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      Jude Bellingham fumes at EAFC24 rating as game claims he has got WORSE in huge aspect

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was far from happy after finding out his pace rating for EAFC 24.The England midfielder announced himself on the global stage with a string of impressive displays with Borussia Dortmund last season and the 2022 World Cup.
      Jude Bellingham has been a revelation since his move to Real MadridCredit: Getty
      The England international has scored five times in four appearances for Los BlancosCredit: The Mega Agency
      Bellingham was far from happy after learning his EAFC 24 pace ratingCredit: YOUTUBE@REALMADRID
      His form landed him a mega-money move to European giants Real Madrid, where he’s flourished in his first four outings for the Spaniards – scoring five goals already.
      As with hundreds of players around the world, Bellingham recently learned his rating for the upcoming EAFC 24 video game – although he discovered his stats alongside Real team-mates Brahim Diaz, Lucas Vazquez and Rodrygo.
      “I’ve got to be like 84,” the former Birmingham City star said when he was asked to predict his pace racing.
      But he was way off the mark and his jaw nearly hit the floor when he was told he’d only been given a 76.
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      Diaz was quick to mock his Los Blancos team-mates’ rating – and his running style.
      The Spaniard said: “You’re running like this all the time bro.”
      A perplexed and stunned Bellingham couldn’t believe the rating, adding: “You’re joking?
      “I was more last year, so I’ve gone down?”
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      Bellingham was left gobsmacked by his 76 speed ratingCredit: YOUTUBE@REALMADRID
      Bellingham may not be happy with his stats for the soon-to-be-released video game, but he can have no complaints about his numbers for Real Madrid.
      The 20-year-old is the top goalscorer for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season with five goals in four matches, plus an assist.
      He picked up his sixth goal of the season in England’s 3-1 win over old rivals Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
      But the soft-spoken midfielder is refusing to get too far ahead of himself, telling beIN Sports: “I’m always learning.
      “I’m so lucky to have played with so many great players with my last club and even more so at my new club which is a big boost for me and for my own confidence to play with such great players.
      “I’m just learning all the time really. I’m trying to add more attributes to my game and trying to affect the ones I’ve already got.
      “If I can keep being effective in goal and doing the things that I do well already overall in my game then I think I could be doing well and hopefully have a good season.
      “So it’s important that I keep it up.”
      Bellingham and his Real Madrid team-mates will be back in action on Sunday night, welcoming Real Sociedad to the Bernabeu. More

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      Dream Team to ramp up several notches in Gameweek 5 as European competitions get underway

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      THE international break may have provided a momentary lull but Dream Team will go up several notches once Gameweek 5 gets underway.That’s because EIGHT clubs will be in continental action in midweek after a full round of Premier League fixtures at the weekend.

      PLAY HIGHER OR LOWER? WITH DREAM TEAM EVERY DAY TO EARN XP

      Dream Team ramps up once the European competitions startCredit: DREAM TEAM
      Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle will begin their Champions League campaigns before Liverpool, Brighton and West Ham get going in the Europa League – with Aston Villa being England’s representative in the Europa Conference League.
      Gaffers only have to reflect upon last season, when Pep Guardiola’s side and the Hammers triumphed in their respective quests, to understand the value the European competitions bring to Dream Team.
      The formula is simple: more fixtures equals more point-scoring opportunities.
      The likes of James Maddison (£4.1m), Raheem Sterling (£3.8m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£3.7m) are justifiably popular after their electric performances across the first few Gameweeks but without European games to bolster their schedules, their rivals are likely to gain ground in the coming weeks.
      Saying that, it would be a risky move to ditch an asset like Tottenham’s in-form No10 because his imposing tally of 46 points is evidence of the fact he’s more than capable of making up for his comparatively relaxed schedule with massive domestic hauls – he’s taken Bournemouth and Burnley for 15 points each in his last two league outings.
      Can Maddison maintain top spot among midfielders without European games?Credit: Rex
      However, it’s generally advisable for Dream Team bosses to ensure they have ample active players in midweek once the European group stages commence.
      Striking this balance can be difficult.
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      For example, which player will score more points in Gameweek 5: Maddison against Sheffield United or Moussa Diaby (£3.5m) against Crystal Palace and Legia Warsaw?
      The latter averages seven points-per-game this season while the former averages 9.2 so in theory the Frenchman should comfortably outscore the England playmaker given he has potentialyl twice as many minutes at his disposal.
      However, any gaffer that makes such a transfer could easily be punished if Maddison continues his fine form and Diaby fails to register a goal involvement in either of his fixtures.
      It’s also wise to consider which players have favourable continental fixtures and who might be up against it.
      For example, Arsenal and Man City were gifted relatively friendly groups in the Champions League while Man United will face Bayern Munich twice and Newcastle have a ‘group of death’ to negotiate.
      Newcastle will play PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Milan in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUPS:

