La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a Barcelona legend – I wasn’t bothered when I earned my first million but I bought my dad a heartwarming present

      by

      FOR many young footballers, earning their first million is a massive shock and giddy with excitement they often don’t know what to do with it. But this wasn’t the case with Barcelona legend Jordi Alba, who wasn’t fazed by it at all.
      Jordi Alba has revealed what he did with his first millionCredit: Getty
      Alba has made over 450 appearances for BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      In an interview with Marca, the 34-year-old Spaniard revealed the heartwarming thing he did with the first million he earned.
      He said: “My first million euros I won at Valencia. I didn’t care about it, really, honestly.
      “Yes, I value money, I attach importance to it, but it’s not the most important thing in my life.
      “With my first million euros, I bought a car from my father. Every four days I went down to Valencia.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “He would take the car and go to Valencia to see me until one day he had an accident with a truck.
      “The materials fell and destroyed his car. A big scare. I went to the dealership, I wanted to buy him a car.
      “I bought the car (a Mercedes) by surprise because otherwise I wouldn’t have wanted to.
      “He didn’t believe it, he started crying, but mostly because he thought about him, not because of the car itself.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Alba eventually swapped Valencia for Barcelona in 2012.
      Despite reports linking him with the exit door, there is no denying he is a legend at the Nou Camp.
      The explosive left-back has made over 450 appearances for the club.
      His outings have helped the club win a ton of trophies, including the Champions League, five LaLiga titles, five Spanish Cups and the Club World Cup.
      He also enjoyed success on the international stage, winning the European Championships in 2012.
      Alba is one player Barca could look to offload as they look for ways to lower their plumped-up wage bill.
      But with just 12 months left on his deal when the summer window rolls around, Alba has openly said he would help the club by lowering his wages. More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea flop labelled ‘best defender in the world’ by international boss after release on free transfer

      by

      FORMER Chelsea flop Andreas Christensen has been hailed as one of the best centre-backs in the world.The Danish defender left the Blues at the expiry of his contract last summer.
      Andreas Christensen joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summerCredit: Getty
      Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has hailed him as ‘one of the best’ centre-backsCredit: EPA
      He went on to sign for Barcelona on a free transfer and has become a regular member of the team.
      The 26-year-old has featured 25 times in all competitions this season for Xavi’s side.
      Christensen is also currently on course to win a LaLiga title in his first season with the club.
      Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has praised the defender ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Finland and Kazakhstan.
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      He said: “Andreas Christensen is one of the best centre-backs in the world, if not the best.
      “If I was at a club and I had to choose a centre-back, I would choose him.”
      The comments echo that of Xavi’s own praise for Christensen back in January when he hit back at critics that suggested Real Madrid had done the better deal by signing Antonio Rudiger, who had also walked away from Chelsea.
      He said: “Surely the signing of Christensen has been the less highlighted, but he has been extraordinary.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “I remember when people said that Real Madrid signed Chelsea’s starting centre-back, and we signed the substitute.”
      During his time at the Blues, Christensen featured 161 times but was often not the first-choice defender.
      The Dane was viewed as a backup to either Rudiger or Thiago Silva. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona LOSE appeal to register wonderkid Gavi as first-team player putting Man Utd and Liverpool on transfer alert

      by

      BARCELONA’S second attempt to register wonderkid Gavi as a first-team player has been REJECTED in court.The Nou Camp giants had their original effort turned down by LaLiga back in January as the club were also banned from adding to their squad.
      Barcelona have suffered a huge blow in their attempt to keep hold of GaviCredit: Getty
      However, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that the club’s appeal against overturning the first-team registration of Gavi has been rejected.
      Barcelona registered Gavi as a first-team player on January 31 after obtaining a precautionary measure from the court.
      However, LaLiga filed an appeal against the same as they cited the fact that Xavi’s side had missed the deadline.
      The court allegedly ruled in favour of the Spanish league earlier this month but no concrete verdict was reached as Gavi was allowed to continue as a first-team member.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But this fresh update states the financially troubled club appealed against the ruling last Wednesday but had their appeal rejected by the 10th Commercial Court of Barcelona.
      That means that Gavi, who is a full Spanish international, will no longer be counted as a first-team member and must revert back to his youth contract until the end of the season.
      And in what could be a huge boost for Manchester United, the attacker will also be deregistered for the next season as Barcelona have exceeded their salary limit.
      As we reported previously, the Nou Camp club had thought the departures of Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique would allow them to register Gavi.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Gavi has been a key player for Barcelona this season
      Barca have a negative balance, which is largely due to their Champions League exit in the group stages, and so LaLiga did not validate Gavi’s extension.
      Barca will now have to significantly reduce their wage bill in summer, or find new sponsorships to register contracts.
      We revealed how they could be set to unload some of their biggest stars as the troubled club look to raise £178m.
      The Spanish giants face a summer of no incoming signings after wild spending left the club struggling to reign in their costs.
      Player sales appear the most likely way to get the situation under control and Premier League clubs are among those who could be circling.
      United and Liverpool have been joined by Bayern Munich in the race to sign Gavi.

