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      Thiago Alcantara leaves Barcelona just a month after ex-Liverpool star joined Spanish giants in new role

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      THIAGO ALCANTARA has left his coaching role at Barcelona after a one-month stint in Spain.Thiago, 33, was suddenly forced into early retirement due to recurring injuries this summer.Thiago Alcantara has left Barcelona after a brief coaching stintCredit: RexThiago was brought in to help his former boss Hansi Flick adjust to BarcaCredit: GettySpanish outlet Marca claimed the former midfielder will now likely return to his Liverpool home.Thiago must reportedly spend the rest of the year in the UK due to tax reasons related to his P45 at Anfield.His deep knowledge of Barcelona and his fluency in German, after spending nine seasons at Bayern Munich, made him an ideal addition to Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.The former Spain international undertook an internship under Flick to obtain his coaching licence.He allegedly impressed those around him during his return and Flick has left the door open for the 33-year-old to return.The pair previously worked together during their time at Bayern, where Flick was both assistant boss and manager.Barca announced under-16 coach Arnau Blanco as Thiago’s replacement.In addition to working under Pep Guardiola, he has also been with Jurgen Klopp, Flick and Carlo Ancelotti.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThiago spent four years with Liverpool, making 98 appearances despite persistent injury issues.Prior to his retirement, he had been linked with a return to Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.PREM RULE CHANGESHe previously spent eight years with the club after coming through Barca’s fabled academy.Thiago went on to make 100 first-team appearances before joining Bayern in 2013.Following seven years in Germany, he signed for Liverpool in 2020 but has always struggled with injuries.Despite that, Thiago won 32 major trophies across his spells with the three clubs.Thiago joined Liverpool in 2021Credit: Getty More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot moment Kylian Mbappe ‘got the Rudiger treatment’ after scoring first Real Madrid goal in Super Cup

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      EAGLE-EYED fans were quick to spot Kylian Mbappe’s debut goal for Real Madrid was celebrated in true Antonio Rudiger fashion.Mbappe, 25, scored his first Los Blancos goal – assisted by Jude Bellingham – to round off a 2-0 win over Atalanta in the Uefa Super Cup in Warsaw.Kylian Mbappe ‘got the Rudiger treatment’, claim fansCredit: BEinSPORTSRudiger was joined by every Real Madrid player as they celebrated Mbappe’s debut goalCredit: GettyMbappe fired Madrid 2-0 up in the Uefa Super Cup finalCredit: SplashThe former Paris-Saint Germain winger started as the Real Madrid No9 after completing “the world’s most expensive free transfer”.Mbappe found himself in the right place near the penalty spot to finish off a brilliant Bellingham move into the top corner in the 68th minute.The France international darted to the corner flag to celebrate his first goal of his new career, where he was joined by his team-mates.While the French superstar celebrated with his trademark arms folded routine, Bellingham was on the other side of the pitch, screaming and punching the air with delight.Most read in FootballAnd Rudiger, who often slaps his Real pals on the head when they score, dispensed the same treatment on Mbappe after he bagged.The German defender began jokingly smacking him all over his head, back and legs as the whole team huddled to congratulate Mbappe.Defender Eder Militao also got involved as he leaned over the huddle before slapping the top of his head.Fans found the celebration amusing with one supporter reacting saying: “Mbappe got the Rudiger treatment.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “Rudiger hitting Mbappe, I’m laughing my head off, we are the best team in the world👏.”A third swooned: “That is the only way to welcome him. Rudiger is crazy🤣.”Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe features in advert for ‘Chinese Instagram’A fourth noted: “Rudiger never lets up. He is relentless with this!🤣”Bellingham was named Man of the Match by the Uefa panel and Carlo Ancelotti fully agreed with the verdict.He said: “He is a great player, there is no debating it. His second half performance was astonishing, especially as he has only been training for seven days.”Meanwhile, Madrid’s ticket prices have exploded after Mbappe’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.German publication Bild quoted Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the cheapest ticket has jumped from €55 (£47) last season, to €95 (£81) for their season opener against Valladolid.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      Real Madrid’s extortionate new ticket prices revealed as Kylian Mbappe transfer leads to 73 per cent increase

