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      Barcelona want Lionel Messi to become the new Michael Jordan as they plan for his sensational transfer return

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      BARCELONA reportedly want to re-sign Lionel Messi and make him the “new Michael Jordan”. The Argentinian legend left the club for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
      Lionel Messi is ready to quit PSG and re-join BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Barcelona chiefs believe Lionel Messi’s return could have a similar financial impact to the return of Chicago Bulls hero Micheal JordanCredit: AFP
      But the World Cup winner is supposedly unhappy in France and with his contract expiring there at the end of the season, he wants to return to Barca on a free transfer.
      The LaLiga side are keen on his return from an on and off the pitch perspective.
      Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona chiefs believe the return of Messi could contribute to 25 per cent of the club’s revenue next year.
      Some even believe the boom in the sales of tickets and merchandise along with cash injections from sponsors could be worth 33 per cent of turnover.
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      They are confident that the financial impact could be bigger than the boost the Chicago Bulls received when Michael Jordan came out of retirement in 1995 for a second spell with the team.
      Barca are also looking to help play a major part in building the “Messi brand” and they have drawn comparisons to the American’s “Air Jordan” venture with Nike.
      Xavi supposedly talks to the player regularly and is looking forward to Messi’s own “Last Dance”.
      He is set to be offered a two-year contract by the club.
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      Barcelona are desperate for a financial boost with the club under orders from LaLiga to balance their books.
      They have been effectively placed under a transfer ban and may need to recoup £178million via player sales.
      The likes of Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele have all been linked with moves to the Premier League. More

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      Real Madrid star Courtois makes cheeky gesture towards Chelsea fans after they relentlessly boo their former hero

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      THIBAUT COURTOIS hit back at Chelsea fans with a cheeky gesture. During Real Madrid’s clash with the Blues at Stamford Bridge, Courtois was relentlessly booed by the fans who once adored him.
      Thibaut Courtois produced a great save against Marc CucurellaCredit: EPA
      And then hit back at Chelsea fan boos by kissing the Real Madrid badge
      However, the Belgian did not take the abuse lying down.
      As he went to get the ball following a massive save to deny Marc Cucurella from close range, Courtois was pictured kissing the Real Madrid badge in front of the Chelsea fans.
      Footie fans rushed online to share their thoughts on the act.
      Chelsea fans were understandably not too pleased, with a number of fans labelling him a “snake”.
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      A fan said: “All I know is that karma is real. Shouldn’t of done that.”
      On the other hand, rivals fans loved the act.
      One said: “nah that’s another level of disrespectful 😭.”
      As a second said: “tears on my eyes 😭😭.”
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      A third declared: “Best Goalie in the world. THE BELGIAN WALL.”
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      Following Cucurella’s saved effort Chelsea would continue to be denied for the rest of the night, with Mykhailo Mudryk’s effort when he fired wide being their only other major chance.
      But a second half brace from Rodrygo would put the icing on the cake for Carlo Ancelotti to ensure they progressed into the semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate scoreline.
      The other semi-final saw AC Milan conquer Napoli in 2-1 on aggregate. More

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      LaLiga chaos as league could be brought to a STOP with referees ‘considering going on STRIKE’

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      SPAIN’S top flight could grind to a halt this weekend.That’s as referees consider going on strike following a string of controversial incidents.
      LaLiga could be halted as Spanish refs consider going on strikeCredit: AP
      Football Espana claims LaLiga may be halted as officials plan protests due to “public pressure” and “physical danger”.
      An U19s game between Polillas and Calavera ended with a referee allegedly being assaulted outside the ground by various people, including the father of a player.
      The official in question reportedly suffered “various wounds” after being dealt a “number of blows”.
      The Spanish Referee Federation loudly condemned the incident, blaming it on anti-official rhetoric.
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      And the Anti-Violence Committee want top clubs to take more responsibility after Valencia chief Javier Solis blasted the referee following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Sevilla on Sunday.
      Federation refs are now considering calling a strike which would result in LaLiga being halted at the weekend.
      They are unhappy with the way they are being spoken about by fans and football higher-ups.
      Should refs strike, it would impact Barcelona’s crunch clash at home against Atletico Madrid.
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      The Catalans are leading the LaLiga title race and know victory against their rivals would put them within touching distance of the trophy.
      Meanwhile, Real Madrid are due to play Celta Vigo.
      But first they will face Chelsea in tonight’s Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.
      The reigning European champs are 2-0 up from last week’s first leg at the Bernabeu.
      And they know just 90 minutes separates them from a semi-final showdown against Man City or Bayern, with Pep Guardiola’s men already 3-0 up. More

