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      Kyle Walker reveals he almost quit Man City for Bayern Munich to escape torture of his baby scandal

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      KYLE last night told how he almost followed Harry Kane to Bayern Munich to escape the looming baby scandal.The defender verbally agreed a reported £15million move to the German champions in July.
      Kyle Walker told how he almost followed Harry Kane to Bayern Munich to escape his looming baby scandalCredit: Getty
      Walker verbally agreed a reported £15million move to the German champions in JulyCredit: Dan Charity
      Kyle pictured with his pregnant ex-wife Annie KilnerCredit: BackGrid
      He said: “I tried to escape.
      “Did I want to leave City?
      “No, of course I didn’t.
      “We’re the best team in the world at the minute.
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      “But it was a chance to get away from England and the media I was going to get.
      “I was aware the clock was ticking.
      “I came very close to moving.
      “We were having conversations.
      Most read in Football
      “I was going to a great club, a massive club.
      “But in the end I couldn’t go.
      “If I’m in Germany and this happens, Annie leaves and I’m now in Germany on my own.
      “My kids wouldn’t be around the corner where I can see them.
      “There’s pain and emotion at the moment but I can go to the house, take the kids to school, and my little lad to football.” More

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      Thomas Tuchel hints at next job after Bayern Munich as furious fans say ‘get him out of the club’

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has dropped a huge hint on where he wants to manage next – and it left Bayern Munich fans fuming.The 50-year-old German boss has found himself under-pressure this term.
      Thomas Tuchel has revealed his desire to manager in SpainCredit: Getty
      He guided the club to the Bundesliga title last season after taking charge in March but Bayern currently trail leaders Bayer Leverkusen by two points.
      Tuchel has been criticised by some of Bayern’s former legendary players over his transfer signings and only has just over a year remaining of his contract.
      Now he has sparked speculation about his future by revealing that he would love to manage in Spain.
      And those remarks come on the same weekend that Barcelona manager Xavi announced that he is stepping down this summer after Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal left them 10 points adrift of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Tuchel, who won the Champions League during his time in charge of Chelsea, said: “Moving abroad would appeal to me again.
      “Spain has an extraordinary league. From my perspective, and based on my experience working with Spaniards, they are characterised by a tremendous amount of self-confidence.
      “When you speak with Spanish players, I quickly get the sense that you are engaging with the person.”
      His remarks did not seem to go down well with Bayern supporters as they soon vented their fury over the comments on social media.
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      “Get him out the club man,” wrote one.
      Another declared: “He wants to coach Barcelona.”
      A third claimed: “He literally is campaigning for the Barca job.”
      Another wrote: “Well, there is an open spot in Barcelona, and we, as Bayern fans, will be more than delighted to see you leave our club.”
      While a fifth said: “No respect for the club paying his wages.”
      Meanwhile, Tuchel could emerge as a target for another club.
      The Express have also claimed that his name has been added to the list of possible replacements for Erik ten Hag should Manchester United sack the Dutchman. More

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      Who is Xabi Alonso’s wife Nagore Aranburu and do they have any children?

