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      Javier Dorado dead at 48: Former Real Madrid star dies after long illness as club pays touching tribute

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      FORMER Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48 after a brave battle with cancer.The Spaniard was part of the Los Blancos academy system in 1996 before getting a promotion under Vicente del Bosque.Former Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48Tributes have flooded in to honour and remember Dorado, who made his Madrid debut in 1999 against Valencia in the Copa del Rey.He won the Champions League a season later with Liverpool legend Steve McManaman, who scored an incredible volley in Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Valencia.Dorado was part of the squad that beat Manchester United over two legs in the quarter-finals of that winning 2000 campaign. But, in his second campaign, Dorado made only seven appearances due to a fierce competition with Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe left-back was loaned out to UD Salamanca and Sporting Gijon, before leaving joining Rayo Vallecano on a permanent basis.He continued his career with other Spanish sides, such as Mallorca and Atletico Baleares, where he retired in 2012 at the age of 35.Dorado had been battling cancer since 2022, according to Spanish outlet Marca.The former defender told El Comercio a few months ago: “I’ve been here for a while now.Most read in FootballDorado won the Champions League with Madrid in 2000″And I hope that this time this nightmare will end, that we can go out and be at peace. “I’ve been fighting for years and the tough treatments take their toll , especially when they end because they leave me a little more tired and a little more affected, but I try to lead a normal life.”A club statement on Thursday read: ‘Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Javier Dorado.”We would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his team-mates, all his loved ones and all the clubs he was a part of.”During the two seasons he played for Real Madrid, Javier Dorado won one European Cup, the Eighth in Paris (2000).”Born in Talavera de la Reina, Dorado also featured in four matches for Spain’s Under 21s between 1998 and 2000.He made eight appearances for Madrid’s first team, while most of his career games came in the Spanish second division.A fan honoured his memory saying: “What a great player. May you rest in peace.” More

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      Jurgen Klopp’s former club’s fans turn on him as Liverpool legend is portrayed in offensive carnival float

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      FANS of Bundesliga club Mainz have turned on ex-manager Jurgen Klopp in the wake of his move to Red Bull.Klopp was appointed the Global Head of Football at Red Bull in October, just months after ending his nine-year stay at Liverpool.Jurgen Klopp started his new job with Red Bull last monthCredit: GettyMainz fans have protested his move with a huge carnival floatCredit: ReutersHaving officially started his new job on New Year’s Day, he is now tasked with advising the group’s teams – including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.The 57-year-old is responsible for guiding philosophy and the development of young players.He is also in a position of power when it comes to managerial appointments and transfers.Klopp’s move to Red Bull sparked criticism from the German media and fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe group’s approach to football hugely differs from other clubs across Germany.Red Bull clubs have been accused of financial doping, rather than acting as fan-led organisations.Many Bundesliga fans have now turned against Klopp – including the supporters of his former club, Mainz.Fans of Mainz have made the ex-player and manager the subject of a controversial float at the Rose Monday carnival parade.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe float shows Klopp with wings made of bank notes, holding a can of Red Bull energy drink in one hand and a football in the other.He is also wearing a baseball cap with a euro symbol on.Liverpool have put Jurgen Klopp’s sprawling £4million home for sale – after Anfield successor Arne Slot turned it down.And written across the side is: “For Kloppo values ​​​​he no longer cares about, used to matter. Because Red Bull lures with a lot of money, he is now falling off his pedestal with a crash.”Mainz supporters previously spoke out against Klopp back in October, shortly after his new job was announced.A huge banner was brandished during a match following the reveal.It read: “Have you forgotten everything we made you become?” More

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      ‘Make it great again’ – Stunning influencer and Donald Trump fan Kinga Strogoff looking to buy football club

