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      Forgotten Germany World Cup star announces retirement at 32 after a year unemployed

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      A FORMER Germany international has announced his retirement at the age of 32.The left-back is hanging up his boots after 278 Bundesliga appearances and seven senior caps with the German national team. A former Germany international has retired at the age of 32Credit: Getty – ContributorIn fact, he was part of the 2018 World Cup squad and started in the first match of the group stage against Mexico.However, the defender didn’t see any more action in Russia as he was benched for the other two games against Sweden and South Korea and Germany failed to make the knockout stages.A year earlier, however, he was part of the team that won the Confederations Cup and played a whole match in the group stage against Cameroon.However, his career didn’t get rolling after that as he found himself as a free agent for over a year after leaving his final club Hertha Berlin.Read More on FootballThat is none other than Marvin Plattenhardt, who spent nine years at Hertha since his arrival from Nurnberg in 2014.Plattenhardt received offers this past year from various countries around the world, such as Italy, Turkey, the US and even England.However, the full-back preferred to call time on his 13-year career and insists he has no regrets.Plattenhardt told BILD: “Now the point has come where I say: ‘Finished!’ I’m hanging up my boots. Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Between the summer of 2023 and the end of January 2024 there were a few talks with clubs in various countries, but the overall package was not suitable for me in terms of my family. I just didn’t want to do that.”And when you’ve been out for a while, it gets more and more difficult these days. Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”It’s crazy when you see how many names, including top-class players, are still on the list of players without a club. “I didn’t want to continue at all costs. So I’ve now made this decision for myself and I’m absolutely fine with it.“A wonderful and great time. When I look back on my career, I can say that all my childhood dreams have come true.”Marvin Plattenhardt decided to retire as a free agent after his exit from Hertha Berlin a year agoCredit: Getty – PoolPlattenhardt had offers from England before deciding to retireCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Inside six-time Champions League winners’ graffiti-covered former stadium which now hosts fourth tier football

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      BAYERN MUNICH’S much-loved former stadium is now covered in graffiti.More than 50,000 people were once packing the stands in the Grunwalder Stadion before Bayern left in 1972.The Grunwalder Stadion now hosts Bayern’s second team in the fourth tierCredit: AlamyThis is an outside view of Bayern Munich’s old stadiumCredit: AlamyIt was once crowded with 50,000 peopleBut the city council have continued to work on the stadium to keep football being played thereBut Bayern have kept some connection with the Grunwalder as their second team host games in the German fourth tier there.The record attendance was a massive 58,000 people back in 1961-62, but the capacity has since been reduced to 21,200.The ground saw many games of the early golden years of Bayern, including two German title triumphs in 1931-32 and 1968-69.Bayern, led by the great Franz Beckenbauer, left in 1972 and won their first of six European trophies two years later against Atletico Madrid.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was once Munich’s largest stadium before Bayern’s current 75,000 seat Allianz Arena fortress opened in 2005.But now the Grunwalder, which was also used for their city rivals 1860 Munich, looks unrecognisable.After both teams left for the Olympiastadion in 1972, plans were put in place for it to be demolished.But that decision was postponed as the council decided to redevelop the ground instead.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt underwent a large renovation in the late 1970s, including the construction of two new main stands still used today.Over the years, the state of the stadium had slowly deteriorated and capacity was reduced due to safety measures.The new Champions League format explainedThe ground still does not meet standards to play matches in the German second division.In 2017, 1860 Munich, nicknamed the Lions, decided to move back into the Grunwalder Stadion.A Munich sport’s committee voted for a comprehensive renovation in September 2022, with work set to begin in 2026.The measures will reportedly set the council back £77million.The Allianz now hosts Bayern’s top-flight footballCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee played his reserve team football at the Grunwalder during his time at BayernThe same old stands remain at the GrunwalderCrowds still gather at the iconic stadium, which was built in 1911 More

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      Forgotten Premier League champion’s Sunderland transfer ‘collapsed’ just one year after £120k-a-week contract ended

