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      Xabi Alonso CONFIRMED as new Real Madrid manager and has chance to win major trophy almost immediately

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      XABI ALONSO has been confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager.Alonso, 43, succeeds Carlo Ancelotti and has signed a three-year contract at the Bernabeu.Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as Real Madrid’s new managerCredit: GettyThe former midfielder will be formally presented as Real’s new boss in a press conference tomorrow.Alonso is set to take charge of his first game at the helm next month, when his new side launch their Club World Cup campaign.It means he could be lifting his first trophy with the club as early as July if Real Madrid can go all the way at the US based tournament.Having signed in 2009, Alonso played 236 times for Los Blancos across a trophy-laden five-year spell.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe elegant playmaker won a LaLiga title, two Copas del Rey and Real Madrid’s famous tenth Champions League crown.After finishing his playing career with Bayern Munich, Alonso launched his coaching career with Real Madrid’s Under-14s in the 2018-19 season.He subsequently landed the Real Sociedad B job, and after three years at the helm moved to Bayer Leverkusen for his first crack at senior management.Alonso oversaw a stunning 2023-24 campaign, in which Leverkusen completed an unbeaten domestic season – winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAlonso, 43, guided Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga titleCredit: ReutersThe former Liverpool star leaves Leverkusen having come second to Bayern Munich this season.Alonso will be tasked with bouncing back from a disappointing campaign that saw Real Madrid fail to win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey or the Champions League.Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid bossThe 43-year-old will have the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham at his disposal – while Trent Alexander-Arnold will join up this summer.Alonso’s first game in charge will come against Saudi side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18.Los Blancos will then face Mexican outfit Pachuca and Austrians RB Salzburg.Upon announcing his exit earlier this month, Alonso said: “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Bayer Leverkusen, my players and staff, everyone at the club, and, last but not least, the fantastic fans.”Our success was the result of an outstanding team performance.”This club, which has placed extraordinary trust in me, thoroughly deserved to win the Bundesliga for the first time.”My thanks and affection go to everyone who helped make this triumph a reality, including the cup victory in Berlin.”Leverkusen are ready for the future. This positive trajectory will continue, and I will follow it with interest.”Read More on The SunThe German side are on the verge of announcing Alonso’s successor.Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has agreed to return to the dugout with the Bundesliga runners-up.Erik ten Hag is set to return to management with Bayer LeverkusenCredit: PA More

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      Real Madrid star Luka Modric, 39, buying £1.1m house in SWANSEA after shock investment as he’s tipped for transfer

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      REAL MADRID superstar Luka Modric is set to buy a £1.1million house on the outskirts of Swansea, leaving excited fans gobsmacked.The Ballon d’Or winner is snapping up a five-bedroom mansion in the Gower village of Three Crosses, according to a well-placed source.Luke Modric is set to leave Real MadridCredit: GettyModric, 39, was spotted at the property and his arrival quickly became the talk of the wealthy neighbourhood.It comes after he confirmed he’s leaving Real Madrid – leaving Swans at fever pitch he’ll soon be joining the Championship side.One neighbour said: “We don’t host many Galacticos in Swansea so it was a bit of a surprise to see him on our doorstep.“But it’s a fantastic house close to the beach and I’m sure he will enjoy exploring the Gower and the local restaurants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I doubt we have as many fancy nightclubs as they do in Madrid, but we have plenty of good pubs where he will be made to feel very welcome.”Father-of-three Modric is buying the huge mansion with a pool table from former Swansea footballer Leon Britton, who put the property on the market in 2017.Modric still owns a £10.1m home in Madrid but decided to create a base in the Welsh city after taking a minority stake in Swansea City, whose training ground is a short drive from the mansion.Former Tottenham midfielder Modric was announced as a co-investor and owner in Swansea City last month having become the most decorated player in Real Madrid history – winning six Champions Leagues, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, and five Spanish Super Cups.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Swans finished 11th in the Championship and it is hoped that the backing of the star – worth an estimated £56m and married to glamorous Vanja Bosnic, who acts as his agent – will help them push for promotion to the Premier League.In a statement released through the club, Modric said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2“Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future.”Modric and Leon Britton were approached for comment.Leon Britton starred for the Swans across two spells between 2003 and 2018Credit: AFP More

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      Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium to break attendance record in different sport as it hosts major event

