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      Emi Martinez breaks silence on Aston Villa future as he’s linked with transfer exit to play in Champions League

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      RECORD-BREAKING Emiliano Martinez has revealed he wants to stay at Aston Villa for “many years to come”.The Argentine World Cup winner had been tipped to make a high-profile move this summer after admitting he craved Champions’ League football.
      Emi Martinez has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park this summerCredit: Rex
      Martinez confessed it would be “easy” to move to one of Europe’s top clubs who regularly compete at that level.
      And when manager Unai Emery criticised him for contesting a late corner which Arsenal scored from, it seemed Villa would struggle to hold on to their No1.
      However, the 30-year-old kept his 33rd clean sheet in 99 Villa appearances to surpass Mark Bosnich and Brad Friedel’s record of 32 in 100 appearances against Bournemouth at the weekend.
      Afterwards he spoke of his pride at setting the new standard and confessed: “It’s a great feeling.
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      “If we had won 3-1, I would go home and not be able to sleep for hours because I always think about what I could have done better to keep the clean sheet.
      “I’m very ambitious, I’m so driven to improve. I try to transmit that to the back four and to the starting XI.”
      Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 for a bargain £17million and revealed he has never felt more at home.
      He said: “My career went through the roof since I joined the club.
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      “I’ve always said I’m grateful to this club and I love being here.
      “My family is happy at the club, my boy is obsessed with playing football and he plays for the Under-6s in the Academy.
      “We’re loving our time here and hopefully there are many years to come.”
      Martinez was a key part of Argentina’s World Cup triumph in QatarCredit: AFP More

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      Man City boss Guardiola makes hilarious Messi joke as to why he substituted Haaland in 6-0 FA Cup thrashing of Burnley

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      PEP GUARDIOLA had supporters in stitches as he explained why he took off Erling Haaland against Burnley.The Norwegian striker smashed records in midweek as he fired five past RB Leipzig in the club’s 7-0 Champions League win.
      Pep Guardiola watched Erling Haaland scored another hat-trick for Man City against BurnleyCredit: Getty
      And he took his tally for the season to 42 yesterday with his sixth hat-trick of the campaign in the 6-0 FA Cup victory over the Clarets.
      However, after revealing his disappointment at being denied a record-breaking double hat-trick on Tuesday after being subbed, he was taken off again on Saturday just after the hour mark.
      Responding after criticism for denying Haaland the opportunity to surpass Lionel Messi’s five for Barcelona against Leverkusen, Guardiola delivered a brilliant quick-witted response when quizzed again about subbing his superstar.
      The Spaniard, who managed Messi and won countless honours together with Barca, said: “I didn’t want him to break the record for Messi in the FA Cup.
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      “I try to punish my players – it is my intention!”
      Guardiola added: “This guy (Haaland) will have a problem in the future because everyone will expect to him to get three or four every game, and that’s not going to happen.
      “But I know him, he doesn’t care about that. He is so positive and optimistic in his life.
      “He never complains and as long as the team plays with this intensity, he will score goals, though the exact target, I don’t know.
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      “He is so effective and is such an incredible threat with his power.
      “But his joy of life, always thinking good things will happen, that helps too.” More

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      Mohamed Salah’s agent speaks out on reports Liverpool star wants transfer exit amid PSG links

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      MOHAMED SALAH’S agent has spoken out on sensational reports that the Liverpool star wants to leave.The Reds were this week dumped out of the Champions League with a 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid.
      A report in France had claimed that Mo Salah was considering his Liverpool futureCredit: PA
      They are also out of the FA Cup, which they won last season, and failed to retain the League Cup.
      And now they face a fight for a top four finish with their dismal campaign leaving them seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.
      Boss Jurgen Klopp is set for a major rebuild of his ageing squad this summer and, despite becoming Liverpool’s highest-ever paid player when recently penning a new long-term deal, rumours have mounted that Salah could be set to depart.
      With Liverpool set for a transitional summer, there have been plenty of rumours suggesting Salah could be offloaded. Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have both been touted as potential suitors.
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      French publication Foot Mercato claims that the Egyptian forward, 30, is “increasingly considering” a move away.
      Both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have been linked while this sensational report says that an unnamed Spanish club is his preferred move.
      However, after the story was shared by worried Liverpool fans on Twitter, Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa quickly moved to squash the speculation.
      He tweeted: “Where did you get this from if not even Mohamed and I discussed this? Please tell us.”
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      Salah, who still has two years to run on his Anfield contract, recently had his stolen Africa Cup of Nations medal recovered by police after his villa was burgled in Cairo.
      Two men have been arrested on suspicion of ransacking the footballer’s luxury Egyptian villa on March 2.
      Salah’s silver Africa Cup of Nations medal has been recovered alongside a multitude of other items stolen.
      The luxury home is worth £350,000 per week, according to Egyptian daily newspaper Al-Ahram.
      One of the alleged thieves worked as a security guard in Salah’s residential complex, according to the Egyptian Interior Ministry. More

