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      Real Betis come up with new name for Antony as fans beg Man Utd loanee to stay

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      MANCHESTER UNITED loanee Antony has been given a charming new nickname at Real Betis – while fans are begging him to stay.The Brazilian, whose loan spell could be coming to an end, received a raucous reception from Betis supporters after his latest heroics.Antony is a fan favourite at loan side Real BetisAntony has been important in leading Betis to the Europa Conference League final against ChelseaAntony played a huge role in Los Verdiblancos making it to the Europa Conference League final, where they face Chelsea.The winger scored two incredible goals across both legs of Betis’ semi-final triumph against Serie A side Fiorentina. And Antony was overcome with emotion after the full-time whistle after the LaLiga side reached their first ever European final.With one of the biggest games in the club’s history coming up, more than a thousand fans gathered at the Benito Villamarin stadium to celebrate with the players.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChants of “Antony stay!” rang out among supporters as the 25-year-old star was urged to enjoy the moment by his loan team-mates.Betis and Spain legend Joaquin also revealed on live radio that Antony has been given the nickname “Antonio from Triana”.Joaquin’s revelation drew laughs from the radio station hosts.Antonio Triana was the stage name of a famous Seville-born flamenco dancer who transcended Spanish dance.Most read in FootballJoaquin previously joked that he is prepared to “KIDNAP” Antony to stop the winger from returning to Old Trafford.Antony was overcome with emotion after Real Betis reached the Europa Conference League finalCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ovation from the fans comes just days after Betis president Angel Haro said the club are trying to keep Antony. Haro told Spanish outlet Cope: “Keeping Antony is very, very complicated. ‘Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flag”We will have a meeting with United to extend the loan for another year.”It’s about seeing the predisposition of the player and Manchester United.”Antony’s future in Seville is up in the air, with United rejecting a £25m season-long loan deal for next term.His latest strike took his tally to eight goals and four assists across 21 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side since joining in January.The winger’s influence has been a major factor in Betis’ push for European football, as the club currently sit sixth in the table.Read More on The SunIt comes as his parent club set up a Europa League final against Tottenham, after beating Betis’ LaLiga rivals Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate.Antony joined United in 2022 after a whopping £86million deal with Ajax but never lived up to expectations as he only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.Antony’s stats in LaLiga since his January move More

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      Marco Asensio’s mum told Florentino Perez he’d be Real Madrid star aged NINE before tragic death from cancer