      ARSENAL
      Sevilla
      PSV
      Lens

      MANCHESTER CITY
      RB Leipzig
      Red Star Belgrade
      Young Boys

      MANCHESTER UNITED
      Bayern Munich
      Copenhagen
      Galatasaray

      NEWCASTLE
      AC Milan
      PSG
      Borussia Dortmund

      In the Europa League, Liverpool’s group looks ripe for plentiful points assuming Jurgen Klopp plans to take the competition seriously – he is more accustomed to the Champions League these days.
      Brighton and West Ham’s groups are harder to gauge but given the former are one of the most dynamic attacking sides in the Premier League the likes of Kaoru Mitoma (£3.7m), Solly March (£3.9m) and Evan Ferguson (£3m) should enjoy themselves on Thursday nights.
      EUROPA LEAGUE GROUPS:

      WEST HAM
      Olympiacos
      Freiburg
      TSC

      BRIGHTON
      Marseille
      Ajax
      AEK Athens

      LIVERPOOL
      LASK
      Union Saint-Gilloise
      Toulouse

      Too good for the Europa League?Credit: PA
      The story of Villa’s season so far is that they’ve come undone against strong opposition (Newcastle, Liverpool) but swept aside weaker outfits (Everton, Hibs, Burnley) in some style.
      If that’s to be a long-term trend then Dream Team managers can expect healthy returns from Unai Emery’s boys in Europe’s tertiary competition.
      Last season, David Moyes’ side struggled domestically but the likes of Said Benrahma (£3.3m) and Jarrod Bowen (£4.8m) maintained lofty rankings by milking the Europa Conference League for all it was worth.
      Surely Matty Cash (£2.8m), Ollie Watkins (£4.4m) and company will do the same again this term.
      EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE GROUP:
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      Aston Villa
      AZ Alkmaar
      Legia Warsaw
      Zrinjski Mostar

      The start of the European competitions represents a pivotal turning point in the Dream Team season – don’t get left behind!

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      Incredible Champions League final ball is ‘leaked’ with special nod to England

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      THE BRAND new Uefa Champions League 2024 Final matchball has allegedly been “leaked” online.And it reportedly includes a subtle nod to the nation that will host this season’s showpiece.
      Man City will be hoping to repeat their Champions League success in June at WembleyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The new Champions League Final ball has allegedly been leakedCredit: Footy Headlines
      Europe’s showpiece competition will get underway in nine days time with the first batch of group games.
      That will be followed by the top two from each going on to play in the knockout stages.
      It will be then that the new matchball will be introduced into play.
      And it will be used all the way until the Champions League Final.
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      Footy Headlines website have now claimed that they not only have “the first leaked images” of the matchball – but they have also shared them.
      The ball they are reporting is a predominantly orange design and is covered in the Uefa competition’s blue and white iconic stars.
      The pattern on it also appears to resemble the claws of a lion.
      And that is believed to be a nod to our very own England with Wembley Stadium due to host the final on Saturday 1 June.
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      It is also very familiar to the 2019 Champions League final matchball – and it seems to be a hit with supporters already.
      “It looks absolutely awesome,” declared one on Twitter.
      Another reacted with several heart emojis while a fellow fan called it “amazing”. More

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      England have finally ‘earned respect’ of European rivals and are ‘blessed’ to have Kane & Bellingham for Euro 2024 push

