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      Andres Iniesta dreaming of Barcelona homecoming and brutally hints at replacing old pal Xavi as Barcelona boss NEXT YEAR

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      ANDRES INIESTA is dreaming of a Barcelona homecoming – and brutally hinted that he could replace his old teammate Xavi as soon as next year.The legendary midfielder has spent the last four years playing in Japan at Vissel Kobe as his playing career slowly winds down.
      Iniesta made over 400 appearances for Barcelona between 2002 and 2008Credit: Getty
      After a rocky start, Xavi appears to be turning things around at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      But he and Xavi used to rule Europe at their pomp and played in what many consider to be one of the best midfields of all time during Barcelona’s hay days under Pep Guardiola.
      Now 38, Iniesta is looking forward to the next stage in his footballing career.
      And he has suggested that could even include replacing his old teammate as Barcelona boss.
      He told Gazetta dello Sport: “I’ll continue at Vissel Kobe for another year… and then we’ll see. I would love to return to Barca.
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      “It’s my home, but I still don’t know in what way: head coach, sports director or something like that.”
      Current head coach Xavi shows no signs of departing any time soon however, with the Spanish manager appearing to have got Barcelona back on track.
      They top LaLiga on goal difference ahead of rivals Real Madrid as Xavi approaches his one year anniversary as Nou Camp boss.
      The club legend replaced Ronald Koeman last November and had to perform a rescue job to land Barca a place in the top four.
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      But it was far from plain sailing for the coach who saw his side knocked out the Champions League group stages and face embarrassing home league losses to the likes of Cadiz, Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano.
      But the club are showing clear signs of recovery following several crises, including the infamous 8-2 defeat to Bayern, the loss of club legend Lionel Messi and crippling financial issues.
      If Iniesta were to return, he would be just the latest former player to take over the reigns at the Catalan club.
      Along with Xavi, Koeman and Guardiola, the likes of Tito Vilanova and Luis Enrique have returned to be hired as manager over the last 15 years.
      The pair won four Champions Leagues together during their dominant spell at BarcelonaCredit: Getty More

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      Scots footballer Zander Murray concerned by ‘shockingly homophobic’ response to Iker Casillas ‘coming out’ Tweet

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      SCOTTISH footballer Zander Murray has spoken of his concern regarding what he’s described as ‘shockingly homophobic’ responses to Iker Casillas’ ‘coming out’ Tweet.He also believes ex-Spain no.1 Casillas and ex-teammate Carles Puyol showed a clear lack of education surrounding the matter with their social media posts.
      Zander Murray came out as gay last monthCredit: David Henderson
      Casillas has claimed his Twitter account was hackedCredit: Getty
      Puyol has said sorry after his response to Casillas’ initial postCredit: Getty
      Murray, who publicly revealed he was gay last month, also revealed his concern at the message the situation – and the response to it – has sent out to young footballers who might be struggling with their own sexuality.
      The ex-Spain goalkeeper Casillas has claimed his Twitter account was hacked after a post on his page said: “I hope you respect me. I’m gay.”
      He believes that Casillas and former international teammate Puyol, who responded to the Tweet, didn’t deliberately intend to cause harm with their posts, but reckons they showed a clear ‘lack of education.’
      The comment remained on Casillas’ page for over an hour before being deleted.
      Puyol replied to the post saying: “It’s time to tell our story, Iker,” alongside a heart and kiss emoji.
      The ex-Barcelona defender subsequently deleted his Tweet as well before he then apologised for what he described as a ‘clumsy joke.’
      He said: “I have made a mistake. Sorry for a clumsy joke with no bad intentions and totally out of place.
      “I understand that it may have hurt sensitivities. All my respect and support for the LGTBIQA+ community.”
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      Despite Casillas’ claims of being hacked, reports in Spain have suggested that his initial tweet could have been posted in response to rife magazine rumours about his post-divorce dating life.
      However, after deleting his Tweet, he said: “Hacked account. Luckily everything in order. Apologies to all my followers. And of course, more apologies to the LGBT community.”
      The posts have been blasted in some quarters, with Australian star Josh Cavallo, who came out as gay last year, branding the players’ actions as “beyond disrespectful.”
      Last month, Gala Fairydean striker Zander Murray became the first player in Scottish football’s senior leagues to come out as gay.
      In the wake of Casillas and Puyol’s tweets, the 30-year old took to Twitter to have his own say on the matter.