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      IT was the mother of all predictions that still brings a tear to the eye of Marco Asensio two decades down the line.A bold-as-brass prophecy from his biggest fan, before he was even at the baby-steps stage of a career which took him to the European summit.Marco Asensio has been a revelation for Aston Villa since his loan move from PSGCredit: REXAsensio became a global name during his trophy-laden stint with Real MadridCredit: AFPThe Spain international joined Real from Mallorca in December 2014Credit: GETTYAsensio’s late mother, Maria, told Florentino Perez her son would be a Real star when he was nine years oldCredit: AlamyAnd ultimate proof that mums DO know best — as a trophy cabinet packed with football’s most glittering prizes testifies.If Aston Villa fans get their way, any more medals that the Spanish forward wins will be done in the claret and blue shirt of Unai Emery’s men.For it has taken Asensio, 29, just three months to become a cult hero to Villa supporters, 18 games and nine starts after arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.He has eight goals already, all celebrated with a look to the heavens, in memory of the mum who once told Real Madrid’s president that Marco would be a Bernabeu superstar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsensio was only nine, yet she knew her son had a gift — and was quick to tell Florentino Perez in their chance meeting at Puerto Portals in Mallorca.Maria and husband Gilberto had taken the family to see the luxury yachts in the marina and after spotting Perez on his boat, asked for a picture.Yet before heading off, she told the Real guv’nor to look at the pint-sized kid next to her, as one day he would pull on the most famous white shirt in football.While Perez simply smiled, Maria had no doubts. Neither did a man who was blown away from the day Asensio arrived at tiny Mallorcan club Platges de Calvia two years earlier.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJuan Pericas, a youth coach at the Spanish fifth-tier outfit, soon had the same conviction as Marco’s mum. He still chuckles at what she said to Perez.Marco Asensio scores a brilliant flicked goal in Real Madrid training Pericas revealed: “They asked Florentino for a photo and then his mother said, ‘You see this little boy? “‘He is my son Marco. One day he will play for Real Madrid and be very successful’.“That’s why, the day that Marco signed for Real, he cried like a child. He remembered his mother’s premonition.“He was seven when he joined us, an age when very few kids know what to do with the ball.“But he played with his head up and always made the right decision.“In his first season, he scored 64 goals and had 30 assists.“That was a huge thing for someone so young to have those stats.”Sadly, Maria never got to see her son at the Bernabeu, as she tragically passed away through cancer when he was just 15 and a youth player at Mallorca.Almost immediately, he was playing two categories above his age group, standing out against boys older and stronger.Before long, LaLiga’s big two were sniffing around — and when Real agreed to pay €4million in one hit for the 18-year-old, letting Mallorca keep him for the season, that swayed it.Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory.”Juan Pericas on Marco Asensio’s late motherBarcelona missed out as they wanted the fee in four instalments — and Asensio was on the road to three Champions League wins in nearly a decade.And every golden moment was celebrated with a point to the heavens in tribute to the woman he says will always be his driving force.Just as they were when he left for Paris a couple of seasons ago — and since moving to the Midlands in February.Pericas added: “Marco has told me many times his mother is still his source of inspiration and he plays every match in her memory. “She left an indelible impact and lives on through Marco.“He has spoken many times of his desire to make her proud on every occasion.“That’s why, each time Marco scores, he celebrates by looking up at the sky. Every goal is dedicated to Maria.”Villa fans would love to see him bagging plenty more for them and they are urging Emery to pay the £12.5million or so that it would cost to make his move permanent this summer.Read More on The SunAnd Pericas is equally convinced that the two are a perfect fit.He added: “Marco is loving it in England. If everything can be worked out, it would be a great move for both of them.” More

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      How Real Madrid could line up under Xabi Alonso with Alexander-Arnold starring in new formation and Chelsea icon axed

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      REAL MADRID could line up in a stunning new formation with Xabi Alonso at the helm.The Spaniard is expected to link up with his former side after announcing he will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.Xabi Alonso is set to join Real Madrid after confirming his Bayer Leverkusen exitCredit: EPATrent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join on a free from LiverpoolCredit: PAAlonso’s impending arrival at Real is set to see Carlo Ancelotti finalise a deal with Brazil.And Los Blancos are set for an exciting revamp on the pitch as well as off it.A free transfer deal for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has almost been completed.He is expected to kick-start a summer of spending as Real looks to make amends for a disappointing league and European campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOther players they are looking at include Arsenal’s William Saliba, Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.Should they land all their targets, Real could line up in a bold new way under tactical expert Alonso.The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich playmaker has used several formations during his time as a boss.But Alonso’s main tactic at Leverkusen is the 3-4-2-1, which led the Germans to a title-winning Invincibles season last year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat could see Thibaut Courtois line up in goal, with Saliba and Huijsen joining Eder Militao in the back three.There may not be room for ex-Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger as a result, while David Alaba could also be frozen out.Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘banned from Currys and Popworld’ after quitting Liverpool for Real Madrid in free transferFurther forward, Alexander-Arnold and Gutierrez could operate as Real’s wing-backs.Sticking Federico Valverde in midfield alongside Zubimendi would allow Alexander-Arnold to drift infield, as the Uruguayan is often found bombing down the right flank.And up top, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr could play the supporting roles behind striker Kylian Mbappe.Another formation Alonso used at Leverkusen, mainly this season, is the classic 4-4-2.That would see a back four of Alexander-Arnold, Saliba, Huijsen and Gutierrez start in front of Courtois.Bellingham could partner Zubimendi in midfield while being flanked by Vinicius Jr and fellow Brazilian winger Rodrygo.And up front, youngster Endrick could finally get a proper chance to flourish alongside Mbappe.Finally, Alonso could revert to the 4-2-3-1 system he used back with Real Sociedad’s B team.It also holds the benefit of being the formation Real currently deploy under Ancelotti.And that would see a similar back five supported by a midfield pivot of Zubimendi and fellow holder Eduardo Camavinga.Read More on The SunRodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Mbappe would then form a fearsome attack.And not many would bet against Alonso leading Real to LaLiga glory in his first season in charge. More