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      Real Madrid set to break 23-year-old Luis Figo Law as they look to pull off transfer raid on Barcelona

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      REAL MADRID are preparing a shock transfer raid on rivals Barcelona for the first time in 23 years, reports suggest.That is according to Marca, via El Futbolero, who report that Real are keeping tabs on Barca star Gavi ahead of the summer transfer window.
      Real Madrid are eyeing Barcelona star Gavi ahead of the summer transfer windowCredit: Rex
      That means Los Blancos are planning to break an unwritten transfer rule agreed between the two LaLiga foes back in 2000.
      The two European giants promised they wouldn’t try to sign each other’s players in what is now known as the Luis Figo Law.
      The Merengues signed Figo from Barcelona 23 years ago in a deal that was met with intense rage from the Blaugrana faithful.
      Real splashed a then record £50million for the Portugal great, who enjoyed tremendous success at the Nou Camp with 45 goals and 58 assists in 249 appearances throughout a five-year stint.
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      The legendary winger then turned into persona non grata in Catalonia and was met with immense fury when visiting Barcelona with Real’s colours until 2005 when he left for Inter Milan.
      Figo is the last person to make a direct switch from one rival to another in Spain.
      Real now appear to consider Barcelona as “just another club” and are eyeing Gavi, whose deal runs out in 2026 and he has yet to pen an extension, but have yet to make an official move.
      The Catalan giants have been forced to remove the midfielder from their registration of first-team players due to their ongoing financial issues.
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      Consequently, the 18-year-old may now leave as a free agent in the summer.
      This comes amid Barcelona’s bid to re-sign Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi.
      Barca will therefore have to raise funds to meet Messi’s salary demands.
      Gavi has also been targeted by Chelsea, who are looking for major reinforcement in the summer amid a disastrous Premier League campaign.
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      Real Madrid are looking to break the Luis Figo Law with BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      In fact, the Blues have been in talks with the Spain international’s representatives over a potential deal.
      And the West Londoners’ owner Todd Boehly is willing to make Gavi one of the Prem’s highest earners. More

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      Real Madrid star Federico Valverde facing 12-MATCH BAN for punching rival after alleged sick joke about unborn child