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      WEALTHY Donald Trump fan and influencer Kinga Strogoff has vowed to make Polish football club Lechia Gdansk “great again”.Lechia, currently facing financial difficulties and positioned 17th in the Polish top flight, has attracted the attention of an investment group led by US influencer Strogoff, who has Polish roots.Kinga Strogoff is keen on buying a football clubCredit: Instagram @kingasteelKinga poses with Donald TrumpCredit: Instagram @kingasteelThe influencer has a strong online followingCredit: Instagram @kingasteelStrogoff, CEO of Second Street Iron & Metal Co., Inc., and a global ambassador for AMP FIT and GLOW Beverages, is known for her connections with prominent figures, including US President Donald Trump.Strogoff told local media that Lechia Gdansk has the potential to become the third-largest team in Poland in terms of revenue and fan base.She said: “For me, there is nothing more important than building a lasting legacy, and Lechia Gdansk fits that vision very well.”Strogoff went on to add: “Poland is currently one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, and the imminent spectre of Lechia Gdansk’s collapse really breaks my heart.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe also addressed concerns regarding the current ownership, revealing that she had previously attempted to open negotiations with club owner Paolo Urfer.Kinga added: “We contacted Paolo Urfer in October 2024 with an offer of investment. We didn’t get any response then.”We contacted him again through a representative in December. At that time, Paolo was willing to talk to me. He thought I was someone worth talking to.”We later found out that he had changed his mind and didn’t intend to sell before the summer.Most read in FootballKinga wants to enter Polish footballCredit: Instagram @kingasteelShe has identified Lechia Gdansk as her club of choiceCredit: Instagram @kingasteelLechia play at the 41,620-capacity Gdansk StadiumCredit: Getty”I have no idea what his current position is now, but it seems that there is no plan to sell at the moment.”Despite the uncertainty surrounding a potential deal, Strogoff said she remains committed to her vision, adding that her plan involves long-term investment and strategic management rather than short-term financial gains.Identity of mystery girl seen out with Jack Grealish is revealed after family man footballer said ‘she’s not with me’Lechia Gdansk was founded on 7th August 1945 as BOP Baltia Gdansk, originally established for workers rebuilding Polish seaports after World War II.Financial difficulties in the 1990s led to unsuccessful mergers and a collapse that forced the club to restart from the sixth tier in 2001.However, Lechia made a remarkable comeback, achieving successive promotions and returning to the second division by 2005.They re-established themselves in the top tier, winning the Polish Cup and Super Cup in 2019.Despite ongoing financial struggles, the club remains a significant force in Polish football, with a passionate fanbase and a history of resilience.Kinga believes that she can make Lechia Gdansk ‘great again’Credit: Instagram @kingasteelThe stunning star has expressed concerns over Lechia’s current ownershipCredit: Instagram @kingasteel More

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      New footage emerges of Alejandro Garnacho that ‘explains why Man Utd star marched down tunnel’ after being hauled off

