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      Lionel Messi looks unrecognisable as he signs for Barcelona in adorable Catalan FA transfer document

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      LIONEL MESSI signed for Barcelona on this very day 21 years ago.And the legendary World Cup winner looks unrecognisable in his Catalan FA transfer document from 2002.
      Lionel Messi’s transfer documents from this day 21 years ago have been unearthed
      Messi looks miles away from the bearded figure he is at PSGCredit: Getty
      Messi, 35, is known over the planet as football’s No1 superstar.
      His stylish haircut and trendy beard has spawned countless copycats from South America to Europe.
      But Messi looked a world away from his current state when finally gaining entry to the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
      The Argentina icon initially joined Barcelona from Newell’s Old Boys in 2000.
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      But a transfer conflict between his boyhood club and the Nou Camp giants meant Messi was unable to play official games for Barca’s youth team.
      And it took until February 15, 2002, before Messi was given his Spanish stamps via the Catalan FA.
      The documentation meant he was finally able to properly integrate at La Masia before making his debut 18 months later and becoming one of the greatest players in history.
      And a picture of his Catalan transfer document from the famous day has been revealed online.
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      Messi made his first-team debut just 18 months after getting his documentsCredit: Getty
      At 14 years old, there was no sign of the beard Messi now sports with Paris Saint-Germain.
      And he also boasted long hair instead of his current snazzy barnet.
      Fans quickly responded to the picture, with many praising Messi’s development into a global mega-star.
      One said: “The rest is history. He became the best player in history.”
      Another declared: “The best ever, this day should be a holiday all over the planet.”
      One laughed: “And since that day it is finito.”
      Another added: “And at 35 he joined the biggest club in France.”
      Messi’s stats for Barcelona are still hard to comprehend, with the attacker netting 672 goals in 778 matches for the Catalans.
      He won 10 LaLiga titles, seven Copa del Reys and four Champions Leagues during his time at the Nou Camp.
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      But Messi’s Barcelona adventure came to an abrupt end 18 months ago when his contract was allowed to expire, paving the way for a free move to PSG.
      He has since netted 26 times in 60 games for the French side, winning the Ligue 1 title in his first season. More

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      How Man Utd’s star man Rashford ‘nearly joined BARCELONA in 2019 with his brothers meeting club THREE TIMES’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD nearly joined Barcelona in 2019, according to reports.The Manchester United star has been ever present for the Red Devils since breaking into the first team in 2016.
      Marcus Rashford turned down an approach from Barcelona in 2019Credit: Getty
      Rashford’s brothers met with Barcelona to discuss a potential moveCredit: marcusrashford
      But four years ago his career almost took a different direction amid interest from Barcelona.
      The Spanish giants were looking for a replacement for Luis Suarez and wanted a young player they could mould into their style of play.
      They liked the look of Rashford due to his age and the fact he only had 18 months remaining on his contract, which meant he may have been affordable.
      Then Barca general manager Pep Segura approached Rashford’s agent and his brothers to sound out a potential move, according to Mundo Deportivo.
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      Three meetings took place between Barcelona and Rashford’s representatives but a transfer never came to fruition.
      Rashford was believed to have been worried about moving to such a big club when he was only 21-years-old.
      He reportedly held concerns over adapting the language, culture and playing style at Barcelona.
      Rashford decided to stay at Old Trafford and soon after renewed his contract.
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      The 25-year-old penned a four-and-a-half-year deal worth £250,000-a-week with the option of an extra year. More

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      Excited Man Utd fans convinced Mbappe is joining club after bizarre translation on Instagram – and even Rashford replies

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      A GLITCH on Kylian Mbappe’s latest Instagram post has sent Manchester United supporters into a frenzy.The Paris Saint-Germain superstar’s club were bizarrely linked to the Red Devils after he shared a new snap of himself in action.
      Kylian Mbappe sent Man Utd fans into meltdown with his latest Instagram postCredit: Rex
      This is how it was translated in EnglishCredit: Instagram
      Mbappe posted a photo from PSG’s 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last night.
      The World Cup golden boot winner, 24, was returning from injury and he almost sparked a comeback after entering the action from the bench.
      Despite being unable to do so, he switched his focus to Instagram afterwards and his eye-catching caption soon had everyone talking – including United’s very own Marcus Rashford who replied with a fire emoji.
      Mbappe wrote in French the words for “all that remains to be done” as he looked ahead to the second leg of the last-16 tie.
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      However, the translation in English bizarrely added the claim that: “Manchester United’s team is now on PSG.”
      And followers of the former Monaco ace quickly took that as a sign that the hitman wanted to join the likes of Rashford at Old Trafford.
      One replied: “Mbappe x Rashford x Sancho .”
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      Another said: “He’s actually coming.”
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      A fellow Red Devil commented: “Man Utd coming to win Champions League next season.”
      While another added: “Welcome our new number 7.”
      And another simply wrote: “Here we go.”
      Even Marcus Rashford got involved in the responsesCredit: PA More

