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      I bribed a referee ahead of huge European clash – then he gave a penalty against us after five minutes

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      FORMER Valencia president Paco Roig has claimed he bribed a referee ahead of a Uefa Cup game – only for the plan to backfire. Roig was the majority shareholder and president of the La Liga club from 1994 to 1997.Valencia’s former president has opened up in a tell-all interviewCredit: Getty Images – GettyPaco Roig was in charge of the La Liga side from 1994 to 1997Credit: RexThe Spanish businessman’s tenure with Valencia was marked by controversy and scandal.Sports corruption in Spain was not classified as a crime until 2010.Roig has opened up on his three-year reign in a tell-all interview with outlet Relevo. When asked about the purchase of matches in the mid-1990s, he admitted: “There was that everywhere.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRoig claims he was approached by an agent as Valencia prepared to take on Bayern Munich in the 1996-97 UEFA Cup. Bayern were the defending champions, with the Spanish side drawing them in the first round.He explained: “This [agent] comes and says to me, ‘Paco, the referee you got is a son of a b*tch…”But I’m close friends with him, and it’s fixed, you have to give me three million [pesetas]. (about £70,000 now)Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I told him, well, OK, I’ll give [you the money] at the end. And he said no, that it had to be before.”Roig alleges he gave the agent the cash before the contest, which was held on September 10, 1996, at the Mestalla. ‘It’s like throwing a punch’ | Why Haaland could be banned for launching ball at Gabriel’s headHe continued: “I gave him the three million. “The referee came out and five minutes later they called a penalty against Valencia.”Jurgen Klinsmann would miss the penalty for Bayern, as Valencia eventually ran out 3-0 winners. But Roig added: “With that buying thing, it’s a real mess.”The Spanish side saw off Slavia Prague and Besiktas in the next round.However, their European adventure was cut short by Schalke in the quarter-finals.Current La Liga president Javier Tebas attended a fans forum in Madrid on Monday.He opened up on match-fixing and declared the issue a thing of the past in Spain.READ MORE SUN STORIESTebas said: “I think there is no more match-fixing. We work hard to monitor betting. “There is none in our categories. Sometimes we detect it in other sports and we report it.” More

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      Forgotten Premier League star, 41, offers to come out of retirement to save Barcelona after horror Ter Stegen injury

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      A FORGOTTEN Premier League goalkeeper has offered to come out of retirement to play for Barcelona.The LaLiga giants have been rocked by the season-ending injury to star stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Barcelona are considering signing a free agent goalkeeper after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injuryCredit: RexClaudio Bravo has offered to come out of retirement to play for the clubCredit: GettyThe German international ruptured his patella tendon in his right knee during Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Villareal. This means that manager Hansi Flick has been left with just Inaki Pena as his sole option between the sticks.Ter Stegen, 32, is expected to be out for at least eight months and was pictured in a wheelchair in hospital after the injury.Barcelona have now been linked with a move to bring a new goalkeeper in to cover during his absence.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the club would have to dip into the free agent market to sign a stopper due to the transfer window being closed.Former Manchester City ace Claudio Bravo, 41, has offered his services to Barcelona.He told WinWin: “If Barcelona want me, I will be ready to come out of retirement.”The Chilean starred for Barcelona during his playing career in a two-year spell between 2014 and 2016.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBravo won the LaLiga title in both seasons at the club as well as the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2015.After playing 75 times in all competitions, he left the club in 2016 and joined Manchester City.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsKeylor Navas could be an option as he is without a clubCredit: GettyBravo retired from playing earlier this year after four seasons with Real Betis.Barcelona could also turn to other free agents, such as former Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas.The Costa Rica ace has been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.Reports have also claimed that Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski could try to tempt ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement.The Polish star hung up his gloves in the summer after Juventus released him.Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius could also be an option as he available after he left Newcastle.Loris Karius is a free agentCredit: AlamyWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Conor Gallagher labelled ‘most Simeone player ever’ as ex-Chelsea ace gets second straight MOTM and nets stunning goal

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      CONOR GALLAGHER continues to shine for Atletico Madrid after leaving Chelsea with yet another man-of-the-match performance.Gallagher, 24, had been with the Blues since the tender age of six years old but rolled credits on his 18-year stint with the club this summer when he moved to Atletico in a £34million deal.Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher produced another man-of-the-match performanceCredit: GettyEx-Chelsea star Gallagher scored a stunning goal for AtleticoCredit: GettyThe midfielder, though, is enjoying life in Spain as he stood out for Atleti two weeks ago at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and scored for Diego Simeone’s side during their a 3-0 win over Valencia.The England international followed it up with another impressive LaLiga display on Sunday at Rayo Vallecano where he scored a stunning equaliser during a 1-1 draw.Alexander Sorloth produced a sensational run down Rayo’s area and passed to Gallagher who fired an amazing shot from the edge of the box that hit goalkeeper Augusto Batalla’s bottom left corner.Fans were left in awe of the former Crystal Palace loan star’s performance.Read More on FootballSome even suggested Simeone has worked wonders with the midfield maestro as his style suits him much better than what he encountered at Chelsea.One fan tweeted: “Conor Gallagher is the most ‘Diego Simeone’ type of player ever, Chelsea threw this shooter and hustler away.”Another commented: “Let my boy cook. Let him enjoy football. Fantastic footballer, amazing human being. He deserves happiness.”A third said: “Terrific.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis fan wrote: “I am ssooooo happy for him.”And that one posted: “Wow Conor.”Chelsea Player Ratings vs West HamGallagher has amassed a total of two goals in five appearances across all competitions with Atletico. More

