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      I was dubbed the ‘Israeli Messi’ after coming through Barcelona’s academy.. I ended up playing 5-a-side in Stockport

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      HE WAS once dubbed the “Israeli Lionel Messi” and appeared to have the world at his feet.He was playing in Barcelona’s academy with dreams of breaking through and becoming a Nou Camp star for Pep Guardiola.
      Gai Assulin came through the academy at BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He was dubbed one of the best talents in La Masia and likened to Lionel MessiCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Assulin, training with Carlos Tevez, was on the books with Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      And he was on Manchester City’s books when Sergio Aguero scored THAT goal to win the Premier League title in 2012.
      But he ended up playing 5-a-side football on an indoor pitch in an industrial estate outside Stockport – without a single league appearance for either European powerhouse.
      That is the incredible story of Gai Assulin.
      Assulin said: “They like to compare in football. It is something they do all the time and for me it is a big compliment, but Messi is the greatest footballer in history.
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      “Sometimes it is not good if you take it in the wrong way, as the expectation is for you to go on to the pitch and do the same as Messi all the time.
      “Whichever club I went to, they saw I was compared with Messi, so they thought I was going to be Messi and score 50 goals a year, so that comparison at the time was not as positive.”
      The winger was born in the Israeli city of Nahariya in April 1991 and his impressed coaches at Shlomo Scharf suggested the 12-year-old’s parents took him to Barcelona for a trial.
      Assulin’s parents did exactly that and Barcelona liked what they saw, signing him for the La Masia academy in 2003.
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      He shone under a certain Guardiola, Barcelona B coach, and penned a three-year senior contract with a £17million release clause aged 16.
      And when Guardiola was promoted to first-team boss in 2008 having guided the B team to the league title, Assulin was tipped to earn a promotion with the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Jonathan dos Santos.
      Thiago even said his Barca youth pal was “the most talented player I’ve ever seen in La Masia”, where he earned his nickname comparing him to the Argentine maestro.
      After making his solo Israel cap in 2008, he missed almost the entirety of the 2008-09 season with injury, though, but recovered to make his first-team debut in the Copa del Rey against Cultural Leonesa.
      But that proved to be Assulin’s only appearance for Barcelona before his release in July 2010 when he rejected a new contract due to a lack of guarantee over first-team football and a reported rift with Barcelona B boss Luis Enrique.
      He signed for City that summer after advice from Yaya Toure but was restricted to reserve matches and a loan to Brighton before his release alongside Owen Hargreaves in 2012.
      A journeyman career followed taking Assulin back to the Spanish second division as well as spells in Israel, Kazakhstan, Romania and Italy.
      ‘STOPPING NOT AN OPTION’
      However, the former Football Manager wonderkid, now 31, returned to the North-West where his young daughter is growing up.
      He has not given up hope on a return to professional football again one day – but in the meantime keeps his sharpness with a regular kickabout in Cheadle Hulme.
      Speaking to The Guardian in 2021, Assulin added: “Football is something irreplaceable.
      “Everything I did in my career is obviously connected to the football I learned in Barcelona and especially coached by Pep.
      “I grew up as a kid in Israel, in a small town and my dream was to play first-team football for a professional club.
      “I gave everything with my dad, who pushed me the most because he really believed in me.
      “I never thought in a million years I would be playing for the first team at Barcelona – that was so far from my dream.
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      “I only dreamed to play for a normal club, but things got better and better, so I have achieved that, so that will always stay with me. I was the youngest player to represent the Israel national team, which is an unbelievable achievement.
      “When you can’t find a club, there are a lot of thoughts in your head, ‘What should I do? Should I stop?’ But it is not an option for me, as football is everything.”
      Assulin had a loan spell with Brighton from Manchester CityCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      He trained with Rangers but did not sign for the Scottish giantsCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow More

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      Barcelona could be BANNED from Europe next season after Uefa chiefs open investigation into referee-fixing charges

