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    Aubameyang ‘willing to accept a minimum salary’ to end Chelsea nightmare and return to cash-strapped Barcelona

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is reportedly willing to accept a huge wage cut to return to Barcelona.The striker is under contract with Chelsea until 2024 but the Blues are believed to be open to terminating his contract.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is happy to accept a massive wage cut to join BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    Aubameyang has played just 18 games since arriving from Barca for £10million last summer.
    A return of three goals has led to the 33-year-old being frozen out, and he could return to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.
    According to Sport, Aubameyang is willing to accept a minimum salary at Barcelona, who are still in financial difficulty.
    The cash-strapped club were fined £700,000 for breaching Financial Fair Play rules after exceeding salary limits for the free signings of Dani Alves and Andreas Christensen, plus Ronald Araujo’s contract extension.
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    That means they may not be able to get anywhere close to the reported £160,000 a week Aubameyang earns at Chelsea.
    But Aubameyang appears to have an affinity to the club and was warmly welcomed back into the dressing room after he watched Barca beat Real Madrid 2-1 in El Classico last week.
    He posed for photos with a delighted Ferran Torres and would likely be a welcome signing after he scored 13 goals in 23 games for the Blaugurana last season.
    Manager Xavi admitted he was sad to see Aubameyang leave after he helped his side qualify for the Champions League.
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    He said: “I feel bad because he helped us a lot. He was an example on and off the pitch.”
    Barcelona reportedly tried to re-sign the Gabon international in January but LaLiga rules prevent a player being registered three different times in one season. More

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    Mesut Ozil cried on his way to Arsenal as star admits he only left Real Madrid because of dad’s bust-up with Perez

    MESUT OZIL has revealed that he was forced out of Real Madrid after conflict arose between club president Florentino Perez and his father.The former Germany international, 34, announced his retirement from professional football earlier this week.
    Ozil cried after leaving Real Madrid for ArsenalCredit: PA
    He enjoyed a trophy-laden career after bursting onto the scene with Schalke in 2006.
    And his impressive performances at the 2010 World Cup earned him a £13million move from Werder Bremen to Real Madrid.
    Ozil won several trophies with Los Blancos, including one La Liga title, a Copa Del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.
    But the midfielder recently admitted that he was forced out of the Santiago Bernabeu after his agent, and father, fell out with Real Madrid president Perez.
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    He told Spanish outlet Marca: “I was very sad when I left Madrid. I remember that at the airport.
    “I had a great time for three years at Real Madrid and in this city. I was really happy.
    “But things happened. Suddenly, at the beginning of that season, I no longer had many playing minutes and a conflict arose between Mr. Florentino Pérez and my father and agent.
    “We had to look for a new club. It was hard for me.
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    “The moment the plane took off and took off, tears fell from my eyes. That was the moment I realised it was over.”
    He added: “At that time it seemed good to me, because after the conflict between my father and Mr. Pérez I was worried that I would not have playing minutes again if I did not leave.
    “So it’s hard to say. But of course, I wish we could have handled the situation at that time differently.”
    After leaving Real Madrid, Ozil joined Arsenal in a £42.5million transfer on deadline day in summer 2013.
    He lifted four FA Cups with the Gunners and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most talented midfielders.
    But after falling out-of-favour at the Emirates Stadium, he joined Fenerbahce on a free transfer in January 2021 – six months before his contract was due to expire.
    He failed to hit the same heights that he did during his time in the Premier League.
    And his contract was terminated 18 months later as a result.
    Last summer he signed for Istanbul Basaksehir on another free transfer, but he cut ties with the club earlier this week before publicly announcing his retirement. More

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    Bizarre Gavi case deepens as LaLiga REMOVE him from Barcelona squad on website and he could become free agent in July

    BARCELONA’s dispute with LaLiga over Gavi has escalated with the league’s website removing the midfielder from Barcelona’s squad.It comes days after the registration row played out in court as the Catalan club lost their bid to register the star.
    Gavi has become wrapped into Barcelona’s financial problemsCredit: Getty
    It is feared Gavi could even become a free agent if Barcelona do not get on top of their financial issues.
    LaLiga have refused to register the 18-year-old’s new contract after Barca were deemed to have surpassed their spending limit beyond the end of the season.
    The club have repeatedly tried to have this verdict overturned.
    Now the league have removed Gavi from Barca’s squad list on their website in another sign of the deepening dispute.
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    Gavi is still able to play for Barcelona but is under a youth contract until the issue is settle
    It opens up the possibility of the Spanish club potentially having to unregister the youngster and open the door to other clubs trying to swoop for him as a free agent.
    The Nou Camp club had thought the departures of Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique would allow them to register Gavi.
    But they are now set to have to explore the option of letting more stars leave to balance the books.
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    While things off the pitch continue to be challenging, manager Xavi has managed to spark a turnaround with results.
    The dramatic win over title rivals Real Madrid just before the international break has put the side 12 points clear at the top.
    But improvement will be needed in Europe after Barcelona crashed out the Champions League group stages for the second year in a row before losing to Manchester United in the Europa League. More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as Real Madrid set to offer Camavinga new contract with eye-watering release clause

