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    Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to rejoin Man Utd in 2013 with Real Madrid star in £200m deal before cash row, club icon claims

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Gareth Bale both agreed to join Manchester United in 2013 – but the club wouldn’t cough up £200m.United legend Patrice Evra revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson believed Ronaldo’s return was nearly 100 per cent agreed, four years after the Portugal star left for Real Madrid in a then-record £80m deal.Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to rejoin Manchester United in 2013, according to Patrice EvraAs did then Tottenham prodigy Gareth BaleFormer United star Evra revealed the information during a recent podcast appearanceAnd the legendary Red Devils boss also worked on trying to land Bale from Tottenham at the same time.But then Ferguson – who had just won the Premier League title – was forced to confirm to his players that he would in fact be retiring.Former left-back Evra said on The Obi One podcast: “It was one of the most sad days. I didn’t cry, I was in shock. “The reason why, is two weeks before, he brought me into his office and said: “Look at those people, they think I am going to retire, I am going to be here another 10 years but we need to win more Champions Leagues.”read more football news”He said: ‘Patrice, Cristiano has agreed 99 per cent to come back and Gareth Bale.’ He needed £200m and the club refused. Now they have spent a billion, whatever.”I remembered when I got out of his office, I was like, ‘Cristiano is back, Gareth Bale, we are back in business’. Imagine. That’s what he said.”Since then, United have spent a record £1.19bn on transfers and £40m on managers while running up a debt of nearly £1bn. Still no title, though.As a result Bale, who was flying at Spurs, instead joined Madrid in the summer of 2013 for an updated world record fee of £86m.Most read in FootballRonaldo scored 450 goals in 438 games for MadridBale scored a spectacular bicycle kick in the 2018 Champions League final win over LiverpoolFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDavid Moyes came in at Old Trafford and signed Marouane Fellaini instead.Ronaldo would go on to stay at Los Blancos until 2018, winning four more Champions League titles.Gary Neville’s sheepish reaction after Jamie Carragher says Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘pied two of us off’Wanting a new challenge, he joined Italian giants Juventus and picked up back-to-back Serie A titles in 2019 and 2020.He would eventually get his comeback move to Old Trafford in 2021, where he was named in the Premier League Team of the Year, scoring 16 goals in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for United.But Ronaldo left for Al-Nassr just over a year later after launching a verbal attack on the club in a tell-all explosive interview with Piers Morgan.Bale himself returned to Tottenham on a season-long loan in 2020 before returning to Madrid for a term.The Welsh star joined Los Angeles in 2022 and announced his retirement a year later.Ronaldo and Bale were both nominated for Europe’s Best Player award in 2016Ronaldo won his first Champions League with United under Fergie in 2008 More

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    Barcelona ready to make stunning £60m Mason Greenwood bid – but face two-horse transfer race with PSG for ex-Man Utd ace

    BARCELONA are set to make a summer bid for Mason Greenwood – but face a major fight for the forward.Greenwood has enjoyed a brilliant start to his career at Marseille, scoring five goals in six games for the French side.Barcelona are lining up a move for Mason Greenwood after his flying start at MarseilleCredit: AFPScouts from the Nou Camp have watched four of Greenwood’s games so far.And SunSport understands they are prepared to bid as much as £60m for the former Manchester United star, who they were tracking last season.Barcelona know that Greenwood can play in LaLiga after impressing there last term while on loan for Getafe. And they’ve now made securing the 22-year-old one of their priorities for the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Greenwood’s impressive start to the season has also caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, who are desperate to add to their firepower.They’ve also sent scouts to watch the former England international and would have no trouble matching Barcelona if the clubs became embroiled in a bidding war.And sources say Greenwood would welcome the idea of remaining in France long-term, having settled quickly in the country.A source said: “Mason loves France. He’s been welcomed with open-arms and is loving life in the league.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSunSport’s revelation comes days after reports claimed Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich were also tracking the player. Neither club is believed to have sent scouts to watch him this season. ‘Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyBut Greenwood is quickly emerging as one of the most coveted players in Europe.His success in France comes at the same time as former club Manchester United endure a torrid period.They were booed off on Sunday following a 3-0 home defeat to Spurs.And Erik ten Hag – who never wanted Greenwood to leave the club – is now under pressure with two wins and three defeats in six Premier League matches. More

