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      Champions League winner, 41, who scored for Barcelona in El Clasico now working on shop floor at sports chain

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      A FORMER Barcelona star is now living a completely different life – working in a sports shop.The 41-year-old hung up his boots in 2020 following a three-year spell with Sporting Lisbon.A former Barcelona star is now working in a sports shopJeremy Mathieu spent three years at Barcelona and won the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsThe centre-back scored against Real Madrid in El Clasico in 2015Credit: Getty Images – GettySince then, he has swapped the fast-paced life of the beautiful game for a new job – in retail.The player in question is ex-France defender Jeremy Mathieu.Mathieu has been spotted working at Intersport in Cabries, a French sportswear shop.A photo of him alongside two fans in the shop went viral on social media last week.Read More in FootballIn the picture, Mathieu could be seen wearing an Intersport vest with his name on.It is understood he is a manager at the shop and leads a department as well as some different teams.While working at Intersport, located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, he is also looking to obtain his coaching badges.Mathieu kicked off his playing career with French outfit Sochaux in 2002 following a stint in the club’s youth setup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe then joined Toulouse, where he spent four years before moving to Spain.Having spent five seasons with Valencia, the Frenchman was then signed by La Liga giants Barcelona in 2014.Real Madrid star Vinicius clashes with Atletico crowd after winning Champions League game on penalties He made 94 appearances for the club, scoring four goals.During that time he also won two LaLiga titles, the Uefa Supercup, the Club World Cup and the Champions League.He even scored for Barcelona in a 2-1 El Clasico win over Real Madrid in 2015.Mathieu retired following a three-year spell with Sporting Lisbon in 2020 after suffering a knee injury in training. More

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      How Martin Odegaard’s Real Madrid career began with Cristiano Ronaldo ‘PR exercise’ under unenthusiastic Carlo Ancelotti

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      IT remains one of the most iconic substitutions in Real Madrid’s long and illustrious history.With 58 minutes on the clock on the final day of the 2014-15 LaLiga season and with Real leading Getafe 5-3 at the Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo’s No 7 lit up the fourth official’s board.Cristiano Ronaldo gave way for Martin Odegaard’s Real Madrid debutCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti’s former assistant Paul Clement spoke exclusively to SunSportCredit: GettyReplacing the Portuguese legend, who had scored a first-half hat-trick, was No 41 Martin Odegaard, the youngest Los Blancos player to make a competitive appearance at 16 years and 157 days.It is a record that still stands a decade later.With manager Carlo Ancelotti serving a suspension up in the stands, it was trusted assistant Paul Clement who orchestrated the substitution from the dugout.English coach Clement, 53, told SunSport: “I’ve got a really nice picture at home.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I’m in the background but you can see Cristiano welcoming Martin on to the pitch and he gets a good welcome from the crowd.“Carlo didn’t come down to the dressing room at half-time. We spoke on the phone. “He said, ‘Let’s do the substitution’. I didn’t tell Martin but I did tell Cristiano.“Cristiano asked, ‘Who’s going to come on for me?’ I told him and he said, ‘OK’. I told Martin to go and enjoy it. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Play simple. The last thing he needed was to be bombarded with information. What a moment for a young man to make his debut.“The youngest player in the history of the club, at the Bernabeu, 80,000 fans, coming on for arguably one of the greatest players ever. A special debut, for sure.”Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final Nearly a decade on and Odegaard, now 26, is preparing to lead Arsenal out in a Champions League quarter-final against Ancelotti’s Real Madrid tomorrow.Memories will come flooding back. The Norwegian has said his headline-making £3.5million switch from Stromsgodset to Madrid in 2015 was the making of him — turning down the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool in the process.But he is the first to admit he struggled and there were those who believed it would break him.In his 2016 autobiography Quiet Leadership, Ancelotti described the move as a “PR exercise”.He wrote: “[Odegaard] could go on to be the best player in the world after I’m gone, but I’m not interested in the signing. He is being recruited for the future, for other managers after my time.”On top of that, Odegaard — who already had three senior caps for Norway — was walking into one of the most intimidating dressing rooms in world football with Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.Clement remembers the media frenzy that followed.Paul Clement with Carlo Ancelotti in 2014Credit: GettyHe explained: “Madrid is not an easy club to say ‘no’ to. You’re never sure when it’s going to come around again.