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      Toni Kroos left ‘crushed’ in centre circle as Germany legend’s illustrious career ends in most heartbreaking fashion

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      TONI KROOS admitted himself that to retire off the back of Champions League AND Euros glory would be far too “cheesy” to be considered plausible.And so, sadly, it played out, in devastating fashion.Toni Kroos bowed out as Germany were beaten by Spain at the EurosCredit: GettyKroos was consoled by Real Madrid team-mate Dani Carvajal at full-timeCredit: AFPThe Germany legend looked heartbroken at the final whistleKroos said farewell to the fans after a devastating defeatCredit: ReutersKroos won six Champions League titles across a glittering careerCredit: AFPToni Kroos’ trophy cabinetToni Kroos’ incredible trophy cabinetBayern MunichBundesliga x3German Cup x3German Super CupChampions LeagueUefa Super CupClub World CupReal MadridLaLiga x4Copa del ReySpanish Super Cup x4Champions League x5Uefa Super Cup x3Club World Cup x5GermanyIndividualBundesliga Team of the Season x2Uefa Team of the Year x3German Player/Footballer of the Year x2Euro 2016 Team of the TournamentLaLiga Team of the Season x2Very few footballing legends get to walk away from the sport at the highest of highs, and if anyone deserved it, Kroos did, but it rarely seems to go that way.Ending his club career in European dreamland with Real Madrid at Wembley on June 1 was meant to be the start of a magical farewell summer for the 34-year-old.Instead, his last ever competitive outing with his boots laced finished in Stuttgart at the end of a pulsating Euros quarter final 2-1 extra-time defeat to a formidable Spain outfit.The cheesy dream is over, and an unfitting way for one of the greats of the game to go out on. Football can be incredibly cruel sometimes.READ MORE ON EURO 2024On his 114th appearance in a Germany shirt – and 19th at the Euros – he brought out the greatest hits, showing exactly why he was and is world class, all while being technically unemployed having let his Madrid contract run down last month.The intelligence, the gracefulness, the nous and the nastiness. The winning mentality and the leadership exhumed in such a calm, controlled manner. It was all on show.Spain manager Luis de la Fuente joked in the build-up that the only way to stop Kroos is to tie his feet together.It leaves the rest of us wondering why he is even retiring in the first place?Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKroos made a name for himself at Bayern Munich before joining Real MadridCredit: Bongarts – GettyThe likes of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, 37, continue to lead their nations on the world’s biggest stages, so why not carry on?Kroos will tell you he wants to spend more time with his wife Jessica and their three children at their beautiful Mallorca villa.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedAfter the match, he said: “I would not say it was the most brutal match, but one where we put everything in. We did not want to lose, we were so close.”Now at the moment the exit covers it all. We wanted to achieve something big and that dream is now gone.”We will realise we played a good tournament, but being so close to reaching the next round is hard.”We can all be proud because we improved. I am happy to have helped Germany as a football nation to have hope again.”In the future I am convinced the team will succeed, but today we are sad because we wanted to stay in this competition a bit longer.”What Kroos may not admit is that there were moments during this epic encounter that showed why he may be right to hang up the boots now rather than later.At times, Kroos struggled with the pace of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and 21-year-old Nico Williams, the physicality of Rodri.And as Dani Olmo snuck into the box unmarked to tuck home and 51st-minute opener for Spain, a heartless onlooker would argue that Kroos should have been tighter.By the end, he looked physically and mentally drained, showing rare signs of frustration and anger as his final few minutes in the spotlight of international football faded away.Despite that, his influence at the elite level remained, in particularly on Germany’s patience before Florian Wirtz nicked a late leveller.He surely would have taken a penalty but for Mikel Merino’s gut-wrenching 119th-minute winner.Throughout, the home crowd chanted “Toni, Toni” whenever they got the chance.From kick-off his passing was full of cuteness and deception, giving Rodri the eyes and floating one over for Havertz to challenge for.We also saw the edge, the craftiness, that has kept him at the top for so many years, flying in and crunching the young talent Pedri, leaving him in a heap on the floor.Kroos sneakily ran as far away as possible before ref Anthony Taylor could even think about reaching to his pocket.Pedri eventually had to be subbed off with his head in his hands. Kroos looked unperplexed. He had done a job on his opposite man and come out on top, just like he normally does.He would go on to commit a further five fouls in this match before getting booked.At times he was stood as a third centre back, dictating from as deep as humanly possible in order to find the space he craves to look up and create with that wand of a right foot.You can see why boss Julian Nagelsmann brought him back into the fold in March 2024.Kroos initially retired from international football in the summer of 2021 following Germany’s Euro 2020 last 16 exit at the hands of England at Wembley, leaving the country bereft of ideas in that position.The way Kroos can still singlehandedly dial down the velocity of a match with a composure of thought and those pinged diagonals is remarkable.It’s the sort of skill you learn when you’ve been around the block for as long as he has, winning a World Cup in 2014 as well as four Bundesliga titles, four La Liga titles and six Champions League crowns – five with Madrid and one with Bayern Munich.It is worth pausing to consider what would have happened in Kroos’ career had he joined Manchester United in the summer of 2014 instead of Madrid, having agreed to do so before David Moyes got the sack and Carlo Ancelotti pounced.Let’s put it this way: he would not have been as decorated…Germany legend Lothar Matthaus – after that Euro 2020 2-0 defeat to the Three Lions – claimed Kroos was “no longer international class”. How wrong he proved to be.Kroos continued to push and probe before Germany’s deserved 89th-minute equaliser through Wirtz, one of six subs Nagelsmann made during 120 minutes of football.It was never a possibility that Kroos would be taken off.No one can replicate what he does, even with weary, cramping legs that saw him needing treatment in injury time before the result agonisingly slipped away.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe limped around the pitch at full-time like a lost soul.You’ll have plenty of time to rest up in Mallorca, Toni. Enjoy this long, deserved rest. More

