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      Xavi brutally KOs talk of Neymar return in boost to Man Utd & Chelsea after striker ‘offered himself to old team’

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      XAVI has emphatically shut down any rumours of a Neymar return to Barcelona.The Brazilian winger, 31, had reportedly offered himself to Barca after Lionel Messi’s romantic return to the Nou Camp failed to come to fruition.
      Xavi was not impressed by the prospect of Neymar returning to BarcaCredit: EPA
      Neymar joined PSG for a world record fee in 2017Credit: Getty
      Messi, 35, instead joined MLS side Inter Miami on a contract that will see him earn £43million-a-year which equates to £830,000-a-week.
      But Xavi was quick to shut down any chance of a reunion with Neymar.
      Xavi was asked about the rumours that the Brazilian had offered himself to Barcelona by podcast Jijantes FC and said: “I’m surprised… he’s not in our plan.
      “I really like Ney as a friend, but we have different priorities.”
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      Neymar and Xavi were Barcelona team-mates with the two playing together from 2013 to 2015 before Xavi left for Qatari club Al Sadd.
      Both were key players in a Barca side that won the treble in 2015.
      Neymar left Barcelona for PSG in 2017 for a world record fee of £200m.
      It is not the first time the forward has offered to return to Barca after enduring a mixed spell during his time in Paris.
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      Despite winning 13 trophies at PSG he has never established himself as the star man of the team, and has instead been overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe and Messi.
      Last year, Neymar told Brazil legend Ronaldo on the Fenomenos Podcast that he “tried everything” to return to Barcelona in the summer of 2019.
      Xavi’s comments have shut down any last notion of a return to the Catalan club but the Brazilian has suitors in the form of Manchester United and Chelsea.
      French outlet L’Equipe claim negotiations have taken place between Neymar’s team and United with the forward’s preference being to join the Manchester club.
      And Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has long been a fan of Neymar, reportedly holding a meeting to sign him back in February. More

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      Inside ‘world’s greatest football stadium’ that has been deserted for 14 years and where four people died

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      VALENCIA were supposed to move into their 80,000-seater Nou Mestalla stadium ahead of the 2009-10 season.But fourteen years on, fans are still waiting.
      Nou Mestalla was supposed to be completed by the 2009-10 seasonCredit: Getty
      Valencia’s proposed 80,000-seater stadium was meant to look like thisCredit: YouTube
      With work having halted in February 2009, Nou Mestalla is now in a state of decayCredit: Getty
      In 2007, boasting a squad featuring the likes of David Villa, Pablo Aimar, David Silva and Juan Mata, Valencia were well established as Spain’s third-biggest club.
      Supporters dreamed of further challenging the established elite over at Barcelona and Real Madrid, and it was determined that a new stadium was required to take them to the next level.
      Work began on the grandiose plan, which would have been dubbed the “world’s greatest football stadium”.
      But after Valencia were hit by the global financial crisis, it remains a decaying shell of dreams long forgotten, as the once-proud club sit on the verge of relegation.
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      By the end of 2008, Valencia were claimed to have hit debts of £350million.
      Their funding of Nou Mestalla was dependent on selling their old ground, but with the property market in chaos, FourFourTwo claim that Valencia couldn’t find a buyer.
      Having been denied a £90m loan by the bank, the debt-stricken club were forced to halt proceedings in February 2009.
      While everyone at the club was disappointed by the outcome, it paled into insignificance compared to the tragedy that had happened during construction work the previous year.
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      Nou Mestalla was supposed to take Valencia to the next levelCredit: YouTube
      The empty shell has now become a relic of systemic failureCredit: Getty
      As builders worked on the ground in May 2008 a scaffolding collapsed, falling 25 feet and instantly killing two workers.
      A further two men weren’t immediately killed but died of their injuries in the coming days.
      The entire region held a five-minute silence to pay their respects.
      No wrongdoing on the part of the club, construction firm or workers themselves was identified by a subsequent investigation.
      WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE?
      In the 14 years since work on the stadium was halted, Valencia have continued to play at their 49,430-seater Mestalla home.
      A resurrection of the Nou Mestalla project has been touted on a number of occasions, but has not yet come to fruition.
      Valencia were claimed to have agreed a deal with Bankia, a Spanish financial institution, to complete the ground in December 2011.
      The agreement would have seen Nou Mestalla’s completion financed – in exchange for Valencia’s current ground.
      Shortly after the agreement, however, the deal fell through.
      Two years later Valencia worked with architecture company Fenwick Iribarren in a bid to get their new ground done.
      Fenwick Iribarren presented a modified, less ambitious project, which would have seen the capacity reduced to 61,000.
      Once again, however, a resumption on work failed to come to fruition.
      Fans were teased by the prospect of their club working with the council to complete the job in 2017, but once again it was non-starter.
      In June last year a farcical new plan was raised, which would see work resume in October ahead of a completion by next season… with a SMALLER capacity than their current home.
      October came and went, and to the present day, work has still not resumed.
      On the pitch, the once proud club have been reduced to relegation fodder by owner Peter Lim, who acquired them in 2014.
      Read more on The Sun
      With nine games remaining Voro’s side sit 19th in LaLiga – three points off safety.
      Valencia have not been in Europe since the 2019-20 season, and like their stadium project, appear to have descended into a sad state of flux.
      There are serious doubts over whether work will ever resume on Nou MestallaCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Former Tottenham star wakes up unemployed after breaking unwanted record in miserable spell at LaLiga giants