    MANCHESTER UNITED look set to miss out on Eduardo Camavinga as Real Madrid open new contract talks with the midfielder.The 20-year-old joined Real Madrid in 2021 for £26million as a long-term replacement for Casemiro.
    Real Madrid are keen to keep Man Utd target Eduardo CamavingaCredit: AFP
    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has been looking to sign the star playerCredit: AP
    Madrid want a reported £115million for the six-cap French international, with United willing to break their club record to sign him.
    However, Los Blancos have made a bold move in their attempt to lock down Camavinga, which could jeopardise United chances of pinching the player.
    According to The Athletic, the Spanish team have responded to United’s moves by offering the Frenchman a potential €1billion (£874million) release clause.
    The club had also given this to Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior last summer. 
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    The new release clause would make it almost impossible for Ten Hag’s team to secure Camavinga, even with the sale of the club looming.
    Camavinga has played a key role within Real Madrid, who are preparing for major changes with veteran duo Luka Modric and Toni Kroos both potentially leaving this summer.
    He has seen massive success with the Spanish club, winning both LaLiga and the Champions League in the last year.
    The midfielder also helped in France’s bid for the World Cup in December, and has just joined the national squad for their matches during this month’s break.
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    This success has made him a key target for clubs including Man Utd.
    United have also been targeting Frenkie de Jong and possibly a new goalkeeper as David De Gea’s contract runs down.
    The Red Devils have also prioritised looking for a new forward for the summer, with Harry Kane, Tammy Abraham and Victor Osimhen heavily linked with the club.
    However, if plans to sell the club fall through these manoeuvrings may end up falling through.
    Madrid face Valladolid next weekend in their next match in LaLiga, and Chelsea in the quarter-final of the Champions League on April 12. More

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    Inside Lionel Messi’s luxury £12million private jet with family names on steps, No 10 on tail, kitchen & two bathrooms

    STEP inside Lionel Messi’s private jet.The £12million luxury plane is the perfect means of transport for the Argentine to travel, especially if he wants to haul his many trophies along for the ride.
    Lionel Messi has got a luxury planeCredit: Goal
    There are names on the steps and a No10 on the tailCredit: Goal
    The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Brussels several years after a technical fault was reported
    It was made by a company in Argentina and designed for Paris Saint-Germain star Messi as well as his family.
    It boasts a number of incredible features, including its very own kitchen.
    There are two bathrooms and enough seats for 16 people.
    Incredibly, the chairs can also be folded up and turned into eight beds.
    Unfortunately it had to make an emergency landing in Brussels three years ago due to a technical fault.
    To top things off, the steps feature the names of Messi and his family – wife Antonela, plus children Thiago, Ciro and Mateo.
    However, the plane – which also boasts his No10 on the tail – is not owned by the superstar, instead he leases it.
    But that is sure to not bother Messi in the slightest as he continues his jet-set lifestyle.
    There are 16 chairs which can be folded into eight bedsCredit: Goal
    The private jet boasts a kitchen and two bathroomsCredit: Goal

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    The ace has rediscovered his form at PSG this season, scoring 13 goals and assisting 13 in just 23 Ligue 1 games.
    He has returned to club football after achieving his dream of winning his first-ever World Cup.
    Argentina beat France in a final for the ages last December with the game decided on penalties after a bonkers 3-3 draw after 120 minutes. More

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    Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil snubbed Barcelona for Real Madrid thanks to ‘disappointing’ Pep Guardiola

    MESUT OZIL has revealed that a “disappointing” experience with Pep Guardiola led to him snubbing Barcelona in favour of Real Madrid.The former Arsenal winger announced he is hanging up his boots at the age of 34 on Thursday.
    Mesut Ozil has blamed Pep Guardiola for him snubbing Barcelona back in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    He says Jose Mourinho went all out to get him to sign for Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Ozil decided to call time on his career midway through Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir’s season.
    He thanked all of the clubs he played for, including the Gunners and Real Madrid, but admitted that injuries in recent months had taken their toll.
    Ozil’s retirement brings to an end a career stacked with trophies, with the playmaker once regarded as the best No10 in world football.
    Bursting onto the scene with Schalke in 2006, Ozil became a certified Bundesliga star when he joined Werder Bremen in 2008.
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    But it was his epic performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup which secured a £13million move to Real Madrid that same summer.
    However, it could all have been very different if the then Barcelona manager Guardiola had made a bit more effort to meet him.
    Speaking to Marca about his exit from Werder Bremen, he revealed: “That was a decision between Real Madrid and Barcelona. And in the end it was not a matter of money.
    “I don’t know if this is known, but I visited Madrid and Barcelona at that time and the difference was Jose Mourinho.
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    “Mou gave me a VIP visit to Real Madrid. He took me to see the stadium and all the trophies they had won. That gave me goosebumps.
    “The visit in Barcelona was less enthusiastic and what was more disappointing is that Pep Guardiola didn’t bother to meet me.
    “Before that trip I really liked Barcelona’s style of football and I could really imagine playing with them, but Madrid went all out.
    “So Jose Mourinho was without a doubt the most important factor in my decision. After my visits, my decision was one hundred percent clear: I wanted to be a Madridista.”
    Ozil won the LaLiga crown and the Copa del Rey during his time in the Spanish capital before Arsenal came calling.
    The Gunners paid £42.5m for Ozil in 2013, with him quickly becoming an Emirates cult hero.
    Ozil ended up with 44 goals in 254 for Arsenal, winning an incredible three FA Cups in four years.
    And it was during this time that he lifted the World Cup with Germany at Brazil 2014.
    But back at Arsenal, Ozil started to find his minutes limited under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta following Arsene Wenger’s exit.
    And Ozil eventually moved to Turkey with Fenerbahce in January 2021 after having his contract terminated.
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    Ozil lasted 18 months with the Istanbul giants before joining city rivals Basaksehir last summer.
    But he failed to score in just eight appearances for his new side before calling time on his career, last playing in a Super Lig defeat to Kayserispor on February 2.
    Mesut Ozil spent three years at the Bernabeu before joining ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    I’m a Real Madrid legend and beating Barcelona was like an orgasm – but losing gave me nightmares

