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      Man Utd joined by Juventus in Antoine Griezmann transfer chase as move from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid stalls

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been joined in their pursuit of Antoine Griezmann by Juventus, according to reports. Griezmann, 31, is free to leave Barcelona after flopping at the club and is currently on loan at rivals Atletico Madrid.
      Antoine Griezmann is wanted by Man United and Juventus if Atletico do not sign him permanentlyCredit: Rex
      Griezmann captained France in their 2-0 loss to DenmarkCredit: AFP
      There is an clause in his loan deal which could see him sign permanently for Atletico for a cut-price fee of £35million, although recent reports suggest it could be as low as £22m.
      However, the clause inserted into the deal means the full transfer is only triggered if the Frenchman plays a certain amount of games.
      And to avoid triggering the buy option Atletico have only played Griezmann for less than 30 minutes per match – which is under the threshold to be counted as a game in the terms.
      If Atletico continue to do this, he won’t automatically become their player, which would allow interested parties such as United and Juventus to sign him.
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      Barcelona have threatened legal action against Atletico regarding their seeming exploitation of this loophole, and unless a deal is hashed out before January to sort it Griezmann may be recalled.
      According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are keeping an eye on the situation and are alert to any changes ahead of a potential transfer.
      Massimiliano Allegri’s side have struggled in Serie A this season and are way off the pace of getting close to winning a Scudetto.
      Consequently, they are already looking at reinforcements in January and next summer.
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      The likes of Marco Asensio and Christian Pulisic are among their targets who are at a reduced price, with Griezmann the latest addition to the list.
      Man Utd’s interest dates back to the summer, but the 2018 World Cup winner was not entertaining moves away from Madrid and snubbed a potential move.
      However, the current situation is leaving all parties frustrated and could end with United making an approach in January. More

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      Ex-England boss Fabio Capello says he was ‘proud’ of selling Ronaldo due to Brazil legend’s ‘love of parties and women’

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      FABIO CAPELLO has revealed he was “proud” to sell Ronaldo because the Brazil legend loved “parties and women”.The ex-England chief even found it “funny” when AC Milan signed the striker from him at Real Madrid in 2007 – as he had WARNED the Italian giants about Ronaldo skipping training.
      Ronaldo, pictured with then girlfriend Susana Werner, took the attention OFF the fieldCredit: AFP
      Ronaldo enjoyed a good party, according to his former boss Fabio CapelloCredit: EPA
      Italian disciplinarian Capello was amused when Milan signed RonaldoCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The Italian, 76, was known as a disciplinarian, even clamping down on family visits for the Three Lions’ ill-fated 2010 World Cup.
      So it could hardly have been a bigger clasher of off-field styles when he managed Ronaldo during in his second spell in charge of Real.
      The two-time Ballon d’Or winner was in the last of his five years at the Bernabeu when matters with Capello came to a head.
      Ronaldo, 30 at the time had previously played for Barcelona and Inter Milan, as well as winning the World Cup in 1994 and 2002. 
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      But Capello explained the strains of life with the Rio de Janeiro icon.
      He told A Bola: “Being a Real Madrid coach is a huge responsibility. In my second spell, the decision to send Ronaldo away and sign Cassano helped to create a winning spirit in the team.
      ‘I remember Silvio Berlusconi [former AC Milan owner] calling me to ask how Ronaldo was doing. 
      “I told him that he didn’t even train himself and that he was very fond of parties and women, so hiring him would be a mistake. 
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      “The next day I saw the headline in the newspaper and it was Ronaldo in Milan. It was very funny.’ 
      Ronaldo, now 46, was offloaded to the San Siro for £8million, despite his 83 goals in 127 games for Real.
      He then finished his career back home in Brazil with Corinthians from 2009-11.
      Ronaldo poses with one of his exes, Racia, and David and Victoria BeckhamCredit: Rex
      The legendary Brazilian striker led a hectic lifestyle at Real MadridCredit: Rex
      Fabio Capello was happy to sell Brazil great Ronaldo to AC MilanCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      David Beckham in Inter Miami transfer blow as Xavi demands Barcelona hand captain Sergio Busquets new contract

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      DAVID Beckham might fail in his attempts to bring Barcelona star Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami.That’s because Barca manager Xavi wants to keep the midfielder beyond the expiration of his current deal next summer, according to Culemani.
      Busquets’ current Barca deal runs out in 2023Credit: AFP
      Despite turning 34 earlier this summer, Busquets remains a key player in midfield for Barcelona.
      After all, the Spain international is captain of the club and has already made five starts this season.
      And Xavi will know all about Busquets’ qualities first-hand after playing alongside him for seven years prior to his move to Qatar.
      The pair won five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues together, with Andres Iniesta the other part of what was a memorable midfield trio.
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      And Busquets now looks set to continue what has been an incredible career at the Nou Camp.
      He has made almost 700 appearances for Barcelona, winning more than 25 trophies across a career spanning more than 14 years.
      But a contract extension would come as a blow for Beckham, who was reportedly trying to bring Busquets to Miami.
      Miami are currently inside the play-offs in the Eastern Conference after beating Wayne Rooney’s DC United 3-2 last weekend.
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      Beckham is still looking for reinforcements, though, with Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain his most high-profile signing to date.
      But with Busquets likely to remain with his boyhood club, Beckham will have to look elsewhere if he wants to sign another footballing giant.
      Busquets played alongside his current manager for seven yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Barcelona ‘rushing to finalise Antoine Griezmann’s Atletico Madrid transfer’ amid interest from Man Utd

