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      Aston Villa star Alex Moreno reveals key advice Pep Guardiola gave him as Barcelona youth as he prepares to face Man Utd

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      ALEX MORENO knows all about ending a club’s long wait for silverware.The Spanish left-back, 29, helped win the Copa del Rey for Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis last season.
      Alex Moreno has impressed since joining Aston Villa in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola was manager of Barcelona when Alex Moreno was at the club as a youngsterCredit: Reuters
      It came after 17 years without top honours for Betis and Moreno owns a green bracelet that commemorates the win.
      Villa’s last major win came in the 1996 League Cup final success against Leeds.
      But their boss Unai Emery convinced Moreno to leave Betis for Villa in a £14million January deal with a plan to have them competing for titles again.
      Moreno said: “This is the ambition and to fulfil this we have to be focused on the biggest prizes together as one club, not as individuals.
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      “It is an historical club. Unai explained it, what he envisions and his ambition, and what he aspires to do. That is why I was so keen to join.
      “It is a club that’s been away from the highest level for a while and Unai believes we can do big things with this team.”

      After a bad start to the term under ex-boss Steven Gerrard, Villa are now sixth with five games left and six points behind today’s hosts Manchester United in fourth.
      Moreno’s career has taught him achieving your dreams requires patience.
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      He signed for Barcelona’s youth set-up aged 17, learning from Pep Guardiola and training with the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
      Moreno said: “The only words from Guardiola I remember were to listen, enjoy the moment and don’t get too carried away. Feel it, enjoy it and act normal.”
      After Barca, he had to forge a career in Spain’s third and second divisions with Mallorca, Rayo Vallecano and Elche before “fighting his way” to La Liga with Betis in 2019.
      Moreno said: “To Betis, I owe a lot. They trusted me and I grew there. I played at a high level, Pellegrini made me better.
      “I still have a lot of friends there and keep receiving nice messages from them.”
      Moreno makes connections with Villa fans through streaming videos and online gaming.
      And it has helped that his fine attacking play, which has led to three assists, has become key to Emery’s winning tactics.
      The Catalonia-born star is also enjoying his personal life as, just before his arrival at Villa Park, he proposed to his girlfriend at the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.
      But he is missing his two puppies who are back home in Seville and awaiting approved paperwork before they can make the trip to England.
      The prospect of a European spot is keeping Villa focused, though and he added: “Five months ago the situation was very different.

      “This is a result of the work that has been done together in order to change the situation.
      “There is now a possibility for us to finish in Europe but it is about focusing on the next five games, which for us are five finals — and that starts on Sunday.” More

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      Erling Haaland miles ahead in Europe’s Golden Boot race but current and former Arsenal stars make top 10

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      ERLING HAALAND is miles ahead in this season’s hunt for the European Golden Boot.But Arsenal have two horses in the race – despite neither actually playing for the club this season.
      Man City ace Erling Haaland is leading the charge for the European Golden BootCredit: Getty
      Spurs star Harry Kane is number two on the listCredit: Getty
      The continent’s top strikers have been in top form this term.
      Their goals are contributing to several big title races, with some even proving to be decisive in recent matches.
      And no one else has been more prolific in front of goal than Manchester City star Haaland.
      The Norwegian only made the move to the Etihad last summer.
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      But he has already smashed the record for most goals in a Premier League campaign after bagging his 33rd in the 4-1 win over Arsenal.
      Haaland’s stunning feat means he is also nine goals clear in the Golden Boot race, handed to the player with the most league goals in Europe.
      However, he’s not alone in having a fine season in England’s top flight.
      Step forward Tottenham star Harry Kane, who has still managed to bag 24 goals despite his club’s torrid downturn in form.
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      PSG star Kylian Mbappe is third on the listCredit: Getty

