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      Man Utd gave Zinedine Zidane a blank cheque to take over as manager.. he’s not in it for money, says Premier League icon

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      ZINEDINE Zidane rejected a blank cheque to join Manchester United as manager, according to his old team-mate. Former Chelsea centre-back Marcel Desailly also revealed that Zidane is NOT driven by cash – which is something the ex-Ballon d’Or winner proved this week.Zinedine Zidane has not worked as a manager since his time at Real MadridCredit: GettyMarcel Desailly revealed that Zidane turned down a ‘blank cheque’ from Man UtdZidane and Desailly won the 1998 World Cup with France, with Laurent Blanc also picturedZidane has been approached by some of the biggest clubs in the world since quitting Real Madrid after failing to win a trophy in 2021.The World Cup icon, 52, was heavily linked with a move to Man Utd before, during and after Erik ten Hag’s rollercoaster two years.One of the reasons the French tactician supposedly turned Old Trafford chiefs down was because he didn’t feel confident speaking English.A few years on, and ahead of the upcoming 32-team Club World Cup, Zizou was offered an eye-watering £84million to commit to a one-year contract at Saudi Pro League runners-up Al-Hilal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Desailiy, who won the 1998 World Cup with Zidane, has explained how difficult it is for club’s to persuade him to join, and where he’s likely to go next.Desailly, 56, said:”Will Zinedine Zidane be tempted by Saudi Arabia? “Well he had a blank cheque on the table from Chelsea and a blank cheque from Manchester United and turned them down.”He isn’t in it for the money. I don’t see why money will change anything, I know privately that he won’t change his lifestyle. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He likes to travel and always keeps an eye on the France national team. He’s ready because Didier Deschamps has started the transition. “France will be one of the favourites for the World Cup and win or lose it’s not the end of this era for France.”Zinedine Zidane suffers embarrassing wardrobe malfunction as he brings out Champions League trophy at WembleyZidane is the only manager in the world to have won a staggering three Champions League titles in a row during his first spell with Real.And he followed that up by lifting two LaLiga titles during his second stint, having only managed the Spanish giants.Desailiy believes that Zidane is most attracted to the France job because they have a new generation of superstars, including Champions League hero Desire Doue. He added: Since 2016, France have been growing and growing. New players have come into the team constantly and now they have the right guys.”Rayan Cherki is one of them alongside Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe is still there and on top of his game.”There is a real dynamic. William Saliba is in defence with Ibrahima Konate, Bayern have Dayot Upamecano.Read More on The Sun”There is a squad and a philosophy and Zidane will know how to take that on to rebuild his own team. For another eight years at least France will be at the top level in Europe.”Zidane made a £4MILLION investment into a new sport project in February, which turned out to be a new padel centre in France.Zidane won three Champions League titlesZidane’s managerial careerZizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

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      ‘I’m going to Hollywood’ – Micah Richards opens up on Tom Cruise acting class before Alan Shearer shuts down film dream

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      MICAH RICHARDS has opened up on his impromptu acting lesson with Hollywood legend Tom Cruise.Richards, 36, found himself rubbing shoulders with the acting icon as part of CBS’ Champions League final coverage on their new show ‘Beckham and Friends’.Tom Cruise gave Micah Richards some acting tips live on CBSCredit: @cbssportsgolazoThe new show throws together David Beckham and his A-list pals with the CBS football regulars such as Richards, Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher.And when Tom Cruise joined the crew for PSG’s dominant 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the Champions League final, the Mission Impossible star took the time to lend some acting tips to Richards.Former Man City and England ace Richards cheekily asked Cruise if he would help him learn how to play sad, a contrast to his usually energetic personality.And the four-time Oscar nominee made sure to give him his best advice, telling Richards to bow his head and look down to achieve his best sad look.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Richards has opened up on the unbelievable moment while chatting to Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer on the Rest is Football podcast – telling them he reckons he has what it takes to hit the silver screen.He said: “[Cruise told me to] put your head down a little bit, lower your eyes, chin down.”And I nailed it! I nailed it guys, I’m going to Hollywood!”Lineker joked: “I’m starting to cry, Micah. It’s so real”.Most read in FootballAlan Shearer brought Richards crashing back down to earthCredit: X @RestIsFootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBefore Shearer brought Richards crashing back down to earth, telling him he’s too jolly to play sad.He added: “You can’t do sad! You’re the happiest man in the world”.Fans hail ‘incredible’ moment Micah Richards sits on David Beckham’s lap during new show and chats to Hollywood legendLineker, Richards and Shearer aren’t all laughs and jokes, with the trio recently landing a major deal for their popular podcast.Lineker, who has stepped down from the BBC, has now agreed a deal with DAZN that will see the podcast broadcast highlights of the upcoming Club World Cup.The show will air the best bits from matches in the video version of the podcast.DAZN chief Pete Oliver said: “The Rest Is Football is essential viewing and listening for fans who want insight, entertainment, and personality.”This partnership is a brilliant way to bring the Fifa Club World Cup even closer to that audience.“It’s about connecting global football with the voices fans trust and love, and showing the tournament in a fresh, exciting, and authentically British way.”The revamped Club World Cup begins on June 15 and is being held in the US, featuring teams like Real Madrid, Man City, Chelsea and Inter Miami.Club World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWS & FEATURES More