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      REAL MADRID’S ticket prices have exploded after Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.Real finally landed Mbappe, 25, in the summer as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain and he is expected to pocket £12.8million per year after tax as part of a five-year deal.Real Madrid’s home ticket prices have increased by 73 per centCredit: GettyReal fans will have to dig deep in their pockets to watch Kylian Mbappe in actionCredit: ReutersBut fans who want to watch the France international, and the rest of the Galacticos, live in Madrid will have to dig deep into their pockets.German publication Bild quoted Spanish newspaper Marca, who claim the cheapest ticket for the first home game of the season against Valladolid on August 25 costs a staggering €95 (£81).Last year, the cheapest ticket at the Bernabeu cost €55 (£47), which means there was a whopping 73 per cent increase in prices.Even the most expensive “normal” ticket outside of business seats and VIP boxes is now significantly more pricey as it now costs €210 (£180).Read More on FootballAway fans are also affected as they will have to pay almost €100 (£86) for a seat right at the top under the stadium roof.Real are one of four La Liga clubs, along with Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano, Espanyol and Barcelona, that refused to sign an agreement that an away ticket cannot cost more than €30 (£26).The above prices may even seem relatively cheap at some points this upcoming season.It is expected costs will rocket even higher when Carlo Ancelotti’s play in the Champions League or against bigger sides in LaLiga.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal’s season officially kicked off on Wednesday when they beat Europa League holders Atalanta for the European Super Cup.Mbappe made his official debut and led Los Blancos to a 2-0 victory at the Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium in Warsaw.Real Madrid’s stadium looks unrecognisable as it prepares for ‘never-before-seen’ presentation of Kylian MbappeThe star striker scored on his Real bow after Federico Valverde opened the scoring for the reigning European champions.But it was England star Jude Bellingham who was man of the match as after he assisted Mbappe’s goal.Real landed Mbappe as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain More

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      Real Madrid 2 Atalanta 0: Jude Bellingham wins MOTM after setting up Mbappe for debut goal in UEFA Super Cup cruise

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM picked out a pocket of space for Kylian Mbappe to run into and there was only ever going to be one outcome.Here was a ruthless, devastating combination we are certain to see countless times over the next few years.Real Madrid have won the Uefa Super CupCredit: GettyJude Bellingham was named man of the matchCredit: AFPKylian Mbappe scored his first goal in Real Madrid coloursCredit: GettyHaving finally got the move he has wanted for so long, Mbappe ushered in this latest Galacticos era with a goal on his debut to make it 2-0 in the Uefa Super Cup against Atalanta in Warsaw.While the French superstar celebrated with his trademark arms folded routine, Bellingham was on the other side of the pitch, screaming and punching the air with delight.Mind you, to have Mbappe in his team, no wonder he is bloody delighted.Despite having a slow start to the game in Poland, Bellingham really got stuck into the Italians. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe was responsible for Real’s improvement and while he also had a hand in the first goal scored by Federico Valverde just before the hour, his overall play was impressive and he got a warm round of applause when being replaced near the end.Mbappe’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain was always going to have a massive impact not just at the Madrid club but also on Bellingham.And the Englishman now looks certain to be back in central midfield, the beating heart of this team, but with a licence to get forward and cause carnage as part of a devastating combo with Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.Bellingham only returned from holiday last week following Euro 2024 where, apart from his stunning equaliser against Slovakia, he was guilty of some seriously under-par performances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSo the sight of Bellingham once again tearing up La Liga will be even more frustrating to those who saw him toil in Germany.Looking at this Real team, though, they have really got all their glitz and glamour back. SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesIn the last few years, they have still managed to dominate Europe by finding a way to win, however unspectacular.But now – thanks to Mbappe – they have got a side to match any of their previous all-singing, all-dancing, Galactico teams.Clearly, Bellingham will absolutely love playing with Mbappe. But playing back in a more central position will help him develop his strengths.He was stuck out on the left in the second half of last season by Ancelotti – and then by Southgate for the Euros.Federico Valverde opened the scoring against AtalantaCredit: GettyIt is the first trophy the pair have won togetherCredit: GettyHis numbers in Spain were good. Spectacular, in fact. Bellingham registered 23 goals and 12 assists, although Ancelotti needed hom to deliver those figures because the club were missing the final piece in their jigsaw.In Mbappe, they now have that man. Yet this summer, it has been all change at the Bernabeu as Mbappe has been joined by Brazilian teenager Endrick, while Nacho and Joselu have ended up in Saudi Arabia and Toni Kroos has retired, which leaves a huge hole in midfield.Although in the second half, Bellingham proved that he can be the man who pulls the strings.Ancelotti played with a front three of Vinicius Junior, Mbappe and Rodrygo.Bellingham was centre left, Federico Valverde centre right, with Aurelien Tchouameni in the defensive anchor role.Before the game, Ancelotti said: “Defensively, the system depends on Bellingham and if he is on the level of Valverde or pushing forward, so it can be a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1. “It’s a small difference, but one we see when we don’t have the ball. Vinicius and Mbappé can swap positions, too. Mobility is going to be crucial.”Initially, he did get many chances to get forward. “When he did, Bellingham controlled the ball with his chest but in trying to score, ended up sinking his foot into Atalanta keeper Juan Musso, earning him a yellow card.Yet Bellingham eventually turned on the style. He found Vinicius Junior who skipped past a player and delivered the assist for Valverde.After having one shot blocked and another saved, Bellingham then displayed terrific vision by seeing an area for Mbappe to run into and deliver a killer finish.The former Birmingham star was not the only English export on show last night. Londoner Ademola Lookman, the former England under-21 international who now plays for Nigeria, wrote himself into Atalanta folklore by scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen.Also coming off the Atalanta subs’ bench was Ben Godfrey, a £10million arrival from Everton. After finishing the season on Merseyside, he would not have expected his next game would have been playing against Mbappe in a Uefa final.READ MORE SUN STORIESPrior to a season featuring expanded formats for both the Champions League and the Club World Cup, Real are the team to beat.And over the next nine months, expect Bellingham to add to his medal collection.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. 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      Chelsea make £56m Joao Felix bid as Atletico Madrid ace says ‘yes’ to transfer that could save Conor Gallagher deal