      The England captain is on his third manager of the season, yet his haul is still the fourth-best of his career – with five games still to play.
      Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is currently in third place with 22 goals for Paris Saint-Germain.
      The Frenchman started the term slowly, but seven goals in his last five matches has seen him storm up the charts.
      Mbappe is one clear of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Lille’s Jonathan David, who are both being tipped for big transfer this summer.
      Surprisingly, the next in line is ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette.
      He has smashed in 20 goals for Lyon, a feat he never achieved in five years at the Emirates.
      Lacazette is followed by Brentford star Ivan Toney, who has 19 goals ahead of an impending ban for betting.
      Robert Lewandowski, who has won the award the past two seasons, is next after hitting 18 goals during his first season at Barcelona.
      And he is level-pegging with Folarin Balogun, on loan at Reims from Arsenal.
      The final spot in the list goes to Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder, who has 17 goals this term.
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      It means three of the top 10 – including the top two – are made up of players from the Premier League.
      But Ligue 1 takes the crown for the most amount of stars, boasting no less than six. More

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      Mauricio Pochettino ‘turned down management offers as he waited for Real Madrid to call’ ahead of PSG move

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO previously turned down management offers to wait for the Real Madrid job.That’s before he eventually ended up joining Paris Saint-Germain two years ago.
      Mauricio Pochettino is set to join Chelsea after leaving PSGCredit: Getty
      The former Tottenham boss, now set to join Chelsea, was out of football for more than a year after being sacked by Daniel Levy in November 2019 following a lengthy spell with the North London club.
      The Argentine coach was linked with replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United several times – and then again before Erik ten Hag was appointed.
      Poch is now on the verge of becoming Graham Potter’s successor at Chelsea, replacing Frank Lampard once the caretaker boss finishes the remainder of the season.
      But it was reported last year by Mundo Deportivo that he was once waiting to take over from Zinedine Zidane at Los Blancos in 2021.

      It soon became clear that the role at the Spanish giants was not on the horizon so he joined PSG – ironically Zidane then left the Bernabeu while he was in charge of the Parisians.
      They then subsequently brought Carlo Ancelotti back to the club and he has had much success winning LaLiga and the Champions League last season.
      Pochettino won the Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions in his first season and then the Ligue 1 title in his second.
      However it was not enough for him to keep his job and he was relieved of his duties last summer.
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      The Champions League remains the trophy PSG are desperate to get their hands on and Poch signed the likes of Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Achraf Hakimi to help them.
      When the French side were knocked out of the Champions League by eventual winners Real Madrid in the Round of 16 it appeared Poch was on borrowed time.
      They had a 2-0 aggregate lead with just 30 minutes to play but crashed out of the competition in spectacular fashion.
      Karim Benzema’s quickfire hat-trick combined with PSG’s capitulation left the writing on the wall for Pochettino.
      Kylian Mbappe now has lots of control over decisions made at the club and there was rumours he wanted a new man in charge with the club eventually going for Christophe Galtier.
      But even Poch’s successor isn’t safe from the chaos behind the scenes, and now looks set himself to depart at the end of the season.
      Since leaving the Parc des Princes, former Southampton boss Pochettino has been linked with a number of jobs as he eyes a return to management.
      Nice were interested in him, as were Chelsea when they sacked Thomas Tuchel in September.
      But Poch and the Blues finally feel the time is right to come together as Todd Boehly looks to entrust his under-performing squad to a once-rival gaffer.
      Mauricio Pochettino will be back in management soon with ChelseaCredit: Reuters More

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      I made history by scoring four goals against Real Madrid then had to take a pill to help me sleep

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      GIRONA striker Taty Castellanos scored FOUR goals against Real Madrid – and then needed a pill to get to sleep.The 24-year-old Argentine stunned Los Blancos with his incredible solo performance.
      Tity Castellanos scored all four Girona goals against Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      He hit the back of the net four times from just six shots and 15 touches against the 14-time European champions, who reduced the deficit through Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez.
      And Castellanos admitted he was absolutely buzzing and unsurprisingly struggled to nod off last night.
      The on-loan New York City man said: “It was incredible, a dream night.
      “I couldn’t even sleep well and I stayed until four in the morning without being able to rest, I even had to take a pill to sleep.
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      “Messages were coming out everywhere and I also had family and friends at home after a dream night in Montilivi with our people.
      “I haven’t had much time to reply to everyone.
      “Scoring four goals against Real Madrid is not achieved every day.
      “Putting in the first was already something I dreamed of. When I saw the ball go into the net, so many things came to mind.
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      “It was a huge joy for me as the other goals fell, I couldn’t believe it. I shot [on target] five times and scored four goals. This was my night, I thought.
      “Luck smiled on me against Real Madrid.”
      Castellanos came through in Argentine youth football before spells in Chile and Uruguay with City Football Group outfit Torque before moving to their sister-club in New York.
      But his incredible quadruple against Carlo Ancelotti’s men has burst him into the global spotlight.
      Castellanos is determined to keep humble – but does have ambitions of linking up with his hero Lionel Messi on the international stage.
      He added: “I have my feet on the ground. I will remain the same.
      “We are talking about the best in the world, if Messi saw them, for me, it is crazy.
      “I’ve never dealt with him but it’s a dream I have.
      “For me, he is a god of football and he has made me cry many times. I am passionate about his figure.
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      “I know how difficult it is to join the Argentina national team because there are very good players in my position.
      “If one day I manage to get there, I want it to be because I am in a good moment and because I have earned it. If I also play with Messi, I will be able to die peacefully.”
      The on-loan striker turned on the style at the MontiliviCredit: AFP More