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      Barcelona star Marc Andre ter Stegen carried off on stretcher in tears after nasty injury in clash with ex-Man Utd star

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      BARCELONA star Marc Andre ter Stegen was stretchered off in tears after being injured in a collision with a former Manchester United star.The German goalie lined up between the sticks for his side as they thrashed Villarreal 5-1 away from home.Marc Andre ter Stegen was left in tears after getting injured against VillarrealCredit: GettyHe was stretched off after an awkward landing following a collision with an ex-Man Utd starCredit: ReutersThe result saw Barcelona maintain their 100 per cent start to the season while keeping four points ahead of Real Madrid.But Hansi Flick will be left sweating over Ter Stegen’s fitness after he was forced off the field.On the 48th minute mark, Ter Stegen jumped in the air to catch a ball from a Villarreal corner.But as he landed, the stopper collided with former Man United defender Eric Bailly before hitting the ground awkwardly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTer Stegen immediately collapsed and looked in a world of pain as medics stormed the field.And unfortunately for the 32-year-old, he was unable to continue as he was stretchered off while crying.Fans certainly appeared concerned for Ter Stegen.One said: “He looks to have picked up a terrible injury, this looks horrible.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother declared: “Heartbreaking, get well soon.”One noted: “Horrible, wish him a speedy recovery.”Iconic stadium unrecognisable amid ‘groundbreaking’ £1.3BILLION renovation as incredible pics show host of new featuresTer Stegen went down after colliding with Eric BaillyCredit: GettyAnother added: “Damn hope he’s OK.”Reports from Spain on Sunday evening claimed Ter Stegen had suffered damage to his right knee.He underwent surgery on the same spot three years ago to treat the patellar tendon.And there are fears Ter Stegen has hurt it again, with scans set to determine the extent of his setback.The ace is in his 11th season at the Nou Camp following a bargain £10million move from Gladbach in 2014.Ter Stegen has since played 417 times for Barcelona after establishing himself as the No1 goalkeeper.And in that time he’s won five titles, five Spanish Cups and one Champions League. More

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      Watch bizarre moment former Chelsea star SLAPS Real Madrid kitman in face as baffled Kylian Mbappe watches on

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      THIS is the bizarre moment a former Chelsea star SLAPPED the face of Real Madrid’s kitman, leaving Kylian Mbappe baffled.The jokey incident occurred ahead of Real’s crunch LaLiga clash against Espanyol on Saturday evening.A former Chelsea star slapped Real Madrid’s kitman in front of Kylian MbappeCarlo Ancelotti’s champions have endured a mixed start to the new season, winning three of their opening five games despite the addition of Mbappe in attack.They are already four points behind Barcelona, who have made a perfect start under Hansi Flick with 17 goals in five wins.And Real know they must beat Espanyol to keep the heat on their fierce rivals.However, the pressure does not appear to be getting to the kings of Spain, who also won last season’s Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAncelotti’s men took part in a training session on Friday morning knowing they must make up for their slow start to the campaign.But former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger was up for a laugh as he jokingly collided with Real Madrid’s kitman Manolin.The popular member of staff looked bemused as Rudiger held on to his arm before giving him a playful slap to the face.Manolin continued to try and drag himself away as new man Mbappe watched on.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut he could not escape Rudiger’s grip, with the German then delivering a fresh slap to Manolin’s mush.The two men then threw their arms in the air as they traded a flurry of words.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeAnd Rudiger ended things by jogging away to resume his training session.The Germany international is in his third season with Real after a 2022 free transfer from Chelsea.He has already clocked up 108 games for Los Blancos while becoming a fan favourite thanks to his energetic personality.And Rudiger has won seven trophies at the Bernabeu, including the Spanish Cup and last term’s Double.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      Kevin De Bruyne could leave Man City midway through tournament with Real Madrid also facing contract chaos