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      XABI Alonso has had an incredibly successful career as a football player, and is one of the most sought-after managers in the world after a blistering start at Beyer Leverkusen.And he’s no slouch outside the world of football too — here we take a look at his stunning wife and their family.
      Nagore Aramburu and Xabi Alonso met while the footballer was still a teenagerCredit: Getty
      Who is Xabi Alonso’s wife Nagore Aranburu?
      Alonso is married to Nagore Aranburu.
      They met when Alonso was still a teenager and playing for boyhood club Real Sociedad.
      Despite their busy lifestyles, Alonso and Nagore have always been sure to make time to spend with one another.
      While at Bayern Munich Alonso and Nagore were a regular sight during Oktoberfest celebrations.
      READ MORE ON XABI ALONSO
      Following Alonso’s retirement from football in 2017 the pair were spotted enjoying a walk on the beach during a family holiday to California.
      Alonso has also previously opened up about how the couple loves a trip to the museum and going for a drive in the mountains with the family.
      Was Xabi Alonso’s wife a receptionist?
      Nagore has worked as a model, actor, fashion designer — and also a receptionist.
      One hilarious tale came while she worked as a hotel receptionist in Liverpool, where Peter Crouch first laid eyes on her.
      Most read in Bundesliga
      Ex-Reds ace and Alonso team-mate Crouch recalled meeting Nagore and confessed his love at first-sight reaction, before Liverpool team-mates including Jamie Carragher broke the news to him that she was with Xabi.
      Peter explained: “On signing for Liverpool I stayed at the Hope Street Hotel.
      On reception was a girl so good-looking I couldn’t quite believe she was smiling at me all the time.
      “I told the lads in training, ‘honestly, she’s beautiful, I think I’ve got a shout here.’ 
      “Jamie Carragher called a few other senior players over, ‘tell them again, Crouchie.’
      “So I did, ‘amazing. Dark-haired. Spanish-looking. I’m in there.’ It turned out she was Xabi Alonso’s partner.
      “She was doing a bit of work to practise her language skills. He was nice about it. So was she. Carra less so.”
      When did Xabi Alonso and Nagore Aranburu get married?
      Alonso and Nagore tied the knot all the way back in 2009, meaning they have been married for 15 years.
      Their wedding was just a month prior to Alonso leaving Liverpool for for Real Madrid.
      Both Alonso and Aranburu are natives of the Basque region of Spain.
      Does Xabi Alonso have any children?
      Xabi and Nagore have had three children together.
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      Their names are Jontxe, born in 2008,  Ane, born in 2010 and Emma, born in 2013.
      The pair prefers to keep their offspring out of the public spotlight, so not much else is known about them. More

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      Kieran Trippier breaks silence on January transfer after Bayern refused to meet Newcastle price tag

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      KIERAN TRIPPIER insists he is committed to making history at Newcastle after Bayern Munich’s failed attempt to sign him this month.The England defender says interest from the German giants was a “compliment” but has not proved a distraction as the Toon returned from their winter break with a comfortable FA Cup win over Fulham on Saturday night – with Trippier hoping he has turned a corner after a run of terrible form.
      Trippier says Bayern’s interest was a ‘compliment’Credit: Alamy
      Newcastle have conceded they need to sell top players to balance the books but rejected Bayern’s £12.5million bid for the ex-Tottenham right-back.
      Trippier said: “It is always a compliment when a team like Bayern comes in for you.
      “Nothing has changed since I arrived. I want to play for the club, create history and win a trophy and help the club grow.
      “It is one of those things. Things happen in the background.”As always I have had loads of conversations with the manager and they have been very positive.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “I hope everyone knows my commitment to this club. It has not changed since I first arrived.
      “It is a transfer window and I have always been committed. It has not put me off or anything like that.
      “My teammates, manager and owners know how committed I am here and I wanted the supporters to know that as well because for them with all the transfer talk I wanted them to know how committed I am to the club.”
      Trippier spent his winter break in New York with his wife, Charlotte, while Bayern were pushing to make the move happen.
      Most read in Football
      A look at how Trippier has performed in the league this seasonCredit: The Sun
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      Asked if close mate Harry Kane had been in touch trying to tempt him to Bavaria, Trippier said: “No! Everyone knows I am close with H. But nothing has changed. I was away on my break. I just had a nice time with my wife.”
      Newcastle have been frank about the need to sell some of their star names in order to balance the books and avoid any potential penalties under Premier League financial rules.
      Eddie Howe has conceded that players could still leave before Thursday’s transfer deadline, with Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson the most likely to move this month.
      Trippier said: “As players we only focus on the pitch.”Whatever happens in the background we give everything for the club and the manager.
      “I personally have not been thinking of that and my team mates have not either. These things happen. I am old enough to know how the transfer window works.”
      As well as having to deal with speculation over his future, Trippier has been battling his worst form since joining the club two years ago.
      Trippier clashed with away fans after defeat at Bournemouth in November before making big mistakes against Everton, Tottenham and Chelsea across a bruising December.
      He said: “I am happy to stand up and say that I’ve been going through some bad moments.
      “It is normal, we’re human. It’s not like we do it on purpose it just happens.
      “I’ve been through this situation in my career before.
      “Hopefully now is a turning point where I can do better, which I know I can. I recognise when I’m in the bad moments and I’m happy to admit that. Hopefully a new year and a new chapter.
      “I’m 33 but I have a lot of talks with the manager, team-mates about things we can do better personally.
      “I watch games back. Win, lose or draw I analyse my performance and know where I can do better.
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      “It might be nice looking at everything you do positive but you always need to go back and look at what you’re doing badly as well as that is how you move forward. That is what I do.”
      The right-back confirmed that he would be fit to face Aston Villa on Tuesday having been taken off at Craven Cottage as a precaution. More