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      Stunning Wag of ex-Barcelona star embraces no bra club as she leaves little to the imagination in white top

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      JESSICA GOICOECHEA left little to the imagination as she took to the yellow carpet earlier this week.The Spanish model and influencer is no stranger to wowing her social media followers with sexy and sultry snaps.
      Jessica Goicoechea – the girlfriend of ex-Barca defender Marc Bartra – regularly wows on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@GOICOECHEA
      She often treats her 1.8million followers to sultry snapsCredit: INSTAGRAM@GOICOECHEA
      The 26-year-old joined the no-bra club at the Cathy Peluso collection at Desigual in Barcelona on TuesdayCredit: GETTY
      But the 26-year-old’s recent Instagram story update would’ve really set their pulses racing.
      On Tuesday night, the blonde beauty posted a snap of herself at the exclusive launch of the Cathy Peluso collection at Desigual in Barcelona.
      Goicoechea, the girlfriend of former Barcelona defender Marc Bartra, donned double denim with her skirt and jacket – a look she completed with a sheer white top that accentuated her braless assets.
      Goicoechea is no stranger to wearing see-through clothing, joining the no-bra club earlier this month in a stunning pink dress.
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      She shared photos of herself in the mesmerising dress with her 1.8million Instagram followers, many of whom were quick to comment.
      One fan commented: “From another world 😍.”
      A second wrote: “God, what a woman 😍.”
      While a third said: “Goddess of another world.”
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      Jessica Goicoechea is no stranger to donning sheer and see-through outfitsCredit: INSTAGRAM@GOICOECHEA
      Another simply added: “So beautiful.”
      Goiocechea’s other half – Barta – currently plays his football in Turkey with Trabzonspor – whom he joined from Real Betis last summer.
      And the full-back recently paid tribute to recently-retired Betis legend Joaquin – posting a picture of them holding the Copa del Rey trophy to Instagram last week.
      His accompanying caption read: “I will always be grateful to have lived with you for a few years we will never forget.
      “Congratulations on your long and beautiful career my friend.
      “And above all for how you’ve lived it, with that joy that characterizes you, that art that you have and that love for the people around you and for your Betis.
      “You are eternal my captain.” More

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      Two Barcelona stars ‘REJECT salary cuts as club aim to slash wage bill by £180m so they can bring back Messi’

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      BARCELONA have been handed a blow in their attempts to cut the wage bill in order to re-sign Lionel Messi.The LaLiga giants are hopeful of bringing the former favourite back to the Nou Camp once his contract expires at PSG this summer.
      Andreas Christensen has rejected a pay cut at BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      Franck Kessie has also turned down the LaLiga giantsCredit: Alamy
      Barcelona are trying to reduce the wage bill in order to sign Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      However, to be able to afford the mercurial Argentinian forward, Barcelona must reduce the wage bill by a reported £180million.
      This reduction would allow the club to make some more significant moves this summer after a financially tricky period.
      Over the last couple of years, members of the squad have taken pay cuts in order to help the club.
      But according to Sport, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen are two that have recently rejected decreases to their salaries.
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      The duo have only been at the club since last summer after joining on free transfers from AC Milan and Chelsea.
      And the report suggests that the proposed pay cut have not gone down well with the players arguing that they rejected larger contracts to join the club in the first place.
      It goes on to say that Kessie and Christensen think that the contract change is unwarranted considering their short time at the club.
      This means that Barcelona would have to consider different options to trim their expenses.
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      Messi recently reignited hope of a spectacular return to the club after he was spotted with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
      Barcelona boss Xavi also revealed that the club are in “permanent contact” with his former team-mate, hinting a return could be on the cards.
      He said: “Messi knows that Barcelona is his home and the doors are open, I said this many times.
      “He’s my friend — we are in permanent contact, a potential return will only depend on him. Leo is the best player in history, he’d always fit in.” More