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    Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid SUSPENDED as ref begs players and managers to tell fans to stop lobbing objects onto pitch

    REAL MADRID’S 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano was suspended after fans threw objects at keeper Thibaut Courtois.The match was halted as the Real Madrid shot-stopper prepared to take a goal kick in the 69th minute.The objects were thrown as Thibaut Courtois prepared to take a goal kickCredit: ITV4The referee suspended the match and informed both managersCredit: ITV4Koke pleaded with the Atletico Madrid fans to stop throwing objectsCredit: ITV4Atletico’s Jose Maria Gimenez also remonstrated with the fansCredit: ITV4Diego Simeone also urged the Atletico supporters to calm downCredit: ReutersOne of the items thrown was clearly a lighter as the referee was seen holding it in his hand.Another was a carrier bag containing an unknown object which Courtois got rid of from the pitch. The official ran over to managers Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone to inform them of the situation.He appeared to ask Simeone and the Atletico players to help with calming the situation down.And after captain Koke had attempted to urge the fans to stop launching missiles onto the pitch, Simeone then came over to address the situation himself.The players went down the tunnel and returned after around 15 minutes.The score at time time of the stoppage was 1-0 to Real Madrid thanks to a second-half strike from Eder Militao.The goal came five minutes before the match was suspended.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe chaos occurred midway through the second halfCredit: ITV4A carrier bag containing something was one of the items thrownCredit: ITV4Simeone shook hands with Courtois as the players went to their dressing roomsCredit: ITV4When the game resumed, ex-Chelsea man Conor Gallagher was booked seconds later for a cynical foul on Fede Valverde.But the drama was not over there as Angel Correa equalised in stoppage time to salvage a dramatic point for Atletico.Top ten Instagram rich list of sportThe goal was initially ruled out but a VAR review overturned the decision as the stadium went wild.And just to add to the chaos, Marcos Llorente was shown a straight red card following another review for a horror tackle.Real Madrid came into the match knowing a win would close the gap to Barcelona to two points.Barcelona had won their opening seven LaLiga matches before suffering a 4-2 loss to Osasuna on Saturday.Real Madrid went to Atletico without Kylian Mbappe after he suffered a hamstring injury against Alaves on Tuesday. More

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    Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launch

    JUDE BELLINGHAM was less than impressed with the way he was introduced at the launch of EA FC 25.The England star is on the cover of this year’s game, which came out on Friday.Behind-the-scenes footage showed Jude Bellingham’s reaction to his EA FC 25 introductionHe rolled his eyes to being called ‘the main man from Madrid’Bellingham was invited on stage with Eden Hazard, Aitana Bonmatí, Zinedine Zidane and EndrickCredit: RexReal Madrid heroes Bellingham, Zinedine Zidane and Eden Hazard were among the famous faces invited to an event in the Spanish capital to celebrate the release of EA FC 25.As the 21-year-old midfielder was brought onto stage, the event announcer said: “We are live in Madrid, so it is only right to start with the main man from Madrid.”Ladies and gentlemen, make some noise for the real deal Jude Bellingham.”But behind-the-scene footage has revealed that Bellingham seemingly hated his special introduction.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe hilariously eye rolled while he was called “the main man from Madrid”.Fans reacted: “Bro is tired of the PR.”Another added: “I think he is sick of the attention.”On being the EA FC 25 cover star, Bellingham said: “I played this game with my brother all the time growing up, and I’ve always thought about how incredible it would be to one day be featured on the cover.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“There have been so many iconic players on the cover over the years, and I am delighted to be the most recent English player to be bestowed with this honour since [Wayne Rooney in] 2011.”Bellingham is back on the pitch tonight for the Madrid derby against Atletico. ‘It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeMeet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon BoonLAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!Find out more about Laura.Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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    Barcelona slapped with Uefa ban after fans show Nazi banner in Champions League clash against Monaco

