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      Inside former Champions League semi-finalists’ stunning 52,000-seater new stadium modelled on iconic ancient landmark

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      ITALIAN giants Roma are preparing to move to a new state-of-the-art 52,000-seater stadium.The Serie A club have played their home matches at the Stadio Olimpico since 1953.The new 52,000-seater stadium is set to captivate fansIt is set to be the home of AS Roma fron 2027Construction of the project is set to get underway next yearThe project will also be a hub for ‘dining, entertainment, work and hospitality’ as well as sportBut they are planning to move away from the iconic 72,000 venue in three years.Their new home is set to become the Stadio della Roma.The project is expected to get underway in 2025, with a provisional finish date of 2027.This would mean they move into the stadium for their 100-year anniversary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club are describing the new ground as “more than a stadium” as it prepares to be situated in an entertainment district which will be a “hub for dining, entertainment, work, hospitality and sport”.It will be built at the location of the old Hippodrome in the Tor di Valle district.And it will take inspiration from the iconic Colosseum with “an ultra-modern, steel and glass stadium, wrapped in a stone ‘scrim’”.Other nods to the famous landmark will include “a floating stone screen that envelops the stadium” that will act as a “dynamic contemporary interpretation of the stone arches of the famous arena”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA Roma Hall of Fame building will also be builtThis is a shot of how the outside of the ground will lookOther elements will include a Roma Superstore and an interactive Roma Hall of Fame.Situated nearby will be a 2,500-seat “Spanish Steps” area, while a 14,000-seat amphitheatre will be included within the stadium.Chelsea legend John Terry reveals moment that ‘broke me’ three days after Champions League final penalty slip vs Man UtdSpeaking about the ground, Roma president Jim Pallota said: “It’s great for Rome but it’s also a spectacular project for Italy and a big project for all of Europe.”I can’t wait for Roma to have its own stadium, a stadium the team deserves.”Roma last won the Serie A title in 2001 – the third scudetto in their history.They also have nine Coppa Italias and two Italian Super Cups.Their only European trophy came in 2022 when Jose Mourinho led them to the Europa Conference League. More

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      ‘Ronaldo go home’ – Furious Real Valladolid fans hold protest against Real Madrid legend’s ownership of LaLiga side

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      REAL VALLADOLID fans protested against Ronaldo’s ownership before and during last night’s clash with Atletico Madrid.The Brazilian football icon, 48, bought a controlling stake in the Spanish club six years ago.Real Valladolid fans displayed a banner reading ‘Ronaldo Go Home’Credit: XThe Brazilian, 48, owns a controlling stake in the Spanish clubCredit: GettyDuring his stint as owner, Valladolid have become something of a yo-yo club.In every season since the 2020-21 campaign, the Spanish side have either been relegated from LaLiga or promoted from the second tier.Having finished as runners-up in LaLiga 2 last term, Valladolid look set for another long, difficult campaign in the top flight.They are bottom of the table, having collected just nine points from 15 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of yesterday’s match against Atletico, several Valladolid supporters marched to the stadium, with some clutching a banner reading “Ronaldo Go Home”.The disgruntled supporters also chanted while making their feelings perfectly clear.Things did not get much better as the game kicked off, with Valladolid being drubbed 5-0 by Diego Simeone’s men.Goals by Clement Lenglet, Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth sunk Ronaldo’s men.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSValladolid chiefs swiftly responded by sacking manager Paulo Pezzolano.The Uruguayan had been at the helm since April 2023, guiding Valladolid to promotion last season.Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebration_1In April, ESPN reported that Ronaldo planned to flog his controlling stake in Valladolid, having agreed to sell his shares in Brazilian side Cruzeiro.But the former Real Madrid striker went on perform a U-turn, however, with it being announced in August that he would be continuing as club president.Ronaldo has owned a controlling stake in ValladolidCredit: EPA More

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      Bayern Munich star footballer ‘is caught drink-driving in Germany after partying with pals at club & faces ban and fine’

