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      Gerard Pique accidentally leaks Barcelona legend’s retirement aged 32 and reveals his goodbyes to squad

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      GERARD PIQUE has accidentally leaked a fellow Barcelona legend’s retirement.The iconic Spanish World Cup winner, 36, announced he was hanging up his boots last year after 14 years at the Nou Camp.
      Gerard Pique has accidentally revealed the retirement of one of his old Barca palsCredit: Getty
      The former defender hung up his boots back in NovemberCredit: Getty
      The former Manchester United defender broke down in tears as he said an emotional goodbye to Barcelona fans after his final appearance on November 5 in a 2-0 win over Almeria.
      That has not kept him out of the headlines over recent months following his split from Shakira.
      And he recently broke his silence over his ex-wife’s scathing diss track with the Colombian popstar’s hit song having multiple references to him.
      Now he has hit the back pages again after scoring an own goal while live streaming by announcing Bojan Krkic’s retirement before his old team-mate had gone public with the news.
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      Pique was hosting the Kings League competition, which was being streamed live on Twitch, and is contested by celebrities and former footballers.
      Bojan, 32, was one of those to take part, but fellow player Ibai Llanos remarked that the ex-Barcelona, Roma and Stoke City ace didn’t seem too excited to be involved.
      Pique responded to that remark with: “Bojan is saying goodbye on Thursday, he’s retiring at Camp Nou. I’m going to the event.”
      However, that announcement was met with complete silence and shocked faces as it soon transpired that he was not supposed to have said anything.
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      Ex-striker Bojan even graced the Premier League for four years in a career that took him around the globe after previously lining-up with Lionel Messi.
      He won LaLiga four times between 2008-2011 and the Champions League twice in 2009 and 2011.
      After that he joined Ajax on loan for a season where he won Eredivisie before a permanent move to Stoke followed.
      Most recently he played for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he was released in December.
      Since then Bojan has continued to pursue his other sporting love of gravel cycling – although he has still not officially announced his retirement from playing.
      Pique and Bojan lined up numerous times together at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Former Barca forward Bojan Krkic enjoyed a stint in England with Stoke CityCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Harry Kane on Real Madrid’s two-man striker wishlist as they target Tottenham star as stop-gap transfer

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      HARRY KANE is reportedly one of TWO strikers on Real Madrid’s shortlist as they seek to secure a temporary replacement for Karim Benzema.The European champions’ long-term plan is to secure Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe.
      Harry Kane is being linked with a summer move away from boyhood club TottenhamCredit: Reuters
      Dusan Vlahovic could be set to leave Juventus at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      However, they are aware neither of them are set to become available until at least 2024.
      As a result, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are looking for someone to lead the line in the meantime.
      According to AS, Spurs talisman Kane, 29, is a leading candidate to assume that role.
      Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, 23, who has scored 20 goals in 49 games for the Italian giants, is the other man being considered by Los Blancos.
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      There is also the possibility of 18-year-old Alvaro Rodriguez being thrown into the side when he joins the squad in the summer.
      But Kane, who is Tottenham’s all-time top scorer with 271 goals 425 games, would provide Real Madrid with a proven threat in front of goal.

      And he could be available at the end of the season as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his Spurs deal.
      However, any move for Kane – who is also attracting interest from Manchester United – would reportedly have to coincide with Real refusing to extend Benzema’s deal.
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      The Frenchman, 35, who joined Real in 2009, is out of contract in 2024.
      He bagged 44 goals in 46 games last season, helping them win LaLiga and the Champions League – before he scooped the Ballon d’Or.
      And while he has not maintained the same ratio of goals this term, he has still netted 19 times in 29 games.
      During his 14-year stint in the Spanish capital, he has racked up 342 goals in 634 games.
      Karim Benzema is Real Madrid’s second all-time top scorer behind Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Alamy More

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      Spanish paper copy L’Equipe as they savage ‘invisible’ Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema with 0/10 rating in Barcelona loss

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      KARIM BENZEMA has been savaged by the Spanish press for his El Clasico performance yesterday.Real Madrid fell 2-1 to rivals Barcelona in a must-win clash for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
      Karim Benzema was savaged for his performance against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Defeat saw them fall 12 points behind Barca in the title race with a dozen games remaining.
      Despite Benzema’s amazing performances last year that saw him scoop the Ballon d’Or award, he hasn’t been spared criticism.
      French paper L’Equipe are renowned for their harsh player ratings.
      But this time it was Spanish outlet AS dishing out the harsh scores.
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      Not only did they give Benzema a 0/10 – but they savaged his display in a brutal paragraph.
      It read: “Benzema: invisible, once again. Nothing at all.
      “He can’t get playable balls by dropping back, nor impose his play in the penalty box.
      “He is miles away from the brilliant version of the player who won the Ballon d’Or.
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      Franck Kessie scored Barcelona’s stoppage time winnerCredit: Getty
      “We found him without rhythm, slow, and without runs or plays.
      “If Real find their striker back, they will have a treasure in their ranks, but they have been waiting for too long.”
      Despite criticism being sent his way, Benzema has still managed a good goal return this season.
      The 35-year-old has netted 11 times in 16 LaLiga appearances.
      His goals have dried up of late, however, amid muscular and ankle injuries – and he has only scored in one of Madrid’s last nine league matches.
      Usually it is L’Equipe known for dishing out horrible ratings.
      Following Manchester United’s shocking 2-1 defeat at Young Boys last season, the French daily slapped Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho with zeros.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka was given a 0/10 rating after being sent off against Young BoysCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea outcast Aubameyang celebrates Barcelona’s El Clasico win in dressing room as he nears transfer exit

