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      Dani Alves will APPEAL bombshell 4.5-year prison sentence after ex-Barcelona star found guilty of raping woman in club

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      FORMER Barca star Dani Alves is planning to appeal the bombshell four-and-a-half years prison sentence he was handed this morning.The Brazilian defender, 40, was found guilty of raping a woman in the toilets of the nightclub Sutton on December 30, 2022.
      Dani Alves appeared before court earlier this month and denied all the claimsCredit: Reuters
      The footballer’s lawyer Ines Guardiola said they would be appealing the sentenceCredit: Reuters
      The Brazilian defender has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prisonCredit: Reuters
      As well as two spells at Barcelona, Alves played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao PauloCredit: AFP
      Alves arrived at the Barcelona court this morningCredit: EPA
      The Brazilian was summoned to court at 10am local timeCredit: EPA
      He was ordered to pay £130,000 (150,000 euros) to the victim and stay away from her for nine-and-a-half-years.
      “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven,” the court said in a statement.
      Speaking outside the court, Alves’ lawyer Inés Guardiola said they were planning to appeal the sentence.
      She told reporters: “Four-and-a-half years is much better than nine and 12 that the accusation requested, but we are going to appeal because I still believe in Mr Alves’ innocence. 
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      “We are going to review the sentence, but I can tell you that we are going to appeal.
      “We continue to believe in the innocence of Mr Alves. He already knows the sentence and is whole.
      “We will defend his innocence to the end.”
      State prosecutors were seeking nine years while the lawyers representing Alves’s accuser wanted 12 years.
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       Following the sentence, Alves headed back to Brians 2 prison near the Catalan capital.
      In a trial held in Barcelona earlier this month, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. 
      The trial, held at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court lasted three days with the alleged victim, witnesses, and experts testifying.
      The Brazilian defender was accused of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
      He has previously confirmed he had sex with a woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.
      Alves has been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest in January 2023.
      In a brief statement, the Barcelona court said Wednesday it had “summoned all parties in the Alves case, including the defendant, to appear in court for a so-called “notification procedure”.
      His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
      She claims that he was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.
      During the first day of the footballer’s trial a friend and cousin of his accuser claimed he also groped them in the VIP area.
      The two women claim he then invited their friend, the alleged rape victim, to follow him through a separate door after flirting with her.
      His ex-wife Joana Sanz told the court Alves “smelled of alcohol” and “he bumped into several pieces of furniture and collapsed on the bed” after arriving home the night of the assault.
      Dani Alves’ model ex Joana Sanz arrives at court to reveal what ‘drunk’ ex-Barcelona star told her moments after ‘rape’
      But she said she didn’t want to talk to him because of “the state he was in”.
      Alves has made repeated bail requests but they have all been turned down, with judges saying his alleged victim’s version of events was coherent and pointing out Alves had changed his story several times as the evidence authorities have against him has emerged.
      In an exclusive interview from his cell in Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona last June with Spanish TV he claimed: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.”
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      As well as two spells at Barcelona, Alves has played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo.
      He is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time and became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup in December 2022 in Qatar.
      The defender was found guilty of raping a woman in the nightclub Sutton in Barcelona
      The footballer apologised to his wife Joana after the bombshell claimsCredit: AFP
      His ex-wife told the court he ‘smelled’ of alcohol after arriving home that nightTimeline of Dani Alves’ caseDecember 30, 2022: A woman alleges she was sexually assaulted in the toilets of Sutton nightclub