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      BARCELONA could be BANNED from Europe next season after Uefa chiefs opened a formal probe into the ref-fixing charges against them.Spanish prosecutors had opened a legal case against the Catalan club, who are accused of paying the country’s referees’ chief Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira more than £6.5m over a 17-YEAR period.
      Barcelona moved 12 points clear at the top of LaLiga last weekend but could be in troubleCredit: Getty
      Barcelona are said to have made the payments between 2001 and 2018, including the four-year spell they were coached by Pep Guardiola – although there are no suggestions the Manchester City boss was aware of the agreement.
      But now Uefa is also on the case with a 12-month ban from playing in the Champions League written into the European football rulebook.
      In a surprise statement, Euro chiefs in Nyon announced: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations, Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors have today been appointed to conduct an investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework by FC Barcelona in connection with the so-called ‘Caso Negreira’.”
      Those rules give investigators the right to demand written or face to face answers from directors and officials and the power to order all documentation possessed by the club is handed over for inspection.
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      Barca and former Presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, as well as Negreira, have all been hit with official corruption charges by the Spanish authorities.
      It has been alleged that Negreira, who was in charge of refereeing appointments over that period, gave gifts worth £450,000 including booze, toasters, food and lottery tickets to the officials, although Barca have fiercely denied any wrongdoings and issued legal letters against a number of Spanish media outlets. 
      Leaks from the Spanish Treasury initial investigation suggest the chief prosecutor has so far been “unable to prove  that the payments… had influenced the appointment of referees or altered the results of matches”.
      However, officials suggest that the “lack of explanation” could be “an indicator” that the invoices had concealed illegal services that did impact of appointments and match results.
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      Unsurprisingly, rival clubs, including Real Madrid, have demanded massive sanctions against the Nou Camp outfit.
      And while Spanish FA rules, which have a three-year statute of limitations on “serious” offences, mean that LaLiga and the national association cannot impose a punishment, Uefa regulations open the door to a ban from European competition if the charges are proved.
      It had been expected that Euro chiefs – who might see the situation as a wedge to drive between Barca and Real over their Super League involvement – would not consider any action until the end of the legal proceedings in Spain.
      But Uefa legal department asked the Spanish FA for a full report on what the investigation has uncovered last month and now have launched their formal probe.
      Uefa regulations say clubs must “refrain from any conduct that damages or is likely to damage the integrity of matches and competitions”.
      That includes anybody using a “third party” to act “in a manner that is likely to exert an illegal or undue influence on the course and/or outcome of a match or competition”.
      Any club breaching that rule is liable to a one season ban from playing in European competition.
      Real have already joined a private prosecution, adding to the pressure on Barca, which has also been told it has a budget of MINUS £200m this summer.
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      The opening of the investigation does not mean that the case will be dealt with swiftly as Uefa could still choose to wait for the outcome of the Spanish proceedings.
      But it is yet another shadow hanging over the Catalan club and adds to the sense of chaos surrounding Barca. More

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      Man Utd and Newcastle in Gabri Veiga transfer boost as Celta Vigo give up on trying to keep midfielder

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      CELTA VIGO will find it “impossible” to hold on to Manchester United and Newcastle target Gabri Veiga, reports suggest.Veiga has shone bright this season in LaLiga as he has bagged nine goals and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
      Celta Vigo can’t keep Manchester United and Newcastle target Gabri VeigaCredit: Getty
      The attacking midfielder has a contract with Celta until 2026 but club president Carlos Mourino confirmed that he won’t be able to keep him at the Balaidos this summer.
      Mourino insists he wants hold on to the 20-year-old ace but his £35million release clause won’t allow him.
      Some of Europe’s top hitters have already matched the Spain Under-21 international’s asking price and Celta won’t be able to counter them with a better offer.
      Mourino said: “We want to keep Gabri Veiga but it will be impossible due to release clause.
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      “We know some bids he has, impossible to match”.
      United and the Magpies are keeping tabs on Veiga ahead of the summer transfer window.
      However, the Red Devils and Newcastle will face competition from Bundesliga clubs.
      Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also claims Real Madrid are eyeing the Spaniard.
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      Veiga started out in Celta’s academy after a short stint at Santa Marina.
      The playmaker earned his first senior call-up at the age of 18 years old and shared his time between the first team as well as the reserves.
      However, Veiga has burst onto the scene this season and appears to be set for bigger things come June. More

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      Barcelona could be BANNED from the Champions League even if they win La Liga