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      Fan forced to step in after linesman suffers horror injury and helped off pitch in Bundesliga clash

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      A FAN had to step in from the stands and referee the Bundesliga clash between Wolfsburg and Cologne after a linesman got injured.Official Thorben Siewer fell victim to a miskick as the ball hit him so hard in the head he went down and required medical attention.
      A linesman got injured during the Bundesliga clash between Wolfsbug and CologneCredit: AP
      A fan had to step out of the stands to replace the fourth officialCredit: Rex

      Cologne ace Max Finkgrafe tried to clear the ball during a Wolfsburg attack and accidentally hit the ref who was standing behind the line.
      Physio staff from both teams immediately tended to Siewer who thankfully got back up to his feet.
      Unfortunately, however, the 36-year-old couldn’t carry on with the match and underwent further checks after being taken to the tunnel.
      Fourth official Nicolas Winter replaced his colleague but there was no one else to fill in for the former.
      Read Moe on Football
      Therefore, hosts Wolfsburg issued an announcement at the Volkswagen Arena asking for any potential certified referees within the crowd.
      Thankfully, there was someone with the necessary badges who could carry out those duties and the match continued soon after.
      Tobias Krull, a goalkeeper of German sixth-tier club MTV Gifhorn, stepped away from the crowd and filled in as the fourth official.
      Krull stood between the two Bundesliga managers’ bench during a 1-1 draw.
      Most read in Bundesliga
      A similar incident took place only last week in the FA Cup third-round replay between Wolves and Brentford.
      Qualified referee Ross Bennett, who officiates at grassroots Under-12 games, gave up his seat at Molineux after assistant ref Harry Lennard felt unwell and fourth official Gavin Ward stepped in to run the line.
      Bennett then replaced Ward and had to contain his jubilation after Wolves star Matheus Cunha’s extra-time penalty winner. More

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      Inside Xabi Alonso’s glamorous life, from wife who Liverpool team-mate tried to pull to model shoots and love of cars

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      XABI ALONSO is the talk of the town in Germany and Liverpool.The Bayer Leverkusen manager has the club seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
      Xabi Alonso is top of the Bundesliga and is the man linked to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: Getty
      But how about the man away from football?
      This has firmly put them on course to land their first Bundesliga title in their 120-year history.
      Alonso has grown a strong reputation in coaching for his innovative and attractive brand of football.
      Whether he is the man to replace the departing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield remains to be seen, given there are a number of other candidates to consider.
      But what about the man away from the pitch and tactics board?
      READ MORE IN LIVERPOOL
      Star crossed lovers
      Alonso is married to Nagore Aranburu.
      The couple tied the knot all the way back in 2009, a month before Alonso left Liverpool for Real Madrid.
      They met when Alonso was still a teenager and playing for boyhood club Real Sociedad.
      Alonso and Nagore have had three children together, Jontxe born in 2008,  Ane, born in 2010 and Emma, born in 2013.
      Most read in Football
      Xabi Alonso married wife Nagore Aranburu in 2009Credit: AFP
      They first met when Alonso was a kid at Real SociedadCredit: Getty
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      Nagore has worked as a model, actress and fashion designer.
      But one hilarious tale came while she worked as a hotel receptionist in Liverpool.
      Ex-Reds ace and Alonso team-mate Peter Crouch recalled the first time he met Nagore.
      Crouch confessed his love at first-sight reaction to meeting Nagore, before Liverpool team-mates including Jamie Carragher broke the news to him that she was with Alonso.
      He said: “On signing for Liverpool I stayed at the Hope Street Hotel.
      “On reception was a girl so good-looking I couldn’t quite believe she was smiling at me all the time.
      The couple have three children togetherCredit: AFP
      Despite busy work schedules they have always made time to enjoy days out togetherCredit: Splash News
      “I told the lads in training, ‘honestly, she’s beautiful, I think I’ve got a shout here.’ Jamie Carragher called a few other senior players over, ‘tell them again, Crouchie.’
      “So I did, ‘amazing. Dark-haired. Spanish-looking. I’m in there.’ It turned out she was Xabi Alonso’s partner.
      “She was doing a bit of work to practise her language skills. He was nice about it. So was she. Carra less so.”
      Despite their busy lifestyles, Alonso and Nagore have always been sure to make time to spend with one another.
      While at Bayern Munich Alonso and Nagore were a regular sight during Oktoberfest celebrations.
      Following Alonso’s retirement from football in 2017 the pair were spotted enjoying a walk on the beach during a family holiday to California.
      Alonso has also revealed the pair love a trip to the museum and going for a mountain drive with the family.
      Alonso and Nagore were often sighted at Oktoberfest celebrationsCredit: AFP
      Alonso revealed the family used to enjoy mountain car ridesCredit: Getty
      Petrolhead and modelling
      Perhaps it is an echo of his sleek playing style, but whenever Alonso is pictured in a car it is one of elegant design.
      And his fashion sense goes in the same direction.
      Alonso loves getting behind the wheel of classic beamers, with a number of Instagram posts showing him driving a variety of classic cars.
      During his time in Munich, Alonso modelled for Porsche and Adidas as they launched the Porsche Design Sport SS17 and sportswear range.
      Alonso modelled for the launch of the Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17Credit: Adidas / Porsche

