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    Former Champions League club managed by ex-Premier League star ‘to become part-time and release entire squad’

    A FORMER Champions League club has chosen to renounce its professional status after being relegated to the third tier.The French side are now set for court where they could be wound up.Their impressive 42,000-capacity stadium was a Euro 2016 host venueCredit: ReutersFormer Liverpool player Albert Riera remains in charge of the clubCredit: RexBordeaux have been plagued by financial issues and took the decision to drop down to the third tier to try and ease their woes.They were in takeover talks with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group but they have since withdrawn their interest after extensive discussions with the club’s stakeholders.It leaves Bordeaux on the brink of liquidation, with a date set at the Commerical Court in France.Ahead of that trial the club has decided to end their professional status, report Sud-Ouest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClubs in France’s third tier can apply for an exemption remain professional for two-years before renouncing that status.As a result of the club abandoning its professional status, all players’ contracts will be automatically terminated.And the former European giants will also have to close their training ground after forfeiting the licence for it.Bordeaux have been a professional club since 1937 and have won Ligue 1 on six occasions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey made a net loss of around £34million last season and had a wage bill of £21m.At court next week Bordeaux are reportedly set to request the opening of a judicial recovery procedure that will freeze all their debts – approximately £76m.Former Liverpool star Albert Riera has remained as manager with the new season set to commence on August 17.Adam Idah scores stunning overhead kick during training as Celtic fans beg for Norwich star to return More

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    Jose Mourinho avoids humiliation in first Fenerbahce clash with Premier League cult hero saving Champions League hopes

    JOSE MOURINHO narrowly avoided humiliation in his first Fenerbahce match in charge.The Portuguese manager took charge of the Turkish giants for the first time in a Champions League qualifier against Lugano.Edin Dzeko bagged a hat-trick against LuganoCredit: GettyThe striker’s goals meant that Jose Mourinho did not lose his first game as Fenerbahce managerCredit: EPAFenerbahce fell behind in the match after just four minutes to the Swiss side at the Stockhorn Arena.Defender Ayman El Wafi put the hosts ahead, raising fears of an embarrassing exit for Mourinho’s men.However, former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko saved the saved the day as he netted the equaliser before half-time from the spot.The Bosnian then scored his second of the game just one minute into the second half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut then worries were raised again as Uran Bislimi equalised for Lugano in the 64th minute.Mourinho will have then been relieved as Dezko and Ferdi Kadiolu gave his side a two-goal buffer ahead of the final 20 minutes.Milton Valenzuela scored in the 94th minute in order to make the game end 4-3.Dzeko finished the game with a hat-trick as he began his 22nd season as a professional footballer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe tie is not settled, however as Fenerbahce still need to host the Swiss side at home.The second leg will be played on July 30 at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.Jose Mourinho instantly rules out bringing two of his former players to Fenerbahce as ex-Chelsea boss plans transfersShould Fenerbahce make it through with a positive result, they will still need to navigate the third qualifying round and play-off round before sealing a spot in the Champions League league phase.Mourinho was hired by Fenerbahce in June after being unemployed since getting the sack from Roma in January.He has reportedly signed a deal that will run until 2026, with an option for a further season.Ex-Prem stars at FenerbahceJOSE MOURINHO will have a whole host of familiar faces in his dressing room when he takes over at Fenerbahce.There are no fewer than SIX players in the Turkish giants’ squad who previously played in the Premier League. They are:EDIN DZEKO Fenerbahce’s club captain was at Man City from 2011 to 2016, scoring 72 goals in 189 appearances, including the dramatic equaliser before THAT Sergio Aguero winner vs QPRMICHY BATSHUAYI Belgian forward arrived to much fanfare at Chelsea in 2016 but five loans in six years, two of them to Crystal Palace, showed it didn’t quite workFRED Man Utd spent £52m on the Brazilian holding midfielder who formed half of the underwhelming ‘McFred’ partnership and won just the League Cup in five years at Old TraffordDUSAN TADIC Serbian forward enjoyed four seasons at Southampton before returning to the Eredivisie with Ajax, reaching the Champions League semi-finalsRYAN KENT Technically didn’t play in the Premier League but made one FA Cup appearance for boyhood club Liverpool then left for Rangers in 2019CENGIZ UNDER A disappointing season on loan at Leicester in 2020-21 from Roma, scoring two goals in 19 appearances for the Foxes who did not trigger their option to buy the Turkish winger. More