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      CHELSEA have made a £56million bid for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to reports.And the transfer could save Conor Gallagher’s transfer to Atletico as the English midfielder’s future remains in the balance.Joao Felix could be set for a return to ChelseaCredit: GettyConor Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid remains in the balanceCredit: GettyFelix, 24, spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Stamford Bridge, scoring four goals in 20 games.He returned to Diego Simeone’s side and then spent the last campaign on loan at Barcelona where he registered 10 goals and six assists in 44 appearances.Now, after four seasons, 131 appearances and 24 goals for Atletico, he could finally be set for a permanent switch.According to Ojogo, Chelsea have submitted an offer of £54m for the Portuguese international.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAn initial sum of £30m would be paid up front, with the remainder of the fee to be transferred at a later date.Fabrizio Romano understands Felix has said “yes” to a second stint at Chelsea as negotiations continue between the two clubs.It is also said to be a “crucial” factor in the completion of Gallagher’s move to Atletico.Chelsea looked set to offload academy product Gallagher in a £34m deal to ease the club’s concerns regarding Profit and Sustainability rules.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGallagher featured in all but one of Chelsea’s Premier League games last seasonBut then a deal for Atletico striker Samu Omorodion to move the other way collapsed, putting the Gallagher deal in jeopardy.Now a bid for Felix has reignited hopes of the England international being offloaded.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedGallagher, 24, has been at Chelsea for 16 years and broke through into the first team in 2019.He has played 95 games for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists. More

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      Real Madrid and Barcelona in Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer battle as Liverpool bid to stop star running down contract

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      REAL MADRID and Barcelona are watching Trent Alexander-Arnold’s  situation at Liverpool closely.The Liverpool vice-captain, 25, is out of contract next year and has been strongly linked with a move to the European champions.Trent Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the world’s best right backs but his next step is unclearCredit: EPAReports in Spain say both LaLiga clubs think the England ace is willing to leave following the progress of 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley.The Reds will offer Alexander-Arnold a new deal that would increase his £180,000-per-week wages — but they are not willing to break the bank.And rumours have swirled that he may leave to join England team-mate Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.The pair were also spotted holidaying in Los Angeles together last month, where Alexander-Arnold was seen signing a Madrid shirt for a fan.Read more transfer newsAnfield bosses also have to sort out what to do with Mo Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, who are the only two players at Anfield who earn more than Alexander-Arnold.All three players contracts will expire in June 2025.It still seems unlikely Liverpool would cash in on their academy graduate this summer as it would be a wrench for both parties.But Real and Barca, along with other top clubs, are looking at what might be possible in the next 12 months or so.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham and Trent Alexander Arnold holidayed together in LACredit: InstragramFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis assist tally and chance creation from right back have led to calls for him to be utilised further forward despite misgivings about that from former boss Jurgen Klopp.Alexander-Arnold is arguably the most complete passer in the game bar Kevin De Bruyne, and has scored 15 goals for Liverpool and provided 58 assists, a record for defenders in the Premier League.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’New boss Arne Slot prefers a more orthodox right back, with Northern Ireland international Bradley mooted as the more natural fit there.Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Michael Owen said Madrid might prove too irresistible of a destination for Alexander-Arnold.Owen told Casino Hawks: “Obviously Real Madrid at the moment are the best team in Europe, they are the biggest team in the world and have that iconic kit and their players… It’s the best stage in Europe.”I had a similar thing at that stage of my career, and I decided that it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. “I don’t know if it’s an opportunity for Trent or a possibility, but he’d have a lot to think about if they came in for him.”Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet to sign a player in the summer transfer window but are expected to bring in a new defensive midfielder.Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi – who has a £51.7m release clause – is a top-priority for new boss Arne Slot.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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      Former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Javier Saviola ‘spends night in prison after being arrested for drink-driving’