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      Arsenal fans expecting ’30 assists a year with Sesko’ after Martin Odegaard’s sublime pass to Haaland for Norway goal

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      ARSENAL fans are banking on Martin Odegaard to bag 30 assists next season, after seeing him partnered up with a “proper top-tier cf”.Odegaard, 26, struggled to find his best form for the Gunners after returning from a major ankle injury.Martin Odegaard expertly combined with Erling Haaland as Norway beat Italy 3-0Credit: ReutersOdegaard played a lovely pass into HaalandCredit: XThe midfielder waited for Haaland to run before playing the ballCredit: XHaaland then got on the end of it, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted homeCredit: XPart of the reason for that lack of form was due to Arsenal being without a recognised frontman for much of the season.Kai Havertz was preferred in striker role by Mikel Arteta when available, but when he suffered a season-ending injury in February the Gunners opted to play Mikel Merino there.Merino, to his credit, performed well, but fans of the north London club still called for them to sign a top tier striker to get winning major honours again, rather than having near misses.Arsenal transfer chiefs are said to be working to find that player, with Benjamin Sesko heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates from RB Leipzig.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSesko, 22, has a similar profile to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland.Fans watching Norway’s World Cup qualifier with Italy on Friday had the chance to see Odegaard in action with Haaland.And it’s safe to say the link-up has raised expectations among the Arsenal faithful for next season.With the score already 2-0 after goals from Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa, Odegaard picked up the ball in midfield in the 42nd minute.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe then spotted an expertly-timed run from Haaland and played a perfectly weighted pass into the 24-year-old’s path.Haaland then dribbled the ball around Champions League-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before squeezing the ball into an empty net.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyArsenal fans reacting to the goal on social media were thrilled to see Odegaard’s contribution.One fan said: “He’s feasting this season with Sesko. He finally gets a runner.”A second said: “Teta needs to give the man willing runners.”A third added: “He’d have 30 assists a season with a proper top-tier cf.”And Arsenal fans are licking their lips to see what Odegaard could do with transfer target Benjamin SeskoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnother said: “All he needs is a big striker.”A fifth said: “Sesko is gonn eat nice.”A sixth wrote: “See that vision. Sesko will cook.”The most recent reports suggested Sesko would cost around £60million, despite his club wanting to bag £85m for him.Read More on The SunElsewhere, they have been linked with a blockbuster move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo and Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga as they eye a back-up for David Raya.Norway’s win tonight also put them in a strong position at the top of Group I, with three wins in as many games.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Champions League giants could be hit with three-month stadium ban for refusing to let Cristiano Ronaldo play there