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      BARCELONA are reportedly trying to rush through a cut-price £22million deal for Antoine Griezmann to join Atletico Madrid permanently.The Frenchman, 31, has hit the headlines this term due to the bizarre clause inserted into his loan agreement.
      Barcelona are trying to push through an agreement with Atletico for Antoine GriezmannCredit: Getty
      He has only been appearing off the bench after the hour mark for Diego Simeone’s side.
      That is due to Atletico being obliged to pay Barcelona £35m if he plays in 50 per cent of their game time during his loan period.
      Forward Griezmann is growing increasingly frustrated over his substitute appearances, which has sparked Manchester United’s interest.
      Erik ten Hag is believed to be plotting a January swoop for the World Cup winner if his current situation at Atletico remains unsolved.
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      However, now a fresh report from Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona are looking to negotiate a transfer with their LaLiga rival’s for a reduced £22m.
      And they want the deal completed by January 7 – the date the two teams face each other for the first time this season in LaLiga.
      Barca could still take legal action if it is not resolved but they would rather try to find an amicable compromise first.
      The Catalan team are insisting that Atletico have already triggered the option to buy during the first of his two-year loan when he featured for over 50 per cent of their game time.
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      From his eight games this campaign, Griezmann has chipped in with three goals – two of which have come in LaLiga.
      All of his outings in the Spanish top-flight have come after the 60th-minute this season.
      Atletico boss Simeone has strongly hinted that the restrictions have been placed on him from the higher-ups at the club. More

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      Ex-Arsenal chief Raul Sanllehi ‘repeatedly made Neymar cry and claimed ex-Barcelona star had many personal problems’

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      EX-BARCELONA director of football Raul Sanllehi made Neymar cry on several occasions.The former Catalan chief, 56, also claims that the Brazilian left the club after a row with his father over a bonus payment.
      Neymar was reportedly made to cry several times by former Barcelona director of football Raul SanllehiCredit: Getty
      Sanllehi, who was Arsenal’s head of football until 2020, told Marca that Neymar has personal issues and is “lost” and “vulnerable”.
      He said: “I have told you all separately that the problem in this case was the player’s head. 
      “The boy is in a bad way, he has many personal problems, he is very confused and very vulnerable. 
      “So he has mistakenly thought that by running away from Barcelona he will also run away from his problems when really what he should do is face them and not leave. 
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      “I have spoken directly with him, repeatedly, I have made him cry more than once, and he has admitted to me on more than one occasion that he was lost.”
      The former Gunners chief explained that the winger’s father was at fault for him leaving the club after a financial dispute.
      Sanllehi added: “The father’s anger came when he saw the signing bonus published. He said ‘I don’t trust you, you have repeatedly deceived me’.
      “He demanded the immediate payment of said bonus, something that Barcelona did not do, and that’s when Neymar left.”
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      Sanllehi’s comment come after a week of leaks out of the Spanish club’s financial department.
      One of the leaks details the lucrative contract awarded to global superstar – and now Neymar’s Paris Saint-Germain team-mate – Lionel Messi.
      Messi’s demands from 2020 appeared to suggest he wanted a whopping signing-on bonus of £8.7million.
      He also wanted a private jet, plus VIP boxes at the Nou Camp for his AND Luis Suarez’s families.
      Former Manchester United star Gerard Pique also had contract information shared.
      Reports suggest the defender did “very serious damage” to the club owing to conflicting private interests to those of the club.
      Pique demanded £124m gross across his five-year contract from 2017 which followed on from him telling the club he wanted to be paid more than rival Sergio Ramos. More

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      Eden Hazard frustrated at Real Madrid as ex-Chelsea star admits he is in ‘delicate situation’ warming bench