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      NEW FOOTAGE has emerged to seemingly explain why Alejandro Garnacho marched down the tunnel after being subbed off.The Argentine winger was hooked by Ruben Amorim after Patrick Dorgu was sent off near the end of the first half against Ipswich Town.Alejandro Garnacho was subbed off against Ipswich TownCredit: GettyHe gestured to the bench as he walked down the touchlineCredit: strettyend via StoryfulThe decision to take him off was booed by the supporters in the groundCredit: strettyend via StoryfulGarnacho was replaced after Patrick Dorgu was red cardedCredit: GettyAmorim opted to instantly replace Garnacho with Noussair Mazraoui to solidify the defensive side of the team.The decision was booed by the home crowd at Old Trafford and called “garbage” on social media.Garnacho, 20, also appeared to be unhappy with being the sacrificial lamb as he marched down the tunnel.This was despite the possibility of him waiting for the half time whistle which was just moments away.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, a video has emerged on social media which fans believe reveals why the Man United ace left.Garnacho can be seen gesturing with his hands as he walked down the touchline.Supporters believe he is signalling to the club staff that he was going to change his shirt due to the heavy rain.One posted: “Alejandro Garnacho signalled he was changing his shirt before heading straight down the tunnel.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second commented: “It was a wet shirt.”A third wrote: “I don’t get why he didn’t just get a jacket and wait til half time lol. But cool.”Ruben Amorim brings up Marcus Rashford as he vows to talk to Garnacho after Man Utd star stormed down tunnelGarnacho posted this picture after he was subbed offCredit: GettyHe then shared this more postive post on his InstagramCredit: Instagram @garnacho7A fourth said: “Too much noise on the timeline about a nothing moment.”Another added: “Well that’s fair enough then.”Some fans are not completely sold by the explanation as Garnacho also posted a cryptic image on his Instagram,The attacker posted a picture of himself looking disgruntled after the match.He has since taken to social media again and shared a more positive image of the team celebrating.The Tractor Boys stole the lead at Old Trafford after just four minutes after a huge error from Andre Onana and Dorgu.Amorim’s side levelled through an own-goal from Sam Morsy before Matthijs de Ligt put the hosts ahead.Jaden Philogene then netted his second of the game to eqauliser for the relegation-threatened side.Harry Maguire scored the eventual winning goal two minutes into the second half.Much like the majority of the squad, Garnacho has endured a mixed season at Old Trafford.In the Premier League he has only scored three times in 26 appearances.Club legend Roy Keane has weighed in on Garnahco’s recent performances and claimed he is only good enough to be a sub.The Irishman suggest that the tricky winger can not be “trusted” and he is more suited to making an impact off the bench.Rio Ferdinand, however, insisted Garnacho shows “b******s” compared to many of his team-mates.Amorim was quizzed about Garnacho’s attitude in his post-match press conference.He said: “You are making a connection with Rashford, right? I know, I know.”What I’m saying is I’m going to talk obviously with Garnacho about that [going down the tunnel].”So I will talk about that if you want in the next press conference.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, footage from the game has turned fans on Rasmus Hojlund.The struggling striker dummied a pass only for the ball to run to no-one.Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Maguire saves the day after Onana makes case to be WORST ever signingMANCHESTER UNITED eased their fears of the drop in a topsy-turvy relegation six-pointer with Ipswich.The Red Devils triumphed 3-2 despite playing the second half with ten men.A major cock-up from Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana saw Ipswich take a third-minute lead through Jaden Philogene.Then, after United had recovered to lead 2-1, Dorgu saw a straight red card for a poor challenge on Omari Hutchinson.Philogene scored again to level it before the break only for Harry Maguire to nod in to be United’s saviour.But who was United’s best player on the night?Here, SunSport’s Phil Thomas reveals his Manchester United player ratings… More

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      Man City announce £12.5m ‘new Messi’ arrival 24 days AFTER transfer window closed following £182m spending spree

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      MANCHESTER CITY have announced the signing of wonderkid Claudio Echeverri.The 19-year-old joined the club from River Plate last January in a £12.5million deal but remained on loan in his homeland of Argentina until last month.Claudio Echeverri has joined up with the City squad after his spell at River Plate endedCredit: AFPEcheverri, who has been dubbed as the “new Lionel Messi”, has now finally been unveiled after arriving in Manchester to join up with the City squad for the rest of the season.The attacking midfielder is eligible to make his debut in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Plymouth on Saturday.Echeverri revealed he spoke to former City stars and compatriots Sergio Aguero and Martin Demichelis ahead of his move to England.He said: “They told me it was a great club with amazing players and a beautiful history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I knew about it [the relationship between Argentina and City]. Aguero, in particular, stands out.”He’s a legend here at City because of everything he achieved and the incredible player he was.”I used to watch him play and, honestly, it’s an amazing feeling to be here.”City chief Txiki Begiristain added: “Claudio is one of the finest talents to emerge from South America in recent years.  Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“We knew as soon as we watched him play we wanted him to become a Manchester City player.  “All the natural elements are there – his touch, technique, eye for goal and dribbling ability. Our job now is to take those attributes and shape Claudio into a world-class player.”Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss Echeverri captained and scored six goals for Argentina at the Under-20 South American Championship after finding the back of the net four times for River Plate last season.He is the latest youngster through the door at the Etihad following a £182m splurge in January to freshen Pep Guardiola’s squad.City spent a reported £60m on Omar Marmoush, £50m on Nico Gonzalez, £33m on Abdukodir Khusanon and £30m on Vitor Reis. More