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      FORMER Liverpool star Naby Keita saw a shock move to Sunderland collapse during the transfer window, according to reports.The midfielder won seven major trophies during his five years at Anfield, including the Premier League and Champions League.Naby Keita helped Liverpool win the Premier League in 2020Credit: Times Newspapers LtdKeita left the club last year on a free transfer and joined Werder Bremen.But the 29-year-old is again on the lookout for a new side and this summer he came close to signing for Sunderland.The Guardian report that the Black Cats had a strong interest in the player but were unable to agree personal terms, which led to the deal falling through.With the Turkish transfer window still open, Keita is now set to join Istanbul Basaksehir.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis failure to agree a contract with Sunderland comes just a year after his supposed £120,000-a-week deal expired at Liverpool.The Reds paid £48million for him in 2018, but injuries prevented him from ever establishing himself as first choice, making 129 appearances in total.Keita also had a tough time at Werder Bremen, being banned from the squad after refusing to get on the team’s bus.He was told by manager Ole Werner that he did not even make the bench against Bayer Leverkusen but still expected to travel.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeita, who played just five times for the club and not after the incident in April, instead went home.Over the summer, the Guinea star represented his country at the Paris 2024 Olympics and was their flagbearer. Arne Slot breaks down how Liverpool destroyed Man Utd after exploiting Erik ten Hag’s new tactics More

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      Footballer attacked at home by thugs after appearing in Bayern Munich shirt as police launch probe

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      POLICE are investigating an attack on Nurnberg footballer Niklas-Wilson Sommer.The right-back was attacked in his home and shared images of his wounds on social media.Niklas-Wilson Sommer was attacked in his homeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The attack is thought to be because he wore a Bayern Munich shirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The incident took place after he shared a picture of himself wearing a Bayern Munich shirt.The image had been deleted from social media and Sommer had already apologised for it.The 26-year-old has been supported by the club, which has condemned the attack.A club statement read: “During the night from Saturday to Sunday, there was a physical attack on one of our U23 players.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”By lying in wait on the doorstep in the early evening and then physically attacking him a few hours later in the night, these people crossed all boundaries.”The act is apparently a reaction to the player appearing in a Bayern jersey on social media three days earlier.”The photo was deleted shortly after publication and the player also publicly apologized.”The club will never accept players being physically attacked.Most read in Football”That is exactly what happened last night through the actions of individuals.”The club condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. It is absolutely incompatible with the values ​​of FCN.Sommer currently plays for Nunrberg IICredit: GettyHe has also played for Mannheim and DAC Dunajská StredaCredit: Getty”The police investigation into the incident began last night.”If there are any convictions in this connection, the club will of course react accordingly.”Former Premier League star John Paintsil rushed to hospital after terrifying car crashSommer was targeted by a crowd protest during the 4-0 defeat at home to Magdeburg on Saturday.One banner read: “Club pride instead of hipster posing. Niklas Wilson, you’re s**t, like FCB.”Another stated: “Wilson, p**s off, you Bayern pig.”Sommer shared images of the wounds he suffered after the attack on social media.The pictures showed red marks and swelling across his face.Sommer posted his injuries on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Swelling could be seen around his faceCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Oxford striker Mark Harris lined up for shock Bundesliga transfer as Millwall fail with late bid

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      OXFORD striker Mark Harris is still on the radar of Bundesliga new boys Holstein Kiel.The Germans made a bid for free-scoring Harris, 25, before the window shut but could not get the deal done.Mark Harris is being linked with a move to GermanyCredit: GettyHarris scored 15 goals during Oxford’s promotion from League One last seasonHolstein plan to try their luck again in the next window, while Millwall boss Neil Harris also made a surprise late inquiry.Harris has scored in each of his four league games so far this season.He hit the back of the net yet again on Saturday as Des Buckingham’s newly-promoted Championship side claimed a 3-1 win over Preston.Welshman Harris joined Oxford in July 2023 on a free transfer after his Cardiff contract expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has 23 goals and five assists in 60 games for the second-tier club.Harris also has five caps for Wales after making his debut three years ago.But he has not featured since 2022 and was not included in their World Cup squad in Qatar.Elsewhere in the Championship, pressure ramped up on Plymouth manager Wayne Rooney after his side lost again.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Manchester United legend watched on as his team succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat to Stoke.The result leaves Plymouth with just two points from four league games.PREM RULE CHANGESAt the top of the table, Sunderland maintained their perfect start with a fourth successive win, beating Portsmouth 3-1 at Fratton Park. More