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      JAVIER SAVIOLA reportedly spent a night in a police station after failing a breathalyser test in Andorra.Local newspaper Altaveu claim the former Barcelona striker was returning from a private party in the early hours of Monday morning.Javier Saviola has been arrested in AndorraCredit: GettyThe Argentina striker was a dominant force at his bestCredit: ReutersAndorran police reportedly pulled him over for a routine check at 4.40am, where he tested positive with 1.10 grams of alcohol in his blood.The legal limit in Andorra is 0.5.Saviola, 42, was kept overnight and faces losing his driving licence for up to a year, according to the report.The retired hitman was last employed as an assistant coach of Barca’s Under-19s.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaviola was the most expensive teenager in the world when Barcelona signed the 1999 South American Footballer of the Year for £15million from River Plate at the age of 19 in 2001.While in Argentina, he broke Diego Maradona’s record as the youngest player to finish a season as top goal scorer.Initially, he formed a good partnership in attack at the Nou Camp with Patrick Kluivert.And it looked like he would soon become the team’s focal point when Louis van Gaal sold Rivaldo.Most read in FootballHowever, the Dutchman was sacked in 2002 and Saviola struggled under replacement Raddy Antic.Frank Rijkaard’s arrival saw the club head in a different direction and he was loaned out to Champions League finalists Monaco in 2004.But he struggled in France and was shipped off to Sevilla for the next season and played the first half of the 4-0 Uefa Cup final victory over Middlesbrough.In the following campaign, he was given a reprieve at the Nou Camp, as he started six times and hit five goals after an injury to Samuel Eto’o.However, he made the shock choice to join Real Madrid in 2007 after his Barcelona contract expired.Saviola scored just five goals in two seasons as Los Blancos brought in Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.Can you name the famous fathers?He moved to Benfica in 2009 and found some of the form which saw him join Barcelona as his goals helped the Eagles win a first league title for five years.Manuel Pellegrini brought him to Malaga in 2012 and he scored his first-ever goal in the Champions League group stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he lasted just a season before moving to Verona.After one goal in 15 games he returned to River Plate, where he retired in 2016. More

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      Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham among Real Madrid stars following ‘Cristiano Ronaldo method’ in pre-season

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE and Jude Bellingham have been following the Cristiano Ronaldo method in pre-season, according to reports.The superstar left a lasting legacy at Real Madrid thanks to his professionalism and discipline.Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe have adopted the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo method’Credit: GettyRonaldo has maintained peak condition thanks to a strict diet and rigorous exercise regimeCredit: GettyRonaldo’s longevity is something to behold as he played at the Euros at almost 40-years-old.And now the next generation of world beaters are adopting his methods in pre-season training at Real Madrid, including Mbappe and Bellingham.According to AS the duo have adopted the ‘Cristiano method’ – a philosophy of continuous self-improvement, maintaining professionalism in training, and being mindful of nutrition.Mbappe, 25, joined Real this summer and mimicked Ronaldo’s gesture to the crowd when he was unveiled to fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Frenchman has made no secret of his respect and admiration of Ronaldo, who he looked up to as a kid.Mbappe said of the former Manchester United star: “He was my idol when I was a kid and now he’s a friend, I’m lucky. “He gives me a lot of advice and that’s a privilege. He always tells me to work hard and stay connected to the game.”Real Madrid reportedly wanted to transform Mbappe’s physique by placing him on a Ronaldo-style fitness regime.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFitness coach Antonio Pintus has been asked to get Mbappe into peak condition for the Uefa Super Cup against Atalanta next month.The report adds that Pintus, who has been dubbed the “Sergeant” for his toughness during sessions, has a Ronaldo-style project in mind.Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe features in advert for ‘Chinese Instagram’Ronaldo, 39, has maintained peak physical condition partly thanks to his strict diet plan, which features swordfish, chicken and five naps a day.The Portugal legend also credits regular swimming sessions and using a Cryotherapy chamber for maintaining his athleticism. More