“There are many players a lot of people will not even remember or know the names of because Madrid was too big for them and they didn’t make the grade. But Martin dealt with it very well.“I’m sure it was quite daunting. You never know what’s going on internally with somebody. He was quiet, humble but good to coach.“In training, he could hold his own with his technical quality. He was a sensation, wasn’t he? He had the dedication, too.“I would work alongside him. He was constantly practising his weaker foot, passing over different ranges, finishing . . .”Odegaard’s arrival not only ruffled Ancelotti’s feathers but also those of Zinedine Zidane, who was coaching Madrid’s Castilla reserve team and was forced to pick the young rookie despite him spending most of the week training with the first team. Cristiano asked, ‘Who’s going to come on for me?’ I told him and he said, ‘OK’. I told Martin to go and enjoy it. Paul ClementClement, who left Madrid in May 2015 following Ancelotti’s sacking, said: “We tried to find a balance but it was not an ideal situation. It was probably a bit weird for Martin.”By December 2020, Odegaard was 22 and had played just 489 minutes for Madrid in almost six years, having been on loan at Dutch sides Heerenveen and Vitesse, plus LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad, before a six-month stint at Arsenal from January 2021 that led to a permanent £30m switch that summer — two months after Ancelotti’s Madrid return.So, the question remains: was joining Madrid so young the right decision?Clement said: “I’d be interested to speak to him now, as a grown man, about how he was feeling inside. “I don’t think there was any doubt about the talent. It was just his physical maturity, understanding of the game.“When I look back, the best move for him would have been at a club like Ajax. He would have played regularly, really developed.“But the loan moves he took at that time in his career, he needed. He had to take a couple of steps back to go forward. He’s shown great resilience in doing that.Read More on The Sun“You look at what he is now — he’s an elite player at a great club. It worked out well for him.“I was thinking the other day whether Martin could play in Real Madrid’s current team? Yeah, for sure.”Martin Odegaard is now the Arsenal captainCredit: GettyAncelotti is now in his second spell in charge of Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Brentford 0 Chelsea 0: Wasteful Blues miss chance to solidify top four spot with Champions League hopes on a knife-edge

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      ENZO MARESCA gambled with Chelsea’s European ambitions – and may well live to regret it.The Blues arrived in west London with the chance to further cement their chances of playing Champions League football next term – their number one priority this term.Chelsea looked toothless as Cole Palmer was named on the bench against BrentfordCredit: PABrentford had the best chances of the game but were unable to make them countCredit: EPAIt left Chelsea’s Champions League hopes on a knife-edgeCredit: RexVictory at mid-table Brentford – the only Prem side without a home clean sheet this campaign and winless in their last seven home outings – would have put them four points clear of sixth-placed Aston Villa and within two of third-placed Nottingham Forest.So, it was anyone’s guess why Maresca decided to dance with the devil this weekend, dropping FIVE first-team starters. In this instance, the devil could have the last laugh.Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill and Pedro Neto were all forced to watch from the bench as Chelsea faltered at a time they simply cannot afford to, dismally dreary for large parts against the Bees and only slightly better once Maresca gave in and chucked on the players that should have started in the first place.Yes, Palmer and Jackson have only just come back from muscular injuries after starting the 1-0 mid-week over Tottenham, but surely the risk was worth taking?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis has the potential to be a definitive weekend for Chelsea, for all the wrong reasons, inviting the likes of Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle to take full advantage.Keane Lewis-Potter sauntered down the left early on and picked out Bryan Mbeumo at the far post, but his volley back across goal was out of reach for Yoane Wissa.Frank taunted Chelsea before kick-off, suggesting they were “under pressure”, and Brentford upped the ante further by aggressively pinning Maresca’s men back.Lewis-Potter was in the mood, pinging another beauty in behind for Kevin Schade to chase, cutting back for Wissa to fire into a collection of static defenders in Blue.