    REAL MADRID legend Mesut Ozil has such fond memories of his El Clasico showdowns that he insists beating Barcelona was like an “orgasm”.Former Arsenal superstar Ozil rolled credits on his 18-year career at the age of 34 due to recent injuries that have taken their toll on him.
    Real Madrid legend Mesut Ozil believes he played in the best era for El Clasico matchesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Real Madrid hero Mesut Ozil insists beating Barcelona felt like an “orgasm”Credit: Reuters
    And the ex-playmaker is now looking back at his celebrated career that saw him win the LaLiga and Copa del Rey trophies with Real, four FA Cups with the Gunners as well as the 2014 World Cup with Germany.
    But the German has a soft spot for the legendary clashes he had with Barcelona during his time under Jose Mourinho at Los Blancos.
    The former attacking midfielder insists he lived the “best period” with some brutal encounters that included stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi fighting it out from the first until the last second.
    The ex-Werder Bremen midfielder remembers the humiliating 5-0 loss to Pep Guardiola’s Barca in 2010 as well as all the “orgasmic” victories.
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    Ozil told Marca: “I think I lived through the best period of the Clasicos, Madrid-Barca at its peak.
    “Up to the Champions League semi-finals. They were parties that had it all. It was Mou [Mourinho] against Pep, Cristiano against Messi…
    “Nowadays El Clasico has lost intensity and emotion, I would say.
    “Beating Barcelona at that time was like an orgasm, because they were incredibly strong games.
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    “I also have to say that our 5-0 defeat in LaLiga in 2010 was one of my biggest nightmares on the pitch.
    “I have played many games, many derbies, but I think there will be nothing like those Clasicos.”
    Ozil joined Real from Werder Bremen in 2010 after a stunning World Cup campaign and spent three years at the Santiago Bernabeu before his move to Arsenal.
    The former Schalke star amassed a total of 27 goals and 81 assists in 159 appearances with the Madrid giants.
    Ozil has enjoyed four wins against Barcelona but also endured six losses in 16 matches during his time at Real. More

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    Arsenal fall behind Leeds in transfer race for ‘the next Riyad Mahrez’ with wonderkid set for Barcelona exit

    ARSENAL have fallen behind Leeds United in their battle for ‘the next Riyad Mahrez’, according to reports.Despite the Whites being dangerously close to the bottom three, they are still looking at targets for next season.
    The 18-year-old Ilias Akhomach is reportedly close to signing a 4-year deal with LeedsCredit: EPA
    Leeds find themselves lagging 13 places behind Arsenal in the Premier League, but reports in Spain claim they are close to beating them to the signing of Barcelona wonderkid Ilias Akhomach.
    The teen won’t renew his relationship with Barcelona, instead looking to join a new club for next season with Sevilla, Club Brugge and AC Milan among those linked.
    He is out of contract in the summer.
    While the Gunners have been closely following the skilful winger, Leeds have apparently pulled out a lead, having been in advanced negotiations to sign Akhomach.
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    Spanish outlet El Chiringuito even claim Leeds have agreed a four-year deal with the 18-year-old, who has impressed with his stunning talent on the pitch.
    Akhomach has had a string of solid displays for Barcelona’s second string, earning comparisons to Manchester City ace Mahrez.
    He even got a call-up to the first team during the 2021-22 season, where he ended up making three appearances for the Catalan giants.
    His entourage are confident that Leeds will stave off relegation, but if they do drop to the Championship then he will STILL sign with them, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
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    The team managed to pull themselves back up the table after a win over Wolves last weekend.
    Arsenal may be set to miss out on the Akhomach, but they have been tipped to land some other big names.
    Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda is rumoured to be leaving for Arsenal in a £13million winter move, and West Ham captain Declan Rice is another key target for the Gunners this summer according to reports. More