      But he is not the only one that could be going out the exit door.
      Ex-Leeds star Raphinha, who only arrived at the Nou Camp a year ago, and fellow United target Frenkie de Jong are among 10 players who could also be sold to free up funds. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona considering shock Aubameyang transfer return as ‘low-cost option’ just 12 months after Chelsea move

      by

      BARCELONA are looking to re-sign Chelsea outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer, reports suggest.Aubameyang left Barca on transfer deadline day last August and joined the Blues following a £10m deal between the two clubs.
      Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrated with Barcelona after El ClasicoCredit: Twitter
      Barcelona are keen to re-sign Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick AubameyangCredit: Getty
      However, the striker quickly fell down the pecking order after the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel and has since only managed 123 minutes of football without starting a single game this year.
      The Gabon international was also axed from Graham Potter’s Champions League squad after the West Londoners’ January spending spree.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona like the idea of bringing the 33-year-old back to the Nou Camp as a “low cost option” amid their financial issues.
      This comes after Aubameyang was pictured celebrating with his former team-mates in the dressing room after their 2-1 triumph over Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico.
      Read More on Chelsea
      The forward still has an excellent relationship with the Blaugrana stars, especially Ousmane Dembele with whom he played at Borussia Dortmund.
      Barcelona manager Xavi is also keen on the ex-Arsenal star as his 13 goals in 24 appearances during the second half of last season sealed Champions League qualification.
      Plus, the Spanish tactician appreciates his versatility as he can play as a winger and a centre-forward.
      The Catalan giants tried to sign Aubameyang in January but LaLiga regulations blocked a potential deal.
      Most read in Football
      But a summer deal would be likelier as Potter will need to raise funds after a busy January market.
      Plus, Chelsea will miss out on major cash if they don’t qualify for the Champions League.
      New owner Todd Boehly will want to make further additions, with RB Leipzig superstar Christopher Nkunku set to join. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Unrest in Spain squad revealed as video shows Barcelona and Real Madrid stars SEPARATED in training

      by

      BARCELONA and Real Madrid players have been kept apart in Spain training, according to reports.The two clubs were involved in a fiery Clasico derby on Sunday.

      Barcelona star Gavi was pictured in Spain training last night chatting with his club team-matesCredit: Twitter
      Gavi’s team-mate Alejandro Balde was in a group away from the Real Madrid starsCredit: Twitter
      Real Madrid stars Nacho and Dani Carvajal stood to one side and did not mix with the Barca youngstersCredit: Twitter
      Barca won 2-1 courtesy of a last minute Franck Kessie strike to move 12 points clear in the LaLiga table.
      Following the match, Barca stars Gavi and Alejandro Balde reported for Spain duty, as did Madrid counterparts Dani Carvajal, Nacho and Dani Ceballos.
      According to El Chiringuito, players from each team trained in different groups amid potentially high tension.
      Real Madrid were particularly unhappy with the conduct of Gavi.
      Read More Football Stories
      The 18-year-old has already gained a reputation for his fearless tenacity.
      But some believe he went too far when he barged Ceballos over off the ball late on in Sunday’s Clasico.
      According to Spanish reporter Adrian Sanchez, several Real Madrid players contacted senior Barca stars to complain about Gavi.
      They feel that Barcelona’s more experienced players should talk to the academy graduate about his behaviour.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      The teenager could well line up alongside Ceballos in midfield for La Roja during this international break.
      Luis de la Fuente’s side kick off their Euro 2024 qualification campaign on Saturday with a home match against Norway in Malaga.
      They will then travel to Glasgow to face Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
      New Spain boss Luis de la Fuente faces a tough task healing a divided campCredit: AFP More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gerard Pique accidentally leaks Barcelona legend’s retirement aged 32 and reveals his goodbyes to squad