      January 1, 2023: Cops in Barcelona investigate an alleged sexual assault in a nightclub involving Dani Alves
      January 5, 2023: Dani Alves’ alleged victim makes a formal complaint claiming she was sexually assaulted
      CCTV footage shows Alves had been alone for 47 seconds in a toilet at the nightclub with his accuser
      January 20, 2023: Alves is remanded in custody by a judge in Barcelona
      He initially denies ever meeting his accuser but later confirms they had sex in the nightclub’s toilets – but insists was consensual
      January 31, 2023: His wife Joana Sanz, 29, demands a divorce
      February 8, 2023: It emerges that Alves is said to be receiving ‘VIP treatment’ in prison
      March 17, 2023: Alves goes on a hunger strike following split from wife
      November 14, 2023: The footballer is ordered to stand trial for the alleged assault
      November 24, 2023: Prosecutors demand nine years jail time and to pay the alleged victim  £130,000, if found guilty
      February 5, 2024: Alves appears in court in Spain facing twelve years in jail
      February 6 2024: Joana Sanz testified in court about a “drunk” phone call her husband made to her after the alleged assault
      February 7 2024: Alves tells a Spanish court the encounter was consensual More

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      Real Madrid’s former Tottenham star Luka Modric offered shock new job if cult hero decides to retire at end of season

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      LUKA MODRIC has reportedly been offered a job on the Real Madrid coaching staff should he retire at the end of the season.The former Tottenham star’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
      Real Madrid have reportedly offered Luka Modrid a coaching roleCredit: Getty
      Modric joined Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2012Credit: AFP or licensors
      Modric, 38, has featured 20 times for Los Blancos in LaLiga this season, scoring once and assisting four more.
      The Athletic has claimed that the midfielder was offered the chance to join Carlo Ancelotti’s backroom staff two months ago.
      The report’s source says that the Croatian rejected the chance, although he was “grateful” for the opportunity.
      It goes on to add that Modric’s rejection was not “definitive” and that he could still consider the role.
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      The outlet continues to suggest that Modric is “still hungry” and is prioritising continuing his playing career.
      Modric was expected to quit Real Madrid at the end of the season with a renewal of his deal “not likely.”
      The midfielder was since linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with multiple clubs in the Middle East interested in his signature.
      This includes an offer from Al-Nassr last summer, but he rejected the move and signed a one-year extension with Real.
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      Modric is currently focusing on his immediate future, which includes winning the LaLiga title for a fourth time.
      The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner is also aiming to take part in Euro 2024 with Croatia.
      Luka Modric ‘will play on into his 40s’ says Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic ahead of Real Madrid Champions League clash
      Ancelotti has previously spoken about the midfielder’s future and insisted that he will make his own decision.
      He said: “As I have already said (on other occasions), Luka is a legend of football, of Real Madrid.
      “The decisions for next season have to be taken by him.” More

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      World Cup icon and former Champions League finalist, 38, comes out of retirement to join South American non-league side

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      DIEGO GODIN has come out of retirement to join a non-league side.The former Atletico Madrid defender has linked up with Uruguayan outfit Centro Recreativo Porongos FC.
      Diego Godin has come out of retirementCredit: AFP or licensors
      He last played for Velez Sarsfield in ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      Godin, 38, will be a part of the squad for the 2024 season in the Flores Capital Soccer League.
      A club statement on social media read: “Welcome to Porongos, Diego!
      “Diego Godin will be part of the First Division squad in the 2024 season.”
      The club also uploaded a video which showcased some of Godin’s most memorable moments when playing for Uruguay.
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      The Uruguayan initially hung up his boots last July after leaving Argentine outfit Velez Sarsfield.
      He enjoyed a successful career spanning 20 years and eight different clubs before joining Porongos.

      In 2010, he joined Atletico Madrid, where he became one of Europe’s top defenders.
      Godin won the LaLiga title in 2014 and the Copa del Ray in 2013 as well as the Europa League twice.
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      He was a part of the team that reached the Champions League final in 2014 and 2016.
      However, he suffered defeat on both occasions, each time to cross-city rivals Real Madrid.
      Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel Messi
      Godin left the club in 2019 as he moved to Italy and had spells at Inter Milan and Cagliari.
      On an international level, he earned 161 caps for Uruguay, with his first coming back in 2005.
      He featured in four World Cup tournaments for the nation and won the Copa America in 2011. More