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      BAYERN Munich ace Alphonso Davies has been caught drink driving after being pulled over by police, say reports.The Canadian defender, 24, now faces a driving ban after he was reportedly found to be over the legal limit in the early hours of Thursday morning.Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies has been caught drink driving after being pulled over by police, say reportsCredit: GettyDavies training with his teammates before a Champions League tie this weekCredit: APThe Bayern Munich team before they played PSG on TuesdayA breathalyser test revealed he registered a blood alcohol level of 0.6 grams per litre, according to Bild.In Germany, the allowed level is under 0.5 grams per litre.Davies had spent Wednesday evening with friends at a Christmas market in Munich, say German media.He then moved on to a nightclub before making his way home in the early hours of Thursday morning where he was stopped by cops at around 2:15am.read more in Bayern MunichDavies is now expected to have his driving licence taken away for a month and fork out £4,100 in fines, He will also receive two points on his licence.His club side, Bayern Munich are not expected to punish him any further. They had allowed the star leftback to have a day off following their huge Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.Most read in FootballHe returned to training as normal on Friday as the Bundesliga favourites prepare to face off with Borussia Dortmund in the Der Klassiker.Vincent Kompany’s side – led by English talisman Harry Kane – are six points clear of second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt already this season.They are still unbeaten with 11 games played.Davies also captains the Canadian national soccer team. He became the first player born in the 2000s to compete in a Major League Soccer match when he played for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Canadian defender also became the youngest player to appear in the national team. Born in Ghana to refugee Liberian parents, Davies and his family relocated to Canada when he was five-years-old.He obtained Canadian citizenship in 2017. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.Vincent Kompany’s side – led by English talisman Harry Kane – are six points clear of second placed Eintracht Frankfurt already this season.Credit: AFP More

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      Man City fans say ‘Liverpool on Sunday and he’s lost his mind’ as Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s birthday

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans are worried about Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard sang a song for Barcelona’s 125th anniversary. A pre-recorded video showed Guardiola lip-singing with a scar on his nose, which he picked up during City’s capitulation against Feyenoord on Tuesday.Pep Guardiola sported a scar on his nose as he lip-synched a song to celebrate Barcelona’s 125th anniversaryGuardiola sparked concern when he appeared after the 3-3 draw with Feyenoord with a cut on his nose and scratches on his faceThe former Barca player and manager mimed along to ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the iconic club.The surreal performance lasted just over a minute and was met with huge applause by all in the grand auditorium. Guardiola was not present in Barcelona but shared a video message for the audience – and the cut on his face provided some clues as to when it was filmed.But online fans were less than enthusiastic about Guardiola’s performance, with some wondering what he’ll do if City lose at Anfield on Sunday. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne supporter wrote: “Lose to Liverpool and Pep will officially lose his mind.”A second said: “I’m worried about him, what will he sing if City don’t win a game this month?🤣”While another replied: “Making a stressed out man sing is crazy. 🤣”A fourth added: “This has to be some type of torture he looks so tired.”Most read in FootballLiverpool have won 17 of their 19 games in competitions this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne more wrote: “I dare City to lose against Liverpool. Imagine.”The song holds special significance for Guardiola, as it is reportedly one of his personal favourites.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyAs Guardiola celebrated Barcelona’s milestone, his current side, City, face a challenging period.The reigning Premier League champions are enduring one of their worst stretches in recent memory.City have gone six games without a win across all competitions- even San Marino have won more matches than them this month.They squandered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League at the Etihad on Tuesday.Guardiola appeared with scratches on his face and red marks on his head as he conducted post match interviews.When quizzed on his cuts he told TNT: “I want to harm myself. My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”He apologised for the comment the next day and insisted that he did not intend to make light of self-harm.City are winless in their last six matches in all competitions ahead of a trip to face Premier League leaders Liverpool at AnfieldThe cut on the bridge of his nose was visible in the video that beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu on Friday.Barcelona’s current crop of players, who currently sit top of LaLiga, were all suitably attired for the occasion.While there were additional video clips from Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Romario.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola won 14 trophies with the Catalans including two Champions League titles and three LaLiga titles during his four-year stint.But should City lose to in-form Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, they will be 11 points behind the Prem leaders after 13 games.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      England U21 sensation Jamie Gittens tipped to be better than Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho as he shines at Dortmund