      Murray stated his dismay at the “shockingly homophobic” responses to the tweets and spoke of his concern surrounding the message it sends to footballers who are struggling with their own sexuality.
      He also said the former Spanish internationals displayed a ‘lack of education’ around the issue.
      The Scots striker said: “The majority of comments under Casillas’ initial post were shockingly homophobic and highlights the global issues we are dealing with.
      “What message does that give to younger/current footballers that are struggling with their sexuality!?
      “I genuinely believe Casillas and Puyol never intended to hurt anyone.
      “Puyol’s response in holding his hands up – fair play. Although it’s clear the lack of education both have around this matter.
      “The bile and hatred being directed at the LGBTQIA+ community and players in responding sickens me.
      “Yes, open a debate, but some of the insults are horrendous.
      “Life’s tough enough, stop pretending you’re this wee hardman on Twitter when you’re probably going through stuff yourself. #bekind”
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Atletico Madrid confirm Antoine Griezmann’s £21m permanent transfer back from Barcelona after release clause saga

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      ATLETICO MADRID have ended their transfer stalemate with Barcelona over star Antoine Griezmann, announcing the Frenchman’s full return in a £21million move.Griezmann, 31, re-joined Atletico in August 2021 on a two-year loan following an unsuccessful spell at the Nou Camp that cost Barca over £100m.
      Griezmann has re-joined Atletico in a permanent transfer worth £21mCredit: Rex
      A bizarre clause meant Atletico would have to buy Griezmann permanently for £35m if he played 30 minutes or more in over half their matches.
      To get around it, Atletico have often sent the 31-year-old on as a sub after the hour mark.
      The two sides have since negotiated a new deal worth £21m despite Barca having previously threatened to take legal action.
      Griezmann has expressed his joy at the permanent return to the Metropolitano Stadium, where he is now under contract until 2026.
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      The 2018 World Cup winner said on Twitter: “Happy to be where I want to be! Thanks to all! @Atleti!”
      Griezmann made the most of the bad situation between Atletico and Barca before the transfer.
      He competed in all of Atletico’s matches, scoring three and providing two assists.
      Griezmann was also named Atletico’s Player of the Month for September.
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      He could make his fourth start of the season against Club Brugge on Wednesday with Atletico’s Champions League status under threat.
      The 2021 Spanish champions are currently bottom of Group B with three games left to go.
      They are, however, level on points with second and third place Porto and Bayer Leverkusen.
      Club Brugge are cruising on nine points, and are on course to make the knockout stages of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since the 70s. More

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      Barcelona squad furious after president Joan Laporta publicly slams players for refusing pay cut to aid Kounde transfer

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      BARCELONA players are reportedly angry with Joan Laporta after he publicly criticised members of the squad.The team is performing well on the pitch and Barca are top of LaLiga but Laporta took aim for a different reason.
      Joan Laporta criticised Barcelona players for refusing to accept a pay cutCredit: AP
      The Barca squad is said to be angered by the president’s comments
      The club president is disappointed some players chose not to take a pay cut in order to help the club register summer signing Jules Kounde.
      The centre-back was eventually registered as a player but only a month after signing, so he missed the start of the season.
      Laporta revealed several players were asked to agree to a reduction so the club could come up with the £8.7million needed to register Kounde.
      He said: “We have tried it with several players and not only has it NOT come out but we have had to guarantee the £8.7million that was missing.
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      “If there had been reductions of some players, that guarantee that we did should not have been made, we accepted it with sportsmanship.”
      According to Cope, those comments have not gone down well in the dressing room.
      After all, some players such as Gerard Pique have already agreed to take significant salary cuts.
      Frenkie de Jong is also still waiting to be paid back the £17m he is owed after deferring his wages to help Barcelona cope with the financial hit the club took during the pandemic.
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      The Barca squad are also believed to be perplexed by the timing of Laporta’s comments with big games against Inter Milan and Real Madrid coming up this week.
      Rivals Real are level on points with Barca which makes Sunday’s trip to the Bernabeu an even bigger game for the Catalans. More

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      Barcelona ‘send scouts to watch Diogo Dalot’ with resurgent Man Utd right-back available on FREE TRANSFER next year

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      BARCELONA are reportedly keeping a close eye on Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot.The 23-year-old is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
      Barcelona are reportedly keeping tabs on Diogo DalotCredit: Alamy
      And Barcelona have sent scouts to watch the Portuguese ace in action, according to Fabrizio Romano in his Caught Offside column. 
      Dalot is into the final 12 months of the contract he signed when joining United from Porto for £19million in 2018.
      United do have the option to extend his deal for a further year.
      But talks are not reported to be at an advanced stage in this moment in time.
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      That could leave the door open for Barca to swoop.
      The LaLiga giants are on the lookout for a right-back after letting Sergino Dest join AC Milan on loan in the summer.
      Dalot is one of a number of options they are thought to be considering.
      Although his resurgent form could see the Red Devils think twice about letting him leave for nothing.
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      After failing to ever nail down a starting spot before this season, Dalot has started all eight Premier League games under Erik ten Hag.
      The Portugal international has now firmly established himself as first-choice right-back over Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      But Barcelona have already been linked with Dalot in recent months.
      And reports in September suggested as many as FIVE top European clubs are keen on his signature. More

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      Barcelona chief CONFIRMS Antoine Griezmann has completed £17.5m Atletico Madrid transfer after season-long stand-off

