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    Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Real Madrid again as he continues to be linked with shock free transfer after Man Utd exit

    CRISTIANO RONALDO trained with Real Madrid yet again on Thursday as he continues to be linked with a shock return to the Bernabeu.The Portuguese superstar, 37, saw his Manchester United contract terminated last month after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
    Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Real Madrid training again on ThursdayCredit: Twitter / @ElGolazoDeGol
    The free agent rocked up for a second day with the Spanish championsCredit: Twitter / @ElGolazoDeGol
    Ronaldo spent nine hugely successful years at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
    He headed to the World Cup as a free agent and was a part of the Portugal squad that exited the tournament in the quarter-finals following a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
    Now Ronaldo has returned to Europe without a club and is training with former side Real Madrid in a bid to keep his fitness up.
    He first trained with Los Blancos on Wednesday as speculation over a stunning comeback began.
    And those links rumbled on when he arrived in a Mercedes for Real training yet again on Thursday.
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    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted a clip on social media of Ronaldo turning up.
    And he added: “Cristiano Ronaldo had training session at Real Madrid center Valdebebas also today. He’s allowed to train on separate pitch.”
    Ronaldo enjoyed his best years in the Spanish capital, winning two LaLiga crowns and four Champions League titles during his nine-year stay.
    He has never been shy in revealing his fondness for Real and would no doubt happily return.
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    Yet, despite president Florentino Perez’s kind words down the years, it’s believed the club have shut the door to a potential return as they don’t want to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad.
    Since leaving Man Utd, Ronaldo has been linked with a mega-money move to Al Nassr.
    It’s believed the forward will be offered a staggering £173million a year to complete a free move to Saudi Arabia.
    Meanwhile, Ronaldo is NOT expected to retire from international duty after Portugal’s World Cup heartache.
    The ex-Sporting Lisbon star was spotted in tears in the tunnel following the gut-wrenching defeat to Morocco.
    But CM Journal claims Ronaldo has already informed Portugal chiefs he intends to continue playing for his country.
    And that puts him in contention to lead his nation at Euro 2024 in 18 months time.
    Ronaldo found himself on the bench in the latter stages of the World Cup, replaced by Goncalo Ramos – who scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 mauling of Switzerland.
    He was subbed on in both Portugal’s last 16 clash with Switzerland and quarter-final against Morocco – but was unable to end his career-long knockout stage goal drought. More

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    How Real Madrid could line up if Cristiano Ronaldo returns in shock transfer as he starts training with former club

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has been linked with a sensational return to Real Madrid.That is after Ronaldo, 37, was spotted training at Real’s Valdebebas base following Portugal’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals to Morocco.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has been training at Real Madrid after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo would still make Real Madrid’s starting line-up
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking for his next club after being axed by Manchester United following an explosive interview that saw him slam them from top to bottom.
    The star forward is currently training away from the Los Blancos’ first-team.
    It’s claimed the Spanish champions were more than happy to accommodate Ronaldo, with the relationship between club and player still strong.
    The United legend has never been shy in revealing his fondness for Real and would happily return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
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    But despite president Florentino Perez’s kind words throughout the years, it’s believed the club have shut the door to a potential return as they don’t want to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad.
    But Ronaldo would still be able to make Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 formation if he completed an emotional return.
    Ex-Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois would start in goal with Dani Carvajal at right-back and Ferland Mendy on the other side, while Eder Militao and David Alaba would team up at centre-back.
    Luke Modric, Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni could then link up in midfield.
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    And Ronaldo would spearhead the attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema.
    CR7 would cover the right flank of the front three with Vinicius on the other side. More

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    Frenkie de Jong ‘set to snub Man Utd and Chelsea again with Barcelona star prepared to agree transfer to Euro giant’

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong could snub a move to England in favour of joining Bayern Munich, according to reports.The Dutchman was heavily linked with the Prem duo in the recent window although he ended up staying with Barcelona.
    Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona is still uncertainCredit: AP
    But he was said to be unhappy with Barca for trying to force him to leave.
    As a result, De Jong found himself out of the team following a summer of uncertainty, starting just one of Barca’s first four La Liga games.
    He’s since won his place back and has established himself as a regular once again.
    But his future still remains in doubt.
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    According to Spanish outlet Sport, the midfielder wants to stay at the Nou Camp.
    However, Bayern Munich, another who were interested in the summer, are hoping to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial mess.
    And the report claims the ex-Ajax star would be “tempted” by a switch to the Bundesliga.
    Meanwhile, Bayern are “convinced” that Barcelona might be forced to sell next summer, with another year off his contract likely to make for a more reasonable price.
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    On the pitch, De Jong enjoyed an impressive World Cup, helping Holland reach the quarter-finals before they suffered penalty heartache against Argentina.
    The 25-year-old played all-but four minutes, chipping in with one goal and one assist. More

