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      Javier Dorado dead at 48: Former Real Madrid star dies after long illness as club pays touching tribute

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      FORMER Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48 after a brave battle with cancer.The Spaniard was part of the Los Blancos academy system in 1996 before getting a promotion under Vicente del Bosque.Former Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48Tributes have flooded in to honour and remember Dorado, who made his Madrid debut in 1999 against Valencia in the Copa del Rey.He won the Champions League a season later with Liverpool legend Steve McManaman, who scored an incredible volley in Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Valencia.Dorado was part of the squad that beat Manchester United over two legs in the quarter-finals of that winning 2000 campaign. But, in his second campaign, Dorado made only seven appearances due to a fierce competition with Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe left-back was loaned out to UD Salamanca and Sporting Gijon, before leaving joining Rayo Vallecano on a permanent basis.He continued his career with other Spanish sides, such as Mallorca and Atletico Baleares, where he retired in 2012 at the age of 35.Dorado had been battling cancer since 2022, according to Spanish outlet Marca.The former defender told El Comercio a few months ago: “I’ve been here for a while now.Most read in FootballDorado won the Champions League with Madrid in 2000″And I hope that this time this nightmare will end, that we can go out and be at peace. “I’ve been fighting for years and the tough treatments take their toll , especially when they end because they leave me a little more tired and a little more affected, but I try to lead a normal life.”A club statement on Thursday read: ‘Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Javier Dorado.”We would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his team-mates, all his loved ones and all the clubs he was a part of.”During the two seasons he played for Real Madrid, Javier Dorado won one European Cup, the Eighth in Paris (2000).”Born in Talavera de la Reina, Dorado also featured in four matches for Spain’s Under 21s between 1998 and 2000.He made eight appearances for Madrid’s first team, while most of his career games came in the Spanish second division.A fan honoured his memory saying: “What a great player. May you rest in peace.” More

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      ‘Watch this space’ – Cole Palmer tipped for sensational move to Chelsea rivals by former Premier League star

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      COLE PALMER has been tipped to leave Chelsea for a Premier League rival.The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Stamford Bridge, managing 40 goal contributions in 46 appearances.Cole Palmer has been tipped to join LiverpoolCredit: GettyDwight Yorke believes he would be a great replacement for Mohamed SalahCredit: EPASalah is set to leave Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyHowever, his future recently came into question amid concerns that Chelsea will not qualify for the Champions League this term.Several pundits have suggested that Palmer could leave the club if Chelsea fail to earn a place in the top five – even though he still has eight years remaining on his contract.And former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke believes he could be the perfect replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.While the ex-striker is not convinced that Palmer would force a transfer, he does think the England ace would be tempted by a move to Anfield.Read More in FootballAsked by CasinoBeats if he could see Palmer push for an exit this summer, Yorke said: “He doesn’t strike me as that kind individual.”I don’t think he would demand to leave Chelsea if he’s playing a season out of the Champions League.”He’s still very young, and he’s gone there and turned his career around and became the top man there. Why would you walk away from being in a club and being the top man at the same time?”Where is he going to go and become a top player and the top man? Liverpool?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPalmer is in his second season with Chelsea”Okay, maybe Man United, he said he’s a Man United fan, but he won’t go there because he’s a City man. Outside of that is Arsenal, he won’t go there because Bukayo Saka is there.”Liverpool might be an option if Mo Salah were to leave, so that might be something that they might look to do. So, watch this space with that if Mo Salah leaves.Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training “There’s no reason why it would not happen if Mo Salah is to leave. Otherwise, why would he want to leave Chelsea?”He’s the top man at the club. He plays week in, week out. Yes, the Champions League is important. If we keep missing out on Champions League, only then does it become a problem for Cole Palmer.”Next year, if Chelsea come back, work hard, and make sure they can qualify for the Champions League and compete for the Premier League, then everything is happy for Palmer.”I genuinely believe that the only club that could tempt him would be Liverpool, and even then, they would have to let Salah go first.”Salah is set to leave Liverpool when his contract expires this summer.He appeared to drop a huge hint about an exit earlier this week, telling TNT Sports: “I just want fans to remember that I gave it all to the fans, I gave it all to the city.”I was here, I wasn’t lazy, I just enjoyed my football and gave it my all.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think that’s what the city is about, they give you love, you have a connection with them.”I just want them to remember that I was here for eight years…or whatever.”Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade More

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      Which teams have the most favourable fixtures until the March international break?