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      PORTUGUESE giants Benfica could be hit with a three-month stadium ban and a fine.Benfica issued a remarkable statement targeting the standard of officiating across Portuguese club competition last month, risking a backlash from the Portuguese Footballing Federation (FPF).Benfica face a three month stadium banCredit: GettyThe club have threatened to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team access to their stadium amid complaints about officiating in PortugalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Champions League club lashed out at “serious events” in the late rounds of the Portuguese Cup and Liga Portugal season that saw them miss out on both trophies to Sporting Lisbon.Benfica’s statement requested disciplinary reviews against VAR officials from the Portuguese Cup final and the immediate release of audio recordings from the match.While they also detailed that they would inform the FPF that they will not host the Portugal national team at the Estadio da Luz “until integrity prevails in domestic competitions” – barring Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates from the ground.That vow could prove costly to the two-time Champions League winners, who face a ban and a fine if they follow through with the threat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because FPF rules state that any club that refuses to make their stadium available to the national team “without justified cause” will be subject to a penalty.That penalty consists of a stadium ban, running from one to three months, and fine.At present no action has been taken against Benfica.Benfica narrowly missed out on the Primeira Liga title by two points following a 1-1 draw with Braga on the final day of the season.Most read in FootballBenfica’s requestsTake a look at the action that Benfica have requested is taken following their complaint about officiating in Portugal…To request disciplinary review against the refereeing and VAR team of the Cup Final.To request disciplinary review against players Matheus Reis and Maxi Araújo for the multiple attacks on player Andrea Belotti.Demand the immediate release of the audio recordings between the Referee and VAR from the Portuguese Cup Final, as well as the scores given to them.Make a statement to FIFA, UEFA and IFAB regarding the illicit application of the VAR protocol in Portugal, which has called into question integrity.Demand that the newly elected Refereeing Council take a public position, presenting concrete measures and solutions to correct its actions, under penalty of not being able to continue in office.Suspend participation in the Centralisation League working groups and request an urgent hearing with the Government, informing it that, at this time, the conditions to move forward with this process are not being met.Inform the Portuguese Football Federation that, until integrity prevails in domestic competitions, Sport Lisboa e Benfica will be unavailable to host matches of the National Team in its stadium. Sport Lisboa e Benfica demands that the next season be decided on the pitch, in a transparent manner, which did not happen in the sports season that is now finished. We always assume our responsibilities. We demand that those who oversee and govern Portuguese football also assume theirs.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile they fell to a controversial 3-1 defeat to Sporting in the Potuguese Cup final too, conceding in the 11th minute of injury time before shipping two more goals in extra-time. Club president Rui Costa slammed the officials after the conclusion of the cup final.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingHe said: “Benfica lost, I accept that responsibility, but we have to look at Portuguese football. We definitely have to look at Portuguese football.”Adding: “So, let those in charge of refereeing, let those in charge of the referees analyse this game and see how a VAR that can cancel out two situations for Benfica can’t see two plays like this. “He’s probably going to be rewarded now and become the leader of VAR in Portugal, which is an extraordinary thing. “I repeat: you’ve rarely heard me talk about referees, but there are situations that go beyond that. “I’ve tried, I’ve tried to be a president of an institution the size of Benfica that is responsible and tries to help Portuguese football in this regard.”But there are situations that go beyond all limits, because these aren’t mistakes that we should be discussing here: whether it was a foul, whether it wasn’t a foul, whether it was a penalty, whether it wasn’t a penalty. Read More on The Sun”We’re talking about two clear, obvious assaults, not seen either by the linesman, who was standing next to the play, or by the referee, or by the VAR.”Benfica are currently preparing for the Club World Cup.Club President Rui Costa didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Portuguese officialsCredit: Getty More

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      Next Tottenham manager odds: Thomas Frank clear frontrunner after Ange Postecoglou SACKED

