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    Fans stunned by Fernando Torres’ body transformation during heated row with ex-Liverpool ace ‘looking like Sly Stallone’

    FANS were left stunned by Fernando Torres’ body transformation and claimed he was “looking like Sly Stallone” after his heated row with an ex-Liverpool team-mate.The 39-year-old former Spanish striker was sent off during an Under-19s game at the weekend after shoving the rival coach.
    Fernando Torres was sent-off during an U19 Madrid derbyCredit: Twitter / @soymadridista
    Fans were stunned by the legend’s stunning body transformationCredit: Twitter / @soymadridista
    The ex-striker looks a lot more bulkier than he was during his Liverpool heydayCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Torres, who played for the Reds and Chelsea, is now the manager of Atletico Madrid’s youth side.
    The Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup winner has undergone a major body transformation since moving into the dugout, taking on a new bulked-up look.
    And Torres put his size to good use when he squared up to old Liverpool pal Alvaro Arbeloa, who manages Real’s U19s team, on Sunday.
    The two Madrid rivals played out an epic Youth Cup clash, with Real coming out as 4-2 victors on aggregate.
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    But things spilled over when Torres and Arbeloa began a battle on the touchline as the two men were seen shouting before squaring up to each other after a ruckus on the field.
    As the benches scuffled, Torres reportedly said: “I’ll blow your head off.”
    This led Arbeloa to respond: “Start whenever you want.”
    Torres then shoved Arbeloa in the chest and was promptly given a red card by the referee.
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    Now footage has emerged of the veteran hotshot marching back from the dug-out looking buff while being abused by Real supporters.
    He then turns to them and allegedly says: “I’m going up there now, clown.”
    And after the clip went viral, footy fans were quick to hail the star’s physical transformation from a livewire forward to bulked up beast.
    One fan reacted to the clip by writing: “It’s Torres looking like Sylvester Stallone for me.”
    Another said: “That’s an NFL linebacker.”
    A fellow viewer wrote: “Fernando Torres or the hulk!!! What has happened to him he’s massive.”
    Another said: “That is not El Niño, that is El Gigante.”
    While another fan wrote: “He’s ready for a career in the @WWE.” More

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    Ronaldo goes ballistic after referee blows whistle MID-SHOT before ball flies into net as his team suffer crucial loss

    BRAZIL legend Ronaldo Nazario voiced his anger on Twitter after Real Valladolid had a goal controversially disallowed on Sunday.Relegation-threatened Valladolid thought they had taken the lead against Sevilla just before half time when Sergio Escudero fired his shot into the bottom-right corner from 30 yards out.
    Valladolid had a goal ruled out in controversial circumstancesCredit: DAZN
    The referee blew the half time whistle while the ball was flying towards goalCredit: DAZN
    Valladolid players were left furious as a resultCredit: DAZN
    🚨 THE BIGGEST ROBBERY YOU WILL EVER SEE! Real Valladolid denied a goal on the stroke of half time because the referee blew his whistle as the ball was on it’s way in.Real Valladolid are ONE point above relegation, they went on to lose 0-3! 😳🟣pic.twitter.com/XerA55FWZ8— Barstool Football (@StoolFootball) May 14, 2023

    However, referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias refused to let the goal stand – despite the fact that he blew the half-time whistle while the ball was travelling into the back of the net.
    Valladolid players and staff were left furious as a result and demanded answers from the officials.
    Sevilla went on to win the game 3-0, leaving Valladolid just one point above the LaLiga relegation zone.
    Ronaldo – who became majority owner of the club in 2018 – took to Twitter to express his frustration after the game.
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    He wrote: “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.
    “But let one thing be clear: we will fight EVERYTHING and EVERYONE because we are Real Valladolid. Our team, our fans and our city have given everything and no one is going to take it from us.”
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    Fans were also left in shock, with many claiming that it was the “Biggest robbery ever seen in football.”
    Others suggested that it was an “injustice”.
    Ronaldo expressed his frustration at the shocking decisionCredit: Getty More

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    Watch incredible moment Busquets squares up to crazed Espanyol fans in tunnel after Barcelona stars forced to flee pitch

