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      Major European football league set to be renamed after McDonald’s as fans cry ‘we can’t take this seriously’

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      FRANCE’S top flight is set to be renamed Ligue 1 McDonald’s after the fast-food giants reportedly agreed a £17million-a-year deal.The league has been known as Ligue 1 Uber Eats since the food delivery service secured its first title sponsorship ahead of the 2020-21 season.Luis Enrique speaks into a microphone emblazoned with the Ligue 1 Uber Eats logoCredit: GettyThe league is set to be renamed Ligue 1 McDonald’sCredit: GettyUber Eats were believed to initially pay £12.8m a season, before renewing to the end of the 2023-24 campaign for £14.5m per campaign.According to French outlet RMC Sport, McDonald’s will take over after agreeing Ligue 1’s largest naming sponsorship deal to date at £17m a year.Ligue 1’s introduction of a naming partner in 2020 came amid the Covid-19 pandemic and a saga surrounding their TV rights deal.Unlike the Premier League, French football’s 2019-20 season never resumed following its suspension in March 2020.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn 2018, Mediapro agreed to shell out a record €814m (£700m) per season to broadcast Ligue 1 matches.When the Spanish company subsequently started missing payments after falling into financial difficulties, Ligue 1 terminated the contract and resold the rights.Prior to Ligue 1’s reduction from 20 teams to 18 this season, Canal+ broadcast two of the 10 matches each weekend, with Amazon stepping in to pay €259m (£220m) for the remaining eight.This saw the league have to sell their TV rights at a huge discount to the initial Mediapro deal.Most read in FootballEarlier this season Ligue 1 bosses cancelled an auction for the next rights package due to not receiving the offers that they were hoping for.In January RMC Sport claimed that Dazn had emerged as main contenders to land the 2024-2029 rights package, with the streaming service reportedly set to up their bid.Everything you need to know about Kylian MbappeThe TV deal saga has led to Ligue 1 placing further emphasis on maximising other revenue streams, ultimately leading to the naming deal with McDonald’s.Mocking the McDonald’s partnership, one fan wrote on social media: “We can’t take this seriously.”While a second moaned: “They went for an even worse name.”A third commented: “McDonald’s league is genuinely insane.”And another added: “Messi played in the McDonald’s league.”McDonald’s have reportedly agreed a deal with Ligue 1Credit: Getty More

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      ‘Just shut up!’, rants ex-Chelsea legend as he reveals why Cristiano Ronaldo ‘annoys’ him

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been told to “shut up” by Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf.The Portuguese, 39, ruffled feathers with his recent comments about Ligue 1.Cristiano Ronaldo made a staggering claim about Ligue 1Credit: GettyChelsea icon Frank Leboeuf was unimpressed by Ronaldo’s commentsCredit: GettyBack in January, the former Manchester United star made the staggering claim that the Saudi Pro League is better than the French top flight.Frenchman Leboeuf, 56, was not impressed by Ronaldo’s claim at all – and believes there was one reason alone that the Al-Nassr striker chose which division to target.He told BetVictor: “It annoys me when I hear Cristiano Ronaldo saying that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1.”Why do you think he chose to make that comment about Ligue 1 rather than the Portuguese League?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s because Lionel Messi played in Ligue 1. I have lots of respect for him as a player but come on, just shut up! It is unfair to Ligue 1.”Ronaldo had said: “Saudi League is not worse than Ligue 1.”Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, I can say that after one year spent there. We are better than the French league already now.”Leboeuf then claimed that Portugal can win the Euros this summer… but not if Ronaldo is involved.Most read in FootballHe continued: “For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer’s European Championships.”I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play.Georgina Rodriguez drops massive Cristiano Ronaldo retirement bombshell at Paris Fashion Week after crazy tribute dress“You cannot take away anything that Ronaldo has done for football just because he has gone to retire in the Saudi League.”I want to thank him for taking the sport to another level, but there is an end for everyone.”He has every right to play in Saudi Arabia, although I’m not sure he needed even more money!”Leboeuf, who became an actor after hanging up his boots, then had kind words for both Messi and Ronaldo.He added: “I have no problem with players coming to the end of their careers going to play in lesser leagues to earn more money, the same has happened with Lionel Messi.”Both of them were fantastic players but they have chosen not to play at the top level anymore and we have to respect that.”You can never take away what they have done for football.”The competition between those two actually made the entire sport better. It made it more attractive.”Thank you Ronaldo, thank you Messi, enjoy your retirement!”READ MORE SUN STORIESRonaldo has scored 42 goals and laid on a further 13 assists in 48 appearances for Al-Nassr since leaving European football behind.Messi, meanwhile, has 14 goals and six assists in 17 games for MLS side Inter Miami.Leboeuf, 56, also commented on Inter Miami star Lionel MessiCredit: AFP More

