La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘ask Man Utd about shock Diogo Dalot transfer’ as they look for Trent Alexander-Arnold alternative

      by

      REAL MADRID are showing significant interest in signing Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot, according to reports.It comes after the LaLiga giants have repeatedly approached Liverpool for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in the summer.Real Madrid are eyeing a shock move for Diogo DalotThe LaLiga side have approached Liverpool over Trent-Alexander ArnoldBut with Liverpool flying high at the top the Prem and Alexander-Arnold being a local boy – Madrid could give up on the fantasy of luring him away from a new Anfield deal.Instead, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have reportedly eyed Dalot as an alternative to the England right-back.Madrid value Dalot at around £41million, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.And United were even approached by the 15-time Champions League winners about Dalot while Erik ten Hag was still in charge.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 25-year-old has played 178 games for the Red Devils and was voted the player of the year by his team-mates last season. Dalot’s importance grew during United’s dismal 2023-24 campaign, as he started 35 of 38 Prem games and scored twice.New boss Ruben Amorim is set to assess which players he fancies moving forward, but Dalot is likely to make the cut.But the Portugal international has four years remaining on his United contract, after putting pen-to-paper on a new deal in May 2023.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Madrid could land Alexander-Arnold for nothing.The Merseyside star is entering the final six months of Liverpool contract after coming through the youth ranks.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldBut Arne Slot will be hoping to convince him to sign a new deal at Anfield – and if the club continue on this upward trajectory, it would be hard to refuse.Alexander-Arnold has won it all with his boyhood club, including their first Premier League title, a Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.In theory, the 26-year-old is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January, with his current contract set to expire in June.But Madrid wanted to respect Liverpool, who defeated them 2-0 in Europe last week, by making their intentions clear.Alexander-Arnold, who has provided an astonishing 84 assists and 23 goals from right-back in 326 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, has long been linked with a switch to Madrid.Los Blancos are currently operating without their usual right-back – six-time Champions League winner Dani Carvajal after he ruptured his ACL.Alexander-Arnold is adored by Liverpool fans – he even has his own mural More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m former Real Madrid star who ended up working in a warehouse for £330 a month after bankruptcy and depression battle

      by

      FORMER Real Madrid star Predrag Spasic was once destined for glory.But he ended up working in a warehouse for just £330 a month after battling depression and going bankrupt.Former Real Madrid star Predrag Spasic went bankrupt and suffered from depressionCredit: GettyThe Serbian defender ended up working in a warehouse for £330 a monthCredit: GettySpasic, 59, hails from Serbia, formerly Yugoslavia, and was once tipped to be a world-class centre-back.The ace made his name in his homeland with Partizan Belgrade.And in 1990 Real Madrid came calling in an exciting move.But things did not work out for Spasic at the Bernabeu.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe only played 22 games during his single season at Real.And Spasic achieved infamy by scoring a decisive own-goal in their 2-1 Clasico defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona.It still haunts him to this day, with Spasic saying: “One bad game is to blame for everything. My life changed after meeting Barcelona at Camp Nou. “I didn’t want to score an own goal, I swear, and then it was terrible. I remember every moment. The ball hit me, entered the net, I wanted to die. Most read in Football“Camp Nou buried me as a player. I will never forget chanting in that stadium ‘Spasic, Spasic’. It’s just that it came from the Barcelona fans.”He then spent the next three seasons in Spain with Osasuna.Real Madrid fan BURNS Kylian Mbappe shirt and fumes ‘my hopes and support for him is over’Yet his time there finished with the club being relegated in 1994.Spasic ended up playing just 13 more times throughout his career with Atletico Marbella and Radnicki Beograd.He also won 31 international caps for Yugoslavia.Yet his career fizzled out in 1997 at the age of 32.And Spasic ended up going bankrupt after making some bad investments in a business project that collapsed due to the Yugoslav wars.It forced him to take up a job working in a warehouse which paid just £330 each month.I lived in silence, I locked myself awayPredrag SpasicHe said at the time: “I need financial help, I live one day at a time. I am in a difficult situation. You need to be strong to overcome everything.”Spasic soon spiralled into a deep depression.But he is now on the up after being aided by a group for veteran footballers, with Relevo claiming his former club Real also lent a helping hand.Spasic continued: “I fell into depression, some other bad things happened in my life, so I fought with myself for 10 years. “I managed to stabilise and recover from depression with the help of my family, my brother Bojan and the doctor who helped me a lot.”He added: “I’m very happy now. I’m proud. Maybe that was my mistake before. Everything that happened to me affected me a lot and I didn’t talk to anyone.“I lived in silence, I locked myself away. When I returned to my country I suffered from depression. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I had good friends who helped me through difficult times and thanks to psychologists I managed to get out of it. “It was everything: one thing, another, another… everything came together and in the end I exploded.” More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Ronaldo go home’ – Furious Real Valladolid fans hold protest against Real Madrid legend’s ownership of LaLiga side

