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      Arsenal outcast Guendouzi ‘worth every penny’, says Hertha Berlin chief after Mertesacker urged him to make transfer

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      MATTEO GUENDOUZI has been ‘worth every penny’ since joining Hertha Berlin, sporting director Arne Friedrich has enthused.
      The Frenchman was cast aside by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta following his spat with Neal Maupay in the fiery 2-1 defeat to Brighton back in June.

      Matteo Guendouzi is on a season-long loan in the German capitalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Guendouzi, 21, had to bide his time on the fringes, before sealing a season-long loan move to Hertha on Deadline Day, after a recommendation from Friedrich’s former Germany team-mate, and Gunners academy boss, Per Mertesacker.
      After recovering from coronavirus, Guendouzi has become an important figure for Hertha, featuring in their last four Bundesliga matches.
      And Friedrich, 41, has raved about the Gunners misfit’s impact, while also highlighting Mertesacker’s role in the transfer.
      He said: “He’s a fantastic player.

      “We spoke to Arsenal before the transfer obviously, and I also spoke to Per Mertesacker, with whom I played in the national team.
      “Our relationship is very honest, very transparent, and he had already said that he has such good quality and he’s showed it already.
      “From the first day when he came here to Germany onwards, he had to go into quarantine, I don’t know what happened, I think either him or someone else tested positive so he had to sit in the hotel for the first two weeks here in a brand new city.
      “He was so professional and we brought him some gear, a bike to work on and he was really, really ambitious to get on the field as soon as possible.

      Gunners academy chief Per Mertesacker recommended Guendouzi to HerthaCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Frenchman played his last game for Arsenal against Brighton back in JuneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Ever since, every day he shows in practice what a good player he is.
      “He’s so calm. He wants every single ball, even under pressure. He has his own understanding that he wants to win games.
      “He has this intrinsic motivation to just show the world how good he is. This is what we need, this is what everybody needs and he is highly confident, which is also very important for our team because our team is still looking for structure.
      “We are very, very happy to have him here and he’s worth every penny.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Arsenal player Matteo Guendouzi seals loan transfers away to Hertha Berlin More

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      Erling Haaland injury not as bad as first feared as Dortmund ace says he will be ‘back soon’ after speaking with doctors

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      ERLING HAALAND has eased fears over his injury and vowed to be ‘back soon’ for Borussia Dortmund.
      The striker was believed to be out for the rest of 2020 after picking up a hamstring problem ahead of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Lazio in the Champions League.

      Erling Haaland suffered an injury blow this week but has provided a positive updateCredit: Reuters

      Fans of the German giants were left reeling at the thought of their 20-year-old hotshot being ruled out long-term.
      But the star, son of ex-Premier League midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, has provided a positive update on his setback after being checked out.
      Tweeting a snap of him with a thumbs-up, he wrote: “Good news! Spoke with my doctors. Back soon.”
      Haaland has been a revelation since signing for the Germans almost 12 months ago, scoring 33 goals in just 32 games.

      Prior to his arrival in the Bundesliga, the 20-year-old turned heads across Europe with 28 goals in just 22 matches for RB Salzburg.
      Manchester United were strongly linked with a move before Haaland joined Dortmund.
      But the Norway international will now be watching from the sidelines as he recovers from his hamstring setback.
      Despite initially missing out on Haaland, United are reported to still be interested after he worked with Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde.

      Indeed, Haaland is just three goals behind his former gaffer in European football.
      And four goals would see Haaland become the highest-scoring Norwegian in Champions League history.
      After picking up his hamstring injury, Haaland will have to wait until the knockout stages for another bite of the cherry.
      But Solskjaer is confident he will break the record with ease, saying: “He will beat it very easily.
      “The boy was great to work with and some part of me feels proud to have a little input in such a rise.
      “I’m sure Erling will score many goals in the Champions League.”
      Dortmund still managed a 1-1 draw against Lazio on Wednesday, with Raphael Guerreiro opening the scoring in the 44th minute.
      But Lazio forward Ciro Immobile netted a penalty in the 67th minute to earn the Italians a point on the road.
      The result means Dortmund have booked their place in the last 16.

      Erling Haaland ruled out for rest of year after suffering hamstring injury in bitter blow for Borussia Dortmund More

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      Furious Dortmund boss Favre claims Milinkovic-Savic was ‘in swimming pool’ after outrageous dive to win Lazio penalty

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND boss Lucien Favre was left fuming with a penalty awarded to Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
      The Serbian won a spot-kick to seal his team a point in Wednesday night’s Champions League clash.

      Nico Schulz did not make contact with the ball but appeared to have missed Sergej Milinkovic-SavicCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Lazio star dramatically tumbled over his rivalCredit: EPA

      Borussia defender Nico Schulz had arrived late to a loose ball on the edge of the area, with the score at 1-0 to the Germans.
      While Milinkovic-Savic did get a toe on it, he threw his legs away and tumbled to the ground with minimal contact from Schulz.
      Favre likened the dive to a ‘swimming pool’ display after the point nonetheless qualified Dortmund for the next round.
      The 63-year-old told reporters: “We only drew because the referee awarded a non-existent penalty.