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    Rangers Champions League qualifying opponents revealed as draw throws up daunting first away trip

    RANGERS have been drawn against Dynamo Kyiv OR Partizan Belgrade in the third round of qualifying for the Champions League.Philippe Clement’s men won’t be in action in the competition until next month but the draw for the round took place today in Nyon, Switzerland.Rangers boss Philippe Clement during the pre-season match against Man UtdCredit: PAThe Champions League trophyCredit: GettyThis is also the debut year of the new Champions League format, with a 36-team league phase replacing the traditional group stages.Under the new format, teams will play eight matches in this new league phase. As opposed to playing three opponents home and away, teams will now have fixtures against eight different teams, playing half of those matches at home and half of them away. Clubs will initially be ranked in four different pots based on their seeding to determine who they will face. For the third round of qualifying, the Ibrox club could have faced Lugano or Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kyiv or Partizan Belgrade, and FC Twente and Union Saint-Gilloise.Rangers were seeded for the draw which meant they avoided Slavia Prague, Red Bull Salzburg and Lille.Lugano and Fenerbahce play the first leg of their second qualifying round tie tomorrow with Dynamo Kyiv and Partizan Belgrade also in action.The tie will take place over August 6/7 and August 13. The first leg will be in Ukraine or Serbia, with the return match at (most likely) Hampden.The winners will advance to the play-off round, where a place in the Champions League proper is at stake.Most read in FootballIf Gers lose in the play-off round then they could potentially have the consolation of a place in the Europa League group stages however.And if they lose against Dynamo Kyiv or Partizan Belgrade then they will parachute into the same stage of the competition.Aberdeen fans chant ‘if you see Connor Barron break his legs’ after Rangers movePremiership rivals Hearts already have a place in the play-off round of the Europa League thanks to their third place finish last season.Rangers have two more pre-season games before their European journey kicks off.They face Birmingham at St Andrew’s on Wednesday then travel to Germany to face Union Berlin on Saturday.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Jadon Sancho ‘close to agreeing shock PSG transfer’ just days after returning to Man Utd fold

    JADON SANCHO is close to agreeing personal terms for a move away from Manchester United, reports say. The forward had a public fallout with United manager Erik ten Hag last September which resulted in his exile from the squad. Jadon Sancho is ‘close to agreeing personal terms to PSG’Credit: AlamyBut Sancho revived his career with a loan back to Borussia Dortmund – three years after his £73million transfer to Old Trafford. The winger made 21 appearances and grabbed three goals on his way to re-finding form.Still, Dortmund were unable to make a permanent move for Sancho – paving his return to United. And the England international did make his way back to training and appeared in the fold for the upcoming season. READ MORE ON MAN UTDSancho even played his first game for United since August as he lined up in a friendly against Rangers.Ten Hag’s side won 2-0 with Amad Diallo and Joe Hugill scoring and £50m man Leny Yoro playing in defence.But in another twist, according to Foot Mercato and Lequipe, Sancho and PSG are close to an agreement on personal terms. The French champions are looking to replace Kylian Mbappe this summer after the superstar’s move to Real Madrid. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSancho’s United history July 23, 2021 – Sancho signs for Man Utd for £73m after a three-year transfer sagaSeptember 3, 2023 – Ten Hag drops Jadon Sancho from Man Utd squad due to his ‘performance in training’ – but player says he has been made a ‘scapegoat’September 14, 2023 – Removed from Man Utd first-team squad and suspendedJanuary 12, 2024 – Re-signs for Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the seasonJanuary 13, 2024 – Comes off the bench and provides assist on return in 3-0 win over Darmstadt 98March 9, 2024 – Scores first goal back at Dortmund in 2-1 win over Werder BremenMay 1, 2024 – Provides incredible solo performance against PSG in Champions League semi-finalJuly 12, 2024 – Returns to Man Utd training for first timeJuly 16, 2024 – Ten Hag speaks out on Sancho’s return to say ‘we’ve drawn the line’PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos is said to have been impressed by Sancho’s performances in Germany and against his club in the Champions League semi-final.And he is now a top priority after a deal for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen hit the rocks. United are believed to have already been in talks with PSG over the signing of defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte. And the Ligue 1 champions are also understood to also be interested in Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes. United had placed a £40million price tag on Sancho – almost half what they paid Dortmund in 2021. But, Ten Hag spoke out about welcoming the player back into the squad after they held talks to squash their past disputes.He commented: “As we said, we’ve drawn the line.”Manchester United needs good players and Jadon is a good player. We have drawn that line and we move on.”Sancho was made to train on his own last year after publicly lashing out at Ten Hag last season following defeat to Arsenal. READ MORE SUN STORIESTen Hag claimed Sancho was dropped as a result of poor training performances – but the player argued he was being made a “scapegoat”.Refusal to apologise to the manager then resulted in his expulsion from the side until he was loaned out to Dortmund. Sancho returned to United in a friendly against RangersCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid introduce 300 ‘Super VIP’ seats worth £210k that are ‘better than what the players have’