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      Girona manager Michel Sanchez rushed to hospital after health scare as Real Madrid send well wishes

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      GIRONA manager Michel Sanchez has been taken to hospital with a health issue, a club statement has confirmed.Sanchez, 49, was in the dugout for Girona’s 1-0 win over RCD Mallorca on Monday but has taken ill since.Girona manager Michel Sanchez has been hospitalised with a health issueCredit: GettyA statement released by the La Liga club read: “Girona FC coach Michel Sanchez has been hospitalized due to a health issue. “He is under medical observation as a precaution and is progressing favourably.”He is receiving appropriate care, and we expect his recovery in the coming days.”The coach will not be able to lead the team from the bench in tomorrow’s match at Montilivi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We appreciate your understanding and respect for his privacy at this time.”Girona are scheduled to play Villarreal at the Montilivi Stadium tomorrow evening, but Sanchez will now be unable to help his team from the technical area.Assistant manager Salvador Funez will occupy the dugout in his absence.Sanchez himself released a statement that read: “I am writing this message to inform you that after a setback in my health I will not be able to be in the dugout next Saturday, May 10, for the La Liga game against Villarreal.Most read in FootballSanchez has said that he ‘feels well’Credit: Getty”After listening to the advice of the doctors, who I thank for their treatment and professionalism, I have to stop for a few days to recuperate and return as soon as possible.”I feel well, under medical observation, and am already counting the days until I can get back to work and continue fighting in what remains of the rest of the season.”I am sure that this group, despite my absence, will give everything, as always, so that our people can feel proud of the club and the values it represents.”I want to thank [everyone for] the displays of affection, the messages from the Girona family and all the people who have been concerned about my situation.”I will have to be admitted [to hospital] under observation for a few days. I am forced to follow the match from another place, but always in contact with my coaching team. See you soon.”The former Huesca and Rayo Vallecano manager has already received an outpouring of support, including from Real Madrid.The official Real Madrid X account wrote: “From Real Madrid, we send you our full support, Michel Sanchez.”Wishing you strength and a swift recovery. We look forward to seeing you back on the sidelines as soon as possible.”While other clubs have shown their support for the manager too. La Liga 2 side Real Oviedo wrote: “We send you all our strength and best wishes for your recovery, Michel Sanchez. Good luck, mister!”Read More on The SunAnd Athletic Club posted: “Good luck and speedy recovery!”Girona are currently 15th in La Liga, six points clear of the relegation zone with four games remaining.Girona are currently 15th in La LigaCredit: Getty More

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      Xabi Alonso agrees to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager with announcement date revealed