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      THEY do not hope to win major trophies at Bayern Munich and Real Madrid — they absolutely expect it.And the fact that England’s two finest footballers, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, are now experiencing that supreme winning mentality at two of Europe’s biggest clubs is good news for Gareth Southgate.
      Harry Kane has made an incredible start to life at Bayern MunichCredit: GETTY
      Jude Bellingham has made a rip-roaring start to life at Real MadridCredit: GETTY
      Kane and Bellingham will be pivotal for England’s Euro 2024 hopesCredit: Getty
      Bellingham, 20, has made a lightning start to Bernabeu life — leading LaLiga’s scoring charts with five goals in four games and winning Player of the Month at the first time of asking in Spain’s top flight.
      Three Lions skipper Kane is so impressed with the ex-Borussia Dortmund star’s storming progress in the Spanish capital that he is concerned his international team-mate could be a rival for the European Golden Boot this season.
      Kane has netted three league goals in as many appearances for Bayern ahead of tonight’s Euros qualifier against Ukraine in Poland, as England close in on securing a place at next summer’s finals.
      And Kane, 30, said: “I’ve seen Jude’s great start in LaLiga. He’s managed to score a few goals so he’s competing with me for the most goals this season!
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      “It is too early for me to mention the European Golden Boot to him yet.
      “But if we get to March and he is still up there with me, I might have a few words.
      “It’s great to see. He’s an extremely good player, a great person, very mature for his age so it’s great to see him doing well.
      “We haven’t spoken about the German league too much.
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      “He asked me how I’m getting on with the language because he found it difficult.
      “But we want as many of our England players as possible to be playing at the highest level.
      “Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are two of the biggest clubs in the world without question.
      “We’ve got great players who have played in big moments and big occasions in our squad — not just for the national team but for their clubs.
      “Me and Jude being at these clubs will only add to that. I think it adds another level of confidence to the team, knowing that we’re all playing in those types of games.”
      After failing to win a single trophy at Tottenham, Kane is now grappling with the expectation of winning every week at Bayern. He said: “It’s definitely a different pressure compared to what I felt at Spurs.
      “Of course, we wanted to win things at Spurs but if you went a couple of games without winning then it wasn’t a disaster.“The feeling at Bayern is that you have to win every game.
      “We won the first two league games 4-0 and 3-1 and there was still talk about not being too happy with the way we played.
      Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are two of England’s brightest stars and and lighting up the world stageCredit: Getty
      “That’s part and parcel of being at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
      “But we’ve had a good start and I am enjoying feeling those different emotions and that’s part of the reason that I wanted to go.
      “And we start the Champions League campaign when we get back, which Bayern expect to win — or have a good chance of winning. So you’re going into those games with maybe a different feeling to what I’ve had in the past.
      “I believe playing for Bayern will make me a better player.
      “Whether I win things or not, the decision came down to putting me in those situations.
      “With Bayern Munich, sometimes we expect them to win because they have won the league for the last 11 years.
      “But in my short period there is still a lot of pressure to win these trophies. We have not won the German Cup for a few years.
      “And we have not won the Champions League for a few years so there is definitely a lot to gain and a lot of pressure to take.
      “Just the experiences of having title runs and cup runs and a Champions League run will only add — hopefully — to handling pressure in certain situations.
      “If we are going to win anything with England, we are going to have to deal with that.
      Harry Kane admits the recent success of Gareth Southgate’s troops has added pressureCredit: REUTERS
      “Me, being captain, I want to put myself in that position as much as possible. I set my standards as high as they can possibly go.”
      With Bellingham having previously lit up the Bundesliga with Dortmund and Kane now banging in the goals at Bayern, Kane now believes there is a renewed respect for English football in Germany and across Europe.
      He said: “I’m not too sure about whether they fear us.
      “I think in recent games and in the last Euros, the way we performed . . . I think we’ve earned the respect of Germany, 100 per cent.
      “I think we’ve earned the respect of a lot of nations around the world. Individually, with me and Jude having played in Germany, but I think our biggest strength is as a collective.
      “And when other countries look at us, that’s our biggest positive.”
      Kane’s fellow Three Lions stalwart Jordan Henderson, 33, faces the prospect of protests from England’s LGBTQ+ fans tonight.
      That follows his controversial move from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal. And Kane said: “I think every England fan is entitled to their opinions.
      “The majority of the England fans will be behind the team and, once the game starts, will be fully behind everyone. Jordan is a good friend of mine and a great person.
      “He has a job to do — as we all have — and that’s where his focus will be.”
      Jordan Henderson will face protests from England’s LGBTQ+ fans tonightCredit: GETTY
      Meanwhile, Southgate was quick to pile praise on Bellingham ahead of the Ukraine clash.
      Southgate said: “He has a huge maturity. He has a good emotional intelligence.
      “He has had to go into a dressing room and an interesting dynamic where some world-class players are there and he is there to ultimately take their place.
      “But knowing him, he will have approached them off the pitch with huge respect and will have gone into the training sessions and the games ready to compete and show what a good player he is.
      “He found that balance brilliantly when he first joined us and I have no doubt that is what has happened while he has been there.
      “He has had to show a slightly different side because he has played a little higher with them losing Benzema and his game is suited to forward running and arriving in the box and the nice thing from our point of view is that he is scoring more goals, which is great.”
      Bellingham is certain to start in midfield tonight along with Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice as he looks to continue his red-hot form.
      Read More on The Sun
      Southgate added: “I’m not completely surprised because of the personality he has and the calmness he has, coupled with the competitiveness, you never know how it is going to go because you don’t know how the team is going to play and whether the role you get at the start is going to suit you.
      “For us, we are blessed. We have got several very very good players so it is exciting.” More