    BARCELONA midfielder Sergio Busquets squared up to a group of crazed Espanyol fans who were attempting to attack him and his teammates on Sunday.The Catalan giants were CHASED off the pitch at the RCDE Stadium following their 4-2 win over relegation-threatened Espanyol, which subsequently saw them claim their first La Liga title in four years.
    Busquets squared up to crazed Espanyol fans in the tunnelCredit: Twitter
    The fans attempted to push past security to get to the playersCredit: Twitter
    Busquets had to be pulled away by his teammates
    Incredible video capture- Barca players barely made it into the tunnel and Espanyol fans came so close attacking them, Busquets, Alonso, Araujo all just a few feet from them inside the tunnel. Video🎥 via @ESPNFC pic.twitter.com/Ik3UngKQRw— FCB Albiceleste (@FCBAlbiceleste) May 14, 2023

    Xavi and his side congregated in the centre circle to celebrate after the final whistle, but they were forced to flee after hundreds of fans invaded the pitch.
    The Espanyol supporters attempted to attack the Barcelona stars, who sprinted back to the tunnel to escape the danger.
    However, Busquets sensationally stood up to the mob as several fans attempted to force their way past security.
    The Spaniard was filmed confronting the crowd while riot police intervened.
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    The situation was eventually de-escalated before the Barcelona players returned to their dressing room to continue celebrating.
    Despite the severity of the incident, the referee failed to mention the pitch invasion in his post-match report.
    When discussing the attack after the game, Barca boss Xavi said: “It’s normal to celebrate but I understand that we are not at home and we can’t be disrespectful.”
    But he quickly changed the subject to the club’s triumphant La Liga title win, adding: “It’s a great feeling.
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    Barcelona players were forced to flee the pitchCredit: Getty
    The Catalan giants won La Liga on SundayCredit: Getty
    “It’s a job well done. This started in July and after months of work and sacrifice we have achieved our aim.
    “The fans and the club deserve it, it gives us stability and security that things are being done well.
    “We have sealed La Liga with a fantastic performance. We were brilliant tonight. The team relaxed at the end and Espanyol showed pride.” More

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    Ferran Olivella dead at 86: Former Spain captain and Barcelona star passes away as tributes pour in

    FORMER Spain captain Ferran Olivella has died aged 86.A defender by trade, Olivella captained Spain to Euros glory in 1964.
    Former Spain captain Ferran Olivella, pictured here in 1965 and standing three in from the left, has passed away aged 86Credit: AP
    El FC Barcelona quiere expresar su más sentido pésame a la familia y amigos de Ferran Olivella, ex jugador del Club entre 1956 y 1969. Descanse en paz. pic.twitter.com/szsDrVQOMs— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) May 14, 2023

    He also spent 13 years at Barcelona, winning the La Liga title in 1959 and 1960.
    Olivella then served as a director at the club after retiring.
    The Spanish FA paid tribute to Olivella on social media.
    A tweet on Sunday said: “Ferran Olivella Pons, captain of the national team that won the 1964 European Cup, has passed away.
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    “From @RFEF we want to express our deepest condolences to your family and friends. Rest in peace.”
    Barcelona wrote: “FC Barcelona wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ferran Olivella, a former Club player between 1956 and 1969.
    “Rest in peace.”
    And a statement from Real Madrid added: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and its Board of Directors sincerely regret the passing of Ferran Olivella, a legendary player of F. C. Barcelona and Spanish football. “Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, his clubs and all his loved ones.”
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    Olivella played for Barca from 1956 to 1969, and was a director from 1989 to 1993.
    He made 18 appearances in total for the Spanish national team, and was part of the squad for the 1966 World Cup. More

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    Incredible moment terrified Barcelona stars are CHASED off pitch by angry Espanyol fans while celebrating LaLiga title

    BARCELONA players were CHASED off the pitch by angry Espanyol fans while celebrating the LaLiga title in the home of their local rivals.The Catalans cruised to a 4-2 win at the home of their neighbours on Sunday to seal their first domestic crown in four years.
    Barcelona players had congregated to celebrate in the centre circle at the home of their local rivalsCredit: LaLiga TV
    Barcelona stars were forced to sprint off the pitch after their title celebrations were disruptedCredit: Getty
    Barca players ran away from a mob of Espanyol fansCredit: Reuters
    Angry Espanyol fans invaded the pitch at full time to disrupt Barcelona’s title celebrationsCredit: AFP
    Espanyol supporter is seen throwing a chair on the pitch after fans rushed towards celebration Barcelona playersCredit: Getty
    Security desperately tried to stop fans as they ran onto the pitchCredit: Getty