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      REAL MADRID’S Santiago Bernabeu stadium is set to host the EuroBasket opener in 2029.EuroBasket is Europe’s largest international basketball competition.Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium features a retractable roofCredit: GettySpain are the reigning EuroBasket championsCredit: AFPSpain are among the continent’s most successful basketball nations and are the reigning EuroBasket champions.World basketball governing body Fiba has announced that Spain are among four countries to host the 2029 edition.Madrid’s 80,000-seater Bernabeu is set to host the opening game of the tournament, likely to be Spain against a leading contender.The curtain-raiser could set a new Fiba attendance record, with the largest attendance currently standing at 38,115, set at Philippine Arena two years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal Madrid’s iconic home has undergone substantial renovations in recent years – now featuring a retractable roof and huge LED screens.In addition to the curtain raiser, final phase games are also set to take place in Spain.Other games in Madrid are to be held at the 16,000-seater Movistar Arena.In addition to the Spanish capital – Athens, Tallinn and Ljubljana will also host games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFiba Europe president Jorge Garbajosa said: “We are excited to bring FIBA EuroBasket 2029 to some of Europe’s prime basketball destinations, each with a strong basketball culture and a clear commitment to delivering an outstanding event.”We look forward to working closely with the host countries to ensure a successful and memorable tournament for teams, fans, and partners alike.”Charles Barkley forced off air as he’s abruptly cut midway through speechFiba chief Kamil Novak added: “The interest our National Federations have shown in organising this event speaks to the growing profile and prestige of Fiba EuroBasket.”We thank all the bidders for their outstanding proposals and extend our best wishes to the four hosts as they begin their journey toward delivering a fantastic tournament.”This summer’s EuroBasket is set to take place in Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, and Poland.The tournament will run between August 27 and September 14 – and could feature the likes of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.EuroBasket is set to take place this summer between August and SeptemberCredit: FIBA More

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      Shocking moment ex-Liverpool and Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho’s interview interrupted by gunshots

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      GUNSHOTS interrupted an interview with Liverpool icon Philippe Coutinho.Loud gunfire also erupted when his Vasco da Gama team-mates Leo Jardim and Nuno Moreira went in front of the same cameras pitchside.Philippe Coutinho appeared to to take it in his strideBrazilian keeper Leo Jardim laughed readily during the incidentFans were shocked by the scenes in Rio de Janeiro – but many were even more amazed by the reaction of all three players.Former Barcelona playmaker Coutinho, 32, paused when the shots cracked out, before turning around grinning and sharing a jokey comment.His fellow Brazilian, 30-year-old ex-Lille keeper Jardim, burst out laughing.And Portuguese winger Moreira, 25, stood calmly with a smile on his face before crossing his arms.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFour of Brazil’s biggest teams are in the high-crime city of Rio.Vasco, Fluminense, Botafogo and Flamengo are bitter rivals.But some areas of the city – usually in impoverished neighbourhoods called favellas – have a history of gang violence.And when clips of the interviews were posted online, fans were stunned by how the three stars appeared to make light of the gunshots.Most read in FootballOne observer wrote: “The craziest thing is that no one even moves. Like normalizing things is really scary.”Another posted: “The tranquility of the Carioca people [Rio residents] listening to the bullets flying still impresses me. “Nuno Moreira also reacted coolly to the interventionBut a third argued: “Embarrassing. They have to move the training centre out of the middle of this favela. It’s embarrassing. For the love of God.”A fourth pointed out: “Vasco and Fluminense’s training centers are on the same street, practically next to Cidade de Deus. “It’s not a good location. But when it comes to the city of Rio de Janeiro, no place is a good place.”And a fifth made an even more sobering claim.They wrote: “This is Rio without makeup, not what the authorities try to sell to outsiders. Most Cariocas survive daily under these conditions of imminent risk when leaving their homes. Devastating and revolting.”Coutinho is on loan at mid-table Brazilian top-flight club Vasco from Aston Villa after spending last season with Qataris Al-Duhail SC.But his career has gone downhill since he followed five scintillating years at Liverpool with a £142million move to Barca in 2018. Fans saw Coutinho chat comfortably before and after the gunshotsCredit: X/ geglobo More

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      Luka Modric tipped to make ‘tremendous’ Championship transfer after Real Madrid exit