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      Diego Simeone, 54, wears huge knee brace as he takes dip in the sea with bikini-clad wife who’s 18 years his junior

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      DIEGO SIMEONE is not letting a knee operation get in the way of his summer plans.The Atletico Madrid boss went under the knife at the end of the season.Diego Simeone is on holiday in IbizaCredit: SplashWife Carla Pereyra soaks up the sunCredit: SplashSimeone had knee surgery earlier in the summerCredit: SplashHis model wife donned a brown bikiniCredit: SplashDiego Simeone made it into the water with a bit of helpCredit: SplashAnd he has been snapped enjoying a dip while wearing a knee brace in Ibiza.Simeone, 54, looked in decent shape despite his injury as he was helped into the water.He was alongside wife Carla Pereyra, 36, who donned a tiny brown bikini.The Argentine lovebirds tied the knot in 2022READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSimeone has two children – daughters Francesca and Valentina with model Carla.While he has three sons – including Argentine international Giovanni – with first wife Carolina Baldini.Last year, Simeone joked that players only having sex four times a month could not play for him.He was told about a study that claims the average Spaniard has sex 56 times a year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAn incredulous Simeone said: “How many? 56? 56 a year! “How many are a month? Four a month? Four a month no.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024″With four times a month you can’t play in my team.”Atleti finished fourth in LaLiga last season as surprise package Girona took third behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.So Simeone will have plenty of work to do when he returns to pre-season.He is expected to be walking without help by then but might have to take it easy – not something he is known for.Carla Pereyra looked content to chat outside the waterCredit: SplashThe glamorous model married Simeone in 2022Credit: GettyThe couple have been going to Ibiza for yearsCredit: Splash News More

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      Real Madrid fans blocked from getting Mbappe on back of shirts – along with host of legends including Cristiano Ronaldo