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    Sacked Spain boss Luis Enrique ‘on Atletico Madrid’s shortlist’ to replace Diego Simeone in summer

    SACKED Spain boss Luis Enrique is reportedly being lined up as a potential replacement for Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.Enrique left his post as the national coach after his side were dumped out of the World Cup in the round of 16 by Morocco.
    Luis Enrique is on the hunt for his next job in football managementCredit: EPA
    Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has struggled for success this seasonCredit: AFP
    Spain dominated the possession in the match but failed to create many dangerous opportunities before losing the tie on penalties.
    Now Enrique is on the lookout for his next job, with AS reporting that he could have two options.
    One option would be Atletico, who are believed to have placed the former Barcelona manager on their shortlist to replace Simeone.
    The Argentine could leave the capital club within months as this season so far has not gone to plan.
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    The Colchoneros have already been knocked out of the Champions League and are struggling in LaLiga, 13 points behind league leaders Barcelona.
    Simeone has been in charge at the club since 2011 and led them to two LaLiga titles, two Europa League titles and one Copa del Rey.
    Another potential option touted for Enrique has been Manchester United should Erik ten Hag’s reign start to sour.
    The Dutch manager has had a mixed start to life at Old Trafford, but doubts over him could arise should the club fail to challenge for a Champions League spot.
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    Enrique’s impressive club career as a manager would make him a good option for United.
    The Spaniard won two LaLiga titles, three Copa del Reys and a Champions League during his three years as Barcelona manager. More

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    Former Arsenal star Bellerin shows off dramatic new look and leaves Barcelona team-mates shocked on return to training

    BARCELONA star Hector Bellerin has left his team-mates and fans in shock as he showed off his new look. The former Arsenal star returned to club training yesterday having not been selected in the Spain squad for the World Cup and returned looking like a different man.
    Barcelona’s Hector Bellerin has shaved off his long-hairCredit: EPA
    Hector Bellerin’s transformation has left many in shockCredit: Twitter
    Prior to the mid-season break Bellerin had long wavy hair pushed back behind his ears which was similar to a mullet.
    But the always trendy Spaniard has taken a trip to the barbers and gone for a buzz cut.
    The 27-year-old looked unrecognisable with his new short haircut.
    The moustache that Bellerin has grown since leaving North London, initially on loan to Real Betis, has stayed.
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    Fans have had mixed responses to the makeover, one said on Twitter: “Bring back the mullet please.”
    Some supporters even thought he now resembles Freddie Mercury.
    Bellerin has had a tough start to life at Barca following his summer move, only playing five matches so far.
    His contract at the Nou Camp expires at the end of this season and the likes of Roma are reportedly interested.
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    There have been claims that Barca could be willing to sell him in January to avoid losing him for free.
    It’s a fall from grace for Bellerin as last season he played for boyhood club Betis and cried on the pitch alongside his father during his final game on loan there.
    He won the Copa del Rey with them, the club’s first trophy in 17 years, but they could not afford to keep him with team-mate Borja Iglesias suggesting a crowdfunding page should’ve started to raise money. More

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    Robert Lewandowski handed three-match ban for referee gesture one day after Poland World Cup loss to France

    ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has been slapped with a three-match ban just one day after being knocked out of the World Cup.The striker was in action for Poland as they were beaten 3-1 by France in the round of 16.
    Robert Lewandowski protests to referee Jesus Gil ManzanoCredit: Reuters
    The Pole was shown a second yellow card for this challenge on David GarciaCredit: Reuters
    Lewandowski, 34, grabbed his second goal of the tournament with virtually the last kick of the game – beating Hugo Lloris at the second attempt with a retaken penalty.
    The goal will be his last action on a football pitch for a while, after he was handed a three-match ban by LaLiga.
    The former Bayern Munich star was red carded during a 2-1 victory over Osasuna in his final club match before the World Cup.
    Lewandowski was given his marching orders with just half an hour on the clock, receiving a second yellow for clattering into defender David Garcia.
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    As he departed the field of play he touched his chin – a gesture interpreted to have been derogatory towards the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano.
    The Pole subsequently denied this, however, instead claiming it had been directed at his manager, Xavi.
    He said: “If you ask me about that gesture, it’s a bit funny because last week I was talking with Xavi, with the coach, and we talked that if these things happened in the future, if I saw a yellow card I had to be careful, because I could go out.
    “After that the gesture was for Xavi, not for the referee.”
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    LaLiga haven’t bought Lewandowski’s explanation, however, and have slapped an extra two games onto his initial one-match ban after turning down an appeal.
    Not willing to accept the outcome, it’s claimed by Marca that Barca could take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
    As it stands, Lewandowski is set to miss his side’s Catalan derby clash with Espanyol, as well as subsequent games against Atletico Madrid and Getafe.
    Barcelona could turn to forward Memphis Depay in their regular No9’s absence, with the Dutchman having returned to action at the World Cup following a two-month injury lay-off.
    Depay, 28, has played just 131 minutes of action for his club this season.
    Memphis Depay has been back in action for his countryCredit: Rex More