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      Real Madrid’s plan for Jude Bellingham unveiled with England star set for position change to fit in Kylian Mbappe

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is set for a position change to accommodate Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid.The French superstar has reportedly agreed a five-year deal at the Bernabeu and will join on a free transfer once his PSG contract expires in the summer.
      Kylian Mbappe is set to join PSG in a blockbuster transfer this summerCredit: Reuters
      His arrival means Jude Bellingham will likely see his position tweakedCredit: Alamy
      Mbappe, 25, told PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi of his decision to leave last Tuesday.
      And although no paperwork has been formally signed just yet, Real Madrid are well underway with making preparations for Mbappe’s arrival.
      That includes working out how to fit the World Cup winner into Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded side.
      As reported by Guillem Balague for the BBC, Mbappe will expect to play in his favoured position, in the forward line ideally slightly on the left rather than as an out-and-out solo No9.
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      That role is currently occupied by Vinicius Junior, who could be pushed further out into more of a left-winger role.
      And that would also see Bellingham drop deeper.
      The Englishman, 20, has been playing in an advanced No10 position this season, even at times as a false No9 with Vinicius and Rodrygo either side of him.
      And he has been reaping the rewards with a stunning return of 20 goals and eight assists in 29 games for Los Blancos.
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      However, the ex-Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund ace will undoubtedly adapt to his more natural, midfield position with ease – and relish the chance to link up with Mbappe.
      Mbappe also heads to Madrid as a goalscorer determined to win the biggest trophies on offer.
      Jude Bellingham tips Phil Foden for stunning position change with England stars at centre of midfield selection dilemma
      He has racked up a staggering 244 goals in 291 PSG matches to become the club’s record scorer.
      But the glaring omission on his CV remains the Champions League and he will surely be confident of getting his hands on the famous trophy in the iconic all-white kit of Real.

      Another issue that needs resolving is what number Mbappe takes at the Bernabeu.
      He wears the No7 at PSG but Vinicius has that while his France No10 shirt is currently occupied by Luka Modric.
      However, the Croatian may leave this summer which would free it up – otherwise Mbappe would surely settle for the No9.
      The former Monaco sensation came close to joining Real Madrid in 2022 but ended up signing a two-year contract extension at the Parc des Princes.
      He rejected a world-record transfer to Saudi Arabia last summer but will not exercise the option to trigger an extra 12 months on his PSG deal.
      And that means he can sign for Real as a free agent.
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      Mbappe is expected to put pen to paper on an eye-watering contract worth around £250,000 per week plus a £128million signing-on bonus spread across the five years.
      Incredibly, that is a significant pay cut compared to his astronomical wages in Ligue 1. More

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      Barcelona CRISIS as they are forced into fire sale to slash wages by £57m while facing threat of European ban

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      BARCELONA’S crisis situation looks set to go from bad to worse after the club were told by LaLiga they will need to slash their salary bill by £57MILLION.The Spanish giants have underwhelmed in the league this season, sitting in third place behind Girona and eight points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
      Barcelona saw their salary permit reduced by LaLigaCredit: Getty
      It means they will need to sell players to steer clear of a penaltyCredit: Getty
      The likes of Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski could all be sold as a resultCredit: Getty
      But that gap may stretch over the next few years after Barcelona’s financial situation got even worse amid a feared exodus of players.
      LaLiga announced the Blaugrana would be having their permitted salary limit cut down from £231m to 174m for the 2024/25 season.
      With the club’s real squad cost – the total of salaries and transfer amortisations – for this season officially budgeted at £421m, they are some way over budget and will need to make significant cuts.
      Add to this the fact Uefa are not accepting Barcelona’s plea to accept future media sale revenues in their FFP calculations, which could yet land the club a Champions League ban, and you have a far-from-ideal scenario.
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      It means Barcelona will need to sell a host of their most valuable players to stay in line with the rules or face a transfer ban.
      And all this will happen while having to also convince a new manager to come in and take the reigns after club legend Xavi Hernandez announced he was stepping down at the end of the season.
      Big names who have been linked with the exit door include but are not limited to Frenkie de Jong – who remains on a colossal wage – Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Raphinha, Ronald Araujo and Pedri.
      De Jong was linked with a summer departure to Manchester United two seasons ago before the move fell flat due to the Dutchman’s lack of stomach for a move.
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      However, recent reports suggest the 26-year-old has changed his tune and is now open to an Old Trafford switch.
      With his contract up in 2026, Barca still have £65m to amortise when considering the transfer fee they paid to Ajax and the remaining value on his contract.
      Iconic stadium looks unrecognisable as new footage reveals crane on pitch and every single seat removed
      So if Man Utd come calling again they will smell a chance to make some money back, though De Jong is also said to be settled in Spain.
      Robert Lewandowski seems to have finally hit the other side of the mountain in his remarkable football career.