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      Kylian Mbappe watches PSG clash with his mum after being subbed at HALF TIME as boss confirms ‘we will play without him’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE was subbed off at half-time during Paris Saint-Germain’s 0-0 draw at Monaco.And he ended up watching the rest of the game in the stands alongside his mum.Kylian Mbappe watched PSG’s 0-0 draw at Monaco in the stands with his mumMbappe was subbed off at half-time before Luis Enrique made a shock admissionKylian Mbappe was subbed off at half-time and this was him minutes later…On the phone to Florentino Perez…? 👀 pic.twitter.com/cAURkfgGd9— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2024

      Mbappe, 25, had a dire time in attack as PSG failed to get the better of their rivals on Friday.Luis Enrique’s men dominated the ball but could only muster seven shots on target.And Mbappe felt his manager’s wrath as he was hauled off at the break.The France star is reportedly leaving PSG when his deal expires this summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt’s reckoned he’s already agreed a free transfer to Real Madrid.And after being taken off, Mbappe did not return to sit on PSG’s bench.Instead, he was seen next to his mother Fayza in the Monaco stands.And he watched the remainder of the match there, leaving fans stunned.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMbappe was also seen winking at the camera as he walked through the tunnel later on while engaged on his mobile phone.One fan said: “He doesn’t care.”PSG take training to the next level with ROBOT WALL as fans joke ‘all this to convince Mbappe to stay’Another declared: “Bro already thinking of winning the UCL with Real next season.”One noted: “Wow, not even on the bench.”Another added: “Mbappe and PSG both need a new direction.”Mbappe joined PSG from Monaco for £150million in 2018, having spent the previous season on loan in the French capital.He’s since scored 244 goals in 292 games while winning five Ligue 1 titles.Explaining the decision to take Mbappe off, PSG boss Enrique said: “I have been in football for quite a long time, you must know that everything is important in this kind of club.“Sooner or later we will play without Mbappé, we have to get used to that”. More

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      Kylian Mbappe to LEAVE PSG this summer for nothing with huge transfer scramble to begin for free agent

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE will become a free agent this summer after deciding to quit Paris Saint-Germain.Mbappe, 25, has been with the Ligue 1 champions since 2017.
      Kylian Mbappe will leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires this summerCredit: Getty
      He came close to leaving for Real Madrid two years ago before penning a new deal.
      But that contract extension comes to an end this summer.
      And the Athletic claims Mbappe, who has won five titles with PSG, has decided against another renewal.
      It means he will be available to snap up on a free transfer come July.
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      Mbappe is reportedly “leaning towards” joining Real on the second time of asking.
      But his representatives have been left “unconvinced” by their offer.

      And that is set to spark a major transfer scramble for Mbappe’s services across Europe.
      Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with the striker, who has 240 goals in 293 outings.
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      Other clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Man City are also set to be keep a close eye on the situation.
      But Mbappe’s wages could be the major sticking point for most of his suitors.
      Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five

      It’s believed he currently earns almost £900,000-a-week in the French capital.
      And Mbappe may have to take a 50 per cent cut to secure a move elsewhere.
      Despite not needing to pay a transfer fee to PSG, clubs will also be expected to cough up an enormous signing-on bonus for Mbappe.
      Transfer expert Andy Brassell told talkSPORT this month: “Of course the fact is Mbappe will be leaving about €80million (£68.5m) on the table as well in terms of loyalty bonus.
      “That is how he got himself back in the team at PSG in autumn by agreeing to that.
      “A free transfer as a free transfer is not free. There’s always a huge signing-on fee.
      “So he would be getting an estimated €150m (£128.5m) signing-on fee from Real Madrid.
      “Very unusually for Real Madrid, they would be letting him keep the majority of his image rights.
      “Which obviously could run into not even the tens of millions but the hundreds of millions.”
      On Mbappe’s wages, he added: “We have said all along that this move wasn’t about money.
      “Now, bear in mind, that he’s been earning under his contract at PSG for the last coming up to two years €72m (61.5m) per year before tax.
      “So that is about €56m (£48m) net with the French tax laws as they are.