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      TOTTENHAM are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou.Despite ending a 17-year trophy drought in spectacular fashion and bringing the club Champions League football, the Aussie has been ordered to empty his desk by Daniel Levy.Ange Postecoglou with the Europa League trophy – which wasn’t enough to save his jobDaniel Levy has brutally axed the Aussie despite trophy success.Bookmakers talkSPORT BET have now SLASHED the odds of Brentford’s Thomas Frank to replace Ange as the new Spurs boss.The Dane is now comfortably odds-on at 1/2 to take over the Europa League champions.That win on the continent had saved the club’s season, ensuring Champions League football next term and papering over a poor domestic campaign.But we shouldn’t be surprised – he told us all he was going to win a trophy.Speaking to Australian media after the season ended, Ange seemed defiant on his future, saying: “I didn’t want us to just enjoy the moment, I also wanted us to think about what’s next — don’t settle for this.”The longer it went without any indication from the club, the more it looked like his job had also been saved by the European trophy.Next Tottenham manager oddsOdds from talkSPORT BETThomas Frank 1/2Marco Silva 8/1Michael Carrick 8/1Oliver Glasner 12/1Carlos Corberan 12/1Xavi 14/1Scott Parker 20/1Which was just as well, given he admitted putting the Premier League on the backburner to clinch silverware and give the fans something to cheer.But despite a reported compensation payout of £4million, a total of 22 losses in the top flight left Levy with no other choice but to sack yet another manager.Frank is now the 1/2 favourite with talkSPORT BET to be Spurs’ new manager, which is a significant move for the market.The current Brentford boss has developed a persona for fast, attacking football, highlighted by Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa’s excellent scoring return in the league last season.The Bees are now a stalwart in the Premier League under his stewardship and were even in the hunt for Europe going into the final weeks.Thomas Frank is the hot favourite to replace AngeHe has won 54 of his 152 league games in charge at the Gtech with 228 goals scored and 224 conceded in that period.Marco Silva and recently-sacked Michael Carrick are joint second favourites but are big prices at 8/1.Silva has been linked with the Spurs role for some time now, with Carrick having recently been sacked by Middlesbrough.Oliver Glasner (12/1) was strongly linked with Spurs after guiding Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory but both he and the club have been adamant saying he’ll remain in charge.Xavi (14/1) and Scott Parker (20/1) have their admirers and have been linked but this opportunity looks set to pass them by.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Kate Abdo and Albanian Laura Woods steal the show at glamorous event as CBS Sports star is joined by husband Malik Scott

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      KATE ABDO and Eva Murati stole the show at a glamorous CBS Sports event.The pair were pictured at the Sofascore Player of the Season award ceremony, in Zadar, Croatia, produced by CBS.Kate Abdo stole the show at a glamorous CBS Sports event in CroatiaCredit: SofascoreShe was pictured alongside her equally dazzling husband, Malik ScottCredit: SofascoreThe CBS presenter was in town to present the SofaScore Player of the Season awardCredit: SofascoreThe ‘Albanian Laura Woods’, Eva Murati, also stunned at the eventCredit: SofascoreShe dropped jaws in a glamorous blue dressCredit: SofascoreBut she was also in town to interview some of the big stars presentCredit: SofascoreKate was joined by CBS colleague Peter SchmeichelCredit: SofascoreAbdo, 43, was accompanied by her husband and boxer, Malik Scott.She was seen in striking white dress and heels while Scott, 44, wore a snazzy chequered black and white shirt paired with a hat.Their relationship was first revealed on air by CBS co-stars Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher in 2023 before they officially announced they had tied the knot in 2024.Peter Schmeichel, who works as a pitchside reporter for the broadcaster, also joined her at the event in a black suit and trousers paired with white trainers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were in attendance to present the event, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah being crowned the Player of the Season at the glitzy bash.Meanwhile, Murati, dubbed the Albanian Laura Woods, stunned in a silky blue dress and platform heels.The Champions League host, 30, has been a regular feature anchoring Europe’s elite club competition for Vizion Plus and Tring TV since 2017.She started working as a television presenter at the age of 18.Most read in FootballAnd at the event she was seen interviewing some figureheads of the sport.The bash itself was directed by multiple Emmy award-winning Pete Radovich.Awkward moment UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov snubs Kate Scott’s handshake for religious reasons live on TVOn the award, Sofascore’s director of marketing, Branimir Karacic, said: “The Player of the Season Show is not just a celebration of the best footballers of the season.”It’s a statement of what we believe in – that performance on the pitch, supported by statistical data, deserves global recognition.”Our Sofascore Rating is already a go-to standard for evaluating individual quality, and the fact that the show was produced by CBS, under the creative direction of Pete Radovich, gives the entire project even more weight.” More

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      ‘Nothing we can do about it’ – Man City star breaks ranks to SLAM Club World Cup and says team-mates want rest