      He has been average this season despite four goals in his last three league games, and according to The Athletic “multiple sources” at the club would accept an offer for the 35-year-old forward.
      The Pole is reported to be earning a cool £22m a year, wages Barca would love to shift for a star on the decline particularly if Saudi Arabia were to reignite their interest in him.
      However, like De Jong Lewandowski is said to be happy in Catalonia.
      The likes of Pedri and Gavi are among the club’s most valuable assets.
      Selling even one of them would likely go a long way in easing the crippling situation Barcelona find themselves in.
      Who will be Barcelona’s next managerWHEN even a club legend like Xavi Hernandez feels he has to get out of the Nou Camp kitchen because he cannot take the heat any more, you do have to wonder if Barca are now a basket case.
      Whoever comes in will have to deal with a cash crisis that could yet see the Catalan giants banned from the Champions League next season – Uefa are still refusing to allow Barca to count the sale of future media revenues in their FFP calculations.
      Mikel Arteta emphatically denied suggestions that he was ready to leave Arsenal for his homeland. But, in the words of a famous ex-model: He would do, wouldn’t he?
      Win the Prem – or the Champions League – with the Gunners and Arteta might feel he has accomplished all that is possible in N5.
      However, Barca will also be looking at Alonso and De Zerbi, as well as former Bayern and Germany coach Hansi Flick.
      And there is at least one, potentially two, Champions League-winning managers who might fancy the challenge…

      Gavi, 19, has already been linked with a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after Kylian Mbappe confirmed once and for all that he was leaving this summer.
      His £855m release clause likely won’t be triggered and Barcelona do see him as “unsellable”, but when the chips are down in football, money talks.
      Former Premier League star Raphinha seems to be a no-brainer sale option for the club given his dwindling importance after the emergence of Lamine Yamal and the form of Ferran Torres.
      The ex-Leeds star has already been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd, who could come knocking once again if they find out he is available in the summer.
      Araujo can consider himself unfortunate to be arguably the club’s most lucrative defensive asset.
      It is not that he is not wanted at the Camp Nou, far from it, but it is that there are far too many options already in the position.
      And with a host of clubs including Bayern Munich sniffing around at the 24-year-old’s availability, it may end up coming down to a financial call from the club’s point of view.
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      Premier League clubs will no doubt be keeping tabs on the situation in case any other stars become available.
      Add to all of this that Real Madrid will be able to spend almost £450m more in wages next year, and you have a recipe for domination likely does not feature Barcelona being the top dog. More

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      Man Utd set Mason Greenwood price tag as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid prepare for transfer battle