      “It looks like he is going to earn €35m (£30m) a year at Real Madrid. So we are talking about him taking a 50 per cent pay cut.
      “Now he was always going to choose PSG if it was about the money but we always said it was not down to the money.” More

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      Kylian Mbappe in limbo with PSG ‘having doubts over Real Madrid transfer despite being set to be top-paid player’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE’S move to Real Madrid is uncertain after Paris-Saint Germain star is having doubts over the club’s offer, a report claims.The French striker has been heavily linked to a move away from Parc des Princes and the Bernabeu is lined up as the top destination.
      Paris-Saint Germain remain doubtful over Real Madrid’s offer for Kylian MbappeCredit: Rex
      Reports have recently suggested Mbappe, 25, has agreed a deal with Real Madrid for next season.
      However, PSG are doing everything they can to keep their main man.
      The Ligue 1 giants are hoping to tie Mbappe down with a new deal as they are not convinced Los Blancos’ offer will steal their superstar, The Athletic claims.
      It is believed Madrid’s proposal was lower than what they put on the table back in May 2022 for the striker with Mbappe still sitting on the fence about the move.
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      But the new deal will still see the 2018 World Cup winner become the highest-paid player in Madrid’s squad.
      According to reports, Mbappe was offered a £110million signing bonus and a salary of £22m per year in 2022 when they began negotiating. 
      And PSG are not backing down after offering the Frenchman long-term and short-term deals to encourage him to remain in Paris.
      This could see the star stay on the same salary that he is on now which is £63million after tax and before any bonuses.
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      Madrid simply cannot match PSG’s offer but president Florentino Perez is said to be confident that the La Liga giants can convince the star to join the club.
      Time and time again Mbappe has turned down other clubs to carry on negotiating with Real.
      Watch iconic stadium become unrecognisable in incredible timelapse as club shows off state of-the-art retractable pitch
      Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal offered the striker £173.2m-per-year-deal to move to the Middle East.
      The former Monaco star believes the best chance for him to win both individual and team titles such as the Champions League is in the Madrid outfit.
      Liverpool are also keen on signing the 25-year-old striker, but face an uphill battle. More

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      PSG will LEAVE iconic Parc des Princes as president confirms ‘it’s over’ with three new stadiums lined up