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      HARRY KANE may be the Englishman most fans focus on when German football’s biggest rivalry is rekindled on Saturday night.But as far as Borussia Dortmund supporters are concerned, Jamie Gittens deserves all the attention.Jamie Gittens is already close to world class, says Karl-Heinz RiedleCredit: RexRaal Madrid’s Jude Bellingham might ultimately be usurped by GittensCredit: GettyFormer Dortmund Champions League winner Karl-Heinz Riedle believes Gittens can be the best English star to play for the club yetCredit: GettyThe winger from Reading was 17 when he walked out on Manchester City to join Dortmund in 2020, following Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho’s Bundesliga footsteps.Now, the 20-year-old is a vital cog in new coach Nuri Sahin’s side, with four Champions League goals so far — including one against Real Madrid and Wednesday’s stunner at Dinamo Zagreb.Dortmund legend Karl-Heinz Riedle feels Gittens can shine in Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich.Ex-Liverpool striker Riedle, 59, said: “Jamie is still not 100 per cent what we expect from a world-class player  — but he has all the talent to become one of those.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He can become the next Sancho, Erling Haaland or Bellingham.“He is very quick, very good in a one-against-one situation and with the ability to finish as well.“I see a young player who has the full package, plus he is someone who I see working on how  to make himself better.“And that comes from games — the more you play, the more you learn, the better your decision-making and  better you become.Most read in BundesligaChelsea loanee Jadon Sancho has struggled to match his Dortmund formCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The most important thing is  you have to be quick, to not be afraid of going one- on-one against a defender. That’s what we want to see.“It was why Sancho and Haaland brought people to the stadium. Jude Bellingham says he feels like a ‘scapegoat’ as he discusses England woes”Fans wanted to see them do that and it’s there with Jamie as well.”Gittens — who dropped the “Bynoe” in  his double-barrelled surname  at the start of the season — has  played for every England  team from Under-15 to U21.That includes tasting 2022 European U19 Cham­pion­ship glory. Now he aims to make the final step to the senior ranks — and Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as new Three Lions boss could speed that up.Riedle suspects Gittens will not be the last English rookie to see the Ruhr-based club as a stepping stone.He  explained: “Dortmund is a family. The guys who come to us   know we have everything here to let them become the best players they can be.“They can get a chance to play at the top level but maybe with less pressure than in England at football clubs such as Manchester United and City.“We give them the time to grow into players and be something special.“Jamie is an incredible talent and can make the same impression — if not a bigger one – as Jude and Jadon made before him.”Striker Kane has hit 50 Bundesliga goals in 43 games — the fastest pace ever.Despite this and Munich’s unbeaten domestic start, the England skipper was criticised by ex-Bayern and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann for not scoring in the  “big” games.Riedle, though, thinks Hamann is talking rubbish.He said: “Didi criticised him even though he scored like crazy last year — and I’m not with him at all.“Harry’s just a fantastic finisher and fantastic football player.“No player can score every game or every chance. He has done very well for Munich and is incredible.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He just wants to play football. He loves the game. He is such a humble guy who likes to play and score and wants to win things.” KARL-HEINZ RIEDLE was speaking to mark the ten-year anniversary of Borussia Dortmund’s long-term investment in Singapore.Riedle was stunned by criticism of Bayern’s Harry KaneCredit: RexErling Haaland is one of the aces who Gittens could soon compare withCredit: Rex More

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      I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who had the world at my feet but I lost control of my career after bold transfer

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      MICHAEL OWEN believes he “lost control” of his career the moment he left Liverpool for Real Madrid.The former England international swapped Merseyside for Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight goal-filled seasons with the Reds.Michael Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight seasons with LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportSome of the Anfield faithful turned on the former academy star after his departureCredit: GETTYOwen believes his departure from the club was the moment he ‘lost control’ of his careerCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe stunning move to the Bernabeu, however, didn’t go to plan as he failed to win a trophy in his sole season with the Galacticos, in which he scored 16 goals in 45 appearances.He returned to England the following summer for a four-season stint with Newcastle before a shock move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United in July 2009.Some of the Kop faithful still resent Owen for joining the Red Devils, although the 44-year-old believes their resentment originally stemmed from him leaving Anfield in the first place.He told The Telegraph: “The moment I chose to go to Real Madrid I lost control of my career and what the perceptions of it are.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I don’t love going to Anfield now because I know I am not loved back.”I tend to only go when I am working. It’s not that I dread going, but for a long time I used to bury my head when driving back to the academy to see friends.”I have told myself since, ‘I should not have been feeling like that.'”People say now, ‘It was because he signed for Manchester United.’ Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen’s career statsLiverpool: 297 appearances – 158 goals & 49 assistsReal Madrid: 45 appearances – 16 goals & four assistsNewcastle United: 79 appearances – 30 goals & 2 assistsManchester United: 52 appearances – 17 goals & three assistsStoke City: Nine appearances – One goalClub Total: 483 appearances – 223 goals & 58 assistsEngland: 89 appearances: 40 goals & 12 assists”But the whole world knows there has been some history rewritten there.”There was resentment directed at me before then when I played for Newcastle, even though I had a clause in my Newcastle contract that I could re-sign for Liverpool every summer.Michael Owen heartbreakingly admits he prays every single night for cure for rare disease that has blinded his son James“The Manchester United aspect is now an easier stick to beat me with.”But when I came back to Anfield for the first time as a Newcastle player, there were a few hundred, possibly a thousand supporters, booing me.”I can’t forget how I, my parents, and my former Liverpool team-mates felt.”Everyone who understood and appreciated the reality of the situation was disappointed on my behalf.”Owen never had any ambitions of leaving Liverpool, let alone playing abroad, when he was at the peak of his powers.But he would have kicked himself had he not taken the opportunity to play for the European giants.The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner admitted: “I never had big ambitions to play abroad. “Really, but I fit the bill as the type of player they pursued.”If you are scoring goals, are a creative midfielder, or an amazing, unique type of right-back like Trent, you are seen as a marquee signing.“They wanted me with [Luís] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I looked at that and thought it would have been harder not to score.”I thought long and hard about leaving Liverpool, but in the end something inside told me I would regret it if I didn’t give it a go.”Michael Owen doesn’t ‘love going to Anfield’ any moreCredit: GETTY More