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE is now officially a Real Madrid player.The 25-year-old’s Paris Saint-Germain contract expired on Sunday, meaning his new deal with Los Blancos becomes active today.Fans are currently unable to buy a Kylian Mbappe shirt from the Real Madrid websiteCredit: ReutersHowever, fans can buy an Endrick shirtCredit: GettyMbappe announced his move to Spain last month, penning a five-year deal with the LaLiga giants.However, fans are currently unable to purchase a shirt with his name on.Those that have attempted to personalise a shirt with his name have been greeted with a message that reads: “This player’s name and number is not available for personalization at the moment. Please stay tuned for updates!”Other variations – including Kylian Mbappé, K. Mbappé, K-Mbappé and Kylian – are also unavailable.Read More on FootballMbappe’s shirt number will likely be revealed when he is officially presented as a Real Madrid player on July 16.However, fans are able to purchase personalised Endrick shirts.The 17-year-old Brazilian signed for Los Blancos in December 2022 but is not permitted to formally join until his 18th birthday, which is later this month.Like Mbappe, he is yet to be handed a shirt number.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRonaldo and Marcelo are among several names that cannot be printedCredit: EPAZidane shirts have also been made unavailable – even though Zinedine’s son plays for Real MadridCredit: AFPKylian 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.Real Madrid have also banned several other names from being printed on the new home shirt.Fans are also not able to buy Zidane shirts – even though club legend Zinedine Zidane’s son, Theo, still plays for Los Blancos.Kylian Mbappe reveals how he is adapting to mask as France star says it’s ‘like wearing 3D glasses’Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo are both unavailable, as well as [David] Beckham, Kaka, [Iker] Casillas, Marcelo, [Karim] Benzema, Casemiro, [Ferenc] Puskas, Roberto Carlos and Sergio Ramos.Some players who have never appeared for the club are also banned, including [Lionel] Messi, [Erling] Haaland, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Pele, Maradona, [Kevin] De Bruyne, Iniesta, [Harry] Kane and Fernando Torres.In addition, a huge list of insults and swear words in both English and Spanish have been made unavailable on the official Real Madrid website.Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      in Soccer

      Abandoned World Cup stadium stripped of hosting rights after being left to rot for 15 years in heart of major city

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      AN abandoned football stadium in Spain has been stripped of the rights to host games at the 2030 World Cup.Spanish giants Valencia had planned to move into the 80,000-seater Nou Mestalla Stadium ahead of the 2009/10 season.The Nou Mestalla Stadium in Valencia has been abandoned for 15 yearsCredit: GettyThere was hope it would be open in time to host Euro 2030 games but the RFEF will now not consider itCredit: GettyThe 80,000-seater stadium was set to look like thisCredit: YouTubeIt was dubbed the “world’s greatest football stadium” ahead of its completion.But 15 years later, it still remains closed.Valencia ran into financial trouble at the time, racking up debts of £350million.They also struggled to find a buyer for the old Mestalla Arena and were denied a £90million bank loan.Read More on FootballThe La Liga side subsequently had to abandon plans to move into the new ground.And the Nou Mestalla Stadium was left unused as a result.There had been hope that it could finally be used at the 2030 World Cup – which will be held across Spain, Portugal and Morocco – but Cadena SER claim the RFEF will no longer consider it as a potential venue.Prior to the RFEF’s decision, Valencia’s Mayor, Maria Jose Catala, revealed she was hopeful the Nou Mestalla would eventually open.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSValencia still play at the older Mestalla StadiumCredit: AlamyShe said: “The demands are not going to be lowered nor are the deadlines going to be accelerated.”We are talking about a future Mestalla field that should last for decades and this circumstance concerns a series of matches for, at most, a month.Inside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venue”We are not going to compromise the future of the new field to being a sub-venue or hosting a World Cup match.”Because that is not going to condition our level of demand and we are not going to accelerate any deadline either.”If it arrives and can host the 2030 World Cup it will be great for Valencia and if not, it won’t be possible. We are not going to condition it.”Madrid (both the Bernabeu and Wanda Metropolitano), Barcelona (both the Camp Nou and Espanyol’s Cornella El Prat stadium), Bilbao, Zaragoza, Seville, Malaga, Gran Canaria, La Coruna and San Sebastian are now expected to be announced as the host cities.It is reported that Vigo will be given more time to prove it can host matches. More

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      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham fitness fears with England star feeling ‘absolutely dead’ after relentless Real Madrid schedule