    KYLIAN MBAPPE and Jude Bellingham might be jealous when Real Madrid unveil 300 ‘Super VIP’ tickets – costing fans £210,000 apiece.The “superbox” in the Bernabeu’s £1.5billion revamp includes seating that Real themselves rate as “better” than that for their players.The luxury zone gives a new definition to exclusiveCredit: room 1804 DesignIt doesn’t have the sort of tunnel players and fans are used to at groundsCredit: room 1804 DesignHow’s this for both a setting and a view?Credit: room 1804 DesignFor “ordinary” fans, the special features of the new-look venue include increased capacity from 81k to 85k, retractable roof, 360-degree screen and a nightclub.But for the richest of the ultra-rich supporters, there is a futuristic area that offering some of the most expensive viewing anywhere in the sporting world.Entered via a kaleidoscopic tunnel of illuminated colour, the seats are separate from the rest of the stand – with an unrivalled outlook on the Bernabeu pitch.And if you reckon £210k might be a dream one-off purchase for football-loving multi-millionaires, it’s not that simple!READ MORE TOP STORIESRelevo say that sum merely gains you entry into the exclusive club for 30 years – it doesn’t even include the annual fee for a seat.Live shows and other events are part of the package.And of course these ticket-buyers won’t be eating the same food or drink available for the rest of the crowd.Instead, lovers of luxury will have their own distinctive dining experience – or “grub” as the tens of thousands of other fans in the ground might call it – should they spoke English!Most read in FootballThe floor plan shows two access tunnels and a pair of massive open terracesCredit: room 1804 DesignBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s understood Real believe a massive part of the zone’s attraction will be the chance to befriend and network with other people of power and influence.The club itself call the seats “better than the one the players have”.Champions League giants’ €1billion new stadium design ‘looks just like shopping centre in Southampton’, joke fansThe Spanish giants hope to parade all the stadium’s new features within months.But to match last season’s achievement of winning both the Champions League and LaLiga will be a huge ask – even though boss Carlo Ancelotti unveiled long-wanted striker Mbappe last week.For the price they are paying, ‘Super VIPs will expect the best bar none when it comes to getting their drinksCredit: room 1804 DesignKylian Mbappe was unveiled by Real last week on a five-year contractCredit: Rex More

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    Pub team who stunned Derry in Conference League rewarded with amazing tie vs giants who beat Man Utd last season

    THE pub team that caused one of the biggest European upsets in recent memory has landed a huge tie for their second Europa Conference League qualifier.Bruno’s Magpies stunned the footie world earlier this month by dumping Derry City out of the qualifiers for Europe’s third club competition.Bruno’s Magpies dumped Derry City out of the Europa League qualifiers earlier this monthCredit: SPORTSFILEThe Gibraltans – who were formed in 2013 by a group of friends who drank in a bar called Bruno’s – won their tie with the League of Ireland side 3-2 to move a step closer to qualification for the tournament.But they’ve landed an almighty big fish for their second qualifier, the first leg of which takes place next Thursday.The minnows, whose name went viral, will have to go through Danish giants FC Copenhagen if they’re to have any hope of qualifying for the competition.The tie quickly became the talk of footie fans on social media, with one of whom said: “Living the dream.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnother said: “So crazy.”And another said: “Amateur pub team vs the biggest club in the QR2.”No matter the result, it’s going to be a magical experience for the Magpies.”One remarked: “Absolutely love football.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother chimed in: “Absolutely epic that “The best pub team in the world” will face off against the capital city of Denmark.”Bruno’s Magpies will face an incredibly difficult task to replicate their giant-killing of Derry against the Danes.Play Home Games and guess which sporting icon lived in this dream mansionCopenhagen played Champions League football last season and played a big role in dumping Manchester United out of the tournament.The Danes lost their first Group A match against the Red Devils 1-0, although they beat them 4-3 in the return tie.They have been rewarded with a second-round tie against FC CopenhagenCredit: AFPFC Copenhagen beat Manchester United in last season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Getty More