    On the final whistle, Barca stars and boss Xavi gathered in the centre circle to hold hands in a ‘ring o’ roses’ style celebration.
    But the occasion was marred by fans of relegation-threatened Espanyol, who avoided security to sprint on an disrupt the festivities.
    They headed straight towards the Barcelona players, with some seen throwing chairs and bottles.
    Terrified Barca players instantly legged it towards to tunnel to escape the angry mob.
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    One member of backroom staff was seen falling to the ground during the rush.
    After Barcelona’s star’s had escaped, the rowdy pitch invaders then turned on Espanyol’s unpopular board.
    It was later confirmed that all Barcelona players and staff had escaped unhurt.
    Xavi later commented: “It’s normal to celebrate but I understand that we are not at home and we can’t be disrespectful”
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    Barcelona have officially regained their LaLiga crown from rivals Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Barcelona won the title with four games to spare after beating Espanyol 4-2Credit: AFP
    It’s party time in the Catalan capital tonightCredit: Reuters
    Barcelona celebrated in style at the final whistleCredit: Reuters
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    Robert Lewandowski led the way with two goals for Xavi Hernandez’s men.
    Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde were also on the score sheet for the visitors.
    The result sent Barcelona 14 points clear of rivals and former holders Real Madrid.
    And, after losing just three times all season, they wrapped up the trophy with four games to spare.
    Xavi added: “It’s a great feeling.
    “It’s a job well done. This started in July and after months of work and sacrifice we have achieved our aim.
    “The fans and the club deserve it, it gives us stability and security that things are being done well.
    “We have sealed La Liga with a fantastic performance. We were brilliant tonight. The team relaxed at the end and Espanyol showed pride.”
    Barcelona took a huge gamble in last summer’s transfer market when they activated numerous levers to fund a major splurge.
    The likes of Lewandowski, Raphinha and Kounde all arrived for big fees.
    And tasty contracts were also handed out to free agents including Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie.
    But Barca took an early hold on LaLiga and never let go as Real blew several chances to close the gap.
    Xavi’s title win will certainly take away from Barcelona’s shortcomings in Europe, which saw them exit the Champions League before being dumped out of the Europa League by Man United.
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    They also suffered defeat in the semi-final of the Spanish Cup to Real.
    And Barca fans are sure to cheer on Man City when they play Los Blancos in their Champions League second-leg tie on Wednesday.
    The last time Barcelona won the title was in 2019Credit: Getty
    Robert Lewandowski scored twice with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde also nettingCredit: AFP
    Barcelona’s big financial gamble last summer paid off with a first title in four yearsCredit: EPA
    Xavi Hernandez has now won LaLiga as a player and a manager for BarcelonaCredit: Getty More

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    Messi booed by PSG fans in first match since Saudi trip with team-mate admitting ‘it hurts’ amid Barcelona transfer talk

    LIONEL MESSI was booed by Paris Saint-Germain fans in his first match back since his unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.The Argentine legend missed training to visit the Middle East with his family.
    Lionel Messi was jeered by PSG fans versus AjaccioCredit: Rex
    Danilo Pereira has been left saddened by the supporters’ reactionCredit: AP
    Messi was then slapped with a suspension by PSG for the unauthorised trip – although they later backed down.
    In his first game back after the incident, the 35-year-old was jeered and whistled by some of the team’s supporters in their 5-0 win over Ajaccio.
    Team-mate Danilo Pereira was left saddened by the fans’ reaction, saying: “The context is hard, it hurts to see a teammate being whistled.
    “If we have to whistle, we have to whistle the whole team.”
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    Messi travelled to Saudi Arabia to fulfil commercial work as he’s an ambassador for the country’s tourism board.
    Since agreeing the £25million deal last year, he had only been to the nation once.
    Messi’s contract at PSG ends this summer and despite the club having the option to renew it for one-year, he reportedly wants to leave and club are understood to be happy for him to go.
    He has been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent 21 years, winning ten LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
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    The Catalan giants are keen to bring him back due to the financial boost he can offer the club as they aim to balance the books amid cash difficulties.
    However, Barca must reduce their wage bill and Messi may have to take a huge pay cut to re-join his former side.
    He has also been linked with a lucrative move to a club in Saudi Arabia. More

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    Barcelona ‘very close to signing Ruben Neves’ with Mendes expected to push Prem star’s dream transfer through