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      BARCELONA could face a Champions League ban – but only if they are found guilty of the ref-fixing charges against them.Spanish prosecutors have opened a legal case against the Catalan side, who are accused of paying the country’s referees’ chief Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira more than £6million over a 17-YEAR period.
      Spanish giants Barcelona are sweating on the legal caseCredit: Getty
      Xavi has led Barcelona to a 12-point lead in LaLigaCredit: Reuters
      Barca are said to have made the payments between 2001 and 2018, including the four-year spell they were coached by Pep Guardiola – although there are no suggestions the Manchester City boss was aware of the agreement.
      The club and former Presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, as well as Negreira, have all been hit with official corruption charges.
      Rival clubs, including Real Madrid, have demanded massive sanctions against the Nou Camp outfit.
      And while Spanish FA rules, which have a three-year statute of limitations on “serious” offences, mean that La Liga and the national association cannot impose a punishment, Uefa regulations open the door to a ban from European competition if the charges are proved.
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      Sun Sport understands that Euro chiefs – who may see the situation as a wedge to drive between Barca and Real over their Super League involvement – will not consider any action until the end of the legal proceedings in Spain.
      That is despite Uefa’s legal department asking the Spanish FA for a full report on what the investigation has uncovered.
      Uefa regulations say clubs must “refrain from any conduct that damages or is likely to damage the integrity of matches and competitions”.
      That includes anybody using a “third party” to act “in a manner that is likely to exert an illegal or undue influence on the course and/or outcome of a match or competition”.
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      Any club breaching that rule is liable to a one season ban from playing in European competition.
      Real have already joined a private prosecution, adding to the pressure on Barca, which has also been told it has a budget of MINUS £200m this summer. More

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      Jose Mourinho lined up for shock return to Real Madrid ten years after sacking with Ancelotti set for international job

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      JOSE MOURINHO is being lined up with a shock return to Real Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti departs, reports claim. The legendary Portuguese boss is currently into his second season as boss of Roma, the latest job in his two decade long managerial career.
      Jose Mourinho would make his impact felt at Real Madrid – and managed to make the rivalry with Barcelona even more intenseCredit: Getty
      He left Real Madrid in 2013 after a largely successful but controversial reign at the helm of one of Spain’s biggest clubs.
      And 10 years on he is being tipped as a potential option to take over at the Bernabeu.
      Ancelotti’s future is uncertain with the Italian manager repeatedly linked with the Brazil international job.
      And Mundo Deportivo report that Madrid club president Florentino Perez is already drawing up options in case they need a replacement.
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      Along with Mourinho, the likes of former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino are believed to be in contention.
      Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and highly-rated Eintracht Frankfurt head coach Oliver Glasner are also reportedly among the names being considered, as well as another potential returnee in Zinedine Zidane.
      Mourinho joined Real Madrid in 2010 after leaving Inter Milan.
      He would win only the Copa del Rey during his first season as he crossed swords with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola for the first time.
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      But in his second year at Madrid he would not only win the league but break records for most points, most goals, best goal difference, most away wins and most overall wins.
      The Champions League would elude him during his three years at Madrid and the club have gone on to win Europe’s grandest competition a staggering five times since his departure.
      Ancelotti, the mastermind of the most recent Champions League victory, appears increasingly likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
      Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson even spoke confidently about the Italian taking over his country of Brazil in recent days.
      After reporting for international duty, the 29-year-old said: “I spoke to Casemiro, Vinicius and Militao… there’s a big possibility that Carlo Ancelotti is gonna become the new coach of Brazil.” More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Kenedy reveals shock new look after getting huge tattoo on top of his head

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      FORMER Chelsea ace Kenedy has revealed a bold new look after getting a tattoo of Jesus on his HEAD.The Brazilian winger, 27, had been on the Blues’ books for seven years after arriving for a fee of £6.3million from Fluminense.
      Ex-Chelsea ace Kenedy has revealed a new tattoo of Jesus on his headCredit: Instagram