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN will leave the iconic Parc des Princes stadium for a new home.President Nasser al-Khelaifi confirmed “it’s over for us” after PSG were blocked from buying the stadium by Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo.
      PSG will leave the Parc des Princes after failing to buy it from the City of ParisCredit: Getty
      It’s another headache for the French champs, who are set to lose Kylian Mbappe to Real MadridCredit: Rex
      And it’s another headache for PSG to deal with as they prepare to lose Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.
      The French champions have resided at the Parc des Princes since 1974, four years after their inception.
      And the lease on their tenancy runs until 2043.
      PSG’s Qatari owners were eager to buy the Parc des Princes, built in 1967, from the City of Paris for a sum of around £85m.
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      They had already spent over £70m on maintenance issues and estimated a further £420m would be needed for an expanded upgrade.
      But Mayor Hidalgo refused to bow and quoted an eye-watering figure of £250m.
      She said: “There will be no sale of the Parc des Princes. It is the heritage of the Parisian people. The subject is closed.”
      And PSG chief Al-Khelaifi has now confirmed the end of his side’s run at the iconic 48,000-seater stadium.
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      Speaking at the Uefa executive committee today, he said: “It is easier for us now.
      “We know what we want. It’s over for us.”
      Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers
      PSG are looking at options, including the Stade Jean-Bouin to the right of the Parc des Princes (c)Credit: AFP – Getty
      La Defense Arena is another option but plays host to music shows and eventsCredit: AFP
      90Min claims PSG are now scouring the area for a new stadium.
      And there are no less than three options on the table.
      Next door to the Parc des Princes is the 20,000-capacity Stade Jean-Bouin, also owned by the City of Paris.
      It currently holds PSG’s women’s team while playing host to rugby and American football matches too.
      Likewise, the government-owned 20,000 seater Stade Sebastien Charlety could also be an option.
      Minnows Paris FC play there these days, and PSG would look to knock it down before building a new mega venue potentially holding up to 75,000 punters.
      PSG have already turned down the chance to bid for the Parc des PrincesCredit: PA
      One option could be to build a stadium by their Poissy training baseCredit: Getty
      The third site is the 30,000-seater Paris La Defense Arena, home of rugby side Racing 92.
      They are set to return to their renovated Yves-Du-Manoir stadium after the Olympic Games, leaving La Defense free.
      However, its location in the business district, plus its popularity as a music and events venue, could be an issue.
      A fourth option is to build a brand new stadium by the training camp in Poissy.
      But that would pose logistical problems, as it is based 15.5miles from the centre of Paris.
      PSG had also looked at the Stade de France but declined to make an offer in last month’s bidding.
      The decision to move comes as Kylian Mbappe reportedly closes in on a free transfer to Real Madrid.
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      The World Cup winner is out of contract this summer.
      But it’s reckoned that Mbappe has agreed to link up with Jude Bellingham and Co on a mega-money deal. More

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      Fans hail ‘unbelievable’ Minamino as former Liverpool star plays in two games in less than 24 HOURS

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      TAKUMI MINAMINO quickly put his Asian Cup heartache behind him… by playing for Monaco under 24 hours later.The former Liverpool star was in action for Japan on Saturday as they took on Iran in Qatar.
      Takumi Minamino was in action for Japan on SaturdayCredit: Alamy
      Japan were knocked out by Iran in QatarCredit: AP
      Minamino was named on Monaco’s bench under 24 hours laterCredit: TNT Sports
      The 29-year-old was brought on with 20 minutes to goCredit: AFP
      He came on in the 68th minute of the match with the score level at 1-1.
      Disaster struck for Hajime Moriyasu’s side deep into stoppage time when Ko Itakura conceded a penalty, which was dispatched by former Brighton ace Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
      The match had kicked off at 11:30am UK time, with Minamino and Co trudging off defeated shortly after 1:30pm.
      Japan had been aiming to win a record fifth Asian Cup.
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      Rather than dwell on the disappointment, Minamino jetted straight to Monaco – remarkably playing for the Ligue 1 side earlier today.
      Kicking off at midday on Sunday, Monaco took on Le Havre at Stade Louis II.
      The Principality is around 2,800 miles from Al-Rayyan, Qatar, where Japan had taken on Iran.
      A flight from Qatar to Monaco takes around six-and-a-half hours.
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      Rather than resting Minamino, boss Adi Hutter named him on the bench.
      With the score level at 1-1, Hutter opted to chuck the 29-year-old on in the hunt for a winner.
      But he was unable to find the net, with the match ending all square.
      Regardless of the results, fans were impressed with the attacking midfielder’s dedication to play in both games.
      Accompanied by a salute emoji, one fan wrote on social media: “He did it for his country.”
      While a second commented: “That’s crazy.”
      A third gushed: “Man’s a machine.”
      And another even claimed to have seen him yawning during his warm-up.
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      Minamino has been in decent form for Les Monegasques this season.
      He has scored five goals and laid on a further four assists in 16 Ligue 1 outings. More

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      PSG ‘plot stunning transfer move for Marcus Rashford’ after Man Utd star’s Belfast nightclub storm