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKChelsea’s attacking presence was non-existent. And when they did get into promising positions, Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke were alarmingly impressive at doing nothing with it.Nkunku in particular was being bullied with ease by Brentford’s giants of men at the back. Another wasted chance to turn Maresca’s head, possibly now one for the Chelsea chopping block come the summer.Former Chelsea star Demba Ba talks about his role as director of football of USL A lack of clear-cut chances at either end made for a drab atmosphere in the west London sunshine.But you can always count on Robert Sanchez to bring some entertainment wherever he goes, like a travelling circus’ comedy clown wearing gloves.First, a trademark pass straight to an opposition player from the Spaniard. He was at hand to clear up his mess, denying Mikkel Damsgaard after Wissa’s clever dinked pass.And then, under no pressure at all, a stationary Sanchez decided to let a ball slip through his hands and almost onto the boot of Mbeumo.Maresca was not enjoying his keeper’s flirtations with danger, nor was the Italian coach thrilled with a lacklustre performance that was gradually getting worse.Jadon Sancho made a rare burst forward only to look up and find no one had joined him. Reece James’ weak defending then allowed Mbeumo to cut in and drag one just wide.If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry. That was the view the away fans were clinging onto, sarcastically singing: ‘We’ve had a shot’ as Madueke fired straight at Mark Flekken.‘Boring, Boring Chelsea’ was the response from the home support as Sanchez palmed clear a Nathan Collins header.Maresca could and should have thrown on all of his game-changers at the break. Instead, he opted for just one to start with. Nkunku hauled off for Jackson.There was an instant impact. The Senegalese striker linked up well and then tested out his recently recovered hamstring with a lung-bursting to beat the Bees backline only to let Flekken off with a scuffed effort.Momentum, at last. Some more Chelsea positivity had Sepp Van Den Berg sweating as his dodgy cleared cross bounced off the chest of Flekken and out for a corner.Thirteen minutes into the second half, two more big-hitters entered the fray, immediately combining. Palmer to Jackson, Jackson to Neto and a shot from distance denied by an acrobatic Flekken dive.An encouraging introduction, but also a worrying reminder of just how much this Chelsea team rely on a few spectacular individuals.The Bees keeper was finally being kept busy, pulling out another aerial stop from a darting James header.An end-to-end contest was threatening to spark into life as Brentford brought about the game’s best chance in the 79th minute with a stunning counter attack from a Chelsea corner.It was embarrassingly simple for Mbeumo to bring down the ball, control it and then run around 50 yards up field before playing a neat one-two with Wissa.The resulting shot was full of fizz and power, met firmly by a strong Sanchez right hand.For all of Chelsea’s improvement, they could have gone behind another two times in the next two minutes, Van Den Berg heading into the ground and agonisingly over from a few yards out.Wissa’s flicked header seconds later was more forgivable, but still had Sanchez scrambling.Read More on The SunWith seconds remaining, Palmer curled wide and hurled himself to the floor in despair as the full-time whistle went.For Maresca’s sake, let’s hope this is not the beginning of a grisly end to Chelsea’s season. 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      Chelsea risk BAN from Europe after breaking Uefa’s strict financial rules despite internal £200m sale of women’s team

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      CHELSEA risk being banned from Europe after breaking Uefa’s financial rules, according to reports.The Blues recently sold their women’s team for a world-record £200million.Chelsea have made big losses over the last three yearsCredit: GettyDue to Chelsea Women being flogged to sister company Blueco 22 Midco Ltd, however, Uefa do not recognise the £200m from the sale as revenue.Uefa rules dictate that clubs within its jurisdiction cannot make a loss of more than £170m over three seasons.Deducting money raised through sales to their sister company, Chelsea’s losses over the last three years are set to total £358m – although cash spent on the women’s team, academy and infrastructure could yet be deducted from the total.According to The Times, Blues chiefs have entered talks with Uefa over reaching