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    ‘Sergio Busquets is an absolute crybaby – I gave Barcelona legend a stern warning’

    SERGIO BUSQUETS has been labelled a “crybaby” and “whiner” by Wesley Sneijder.Sneijder, who starred for Real Madrid and Inter Milan, slammed the Spaniard as he reflected on their past battles.Wesley Sneijder has recalled how he did not like playing Sergio BusquetsCredit: GettyHe labelled him a ‘crybaby’ and ‘nasty guy to play against’Credit: GettySneijder recalled Busquets antics in the 2010 Champions League semi-final to try and get Thiago Motta sent offCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Dutchman recalled how the Barcelona legend’s antics got under his skin.Speaking to Ziggo Sports, he said: “He was an extremely annoying player, he was always giving it to others but he could never receive it.”The second leg of the 2010 Champions League semi-final game was one that particularly irked Sneijder when Thiago Motta tackled the midfielder. Sneijder said: “In 2010 we beat Barcelona 3-1 at home, then we had to go to Camp Nou and after eight minutes Busquets started rolling on the ground while looking through his hands to see if Motta had a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He then got up again and was fine, the crybaby. A nasty guy to play against.”He continued: “I had fights with him in every game.”Sneijder also revealed how he warned Busquets about meeting in Ibiza, adding: “I’ll see you in Ibiza in the summer, then you and I will talk again.”Under Jose Mourinho that season, Inter Milan emerged with a remarkable win over Pep Guardiola’s Barca side – considered by many to be the greatest team in football history.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey then went on to bag the continental Treble, a first in Italian football history.Meanwhile, Sneijder was full of praise for the recently retired Andres Iniesta. World Cup fans all say the same thing as Sergio Busquets runs into Leon Goretzka – and German’s reaction is pricelessUnlike his old rival and team-mate, 36-year-old Busquets continues to ply his trade in Major League Soccer alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. More

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    Barcelona ‘victim of transfer fraud after transferring £830,000 to scammer pretending to be Lewandowski’s agent’

    BARCELONA fell victim to a scam when completing Robert Lewandowski’s transfer.The striker moved to the Nou Camp in the summer of 2022, joining from Bayern Munich.A scammer posing as Lewandwoski’s agent almost cost Barcelona £830,000Credit: RexLewandowski has been in fine form this season and has helped Barcelona to the top of LaLiga, but his signing got the club into difficulty.That is because a fraudster posing as his agent Pini Zahavi demanded a payment be made of £830,000, according to reports in Spain.In late July 2022 several club directors and executives received an email requesting the payment as commission for the deal being completed.Barcelona paid the amount into an account number at the Bank of Cyprus – but to an account under the name of Michael Gerardus Hermanus Demon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe bank blocked the transfer as it was considered high risk, due to the fact there were no previous transactions on the account nor any valid documents to justify the payment.The scammer continued to put pressure on Barcelona by posing as Zahavi, and threatened to report the club to Uefa and block Lewandowski’s registration.They also wrote to the Bank of Cyprus in a bid to get the transaction approved but were denied again.That meant Barcelona were able to recover the £830,000 and have since reported the scammer to police after receiving two more emails demanding around £210,000.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLewandowski, 36, has been a success at Barcelona with 71 goals in 106 games, including 12 this term.He signed from Bayern in a deal worth £42.5million.Behind the scenes of the Barcelona ‘bust up’ after Celtic’s heroic 2012 win More

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    Jurgen Klopp ‘set to raid Barcelona as ex-Liverpool boss plots first two transfer deals for Red Bull’