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      BARCELONA sporting director Mateu Alemany has confirmed Antoine Griezmann’s move to Atletico Madrid has FINALLY been made permanent.The forward has been with Diego Simeone’s side since the start of last season after securing a two-year loan.
      Antoine Griezmann’s loan deal to Atletico Madrid has been made permanentCredit: Getty
      A bizarre clause meant Atletico would have to buy Griezmann permanently for £35million if he played 30 minutes or more in over half their matches.
      To get around it, Atletico have often sent the 31-year-old on as a sub after the hour mark.
      Then reports emerged last week that Barcelona had accepted a fee of £17.5m – half the agreed figure – to put an end to the stand-off.
      And today Barca chief Alemany confirmed at a shareholders’ meeting that Griezmann is now an Atletico player for good.
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      Although Barcelona have had to compromise in order for that to happen.
      Alemany claimed Barca will receive somewhere between £17.5m and £26m for Griezmann, dependent on bonuses, which is significantly less than the original £35m agreement.
      He said on Griezmann: “We have renegotiated the conditions with Atletico Madrid this week and we will receive between 20 and 30 million euros, depending on the bonuses.”
      He added: “It’s a massive, extraordinary deal for us because of Griezmann salary — and same for Coutinho.”
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      It’s understood Griezmann was on around £300,000-a-week at Barcelona.
      The Frenchman has started just three out of 11 games in all competitions this season.
      But that number now looks likely to increase after his move was made permanent.
      Griezmann originally signed for Barcelona from Atletico in 2019 for a whopping £107m.
      He scored 35 goals in 102 games for the Catalan giants before being sent back to his former side after failing to live up to expectations. More

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      Man Utd tried to get Ronaldo to go to Barcelona instead of Real Madrid in 2009 – and he could’ve played with Messi

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      MANCHESTER UNITED almost managed to get Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to link-up… for Barcelona.Portuguese superstar Ronaldo shattered football’s transfer record in 2009 when he left Old Trafford to join Real Madrid for £80million.

      Los Blancos had already splashed out on Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso and Ballon d’Or winner Kaka in response to Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering debut season as Nou Camp chief the year before.
      But they were almost denied the jewel in returning president’s Florentino Perez’s masterplan if Sir Alex Ferguson had got his way.
      The legendary Scot was desperate to avoid losing Ronaldo to Real once he’d accepted that the former Sporting Lisbon winger was set to leave.
      Fergie had even said back in 2008 that he wouldn’t sell Madrid a ‘virus’ let alone his best player.
      And according to Spanish newspaper AS, the United boss realised at the time that Barcelona were the only other club who could afford Ronaldo.
      Fergie apparently contacted the Catalans to encourage a bid but the Portugal captain had already set his mind on a move to the Bernabeu.
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      Guardiola’s most notable signing that summer involved an infamous swap deal with Inter Milan involving Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      But the acquisition of Ronaldo would have not only ushered in an era of pure dominance for Barcelona, but also have cancelled out his famed rivalry with Messi.
      Whether Manchester City chief Pep could have managed to get the two to play together is up for debate, as he boasted an embarrassment of attacking riches while in charge of Barca.
      While Arsenal legend Thierry Henry flourished for Barca on the left wing, Ronaldo could have occupied the opposite flank to leave Messi in the hole behind Ibra.
      Yaya Toure and Sergio Busquets may have had to share a spot on the substitutes bench, with Spanish duo Xavi and Iniesta holding down the two spots in the middle.
      Messi was asked by Mundo Deportivo last year whether he would pass to Ronaldo if the two were on the same team.
      The Argentine joked: “I guess so, in the end, yes.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a then-world record transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      The Portuguese superstar was also offered to Barcelona which would have made him teammates with Lionel MessiCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Barcelona ‘agree to sell Antoine Griezmann to Atletico Madrid for £17.5m’.. just half of bizarre transfer clause

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      BARCELONA are reportedly set to sell Antoine Griezmann to Atletico Madrid for £17.5million – just HALF of the strange transfer clause agreed between the two clubs.The French forward, 31, returned to Atletico for a second spell last season as he secured a two-year loan move.
      Griezmann is set to seal a permanent return to Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
      Within the finer details of the deal was a clause which stated Atletico would have to buy Griezmann permanently for £35m if he played 30 minutes or more in over half their matches.
      And as he played significantly more than that last season, Atletico have been trying to minimise his playing time so far this term to ensure they do not have to pay the fee.
      Griezmann has started just two of 10 matches for Diego Simeone’s side since the summer.
      He has frequently been brought on just after the 60th minute in a clear affront to the clause in the contract.
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      According to Marca, the stand-off has forced Barcelona to come to a compromise.
      That is for Atletico to pay Barcelona half of the £35m fee to complete the Griezmann transfer.
      The World Cup winner scored 133 goals in 257 appearances during his first spell at Atletico.
      He then hit the back of the net 35 times in 102 games for Barcelona, but ultimately failed to live up to his £107m price tag.
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      A subsequent return to the Spanish capital saw him score eight times last season.
      And despite starting just once for the club in September, he still won their Player of the Month award.
      He contributed a goal and an assist across all competitions, including a last-gasp Champions League winner over Porto.
      Manchester United and Juventus were both said to be interested in Griezmann, but Atletico now finally look set to complete a deal. More