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      CHELSEA striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrated with his former Barcelona team-mates after the club’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Sunday.The 33-year-old, who has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge in recent months, posed for a selfie with Ferran Torres inside the home dressing room after the crunch clash at the Nou Camp.
      Aubameyang has fallen out of favour at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The striker was pictured in the Barcelona dressing room on SundayCredit: Twitter
      That is despite the fact that he is still registered as a Chelsea player.
      Aubameyang has played just 123 minutes of football for the Blues so far this year.
      He was left out of Graham Potter’s Champions League squad completely following Chelsea’s January spending spree.
      And he is yet to start a game for the club in 2023.
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      As a result, the striker has become increasingly ostracised from the first team.
      Aubameyang, who joined Chelsea in a £10million transfer from Barcelona on transfer deadline day in September, had hoped to return to the Nou Camp during the January transfer window.
      However, an important La Liga rule stopped the move from happening.
      He is now expected to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.
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      According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Aubameyang still has an excellent relationship with the Barcelona board and players as well as manager Xavi.
      The Gabon international joined Barcelona on a free transfer in January 2022 after his Arsenal contract was terminated.
      He scored 13 goals in 24 appearances for the La Liga giants during his time at the club. More

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      Barcelona 2 Real Madrid 1: Kessie the hero with 92nd-minute El Clasico winner as Xavi’s troops move 12 points clear

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      FRANCK KESSIE’S stoppage-time winner earned Barcelona a dramatic victory in El Clasico and put them in complete control of the LaLiga title race.Xavi’s side are 12 points clear of their greatest rivals with 12 games left and would need a monumental collapse to avoid being crowned Spanish champions for the 27th time.
      Barcelona’s Franck Kessie celebrates his 92nd minute winner in El ClasicoCredit: Reuters
      Xavi’s side are now 12 points clear at the top of La LigaCredit: Reuters
      Although they were forced to come from behind to complete this turnaround.
      After Raphinha was denied his third goal in as many outings by Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid took the lead nine minutes in.
      Fresh from setting up Karim Benzema’s winner against Liverpool on Wednesday, Vinicius Junior claimed another assist after his cross deflected in off Ronald Araujo.
      It was only the SECOND goal Barca had conceded at home in the league all season and first since December.
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      Vinicius Jr’s good work gave Real Madrid a shock leadCredit: Rex
      Sergi Roberto celebrates Barcelona’s equaliserCredit: EPA
      But it’s up the other end where they’ve have been struggling in recent weeks with only three goals in four games since crashing out of Europe.
      It’s not been for the want of trying though, and here Courtois was at his best to keep the home side at bay on several occasions before the break.
      Barcelona eventually found a breakthrough on the stroke of half-time when Sergi Roberto was a cool head amongst a hectic penalty area and stroked past the Belgian.
      Rodrygo should have put Madrid back ahead just past the hour mark, while Robert Lewandowski spurned two golden chances to complete the turnaround.
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      Marco Asensio thought he won it nine minutes from time, but his strike was ruled out for offside by VAR following a lengthy delay.
      And in the 92nd minute, Alejandro Balde’s low cross was turned home by Kessie to spark wild scenes at the Nou Camp. More

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      Barcelona 2 Real Madrid 1 LIVE: Camp Nou erupts as Kessie’s last-gasp strike puts hosts TWELVE points clear – latest

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      BARCELONA are now TWELVE points clear of second place Real Madrid after securing a huge comeback win in the El Clasico.Los Blancos took the lead following Vinicus Jr’s heavily deflected cross off Ronald Araujo.
      However, Xavi’s side hit back just before the break courtesy of a poachers effort from Sergi Roberto.
      And Franck Kessie’s brilliant team goal completed the comeback sending the Camp Nou into meltdown.