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      LUKA MODRIC and Real Madrid have announced he will be leaving the club after the Club World Cup this summer.In an emotional statement, the 39-year-old confirmed “the time has come” for him to move on from the Spanish giants.Luka Modric has confirmed he is leaving Real Madrid after 13 yearsCredit: AFPThe midfielder won 28 trophies since joining in 2012Credit: PAIt has been confirmed he will leave after the Club World CupCredit: AFPHe became a co-owner of Swansea last monthCredit: RexEx-Madrid ace Fernando Morientes told him to seal a transfer there for next seasonCredit: GettyModric has been with the club since 2012 and has won an incredible 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and six Club World Cups.But the ex-Tottenham star has been urged to make a “tremendous” transfer from Champions League to Championship by joining Swansea, who Modric became a shock co-owner of last month.Former Madrid striker Fernando Morientes backed him to make the switch to Wales next season.Speaking to CasinoHawks, who offer the latest online casinos, Morientes said: “Luka Modric playing for Swansea would be tremendous.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m sure there would be a lot of excitement among the fans. A player like Luka Modric, even if he’s at the end of his career, would be welcome I’m sure and he would be excited for the project.”Obviously, we shouldn’t expect him to be 100 per cent or at his best because he’s at a certain age, but even when he came on against Barcelona, the feeling of Madrid in midfield changed. “He probably doesn’t have the level of competitive rhythm that a game like that demands, but he’s so intelligent, he’s so good in midfield, he has so much quality that he could continue to give a few good seasons. “I think he could have a couple of good seasons in England, without a doubt and I’m convinced the excitement he would generate among the fans would be tremendous.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKModric is said to have wanted the club to trigger a contract extension that would have seen him spend one more season at the Bernabeu, but the decision was made not to activate it.The Croatian will now have the chance to add a seventh Club World Cup accolade before he completely calls quits on his time with Los Blancos.Watch moment frustrated Luka Modric walks out of interview after reporter’s question following Croatia’s Euro 2024 drawThe refreshed competition being held in the USA will start on June 14 while the final will be on July 13.Modric and Co. qualified for the tournament by winning the Champions League in 2021/22 and 2023/24. In an Instagram statement on his exit, he said: “The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end.”I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next.”Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”The club’s statement on the decision said: “Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.Luka Modric leaving statement in fullLuka Modric’s leaving Real Madrid statement in full on Instagram:Dear Madrid fans:The time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.Llegué en 2012 con la ilusión de vestir la camiseta del mejor equipo del mundo y con la ambición de hacer cosas grandes, pero no me podía imaginar lo que vino después.Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person.I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.I want to thank the club from the bottom of my heart, especially the president Florentino Perez, my teammates, coaches and all the people who have helped me during all this time.Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We won everything and I was very happy. Very very happy.But beyond the titles and victories, I carry in my heart the affection of all Madrid fans. I really don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected and loved I have felt and feel. I will never forget each ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me.Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I’ll always be a Madrid fan.We’ll see each other again. Real Madrid will always be my home For a lifetime.Hala Madrid and Nothing ElseLuka Modric.”Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football…”Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid’s 123-year history.”On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d’Or, was named FIFA The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018. “He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.”Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.”The club statement also confirmed the Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to Modric on their final home game of the season this Saturday.Read More on The SunReal president Florentino Perez said: “Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique an exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. “His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”Real Madrid statement on Modric exit in fullFull Real Madrid statement on Luke Modric leaving after Club World Cup:Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football.Modrić arrived at Real Madrid back in 2012, and has gone on to be a key component of one of the most successful periods in our club’s history. Over the course of 13 seasons in our colours, he has won 28 titles: 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 European Super Cups, 4 LaLiga titles, 2 Copas del Rey and 5 Spanish Super Cups.Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid’s 123-year history.On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d’Or, was named FIFA The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018. He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.With the Croatian National Team, he has played 186 times, making him his country’s record holder for international caps. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has said, “Luka Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique an exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”Real Madrid wishes Luka Modrić and his family all the best in this new chapter of his life.The Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him this Saturday at our team’s final league game of the season. More

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      Enzo Fernandez ‘house-hunting in Madrid after agreeing Real transfer’ despite Chelsea ace having seven years on contract