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      Former Man Utd chief Ed Woodward lined up for new job on board of company that owns stake in Premier League club

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      FORMER Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has been approached about joining a company with links to the Premier League.Woodward left Old Trafford in 2022 following a nine-year stint with the Red Devils.Ed Woodward has been approached for a job with Eagle Football HoldingsCredit: ReutersHe returned to football last year by joining the Board of Trustees for Bloomsbury Football Foundation, a charity that works with young people from diverse backgrounds.But now he could be in line for a huge new job with a company that part-owns a Premier League club.According to Sky News, Woodward has been approached about joining Eagle Football Holdings as an independent director.The company, which is controlled by American businessman John Textor, is currently preparing to list in the US.Read More in FootballIt is is expected to file confidentially with US regulators for an initial public offering in the next fortnight.Eagle Football currently owns a 45 per cent stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace.The company has been attempting to sell the stake for months but could now decide to retain it given Palace’s impressive form in the top flight.It also owns part of Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyonnais.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWoodward joined Man Utd back in 2005 after playing a key role in the Glazer family’s takeover.And he took on the role as executive vice-chairman when David Gill stepped down as CEO in 2013.In that time, he trebled the value of the Red Devils.Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts More

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      Premier League legend in line to join Match of the Day after starring as BBC pundit

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE legend is reportedly in line for a job at Match of the Day.The BBC football highlights show is undergoing major changes, with Gary Lineker leaving at the end of the season.Gary Lineker is leaving the iconic show at the end of the seasonCredit: PAKelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will be the new hosts of MOTDCredit: PAWayne Rooney could land a job on Match of the DayCredit: RexRooney appeared on Amazon Prime earlier this yearCredit: ReutersThe former Barcelona and Everton striker is stepping down as the host of the show after 26 years.He is being replaced by fan-favourite presenters Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.There could also be another addition to the pundits that appear on the show with Wayne Rooney said to in line for a role.Heat World has claimed that there is “talk” of the Manchester United legend joining the iconic programme.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is also suggested that because the show is filmed in the Dock10 studios at MediaCityUK in Salford it would be easy for the retired striker to get to.It means that Rooney would not have to “travel too far” to get to the job.He has already made his BBC debut as he worked with the broadcaster during Euro 2024.Rooney also impressed as a pundit during his recent appearance for Amazon Prime.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe appeared in the coverage of the Champions League clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.Rooney was in good spirits as it took just THREE seconds for him to make a dig at his former rivals.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showRooney worked on the BBC for Euro 2024Credit: BBCHe was sacked by Plymouth in DecemberCredit: PAHe also joked about himself with the rain potentially ruining his hair.The Premier League icon has been out of full-time work since December.Plymouth Argyle axed Rooney after he won just five of his 25 games at the club.The report has also suggested that he could be returning to football management in the EFL.It claims that he could become the new manager at League Two outfit Salford City if Karl Robinson is sacked.The Ammies are currently seven points adrift of the play-off places.It is thought that the club could make a change in the dugout if they fail to be promoted to League One.Rooney would be working with some familiar faces if he was hired at Salford City.Man United’s legendary Class of 92 Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt first took over Salford FC in 2014.David Beckham became a shareholder of the club in 2019.Rooney has also admitted that he would even be interested in working as an assistant manager.During an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, he said: “I’d have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level.”He has been keeping his coaching up as he recently worked for Football Escapes at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.Rooney’s managerial careerHere is a look at Wayne Rooney’s career in the dugout so far.Derby County, Nov 2020 to Jun 2022Games – 84Wins – 25Draws – 21Losses – 38DC United, Jul 2022 to Oct 2023Games – 53Wins – 14Draws – 13Losses – 26Birmingham City, Oct 2023 to Jan2024Games – 15Wins – 2Draws – 4Losses – 9Plymouth Argyle, May 2024 to Dec 2024Games – 25Wins – 5Draws – 6Losses – 14Average points per game – 1.03 More