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM revealed he was completely shattered against Slovenia – amid fears the England talisman is suffering from burnout.The Real Madrid superstar, 20, felt “absolutely dead” in the final group game in Cologne on Tuesday, with support from the stands getting him through.Jude Bellingham played a whopping 44 games for Real Madrid last seasonCredit: REXThe 20-year-old looked leggy in England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia on TuesdayCredit: REXBellingham admits he felt “absolutely dead” in the drab drawCredit: REXIt was his 50th appearance of a gruelling campaign which has taken its toll in his last two tired performances against Denmark as well as the Slovenians.Speaking about the fans driving him on when on the FA’s Lions’ Den show, Bellingham said: “You definitely draw on them for energy towards the end of games.“I felt like in the last game, I was absolutely dead.“But you hear them singing, hear them chanting and you can play at a level that’s not our best, it’s normal, it can happen.READ MORE ON ENGLAND“But I think the important thing is, when you’re wearing this badge and you’re representing those fans, is that you don’t give up and I think they’re a constant reminder of that.”Bellingham’s tiredness revelation comes amid worries of players being flogged to breaking point by a relentless schedule.Fifa’s expanded, month-long Club World Cup next summer – in which Bellingham’s Real are one of 12 sides competing along with Chelsea and Manchester City – has prompted a backlash.The PFA earlier this month joined a legal challenge against the world football governing body over their “overloaded and unworkable” calendar.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBellingham has certainly looked tired during these Euros, even fading in the second half of the 1-0 opening win over Serbia after an outstanding first 45.He has also cut a frustrated figure at times, with former skipper Wayne Rooney noting how he kept “throwing his arms up” against Slovenia.Jude Bellingham’s Nursery sends their support to England StarEngland’s performances, both as a team and individually, have drawn widespread criticism from pundits and social media throughout this tournament.Boss Gareth Southgate also had three beer cups chucked at him as he went to applaud supporters at full-time in Cologne on Tuesday.Yet Bellingham is in no doubt that the support from those actually attending the games can drive on the players in Germany.The ex-Borussia Dortmund man added: “.I know there’s a lot of negativity outside the stadium and the camp but I always feel that when we get into the stadium, it’s so different. “It’s important that as team-mates and as a team, we remember that the ones in the stadium are the ones that are going to give us the energy.“So don’t worry about the ones that aren’t there and we’ve obviously got to keep using that energy.”Using that feeling that we get from them, to be successful in this tournament.” More

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      Chaos as thousands of Malaga fans swarm airport in sea of blue as fallen giants win promotion to Spanish second tier

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      MALAGA fans turned the local airport into a sea of blue as they celebrated promotion.The fallen giants secured an immediate return to the Spanish second tier on Saturday.Malaga fans turned the airport into a sea of blue as they celebrated promotionCredit: X@SegundaSpanishLos Albicelestes drew 2-2 away to Gimnastic after extra-time to seal a 4-3 aggregate victory.Following promotion, fans back home swarmed Malaga airport as they celebrated into the early hours of Sunday morning.Footage from the airport showed a sea of blue as supporters welcomed the players home.Fans chanted, clapped and waved flags during the triumphant scenes in Andalusia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMalaga’s promotion was sealed in dramatic fashion following a 2-1 win in the first leg last weekend.Trailing 1-0 at the end of normal time, the visitors then conceded at the start of extra-time to fall behind on aggregate.Forward Dioni pulled one back during the second half of extra-time, though.However, the match appeared destined for penalties before Antonito’s stoppage time winner clinched promotion.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMalaga dropped into the third tier 12 months ago following five years outside La Liga.Their relegation from the top flight in 2018 ended a 10-year stint which included a run to the Champions League quarter-finals.Watch moment fuming fans greet baffled random man at airport and hand him ‘new signing’ shirt in protest aimed at clubA side including Julio Baptista and Isco made the last eight before a controversial defeat to Borussia Dortmund.Malaga had also made the quarter-finals of the Uefa Cup a decade earlier, beating Leeds during their 2002/03 European campaign.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      in Motorsport

      Charles Leclerc in X-rated rant at Lando Norris caught live on Sky Sports as he escapes punishment for shock collision