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      FEBRUARY is almost at an end which means the March international break is coming into view.Dream Team will pause for World Cup qualifiers at the end of March but managers have three Gameweeks to navigate before then and they should take note of which teams have the most favourable fixtures in this time.Target additional European fixtures in MarchCredit: Dream TeamThe first thing to note is that Crystal Palace, West Ham, Everton, Southampton, Brentford and Leicester have just two fixtures each across the next three Gameweeks – a light workload.The Eagles’ two games are relatively favourable – Millwall and Ipswich – but backers of Daniel Munoz (£5.1m), Eberechi Eze (£4.5m) and friends should be wary of their blank in Gameweek 28.Now let’s take a closer look at the teams with three fixtures to fulfil until the international break.MANCHESTER CITY: Plymouth (h), Nottingham Forest (a), Brighton (h) NEWCASTLE: Brighton (h), West Ham (a), Liverpool (n)NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Ipswich (h), Manchester City (a), Ipswich (h)BOURNEMOUTH: Wolves (h), Tottenham (a), Brentford (h)WOLVES: Bournemouth (a), Everton (h), Southampton (a) FULHAM: Manchester United (a), Brighton (a), Tottenham (h)BRIGHTON: Newcastle (a), Fulham (h), Manchester City (a)IPSWICH: Nottingham Forest (a), Crystal Palace (h), Nottingham Forest (a)In previous seasons, Pep Guardiola’s side have nearly always been on the right side of any fixture imbalances but their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid means the likes of Erling Haaland (£8.1m), Josko Gvardiol (£4.3m) and Phil Foden (£6.3m) won’t have as many point-scoring opportunities as usual.This will never be more apparent than in Gameweek 27 when six English clubs will have a European round of 16 second leg as an additional midweek fixture while Man City’s stars twiddle their thumbs.Man City will not be involved in the Champions League round of 16Credit: GettyA quick glance at those match-ups suggests there could be more points to come from in-form players such as Chris Wood (£4.2m), Alexander Isak (£6m) and Matheus Cunha (£5.2m) but gaffers shouldn’t accommodate too many players with just three games in the diary from now until the end of Gameweek 28.The focus should be on individuals with a busy schedule, which brings us neatly onto the clubs with FOUR fixtures…Most read in FootballLIVERPOOL: PSG (a), Southampton (h), PSG (h), Newcastle (n)ARSENAL: PSV (a), Manchester United (a), PSV (h), Chelsea (h)ASTON VILLA: Cardiff (h), Club Brugge (a), Brentford (a), Club Brugge (h)TOTTENHAM: AZ Alkmaar (a), Bournemouth (h), AZ Alkmaar (h), Fulham (a)CHELSEA: Copenhagen (a), Leicester (h), Copenhagen (h), Arsenal (a)The Reds’ double header at Anfield in Gameweek 27 against Saints and PSG looks particularly appealing – Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) could go stratospheric – and it will be interesting to see what Cole Palmer (£5.8m) can achieve in the Conference League now he’s been added to Chelsea’s squad for the knockout stage.Gaffers keen on Morgan Rogers (£3.8m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) and other Villa assets should bear in mind that Unai Emery’s troops will blank in Gameweek 28 – their four games are crammed into Gameweeks 26 and 27.Rogers and Watkins have two double headers then a blank across the next three GameweeksCredit: GettySpurs remain 13th in the Premier League but several of their players have excelled in Dream Team this season.Son Heung-min (£4.8m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m), Pedro Porro (£4.8m), James Maddison (£4.3m) and Brennan Johnson (£3.5m) are all among the elite group of 26 assets on 200+ points at this stage of the campaign.An emphatic performance over two legs against Eredivisie opposition in the Europa League last 16 would be very useful indeed.Last but by no means least, it’s Manchester United, the only team with FIVE fixtures across the next three Gameweeks.MANCHESTER UNITED: Fulham (h), Real Sociedad (a), Arsenal (h), Real Sociedad (h), Leicester (a)This quirk in the schedule would usually encourage Dream Team managers to stock up on Red Devils but such a strategy feels counterintuitive given the unconvincing nature of their performances.By far and away Man United’s top performer in Dream TeamCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes (£6.2m) is the blindingly obvious exception.The Portuguese playmaker is a one-man army who has amassed 271 points to date, a tally only bettered by Salah and Haaland.READ MORE SUN STORIESFernandes’ form combined with his fixtures essentially makes him a must-have lock for March.Among available players, Alejandro Garnacho (£3.1m), Noussair Mazraoui (£3.1m) and Diogo Dalot (£2.7m) are Man United’s next best performers in terms of total points but many gaffers will be understandably hesitant to put their trust in any Old Trafford resident other than Fernandes. More