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      Dortmund season begins in CHAOS as fans organise major protests and release furious statement

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      DORTMUND fans are planning major protests at their first Bundesliga match of the season.The German giants’ campaign has been thrown into chaos after supporters released a furious statement.Dortmund fans are planning a major protest at their opening Bundesliga match of the seasonCredit: GettySupporters have released a furious statement opposing a sponsorship deal with arms manufacturers RheinmetallCredit: APFans of the club are set to voice their opposition to a sponsorship deal with arms manufacturers Rheinmetall.Planned protests include unveiling a tank outside the Westfalenstadion on Saturday in club colours.Dortmund host Frankfurt in their opening Bundesliga fixture of the campaign.An activist is also set to be dressed as Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, with signs on display and flyers handed out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe three-year deal with the ammunition maker was announced back in May, just days before the Champions League final.Fans and pundits alike slammed the deal, with Gary Lineker admitting it would be the “first time I’ll be cheering for Real Madrid”.Dortmund went on to lose 2-0 at Wembley Stadium back on June 1.Club chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke had defended the deal at the time, explaining: “When we see every day how freedom must be defended in Europe. We should deal with this new normality.”Most read in FootballThe deal was announced in May, just days before the Champions League final defeat to Real MadridCredit: ReutersHowever, Dortmund fans have now had their say in a statement from supporter association Sudtribune Dortmund.Released on behalf of over 90 fan groups, it reads: “We won’t allow ourselves to be hitched to your wagon.’Super league by another name’ fume fans as Uefa confirm new Champions League format that is ‘ruining’ football”We firmly reject the idea that management and its committees at BVB have agreed to use Borussia Dortmund’s appeal to improve the public image of an arms company and throw their own values overboard in the process.”The statement continues: “The timing (of the announcement) suggests reactions to this controversial decision were deliberately intended to be overshadowed by reporting on the Champions League final.”Negative effects on fans were consciously taken into account.”Fans were also told to make their feelings known and “express your criticism” against Frankfurt this weekend.Dortmund kickstarted the new season in German Cup on Saturday, beating fourth tier Phonix Lubeck 4-1.Dortmund begin their league campaign at home to Frankfurt on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd AGREE De Ligt transfer with Bayern Munich AND have Noussair Mazraoui bid accepted – but it rests on star leaving