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      Forgotten Man Utd star opens up on how Fergie persuaded him to join Golden Generation and losing bet to Cantona

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      BARCELONA Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff has been looking back on his time at Old Trafford ahead of the first leg of the two clubs’ Europa League clash. The Dutchman signed for Manchester United back in August 1996 for £1.4m having made 41 appearances and scoring 11 goals for the Catalan giants.
      Jordi Cruyff in action for Manchester United in the 1996 Champions LeagueCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Jordi Cruyff of Manchester United in action during a pre-season friendly match against Wigan Athletic in 1999.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The son of footballing legend Johan Cruyff was at a crossroads in his career, his dad had just been sacked as coach of Barcelona and although he wanted to stay he knew he would be compared to his father.
      The midfielder wasn’t short of options with Atletico Madrid interested and a deal with Ajax was very close until United swooped in.
      Speaking to Marca Cruyff has been looking back on his time with the Old Trafford club.
      He said: “Alex Ferguson travelled to Barcelona accompanied by two senior United leaders.
      “That detail was already very special. He came to my house and convinced me of his project .
      “He had a young team and wanted to recruit more young people. I liked the project, I liked the contract and that he came to my house.”
      At the time it may not have been clear but Cruyff arrived in what would be a golden generation for United culminating with the treble in 1999 although he spent the second half of that season on loan at Celta Vigo.
      Cruyff was surrounded by quality players during his time in Manchester but two that stood out were Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
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      The Dutchman had fond memories of Cantona during their time as team mates.
      He said: “He was the veteran who took care of the young newcomers. Poborsky, Solskjaer and I were a bit lost at first.
      He added: “Well, he came to pick us up at the hotel and when training was over he waited for us and brought us back and so on for a few weeks. I didn’t expect it from a person like that”
      The former Barcelona player also recalls a bet he lost with Cantona.
      He said: “One day, talking about our future, we bet on who would leave United first. I was very clear that it would be me.
      “He, being a god in this club, could stay for the rest of his life. We bet and I lost. I realized then that he had already taken the decision to retire.”
      As well as his ability Cruyff was really impressed by Beckham’s professionalism.
      He said: “Another one who stayed another half hour, three or four times a week, doing exercises to improve.
      “He had talent, yes, but he worked. He had that professional mentality that made him become a star. He was a hard worker.”
      Cruyff, now Barcelona’s sporting adviser, had some words of warning about Old Trafford ahead of the Catalan side’s trip there in the second leg.
      He said: “When you play at Old Trafford you realize that the stadium roars. It’s a cliché, but it’s true; United don’t play with 11, they are 12.”
      He continued: “We’ll see it in the second leg now that the team is improving after difficult years. The fans will not speak in the two days before to have their voices ready and not stop shouting during the game”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Manchester United travel to the Nou Camp for the first leg on Thursday, February 16 with the return leg at Old Trafford on Thursday, February 23. More

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      Man Utd warned about Barcelona’s ‘surprising’ new tactic ahead of Europa League clash in huge style change

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been issued a warning about a “surprising” new tactic being used by Barcelona.The Red Devils travel to the Nou Camp for the first of a two-legged Europa League play-off on Thursday.
      Erik ten Hag takes Manchester United to Barcelona on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      He has been warned about a new ‘surprising’ tactic being used by BarcaCredit: Rex
      Both teams go into the showdown in impressive form.
      United have recorded five wins out of their last six matches while Barcelona are 11 points clear at the top of LaLiga.
      Spanish star Pedri, 20, secured their latest victory as they triumphed 1-0 at Villarreal on Sunday.
      The Yellow Submarine are managed by Quique Setien, who was in charge of the Blaugrana in 2020, and it is he who has highlighted the new tactic being deployed by his old club.
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      Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said: “There is something that this Barcelona team has changed a lot, which is without the ball.
      “The data is there, Barcelona are the team that runs the most without the ball.