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      Liverpool legend looks unrecognisable 18 years on as he appears on TV for Champions League draw

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      A LIVERPOOL legend looked unrecognisable as he popped up on TV for the Champions League draw. Some fascinating ties were drawn out of the hat as Europe’s Premier competition reaches its final round.
      A Liverpool icon was on hand to help out with the European draws earlier todayCredit: AFP
      With Liverpool knocked out the competition on Tuesday night, their fans may have thought there would be little point tuning in to the draw.
      But if they had they would seen a man who left their club back in 2005 – and who wrote himself into Reds folklore in the infamous Champions League final of that year.
      The 49-year-old looks different now and any fans who missed his introduction may not have even recognised him.
      The midfielder spent six years at Anfield and became a fan favourite with his knack for producing big moments.
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      The man in question is Vladimir Smicer, who sported a small beard and neat comb over hairdo as appeared on TV.
      This was very different from the spiky hair and clean shaven look that fans will have been accustomed to in his playing days.
      Smicer arrived on Merseyside in 1999 during Gerard Houllier’s reign and would make his impact felt over the years.
      ‘Vladi’ is best remembered for his goal in the 2005 Champions League as Liverpool staged on of European football’s most infamous comebacks against AC Milan.
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      The Czech midfielder was not even in Liverpool’s starting line-up that day but had to come on as a first-half substitute after an injury to Harry Kewell.
      The Reds trailed 1-0 when Smicer arrived on the pitch and it would be 3-0 by half-time.
      But then the miracle began and Smicer’s brilliant strike from range was sandwiched in between goals from Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso as Rafa Benitez’s side clawed their way out of their grave.
      Smicer then scored the decisive final Liverpool penalty – his last kick of the ball in a red shirt – before Jerzy Dudek saved Andriy Shevchenko’s spot-kick to seal the win.
      The match would cement his legacy but Smicer also scored big goals down the years against Chelsea and Dortmund.
      Only a serious injury suffered in 2003 would blight his time at Liverpool.
      The star would go on to play for Bordeaux and Slavia Prague before retirement.
      Smicer came off the bench to help rescue Liverpool in 2005Credit: AFP
      Smicer scored in normal time and netted a crucial penalty against AC MilanCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Liverpool dealt blow in race for Champions League as Darwin Nunez pulls out of Uruguay squad with mystery injury

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      DARWIN NUNEZ has been forced to withdraw from the Uruguay squad due to injury which could prove costly for Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes. The South American forward has been a big part of Jurgen Klopp’s side this season since his £85million move from Benfica in the summer.
      Darwin Nunez is Liverpool’s second top scorer in all competitions this season with only Mohamed Salah netting more
      He has managed eight goals and three assists in 20 league appearances this campaign.
      His contribution to the side could be over though, as the Uruguay national team confirmed on social media that he has had to withdraw from the squad with injury ahead of the international break.
      The Sky Blue are preparing to face both Japan and South Korea in friendly fixtures over the coming weeks.
      Although the extent of his injury isn’t currently known it will be a concern to Reds fans that he could have a stint on the sidelines.
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      Liverpool have been struggling to reach their usual high standards this season and currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League, seven points off the Champions League places.
      Finishing in the top four will be their only hope of qualification into Europe’s most prestigious competition after they were knocked out of the Champions League last 16 following a 6-2 aggregate thrashing against Real Madrid.
      Klopp’s side have a tough run of fixtures ahead as they face Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal in their next three games.
      The news of Nunez’s injury comes in the same week that the Merseyside club found out that Stefan Bajcetic would miss the rest of the season with a thigh injury.
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      They have also been without star man Luis Diaz since September and struggled to maintain a steady squad.
      This season Liverpool have been a far cry from their sides of recent years that pushed Manchester City so far and achieved Premier League and Champions League success. More

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      Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ‘tempted by Newcastle transfer if they qualify for Champions League’

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      NAPOLI superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is reportedly interested in a move to Newcastle if they secure Champions League football next season.The 22-year-old is in discussions with the Italian giants about signing a new deal – less than 12 months on from joining the club for £8.6million.
      Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is being linked with a move away from Napoli this summerCredit: Getty
      His existing contract runs until 2027 but he is earning just £26,000-a-week.
      A remarkable first season has seen him rack up 13 goals and 15 assists in 29 appearances.
      And while an improved deal looks to be on the cards, Kvaratskhelia, nicknamed “Kvaradona”, wants a release clause put into his contract.
      Napoli are reluctant to oblige as they value their man at around £140m.
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      It comes as Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain monitor his situation.
      According to Football Insider, Newcastle have now entered the race to sign the Georgian international.
      But Champions League qualification will dictate whether Eddie Howe’s men are in with a chance of acquiring him.
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      A 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday evening moved them to within one point of fourth-place Tottenham with a game in hand.
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      Meanwhile, Napoli are closing in on their first league title in 33 years.
      Luciano Spaletti’s side sit a huge 18 points clear at the top of Serie A.
      They are also in with a chance of winning the Champions League as they prepare to take on AC Milan in the quarter-finals.
      But they do face losing their two biggest stars in the summer, with Kvaratskhelia and striker Victor Osimhen both linked with moves away. More