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      ‘Bullied by haters’ – Albanian Laura Woods opens up on brutal abuse after starting in TV at 17 in emotional post

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      THE ALBANIAN Laura Woods has opened up on the brutal abuse she received after starting her TV career.Eva Murati has been on screen since 2017 as she anchors the Champions League coverage for Vizion Plus and Tring TV.Eva Murati has hit out at her haters on social mediaCredit: TikTokShe is a Champions League show presenterCredit: Instagram / evamuratiShe has anchored shows on Vizion Plus and Tring TVCredit: Instagram @tring_albaniaShe has been hailed as a the Albanian Laura WoodsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/evamurati/?hl=enEva, 29, has built up a huge fanbase with one million followers on Instagram.Despite her glamorous life, she has revealed she is the target of bullying over her looks.She recently posted a video on TikTok in which she hit out at her “haters”.In the clip, she filmed herself smiling at the camera in the TV studio.READ MORE ON SPORTShe wrote: “I started working on TV at 17 years old, got bullied by haters online and had to learn to validate myself.”Stopped seeking external approval and found strength in internal validation.”Now your words mean nothing to me.”Eva explained to one fan who questioned how she had been bullied.Most read in FootballShe posted: “Unfortunately, unlike male public figures, women are bullied for trivial things like the way they did their makeup, their hair, the outfit they chose.”And other things that have nothing to do with their professional work.”Albanian Laura Woods dubbed ‘most beautiful woman in the worldEva studied law at the University of TiranaCredit: Instagram / evamuratiShe has also worked as a model and actressCredit: INSTAGRAM @evamuratiShe often wows fans with her outfits on screenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/evamurati/?hl=enShe started working in TV when she was 17Credit: https://www.instagram.com/evamurati/?hl=enEva received plenty of support from her followers on the social media platform as they flooded the comment section.One pined: “You are stunning, one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.”A second wrote: “You are a star.”A third commented: “You rock.”A fourth added: “Don’t listen to the haters. Be focused and happy. Regards and respect for everything you do.”Eva is more than just a presenter as she studied law at the University of Tirana.The fluent Italian speaker has also worked as a model and actress.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe has modelled for the likes of lingerie brand Yamamay.Eva recently stunned fans with a striking pink outfit ahead after the Champions League round of 16 draw.Scroll down for a glimpse into Eva’s presenter life…Eva Murati presents Champions League action in AlbaniaCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe 28-year-old is always joined by an all-star panelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva also works as a modelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe Albanian star is a Juventus fan and recently met Fabio CannavaroCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva is a fans’ favourite on Champions League nightsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva recently presented coverage of PSG’s win over BarcelonaCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe also hosts magazine show Sports WeekCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe popular star also works as a lingerie modelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe is building a huge fanbase across the globe thanks to her many talentsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe presenter has nearly one million Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe has been presenting Champions League action since 2017Credit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva has also tried her hand at actingCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiWhile she would also like a go at singingCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva loves to share snaps from her holidaysCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiDuring her time off she can be found on the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Former Bayern Munich star who collapsed in tears after epic 1999 Man Utd comeback looks unrecognisable 26 years on