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will demand around £34million for Mason Greenwood this summer, according to reports.The winger, 22, has spent this season on loan at Getafe.
      Mason Greenwood looks on during Getafe’s 1-1 draw at VillarrealCredit: Getty
      Greenwood has played 21 times in LaLiga, scoring five goals and laying on a further five assists.
      The Red Devils academy graduate has attracted interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
      He remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2025 but will not play for Man Utd again.
      According to German outlet Fussball News, the Red Devils are hoping to receive around £34m for Greenwood when they sell him this summer.
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      The one-cap England international has not played for Man Utd since January 2022.
      He joined Getafe on loan last summer, seven months after charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control were dropped.
      His loan club recently complained to Spanish authorities over an alleged slur aimed at Greenwood by Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.
      They have accused Three Lions favourite Bellingham of calling their loan player a “rapist”.
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      LaLiga chiefs are said to have been “surprised” by Getafe’s unusual decision to take a matter that was not included in the referee’s notes further.
      Nonetheless, the matter was subsequently referred to the Spanish football federation, with a judge appointed to investigate the claim.
      Mason Greenwood reveals ‘best feeling so far’ in rare interview after Getafe aces ‘take Man Utd loanee under their wing’
      If found guilty, Bellingham, 20, could face a ban of between four and ten games.
      Greenwood last featured on Friday, playing the full 90 minutes as Getafe drew 1-1 at Villarreal.
      Greenwood and Jude Bellingham faced each other earlier this monthCredit: Getty More

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      England Lionesses star Lauren Hemp relaxes in bikini on hotel spa getaway before international break

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      ENGLAND star Lauren Hemp enjoyed some R&R ahead of the international break.Hemp, 23, visited Carden Park Hotel & Spa in Cheshire where she enjoyed a dip in the jacuzzi.
      Lauren Hemp enjoyed some down time in a spa ahead of the international breakCredit: Instagram
      Hemp will link up with England for the matches against Austria and Italy
      Hemp currently plays for Manchester City in the WSLCredit: Getty
      Hemp has been key for City and England since 2018Credit: Getty
      The Manchester City star donned a blue bikini and shared a snap on Instagram to her 368,000 followers.
      The Lionesses star posed with a big smile on her face despite the menacing, cloudy sky above her.
      Hemp laughed the weather off as she issued the following caption on Instagram: “Catching some sun before the international break.”
      The forward’s fans were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.
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      And some Barcelona as well as Real Madrid fans took the opportunity to offer her some real sun with a move to Spain.
      One follower posted: “Beautiful.”
      Another commented: “Come to Real Madrid.”
      A third wrote: “V tanned.”
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      This fan said: “BEAUTIFUL LAUREN PLEASE STAY IN ENGLAND.”
      And that one gushed: “Go to Barcelona Hempo.”
      Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours list
      Hemp is gearing up for two international friendlies with England’s women’s team.
      Sarina Wiegman’s ladies take on Austria on Friday and Italy on February 27.
      Hemp has been with City since 2018 when she joined from Bristol City. More

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      Real Madrid starlet ‘headbutted on way to team bus with former Liverpool star forced to step in’

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      REAL MADRID youngster Iker Bravo was reportedly assaulted at the end of an Under-19s match.Real Madrid’s Juvenil A side visited Rayo Majadahonda on Sunday.
      Iker Bravo was reportedly headbutted after an Under-19s matchCredit: Getty
      Manager Alvaro Arbeloa defused the situationCredit: Getty
      Bravo helped his side to a 4-2 win but was abused from the stands throughout the match.
      According to Spanish outlet Revelo, Bravo was branded a “clown” amongst other insults.
      Tensions were high during the match and it boiled over after the final whistle.
      And as Bravo made his way back to the team coach alongside his team-mates he was headbutted by an unnamed assailant.
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      Manager Alvaro Arbeloa and members of his staff were forced to intervene and were able to de-escalate the situation.
      It is understood the striker did not suffer any serious injuries.
      Bravo, 19, was part of Barcelona’s youth academy and he had a spell at Bayer Leverkusen prior to his move to Real Madrid.
      The young Catalan footballer became Leverkusen’s youngest-ever player when he debuted at 16 during the DFB Cup defeat against Karlsruher SC. He only played twice for the German team’s first squad.
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      After just one season, Bravo returned to Spain as Real Madrid secured the striker on loan with an option to make the move permanent for around £5million.
      He has made 31 appearances for Real Madrid’s various youth teams, scoring 11 goals. More