      Live stream: Viaplay Sports
      TV channel: Viaplay Sports 1
      Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Kounde, Balde; De Jong, Busquets, Roberto; Gavi, Raphinha, Lewandowski
      Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Modric, Camavinga, Kroos; Valverde, Vinicus Jr, Benzema

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      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      That’s all from Barcelona
      Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 at El Clasico with a dramatic comeback at the Nou Camp.
      Real opened the scoring against the run of play after just nine minutes when Vinicius Junior’s cross from the left caught a deflection off of Ronald Araujo who netted an own-goal.
      But Barca equalised at the death of first half when Raphinha’s effort was blocked by Antonio Rudiger and Sergi Roberto picked up the rebound to score on 45 minutes.
      Los Blancos thought they regained the lead again against the run of play in the 81st minute with Marco Asensio but VAR deemed the scorer was just inches offside before Dani Ceballos’ assist.
      The Blaugrana got their winner in the second minute of stoppage time when a clever back-heel by Robert Lewandowski found Alejandro Balde down the left and his low cross set Franck Kessie up at the far post from where he finished.
      Credit: EPA
      Xavi speaks up
      Barcelona manager Xavi insists his team was superior to Real Madrid during El Clasico.
      The Spanish tactician told Movistar Plus: “Real Madrid posed problems for us later on with the changes and looked dangerous when [Marco] Asensio and Rodrygo were on the ball.
      “I genuinely believe that we were superior to Real Madrid throughout the game.”
      Credit: Getty
      Carlo Ancelotti reacts
      Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insists the league is not yet lost despite 12 points separating them from in-form Barcelona after their El Clasico loss.
      Ancelotti said: “We played well and also deserved to win. We lost a little balance after the disallowed goal but games can be decided by small details.
      “We have to accept the disallowed goal but have every right to have our doubts over it.
      “We took risks at the end as we had to. We don’t feel that the league is lost but we are still involved in three competitions.”
      Credit: Getty
      Just inches offside
      Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio thought he had scored his team’s winner at El Clasico on 81 minutes.
      That would have been an important win for Real as they would have been only six points behind the top.
      However, VAR deemed Asensio was just inches offside – actually, it was the edge of his elbow that was over the line. A decision that may have decided the title…
      Los Blancos then suffered a last-gasp defeat that now sees them a whopping 12 points away from Barcelona and first place.

      Credit: AFP
      Credit: Getty
      Updated LaLiga table
      Barcelona are so close to their first LaLiga title since 2019 they can taste it!
      Barca are now a whopping 12 points clear at the top of the table after their win at El Clasico.
      Real Madrid needed that victory as they were already nine points away from first place.
      Real are now far closer to third place with Atletico Madrid five points behind them.
      More below:

      Barcelona vs Real Madrid stats
      Barcelona dominated 54 per cent of possession against Real Madrid at El Clasico.
      Barca registered a total of 17 shots, but only seven of them were on target.
      Real, on the other hand, produced 11 shots, but only three of them were on target.
      More below:

      FT: Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
      Barcelona beat Real Madrid at El Clasico with a dramatic comeback at the Nou Camp.
      Real opened the scoring against the run of play after just nine minutes when Vinicius Junior’s cross from the left caught a deflection off of Ronald Araujo who scored an own-goal.
      But Barca equalised at the death of first half when Raphinha’s shot was blocked by Antonio Rudiger and Sergi Roberto picked up the rebound to score on 45 minutes.
      Los Blancos thought they regained the lead again against the run of play in the 81st minute with Marco Asensio but VAR deemed the goalscorer was inches offside before Dani Ceballos’ assist.
      The Blaugrana got what they were looking for in the second minute of stoppage time when a clever back-heel by Robert Lewandowski found Alejandro Balde down the left and his low cross set Franck Kessie up the far post from where he finished.
      Credit: EPA
      FT: Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
      Peep!
      That’s full-time in Barcelona!!!
      90+7 Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
      Yellow card
      Referee whips out a double booking for Ceballos and Fati.
      The Real ace reacted after a late tackle from the Barcelona starlet and we get some nasty scenes with all the players getting involved in the fracas.
      90+2 Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
      Barcelona have done it!
      Lewandowski finds Balde to his left with a stunning back-heel and the full-back delivers a cross that finds Kessie at the far post from where he scores with a decisive finish!