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      REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde could be banned for 12 matches for allegedly punching Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena.The incident is said to have occurred shortly after Villarreal’s 3-2 victory at the Bernabeu on April 8.
      Fede Valverde could face a lengthy ban if found guilty of punching Alex BaenaCredit: Rex
      Valverde is alleged to have confronted Baena by the team buses before throwing a punch at him.
      The Spanish FA are set to launch an investigation into the allegation.
      If found guilty, The Athletic claim that Valverde could be banned for up to 12 matches – with four the minimum sentence.
      It could also be determined that they cannot hand out a ban as the alleged incident did not take place during a match.
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      Valverde, 24, is said to have been upset by an alleged comment made by Baena during a match between the two sides in January.
      At the time, the Real Madrid midfielder’s wife Mina Bonino was experiencing complications in her pregnancy.
      Baena was accused of making a sick comment referencing Valverde’s unborn child – something he has since denied.
      After the alleged incident on April 8, which is claimed to have left Baena with a swollen cheek and bruising, the 21-year-old wrote on Instagram: “Very happy with the impressive victory of the team in a stage like the Santiago Bernabeu but at the same time very sad for the aggression I suffered after the match and surprised by what is being said about me. It is totally untrue that I said that.”
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      Alex Baena has denied claims made against himCredit: Rex
      Baena subsequently sought to press charges, with his club confirming in a statement: “Villarreal CF player Alex Baena was assaulted last night on his way to the team bus after the match against Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
      “Faced with this situation, the player has decided to file the corresponding complaint against the aggressor before the National Police.
      “Once again, Villarreal CF rejects any act of violence and firmly believes in the version of its player and will support him throughout this process.”
      The Spanish FA’s investigation is likely to take more than a month, meaning Valverde should be available for the Copa del Rey final.
      Meanwhile, Mina released an emotional statement addressing the incident.
      The 29-year-old wrote: “Do I have to explain why they told me that my pregnancy could not continue?
      “We were silent for almost two months waiting for the result to know whether or not we could continue, having already five months of pregnancy.
      “I have already gone through enough for them to come and question me about my son’s health.
      “Despite everything, from the bottom of my heart, I don’t wish anyone to go through a similar situation.”
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      Thankfully Valverde and Mina’s child is believed to be healthy, with Mina updating fans on Instagram last month that she was “six months into it”.
      The couple already have one son together named Benicio, born in February 2020.
      Valverde and wife Mina Bonino are expecting their second child later this year More

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      Luis Marquez dead at 51: Former Real Betis star dies after cancer battle as tributes pour in

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      A FORMER LaLiga footballer died this morning aged just 51.Luis Marquez spent 11 years with Real Betis first team
      between 1989 and 2000 before short stints with Real Valladolid, Pontevedra and Real Jaen.
      Former LaLiga footballer Luis Marquez has died aged just 51
      He passed away following a battle with cancer.
      Seville-born Marquez starred as a cup-winning “outstanding youth squad player” and was nicknamed Schuster due to his physical and technical resemblance with the German midfielder Bernd.
      He helped Betis get promoted back into the top flight of Spanish football and was a regular starter throughout the 1990s, featuring in the Uefa Cup.
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      Marquez is fondly remembered for his incredible goal against Atletico Madrid in 1994-95, thrashing home a stunning volley from a corner.
      The sensational strike is viewed by many as the greatest goal ever scored at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
      In total, he played 202 times for Real Betis, scoring 15 goals.
      Tributes poured in for the iconic star, who is a key player in Los Verdiblancos’ rich history.
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      Real Betis said: “Very sad news for the whole Green and White family. Former player Luis Marquez has passed away this morning.
      “We send all our love and support to his family. Rest in peace.”
      Real Madrid wrote: “Real Madrid, its president and its Board of Directors deeply lament the passing of Luis Marquez, who played for@RealBetis between 1989 and 2000, and wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family, his loved ones and the clubs that he played for. RIP.”
      Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian, who started his career with Betis, tweeted: “All my love to the family and loved ones of Luis Marquez. A legend for the Betic family is leaving. Rest in peace.”
      Another added: “You have left my great friend fighting until the end, your family and your friends are very proud of the great person you have been.
      “Fly high friend, wherever you are, you will always be present in our hearts. RIP My great friend Luis Marquez.”
      One user commented: “I write with enormous pain what I never wanted and feared so much.
      “Luis Marquez, author of one of the best goals of all time by a @RealBetis player, has died in Seville. It was on a passionate Saturday in 1995 against Atletico de Madrid.”
      A friend typed: “Thank you for being an example of struggle in this life. For having such a big heart.
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      “For being that friend we all wanted to have. Rest in peace, my dear Luis Marquez. Help us from up there as only you knew how to do it. There is an officer in heaven.
      And an emotional tribute from another pal read: “Luis Marquez, a great person, my friend and especially his son and mine, great friends, he left us tonight, rest in peace my friend, the children and we will always keep remembering you… too many years of struggle, you have been a champion.”