    JURGEN KLOPP is reportedly plotting to kick-start his Red Bull reign with a double swoop on Barcelona’s famed academy.The former Liverpool manager, 57, said he was taking a year out of football after leaving Anfield in May.Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp is set to pounce for two Barcelona youngstersCredit: PABut Klopp stunned supporters when earlier this month he announced he was becoming Red Bull’s new Head of Global Football.The Premier League and Champions League winner is now in charge of business dealings for clubs including RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg.And he will pocket up to £10million each year in his new role.Red Bull have already been making moves under the German after investing in French side Paris FC.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd reports in Spain claim Klopp now wants to boost Red Bull’s incredible stable of young talents by poaching two of the best from Barcelona.According to Sport, Klopp would first like to sign Spain U19 midfielder Aleix Garrido.The talented playmaker, who turns 21 in February, has just one senior appearance for Barca and is out of contract next summer.He is ready for a change of scenery and would be tempted by a move to Red Bull, with Austrian giants Salzburg the most likely destination.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKlopp also hopes to pull off a deal for Germany U19 winger Noah Darvich.The 18-year-old is highly regarded at Barcelona following a £4million move from Freiburg’s academy last year.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Midfielder Aleix Garrido could be on his way to RB SalzburgCredit: GettyWinger Noah Darvich could return to Germany with RB LeipzigCredit: GettyHe too is yet to make a senior appearance but has been tipped as a future first-team star.And due to Darvich’s German roots, he would likely end up at Leipzig.However, the ace is tied down to Barcelona until 2026.He is also said to have a mind-blowing £1BILLION release clause.But with Barca’s financial troubles well-documented, a fair bid from Red Bull and Klopp could be enough to twist their arm.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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    Barcelona line up shock moves for Darwin Nunez and Alexander Isak if they fail to complete Erling Haaland transfer

    BARCELONA will move for TWO of the Premier League’s biggest stars if they fail in their bid to land Erling Haaland.It was recently reported that the Spanish giants are planning a mega transfer move for Haaland to crown the grand re-opening of the Nou Camp.Barcelona want to sign Erling HaalandCredit: GettyDarwin Nunez would be targetted if they fail to sign the Man City starCredit: PANewcastle’s Alexander Isak is also a targetCredit: GettyManchester City’s star man is in his third season at the Etihad.But after scoring copious amounts of goals and winning everything there is to win, Haaland’s future in the North West remains unclear.And that’s put Barcelona on red-alert.In February, his agent held a meeting with Barcelona in what could be a hint at the forward’s future.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFootage captured from Spanish media showed Barca sporting director Deco meeting with superagent Rafaela Pimenta.Reports at the time alleged that Haaland’s future was discussed at the meeting.The 23-year-old has previously been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.He  has a contract at Man City running until 2027 which sees him earn £375,000 a week before bonuses.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Barcelona already have plans in place about alternative players to swoop for if they miss out on Haaland.SunSport can reveal Newcastle hitman Alexander Isak is high on their list as is Darwin Nunez.Man United dressing room was BUGGED during match against Aston Villa in a shocking security breachBoth are seen by Barcelona chiefs as potential marquee signings who would excite the fans.And the players are likely to be more open-minded to a move to Spain than Haaland.Swedish sensation Isak almost switched to Barcelona over the summer, after being pursued by the Catalan giants.Nunez is believed to be growing increasingly frustrated by his lack of first-team action at Anfield.Although new-manager Arne Slot is a fan, Diogo Jota has started more games than him this season.The Catalans top LaLiga with eight wins from nine under Hansi Flick.And despite their well-documented financial troubles, Barcelona continue to attract some of football’s biggest names.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpain’s Euro winner Dani Olmo was the latest superstar to join this summer.They also managed to coax Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s major injury blow. More

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    Real Madrid ‘edit Kylian Mbappe OUT of new promotion’ after star slams ‘fake news’ over ‘rape claim in Sweden’