      But he made just 30 appearances for Chelsea during that period and scored just three goals.
      He has spent most of his time away on loan having spells at Watford and Newcastle.
      In total he went out on loan five times – including last season when he was back in his homeland playing for Flamengo.
      However, the Samba star is hoping to finally put down firm foundations in one location following last summer’s move to newly-promoted Real Valladolid – who are owned by Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
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      He has suffered a difficult start to life in LaLiga, where he has previous experience following loan stints with Getafe and Granada, due to fitness issues.
      Two groin injuries have limited him to just four cameo appearances so far this season.
      Now it looks like he is hoping for some help from above in order to get back on track with an incredible piece of ink work.
      The club’s Twitter account revealed Kenedy’s latest tattoo, which covers his full head, showing the image of Jesus.
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      That joins the long-list of ink works he already has on both arms and legs.
      And after the image of him back in training was shared, one fan commented: “Mamma Mia, more ink than a squid.”
      Another asked: “Could this guy be any more tattooed?”
      While another tweeted: “I love this head very much, I hope Valladolid is saved.”
      Valladolid are currently sitting 16th in LaLiga, two points and two places above the drop zone with 12 matches to go.
      Kenedy left Chelsea for Real Valladolid last summerCredit: Getty More

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      Barcelona on course to break outrageous 53-year-old European record amid historic charge to LaLiga title

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      BARCELONA are eyeing up a 53-YEAR-OLD European record as they close in on the LaLiga title.Xavi’s men extended their lead at the top of the table to 12 points over the weekend after a dramatic 2-1 victory over rival Real Madrid.
      Barcelona have a remarkable defensive record this seasonCredit: AFP
      It means they are almost certain to reclaim the league title won by Los Blancos last season.
      And they may well break a remarkable record in the process.
      Barcelona have conceded just NINE goals in their 26 league games, an average of 0.346 goals per match.
      If they can continue that ratio up to the end of the campaign, they will go down as the greatest defence of all-time across Europe’s top five leagues.
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      In doing so, they will overhaul the record held by Cagliari’s 1969/70 side who conceded 11 in 30 games – an average of 0.381.
      The Serie A side’s feat came close to being beaten by Liverpool in the 1978/79 season when they shipped just 16 goals in 42 games.
      And Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea also came within a whisker of the record when they conceded just 15 in 38 matches during the 2004/05 term.
      Three AC Milan teams make the 13-side list, along with two Arsenal squads from the 1990s.
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      The most recent team on the list – aside from the current Barcelona side – is Atletico Madrid’s from the 2015/16 season.
      Diego Simeone’s men remarkably finished third in the LaLiga table despite conceding just 18 goals in 38 games.
      Arsenal also missed out on the Premier League title in 1998/99 despite the Gunners letting in just 17 goals in 38 matches. More

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      Real Madrid stars reckon Carlo Ancelotti WILL become Brazil boss as cheeky Man City ace Ederson aims to speed up process

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      REAL MADRID stars believe that Carlo Ancelotti will leave to become Brazil boss, claims Selecao goalkeeper Ederson.The Italian has been linked with the post left vacant by Tite’s exit following their World Cup quarter-final exit to Croatia.
      Carlo Ancelotti could depart Real Madrid at the end of the seasonCredit: Rex
      Ederson will line up against Real Madrid in the Champions LeagueCredit: Alamy
      For now he remains with Real Madrid, where his side are fighting to retain their Champions League crown.
      Having spoken to his Brazilian compatriots that play for Madrid, Manchester City keeper Ederson reckons that Ancelotti will be his new national team boss.
      And the cheeky stopper even raised the stakes ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Madrid.
      After reporting for international duty, the 29-year-old said: “I spoke to Casemiro, Vinicius and Militao… there’s a big possibility that Carlo Ancelotti is gonna become the new coach of Brazil.”
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      He then cheekily added with a grin: “We will try to eliminate Real Madrid so that Ancelotti can come to Brazil as quick as possible!”
      Asked to describe Ancelotti, Ederson said: “An exceptional coach, everyone in his group likes him, a victorious career.”
      He then added: “Just look at his CV. We will know shortly whether he will be here or not.
      “I hope we can have a new coach quickly. I feel the anticipation too because there’s too much speculation.
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      “Is it a Brazilian or a foreign coach?
      “We are also living that phase of anxiety.”
      Brazil will take on World Cup semi-finalists Morocco this weekend, managed by Under-20s coach Ramon Menezes. More