      by

      GERARD PIQUE has accidentally leaked a fellow Barcelona legend’s retirement.The iconic Spanish World Cup winner, 36, announced he was hanging up his boots last year after 14 years at the Nou Camp.
      Gerard Pique has accidentally revealed the retirement of one of his old Barca palsCredit: Getty
      The former defender hung up his boots back in NovemberCredit: Getty
      The former Manchester United defender broke down in tears as he said an emotional goodbye to Barcelona fans after his final appearance on November 5 in a 2-0 win over Almeria.
      That has not kept him out of the headlines over recent months following his split from Shakira.
      And he recently broke his silence over his ex-wife’s scathing diss track with the Colombian popstar’s hit song having multiple references to him.
      Now he has hit the back pages again after scoring an own goal while live streaming by announcing Bojan Krkic’s retirement before his old team-mate had gone public with the news.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Pique was hosting the Kings League competition, which was being streamed live on Twitch, and is contested by celebrities and former footballers.
      Bojan, 32, was one of those to take part, but fellow player Ibai Llanos remarked that the ex-Barcelona, Roma and Stoke City ace didn’t seem too excited to be involved.
      Pique responded to that remark with: “Bojan is saying goodbye on Thursday, he’s retiring at Camp Nou. I’m going to the event.”
      However, that announcement was met with complete silence and shocked faces as it soon transpired that he was not supposed to have said anything.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Ex-striker Bojan even graced the Premier League for four years in a career that took him around the globe after previously lining-up with Lionel Messi.
      He won LaLiga four times between 2008-2011 and the Champions League twice in 2009 and 2011.
      After that he joined Ajax on loan for a season where he won Eredivisie before a permanent move to Stoke followed.
      Most recently he played for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he was released in December.
      Since then Bojan has continued to pursue his other sporting love of gravel cycling – although he has still not officially announced his retirement from playing.
      Pique and Bojan lined up numerous times together at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Former Barca forward Bojan Krkic enjoyed a stint in England with Stoke CityCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane on Real Madrid’s two-man striker wishlist as they target Tottenham star as stop-gap transfer

      by

      HARRY KANE is reportedly one of TWO strikers on Real Madrid’s shortlist as they seek to secure a temporary replacement for Karim Benzema.The European champions’ long-term plan is to secure Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe.
      Harry Kane is being linked with a summer move away from boyhood club TottenhamCredit: Reuters
      Dusan Vlahovic could be set to leave Juventus at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      However, they are aware neither of them are set to become available until at least 2024.
      As a result, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are looking for someone to lead the line in the meantime.
      According to AS, Spurs talisman Kane, 29, is a leading candidate to assume that role.
      Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, 23, who has scored 20 goals in 49 games for the Italian giants, is the other man being considered by Los Blancos.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      There is also the possibility of 18-year-old Alvaro Rodriguez being thrown into the side when he joins the squad in the summer.
      But Kane, who is Tottenham’s all-time top scorer with 271 goals 425 games, would provide Real Madrid with a proven threat in front of goal.

      And he could be available at the end of the season as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his Spurs deal.
      However, any move for Kane – who is also attracting interest from Manchester United – would reportedly have to coincide with Real refusing to extend Benzema’s deal.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      The Frenchman, 35, who joined Real in 2009, is out of contract in 2024.
      He bagged 44 goals in 46 games last season, helping them win LaLiga and the Champions League – before he scooped the Ballon d’Or.
      And while he has not maintained the same ratio of goals this term, he has still netted 19 times in 29 games.
      During his 14-year stint in the Spanish capital, he has racked up 342 goals in 634 games.
      Karim Benzema is Real Madrid’s second all-time top scorer behind Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Alamy More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Spanish paper copy L’Equipe as they savage ‘invisible’ Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema with 0/10 rating in Barcelona loss

      by

      KARIM BENZEMA has been savaged by the Spanish press for his El Clasico performance yesterday.Real Madrid fell 2-1 to rivals Barcelona in a must-win clash for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
      Karim Benzema was savaged for his performance against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Defeat saw them fall 12 points behind Barca in the title race with a dozen games remaining.
      Despite Benzema’s amazing performances last year that saw him scoop the Ballon d’Or award, he hasn’t been spared criticism.
      French paper L’Equipe are renowned for their harsh player ratings.
      But this time it was Spanish outlet AS dishing out the harsh scores.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Not only did they give Benzema a 0/10 – but they savaged his display in a brutal paragraph.
      It read: “Benzema: invisible, once again. Nothing at all.
      “He can’t get playable balls by dropping back, nor impose his play in the penalty box.
      “He is miles away from the brilliant version of the player who won the Ballon d’Or.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Franck Kessie scored Barcelona’s stoppage time winnerCredit: Getty
      “We found him without rhythm, slow, and without runs or plays.
      “If Real find their striker back, they will have a treasure in their ranks, but they have been waiting for too long.”
      Despite criticism being sent his way, Benzema has still managed a good goal return this season.
      The 35-year-old has netted 11 times in 16 LaLiga appearances.
      His goals have dried up of late, however, amid muscular and ankle injuries – and he has only scored in one of Madrid’s last nine league matches.
      Usually it is L’Equipe known for dishing out horrible ratings.
      Following Manchester United’s shocking 2-1 defeat at Young Boys last season, the French daily slapped Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho with zeros.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka was given a 0/10 rating after being sent off against Young BoysCredit: Getty More