    REAL Madrid has reportedly edited Kylian Mbappe out of a charity promotion just a day after local media reported a rape complaint was made against the star footballer.Two almost identical images posted to Instagram appear to show the French striker in and out of a photo for the club’s Artist Pack promotion.English forward Jude Bellingham shared this image of the campaign to his InstagramCredit: instagramReal Madrid posted the image without Mbappe on TuesdayCredit: InstagramMbappe trained with his Spanish club side on TuesdayCredit: GettyA complaint of an alleged rape has been made against the star footballer in SwedenCredit: AFPThe first image was posted by English striker Jude Bellingham to his Instagram and showed him and Mbappe with a group of artists.But Bellingham swiftly deleted the group snap.Real Madrid then posted an almost identical image to its main Instagram account on Tuesday – but now with Mbappe missing.The edit comes a day after news broke that a rape complaint was reportedly made against the star player on Saturday in Stockholm. Read more on footballSwedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported Monday that the French forward, 25, is being investigated by cops over the complaint.Mbappe slammed the report as “fake news” and implied the report had emerged just as he was set to enter a dispute with his former club.In a post on X, Mbappe addressed the report Monday saying: “FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance.”The Real Madrid player seemingly referred to a hearing he is set to face over unpaid wages he is disputedly owed.Most read in FootballMbappe claims he is owed 55million Euros (£45million) by his former club Paris Saint-Germain.Claims have emerged online that Mbappe was edited out of the promotion as he is sponsored by Nike and the campaign is run with Adidas Football.Real Madrid’s stadium looks unrecognisable as it prepares for ‘never-before-seen’ presentation of Kylian MbappeBut other Nike-sponsored Real Madrid footballers remained in the ad, like Eduardo Camavinga.Neither Real Madrid or Nike responded to The Sun by deadline.Real Madrid posted new snaps of Mbappe training on Tuesday to its Instagram account following the edited post. Mbappe’s representatives at PR firm Patricia Goldman told Reuters on Tuesday: “These accusations are totally false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.Mbappe went clubbing while in StockholmCredit: RexMbappe strenuously denies the claimCredit: X @KMbappe”Kylian Mbappe will under no circumstances tolerate his integrity, reputation and honour being sullied by unfounded insinuations.”Mbappe’s lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard also appeared on French TV on Tuesday and said they had not received any documents. Canu-Bernard claimed that Mbappe was never alone during the evening and was surrounded by security guards. She said: “We still don’t know who it applies to. An action is not reality. “A deed is not proof of anything.”Canu-Bernard said the footballer is now considering bringing a defamation case following the claim.France’s manager Deschamps, 56, responded to the allegations against his captain as he warned people to avoid spreading “anything and everything” in regards to Mbappe.After being quizzed on the allegations at the post match press conference Deschamps said: “Everyone is free to write what they want but there is a negative atmosphere around the French team.”Stockholm police spokeswoman Carina Skagerlind said Monday: “In general, if we have received a complaint and decided to conduct interviews and we make it known (to the public), those involved in the case may take actions that delay and complicate the investigation.”Forensic police were seen on Monday outside Bank Hotel – where the star stayed between Wednesday and Friday. Expressen reported that Mbappe on Thursday dined at the Chez Jolie restaurant and went to the V nightclub in Stockholm with pals.The outlet reports police are investigating an alleged rape at the Bank Hotel that night.Mbappe’s entourage shot back in a statement sent to AFP: “Today, a new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.”These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.”In order to put an end to this methodical destruction of (the) image (of Kylian Mbappe), all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappe is suffering repeatedly.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMbappe is currently injured and did not play in France’s Nations League fixtures last week.Real Madrid said the Artist Pack is a clothing line that seeks to blend art, sport, and social inclusion. Mbappe stayed in the Bank Hotel in Stockholm while in the countryCredit: EPAMbappe’s lawyer said he is now preparing a defamation lawsuit in responseCredit: AFP More

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    Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skill

    REAL MADRID legend Marcelo was left red-faced after being outskilled by his nine-year-old son.The Brazilian was playing football on the street with his son when he suffered what many players consider a nightmare.Marcelo was left embarrassed by his nine-year-old sonCredit: @MarceloTwelveThe Brazilian was nutmegged by LiamCredit: @MarceloTwelveHe was clearly impressed by the youngster’s skillsCredit: @MarceloTwelveAfter passing the ball to nine-year-old Liam, Marcelo stepped in to make a tackle.But as he moved, the youngster flicked the ball through his legs with an incredible skill.Brazil icon Marcelo reacted by simply covering his face with his hand.He then mimicked shining the youngster’s shoes.Read More in FootballFans were quick to comment on Instagram, with one person writing: “Little legend, big legend!”Another said: “Ancelotti needs to sign that boy.”A third wrote: “He will become a great player like his father.”While a fourth simply commented: “Legendary.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMarcelo’s other son, Enzo Alves, is also following in his dad’s footsteps.He recently signed a major contract extension with Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2027.Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchThe 15-year-old was initially tied down until 2026 but earned a new deal following some incredible performances for the Los Blancos academy.It is the longest contract length allowed for under-age players.Marcelo spent 15 years at Real Madrid as a player and made 546 appearances.During that time he won 25 major trophies – including five Champions League titles and six La Liga titles. More