      “Of course it was a dive, he looked like he was in a swimming pool.
      “It’s ridiculous, you cannot identify what foul Schulz has made there.

      Schulz waved away the claims as Milinkovic-Savic rolled aroundCredit: EPA

      Mateu Lahoz initially turned down the appeals before changing his mindCredit: AFP or licensors
      “In any case, we are through, and that’s that.”
      Both sides were left unhappy with Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz’s display at Signal Iduna Park.

      Borussia felt Jude Bellingham had been unfairly felled earlier on in the game as he bore down on goal.
      A sweet move from the Bundesliga outfit then set up Raphael Guerreiro for the opener.

      But Lazio were allowed back into the match when Milinkovic-Savic made the most of a collision with Schulz.
      Lahoz initially appeared uninterested in the claim and was walking away from the scene before suddenly performing a U-turn.
      Ciro Immobile netted the penalty against his old team before Lazio wanted a penalty in stoppage time for a handball by Axel Witsel.
      That was waved away and Dortmund sealed their passage from Group F – with Lazio facing a showdown against Club Brugge.

      Lucien Favre was not happy with the penalty decisionCredit: EPA

      Erling Haaland ruled out for rest of year after suffering hamstring injury in bitter blow for Borussia Dortmund More

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      Erling Haaland ruled out for rest of year after suffering hamstring injury in bitter blow for Borussia Dortmund

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      ERLING HAALAND has been ruled out for the remainder of 2020 after suffering a hamstring injury.
      Borussia Dortmund’s star striker will play no further part until next year after picking up the problem ahead of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Lazio in the Champions League.

      Erling Haaland has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a hamstring injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Haaland has been a revelation since signing for the Germans almost 12 months ago, scoring 33 goals in just 32 games.
      Prior to his arrival in the Bundesliga, the 20-year-old turned heads across Europe with 28 goals in just 22 matches for RB Salzburg.
      Manchester United were strongly linked with a move before Haaland joined Dortmund.
      But the Norway international will now be watching from the sidelines as he recovers from his hamstring setback for the next four weeks.

      Despite initially missing out on Haaland, United are reported to still be interested after he worked with Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde.
      Indeed, Haaland is just three goals behind his former gaffer in European football.
      And four goals would see Haaland become the highest-scoring Norwegian in Champions League history.
      After picking up his hamstring injury, Haaland will have to wait until the knockout stages for another bite of the cherry.

      But Solskjaer is confident he will break the record with ease, saying: “He will beat it very easily.
      “The boy was great to work with and some part of me feels proud to have a little input in such a rise.
      “I’m sure Erling will score many goals in the Champions League.”
      Dortmund still managed a 1-1 draw against Lazio on Wednesday, with Raphael Guerreiro opening the scoring in the 44th minute.
      But Lazio forward Ciro Immobile netted a penalty in the 67th minute to earn the Italians a point on the road.
      The result means Dortmund have booked their place in the last 16.
      But Lazio face an anxious wait with just two points separating them from Belgian outfit Club Brugge.

      Man Utd transfer target Haaland has ‘verbal agreement’ to leave Dortmund More

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      Bayern Munich star Javi Martinez ready to ‘try something new’ after deal expires at end of season

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      BAYERN MUNICH star Javi Martinez has sparked speculation over his future by revealing he wants to ‘try something new’.
      The Spanish international, 32, moved to the German giants back in 2012.

      Bayern’s Javi Martinez is ready to ‘try something new’ after his deal expiresCredit: Getty

      After looking set to leave last summer after losing his starting place, he opted to stay another campaign following talks with coach Hansi Flick.
      Martinez helped Bayern to both the Bundesliga title and Champions League this year.
      However, despite targeting both again, he admits it looks unlikely he will still be there past June when his contract expires.
      However, he refused to discuss potential new clubs ahead of the Champions League clash at Atletico Madrid tonight.

      He said: “This is not the moment to discuss what will happen in June 2021.
      “Anything can happen.
      “I had great years here and we will see what happens.”
      Martinez added: “I would like to try something new, no matter where, but something new before I end my career.

      The best available free agents still on the market

      “The contract says it is the last year.
      “I am happy to be here now and I am part of the team and that is what is important.”
      Martinez has enjoyed huge success since his switch to Germany.
      He has lifted the Bundesliga eight times and the Champions League twice.
      And he also has five German Cup medals plus a Club World Cup gong on his impressive CV.

      Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich free live stream, TV Channel and kick off time for Champions League match More

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      Erling Haaland could make sensational Barcelona transfer if Laporta becomes president, reveals Pogba’s brother Mathias

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      ERLING HAALAND could make a sensational transfer to Barcelona if Joan Laporta becomes the president, Paul Pogba’s brother has claimed.
      The Borussia Dortmund striker, 20, is one of Europe’s hottest properties because of his stunning goalscoring form.