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      FORMER Tottenham star Matt Doherty has been released by Atletico Madrid.The right-back joined the Spanish giants on deadline day in January after being released by Spurs.
      Matt Doherty has been released following a disastrous spell at Atletico MadridCredit: Sportsfile
      But he failed to impress manager Diego Simeone and is looking for a new club after a disastrous spell in the Spanish capital.
      Doherty, 31, arrived as a back-up to Nahuel Molina and has been limited to a substitute role over the last few months.
      He played just 16 minutes and set a new record for the least amount of game time for a foreign player.
      The Irishman featured in just two games and was unable to displace Molina, despite fears the Argentina international would suffer from fatigue after the World Cup.
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      Doherty is now looking to revitalise his career following an underwhelming spell at Spurs too.
      He made just 44 Premier League appearances for the North London club across two-and-a-half years, scoring three goals.
      Despite his lack of game time Doherty revealed he was enjoying his time in Spain and wanted to use the experience to improve as a player.
      He said: “The reason I left was… well, initially it was just to go on loan for the rest of the season and then obviously we had the problems with too many loans, so then it was a case of I couldn’t really say no to that type of experience and a manager of his calibre.
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      “I didn’t have long to think about it, but the time I did have, I just couldn’t say no to that opportunity.
      “I am there until the end of the season and I am just using it as a learning experience. I am improving by training with world-class players every day. I am using the six months I have there to try and get better, to try and understand the game better and improve my overall game.” More

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      Chelsea legend Eden Hazard to RETIRE aged just 32 after £400k-a-week Real Madrid contract torn up

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      EDEN Hazard is set to retire aged just 32 after having his £400,000-a-week Real Madrid contract torn up.The Chelsea legend will leave the Spanish giants at the end of this month after his contract was terminated a year early.
      Eden Hazard could retire aged just 32 after leaving Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      Hazard has endured a difficult four years at the Santiago Bernabeu after signing from Chelsea for £100million in 2019.
      The deal, which could have risen to £150million, remains the club’s record signing but Hazard has failed to live up to the fee.
      However, he has settled well in Madrid and now speaks fluent Spanish.
      As a result, he is understood to be planning to stay in the Spanish capital with his family,

      Mundo Deportivo report that this has prompted him to consider retiring at the age of 32 in order to remain where he is settled.
      Hazard, who retired from international duty after Belgium’s 2022 World Cup exit, could still join another club close to the city, though.
      That option remains out of his hands, however, with just one club said to have approached the Belgian winger following his contract termination.
      MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps have reportedly put a deal on the table for Hazard, but this would scupper his plans to stay in in the Spanish capital.
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      Having been a fan favourite across seven years with Chelsea, Hazard’s form never reached the same heights in Spain.
      Injuries saw him limited to 76 appearances, in which he scored just seven goals and provided 12 assists.
      Last season he scored once in 10 matches and failed to play a full 90 minutes.
      With injuries and illness causing him to miss 78 matches for Real Madrid, Hazard has not completed a full 90 minutes for the club since November 2021.
      Eden Hazard has suffered from poor form and injuries during four years with Real MadridCredit: AP More

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      Barcelona slammed by fans over ‘disrespectful’ Lionel Messi statement after he snubs return in favour of Inter Miami