    BARCELONA are close to signing Wolves star Ruben Neves, according to reports.His agent Jorge Mendes is ready to push through a deal that will see the midfielder secure his dream move.
    Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is closing in on joining BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Super agent Jorge Mendes is helping facilitate the transferCredit: Reuters
    Neves will replace Barca legend Sergio Busquets, who announced he will quit the club at the end of the season.
    Xavi reportedly prefers to bring in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi or Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, but they cannot afford either of them due to ongoing financial troubles.
    Neves is a more cost-effective option and his wages will fit in the club’s salary cap as they look to balance the books, claim Sport.
    Barcelona now await the all-clear from LaLiga after they effectively imposed a transfer ban on them.
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    Yet the Catalan giants are believed to have a plan to work around it and still sign players should league chiefs agree.
    A number of swap deals are being considered this summer with Mendes proposing that Ansu Fati heads in the other direction and joins Wolves.
    The Premier League side are supposedly ready to hand Barca £30million plus Neves for the winger but that offer has not progressed due to Fati wanting to stay at the club.
    Neves sees his contract at Molinuex expire at the end of next season.
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    He has been at Wolves since 2017 after arriving from Porto and captained them regularly.
    The 26-year-old has also been linked with moves to Manchester United and Arsenal.
    Meanwhile, the report also suggests that Franck Kessie and Sergino Dest are set to leave Barca and could also be used in a swap deal. More

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    I played at Real Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo – when he joined, we weren’t allowed to practise certain technique

    ROYSTON DRENTHE has revealed how Real Madrid’s superstars had to stop practising a certain technique when Cristiano Ronaldo joined. The Dutchman, 36, spent five years at Los Blancos from 2007 to 2012, winning the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup.
    Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Real Madrid from Man Utd in 2009Credit: Getty
    Royston Drenthe has revealed that the rest of the squad had stop practising a certain techniqueCredit: Getty
    During the end of his stint with Real Madrid, he had a season-long loan in England with Everton, bagging four goals in 27 games.
    And despite Ron’s enormous success, Drenthe has also recently revealed that he would have ex-Toffees ace Ross Barkley rather than the five-time Ballon D’Or winner in his ultimate five-a-side team of players he has shared the pitch with.
    Ronaldo smashed almost every record going during his incredible nine-year spell at the Bernabeu and won the Champions League four times.
    However, the rest of the squad had to put a stop to trying to copy one of his main assets after he signed from Manchester United.
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    Drenthe exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “We won the league in my first season at Madrid, and I managed to play a big part in the first-team, too.
    “Then, at the end of the next season, we had the summer of huge arrivals, with Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso, Kaka and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo all coming in.
    “I’d be lying if I said we weren’t excited by this – but at the same time, we were Real Madrid players ourselves; we were professionals, we were already a strong side. It was great for them to join up with us, though.
    “It’s funny, actually… prior to Ronaldo joining, before we knew that deal was going to happen, quite often after training there’d be myself, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and a few of the other guys, all practising free-kicks.
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    “We always used to pretend to be Ronaldo, and copy that famous pose he used to do before his run-up. The next thing you know, he’s signed for us and we’ve had to stop doing it!”
    Drenthe added: “When he [Cristiano Ronaldo] joined, it was crazy. The guy couldn’t go anywhere, he couldn’t do anything, without being pictured, or without crowds of people following him.
    “We all experienced it to some extent because, at the end of the day, we were playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, but nowhere near the same level as Cristiano had it.
    “He had to be so careful off the pitch, it was almost like he could only really be himself when he was with us, on the training ground or in the dressing room.
    “He was an incredible guy, though – I loved my time with him. Again, you hear it so often but he really was the ultimate professional. He did the things none of us enjoyed doing, religiously.
    “He never cut corners, he set the perfect example. He was a top, top guy, and it’s no surprise he went on to have the career he had and set the records he’s set.”
    Drenthe left the Spanish capital 11 years ago and had spells with the likes of Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.
    He eventually hung up his boots last year – and now wants to be the next James Bond.
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    He has already started his acting career by landing a role as a gangster in hit Dutch crime drama Mocro Maffia in 2021.
    That was after he had tried his hand at rap back in 2017 when he released the track “Paranoia”.
    Karim Benzema (C) celebrates a goal with Royston Drenthe (L) and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty – Contributor More