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      ‘This has finally turned me against Hojlund’ – Man Utd fans in shock after embarrassing footage of striker emerges

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are growing frustrated with striker Rasmus Hojlund after his poor attacking display against Ipswich.Hojlund was up to his usual misfiring mishaps as United edged a dramatic 3-2 win over the relegation threatened Tractor Boys.Leny Yoro whacked out a Cruyff turn and passed straight into Rasmus Hojlund against IpswichBut Hojlund chose to dummy the ball with no one behind himIspwich defender Deif Davis instead collected the cross before Noussair Mazraoui came running in for a chanceHojlund blanked again this week as United sit 14th in the PremUnited trailed inside four minutes after Sunday league defending from Patrick Dorgu and horror goalkeeping from Andre Onana saw Jaden Philogene score the easiest goal of his career.Sam Morsy’s own-goal and Matthijs de Ligt’s tap-in saw United turn things around by the 26th minute, before Dorgu’s straight red for a potential leg breaker on Omari Hutchinson. Philogene’s cross went under Onana, before Harry Maguire’s header rescued 10-man United, while Bruno Fernandes assisted the goals at Old Trafford.But concerns were raised about Hojlund following a viral video of the Dane’s bizarre decision inside the box.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSTeenage defender Leny Yoro produced a stunning Cruyff turn in the 61st minute, with United already 3-2 up.Yoro turned Hutchinson inside out before passing straight into Hojlund’s path, with the striker just six yards from Alex Palmer’s goal.But Hojlund failed to act like a proper No 9 and dummied the ball -with no team-mate behind him – when had acres of space.Yoro’s cross instead was briefly collected by Ipswich defender Leif Davis, before Noussair Mazraoui nicked the ball to send a shot just wide.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd to make matters worse, Yoro’s ball travelled in the direct path of Hojlund’s preferred left-foot.The French centre-back could be seen holding his hands up in frustration before returning to his usual position. ‘Bring back bullying’ – United fan seen watching Mark Goldbridge at Old TraffordAnd the bizarre sequence has been slated by the Old Trafford faithful. One wrote: “It’s this that finally turned me against Hojlund… he’s hopeless.”While another said: “WHAT WAS HOJLUND THINKING HERE! 😡”A third added: “Why would you let that run past. Zero goalscoring instinct.”One more wrote: “How in the first place is that ball getting past Hojlund. This guy just keeps getting worse by the day.”After United’s 2-2 draw with Everton last week, fans called for Ruben Amorim to give 17-year-old Chido Obi a run out instead.Hojlund – signed for £72 from Atalanta in 2023 – has managed just TWO Premier League goals in 22 games this season with zero assists.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans voiced their frustrations and booed Amorim’s decision to sacrifice Alejandro Garnacho after Dorgu’s red card.Garnacho himself stormed down the tunnel and posted a cryptic Instagram story at full-time.Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Maguire saves the day after Onana makes case to be WORST ever signingMANCHESTER UNITED eased their fears of the drop in a topsy-turvy relegation six-pointer with Ipswich.The Red Devils triumphed 3-2 despite playing the second half with ten men.A major cock-up from Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana saw Ipswich take a third-minute lead through Jaden Philogene.Then, after United had recovered to lead 2-1, Dorgu saw a straight red card for a poor challenge on Omari Hutchinson.Philogene scored again to level it before the break only for Harry Maguire to nod in to be United’s saviour.But who was United’s best player on the night?Here, SunSport’s Phil Thomas reveals his Manchester United player ratings… More