a settlement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe two parties could agree upon a “sustainability” plan in order to ensure that Chelsea comply with financial rules in future.Todd Boehly and Co are said to be “relaxed” regarding the situation, largely owing to their positive relationship with Uefa.Should the Blues break Uefa’s financial rules again in future, however, they would risk being banned from European competitions.While finding themselves in hot water with Uefa, Chelsea are fine when it comes to the Premier League’s financial rules.Most read in Champions LeagueUnlike Uefa, Prem clubs are allowed to declare sales to sister companies as income generated.Last summer the “loophole” was subject to a vote by Prem clubs, who opted against closing it.The football boot customiser who’s scoring BIG with the game’s biggest stars are | Football FixersChelsea last week announced £468.5m revenue for the financial year ending June 30, 2024.This was down from £512.5m the previous year, owing to their absence from Europe last season.The Blues went into this weekend fourth in the Premier League with eight games remaining.Enzo Maresca’s side are aiming to return to the Champions League following a two-year absence.The Blues are set to earn handsomely from their participation in the Club World Cup this summer.Uefa have confirmed that the winners of the competition stand to earn nearly £100m in prize money, while the Blues could earn as much as £68m for just winning their three group matches. More

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      Spurs can’t fall into the Ten Hag trap with Ange even if he somehow wins the Europa – he looks lonely, isolated and DONE

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      TOTTENHAM cannot afford to fall into the ‘Erik ten Hag trap’.Manchester United were all but certain of giving Ten Hag the elbow at the end of last season.Ange Postecoglou lost his rag after Tottenham lost 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday nightBut Tottenham cannot afford to fall into the ‘Erik ten Hag’ trapCredit: ReutersEveryone was aligned with the plan — he had to go.And then came the FA Cup final. United somehow managed to beat Manchester City and, for a brief moment, everything looked rosy.Sir Jim Ratcliffe mulled it over and over and eventually he decided on  an almighty U-turn that included giving Ten Hag yet another summer to spend money they didn’t have.And what happened? Nine games into the new season, with just three Premier League wins on the board, they realised they had been duped. It was the same Ten Hag as before. He finally got the chop and United have failed to recover since.Tottenham simply have to look at that situation and think: “Let’s not do that. Let’s not fall into that trap with Ange Postecoglou.”The Spurs boss looks done. No matter what happens, he is gone.And yet everyone is saying that Ange will save his job if he somehow turns things around and guides the club to the Europa League trophy come May.What difference will that make? It just prolongs the inevitable, just like United did with Ten Hag. And look how that ended up.In years gone by, winning a cup would be enough to keep a Spurs manager in the job. Not any more.James Maddison reveals awkward confrontation with Tottenham fans That’s how bad things have become.Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy cannot afford another calamity of a season after this one. But then who do they get next?Mauricio Pochettino seems to be flirting with the idea of a return but he surely won’t be available until after next summer’s World Cup. So what do they do until then?Postecoglou claimed the cupping of the ear to his own fans was because he wanted them to celebrate. Come on. That f***ing wound me up. Does he think we are stupid?Troy DeeneyI have watched Ange’s post-match Sky interview from the defeat at Chelsea about eight times now and my conclusion is that he went there with an agenda and stuck to it.He was expecting people to hammer him — he was expecting there to be nasty questions and the reaction was so unnecessary and odd.I don’t think the interviewer, Patrick Davison, did anything wrong.Postecoglou then claimed the cupping of the ear to his own fans was because he wanted them to celebrate.Spurs fans took to the streets chanting ‘we want Levy out’ in a protest against the club’s ownership in FebruaryCome on. That f***ing wound me up. Does he think we are stupid?Those are the actions of a man who is incredibly frustrated and under pressure.After all, he is human, and that whole club is so f***ing toxic. The whole place needs a revamp.But as a result, Ange has got into this weird, messy state of desperately trying to control the narrative in the most awkward, cringeworthy way possible.He looks like one lonely, isolated guy, especially at full-time at Stamford Bridge.Tottenham fans were angry after another dismal loss at