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      Harry Kane targeting Hollywood summer blockbuster with Champions League win at Wembley and Euro 2024 triumph in new home

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      HARRY KANE is eyeing a Hollywood summer blockbuster — by winning the Champions League in London and the European Championships in Germany.The England captain is desperate for ­trophies after his £100million switch to Bayern Munich and has a dream scenario in mind.
      Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich in pursuit of personal gloryCredit: Getty
      The former Spurs man is eyeing Champions League glory with the GermansCredit: GETTY
      Kane also wants to taste European Championship glory with England next yearCredit: AP
      Kane, 30, said: “I have been told about the Champions League final at Wembley, for sure.
      “I know the Euros are in Germany next summer. So if there’s someone out there writing a movie, I’ll try and do my best to make it happen!
      “There’s so much time to go I don’t want to think about it too much.
      “But if it did happen it would be incredible.”
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      England will virtually secure qualification for the Euro 2024 finals if they defeat Ukraine here in the Polish city of Wroclaw tonight.
      And Kane admitted his angst at going potless in more than a decade at Tottenham while Three Lions team-mates were lifting trophies.
      The striker said: “There is no hiding the fact that winning trophies is the one thing missing from my career.
      “When the boys are playing the Champions League and I am just sitting at home watching it, I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that hurt.
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      “Of course, I want them to do well — Kyle Walker and all those guys to win when they are in competitions I am not in — but a part of me wants to have those experiences.
      “I am not sure ‘jealous’ is the right word, but it motivates me to push myself towards some of those trophies the guys have got.”
      A 2-1 win in their first qualifying game in Italy has set the tone for this qualifying campaign.
      England could confirm their place in Germany over the next few days if they win and other results go their way.
      Boss Gareth Southgate said: “We have got to focus on what would get us to that point.
      “We have to make sure we can come to an intense atmosphere and perform as we did against Italy in Naples.”
      Southgate is set to ignore criticism of midfielder Jordan Henderson for moving to Saudi Arabia by picking him in tonight’s starting XI.
      The boss insisted: “I don’t pick the team based on external reaction as you’ll be well aware over the course of seven years.
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      “He’s a very experienced professional and very mature at handling any situation.
      “He’s trained really well this week — the whole group have.”
      Gareth Southgate has ignored the furore over Jordan Henderson’s move to SaudiCredit: Alamy More

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      Champions League final streaker Kinsey Wolanski becomes Argentina’s sexiest fan as she shows love for Messi and Co