    BARCELONA have been slapped with a Uefa ban and fine after fans displayed a Nazi-inspired banner during their Champions League opener against Monaco.Barca suffered a 2-1 defeat during their their first European match of the season last week at Stade Louis II.Barcelona were slapped with a fine and ban due to fans displaying a Nazi bannerThe racist banner appeared to be addressing Barcelona boss Hansi FlickCredit: RexThe Blaugrana sustained an even bigger blow as some of their travelling supporters unfurled a racist sign that read: “Flick Heil (Hail Flick)”.That was of course a play on words referring to the infamous “Sieg Heil (Hail victory)” statement used by the Nazis during Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship in Germany.And those yobs seemed to be addressing that sickening banner towards Barcelona’s German manager Hansi Flick.The sign managed to get through security but was swiftly removed after being spotted and reported to Uefa.Read More on FootballThe incident caught the attention of Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) who who issued swift penalties.As a result, the Catalan giants have been fined €10,000 (£8,332) and prevented from selling tickets for their away game against Red Star Belgrade on November 6.UEFA has also issued the LaLiga outfit a one-year suspended ban, which will be triggered in the event of any further breaches within the next 12 months.This comes after Barcelona were handed a suspended ban following racist behaviour by their fans during a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in April.Most read in Champions LeagueBarca fans caused damage and let off fireworks inside the Parc des Princes five months ago, which led to a €32,000 fine (£26,673) and a suspended ban on selling away tickets.The CEDB cited Article 14 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations reads: “Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.”Barcelona had even more problems on the pitch against Monaco as they lost Eric Garcia to a straight red card just ten minutes after kick-off.Maghnes Akliouche opened the scoring for the hosts just six minutes later before Lamine Yamal’s equaliser on 28 minutes.But Adi Hutter’s side completed a famous victory against Barcelona in the 71st minute with George Ilenikhena’s winner. More

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    Man Utd fans say ‘peak Glazer insanity’ after finding out club failed in £83.5m transfer for Premier League flop

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed the “peak insanity” from the Glazers after learning about their failed bid for a Barcelona flop.The controversial owners made a £83.5million offer to the LaLiga giants for Ansu Fati in 2020 – when the winger was just 17 years old.Manchester United’s £83million bid for Ansu Fati was rejected in 2020Credit: GettyThe forward failed to make his mark while on loan at BrightonCredit: GettyThe Glazer family has repeatedly come under fire for their failed recruitment plansWhile Fati was coming through the ranks and had burst onto the scene in Spain at the time, nothing warranted that price tag.In his 2019-20 debut season, then 16-year-old Fati became Barca’s youngest goalscorer — a record since taken by Lamine Yamal.He subsequently finished second in the 2020 Golden Boy award behind Erling Haaland – who arrived at Manchester City for £52million in 2022.United’s summer approach for Fati came on the back of a third-place finish in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBarca were able to fend off interest and tie Fati down to a long-term deal with a mammoth £363m release clause.When Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Fati took over the No10 shirt — but then a serious knee injury struck.He was shipped out on a season-long loan to Prem side Brighton in 2023 – but failed to live up to their near £7million investment.Fati has been absent with a foot injury so far this season and still has plenty of time to realise his immense potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited fans have lashed out at the Glazers after learning new details of the failed move from The Athletic.One wrote: “Peak Glazer insanity”, before another commented: “That family were in a league of their own 😂.”Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian WrightA second said: “Typical United willing to send a fortune on any mid player.”A third added: “Obviously Ed Woodward and co would immediately overpay for such a player.”While another noted: “WOW. We dodged a nuke.”United left it late to do their business in 2020, sealing deadline day deals for Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri. Amad also signed at the end of the window, though he didn’t join until January 2021.Poor recruitment from the Glazer family has arguably been the greatest issue among fans throughout United’s post-Fergie era.The transfer strategy was so bad that it, alongside “draining the club allegations”, sparked as series of protests outside Old Trafford from 2021 onwards.United are guilty of over-spending on both unreliable and unproven players.Just look at the millions spent on Paul Pogba, Angel di Maria, and more recently Antony and Harry Maguire.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, Bruno Fernandes’ arrival in 2020 is perhaps the only transfer decision that United have got right in the last 10 years.But the Red Devils have now placed their hopes in new minority stake co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who promised a different transfer strategy moving forward.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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    LaLiga star brutally hooked at the break vs Real Madrid after asking for Kylian Mbappe’s shirt at HALF-TIME