Chelsea this weekThat being said, I am not surprised he did not go over to the away end to applaud them at the end. He got that right, at least.There’s no point stoking the fire even further to get even more abuse.What concerns me is that Ange looks to have no one to bounce ideas off or to seek reassurance from that he is saying the right things and making the right decisions.And why is he still sticking up for this group of players?For too long Spurs have brought in mediocre players who are not up to it to take them to the next level.For Spurs to change, they need to figure out what they are.Are they wanting to be top-four challengers? Are they wanting to simply compete for cups? Do they just want to be a nice, entertaining team  neutrals enjoy watching?At the moment, they aren’t anything — and that’s the biggest concern of the lot.CHELSEA RATINGS V SPURSCHELSEA hung on to clinch a controversial 1-0 win over bitter London rivals Spurs.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Maresca’s players.SANCHEZ – 7Much has been made of the goalkeeping situation at Chelsea this season, with both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen failing to live up to the standards the home supporters expect. It was the former selected today, and while far from the greatness of Petr Cech, in fairness to him he put in a good display. Question marks came up once more when his blushes were spared by VAR, having been beaten from range by Pape Matar Sarr, but he made up for that with a crucial (even if dramatic) save at the death to stop Spurs levelling the scoring. GUSTO – 6Malo Gusto’s inclusion in the starting XI would’ve taken a few fans by surprise, especially given the electric impact Reece James had on international duty for England. That said, he actually started the game very brightly with a huge block in his own box and a shot that had the fans next in ecstasy, only to realise the ball had hit the side netting and not gone in.  Despite doing enough at the back, he disappointed somewhat with his passing, and the Blues look more comfortable with Marc Cucurella inverting into midfield. CHALOBAH – 8With Wesley Fofana returning to the medical table, where he has admittedly spent most of his time this season, the January re-call of Trevoh Chalobah was needed once more. He’s been a very capable deputy for Big Wes, with a strong physical element to his game as well as a good passing range and ability. It was his long ball over the top that created havoc in the first 50 seconds of the match, leading to Van de Ven hitting his own post. COLWILL – 8A rock personified. Levi was utterly dominant at the back tonight, with a performance that showed just why he is so highly rated by Chelsea fans. Coming up against fellow Cobham academy product Dominic Solanke would’ve been no easy task, but he marshalled him brilliantly and was strong in the air and on the ground. CUCURELLA – 9With Chelsea’s Player of The Season voting being announced this week, Marc Cucurella has been a name on the lips of many this week after what has been his best career campaign. He was influential once more, this time more in the defensive phases, whereas it’s been his forward play that has earned him so many plaudits this season so far. Crucial tackles, winning the ball back high up the pitch, and an eye for a pass too, it was another good display from the Spaniard despite not stealing the headlines. CAICEDO – 9 Enzo Maresca had a look of horror on his face when his star midfielder went down in some real discomfort with his hamstring after a challenge on Djed Spence early on.And rightly so, as his importance to Chelsea this season cannot be underestimated, with the Ecuadorian sensational once again. Many would’ve taken the easy way out after picking up a knock, but not Moises, he battled until the very end, hobbling occasionally but stepping into challenges full of heart when his team needed him most. Had his wonderful half-volley into the bottom corner not been ruled out by VAR, he would’ve had a perfect 10. FERNANDEZ – 9Enzo Fernandez does not shy away from a big occasion, and boy did he step up when it mattered for Chelsea tonight. He perhaps should’ve opened the scoring in the first half when Cole Palmer squared the ball across the box, but he wasn’t able to get that vital touch to divert it into the net. The Argentine though, who shone for his national team against Brazil in the break, was on hand to make amends as he nodded a delightful Palmer delivery into the back of the net to make it 1-0 just after half-time. His passion and love in this side is unmatched which makes him a fan favourite here – and the home fans will feel their £200m midfield was worth every penny tonight. NETO – 6The return of Nicolas Jackson saw Neto back in his favoured position on the right wing tonight, rather than playing as a striker. Neither of Chelsea’s wingers were massively impactful, but the Portuguese