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      XABI ALONSO has reportedly agreed to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid boss after confirming he will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.The former Los Blancos star will quit Leverkusen for his old side on May 25, according to Marca.Xabi Alonso has agreed to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid bossCredit: EPAAncelotti looks set to join Brazil this summerCredit: GettyAnd that will pave the way for Ancelotti to finalise a deal with Brazil.Alonso confirmed on Friday that the time is right to quit German giants Leverkusen after two successful seasons.He said at a press conference: “This week the club and I have agreed that these two games will be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach. We have been talking during this week that is always about the moment and now is the right moment to announce it.”We have always had a good and direct communication and now that we have clarity, it is the right moment to say that for sure. It is a moment with mixed emotions but it is the moment to announce it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s not the moment to talk about the future. Now we know, we want to have a proper farewell on Sunday for some players and for myself. We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions.”The former Liverpool, Real and Bayern Munich star led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title last year, with his side also becoming the first ‘Invincibles’ side in Germany top-flight history.This season will see them finish second behind Bayern Munich.And after being linked with a move to Real last summer, Alonso has now reportedly decided to return to the Bernabeu.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe made 236 appearances during six years as a Los Blancos player, winning a LaLiga title, two Copa del Reys and the Champions League.Alonso had long been earmarked by Real chiefs as a future manager.Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid bossAnd he will now pen a three-year contract to help the club regain their title from champions-elect Barcelona.The Italian will have a grand send-off to toast the 15 trophies he’s delivered in two spells.As for Ancelotti, he is said to have mutually agreed to part ways with Real later this month.And Ancelotti will then finalise a deal with Brazil to lead them at next summer’s World Cup.After securing Alonso, Real’s thoughts will immediately turn to the transfer market.A free deal for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has already been agreed.Read More on The SunWhile a new left-back and midfielder are also high on the list of priorities, with Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi favoured.Real want to land a new centre-back too, with Bournemouth’s Spanish international Dean Huijsen their top target alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba. More

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      Barcelona legend Xavi’s wife complaining to him about Man Utd as he reveals what he’s been doing while unemployed

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      XAVI has been getting it in the neck from his wife for the amount of football he’s been watching during his unemployment.The legendary Spanish midfielder has been spending more time with his other half since his reign as Barcelona manager came to an end last May.Xavi Hernandez was brutally sacked by Barcelona last MayCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard has been using his unemployment to spend more time with his wife, Nuria CunilleraCredit: GETTYCunillera has been frustrated by the amount of football Xavi has been watchingCredit: EPAHis Nou Camp axing, however, hasn’t dampened his passion for the game, which he still watches daily.But wife, Nuria Cunillera, is getting annoyed with the number of games he’s watching and vented her frustrations during United’s epic Europa League quarter-final second-leg comeback against Lyon last month.The 45-year-old said of his unemployment in an interview with The Athletic: “I still love football, it’s my passion. I’m watching it 24 HOURS [a day].”My wife complains to me: ‘Again!’ she says. ‘Yes but it’s the Europa League,’ I reply. Did you see the game between Man United and Lyon?READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It was 4-2 to Lyon. I was thinking, ‘Oh no. Very difficult now for Amorim!’ And then, 10 minutes later, it was incredible.”“The maximum number of games I’ve watched in one day was EIGHT. I like to analyse teams.”I might put into my computer ‘Atalanta’ and then watch them four games in a row. Why?”Because I might be interested to see what [Gian Piero] Gasperini is doing.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSXavi’s wife was annoyed when her husband watched Manchester United’s epic comeback against Lyon last monthCredit: GETTY”Man to man, 90-minute duels for every player, that’s why they sign strong, physical players. Or (Roberto) De Zerbi at Marseille.”Or Nuno Espirito Santo at Forest. I love to see the different styles of football and what coaches are doing.”Xavi to leave BarcelonaXavi was replaced at the Nou Camp helm by Hansi Flick, who this season guided the Catalan club to the Champions League semi-finals.And despite the brutal nature of his axing, his family still very much loves the club.He said: “My children love the team; my son adores Lamine Yamal and Pedri.”While my daughter follows Raphinha and [Robert] Lewandowski, we live the atmosphere of Barcelona in all its details.”We watch the first team and the women’s team matches; people think I am sad after my departure.”But I am proud of what Flick is doing and happy with the team’s level.” More

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      ‘Uefa should look into it’ – Watch Barcelona star get bundled over three times in FOUR SECONDS as he demands ref probe