      Alonso and Nagore living the high life
      The pair, seen posing for Adidas Porsche Design Sport SS17, really are the model couple
      However, when going to training he would drive a rather inconspicuous Audi, rather than his classic Mercedes 190 SL convertible.
      Cost estimates for that car today put it between £70,000 to £166,000.
      In an interview with Mr Porter, Alonso – who has been likened to James Bond – is seen driving a Porsche 356 and not looking one bit out of place.
      One thing Alonso can’t stand is the idea of tattoos on his body.
      In a 2016 interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Alonso said: “They [friends] know that they have zero chance with me.
      “By the way, I am not against tattoos in principle. It may well be that this looks cool on others.
      “But not for me. I just can’t imagine myself with piercings, chains or anything else. Obviously, I’m hopelessly old-fashioned.”
      Alonso has always championed a sleek fashion styleCredit: Adidas / Porsche
      One thing he can’t get behind are tattoos on his bodyCredit: Adidas / Porsche
      Alonso is also pretty fed up of the idea that footballers have bad taste in music and TV shows, saying: “It’s the eternal cliché that footballers don’t have taste.
      “I think that’s pretty unfair. But I already know that, I’ve gotten used to it.”
      He has previously raved about hit shows like True Detective and Fargo, describing them as “masterpieces”, while also revealing bands he has listened to.
      The Shins, The Flaming Lips, The Delgados, The Velvet Underground and Lou Reed to name a few.
      Special moments are like watch links
      Despite his often suave appearance, Alonso is not one who often dresses to impress.
      But when he does, he goes all out, and watches are the crown jewel of his wardrobe.
      Alonso has likened special moments in his life and career to links in a watch.
      He told The Journal: “For me, every special moment is bound to be linked to a particular watch, and whenever I put it on I’m transported back to that moment – such as when we won the Champions League with Liverpool or the World Cup with Spain.”
      Jurgen Klopp’s successor?By Dan King
      XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
      The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
      Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
      He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
      It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues
      For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
      It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
      But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.

      A IWC Steel Ingenieur Automatic 40, £10,500, similar to the one Alonso was givenCredit: IWC
      Alonso shows off one of his many watches on a trip to London with Nagora
      Watches in his collection include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Audemars Piguet and Panerai – not that he has a particular desire to show off such accessories for fear of coming across as vulgar.
      However, his favourite and most special member of his watch collection was a gift from Nagora on their wedding day – an IWC Ingenieur – worth £10,500 according to Watches of Switzerland.
      For Alonso, the stunning watch “represents the fact that I had found a woman who thought about me, about what I like, and my personality.
      “I don’t wear it much, just on really special occasions.”
      Alonso says he likes IWC watches in general because “they’re not overly showy, attention-grabbing watches” and “have a certain sophistication without being flashy”.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The old saying goes: “You can tell a lot about a man from the shoes he’s wearing and the watch he has on.”
      And it seems for Alonso, simple but beautiful efficiency is runs through everything he does. More