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      KINSEY WOLANSKI has shown her support for the Argentinian national team and this time she did it from afar rather than heading on to the pitch. Kinsey was famed for streaking during the 2019 Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham.
      Kinsey Wolanski has shown her support for the Argentinian national teamCredit: Instagram @kinsey
      She is currently exploring the Patagonia region of ArgentinaCredit: Instagram @kinsey
      She shared snaps of her travels around the countryCredit: Instagram @kinsey
      Kinsey donned an Argentina shirt to show her support of the teamCredit: Instagram @kinsey
      She is well known for streaking during the Champions League final in 2019Credit: Getty
      The 27-year-old has built an impressive following online since she stormed the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
      She now boasts a whopping 3.6million followers on Instagram and has treated them to some new pictures.
      Kinsey is currently travelling around Argentina and has been hiking around the Patagonia region.
      And given her location she has donned an Argentina football shirt to show her support of Lionel Messi and Co.
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      But she wasn’t attending their game and rather just sporting the blue and white stripes whilst out and about in the country.
      Kinsey spent five hours in jail after she was caught streaking during the Champions League finalCredit: Rex Features
      She managed to use the streaking as a way to build a huge following onlineCredit: Instagram @kinsey
      Kinsey has put her days of streaking behind her and recently took an unexpected career change.
      The American influencer tried her hand at aviation after she got her license as a helicopter pilot.
      And it wasn’t any easy process getting her hands on her license with the process involving exams, lengthy flight hours and taking over a year.
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      Speaking about getting it on social media, she said: “Getting my pilot’s license was one of the most challenging but rewarding things I have ever done. 
      “I flew 112 hours before taking my flight check ride exam. 
      “You have to pass three exams, [an] intense written exam, [an] oral exam on the ground, and lastly the inflight exam.
      “The entire process took me one-and-a-half years.”
      Kinsey now holds her pilot’s licenseCredit: Instagram @kinsey
      She is regularly travelling around the worldCredit: Instagram @kinsey
      Kinsey has come a long way since she landed herself in jail for five hours following her Champions League final antics.
      She now focuses on her social media accounts as she continues to build a name for herself online.
      Kinsey has got 3.6million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @kinsey
      She has built a massive name for herself on social mediaCredit: Instagram @kinsey More

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      Stadium that hosted Champions League games with 52,000 seats left abandoned with smashed turnstiles & overgrown grounds

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      A STADIUM which once hosted Champions League matches now lies abandoned – with smashed turnstiles and overgrown grounds.The 52,000-seater Donbass Arena in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk used to be one of the top stadiums in Europe before war left it in ruins.
      The Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine has been abandoned since 2014Credit: AFP
      The former home of Shakhtar Donetsk has been shelled and gutted in the middle of a warzoneCredit: Twitter/FCShakhtar_eng
      Years of neglect and the effects of war have turned this stadium into a football graveyardCredit: Twitter/Shakhtar_ua
      Once home to national giants and reigning champions Shakhtar Donetsk, the Donbass Arena played host to a number of Champions League games.
      The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all failed to come away with three points from the £320million arena this century.
      The stadium also hosted five games at the European Championships in 2012, including two of England’s group stage fixtures.
      The Three Lions drew 1-1 with France in their opener in Donetsk, before defeating co-hosts Ukraine 1-0 thanks to a Wayne Rooney goal.
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      One of the semi-finals between Portugal and eventual winners Spain also took place at the Donbass Arena.
      During this game alone, superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez all took to the hallowed turf.
      Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski are two other footballing giants who have competed – and scored – for their clubs inside the stadium,
      But since 2014, the Donbass Arena has been out of use due to the Russo-Ukrainian War in the Donbass region.
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      As a result, it has become abandoned by all at the club and now resembles a derelict building rather than a state-of-the-art arena.
      In August 2014, the stadium was damaged by artillery shelling from Russian troops as they went to war with Ukraine in the local town.
      Two months later, more artillery shelling damaged the stadium but this time it was to a much worse extent.
      Both the east and west sides were caught up in the cross fire, causing at least one large glass panel to fall and almost hit a young girl.
      And there was to be further damage years later when the stadium’s infrastructure was hit once more in March 2022.
      Due to years of neglect, the venue has entered a state of pitiful decline both inside and out.
      The grass on the pitch became so overgrown that it was not even close to resembling a playable surface, while parts of it had turned yellow.
      The floodlights have been out of power for years and the club shop possesses not a single item after being deserted.
      The park in which it is situated has turned into a grassy wasteland with a clogged lake.
      A video posted on social media shows the sorry state of the stadium as the person filming walks up to the Donbass Arena.
      Either side of them is overgrown vegetation which shockingly reaches head height due to its lack of maintenance.
      An eery and soulless atmosphere welcomes the individual as they approach what was once a booming arena full of passionate fans.
      But the stadium, which once held so many memories, is now becoming a memory itself.
      Unfortunately, the Donbass Arena is just one of many abandoned stadiums in Ukraine.
      The Tsentralnyi Stadion in Mykolaiv has been left abandoned since 2021 and had a Russian missile blow a huge chunk out of it last year.
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      Another blast from the past is the 5,000-seater Avanhard Stadium in Chernobyl, which was abandoned after the power plant disaster in 1986.
      The ground is now covered in a forest of trees and is barely recognisable after more than 30 years of neglect.
      One of the stadiums large glass panels fell off as a result of shellingCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Crew members clear up remains after the stadium was targeted in 2014Credit: Getty
      Parts of the pitch have turned yellow from years of neglectCredit: AFP
      A Wayne Rooney goal helped England beat Ukraine in a Euro 2012 match at the Donbass ArenaCredit: Getty More