      90+2 Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
      Goal!
      Barcelona turn it around with Kessie!!!
      90 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Substitution
      Barcelona boss Xavi brings on Fati, who replaces Gavi.
      Five more minutes of stoppage time to go!
      90 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Yellow card
      Barcelona ace Balde gets booked for bringing Asensio down.
      88 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      With all the VAR drama I missed Torres’ introduction as he replaced Raphinha.
      Barcelona are now defending the draw that would still maintain them in command for the title.
      Real are pushing really hard as they really need the win with nine points away from the top.
      85 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Chance!
      Real ace Asensio tries to get even with a beautiful long-range shot that just misses Ter Stegen’s crossbar!
      83 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      No goal!
      Actually, they haven’t done it again as VAR deems Asensio was just offside in the build-up.
      In fact, it was his ELBOW that was offside!
      81 Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid
      They’ve done it again!
      Real break into a dangerous attack with Rodrygo opting not to pass to Vinisius down his left.
      Instead he passes to Ceballos on his right and he delivers a cross to the middle from where Asensio taps it in to Ter Stegen’s bottom right corner!
      81 Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid
      Goal!
      Real regain the lead with Asensio!!!
      80 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Chance!
      Kounde gives the ball away at the back and Benzema tries a shot from the edge of the box but Ter Stegen saves with a lunge to his left!
      78 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Chance
      Real star Vinicius tries another shot from the left but it lacks power and Ter Stegen picks it up with ease.
      77 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Substitution
      A triple change by Real boss Ancelotti as Tchouameni, Asensio and Ceballos replace Camavinga, Valverde and Modric.
      77 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Substitution
      Barcelona boss Xavi makes his first change with Kessie replacing Roberto – left it quite late.
      76 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Chance!
      Barcelona play the ball nicely and De Jong scouts Lewandowski’s movement inside the area but the Poland international’s shot just misses Courtois’ bottom right corner.
      73 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Ter Stegen and Courtois are constantly on guard but it’s been a while since they have received any danger.
      Quite a stalemate going on at the Nou Camp.
      70 Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
      Chance
      Real star Vinicius breaks down the left and tries a shot that completely misses the crossbar.
      Load more entries… More

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      Barcelona offer Sergio Busquets new deal aged 34 as midfield legend mulls over FIVE free transfer offers

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      BARCELONA have offered veteran Sergio Busquets a new deal amid a host of clubs being interested in his signature, according to reports. Busquets, 34, is set to leave Barcelona when his current contract expires at the end of the season.
      Sergio Busquets has been offered a new contract by BarcelonaCredit: AP
      However, the Blaugrana have offered him a year-long extension according to Mundo Deportivo.
      Although this would see his current wage significantly reduced.
      The outlet also reports as many as FIVE clubs are interested in signing the midfielder at the end of his current deal.
      Inter Miami’s interest is well known, with manager Phil Neville openly declaring the Major League Soccer Franchise’s intention to try and sign Busquets and other major stars such as Lionel Messi.
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      Another North American team, Toronto FC, are another team interested in Busquets, according to Mundo Deportivo.
      The report adds interest from three teams in Saudi Arabia who also want to sign Busquets for free.
      These being Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, Al-Shabab and title rivals Al-Halil.
      The three teams are second, third and fourth respectively in the Saudi Pro League.
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      Busquets is a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, having made his breakthrough to the first team in 2008.
      He has gone on to make well over 700 appearances, winning a plethora of trophies, including three Champions League and eight La Liga titles. More

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      Barcelona looking to sell top stars including Ousmane Dembele this summer to fund transfer for Federico Chiesa

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      BARCELONA are reportedly planning to sell two players in the summer in order to fund a deal for Juventus man Federico Chiesa.And France international Ousmane Dembele, 25, is understood to be one of those on his way out of the Nou Camp.
      Ousmane Dembele is being linked with a move away from Barcelona this summerCredit: Getty
      Juventus could cash in on Federico Chiesa at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      The former Borussia Dortmund forward was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea at the end of last season.
      But he ended up penning a new deal to keep him at Barcelona until 2024.
      Dembele, who joined for £135.5million in 2017, has registered eight goals and seven assists in the 2022/23 campaign.
      However, Calcio Mercato are reporting he is still set to be sold this summer.
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      And ex-Manchester City attacker Ferran Torres is another expected to make way as Xavi attempts to cobble together the funds to sign Italian star Chiesa.
      Torres, 23, has bagged just 12 goals in 59 games for the Catalan giants.
      It is a poor return for the £50million Barcelona shelled out for him in January 2022.
      If the LaLiga leaders are successful in offloading Dembele and Torres, they will look to sign Chiesa from Juventus.
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      The Serie A club were handed a 15-point deduction for a transfer scam earlier this season.
      And it means missing out on Champions League football is set to force them to sell players.
      Adrien Rabiot and Dusan Vlahoic are two stars being linked with a departure.
      Chiesa is another in danger of leaving – with Barcelona monitoring his situation.
      The former Fiorentina man, 25, has bagged 20 goals in 77 appearances for Juventus.
      He has also netted four times in 40 games for Italy.
      Barcelona’s desire to keep signing players comes after LaLiga president Javier Tebas insisted earlier this month they are effectively under a transfer ban as they will be unable to register players.
      Speaking at the FT Business of Football summit in London, Tebas said: “As of today, Barcelona doesn’t have any room in its budget to spend in the upcoming transfer window.
      “Barcelona has been involved in questionable behaviour which has had an impact on LaLiga – and we are acting accordingly.” More