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      EDEN HAZARD has admitted he is in a “delicate situation” at Real Madrid ahead of the World Cup.The Belgian captain, 31, started his country’s Nations League clash with Wales on Thursday night as they edged to a 2-1 victory.
      Hazard started for Belgium against Wales and produced a positive displayCredit: PA
      Hazard managed 65 minutes before being replaced by Leandro Trossard and showed some positive signs that his form is still there.
      That is despite the former Chelsea man having started just one of Madrid’s six LaLiga matches so far this season.
      And his status as a benchwarmer for Carlo Ancelotti’s side is something which has him worried less than two months out from the World Cup in Qatar.
      Speaking to Marca, he said: “There have been difficult times because I want to play and I don’t play.
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      “I feel good at Real Madrid, I just play less. And when I play, I play well. It’s a delicate situation because I want to play more.”
      He then went on to add: “I know what I can do when I play.
      “I want to play the maximum number of minutes and get to the World Cup in shape.”
      Hazard has suffered a host of injury issues since joining Madrid from Chelsea for £88.5million back in 2019.
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      He has made 70 appearances across more than three seasons, scoring just seven goals and providing 11 assists.
      Hazard has also struggled with weight issues in recent years, returning from summer breaks out of shape.
      In 2019 and 2020, he appeared to start the season heavier than normal, before injuries hampered both campaigns.
      Last month, he was linked with a move away from the Bernabeu as Galatasaray were rumoured to be interested in him.
      However, he remained in the Spanish capital, only to be benched again for the start of the season. More

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      ‘I came to Spain to support him’ – Shakira reveals how she put career ‘in second gear’ so Gerard Pique could win titles

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      SHAKIRA claims she sacrificed her career so former boyfriend Gerard Pique could “win titles” with Barcelona.The pair split in June following a 12-year relationship in which they had two children – Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven.
      Shakira claims she made career sacrifices for the sake of Gerard Pique’s footballCredit: Jaume de Laiguana for Elle
      Shakira and Pique split in June amid cheating allegationsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Shakira described the split as the “darkest” moment of her lifeCredit: JAUME DE LAIGUANA
      Shakira, 45, is fighting to have full custody of their children and has moved to the US as she attempts to overcome the “darkest” moment of her life.
      In an interview with Elle, the singer described how she put her career ambitions to one side to be with Pique in Barcelona, as that is where he wanted to play.
      She said: “One of the two had to make that effort and that sacrifice. And I did it.
      “I put my career in second gear and I came to Spain, to support him so he could play football and win titles. And it was a sacrifice of love.”
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      The singer has been rocked by Gerard’s new relationship with PR girl Clara Chia Marti, 23, who is believed to have met him while working on events at his sports investment firm Kosmos.
      It has been alleged that Pique had an affair with Clara and that is what caused the break up.
      The pair were pictured at the Summerfest Cerdanya festival in Catalonia.
      And Shakira’s family has said she is “very angry” at seeing images of the father of her two children in public with his new girlfriend.
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      Pique and Clara have since gone public with their relationship and those close to the couple say they have been seeing each other for some time.
      Shakira has not publicly revealed the reasons behind the split but she spoke of being resilient as she tries to cope with the pain of the split. More

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      Brazil legend Ronaldo working miracles as football club owner after seeing both his sides promoted in just five months

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      REAL MADRID legend Ronaldo is performing miracles as a football club owner with his two teams securing promotions within five months of each other.The 46-year-old, who won the World Cup in 1994 and 2002, is the owner of Spanish side Real Valladolid and Cruzeiro in his native Brazil.
      Brazilian icon Ronaldo was delighted after Cruzeiro sealed promotion back to Serie ACredit: EPA
      Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo is the owner of Brazilian side Cruzeiro and Spanish outfit Real ValladolidCredit: EPA
      Ronaldo purchased a 51 per cent stake in Valladolid in 2018, who were relegated to the second tier following the 2020/21 season.
      But they secured an instant return back to the top-flight after finishing second in the Segunda Division last term.
      And after their promotion was secured in May, Ronaldo stuck true to his word by completing a four-day 280-mile bike trip – a feat he had promised if they returned to LaLiga.
      The former Barcelona, Inter and AC Milan marksman also owns Cruzeiro, the club where he started his professional career with in 1993.
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      He forked out £52.2million to secure a 51 per cent controlling stake in the Serie B club in December.
      Just days after completing the takeover, Ronaldo ruthlessly sacked former Los Blancos boss Vanderlei Luxemburgo and his entire staff.
      But his decision paid off, with Cruzeiro recently beating Vasco da Gama 3-0 to ensure they will be playing Serie A football for the first time in three years next campaign.
      With seven matches to go in the 2022 season, Cruzeiro sit top of the table – 15 points ahead of Gremio in second and 23 points ahead of Londrina in fifth.
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      Ronaldo was in the stands at the Mineirao Stadium to watch Cruzeiro thump Vasco, where he was spotted joyously celebrating their promotion.
      Quoted by Marca, he said: “This is just the icing on the cake. We worked hard to win this.
      “That night was very special. Congratulations to the players, coaching staff, my administrative team.
      “But above all to these fans who suffered for almost three years.
      “Today is the day of glory. Thank you, I want to thank you for your support.
      “Now let’s celebrate a few days and start thinking about next year.” More