    DEPORTIVO ALAVES star Abdel Abqar was substituted at half-time after asking Kylian Mbappe for his shirt.The underdogs went in at the break 2-0 down to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.Kylian Mbappe gave his shirt to an opposition player at the end of the first halfMbappe, 25, scored five minutes before half-time to take his Real tally to seven goals from nine appearances.As he walked off the pitch at the end of the first half, the Frenchman was asked by his shirt by Moroccan international Abqar.Madrid’s star summer arrival duly obliged, taking his shirt off on the spot and giving it to his opponent.Abqar, 25, got his wish – but did not emerge for the second half.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith his gesture having been spotted by fans watching on at home, it was speculated that Abqar may have been hooked as a disciplinary measure.But after the game, Alaves coach Luis Garcia denied that this was the case.Asked about the incident, he said: “I don’t know what he did.”I wanted to change something because I wanted to work on something, a little tactical thing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t know if he asked for the jersey, I have no idea.”He came out because I wanted to replace him and that’s it.”Shane Lowry visits Santiago Bernabeu to watch Kylian Mbappe and co for Real Madrid Abqar was replaced by Jon Guridi for the start of the second half.But the switch didn’t have an immediate positive effect, with Rodrygo making it 3-0 in the 48th minute.Alaves did eventually come back into the game, however, with goals by Carlos Benavidez and Kike Garcia giving Carlo Ancelotti’s men a late scare.The Italian boss had been forced to substitute Mbappe with 10 minutes remaining, after the Frenchman felt an issue in his thigh.Mbappe is set to be out for at least three weeks, and faces a battle to be fit in time for his first El Clasico on October 26.Mbappe, 25, was forced off with an injury late onCredit: AFP More

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    Watch Mbappe and Bellingham combine in ‘insane, world-class combo’ for goal in Real Madrid’s win over Alaves

    KYLIAN MBAPPE and Jude Bellingham left fans drooling as they linked up for an “insane, world-class combo” in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Alaves.Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured a narrow victory at the Bernabeu last night to go six points behind Barcelona — who still have a game in hand.Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe linked up for an amazing Real Madrid goalCredit: AlamyThe duo have already established a fine partnership as Real narrowly beat Alaves 3-2Credit: GettyLuca Vazquez and Rodygo were both on the score sheet as Alaves netted two late strikes to leave Real sweating in the final moments.But undoubtedly the star goal of the game occurred in the 40th minute when Mbappe slammed home his seven effort of the season.The Frenchman only arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer and already looks settled in his new home.But his effort was so good that it left Real fans gobsmacked as he linked up with star midfielder Bellingham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCollecting the ball from deep, Mbappe whizzed past an opponent before cheekily flicking a pass to Bellingham.The England ace pivoted round to face goal as Mbappe broke through the defence with a darting run.And Bellingham found the striker with pinpoint accuracy in a lightning-quick move.Mbappe took the ball under control with ease before slashing sideways into Alaves’ box.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut there would be no mercy for the visitors as he sliced a spicy shot past their goalie and into the side of the goal.It saw Los Blancos fans leap to their feet in amazement as they celebrated another Mbappe strike.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeAnd fans at home were as equally impressed.One said: “An insane, world-class combo.”Another declared: “Top quality.”One noted: “It’s looking good.”Another added: “Want to see more of these.”Bellingham and Mbappe’s link-up comes after Real chiefs put them on the same pay level.Mbappe arrived on a record £12.6million annual pay package, putting him well clear of Real’s other earners.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Florentino Perez feared it could cause friction among his other top stars.So Bellingham and Vinicius Jr are now both earning the same annual £12.6m wage too — the highest any player in Real’s history has pocketed.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More