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      MANUEL AKANJI has questioned Manchester City’s wisdom in taking part in the Club World Cup – insisting it could wreck the team’s fitness for next season.Pep Guardiola’s men endured a first trophyless season since 2017 after finishing third in the Premier League and losing the FA Cup final.Manuel Akanji has questioned Man City’s participation in the Club World CupCredit: AlamyIt follows a trophyless season at the clubCredit: GettyHowever, their campaign could continue until mid-July if they complete a seven-game run to the Club World Cup final.Centre-back Akanji, already in the US on Switzerland duty, will remain Stateside for the Fifa tournament.The 29-year-old said: “I have been a strong critic of this competition for some time now.”We players would love to have some holidays, and some time for our bodies to rest.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”My City teammates are not exactly overjoyed about the tournament either.”But it’s now right in our faces, and there is nothing we can do about it.”If we take part, then of course we want to win it. “But if we reach the final, then the time period for us to recover ahead of the new season will become even shorter.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAkanji, City’s 2022 buy from Borussia Dortmund, fears fitness woes might impact their ability to once again win trophies.He added: “Set against the expectations we have, this hasn’t been a good season. ‘I will quit’ – Pep Guardiola gives Man City ultimatum over squad issue that is ‘impossible for my soul'”We finished third in the Premier League, three points behind Arsenal, and qualified for the Champions League.”But it is still our worst campaign for some time.”However, Pep Guardiola still said he was proud of us for never giving up.”The season could have finished far worse than it did.”Meanwhile, the Citizens will start their Club World Cup campaign against Wydad AC from Morocco on June 18.They will then face the Saudi side Al Ain FC five days later and then the Italian giants Juventus on June 26 More

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      Real Madrid tipped to sign Liverpool cult hero just days after sealing Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer

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      LIVERPOOL cult hero Roberto Firmino has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid, reports claim.Real are looking for an experienced goalscorer to support Kylian Mbappe up top, after finishing second behind LaLiga champions Barcelona this season.Roberto Firmino is being linked with an unlikely move to Real MadridCredit: GettyFirmino could be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyIt comes just days after Madrid swooped Liverpool boyhood star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who ended his 20-year career at Anfield for sunny Spain.And according to Spanish outlet AS Sport, Madrid are in the hunt for a new Joselu-like figure to come to the Bernabeu. The former Stoke and Newcastle forward may have flopped in the Premier League, but he’s fondly remembered in the Spanish capital.Joselu scored crucial goals en route to Real’s 2024 Champions League victory, most notably his two late notches in the semi-final win over Bayern Munich.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJoselu, who came through the ranks at Real as a youngster, scored 18 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions as he played a vital support role after rejoining for a year aged 33.And having been without such a prolific role player this year after Joselu joined Saudi side Al-Gharafa SC, Firmino has reportedly dropped onto Madrid’s radar.The Brazilian, 33, who once featured in one of most lethal Premier League front-threes with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, now plays in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.Firmino was linked with a shock move to Madrid before the end of Liverpool contract in 2023.Most read in FootballJosulu became a cult hero in MadridCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter initially struggling to find his feet, Firmino has managed 21 goals in 65 appearances, and he captained Al-Ahli to the AFC Champions League Elite title this season.Firmino is also seen as someone who could play a vital bench role for new manager Xabi Alonso, who also starred for both Liverpool and Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fansA move would allow youngster Gonzalo Garcia, 21, another year to develop after scoring 25 goals for Madrid’s academy this season. If does complete the switch, then Firmino would be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-Arnold.The pair who won it all at Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp’s golden years, including the club’s first-ever Premier League trophy and the 2019 Champions League title.While Firmino was given a hero’s send-off when he was released in 2023, the England right-back faced heavy criticism from Liverpool fans, who were initially fuming about his free agent status.But Madrid have since paid £10million to release Alexander-Arnold a month early from this contract that was due to end on June 30.The Spanish giants were hell-bent on having the 26-year-old for the Club World Cup, starting on June 14 in the US.Firmino would also have fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao as team-mates.Firmino could also link up with Brazil team-mate Vinicius JrCredit: Reuters More