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      Major rule change proposed to English football that would force two Premier League teams to find new owners

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      TWO Premier League clubs could be forced to find new owners if a proposed major rule change comes into effect.Labour politician Lord Bassam has argued that no club should be state-owned and “receive an operating license”.Manchester City were taken over by Sheikh Mansour in 2008Credit: PAThe Citizens have become one of the best teams in world footballCredit: AFPPIF took over from Mike Ashley at Newcastle in 2021Credit: The TimesBoth Manchester City and Newcastle United are currently under the control of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabian Public Fund (PIF), respectively.Should Bassam’s proposal be passed into law, then owners would be required to sell their stakes in the clubs if they want to maintain their Premier League status.The proposal would aim to stop state-owned clubs being a threat to the competition and integrity of British football.The Times has reported that some clubs in the Prem have supported the proposal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, it is claimed that legal and political obstacles would prevent it from being implemented.Man City were acquired by the UAE in 2008, which catapulted the club to new heights of success.Since the takeover, the club has won eight Prem titles, one Champions League and multiple domestic cup honours.Meanwhile, Newcastle were purchased by PIF from Milke Ashley in 2021.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe new investment has seen the Magpies rise up the table away from mid-table and compete with the traditional big six.Newcastle have qualified for the Champions League and signed star players such as Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.Pep Guardiola looks battered and bruised in interview after Feyenoord draw as fans ask ‘what’s happened in dressing room?’ Newcastle have added star players to their squad such as Alexander Isak and Bruno GuimaraesCredit: AFPMeanwhile, the Football Governance Bill was created by the Conservative Party before the General Election.The Labour Party have pushed through the bill in order to establish a regulator for football.The aims of the bill are to provide more protection to clubs to avoid the death of clubs such as Bury in 2020.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      Real Madrid fan BURNS Kylian Mbappe shirt and fumes ‘my hopes and support for him is over’

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      A REAL MADRID fan vowed to stop supporting Kylian Mbappe as they posted a video of the Frenchman’s shirt in flames.Mbappe, 25, completed a long-awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to the Spanish capital in the summer.A Real Madrid burned their Kylian Mbappe shirtCredit: XMbappe, 25, endured a disappointing evening at AnfieldCredit: GettyBut the forward has so far failed to impress many of his new club’s supporters.Last night his woes intensified as he saw a crucial penalty saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.The wasted spot kick came at 1-0, with Real Madrid going on to lose 2-0 at Anfield.After the game, a social media user declared that they’d had enough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Real Madrid fan uploaded a video of an Mbappe No9 shirt in flames.They dramatically captioned it: “My hopes and support for Kylian Mbappe is over.”I’ll assume anyone supporting him has IQ of that of a house fly.”Mbappe has scored seven goals in 12 LaLiga appearances so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLast night, former Real Madrid and Liverpool star Steve McManaman criticised Mbappe.Appearing on TNT Sports, he said: “We haven’t seen the best of Mbappe tonight.Kylian Mbappe dropped from France squad as Deschamps explains decision and says ‘it’s better this way’ “They needed Mbappe tonight and he flattered to deceive. The Madrid press will be ruthless because he didn’t deliver again when he needed to.”Madrid are going through a rough patch and the big players are not performing. All the baggage around Mbappe magnifies it.”This year they are really, really struggling.”Real Madrid are second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona with a game in hand.In the Champions League they occupy 24th place in the league table, the final spot for a place in the play-offs.But boss Carlo Ancelotti has come under-fire, particularly since his side’s 4-0 home defeat to Barcelona last month.Amid criticism of Mbappe, Jude Bellingham last night jumped to the defence of his team-mate.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Kylian is a wonderful player but the pressure is humongous.”The penalty is not why we lost the game. Kylian can keep his head high and I know for sure he will produce many more big moments for this club.”Jude Bellingham has defended Mbappe’s formCredit: Getty More