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      Gundogan reveals incredible lengths John Stones went to in bid to become Man City captain – including hilarious slogan

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      MANCHESTER CITY star John Stones was so desperate to become captain last season that he even came up with a hilarious slogan.That is according to ex-City skipper Ilkay Gundogan, who ultimately beat Stones to the armband and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophy.
      John Stones tried to become Manchester City captain last seasonCredit: AFP
      The Citizens held a team vote last term with the main candidates being the now Barcelona star and Kevin De Bruyne as the two most experienced players in Pep Guardiola’s roster.
      But Stones threw his name in the hat and went all in with a rather creative campaign to win over his team-mates.
      The England international even distributed posters with a comical election slogan which read: “John Stones – Man of the People”.
      Gundogan told Bild: “John promoted himself, yes, but more for fun.
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      “When I was elected captain, I was relatively sure that I would be in the top three.
      “It was about whether it would be Kev [De Bruyne] or me. I think it was relatively close.”
      Gundogan left City as a free agent after their stunning Treble-winning campaign came to a close.
      The Germany international revealed the Manchester giants left it too late with their contract offer in the summer.
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      The 32-year-old eventually turned down a new deal at the Etihad in favour of a move to Barcelona.
      And the German has admitted he could have been persuaded to extend his seven-year stay if they had come to him earlier.
      Gundogan said: “I’m honest and many people don’t know this but in the end, it wasn’t about a year or two.
      “City waited a relatively long time until the talks really intensified. If this had happened a little earlier, the situation would have been different.
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      Stones put together a hilarious campaign with a funny slogan but lost to Ilkay GundoganCredit: Getty
      “I don’t want to go into the minute details, but it was quite late in the season.”
      Gundogan said by the time City raised the prospect of him staying, he needed to focus fully on the challenges ahead.
      He added: “When it comes to a Champions League quarter-final or semi-final, players want to concentrate purely on sport. I didn’t know what would happen next. I couldn’t plan anything.
      “Pep Guardiola’s appreciation was always there, but officially there was no movement from the club for a long time.
      “So in the end it was the perfect ending at City, it couldn’t have come at a better time. It was also my childhood dream to play for FC Barcelona.”
      Guardiola did everything to persuade his skipper to stay at the Etihad – and Gundogan said it was a tough phone call to make.
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      He said: “Unfortunately, I didn’t say goodbye in person because I only made the decision after the Champions League final – two days before the Germany game against Colombia.
      “So it was probably the hardest phone call I’ve ever had in my life. The conversation was emotional, but Pep was also happy for me – joining his boyhood club Barcelona.” More