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      A FORMER Bayern Munich star looked unrecognisable as he appeared at a special event last night.Bayern put on a lavish bash to celebrate the club’s 125th birthday.A former Bayern Munich star beams at last night’s eventThe German giants invited 650 guests to the event, hosted at Munich’s Paulaner Nockherberg.Several famous guests attended, including plenty of Bayern stars past and present.From the current crop, Harry Kane and Manuel Neuer rocked up.While club legends including Philipp Lahm were also in the building.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn addition to Lahm, an ex-Bayern centre-half attended the event.The popular Ghanaian, now 48, played 277 times across a 12-year span with the Bundesliga giants.He won six league titles, four domestic cups and the 2001 Champions League during his stint.Several fans in England, however, will unfortunately remember him from the 1999 Champions League final.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Bayern Munich star was devastated upon the final whistleCredit: PA:Empics SportThe defender couldn’t believe his side let their lead slipCredit: PA:Empics SportSamuel Kuffour was picked up by referee Pierluigi CollinaCredit: Rex FeaturesFollowing Bayern’s late collapse to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Treble-chasing Manchester United, Samuel Kuffour was devastated.In now iconic images, Kuffour could be seen falling to the ground in floods of tears following Bayern’s late defeat.Ruben Amorim brings up Marcus Rashford as he vows to talk to Garnacho after Man Utd star stormed down tunnelThe Germans had led 1-0 for almost the entire match, courtesy of Mario Basler’s sixth minute goal.But stoppage time strikes by Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turned the game around.With anguish etched across his face, Kuffour had to be picked up by referee Pierluigi Collina.Last night, he thankfully appeared to be in much better spirits.Appearing at the event, he beamed while wearing a sharp suit and glasses.Having tended to have very short dark hair as a player, Kuffour now sports a white hair and beard combo.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince hanging up his boots, Kuffour has worked as a pundit for South African channel SuperSports.He has also been involved in the Ghana national team at an executive level.Harry Kane beams on the red carpetCredit: FC BayernGiovane Elber, left, current boss Vincent Kompany, middle, and Mark van Bommel, right, pose for a snapCredit: FC BayernJoshua Kimmich attended alongside girlfriend Lina MeyerCredit: FC Bayern More

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      Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal live stream: How to watch huge Premier League clash TONIGHT

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      ARSENAL and Nottingham Forest both look to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are storming towards the Champions League, currently third in the Prem.Chris Wood has helped Forest in their quest for Champions League footballCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s Arsenal have struggled to kick on from recent seasons this yearCredit: Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFPAfter narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons, many at the City Ground would never have believed the triumphant upturn in form 12 months ago.For the first time since they gained promotion to the Premier League, Forest are looking up – not down, and see Arsenal six points ahead of them in second.The Gunners are experiencing terrible luck with injuries – but their apparent refusal to reinforce in attack over the past two windows has come back to bite them.NOTTM FOREST VS ARSENAL LIVE – LATEST UPDATESRead more FootballForest are experiencing nothing of the kind, and Chris Wood will be hoping to make it a night to forget for Gabriel and William Saliba.The Kiwi striker is mixing it up with the likes of Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak in the Golden Boot race – but is still quite a way off Mo Salah.Wood and Co hold a narrow three-point advantage in the race for the Champions League.There are a handful of teams – including Manchester City and Newcastle – who are ready to pounce if Forest lose ground in their bid for the Champions League.Most read in FootballHow to watch Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal and is there a live stream?ALL of the Premier League games between Tuesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 27 are LIVE in the UK.Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal will be live on TNT Sports 2.The game will also be available for stream on Discovery+.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s live blog.Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal kick-off timeNottingham Forest vs Arsenal will kick off at 7:30pm GMTAction from The City Ground is available LIVE on TNT Sports 2 or for streaming on discovery+ More

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      Rio Ferdinand continues row with Jamie Carragher as he joins Boris Becker in sticking boot into Liverpool legend