      by

      REAL VALLADOLID fans protested against Ronaldo’s ownership before and during last night’s clash with Atletico Madrid.The Brazilian football icon, 48, bought a controlling stake in the Spanish club six years ago.Real Valladolid fans displayed a banner reading ‘Ronaldo Go Home’Credit: XThe Brazilian, 48, owns a controlling stake in the Spanish clubCredit: GettyDuring his stint as owner, Valladolid have become something of a yo-yo club.In every season since the 2020-21 campaign, the Spanish side have either been relegated from LaLiga or promoted from the second tier.Having finished as runners-up in LaLiga 2 last term, Valladolid look set for another long, difficult campaign in the top flight.They are bottom of the table, having collected just nine points from 15 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of yesterday’s match against Atletico, several Valladolid supporters marched to the stadium, with some clutching a banner reading “Ronaldo Go Home”.The disgruntled supporters also chanted while making their feelings perfectly clear.Things did not get much better as the game kicked off, with Valladolid being drubbed 5-0 by Diego Simeone’s men.Goals by Clement Lenglet, Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth sunk Ronaldo’s men.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSValladolid chiefs swiftly responded by sacking manager Paulo Pezzolano.The Uruguayan had been at the helm since April 2023, guiding Valladolid to promotion last season.Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebration_1In April, ESPN reported that Ronaldo planned to flog his controlling stake in Valladolid, having agreed to sell his shares in Brazilian side Cruzeiro.But the former Real Madrid striker went on perform a U-turn, however, with it being announced in August that he would be continuing as club president.Ronaldo has owned a controlling stake in ValladolidCredit: EPA More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘IGNORED detailed dossier with worrying stats about Kylian Mbappe’s physical condition’ before signing him

      by

      REAL MADRID “ignored a dossier” showing Kylian Mbappe’s physical condition was declining before they signed him, according to reports.The France captain, 25, has struggled since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.Kylian Mbappe has been criticised for his displays since joining Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid were reportedly handed a dossier showing his decline in performanceCredit: GettyHe has scored just once in his last five games and missed a penalty against Liverpool on Wednesday night as Carlo Ancelotti’s men were beaten 2-0 by the Premier League leaders.Following the Liverpool loss, one fan even filmed themselves burning an Mbappe shirt.But according to Relevo, the drop-off in Mbappe’s performances was highlighted to Real Madrid in documents before he signed on a free transfer.The report laid out stats such as average distance travelled, high-intensity efforts and sustained sprint speed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey showed he has continued to decline since winning the 2018 World Cup.It would explain Mbappe’s output since moving to Spain – which has seen him run an average of less than nine kilometres per Champions League game, compared to his team-mates who are racking up more than 10kms.He has scored nine goals and assisted two in 18 appearances this season.And he has been playing out of position, with Ancelotti putting him through the middle due to Vinicius Junior occupying the left-hand side.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMbappe has scored nine goals in 18 games this seasonYet he continues to receive criticism from Real Madrid fans and was even dropped by France for their November Nations League games against Israel and Italy.Ancelotti leapt to Mbappe’s defence following the Liverpool defeat, saying: “Mbappe’s situation parallels that of the entire squad.Kylian Mbappe dropped from France squad as Deschamps explains decision and says ‘it’s better this way’ “Our focus is to rediscover our best performances, be it from him, myself, or the other players.”We do not see it as a solitary issue for a player who is still acclimatising to his new surroundings, having netted eight goals and contributed with vital assists in our attack.”There’s always room for improvement.”Real Madrid sit second in the LaLiga table but are down in 24th place in the Champions League, the final qualification spot for the play-off round.Their final three European fixtures in the league phase are against Atalanta, RB Salzburg and Brest. More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona star ‘vomits BLOOD’ before being stretchered off in worrying scenes in LaLiga clash