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      KEVIN DE BRYUNE is one of a number of top stars who could leave their clubs next summer in the MIDDLE of the new Club World Cup.The newly expanded tournament will feature 32 teams – the Premier League’s representatives are Manchester City and Chelsea – playing in the United States across June and July.Kevin De Bruyne is among the stars whose contracts are expiring in the middle of the Club World Cup next summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid’s Luka Modric is another star with this problemCredit: AlamyHowever, Fifa has yet to secure a TV deal for the tournament and confirm venues the games will be played at before the July 13 final.It has been heavily criticised for adding more fixtures to an already packed calendar.And these are not the only headaches looming over the tournament.According to The Telegraph, players competing in the tournament have begun seeing clarity over their contract situations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is because the dates of the competition overlap June 30, which is the year-end for registrations globally recognised by Fifa.Several top stars will see their contract expire on the date next summer, meaning in theory that players could start playing the tournament for one team and end it with another.Belgium international De Bruyne is one of these.The report states many more players from the 12 Uefa clubs in the tournament have also asked for clarity over whether they would be allowed to compete due to their contracts being up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne source said: “If this had been held last summer, Kylian Mbappe would have started the Club World Cup playing for PSG and ended it at Real Madrid.”Real Madrid have three major stars who come under this bracket, with Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez all out of contract next summer. Man City vs Arsenal WagsMeanwhile, Bayern Munich have six players affected by the issue, with Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Eric Dier, Sven Ulreich and Alphonso Davies all out of contract next summer. Davies is a long-term transfer target of Madrid, so may have his future acutely impacted.Football’s governing body have created a never-before-seen dilemma with competitive club football not usually played at that time of year, which is when contract decisions are made en masse.Numerous legal issues surrounding said contracts may also unfold, with factors such as agent fees, salary and insurance all surrounding free agents. Fifa are expected to announce the venues for the tournament in the coming weeks, with much of it set to be played in the eastern USA.The expected venues are the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; Washington DC’s FedEx Field; Philadelphia’s Subaru Park; Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium; Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium and Seattle’s Lumen Field.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa president Gianni Infantino also faces problems such as audience interest in the States and a potential player revolution before it comes about.Man City star Rodri has hinted it may be a possibility for players to ensure they are heard, after persistent complaints that they are not listened to over concerns of match load.Alphonso Davies could switch from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid in the middle of the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      ‘It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother Jobe

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has revealed his fear that people could unfairly compare his brother Jobe’s achievements to his on the pitch.The England superstar, 21, enjoyed a fairytale first season at Real Madrid by firing them to both Champions League and LaLiga glory.Jude does not want people to compare his younger brother Jobe to himCredit: RexHis younger sibling was also on the move last year as he left Birmingham City for Sunderland.Jobe, 18, enjoyed an impressive first season on Wearside and scored seven goals while also continuing his own progression through the Three Lions youth ranks.But he is often compared to his older brother – something Jude says is “not fair”.Speaking on his self-titled YouTube documentary series, he said: “The worry is that people judge him based on my achievements. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But I’m really conscious of that because I know it’s something that people will always throw in his face.”It’s not fair because he’s an amazing talent, amazing player in his own right.“People will use him as a way to have a dig at me and vice versa, so we’re almost like each other’s biggest fans but also the biggest target for each other because we care about each other so much.”Jude returned from a month out injured to help Real Madrid beat Stuttgart in the Champions League in midweek.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe faces Espanyol tomorrow just hours after Jobe lines up for Sunderland against Middlesbrough in the Championship.Jude said: “He has to deal with more than what I would have had to at his age, and he deals with it with so much class. He wants to try and create his own legacy and his own path.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid draw“At the end of the day as long as he’s happy that’s all I really care about to be honest. His happiness means more to me than my own.”And despite having already lifted the biggest club prize on offer, Jude insists there is one thing that would top that and any other accolades.He added: “Because we’re of a similar age and we’ve played together for so long – in the street and on tufts of grass – to play with my brother for England, that would be the biggest dream of my life.“That would mean more than any of the trophies, especially if we managed to do it on a consistent basis and play at a major tournament together, win things together.“Honestly, nothing would even get close to that, nothing.”Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon BoonLAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!Find out more about Laura.Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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      Three Champions League giants ‘already tracking Mason Greenwood’ with Man Utd set to cash in again

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      MASON GREENWOOD is being tracked by three Champions League clubs, transfer reports say. Greenwood has five goals in just four games since signing for Marseille in France in the summer. Mason Greenwood has made a good start to life in MarseilleCredit: AFPAnd his form has seen the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich all register interest, according to talkSPORT.Scouts from all three are said to have watched Greenwood in action for Marseille.It comes after the forward scored ten in 36 games on loan for Getafe in Spain last season. Greenwood was banished from Manchester United from January 2022 after being charged with attempted rape and assault, which he denied.READ MORE IN football The criminal charges were dropped 12 months later.Following an investigation by United, he spent last season away before joining Marseille for £30million in a permanent deal this summer.Greenwood, 22, also has no way back into the England set up and now looks to switch allegiances to Jamaica. As revealed by SunSport, the FA have been approached by the Jamaican Football Federation with a formal request to transfer Greenwood’s international registration. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe process is already underway with Greenwood looking to end his near-four year international exile.Jamaica first tried to get Greenwood to switch his international allegiance after the criminal charges were dropped last February.But he initially declined as he wanted to revive his career with England – although that was ruled out by interim boss Lee Carsley.’I miss it sometimes,’ says Sir Alex Ferguson as former Man Utd manager opens up in rare interview More