star was probably the better of the two on the night, shown by him being switched to the left when Noni Madueke returned. Generally it was more of what we’ve seen from Neto so far this campaign, a lot of hard work and some flashes of good technical ability – but not the kind of end product Chelsea need at the moment. PALMER – 8His performance in the away leg of this fixture was the epitome of Cole Palmer at his ice-cold best, if you think back to his panenka penalty and Man of the Match display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But things have changed since then for Cole, with his poor form undeniable since the turn of the year. After battling through injury and illness, many saw this as a chance for Palmer to burst back into life and get his season back on track, which is exactly what he did. A supple second half cross landed on the head of Enzo Fernandez who finished with aplomb, giving him his first direct goal contribution in NINE games. He was a difference maker tonight, and can hopefully kick on for the rest of the season.SANCHO – 4Groans rung around Stamford Bridge when Jadon Sancho was on the ball for much of the first half, with fans frustrated at his lack of desire to just hammer a shot at goal like he did in the away leg to score. It just so happened that one of the Blues’ best chances of the first half fell to his right boot, and when he finally did have a go it was superbly denied by Vicario in the Spurs net. Jadon was replaced by the returning Noni Madueke midway into the second half to loud applause. He is going to to offer more in terms of chance creation and goal threat to convince the Blues to keep him come the summer window. JACKSON – 6Nicolas Jackson being back was a huge boost for Chelsea in this game, and cause for excitement for the home support, particularly given his excellent record in London derbies. A physical presence in the box is something the Blues have missed so much while playing Christopher Nkunku or Pedro Neto up front in his absence. That strength and desire almost paid dividends after just 50 seconds as Van de Ven struck the ball off of his shin and onto the post. Unfortunately that was about it for Nico today, he couldn’t get his comeback goal.SUBSNoni Madueke (Jadon Sancho, 67) – 6Chelsea fans were pleased to see Noni back from injury at last, and he will no doubt be a welcomed boost to the squad as we close in on the end of the season. He may have been more impactful had he been selected from the off by Maresca, with the winger needing to do a lot of defensive work as Chelsea looked to keep their 1-0 lead. His desire and work rate was much appreciated by the crowd. Reece James (Nicolas Jackson, 82) – 6A leader in this side, Reece was bought on at the right time to help his side see out the game. He didn’t have much opportunity at all to venture forward, but did everything asked of him. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Enzo Fernandez, 90+1) – 5Had 10 minutes to see the game out and help his side defend the lead, with his energy helping put some pressure on Spurs to move quickly. Tosin Adarabioyo (Cole Palmer, 90+1) – 5The ‘Uncle’ of the squad was bought on at the death to help marshal his team to victory, which he did. Provides composure and strength at the back for the Blues, and has been a valuable asset to his side this campaign.  More

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      Dean Huijsen warned dream Real Madrid transfer could turn into his worst nightmare with ‘pretty face’ not enough to play

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      DEAN HUIJSEN has been warned a dream move to Real Madrid could turn into his worst nightmare.The Bournemouth centre-back is high on the Santiago Bernabeu hitlist after an amazing debut season in England.Dean Huijsen was warned by former coach Juanito that a move to Real Madrid may turn into a nightmareCredit: RexHuijsen has taken the Premier League by storm with BournemouthCredit: RexThe Spanish giants are preparing to trigger the £50million release clause on a contract that runs to 2030.Yet the man who gave the Netherlands-born Spain defender his break believes joining Real would be a step backwards — because he would struggle to get a game.And the best big-picture decision would be for the 19-year-old to stick with the Cherries for now, as the queue of would-be suitors will only get bigger.Juan Gutierrez, 45, was on the coaching staff at Malaga when Huijsen arrived as a ten-year-old and was snapped up by Juventus — ironically ahead of Real — six years later in 2021.Read More on FootballGutierrez — known as Juanito — was blown away by the youngster’s leadership qualities then and has watched them grow every year since, even though he is still so young.But he thinks that would come to a grinding halt at the Bernabeu, as the European champions have always preferred tried-and-tested to potential.Juanito insisted: “Dean is going to be a leader no matter where he goes, so I hope whoever signs him they play him as a starter, and he’s not a project for the future. He is a player for now.”There are very few like that at his age, which is why I don’t know to what extent it would be a good option to sign for Real.