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      Arsenal boost as target Ivan Fresneda drops huge transfer hint ahead of summer window

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      IVAN FRESNEDA has given Arsenal a boost by dropping a huge transfer hint ahead of the summer window. Fresneda, 18, is currently plying his trade for Real Valladolid in La Liga but is widely expected to be on the move at the end of the season.
      Fresneda came close to joining Arsenal in January but the deal fell throughCredit: Rex
      The right back has been on Arsenal’s radar for a while and came close to joining in the January window but a deadline day move collapsed at the last minute, despite a fee of £13million being agreed.
      The Spaniard has also attracted interest from German giants Borussia Dortmund and has been learning English and German.
      It it likely that Mikel Arteta will renew his interest in the summer given that Ben White has predominantly had to fill in at right back this season.
      The teenager is under contract until 2025 but that is unlikely to be an obstacle should he seek a move to the Premier League.
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      But in an interview with The Athletic, Fresneda dropped a huge hint as to where his future may lie.
      He said: “I like Arteta a lot because I think he’s a great coach; I follow the European leagues and I think the work he’s doing with his club is fantastic.
      “But now with [Real Valladolid manager] Pezzolano and before with [previous manager] Pacheta we do that style of play, and that style is the one I like the most.”
      There is expected to be plenty of change in the full back positions at The Emirates this summer with Kieran Tierney linked with a £30m move to Newcastle.
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      Arsenal will look to get their Premier League title challenge back on track when they take on Manchester City tonight in a huge top of the table clash at The Etihad. More

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      Girona 4 Real Madrid 2: MLS striker Taty Castellanos scores all FOUR as he equals 76-year record in Los Blancos drubbing

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      REAL MADRID were stuffed 4-2 by newly promoted Girona thanks to FOUR goals from striker Taty Castellanos.The 24-year-old, on loan from MLS side New York City FC, became the first player to score four goals against Real Madrid in La Liga since 1947.
      Taty Castellanos scored an incredible FOUR goals to down Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      Castellanos is on loan from MLS side and City Group owned New York City FCCredit: EPA
      The defeat virtually ends Real Madrid’s hope of winning La LigaCredit: AP
      Castellanos scored four goals against Real Madrid, the same number of passes he made in the game
      And he did it all despite only touching the ball 15 times in the game.
      Castellanos got Girona off to the perfect start, putting his side 1-0 up with a free header into the bottom corner on 12 minutes.
      He doubled his tally for the night 12 minutes later, holding off Eder Militao to latch on to a ball over the top and finish through the legs of backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
      Real Madrid hit back through Vinicius Jr, but Castellanos swept home Yan Couto’s cross for his hat-trick within a minute of the second-half restart.
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      And he wasn’t done yet.
      The Argentine striker made it four on 62 minutes with another free header past a helpless Lunin.
      Castellanos was then subbed off on 71 minutes, having scored as many goals in the game as passes attempted.
      Lucas Vasquez netted a late consolation for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but the night belonged to Castellanos.
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      The result put Girona up to ninth in the La Liga table.
      Real Madrid meanwhile now trail league leaders Barcelona by 11 points, having played a game more than their Catalan rivals.
      The result virtually kills any hopes of Los Blancos, who were without Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois, being able to win the title.
      Castellanos had scored just seven goals in La Liga this season before Tuesday’s game, but fired his tally for the campaign into double digits with his four strikes on the night.
      His parent club are owned by City Football Group, who also own a stake in Girona as well as Manchester City.
      So watch out Erling Haaland, because Pep Guardiola may have taken notice of Castellanos’ incredible performance against the Champions League holders.
      Incidentally, City are set to take on Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the competition next month.
      Real Madrid trail league leaders Barcelona by 11 points with seven games remainingCredit: Reuters More