking after being held.
      In an exclusive interview from his cell in Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona last June with Spanish TV and newspaper reporter Mayka Navarro, he claimed: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.”
      As well as two spells at Barcelona, Alves has played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo.
      He is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time.
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      He became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup in December 2022 in Qatar.
      At the start of the year his mum Lucia Alves caused controversy and left herself open to future prosecution by naming and picturing her son’s rape accuser in a social media post she has now removed.
      The dad-of-two is facing 12 years behind bars
      He was accused of raping a woman in the toilets of Sutton nightclub in Barcelona
      The Brazilian defender admitted having sex with a woman in the nightclub but insisted it was consensualCredit: PA:Press Association
      He has publicly apologised to his wife Joana Sanz
      Timeline of Dani Alves’s case
      December 30, 2022: A woman alleges she was sexually assaulted in the toilets of Sutton nightclub
      January 1, 2023: Cops in Barcelona are investigating an alleged sexual assault in a nightclub involving Dani Alves.
      January 5, 2023: Dani Alves’s alleged victim makes a formal complaint claiming she was sexually assaulted
      CCTV footage shows Alves had been alone for 47 seconds in a toilet at the nightclub with his accuser
      January 20, 2023: Alves had been remanded in custody by a judge in Barcelona
      He initially denies ever meeting his accuser but later confirms they had sex in the nightclub’s toilets – but insists was consensual
      January 31, 2023: His wife Joana Sanz, 29, demands divorce
      February 8, 2023: It emerges that Alves is said to be receiving ‘VIP treatment’ in prison
      March 17, 2023: Alves is going on hunger strike following split from wife
      November 14, 2023: The footballer is ordered to stand trial for the alleged assault
      November 24, 2023: Prosecutors demand nine years jail time and to pay the alleged victim  £130,000, if found guilty
      February 5, 2024: Alves appears in court in Spain facing twelve years in jail More

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      ‘World’s most expensive napkin’ up for sale for staggering price – and football fans would love to own it

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      A NAPKIN that sealed Lionel Messi’s transfer to Barcelona at the age of 13 has been put up for auction.And the bidding for the piece of footballing history will begin at £300,000.
      This is the napkin that served as an agreement to bring Lionel Messi to BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He is genereally considered to be the greatest Barcelona player in historyCredit: AFP
      The napkin was written on by Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach and served as the club’s commitment to sign the young Argentine.
      The promise proved to be the most important signing in Barcelona’s history, with many considering Messi to be the greatest footballer of all time.
      He won a cabinet full of trophies with Barcelona before leaving in 2021 to join PSG.
      His haul included four Champions Leagues and ten LaLiga titles with the club.
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      The 16.5 x 16.5cm napkin has been listed for sale by Horacio Gaggioli, the agent who brought Messi to the attention of Barcelona.
      Gaggioli was at the table when the ‘document’ was signed.
      The item will be sold by online auction house Bonhams in March, with a starting price of £300k.
      Messi came to the attentions of Barca scouts as a 12-year-old while playing for Newell’s Old Boys.
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      He was flown to Barcelona for trials in September 2000 with his father Jorge, but negotiations stalled.
      Sporting director Rexach was convinced of Messi’s talent but other board members were unconvinced due to the player’s slight stature.
      He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency which would have required the club to pay for his treatment.
      And board members were concerned about the prospect of bringing such a young boy over from Argentina to Catalonia.
      In December 2000, with Messi’s father growing frustrated, he issued an ultimatum to Rexach that the club either signed him that day or lost him.
      Rexach did not have paper with him, so wrote the promise to sign him out on a napkin.
      Written in Spanish, the note read: “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and in the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio, Carles Rexach, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon.”
      The agreement was then confirmed by the club president Joan Gaspart that night.
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      Ian Ehling, head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York, said: “This is one of the most thrilling items I have ever handled. 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.”