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    Marcelo’s son Enzo, 13, signs first Real Madrid contract as he looks to follow in legendary dad’s footsteps

    MARCELO’S son Enzo Alves Vieira has signed a professional contract with Real Madrid.Enzo is following in the footsteps of his father, who is Real’s all-time most decorated player with 25 honours under his name.
    Marcelo’s son Enzo Alves Vieira has signed his first contract with Real MadridCredit: Real Madrid
    According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 13-year-old put pen to paper on his first contract with Los Blancos on Saturday.
    He was accompanied by his dad and mother as he posed in front of the camera penning his inaugural deal.
    Romano tweeted: “Marcelo’s son Enzo Alves has signed his first Real Madrid contract today.
    “Fair to remember that Marcelo is the most decorated Real Madrid player of all-time with 25 titles.”
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    Enzo has stood out in Real’s academy where unlike his famous dad, who plays as a left-back, he has been performing as a striker.
    Marcelo’s son is absolutely buzzing with his achievement as he took to social media to express his excitement for tying his future with the “best club in the world”.
    Enzo posted on Instagram: “My first contract with the best club in the world. Very happy.”
    The talented teenager has been recognised for his powerful physique, technique and scoring instinct.
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    Enzo Alves Vieira is looking to follow in the footsteps of Real Madrid legend MarceloCredit: Real Madrid
    Enzo was also recently called up to Real’s Under-14 team after his impressive performances.
    His father Marcelo left the Santiago Bernabeu last summer after 15 glittering years in Madrid.
    The former Brazil international currently plays for Olympiacos with rumours suggesting he was approached by Real to return and take up the role of global ambassador. More

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    Barcelona brutally troll Real with club store just metres from Los Blancos’ shop in MADRID.. and say ‘Raul is one of us’

    BARCELONA have opened a new club store just METRES away from a Real Madrid shop in the Spanish capital.And the Catalan giants further antagonised Los Blancos fans by unveiling a huge banner outside which reads “Raul Es Culer”.
    Barcelona’s new shops is just yards away from Real Madrid’s storeCredit: Reddit

    Barcelona and Real Madrid have been rivals for decadesCredit: Getty
    A “culer” is often used as a term for a Barcelona supporter, with many speculating the club were referencing Real Madrid legend Raul in the sign.
    Raul scored 323 goals in 741 games for Real and was their top scorer before Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema leapfrogged him.
    Reacting on social media, one person said: “It doesn’t make sense at all except for trying to provoke Madrid.”
    Another added: “It’s like Madrid open a store in Barcelona with the banner ‘Cruyff is Madridista’ 💀😂.”
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    A third said: “This in the middle of a World Cup is not only a provocation but a lack of respect. Now don’t touch this propaganda. Now it’s union, damn. 😤😤😤.”
    And a fourth replied: “Real Madrid should open a store in Barcelona and name it ‘Luis Figo is a Madridista’.”
    The store, which was opened by president Joan Laporta and former player Luis Garcia, is Barcelona’s first in Madrid.
    Real have had their own shop in Barcelona for some time.
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    The two sides are far and away the most successful ever Spanish clubs.
    Real have the bragging rights when it comes to trophies.
    They have 35 LaLiga titles to Barcelona’s 26, and dwarf them in Europe with 14 triumphs to their Catalan adversaries’ five.
    Over the last two decades the rivalry has intensified through vast periods of success for both clubs.
    Pep Guardiola’s incredible stint at the Nou Camp brought about one of the best teams of all time.
    But Real responded by winning a sensational FOUR Champions League titles between 2014 and 2018.
    They also recently became European champions again, while Barcelona have been tackling a financial crisis which saw them lose their greatest ever player, Lionel Messi. More