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      RIO FERDINAND fired more shots at Jamie Carragher after tennis icon Boris Becker blasted the Liverpool legend.Carragher has faced the heat after giving his reasons for why he thinks the Africa Cup of Nations is not a “major tournament”.Rio Ferdinand has somewhat reignited his row with Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyFerdinand chimed in and backed Boris Becker’s criticism of CarragherCredit: GettyThe Liverpool legend has been in the eye of a storm this weekCredit: GettyCarragher, 47, spoke on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Manchester City and appeared to suggest that playing at Afcon worked against Mo Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.The former centre-back hinted that Salah can’t win a major tournament – in his eyes, the Euros, Copa America, or the World Cup – for which Egypt are not heavily fancied.But that opinion brought him criticism from the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Micah Richards, and Ferdinand – the latter of which Carragher called a “clown” this week.And now three-time Wimbledon champion Becker has joined the pile-on regarding a separate issue. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCarragher had weighed in on Vincent Kompany’s tenure at Bayern Munich after the German side squeezed past Celtic in the Champions League play-offs last week, after beating the Scottish champs 3-2 on aggregate.The pundit said: “Bayern have not convinced me at all yet. “Now they are playing against Leverkusen, who dominated Bayern in the Bundesliga recently. It’s a 50-50 tie.”In the end, I’m predicting Leverkusen to advance. If Kompany does not win, there will be many question marks about his appointment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Because the league is expected and the Champions League is the icing on the cake of a season. They have to reach at least the semi-finals.”But Becker, a Bayern fan who has been a board member, hit back: “There haven’t been any questions regarding the appointment of Kompany! ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim”In fact, Bayern just said domestic title is the most important trophy this year and are happy with the work of Kompany! Jamie is NOT well informed at all.”And Ferdinand couldn’t resist capitalising on his former rival’s woes.The Manchester United legend simply replied to the tweet and said: “Boris… he’s having a bad couple weeks. Let him off”.Ferdinand and Carragher’s clash has centred around the latter’s take on the Afcon, which has made huge headlines.Carragher was pulled up live on air by Sturridge and Richards for saying: “I think the problem is the fact Salah is with Egypt.”And he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning, I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.”Richards hit back: “Just to say, Afcon is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying ‘they aren’t taking it serious’. Afcon is a big tournament, just so you know.”Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher landed in hot water over comments regarding the Africa Cup of NationsFerdinand, 46, caught wind of Carragher’s statement and argued that this sort of thought process is “ignorant”.Carragher heard what Ferdinand had to say on Instagram and hit back with a fiery response in the comments’ section.The Liverpool great branded his fellow Premier League hero a “clown” as he insisted his words were taken out of context.Carragher responded: “I didn’t say that, you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”Plenty of people have agreed with Carragher – including Joey Barton, who issued an impassioned video defence of his take.Ballon d’Or winners have often tasted glory in either the Champions League or an international tournament – typically the Euros or Copa America. No African star has won the gong since George Weah in 1995, while Sadio Mane finished second in the 2022 edition.Meanwhile, Carragher also got on the bad side of Pep Guardiola last week.The Manchester City boss fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked the club’s blockbuster Champions League second-leg because he was scared of Antonio Rudiger.Carragher implied the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as the pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”READ MORE SUN STORIESAhead of City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that? More

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      Zinedine Zidane makes £4MILLION investment in new sport as Real Madrid legend contemplates next move

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has made a £4MILLION investment into a new sport project.The Real Madrid legend has been out of work since leaving the club as manager in 2021.Zinedine Zidane has invested in a padel centre in FranceCredit: SplashZidane, 52, has often been tipped with a return to management, with the likes of Manchester United and France suggested as options.But after winning three Champions League and two LaLiga titles he seems no closer to coming back to the dugout.The Frenchman is still busy away from the pitch and, according to Padel Paper, is taking a dive into a new sport.The outlet claims that Zidane has made a huge £4m investment into a new padel centre in France.READ MORE ON SPORTThe centre will feature 13 padel courts as well as two five-a-side football pitches and a beach volleyball court.Construction is expected to get started in early 2026.It will be built in the Aix-en-Provence with a second base also opening 50km west in Istres.Toulouges will be the fourth centre that Zidane has built.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has also got a hosting centre in Turin thanks to his ties to Juventus from his playing days.Racket sport padel originated in Mexico and has become hugely popular in recent years.Arsenal wonderkid Miguel Azeez stars opposite Zidane, Beckham and Pogba in Adidas Predator ad Zidane won three Champions League titlesCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed playing padelCredit: Instagram @cristianoCristiano Ronaldo has bought a racket centre in Lisbon after gaining interest.Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also opened the doors to a centre in his homeland.Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is “addicted” to the sport.He told Wilson: “Padel is, besides football, the best game I’ve ever played.”I’ve only known it in the last five years or so, but since then, I’m really addicted to it.”You make big steps in a short period of time. It’s really fun to play.”Jurgen Klopp has called it the ‘best game’Credit: xZinedine Zidane’s managerial careerZinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More