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      Antonio Conte reveals both he and Harry Kane could STAY at Tottenham.. but they’ll need Champions League football

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      ANTONIO CONTE has hinted that Tottenham qualifying for the Champions League could have big ramifications on the future of Harry Kane and even his own.Spurs go to Southampton today sitting in fourth, ahead of a chasing pack that includes the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and Brighton.
      Antonio Conte has revealed that both he and Harry Kane could stay at SpursCredit: Rex
      Conte, 53, is widely expected to leave when his contract expires in the summer.
      What happens to key man Kane — whose deal is up at the end of next season — is a subject on the lips of every Tottenham supporter.
      Yet when it was put to Conte what kind of effect having such uncertainty over the manager and star player is having on the club, the Italian responded in a way that suggested there is a scenario where BOTH could stay.
      He said: “To finish in the top four could be very important for everybody, first of all for the club and for the players, the manager and the fans.
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      “For sure if you finish in the top four many, many situations are more simple because you know that we are going to play Champions League.
      “The best players and the best clubs want to play in these competitions.
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      “We have this idea but other clubs have the same idea. We will see what happens.”
      Many Spurs supporters are expecting a change in the dugout next season — with some even hoping for it.
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      But surely every fan will be praying that the club’s all-time 270-goal record scorer Kane can be convinced to sign a new deal.
      Even if he does not, SunSport understands it is unlikely chairman Daniel Levy would sell to another English club this summer.
      It means the most probable outcome, should Kane refuse to pen fresh terms, is he leaves on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.
      Conte says it is on the club and the player to resolve the situation, rather than him.
      But he does see Kane, who turns 30 in July, as being able to emulate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski in playing at the highest level well into his fourth decade.
      The ex-Chelsea boss added: “We are talking about a player that is showing every day to be a really, really good professional.
      “I see for him, for the rest of his career, a brilliant future because he takes care of himself — not only on the pitch but off the pitch.
      “This is the key. When you overcome 30 years old, if you take care of yourself then you continue to stay at the top. Cristiano Ronaldo is a really good example. We have a lot of important players that continued to have big, big careers for the rest of the time that they played.”
      On whether he had any frustration that Kane’s contract situation remains unresolved, Spurs boss Conte replied: “You know very well that in this type of situation it is difficult for the coach to force the situation on the other side.
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      “The player and the club will try to find the right situation.
      “For sure, I can tell you that every coach wants Harry Kane in his team. But then there are a lot of different situations that you have to see to find a situation. It is on the player and the club, not on me.” More

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      Fans think Eden Hazard ‘cursed’ Chelsea as Real Madrid star’s eerie statement after leaving club goes viral

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      SUPPORTERS think that Eden Hazard “cursed” Chelsea after his eerie farewell statement resurfaced and went viral.The Belgian international secured his dream move to Real Madrid from the Blues in 2019 in a £130m deal.
      Eden Hazard will face his old club Chelsea again in the Champions LeagueCredit: Rex
      Hazard, 32, arrived at Chelsea in 2012 and is regarded as one of the club’s most talented players ever having won the Premier League twice, FA Cup, League Cup and the Europa League on two occasions.
      When the star, who bagged 110 goals in 352 appearances, left he released a statement that read: “Chelsea and Chelsea fans will always be special to me and next season I will look for your results first.
      “I hope that we are drawn against each other in the Champions League next season and every season so we can meet again.”
      And, eerily, his wish has been granted almost fully.
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      The two teams avoided each other in the 2019/20 campaign, but they have drawn one another each season since in the Champions League.
      Chelsea beat Madrid 3-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals in 2021 before going on to win the competition.
      Then, last season, they were drawn together again in the quarters, only this time it was the LaLiga giants that triumphed 5-4 on aggregate before they went on to win the coveted prize.
      Now Chelsea will face Madrid again next month in the Champions League quarter-final – and some fans believe Hazard “cursed” them with his wish four years ago.
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      One tweeted: “His wish came through, he is really ta Wizard, he needs to gimme some uefa champions league predictions.”
      Another commented: “He cursed us after never facing them in the competition before then.”
      While a fellow fan wrote: “Thanks for the curse Eden.”
      Hazard has infamously struggled at the Bernabeu after suffering a number of injury issues.
      He has produced just seven goals and 11 assists in 73 appearances for the club. More