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      BARCELONA have been criticised for releasing a “disrespectful” statement after Lionel Messi confirmed his move to Inter Miami. Messi, 35, is leaving PSG when his contract expires in the summer and Barca were in talks to bring the Argentine back.
      Lionel Messi is joining Inter Miami after a return to Barcelona collapsedCredit: Getty
      But their financial issues and concerns Messi had about returning to the spotlight made the move impossible, leaving the club legend to choose America as his next destination.
      In response, Barca said a statement which read: “President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years.
      “Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.”
      But fans reacted furiously as one said: “That Barcelona statement was so unnecessary and disrespectful.”
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      Another added: “This was not necessary to tweet.
      “Clearly a PR move by you admin, it’s sad because this is my own club as well lmao but nah you guys should not have made this post literally just trying to make us look good yet again when we aren’t in the right”
      One raged: “This is low from Barcelona.
      “Considering they are talking about their best player in club history. Don’t patronise his decision. He can do what he wants.”
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      Messi confirmed his intention to join Inter Miami after a return to Barca collapsed when speaking to Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo.
      He said: ”
      The Argentinian World Cup winner told Mundo Deportivo and Sport: “I’ve been supporting Barca during the year. I’m a fan.
      “I spoke to (manager) Xavi a lot, we discussed and we always had frequent exchanges.
      “I heard reports of La Liga giving the green light but the truth is that many, really many things were still missing in order to make my return to Barca happen
      “I didn’t want to be responsible for them to sell players or reduce salaries. I was tired.”
      Messi added: “I really wanted to return to Barça, I had that dream.
      “But after what happened two years ago, I did not want to be in the same situation again, leaving my future in the hands of someone else.
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      “After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it’s time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day to day life more.
      “Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to win, and to do things well, but with more calm.”
      Barcelona president Joan LaportaCredit: Reuters More

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      Lionel Messi transfer race hots up with ‘just two clubs left in running’ to land Argentina legend after PSG exit

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      INTER MIAMI are reportedly preparing to hijack Barcelona’s attempt to sign Lionel Messi this summer.Messi, 35, is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of June.
      Inter Miami and Barcelona want to sign MessiCredit: The Mega Agency
      Barcelona have already expressed an interest in signing him, but the club’s current financial state could prove to be a stumbling block.
      The La Liga giants would have to sell several first-team players in order to fund the transfer, otherwise the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner – who is said to be eager to return to his former club – will be forced to look elsewhere.

      And according to The Athletic, David Beckham’s Inter Miami is another potential destination.
      The Florida-based side are currently working with Major League Soccer to solidify details surrounding the potential signing of Messi.
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      An anonymous source claims MLS executives have already been informed that the Argentina captain will choose either Barcelona or Inter Miami as his next club – he does not want to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia.
      Adidas, Apple and MLS are all hoping to entice Messi to the United States this summer.
      Adidas – one of the league’s largest corporate sponsors – have reportedly proposed a profit-sharing agreement, meaning the forward would receive a cut of any increase in profits resulting from his MLS involvement.
      MLS and Apple have also discussed offering Messi a share of the revenue generated by new subscribers to the MLS Season Pass, the league’s streaming package on Apple TV+.
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      Beckham’s Inter Miami have offered the forward a lucrative dealCredit: AP
      In addition to these commercial proposals, MLS chiefs are understood to be willing to offer Messi the option to purchase a percentage of a team in the league upon his retirement.
      However, the forward is keen on the prospect of a fairytale return to Barcelona.
      Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, held talks with Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Monday morning to discuss the possibility of a free transfer.
      After the meeting, the 65-year-old admitted that his son is eager to return to the Nou Camp.
      He said: “Messi wants to return to Barca and I would love for him to come back. It is an option.”
      Messi joined Barcelona’s world renowned La Maisa academy at the age of 13 in 2000.
      After progressing through the ranks, he signed his first professional contract five years later and became a regular name in the first team.
      He went on to make 778 appearances for the La Liga giants, scoring 672 goals and assisting 303 in the process.
      The Argentina international was forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s financial state, so he joined PSG in a £25million transfer. More

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      Eden Hazard’s only transfer offer revealed as details of ex-Chelsea star’s generous Real Madrid gesture emerge