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“No one can guarantee you’ll play because of your pretty face but if he leaves Bournemouth, it shouldn’t be to sit on the bench.“At Madrid, Eder Militao is 27 and Antonio Rudiger is in his second youth.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen forced to deny being stoned after ‘weird’ question“Those two are untouchable and a recovered David Alaba would also be ahead of him.“Carlo Ancelotti is an incredible manager but not a coach for young players — so Dean would be fourth-choice centre-back. That’s the reality.“Barcelona is the opposite. They’re not afraid to use players from the academy but at Real the problem is the mentality of the club. Dean has to go to a place with a vision for the future, with guarantees he’ll play.“But maybe staying at Bournemouth with Andoni Iraola for another year is the best option.”It has been so far for Huijsen, who was capped by Spain in the recent Nations League break and is due to be in the Bournemouth side heading to West Ham on Saturday.Ramos and Van Dijk comparisonsJuanito is convinced those caps are the first of many for a player some liken to Sergio Ramos — but who he reckons could be as influential as Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.He added: “Maybe mentally, I can see little things similar to Ramos but on the pitch there is no comparison. Dean is more disciplined and, certainly at this age, more confident.“From the start he was a marvel. He’d listen to what you told him and absorb it incredibly well. He would recognise a mistake and the next day would improve.“Dean just doesn’t feel any pressure and has unlimited self-confidence.Read More on The Sun“If injuries are not a problem then, whoever signs him, he’ll be a cheap buy because he will be a dominant defender in world soccer for many years to come.“Wherever he goes, I could see him having the same impact Van Dijk has had on Liverpool’s history in recent seasons. The only team he’s not going to change is Real Madrid.” More

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      Real Madrid stars Mbappe and Rudiger handed one-match Uefa ban – but penalty will NOT be enforced for Arsenal clash

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      REAL MADRID stars Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger have been cleared to face Arsenal in next week’s Champions League quarter-final – after escaping with SUSPENDED bans.Uefa launched an investigation last week after Atletico Madrid accused the duo and team-mates Vinicius Jr and Dani Ceballos of “indecent conduct” following their shoot-out win in the last 16 tie at the Metropolitano.Kylian Mbappe grabbed his nether regions as Real Madrid celebrated in front of Atletico fansAntonio Rudiger also performed a slit-throat gesture during the celebrationsCredit: GETTYUefa have handed Mbappe and Rudiger suspended one-match bansCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea defender Rudiger, who scored the decisive penalty,  was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to home supporters. French ace Mbappe, who had earlier missed a spot-kick in normal time but converted in the shoot-out, was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Vinicius – long targeted by rival fans and who has been a regular victim of racist abuse – was involved in two separate confrontations with Atletico supporters before and after the shoot-out, while Ceballos aimed a one-armed gesture with a clenched fist at home fans.That raised the prospect of the quartet all being suspended for the first leg of the tie with the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.A probe saw a Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector decide there was no case to answer for Vinicius Jr while the other three were accused of “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.But now Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has backed off serious action despite finding the three players guilty.Rudiger was handed a one-match ban, suspended for 12 months, and fined £34,000, with Mbappe given the same suspended punishment and fined around £25,000, with Caballos facing no ban and ordered to pay £17,000.A Uefa statement read: “Following the investigation of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, disciplinary proceedings were opened against the following Real Madrid CF players, Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez for potentially violating the basic rules of decent conduct (Art. 11(2)(b) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations).Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhat happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.”No disciplinary proceedings were opened against Real Madrid CF player, Vinícius Júnior.”The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions.”Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clash”The CEDB has decided to fine Real Madrid CF player, Antonio Rudiger, €40,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. “Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”To fine Real Madrid CF player, Kylian Mbappe, €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. “Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”To fine Real Madrid CF player, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez, €20,000 for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”Mbappe and Rudiger’s suspended sentences are bad news for Arsenal fans.The Emirates faithful were clinging onto the hope the duo would be banned for Tuesday’s match at the Emirates due to the team’s defensive crisis.Read More on The SunThe north Londoners are in defensive chaos following Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending hamstring injury against Fulham this week. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed Tuesday’s visit of the Cottagers and are major doubts for next week’s clash with Los Blancos.Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending hamstring injury has thrown the Gunners into defensive chaosCredit: REUTERS More

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      World Cup 2030 stadium that will rival Bernabeu and Nou Camp looks unrecognisable during major refurbishment

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      A FLAGSHIP World Cup 2030 venue is poised to complete an incredible transformation.Barcelona and Real Madrid will open the new-look La Cartuja Stadium on April 26.La Cartuja stadium has had its famous athletics track removedRenovation is now in its final stages ahead of an April 26 re-openingThe capacity of the venue in Seville will swell by more than 15,000 seats to 72kThe site in Seville was built for the 1999 World Athletics Championships.But there will be few signs of its famous track and field pedigree once the revamp is finished.The athletics track has been ditched – as just one of several major changes.The stand-out development is an increase in capacity by more than 15,000 to 72k.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd a new ring of stands has been installed to underline the dramatic re-think.Spain’s sporting chiefs reckon it will be their third main venue at the World Cup in five years’ time, behind only the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.La Cartuja was also a key part of Seville’s bid to host the summer Olympics in 2004 and 2008.The area in southern Spain is often called “Europe’s hottest city”.Most read in FootballUS sprinter Michael Johnson set a staggering world 400m record at the venue in 1999 and returned here in 2019 for the anniversaryCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut although athletics has warmed to the venue, La Cartuja’s stature was not enough to win the Games for Seville.However, it did host a thrilling 2003 Uefa Cup final, in which Porto beat Celtic 3-2 – when a little-known and now-abandoned rule came into play.Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clashEntering extra time at 2-2, the Scottish giants then had notorious hardman Bobo Balde sent off.It gave Porto hope of triumphing with a “silver goal” – whereby the team leading after the first additional 15 minutes takes the trophy.But the Portuguese club failed to net in that quarter of an hour.Instead Porto went on to win 3-2, thanks to Derlei hitting his second goal of the night shortly before the end of the second added period.Seville boasts two LaLiga clubs in Sevilla and Real Betis, but both use their own grounds.Nonetheless, La Cartuja is Spain’s fifth largest sports stadium and the national team occasionally play there.And when Betis were banned from their Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium in 2007, they switched to the bigger venue for a game against Villarreal.Not only that, Betis will temporarily use the ground again while their own Benito Villamarín stadium is redeveloped later this year.La Cartuja has hosted two Davis Cup finals in tennis, four Copa del Rey finals from 2020 to 2023 and was used at Euro 2020.And it was there that athletics saw one of the great world records of modern time.Read More on The SunAmerican legend Michael Johnson clocked 43.18 seconds for the 400m in 1999, a time unsurpassed until South African Wayde van Niekerk ran 43.03 in Rio 17 years later. But the finest hour for La Cartuja is scheduled to arrive a decade after that – when the World Cup comes to Spain for only the second time ever.A new ring of stands has been added to the 26-year-old groundThe stadium is on the the island of La Cartuja More