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    Watch shocking moment 30 Nou Camp construction workers brawl with wooden sticks and stones in horror scenes

    THIS is the shocking moment a mass brawl erupted between construction workers at the Nou Camp.Barcelona’s iconic stadium is currently under renovation, with 1,750 workers on the job.Around 30 workers were involved in a mass brawl at the Nou CampCredit: X/ elcasocatWooden sticks and stones were reportedly used in the incidentCredit: X/ elcasocatThe Nou Camp is being modernisedCredit: FC BarcelonaBarcelona’s iconic stadium is currently a construction siteCredit: FC BarcelonaBarca have released stunning computer generated images to show what the new Nou Camp will look likeCredit: FC BarcelonaThe work will cost a staggering £1.25billionCredit: FC BarcelonaBut it has been reported that several of them have been fired after a huge fight started.Footage has emerged from inside the construction site that shows workers in a scuffle.The video sees many of the employees running across the area outside the stadium as a large group appear to throw punches at each other.Reports in Spain say that around 30 men were involved in the horror scenes that unfolded last Friday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMarca claim the brawl ended up becoming a “battle with sticks” and stones were thrown.The fight supposedly started between two workers after one spat at the other.Nobody involved in the scrap suffered serious injuries.The police were called to the Nou Camp – but it is unknown if arrests were made.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBarcelona moved out of their ground in May last year and have gone temporarily to the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on the other side of the city.The improvements will see the capacity increase from 99,00 to an incredible 105,000.Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable as club reveal ‘insane’ CGI footage of the renovation plansAll the stands at Barca’s new Nou Camp will be improved and the cost is a staggering £1.25BILLION.The ground is set to have the largest roof in Europe, an aerial viewing platform, new VIP and press areas, huge screens overhanging the pitch, a light display on the outside and solar panels to produce its own energy to generate zero CO2 emissions.Barca hope to move back home this season at a reduced 64,000 capacity while the building works continue.The Nou Camp will lose its iconic lookCredit: AFP More

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    Moment Wojciech Szczesny says ‘I won’t tell anyone’ after Barcelona star’s chat with Cristiano Ronaldo in tunnel

    REAL MADRID legend Cristiano Ronaldo met with new Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny backstage during the international break.Szczesny, 34, attended Poland’s Nations League clash with Portugal at the Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium in Warsaw on Saturday and watched Ronaldo and co beat his national team 3-1.Cristiano Ronaldo and Wojciech Szczesny met backstage before Poland vs PortugalCredit: X @updates_fcbarcaSzczesny revealed to Ronaldo his son is a big fan, but ‘won’t tell anybody’Credit: AFPSzczesny came out of retirement to join Barcelona, who used to be Real Madrid legend Ronaldo’s rivalsCredit: ReutersThe ex-Arsenal keeper retired from all football last season, following seven year at Juventus.However the Polish stopper incredibly made a stunning U-turn last month to sign for LaLiga giants Barcelona, following an injury to their No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Szczesny still is not part of Michal Probierz’s Poland squad.But, as he gears up for a return between the sticks, he paid a visit to his former international team-mates before their marquee clash.Read More on FootballThat is where the ex-Juventus star got the chance to catch up with Portugal captain Ronaldo backstage, while flanked by his starstuck kids.The pair played together at Juventus and Szczesny was caught on camera telling the five-time Ballon d’Or winner that his son is a fan and wanted an autograph.That was when the keeper joked he “won’t tell anybody” given Barcelona and Real’s fierce rivalry.Szczesny told Ronaldo: “I play for Barcelona now.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo responded: ” I know.”Szczesny continued: “But he [his son] is one of your fans. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody.Szczesny reveals he was fined £34k for being 113 seconds late for training Ronaldo replied: “Unbelievable, from retirement to a big club.”Ronaldo spent nine glittering years with Real as he amassed a staggering 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 appearances while also winning two LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies.The Manchester United legend left Los Blancos in 2018 for Juventus where he played with Szczesny for three years before returning to Old Trafford. More