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      EDEN HAZARD has limited options after having his contract terminated by Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.Hazard eclipsed Gareth Bale as Los Blancos’ record signing when he signed from Chelsea for an initial £88.3million in 2019.
      Hazard’s time at Madrid was a massive disappointment after joining as the club’s record signing.Credit: EPA
      His stay in Madrid was miserable however, with injury and form struggles meaning he was never able to justify his lofty price tag.
      The forward made just 76 appearances for Madrid, scoring seven and assisting 12 times.
      The forward did not complete a 90 minute game this season and appeared just six times in the league.
      And according to Marca, the Belgian only has one club interested in his services – the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS.
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      The outlet reports that he is weighing up the move against retiring from the game at the age of 32.
      They also revealed details of his exit from Madrid which was confirmed last week.
      Hazard’s contract was due to run out next summer but an agreement was reached between all parties to let the Belgian become a free agent.
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      Hazard offered to leave without a compensation package for the final year of his deal but Madrid paid a third of his remaining £20m-a-year deal.
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      The Belgian would join a Vancouver team halfway through the MLS season if he were to leave this summer.
      The Canadian side are currently sitting in the MLS final series places with the club in sixth.
      Hazard would become the most high-profile player to ply his trade for Vancouver since local boy Alphonso Davies left in 2018.
      According to reports in Canada, the Whitecaps are struggling to attract fans and have the fourth worst attendance in the MLS. More

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      Fuming fans brand Ronaldo a ‘disaster’ and demand ‘sell the club and leave now’ as his team is relegated from top flight

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      FUMING Real Valladolid fans branded Ronaldo Nazario’s ownership of the club a “disaster” after they were relegated from La Liga. Valladolid’s relegation to the Segunda Division came after they only managed a draw with Getafe on the final day of the season, causing them to suffer the drop by just one point despite accumulating 40.
      Real Valladolid suffered relegation from La LigaCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo’s ownership of the club was labelled a ‘disaster’Credit: EPA
      Ronaldo became the club’s majority shareholder in 2018Credit: AFP
      Furious fans directed their fury towards Ronaldo.
      As quoted by eldesmarque, one fan declared: “We are in dust, but it is what we have deserved because it has been a real disaster.”
      Before they pleaded with the 46-year-old to sell the club.
      They added: “We were playing the relegation and not a shot on goal. Valladolid a band and Ronaldo a disaster.
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      “Let him sell the club and leave now. He promised us Europe and we are going to Second.”
      Fans also blamed Ronaldo for his decision to replace previous boss Pacheta with Paulo Pezzolano.
      The fan said: “What they have done is to bring Pezzolano who is a trainer like Pacheta.
      “It has not been the revulsive that the team needed and another year that we are going to Second.”
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      Despite the criticism, Pezzolano actually yielded a better points-per-game record than his predecessor, notching 1.09 points to Pacheta’s 1.04.
      Following the relegation, Ronaldo has confirmed both Pezzolano and sporting director Fran Sanchez will stay at the club.
      He told Diario AS: “Fran Sanchez and Pezzolano will continue.
      “They are very important pillars for us and we have total confidence in them. Our project to return to the First Division is with them.”
      The relegation also comes after a shocking referee error which saw the whistle blown mid-shot as a Valladolid player rifled the ball into the net just before half-time against Sevilla in May.
      Ronaldo was furious at the call, with Pucelanos going on to lose the game 3-0.
      After the game he wrote on Twitter: “INADMISSIBLE what happened today in Zorrilla!
      “Until now we had been silent trying to vindicate our dissatisfaction through official means, meetings and petitions, avoiding making a public exposure. But enough already!
      “This is professional football and we demand explanations. Mistakes of these dimensions can change an entire season.”
      Valladolid were previously relegated from La Liga in the 2020/21 season, marking this year as the second time they have been relegated under Ronaldo’s tenure.
      Ronaldo, who won two World Cups with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, became the club’s majority shareholder in September 2018.
      The ex-Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona ace is also an owner of Brazilian Serie A side Cruzeiro, with the team currently sitting 10th following promotion last year.
      Ronaldo has previously suggested he would not be at the helm for the long term but ruled out the sale of the club following the relegation.
      He said: “I haven’t thought about the sale. Obviously, the market is quite hot, but I will not leave Valladolid until I leave the legacy I want to leave.”
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      Relegation is nothing new to Valladolid.
      They have a firm status as one of Spain’s yo-yo clubs, having suffered four relegations in 13 years. More