      “Seems surprising, doesn’t it?”
      Both Pedri and Gavi have played a key role in the resurgence of Barca this term as head coach Xavi puts a greater emphasis on the distance covered by his players and pressing the opposition.
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      He even said that striker Robert Lewandowski is his “first defender” after Sunday’s win.
      And that is something that his United counterpart Erik ten Hag will have to ensure his team are ready to deal with.
      However, Barcelona have suffered one major blow in the build-up to the game.
      Their influential captain and midfield maestro Sergio Busquets has been ruled out of the clash after suffering an ankle injury recently against Sevilla. More

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      Tottenham star Richarlison on Real Madrid’s three-man transfer shortlist as Spanish giants prepare for huge summer spree

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      TOTTENHAM star Richarlison is reportedly on Real Madrid’s transfer shortlist this summer.Carlo Ancelotti managed the Brazilian during his time as Everton manager.
      Real Madrid are looking at a move for Spurs star RicharlisonCredit: AP
      And ESPN claims the four-time Champions League winner is keen on a reunion at Madrid.
      Richarlison, 22, only joined Spurs from Everton last summer for £60million.
      But he has failed to score in 14 league appearances under Antonio Conte.
      And cash-strapped Spurs could be open to negotiating a deal for the right price.
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      Richarlison isn’t the only player on Ancelotti’s shopping list though.
      The tactician would also gladly take Juventus hitman Dusan Vlahovic.
      The Serb’s future has come under the spotlight after his club were hit with a 15-point penalty for financial irregularities.
      Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked, but Real could have edge should they follow up their interest with an offer.
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      Dusan Vlahovic is also on Real’s shortlistCredit: EPA
      The Spaniards are exploring a move for Kingsley ComanCredit: Getty
      The Spanish giants would also like to sign a new wide forward after missing out on PSG’s Kylian Mbappe last year.
      And it’s believed France teammate Kingsley Coman could end up making the move from Bayern Munich.
      He has already starred at PSG and Juventus, and Real Madrid could be the next elite side on his CV.
      Coman could end up replacing Marco Asensio, who is out of contract this summer.
      His future remains unclear, while current back-up striker Mariano is expected to leave. More

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      Man Utd, Liverpool & Newcastle ‘in straight fight for Ruben Neves transfer as Barcelona pull out of race for Wolves ace’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED, Liverpool and Newcastle are reportedly “in a straight fight” to sign Ruben Neves this summer.Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese midfielder, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona over recent months.
      Barcelona have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Ruben NevesCredit: Reuters
      However, a fresh report has now claimed that the LaLiga giants have pulled out of the transfer race.
      And now that has left the Premier League trio of United, Liverpool and Newcastle battling it out for his signature.
      Spanish publication Sport reports that Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes met with Barcelona officials last week.
      But he was allegedly informed during the talks that Xavi’s side are prioritising strengthening in other positions.
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      They want to secure the future of veteran Sergio Busquets, who is out of contract, also.
      And even if they fail to do that, the publication claims that Xavi “prefers the profile of another type of midfielder” rather than Neves.
      The ace arrived at Molineux from Porto back in 2017 and has helped the club to consolidate in the Premier League after winning the Championship in his first season there.
      He now has less than 18 months remaining on his contract, and rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2024, Wolves look set to sell this summer.
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      United boss Erik ten Hag has long-been rumoured to be an admirer of the player, as is Kop manager Jurgen Klopp.
      But high-flying Newcastle are the latest team to join the scramble to sign Neves. More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Francis Coquelin stretchered off in tears after horror knee injury leaves him writhing in pain

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      EX-ARSENAL midfielder Francis Coquelin was carried off in tears after collapsing with a horror injury in Villarreal’s 1-0 home defeat against Barcelona.The Frenchman, 31, twisted his knee as he fell awkwardly in Sunday night’s LaLiga clash.

      Francis Coquelin knew straight away he was in serious troubleCredit: .
      Francis Coquelin was carried off after twisting badly as he fellCredit: Getty
      Players from both teams looked shocked as the former Under-21 international writhed in obvious pain.
      He need two minutes of treatment but it was obvious he could not continue.
      And Coquelin was clapped off as he departed on a stretcher with his hands holding his head.
      Villarreal replaced him with Samuel Chukwueze ten minutes before the interval.
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      LaLiga leaders Barca led through Pedri’s brilliant 17th minute opener.
      And they held on comfortably enough to move 11 points clear of Real Madrid.
      Barcelona had started with ex-Arsenal target Franck Kessie and Manchester United’s dream option Frenkie de Jong in midfield, due to an injury for legend Sergio Busquets.
      Ex-Leeds winger Raphinha, who was linked to Old Trafford in the January transfer window, partnered Robert Lewandowski up front.
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      But it was Spain midfielder Pedri who hit the only goal a brilliant team effort.
      Jules Kounde, De Jong and Raphinha helped feed Pedri, who swapped instant passes with Lewandowski before smashing home.
      The extent of Coquelin’s injury remained clear after the final whistle.
      He was with the Gunners from 2008-2018 before joining Villarreal from Valencia three years ago. More