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    Jude Bellingham’s model girlfriend Laura Celia Valk puts on very busty display in white bikini top and frilly hotpants

    JUDE BELLINGHAM fell one game short of capping a dream season with Euro 2024 glory.The Real Madrid sensation, 21, is among the favourites to lift the Ballon d’Or after winning LaLiga and the Champions League last season.Laura Celia Valk strikes a pose in a white bikini topCredit: SplashThe model is dating England hotshot Jude BellinghamCredit: SplashLaura looks to have picked up a real page-turnerCredit: SplashThe beauty has been stunning fans with her modelling shotsCredit: SplashThey will be eagerly awaiting the next chapterCredit: SplashAnd life is going pretty well off the field too, judging by model girlfriend Laura Celia Valk’s latest snaps.The Dutch beauty posed in a white bikini top and hotpants in the sunshine.She showed off the ensemble by leaning in a doorway and also appeared engrossed in a book.Bellingham will now look to turn the page on England’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe may get a bit of banter from his Spanish team-mates before they set about defending their titles.Laura, 25, is believed to have been dating Bellingham since April.The pair have kept their romance low-key as they focus on their respective careers, but are said to be “smitten” with one another.However, she has certainly not been shy in promoting her modelling.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe was seen throughout the Euros and before wearing a number of jaw-dropping outfits.And her latest set proved to be no different.Jude Bellingham’s model girlfriend Laura Celia Valk helps him get over England heartache in bikini Several Wags from the England camp spent weeks out in Germany supporting the Three Lions.But a noticeable absence was Bellingham’s new partner, Dutch model Laura Celia Valk with the couple keeping their relationship from the public.Laura did not attend any matches or make any reference of Bellingham on social media.Instead, she has been filling up her page with model snaps to her 500,000 Instagram followers.The Sun were the first to reveal her relationship with Bellingham.Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon BoonLAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!Find out more about Laura.Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news.And she was believed to be staying in his Madrid mansion earlier in the year.Laura is not only a model for the likes of PrettyLittleThing but she is the owner of her own social media consultancy agency.Laura Celia Valk loves to show off outfitsCredit: Instagram @lauraceliavThe beauty has a taste for fashionCredit: SplashFans are always thirsty for moreCredit: InstagramJude Bellingham may need some cheering upCredit: InstagramWhere has it gone wrong with Bellingham?By Dave KiddJUDE BELLINGHAM turns 21 on Saturday as a champion of Europe, a champion of Spain and as the finest player at the world’s most famous club.He’s a multi-millionaire, a Ballon d’Or contender and an underpants model — so let’s not play those violins too loudly.But after two matches of intense frustration and virtual anonymity at the Euros, we’re entitled to ask: Where has it all, at least temporarily, gone wrong?Bellingham’s career has been on an unerring upward trajectory since Birmingham City retired his shirt at the age of 17 and packed him off to Dortmund.Last summer’s move to Real Madrid was an instant and extraordinary success.Bellingham netted 23 goals in his debut season — including late winners against Barcelona in both of his first two Clasicos — on his way to winning LaLiga and then the Champions League.And now this, the bizarre idea being floated that Gareth Southgate should consider dropping the best player England have had for at least half a century.After the goalless draw with Slovenia, Southgate admitted that he is going to speak to Bellingham about the need to channel his frustrations.During dismal back-to-back draws against Denmark and Slovenia, the Brummie Galactico has looked thoroughly piddled off with refereeing decisions, with team-mates, with tactics which clearly aren’t allowing him to flourish.The crushing, unremitting tedium of watching this joyless England team play football is bad enough.Imagine being as good as Bellingham and having to play for them.To be shoved out on to the left wing — as Bellingham was for long periods in the goalless grind against Slovenia — to accommodate Phil Foden, who has rarely if ever dominated a game for England.The result was another miserable let-down for England supporters, who have turned against Southgate in their droves during this tournament.Only Southgate’s England can turn up in Cologne — the perfume capital of the world — and stink the place out.England lack express pace, they lack attacking intent, they lack experience in central midfield and they lack left-footed defenders.But they do have Bellingham — and Southgate needs to allow him to thrive pretty sharpish or they will be home either this weekend or next.Then the search for a new England manager would begin.Bellingham has frequently grabbed big matches by the scruff of the neck for his country — against Senegal in the knockout stage of the last World Cup, against Scotland at Hampden Park, against Italy at Wembley and in the Euros opener against Serbia.This is a man with a proven track record of winning international football matches and yet somehow his place in the England team is being questioned.Foden returned home for the birth of his third child but it is not yet known whether the Manchester City midfielder will return for Sunday’s last-16 clash in Gelsenkirchen.But there has been a problem in accommodating Bellingham and Foden in the same team.And while the City man is a wonderful player and the reigning Footballer of the Year, his England career has not been in the same league as Bellingham’s.If you are going to build a team around anybody, it is Bellingham.There is plenty to be positive about with England — as long as you haven’t actually watched any of their matches.The Three Lions have won their group and have ended up in a favourable half of the draw away from all four of the tournament’s strongest teams.But they can only progress from here if Bellingham takes the leading role, as he did so impressively in the first half against the Serbs.His is too great a talent to waste. 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    Fans spot ‘best agent in the world’ after Mbappe, Bellingham and Endrick are all persuaded to join Real Madrid