      Messi has won eight Ballon D’Or awardsCredit: Reuters More

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      Barcelona ‘line up forgotten boss who last managed 11 YEARS AGO’ to replace Xavi after shock quit announcement

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      BARCELONA are being linked with a shock replacement for manager Xavi, according to reports.The legendary Spanish midfielder, 44, confirmed last week that he will leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season.
      Xavi will leave Barcelona at the end of the seasonCredit: AFP
      Barcelona are eight points adrift of LaLiga leaders Girona and out of the Copa del Rey.
      And while they are into the last 16 of the Champions League, Xavi has confirmed this will be his third and final campaign in charge.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is one candidate that has been mooted, although the Gunners head coach was quick to shut down that talk.
      Former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is another man being linked with the role.
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      But Marca are now claiming Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been in touch with former head coach Frank Rijkaard.
      Dutch icon Rijkaard, 61, took charge of the Spanish giants in 2003 after spells with the Netherlands and Sparta Rotterdam.
      He spent five years at the Nou Camp, winning two LaLiga titles and the Champions League.
      When he left in 2008, to pave the way for Pep Guardiola, he went on to manage Galatasaray and the Saudi Arabian national team.
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      However, both jobs lasted less than two years and he has not been in work since leaving the Middle East in January 2013.
      Yet a more than decade-long absence from football does not appear to be deterring Laporta – who is optimistic about Rijkaard’s return.
      The Ajax and AC Milan icon previously stated he has “no intention” of getting back into coaching.
      But reports claim he has not “closed the door completely” on management.
      Xavi’s shock announcement that he will quit came after Barcelona lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal at the weekend.
      He said: “I will leave Barcelona in June. We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.”
      The former midfielder then went on to add: “I took this decision days ago. I already knew it. But it’s time to make it public.
      “I think the players could not free themselves up. I don’t want to be a problem for the club, but the opposite.”
      Xavi, whose contract is up at the end of the season, also said: “You asked me many times that if I’d be the Sir Alex Ferguson of Barca… the truth is that it will never happen here.
      “You guys won’t allow it — being Barca coach is so difficult. You see how they kill you, they criticise you, it affects you.
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      “It’s a cruel job, it wears you down. In Barcelona you always feel like you’re not valued, you’re mistreated – that’s how the club works. From a mental health level, it’s tough too.
      “I’m a positive guy but the battery levels keep running out — and at some point, you realise there’s no point in staying.”
      Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard could be set for a return to the Nou CampCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Fans reckon they’ve worked out Virgil van Dijk’s next club after Liverpool star dropped THREE major clues

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      FOOTBALL fans believe they have worked out the club Virgil van Dijk will join if he leaves Liverpool.Speculation surrounding the Dutch defender’s future ramped up on Monday after he refused to commit to a post-Jurgen Klopp era.
      Virgil van Dijk has hinted he could leave LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
      Van Dijk has played all but two of Liverpool’s Premier League games this season
      Following Klopp’s announcement that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season, Van Dijk, 32, was questioned as to whether he will remain at the club following the German head coach’s departure.
      To which he replied: “That’s a big question. I don’t know. The club will have a big job on their hands, that is well known.
      “To replace not only the manager but the whole staff and there are so many things that will change.
      “I’m very curious which direction that will go in, but when that will be announced we will see our situation.”
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      And with his contract up at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, fans are now pointing to THREE reasons why Van Dijk will sign for Barcelona.
      Firstly, the centre-back, who joined Liverpool for £75million in 2018, named the Nou Camp as his favourite away ground back in 2022.
      Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, he said: “I would say Camp Nou, Barcelona [is my favourite away stadium].
      “Obviously, for myself, watching a lot of Barcelona games when I was younger and then being able to play in it [was amazing].
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      “With Celtic the first time, we got beat 6-1, which was tough, but to be able to play there was a big one.
      “I really enjoyed playing there. [The pitch is] massive. It’s incredible. It’s absolutely insane.”
      Secondly, in the same interview, he then named Barcelona icon Ronaldinho as his footballing idol.
      He added: “It’s just the way that he was, especially after the second season that he joined Barcelona.
      “He was the difference-maker, you know? He was the one that everybody was looking to see, and his goals, his tricks and his flair.
      “Obviously, you [Neville] played against him a couple of times, and at that point, he was the best player in the world.
      “He definitely inspired me in different ways because I’m not a striker, but he influenced who I am today.”
      And thirdly, Van Dijk further illustrated his love for Barcelona last month when he included Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Brazilian icon Ronaldo in his dream five-a-side team.
      Van Dijk has played 246 games for Liverpool, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Club World Cup.
      Triple exit
      VVD is not the only player whose future is a concern following Klopp’s announcement.
      It’s understood that a bid from Saudi Arabia for Mohamed Salah is expected this summer.
      The Egyptian was linked with a mega-money move to the Saudi Pro League last summer.
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      Alisson is also said to be on the sights of the oil-rich nation.
      The goalkeeper has been an essential cog in the Klopp trophy-winning machine. More