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have agreed a deal to sign Matthijs de Ligt – and have moved a step closer to bringing in Noussair Mazraoui. United have looked to bolster their defence this summer after Raphael Varane’s exit and Harry Maguire’s future looking in doubt. Matthijs de Ligt is close to joining Man UtdCredit: GettyThey have also abid for Noussair MazraouiCredit: RexThey signed Leny Yoro for £52million from Lille but the 18-year-old faces three months out after picking up a pre-season foot injury. De Ligt has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester and now they have moved a step closer to striking a deal. Because the Red Devils have agreed an initial £38.5million with Bayern Munich for De Ligt – with a further £4.2m in add ons.De Ligt is now set for a medical before signing a five-year deal that includes the option to extend by an additional 12 months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back won the Dutch title with Ajax before making a move to Juventus in 2019 where he also lifted the Serie A. After 117 appearances in Italy, De Ligt moved to Bayern in 2022 and also has a Bundesliga winners medal to his name. But the German giants are ready to offload De Ligt and full-back Mazraoui.Bayern also accepted a separate £16.8m proposal from United for Noussair Mazraoui in a piece of double business worth nearly £60m. Most read in FootballWhy De Ligt is the perfect Man Utd signing By Lee Scott One of Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag’s biggest headaches has been fixing their leaky defence.Despite still not being anywhere near his peak years De Ligt has built considerable experience so far in his career with Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich and he has 45 caps at senior level for the Dutch national team.While he is not necessarily a highly modern ball playing type of defensive player he is a player with the defensive strengths and instincts to help shore up a United defence that was, at best, leaky last season.He has a great ability to read the game which was one of the biggest issues that we saw from the United defensive unit last season.De Ligt is also a master in one-on-one situations, who shows strength and intensity in his duels.The Dutch star does a good job in keeping things simple and tends to make good decisions in possession.The pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt makes perfect sense for United and for Ten Hag as a young defender who is still to reach his peak.He has considerable experience at a high level and he understands the game model and system of play of the manager.Click here to read our full analysis on De Ligt joining Manchester United.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA deal for the Moroccan – which will see them pay around £12.8m up front – has been in place for some weeks.But it depends on Aaron Wan-Bissaka agreeing an exit after United accepted West Ham’s £15m offer. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Wan-Bissaka needs to finalise his termination at United but a medical with the Hammers is set for Sunday or Monday. The Londoner made 22 appearances last season for United but has fallen out of favour with boss Erik ten Hag.And as revealed by SunSport, he wants a multi-million pound pay-off from United to leave this summer. The 26-year-old has less than 12 months left on his contract at Old Trafford.And he could bank a huge signing-on fee by staying put and leaving on a free transfer next summer.Wan-Bissaka’s representatives are pushing for United to give the player a chunk of the £18m fee they will receive from West Ham in order to get the deal done this summer.The former Crystal Palace defender has been on the same £90,000-a-week contract at United since he joined the club five years ago.United’s double swoop of Bayern will take summer spending to around the £150million mark – with Joshua Zirkzee and Yoro already in place.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it suggests they have given up on their pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite – who is valued at around £70m.De Ligt and Mazraoui were both named on Bayern’s bench for a pre-season friendly at Tottenham despite closing in on exits. More

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      Liverpool set to miss out on Maximilian Beier transfer as Hoffenheim star snubs Reds for another offer

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      LIVERPOOL are set to miss out on Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier, according to reports.The 21-year-old has snubbed interest from Anfield in favour of staying in the Bundesliga, with a move to Borussia Dortmund on the cards.Liverpool look set to miss out on German striker Maximilian BeierCredit: GettyBeier has been a Premier League transfer target after a breakout season in 2023-24.  He scored 16 league goals for Hoffenheim to break into the Germany squad for this summer’s Euros, making his debut against Ukraine.Beier remains a real target for Liverpool and the Reds even held talks over a deal in the last few days, according to Sky Germany.But he remains clear in his desire to join Dortmund instead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Champions League runners up are set to negotiate personal terms with Beier and will match his £25m release clause, according to Sky Sports.Nuri Sahin’s side are looking to replace Niclas Fullkrug following his £27m move to West Ham this week.Brentford already offered to pay the buyout clause, while Aston Villa and Chelsea made enquiries earlier this summer.Liverpool will turn their attentions to Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, the Spanish defensive midfielder’s £51.7m release clause needs to be paid in full.Other suitors such as Arsenal and Barcelona have failed to convince the Spain international to jump ship.Manchester City challenging the Premier League and its entire rulebook in a court case with millions of pounds of damages on the lineZubimendi was part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, helping his nation lift the trophy in Berlin.Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, who can play at centre-back and left-back.The 22-year-old is one of European football’s most highly-rated young defenders, but was not an automatic starter for Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga-winning side last term.The Reds are yet to complete a permanent signing under Arne Slot’s management, with the Dutchman spending much of pre-season implementing his new philosophy on the current squad.Liverpool have won three of their four pre-season friendlies, including a 3-0 victory over Manchester United.Their only loss a 1-0 behind-closed-doors defeat to Championship side Preston North End last month.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager 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