      by

      BARCELONA defender Alejandro Balde was stretchered off after appearing to vomit blood following a nasty collision.The incident occurred midway through the first half of the Catalan giants’ 2-1 defeat to Las Palmas in LaLiga – their first home defeat of the season.Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde went down following a collisionCredit: GettyThe left-back appeared to be coughing up blood on the pitchCredit: beIN Sports via XBalde was taken off on a stretcher following the incidentCredit: AFPBalde, 21, went down after coming together with Sandro Ramirez while wrestling for the ball.He fell to the floor and was holding his neck while coughing and choking.The Spaniard then vomited up something which Dentro De Juego have claimed was blood.He was put onto a stretcher and replaced by Gerard Martin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBalde has started 11 of Barcelona’s 15 LaLiga games so far this season.He has already made 95 appearances for the club despite having only turned 21 last month.He made his international debut for Spain in 2022 and has earned seven caps.But he missed out on his country’s Euro 2024 squad – a tournament they went on to win.Most read in FootballBarcelona came into the clash with Las Palmas four points clear of Real Madrid but having played one more game.They have also made an impressive start to their Champions League campaign, winning four out of five matches.Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game Hansi Flick’s men sit third in the league phase table, safely in the top eight who all automatically qualify for the last-16. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘tell Liverpool they want to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold’ and free transfer could be agreed within weeks

      by

      REAL MADRID have made it clear that they want to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports.The Spanish giants are set to swoop for the Reds full-back, whose Anfield deal expires next summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is being chased by Real MadridCredit: AlamyWith Alexander-Arnold’s contract winding down, Real Madrid will be free to begin negotiating a pre-contract with the full-back.According to talkSPORT, however, the reigning LaLiga champions have informed Liverpool of their intention to sign their academy graduate, in a bid to be respectful.Carlo Ancelotti’s side view Alexander-Arnold as a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal at right-back.Carvajal, 32, remains at the Bernabeu club but suffered an ACL injury last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool still hope to convince Alexander-Arnold to pen a new deal to stay at Anfield.But Real Madrid chiefs believe that they can lure the England star to Spain.One factor in their favour could be Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham.The pair have developed a close bond during various England camps.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlexander-Arnold has made 325 appearances for his boyhood club since debuting in 2016.He has played a major role in winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and two League Cups.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldThe full-back has remained a key man under new boss Arne Slot, but is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month against Aston Villa.Alexander-Arnold could return from his lay-off against Manchester City on Sunday.Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also set to be out of contract at the end of the season.Salah, 32, even admitted last weekend that he was “more out than in” at Anfield.The Egyptian claims to have not yet been made an offer by the Reds.Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk is set to be out of contractCredit: Rex More

    • 275 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who had the world at my feet but I lost control of my career after bold transfer