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are interested in signing Marcus Rashford, according to reports.The French giants could look to swoop for Rashford after he held showdown talks with boss Erik ten Hag.
      Marcus Rashford has been linked with a transfer away from Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The 26-year-old claimed to be too ill to train on Friday, before it emerged that he had been partying in Belfast the previous night.
      Rashford subsequently missed the Red Devils’ 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup.
      PSG previously showed interest in the forward before he signed a new five-year deal at Man Utd last summer.
      According to the i, The Ligue 1 champions are “tempted” to come back in for Rashford at the end of the season.
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      They add, however, that United do not plan to sell their homegrown star.
      And Rashford is also claimed to not be seeking a move.
      Following his disciplinary breach last week, Rashford was slapped with a two-week fine, worth £650,000.
      In a subsequent statement, the Red Devils said: “Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions.
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      “This has been dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter, which is now closed.”
      Rashford flew to Ireland on Wednesday to visit pal Ro-Shaun Williams, who now plays for Larne FC having previously been part of United’s academy.
      Belfast waitress Sarah Adair, 30, told of how she served Rashford lunch before he invited her to party with him.
      She said: “I’m not surprised he missed training the next day given how late he got to bed and how much he’d had to drink. He must’ve known he wasn’t going to be in any fit state to play football.”
      Sarah revealed that she had to put Rashford to bed after he drunkenly dropped huge wads of cash on the floor.
      Following United’s win over Newport, Ten Hag said of his No10: “He reported ill and the rest is an internal matter. As I said, we will deal with it.”
      On Monday, Rashford attended a meeting Sir Dave Brailsford and football director John Murtough at Carrington alongside his brother and agent Dwaine Maynard.
      ACE RASH’S TIPPLES TIMELINE
      WEDNESDAY JAN 24
      9.55am: Rashford arrives for Man United training.4.21pm: Private jet leaves Manchester.5.17pm: Plane lands at Belfast International airport. Rashford checks into the Fitzwilliam Hotel and visits the Dirty Onion and Lavery’s bar.
      THURSDAY JAN 25
      1.06pm: Picture posted online of Rashford at Larne FC.2pm: Arrives at Sarah Adair’s restaurant.4.30pm: Leaves restaurant.9.40pm: Rashford sends a driver to bring Sarah to Villa Italia restaurant.
      FRIDAY JAN 26
      00.30am: Rashford filmed going into Thompson’s Garage nightclub.2am: Rashford leaves and the group go back to his hotel — although a source close to the player insists it was at 1.15am.2.50am: The star passes out fully dressed.5am: Rashford and his minders leave hotel.7am: Private jet leaves Belfast airport.8am: Plane touches down at Manchester airport.
      SUNDAY JAN 28
      Rashford is dropped from FA Cup game against Newport County. United boss Erik ten Hag says Rashford’s behaviour is an “internal matter” and he will “deal” with it.
      MONDAY JAN 298.45am: Rashford arrives for training.

      The England star enjoyed a superb season last term, scoring 30 goals and laying on 11 assists.
      He has had a more difficult campaign this time around, however, netting just four goals in 26 outings in all competitions.
      Ten Hag, 53, warned Rashford over his conduct earlier this season after he was seen out celebrating his birthday in Manchester’s China White nightclub just hours after United’s 3-0 derby defeat to City.
      The Dutchman said at the time: “Yes, I am aware of it. I spoke with him about it.
      “It’s unacceptable. I told him, he apologised and that is it. For us, it’s an internal matter.”
      Speaking about Rashford’s situation, former Man Utd captain Gary Neville told BBC Breakfast: “To me, going out for a drink or going out for a night out is something that every football player will do and should do, so I’ve got no problem with that whatsoever. They need to enjoy themselves.
      “It’s just all about choices and timing. Manchester United have just had a winter break.
      I would say, go out and have your moment where you relax with your friends, but your timing has to be rightGary Neville
      “They’ve had a couple of weeks off so there was a better moment for him to choose to go out.
      “I would say, go out and have your moment where you relax with your friends, but your timing has to be right.
      “Marcus himself knows – he’s an experienced player now, we’re not talking about a young lad – but he’s done it a couple of times in the last few months.
      “I’ve always seen Marcus as being really responsible, a good professional and someone who works hard every single day.
      “I know he’s going through a dip in form at this moment in time but it’s happened twice and it can sometimes become your personality if you’re not careful.
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      “If you do it too many times people can start saying, ‘what’s happening in his life?’
      “He just needs to relax, calm down, choose when to go out and get back to playing football at the levels we know he can.” More