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      CHARLES LECLERC sparked controversy when he collided with Lando Norris and launched an X-rated rant live on Sky Sports.But the Ferrari ace escaped punishment after stewards reviewed the dramatic incident in final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.Viewers were shocked to see and hear the incident as Charles Leclerc overtook Lando Norris before cutting back inside and hitting out verballyLeclerc seemed to think Brit Norris – who went on to take pole for Sunday’s race – was holding him back unfairly on the Barcelona track.Eventually the Monégasque driver overtook the 24-year-old’s McLaren as he entered turns 7/8.But Leclerc cut back sharply to the inside racing line – appearing to clip Norris’ wing mirror quite clearly.The 26-year-old was then heard saying: “F*****. I don’t understand why they did it.”READ MORE TOP STORIESThat’s thought to be his verdict on the tactics of Norris and his team.Stewards watched replays of the exchange – before “reprimanding” Leclerc but NOT giving him a grid penalty.Their statement read: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), the driver of Car 4 (Lando Norris), team representatives and reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence.”The driver of Car 16 stated that he got impeded by Car 4 into Turn 5 and that upset him.Most read in MotorsportLeclerc seemed frustrated before finally overtaking NorrisEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”He then had to abort his flying lap and contended that, while trying to get off the racing line before Turn 7, he misjudged the position of his car and made slight contact with Car 4.”Irrespective of any possible intent, the Stewards consider the move made by Car 16, whilst not being dangerous, to be erratic and therefore issue a driving reprimand in line with precedents.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 But fans on social media seemed to reckon Leclerc got off lightly.One demanded: “Weekend ban immediately.  Utterly disgraceful.”Another posted: “I have no idea what Leclerc has done this. No excuse.”Lando later rubbed salt into Leclerc’s wounds by nicking pole from F1 world champion and current table leader Max Verstappen.Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton out-qualified Mercedes team-mate George Russell for just the second occasion this year as they took third and fourth spots. F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:
      Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
      Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
      Mercedes: George Russell and TBC
      McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
      Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and TBC
      Williams: Alex Albon and TBC
      Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBC
      Alpine: TBC x2
      RB: TBC x2
      Haas: TBC x2 More

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      Incredible moment hero former Real Madrid star hurtles down slide to rescue couple from drowning on Maldives holiday

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      A FORMER Real Madrid star became a hero as he rescued a couple from drowning while on holiday.Sergio Arribas was relaxing in the Maldives with his girlfriend when he heard the frantic cries for help coming from the sea.Sergio Arribas and girlfriend Anna Martin heard the cries of a couple in troubleCredit: Newsflash MediaArribas slid down to help the people in distressCredit: Newsflash MediaThe footballer helped get the people to safetyCredit: Newsflash MediaVideo footage of the rescue shows Arribas and Anna as they heard a woman shouting “help, help, help” while holding onto a rubber ring.The couple had been swept away by tidal currents.Arribas, 22, instantly climbed to the top of a sea slide and hurtled down into the water to help.After saving the woman he then turned his attention to her swimming partner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOther holidaymakers and staff threw a lifebelt into the water.After the rescue, Arribas and Anna brought the couple ashore.The video went viral on social media with the midfielder quickly hailed as a hero.One fan posted: “Bravo Sergio! A true hero.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “These things are what should go viral. Great Sergio.”A third commented: “Fair play Arribas.”I’m a former LaLiga star who faced Messi and Ronaldo – now I earn a fortune selling sexy content on OnlyFansA fourth said: “Wow. God bless him.”Another added: “Wow that’s a national hero right there, God bless his heart.”Arribas began his career at Perez Galdos in 2007 and joined Leganes in 2010.His talent led him to Real Madrid in 2012, where he rose through the youth ranks.Arribas played for Real Madrid Castilla in the 2020-2021 season and made his debut for the first team at 18 years old in September 2020.In the same year, he also debuted in the Uefa Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his time at Real Madrid, Arribas played in 14 matches.He left the club last year and joined Almeria however he could not help the club avoid relegation from LaLiga.Who are these famous footballers? More