      by

      MICHAEL OWEN believes he “lost control” of his career the moment he left Liverpool for Real Madrid.The former England international swapped Merseyside for Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight goal-filled seasons with the Reds.Michael Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 after eight seasons with LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportSome of the Anfield faithful turned on the former academy star after his departureCredit: GETTYOwen believes his departure from the club was the moment he ‘lost control’ of his careerCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe stunning move to the Bernabeu, however, didn’t go to plan as he failed to win a trophy in his sole season with the Galacticos, in which he scored 16 goals in 45 appearances.He returned to England the following summer for a four-season stint with Newcastle before a shock move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United in July 2009.Some of the Kop faithful still resent Owen for joining the Red Devils, although the 44-year-old believes their resentment originally stemmed from him leaving Anfield in the first place.He told The Telegraph: “The moment I chose to go to Real Madrid I lost control of my career and what the perceptions of it are.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“I don’t love going to Anfield now because I know I am not loved back.”I tend to only go when I am working. It’s not that I dread going, but for a long time I used to bury my head when driving back to the academy to see friends.”I have told myself since, ‘I should not have been feeling like that.'”People say now, ‘It was because he signed for Manchester United.’ Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Owen’s career statsLiverpool: 297 appearances – 158 goals & 49 assistsReal Madrid: 45 appearances – 16 goals & four assistsNewcastle United: 79 appearances – 30 goals & 2 assistsManchester United: 52 appearances – 17 goals & three assistsStoke City: Nine appearances – One goalClub Total: 483 appearances – 223 goals & 58 assistsEngland: 89 appearances: 40 goals & 12 assists”But the whole world knows there has been some history rewritten there.”There was resentment directed at me before then when I played for Newcastle, even though I had a clause in my Newcastle contract that I could re-sign for Liverpool every summer.Michael Owen heartbreakingly admits he prays every single night for cure for rare disease that has blinded his son James“The Manchester United aspect is now an easier stick to beat me with.”But when I came back to Anfield for the first time as a Newcastle player, there were a few hundred, possibly a thousand supporters, booing me.”I can’t forget how I, my parents, and my former Liverpool team-mates felt.”Everyone who understood and appreciated the reality of the situation was disappointed on my behalf.”Owen never had any ambitions of leaving Liverpool, let alone playing abroad, when he was at the peak of his powers.But he would have kicked himself had he not taken the opportunity to play for the European giants.The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner admitted: “I never had big ambitions to play abroad. “Really, but I fit the bill as the type of player they pursued.”If you are scoring goals, are a creative midfielder, or an amazing, unique type of right-back like Trent, you are seen as a marquee signing.“They wanted me with [Luís] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I looked at that and thought it would have been harder not to score.”I thought long and hard about leaving Liverpool, but in the end something inside told me I would regret it if I didn’t give it a go.”Michael Owen doesn’t ‘love going to Anfield’ any moreCredit: GETTY More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game

      by

      BARCELONA legend Ronaldinho rolled back the years by scoring a stunning free-kick in an El Clasico exhibition match.The 44-year-old shared the pitch with Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, former Arsenal striker Julio Baptista and Rivaldo in Qatar on Thursday.Ronaldinho showed he still has it with a sleek free-kickThe Barca legend doubled the lead in an El Clasico exhibition match on ThursdayThe Samba legend couldn’t help but celebrateBarca went 1-0 up early on through Juan Pablo Sorin, before winning a free-kick from around 22 yards out.Naturally, Ronaldinho stepped up and curled a beautiful right-footed effort into the top left corner past ex-keeper Francisco Buyo.The former Madrid stopper – who is, it must be said, 66 years old – had no hope of reaching it.The Brazilian World Cup winner doubled Barca’s lead inside 15 minutes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the Catalans couldn’t replicate the 4-0 pasting the current flock imposed on Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid last month.The Madrid Legends eventually found a way back into the game, which went on to end 2-2 in Qatar.Former Portugal winger and Ballon d’Or winner Figo, who played for both sides in his prime, brought one back for Madrid in the second half.And Edwin Congo’s low finish in the 63rd minute levelled the score.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was Jose Mourinho’s old foe Frank De Boer who fumbled the pass to put Congo in a one-on-one with the keeper.Barca had a chance to win the game late on from the penalty spot, but Kluivert’s effort was saved by substitute keeper Pedro Contreras.Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou But Ronaldinho went onto score in the penalty shootout afterwards.As did Figo, Congo and Sorin as the Catalan’s edged the shootout 4-2.Ronaldinho’s most famous free-kick was the effort he floated over England’s David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes joined Burnley’s under-21 squad this summer.The 19-year-old midfielder had previously been at Barca’s La Masia youth academy.Mendes most recently featured in Burnley’s 5-0 win over Luton Town’s under-21s last Friday.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis father won the World Cup in 2002 and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, and was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2005.The legends will play in another El Clasico before the end of the year, with the halves lasting a slightly shortened 40 minutes each.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes joined Burnley after coming through the ranks at BarcaCredit: FC Barcelona via InstagramWho are these famous footballers? More