      Erling Haaland could be on his way to Barcelona if Joan Laporte wins the presidential election at the Nou CampCredit: Reuters

      He has 33 goals in 32 appearances for the German side since joining in January and has attracted plenty of attention from Real Madrid.
      But as reported by Le10 Sport, Mathias Pogba – three years older than Paul – revealed the Barca presidential candidate’s plot to land Haaland.
      That is due to Laporta’s close relationship with the Norwegian’s agent Mino Raiola, who also looks after the £89million Manchester United midfielder.
      The 30-year-old older Pogba, a striker at Racing Murcia after spells in Britain, said: “Raiola leaves freedom to his players.

      “Of course, especially since Dortmund is a good club, but Barca is Barca.
      “So if he wants to pass a milestone… With a Real-Barca duel, it is sure that Raiola will have an influence.
      “He’s his player, so if he gets along well with the president, it will be easier for Haaland.
      “The presidential elections in Barca will therefore have a huge influence on this issue.”

      Twins Florentino, left, and Mathias, right, with Manchester United midfielder and younger brother Paul PogbaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Barcelona are in turmoil at the moment with Josep Maria Bartomeu pushed out as president and his successor not yet voted on.
      But the club also have plenty of issues to resolve including their mounting debt and the future of captain Lionel Messi.
      Selling previous No9 Luis Suarez helped save some cash but they know Haaland will not come cheap, especially with Real Madrid lining him and Kylian Mbappe up as part of a new Galactico era at the Bernabeu.

      Erling Haaland will be the best striker in the world More

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      Leon Bailey denies naming son after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and says name ‘nothing to do with football’

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      BAYER LEVERKUSEN winger Leon Bailey says his new son Leo Cristiano is not named after Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo
      The Jamaican claims the baby’s name is ‘nothing to do with football’ despite the obvious similarities.

      Leon Bailey says his and partner Stephanie’s son Leo Cristiano is not named after Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi

      The winger has faced questions because of the obvious similarity between the namesCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Leon and long-term partner Stephanie celebrated the birth of their first child in June.
      And having called the little lad Leo Cristiano, he has obviously faced a lot of questions.
      But the 23-year-old has quashed such suggestions, insisting it was a personal choice.
      He told German outlet Bild: “It has nothing to do with football, but with me and my name. 

      “Leo is an abbreviation of Leon. And Leo is the lion – I am a lion. 
      “I believe that my son will also grow up with the mentality of being a fighter and a leader. 
      “And Cristiano is a lovely name that goes well with Leo.”
      Jamaica international Bailey is also close friends with Raheem Sterling and Usain Bolt.

      The forward attended Manchester City ace Sterling’s Great Gatsby themed 25th birthday last December.
      And he was also at Bolt’s surprise birthday bash in August which drew criticism in Germany because the sprint legend was forced to isolate the day afterwards.
      But Bailey does not regret the decision to celebrate with his good pal.
      He added: “Usain has been a very good and close friend of mine for years.
      “When in Jamaica I would never turn down an invitation from him.
      “He’s a kind of mentor for me, was always there for me in good and bad days.”

      Heartbreaking moment Maradona’s daughter Dalma breaks down in tears after touching Boca Juniors tribute More

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      Bailey denies naming baby after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and says son’s name ‘nothing to do with football’

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      BAYER LEVERKUSEN winger Leon Bailey says his new son Leo Cristiano is not named after Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo
      The Jamaican claims the baby’s name is ‘nothing to do with football’ despite the obvious similarities.

      Leon Bailey says his and partner Stephanie’s son Leo Cristiano is not named after Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi

      The winger has faced questions because of the obvious similarity between the namesCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Leon and long-term partner Stephanie celebrated the birth of their first child in June.
      And having called the little lad Leo Cristiano, he has obviously faced a lot of questions.
      But the 23-year-old has quashed such suggestions, insisting it was a personal choice.
      He told German outlet Bild: “It has nothing to do with football, but with me and my name. 

      “Leo is an abbreviation of Leon. And Leo is the lion – I am a lion. 
      “I believe that my son will also grow up with the mentality of being a fighter and a leader. 
      “And Cristiano is a lovely name that goes well with Leo.”
      Jamaica international Bailey is also close friends with Raheem Sterling and Usain Bolt.

      The forward attended Manchester City ace Sterling’s Great Gatsby themed 25th birthday last December.
      And he was also at Bolt’s surprise birthday bash in August which drew criticism in Germany because the sprint legend was forced to isolate the day afterwards.
      But Bailey does not regret the decision to celebrate with his good pal.
      He added: “Usain has been a very good and close friend of mine for years.
      “When in Jamaica I would never turn down an invitation from him.
      “He’s a kind of mentor for me, was always there for me in good and bad days.”

      Heartbreaking moment Maradona’s daughter Dalma breaks down in tears after touching Boca Juniors tribute More