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      Jurgen Klopp next job odds: Germany national team most likely after Liverpool departure, Dortmund 15/2

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      THE German national side looks most likely to be Jurgen Klopp’s next job once he steps away from Liverpool.The 56-year-old shocked the footballing world when revealing this season would be his last at Anfield as he plans to step down from the role in the summer.
      Where will Jurgen Klopp go next?Betfair odds

      Germany national team 1/9
      Dortmund 15/2
      Real Madrid 11/1
      Barcelona 14/1
      England national team 16/1
      Bayern Munich 50/1
      Man Utd 200/1

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      Klopp admitted he was simply running out of energy, having given everything to the role since his appointment in 2015.
      Speaking back in 2020, he revealed when he did leave Liverpool that he’d take a year away from the game, only returning if he felt he missed football during that time.
      While Liverpool begin their search for a replacement, this announcement is sure to spike the interest of other chairmen across the footballing world, who now know he’ll be available come the summer.
      Taking into account what he’s said, bookmakers Betfair have a pretty clear idea of where Klopp will be heading next, making the German national team as short as 1/9 to be his next role.
      That move might work as preference for Klopp, taking him away from the 24/7 nature of club football.
      It’s a role he’s regularly been linked with and certainly would seem a likely target of his.
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      A return to Dortmund – where he enjoyed great success before leaving for Merseyside – is next in the betting at 15/2.
      Dortmund won two Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals and finished runners-up in the 2012/13 Champions League.
      Real Madrid (11/1) and Barcelona (14/1) come next, with Xavi under increased pressure at the Catalan side.
      Reports in Spain also already linked Klopp with Barcelona following his announcement earlier.
      At bigger odds come the England national team (16/1), Bayern Munich (50/1) and Manchester United at a huge – but probably not huge enough – 200/1.
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      Arsenal fans say ‘Wenger has done it again’ with ‘eight-year master plan’ close to completion

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      ARSENAL fans joked “Arsene Wenger has done it again” after noticing the potential repercussions of Granit Xhaka’s career path.Xhaka, 31, joined the Gunners from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 and went on to make 297 first team appearances.
      Granit Xhaka could win the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen this seasonCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich are currently behind Leverkusen in the league tableCredit: Getty
      Football fans have joked that Arsene Wenger is responsibleCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He endured a mixed experience in North London before eventually becoming a fan favourite.
      The midfielder’s captaincy was revoked in 2019 after he told Arsenal fans to “f*** off” during a match against Crystal Palace.
      But supporters were devastated last summer when he completed a £21.5million move to Bayer Leverkusen.
      Since returning to Germany, Xhaka has been one of Leverkusen’s star players.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The Black and Reds sit at the top of the Bundesliga table, four points clear of Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich and are unbeaten in all competitions this season.
      Football fans are now convinced that he could prevent his ex-North London rival from winning a trophy once again.
      One person tweeted: “Arsene Wenger signed Granit Xhaka in 2016 so that 7 years later he could join Bayer Leverkusen to lead their title charge against Bayern Munich and ensure that Harry Kane does not win a single league title in his career.
      “Arsene Wenger has done it again 😂.”
      Most read in Football
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      Granit Xhaka’s career path
      May 2016: Xhaka joins Arsenal in £30million transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach.
      September 2016: He scores his first goal for the Gunners.
      May 2017: The midfielder wins the FA Cup with Arsenal
      September 2019: Xhaka is named Arsenal captain, replacing Laurent Koscielny.
      October 2019: He tells Arsenal fans to “f*** off” during a match against Crystal Palace while being booed.
      November 2019: His captaincy is revoked and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is named as Arsenal’s new captain.
      January 2020: The midfielder takes a first team hiatus and is rumoured to leave Arsenal.
      August 2020: Xhaka wins his second FA Cup with Arsenal.
      May 2022: He admits he is “ready” to captain Arsenal again.
      July 2023: Xhaka joins Bayer Leverkusen in a £21.5million transfer.

      Another wrote: “If that pans out, it’s absolute genius!?!”
      While a third commented: “Arsene Wenger at it again 😂.”
      Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996 and spent 22 years with the Gunners before leaving in 2018.
      During his time at the club he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. More