    REAL MADRID have “the best agent in the world” helping secure their top transfers – and he happens to also play for them. The LaLiga champions are fresh from unveiling Kylian Mbappe as the latest superstar to move to the Bernabeu. Kylian Mbappe is the latest superstar to join Los BlancosCredit: AFPJude Bellingham signed for Real Madrid in 2023Credit: GettyEndrick is signing for Real MadridCredit: GettyIt comes after Jude Bellingham and Endrick made similar moves. What do they all have in common? Brazilian Vinicius Jr convinced them to sign. Mbappe revealed: “The French players used to tell me [to come to Madrid] a lot. “Vinicius also sent me messages: ‘Come to Madrid, we’ll score goals together’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t need those messages to know that this is the best team in the world, but it’s a pleasure to feel loved.”I’m looking forward to playing with the players. Vini, Bellingham… they’re great players, but they all are. “I met some of my team-mates this morning. I’m very happy to be a Real Madrid player.”Vinicius’ masterplan paid off but it is not the first time he has pulled the same trick. Most read in FootballHow Kylian Mbappe’s incredible seven-year body transformation propelled skinny teen into world’s best playerBy Etienne FermieKYLIAN MBAPPE has entered his physical prime as he has FINALLY rubber-stamped his free transfer move to Real Madrid.The 25-year-old has grown from a boy to a man in Ligue 1, first with Monaco and then with current side Paris Saint-Germain.Mbappe debuted for Monaco as a skinny 16-year-old in 2015.He even featured as a scrawny youngster against Tottenham at the old White Hart Lane that year, before fans realised what an icon he would become.The following season, Mbappe really rose to superstardom as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals.In a throwback snap shared earlier this week, an 18-year-old Mbappe could be seen chatting to a reporter after grabbing a Champions League brace against Borussia Dortmund in April 2017.Read more on Mbappe’s incredible rise on and off the field.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said in 2023: “I sent many messages to Bellingham last year. I was texting almost every day and I was telling him: “Come to Madrid’.” Endrick, 16, snubbed Chelsea, PSG and Barcelona thanks to the influence of you know who. Kylian Mbappe unveiled as Real Madrid player after historic transfer as he signs contract and poses with new shirt He told Marca: “Vinicius is a friend of mine. I was able to spend the holidays with him, I was able to see him and talk to him.”He told me a lot of things about Real Madrid. He told me I’m going to be fine. “It is a very good message knowing that it is the word of a player who is there and also Brazilian. By playing there he becomes an idol for me.”It can become a mirror for many people. His word gave me even more strength to close it with Real Madrid. “Before I went on vacation with him I had already closed it. So I arrived calmer. I talked to him, to the people there and I thank God for that.”Vinicius has become one of Madrid’s most key players – but now fans are hailing him for his work off the pitch. Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt.One said: “The best agent in the world.” Another added: “He’s building his own super team.”One gushed: “People don’t understand he’s our best agent, any good player we’re linked with he helps swindle their heads.”Much has been made of what position Mbappe will play with Vinicius operating on the left-wing. But Mbappe talked down any suggestion of rivalry with his new team-mate. He said:  “Vinicius is a unique player, a very great player. I will be very happy to play with him, as with all the other players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Great players know how to play together, I think. He has been incredible in recent seasons. “It is up to me to adapt to the team. I will do it as quickly as possible to help the team win.”Vinicius has convinced top stars over to Real MadridCredit: Reuters More