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      CHELSEA star Enzo Fernandez has been spotted house-hunting in Madrid, according to sensational reports in Spain.The midfielder has seven years left on his Stamford Bridge contract but has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.Enzo Fernandez has reportedly been spotted house-hunting in MadridXabi Alonso, who is due to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, is looking to add more control to his midfield.And journalist Gustavo Mendez has reported that Fernandez and his girlfriend have been looking at properties in the Spanish capital this week.Mendez also claimed that Fernandez and the 15-time European champions have reached an agreement – but this has not been confirmed.The Premier League ace was allegedly recommended an area by his Argentina team-mate Julian Alvarez, who is at Atletico Madrid.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe gaff was reportedly close to former Manchester City striker Alvarez’s house.Fernandez, 24, was heavily linked with Real before he joined Chelsea, for a then British-record fee of £106million from Benfica in 2023.The LaLiga giants registered their interest again in January, but manager Enzo Maresca is keen to keep his namesake at Stamford Bridge.Fernandez has been a regular starter and even stepped in to wear the captain’s armband this season, with Reece James out injured for most of it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter a tough debut campaign, Fernandez has pushed on this season, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in the Premier League.The 2022 World Cup winner has notched 14 goals and 19 assists in 106 Chelsea appearances.Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke lead Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after win over LiverpoolHe could get his first taste club silverware next week when Chelsea play Real Betis in the Uefa Conference League final.Before that, Fernandez and Chelsea host Nottingham Forest, with both teams looking to finish inside the Champions League spots for next season.If Fernandez is unavailable, Madrid will move for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson. More

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      Jamie Vardy top target for LaLiga giants in shock free transfer after legend’s Leicester exit aged 38

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      JAMIE VARDY could be lining up against Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid next season in LaLiga.SunSport can reveal Vardy is a top summer target for Valencia boss Carlos Corberan, who is keen to sign the 38-year-old Leicester City legend.Valencia want to sign Jamie Vardy in a free transferCredit: GettyVardy bid farewell to Leicester on Sunday after 13 years at the clubCredit: GettyThe former West Brom boss wants to use Vardy’s experience and believes he is still capable of scoring goals in Spain’s top flight.Vardy scored 10 goals for relegated Leicester last season – nine of them in the Premier League.Corberan believes Vardy still has pace to burn and is ideally suited to his side’s counter-attacking game.The Foxes icon bowed out at the top last Sunday when he scored his 200th goal for Leicester City on his 500th club appearance – 13 years to the day since he signed for £1million from Fleetwood Town.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVardy has made it clear he wants to stay in the Premier League but would also consider a lifestyle change, with Major League Soccer and a move to Saudi Arabia also under consideration.However Corberan has made his move early and hopes to persuade Vardy to give Spanish football a try before hanging up his boots.Corberan has worked miracles this season to transform the fortunes of the fallen Spanish giants.Valencia were joint bottom of La Liga on 12 points, four points from safety, when Corberan took over on Christmas Eve.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut since being thrashed 7-1 by Barcelona on January 26, Corberan has turned their season around.He steered them to safety after putting together a run of eight wins, five draws and only one defeat in their next 14 games – with their only loss coming at the hands of Atletico Madrid.Emotional Leicester fans say ‘delete this’ as club share pics of Jamie Vardy packing his things into a cardboard boxAnd if they beat Europa Conference League finalists Real Betis tomorrow night, they could move up to 10th in the 20-team league.Corberan has already sounded Vardy out about a move to La Mestalla as he looks for bargains to bolster his squad.Valencia are short on cash and signing Vardy on a free transfer represents good value for their money. More

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      Chelsea ‘preparing shock transfer bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo’ as ace has ‘one foot out the door’

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      CHELSEA are ready to make a shock bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to reports.The 24-year-old winger is set to be put up for sale this summer.Rodrygo is on the radar of Chelsea as he looks to quit Real MadridCredit: RexShock claims emerged last week that Rodrygo is unhappy at Real Madrid as he believes he is being overshadowed by team-mates like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.Spanish outlet AS have since reported that the Brazilian is in a “complicated moment” and has “one foot out the door”.Rodrygo is waiting to discuss his future with Xabi Alonso, though the incoming boss is supposedly happy to sell him.Chelsea are said to be monitoring the situation ahead of a potential bid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoal claim the Blues have begun talks with the player’s representatives to see if he is interested in the move. But Chelsea are yet to begin discussions with Real Madrid.Rodrygo, who has scored 68 goals and got 50 assists from Real Madrid in 267 games, has a contract at the Bernabeu until 2028.The two-time Champions League winner has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd it could take a fee of close to £100million to get their man.Chelsea are in the market for a winger this summer and rumours suggest Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens are on their shortlist. ‘I’m not happy’ – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca FUMING at Conference League final opponents Real Betis’ unfair advantageGittens’ agent has been in talks with the club for some time and they are willing to double his £2.5million-a-year wages at Dortmund. More