      Escribo con enorme dolor lo que nunca quise y tanto temí. Ha fallecido en Sevilla Luis Márquez, autor de uno de los mejores goles de todos los tiempos de un jugador del @RealBetis. Fue en un sábado de pasión del año 1995 ante el Atlético de Madrid. #LuisMarquez #Betis pic.twitter.com/0uOxCyCN5Q— Antonio Bustos Golf (@BusGolfTV) April 17, 2023 More

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      Barcelona president Joan Laporta overheard revealing Lionel Messi transfer plan at LaLiga clash vs Getafe

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      BARCELONA president Joan Laporta appeared to reveal his Lionel Messi transfer plan.Laporta was in the stands at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez yesterday to watch Barca’s 0-0 draw with Getafe.
      Joan Laporta appeared to confirm he will try and sign Lionel Messi back for Barcelona
      Messi is the club’s record appearance maker and goalscorerCredit: AFP

      The result saw the Catalan giants’ lead at the top of LaLiga cut to 11 points with Real Madrid beating Cadiz.
      But more importantly, it could have revealed the grand designs Laporta has to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp this summer, with initial contact already made.
      The 60-year-old posed for photographs with Barca supporters.
      And as he was doing so, one said to him: “Messi to Barca.”
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      Laporta replied with a smile and a wink and simply said: “Yes.”
      Now Barcelona fans are convinced the video circulating online is proof their club will try and re-sign Messi.
      One said: “It’s happening.”
      Another wrote: “He is coming home.”
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      A third added a video of Thomas Tuchel celebrating wildly down the touchline.
      But others are less convinced – after Laporta suggested Messi would not leave in 2021.
      One replied: “This guy is really good at PR and cheated Messi before. I don’t think he is reliable.”
      And a final user commented: “Until I see Messi in Barca shirt, I don’t believe anything.”
      Messi, 35, left Barcelona in tears when his contract expired in 2021 but could not sign an extension due to the LaLiga club’s financial woes and Spanish employment law preventing a major wage cut.
      Instead he signed a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
      But with that deal running out at the end of this season, his future is still unclear.

      There has reportedly been offers from Inter Miami as well as Saudi Arabia to try and lure Messi to a new market.
      However, Barcelona fans would be delighted to see their former captain, record appearance maker and record goalscorer return to the club he first joined aged 13.
      Messi was in tears as he left Barcelona in 2021Credit: AFP
      The Argentine’s contract at PSG expires this summerCredit: AFP More

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      Barcelona and Inter Milan in talks over transfer swap deal involving two of their top midfield stars

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      BARCELONA and Inter Milan have discussed a swap deal involving midfielders Franck Kessie and Marcelo Brozovic, according to reports. Kessie joined Barcelona from Inter’s rivals AC Milan on a free transfer last summer but has consistently been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp.
      Kessie only joined Barcelona last summer but has been linked with a move away from Nou CampCredit: Rex
      Brozovic is reportedly seen as an ideal replacement for Sergio BusquetsCredit: Rex
      Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that a swap deal with Kessie and Inter midfielder Brozovic still has legs with specific factors making it an attractive option for both clubs.
      Brozovic has been at Inter since joining from Dinamo Zagreb in 2015 and has made 253 appearances for the club.
      The report adds that Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio met with his Barcelona counterpart Mateu Alemany on Thursday with the midfield pair part of their discussions.
      The idea of a swap deal was first mooted in January with nothing happening but Gazzetta have reported that the deal is still alive.
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      According to the report both midfielders are valued at about £26million which would make any potential swap relatively straight forward.
      It is also noted that both clubs would stand to benefit financially from the potential swap.
      Despite having a contract to 2026 there is ongoing tension between the Croatian and Inter with the report adding that Xavi likes his playmaking abilities.
      They report that the Catalan’s view the Croatian star as an ideal successor to Sergio Busquets.
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      The Ivory Coast international has reportedly been on Inter’s radar from long before he joined Barcelona. More