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      PEDRI has urged Uefa to investigate the referee for his performance as Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The Spanish giants were knocked out of Europe’s premier competition by Inter Milan in a thrilling semi-final tie.Francesco Acerbi appeared to push Pedri down three times in four secondsCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe Barcelona star repeatedly fell to the groundCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe first push was in the penalty areaCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaInter won the tie 7-6 on aggregate following a 4-3 win at the San Siro in the second leg on Tuesday night.Barcelona were minutes from booking their spot in the final after Raphinha put them ahead in the 87th minute.However, the Italians hit back through Francesco Acerbi before Davide Frattesi scored the winner in extra time.After the match, Pedri vented his frustration at the performance from referee Szymon Marciniak.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe claimed that the referee gave every split decision to the hosts.The midfielder claimed: “It’s not the first time this happens to us with this referee, Uefa should look into it.”Every 50-50 for them. There are things that I don’t understand and which are hard to explain.”One moment of the game that left Pedri red in the face was multiple pushes from Acerbi.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA video taken from the stands shows the defender pushing the midfielder to the ground three times in FOUR SECONDS.Marciniak awarded Inter a penalty after he was called to the screen by VAR for a foul by Pau Cubarsí on Lautaro Martinez.Inter Milan hero Frattesi drops F-bomb live on TV after win over Barcelona leaving CBS Sports studio in hystericsPedri has urged Uefa to look into referee Szymon Mariniak’s peformanceCredit: ReutersBarcelona also believed they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Gerard Martín in the build-up to Acerbi’s goal.Marciniak had awarded the LaLiga giants a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal before VAR intervened.The Polish official was also in charge when Inter drew 3-3 with Barcelona in the Group Stage of the 2022 edition of the tournament.Barcelona manager Hansi Flick echoed Pedri’s complaints in his post-match press conference.He said: “I don’t want to talk too much about the referee, but every decision that was 50-50 went (Inter’s) way.”I am disappointed, but not with my team. They tried everything. It’s the way it is. We are out, but next year we will try again to make the fans happy.Read More on The Sun”It makes me sad. My team did an excellent job.”I don’t like talking about the referee, I’ve told him what I think, but I’m not going to say it here what I’ve said.”Hansi Flick was not happy with the Polish officialCredit: Reuters More

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      Real Madrid ready to raid Liverpool for another star by copying Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer tactic

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      REAL MADRID are preparing another attack on Anfield, with another Liverpool star in their sights.Los Blancos have a verbal agreement with the Reds’ right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to join the Spanish side on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Anrold is on his way to MadridCredit: PAThe La Liga outfit are trying to add the Englishman to their ranks before they jet off to the United States for the Club World Cup.Now, with one Liverpool defender (almost) signed, Real are lining up another. Furthermore, it would mean that they have decimated half of Arne Slot’s four-man defence, and the entirety of the right side of his quartet.The man in question is Ibrahima Konate, who Madrid are keeping a watchful eye on as the Frenchman’s contract ticks down at Anfield. Read more footballKonate, 25, moved to Merseyside in 2021 from RB Leipzig and has made 129 appearances for the club. However, there is uncertainty over the French international’s future at Liverpool, with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season. Madrid lay in wait for Alexander-Arnold, piling on the pressure as the season wore on, with the climax being a £20 million offer to sign him immediately back in January. That bid was swiftly rebuffed by Slot’s side, but it played a crucial part in the England right-back refusing to budge on his position, indicating that he wanted to make the switch to Spain.Most read in FootballIbrahima Konate is the next man to be linked with a Spanish switchCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShould Madrid make their interest in Konate more concrete, they would be looking to add him to ranks that need bolstering. Antonio Rudiger, another freebie signed from the Premier League, ruptured his mensicus last month and will be out for around six to eight weeks.Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolIn the meantime, natural central midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has had to deputise in the heart of defence, with manager Carlo Ancelotti not keen to trust former Wolves defender Jesus Vallejo. Raul Asencio, 22, has emerged as a reliable first-team option, particularly in the absence of the injury-ridden David Alaba on the left side of the central pairing, while Eder Militao has been a long-term miss with a torn ACL. More