La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 63 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      When is Toni Kroos retiring?

      by

      EURO 2024 will take place in Germany this summer with some of the best footballing talent in Europe on display.Many of the sport’s serial winners such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Robert Lewandowski and Toni Kroos, will take to the pitch at the huge international tournament.Toni Kroos and Luka Modric both claimed their sixth Champions League win in JuneCredit: GETTYReal Madrid’s ageing midfield duo of Modric and Kroos showed no signs of slowing down after the pair lifted their sixth Champions League title at Wembley in June.But it will soon be the end of an era for one of the two maestros after Kroos revealed his retirement plans earlier this year.When is Toni Kroos retiring?Toni Kroos has enjoyed a phenomenal career in football winning some of the highest honours the game has to offer.The German made his debut for European giants Bayern Munich aged 17 and went on to win the first of three Bundesliga titles that season.READ MORE IN EURO 2024He also won his first Champions League with the club in 2013, beating rivals Borussia Dortmund in the final.Kroos made the £20million move to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in July 2014.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe midfield maestro went on to make 465 appearances for Los Blancos, winning 21 trophies including five Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups and four La Liga titles.Kroos was also part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad.Most read in Euro 2024He quit international football in 2021 but came out of retirement ahead of Euro 2024 in his native country, following talks with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.Kroos will, however, call time on his illustrious career after the European championship this summer.He confirmed his decision on Instagram: “July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer – but especially as a person. “It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world. After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end.”At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship. “As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own. “My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level.”Who is in Germany’s squad for Euro 2024?Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Stuttgart), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstadt (Stuttgart), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)READ MORE SUN STORIESMidfielders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Chris Fuhrich (Stuttgart), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion), Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Hoffenheim), Niclas Fullkrug (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Three football fans sentenced to jail for racial abuse of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in legal first in Spain

      by

      THREE Valencia fans have been sentenced to jail in a Spanish legal first for racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.Racist chants were aimed at Vinicius during a LaLiga match at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium on May 21, 2023.Three Valencia fans have been sentenced to jail for racially abusing Vinicius JrCredit: PAThe fans were found guilty of a “crime against moral integrity” with “aggravating circumstance of discrimination based on racist motives”.An initial 12-month sentence was reduced to eight months after an agreement reached at the preliminary investigation stage.The guilty fans have also banned from entering any football stadium in which La Liga and/or Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) matches are played for two years. Brazil star Vinicius joined LaLiga, Real Madrid and RFEF in bringing the case to court. READ MORE IN football La Liga president Javier Tebas said:, external “This ruling is great news for the fight against racism in Spain, as it goes some way to redressing the disgraceful wrong suffered by Vinicius Jr and sends a clear message to those individuals who go to a football stadium to hurl abuse.”La Liga will identify them, report them, and there will be criminal consequences.“I understand that there may be some frustration at the length of time it takes for these sentences to be handed down, but this shows that Spain is a country that guarantees judicial integrity.”We at La Liga can only respect the pace of justice, but once again we demand that Spanish legislation evolve to give La Liga sanctioning powers that can speed up the fight against racism.”Most read in FootballReal Madrid said in a statement: “The three accused have accepted their criminal responsibility and have made public a letter of apology addressed to Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid C.F. and other people who felt denigrated and offended by their behavior.”This is the first conviction for acts of this nature handed down by criminal courts and tribunals.”Real Madrid, which participated in this prosecution together with Vinícius Júnior, will continue working to protect the values of our club and eradicate any racist behavior in the world of football and sport.” More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona legend Xavi ‘plots Premier League move’ as he attempts to emulate Pep Guardiola

      by

      XAVI is reportedly eyeing up a move to the Premier League to follow in the footsteps of his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.The legendary midfielder, 44, was dismissed by Barcelona last month after a turbulent few months at the helm.Xavi is eyeing up a Premier League move, according to SportCredit: RexXavi worked under Pep Guardiola for four yearsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdXavi was spotted publicly for the first time on Saturday, since his Barcelona sacking was confirmed at the end of last season.And now Spanish news outlet Sport report that the Barca legend is plotting a move to the Premier League.If this materialises, he will be following in the footsteps of his former manager Pep Guardiola.Xavi intends to spend some much-needed time with his family in the coming months, but is eyeballing England as his destination.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSXavi’s idea would be to take an “interesting” project in England, although it’s not known which clubs he could have his eye on, according to Sport.Despite the criticism Xavi faced during his tenure at Barcelona, he is likely to receive numerous offers after winning the domestic double in 2022/2023.The former Camp Nou midfielder announced that he would be leaving at the end of this season in January, only to perform a U-turn in April.The club then announced his dismissal at the end of the campaign which saw Barca finish second, and 10 points behind rivals Real Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Xavi was predicted to make a swift return to management, and was linked with Chelsea after they parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino.Elsewhere, Barcelona announced the appointment of former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick as the club’s new manager.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersFlick will undertake a two-year contract, and is only the third German to take charge of the Catalonian outfit.Manchester United approached Xavi about becoming the club’s new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.This comes amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of United boss Erik ten Hag.Likewise, AC Milan and the South Korean national team also made contact with Xavi. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Fenerbahce enter race to sign £50MILLION Mason Greenwood from Man Utd – but he doesn’t fancy working with Jose Mourinho

      by

      TURKISH club Fenerbahce are plotting to enter the race to sign Mason Greenwood — but he is not keen on working with Jose Mourinho.Manchester United striker Greenwood’s future is up in the air after his loan deal at Spanish club Getafe expired.Mason Greenwood is peaked the interest of FenerbahceCredit: GettyBut he reportedly does not want to work with new boss Jose MourinhoCredit: GettySeveral unnamed Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in signing the £75,000-a-week striker.Along with a series of foreign clubs including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Juventus.And just days after his former Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho took over as manager, Fenerbahce entered the race to sign the controversial centre forward, who could be allowed to leave United for a bid of around £50m.A source said: “Fenerbahce are interested in Mason, They know he is a quality player and believe that having Mourinho as manager could be an attractive proposition for him.”read more football newsMourinho has previously worked with Greenwood after giving him a chance during his time as Old Trafford manager.In 2018 the 61-year-old Portuguese picked the then 16-year-old for the club’s pre-season US tour.Former United midfielder Nicky Butt has told how Mourinho identified Greenwood as a future first-team star when he was just 15.Butt, who was working for United’s academy when Mourinho was United boss between 2016 and 2018, said: “He asked, ‘Who is this kid Greenwood?’ when Mason was 15.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“He said ‘bring him to train with us’, and I said, ‘We can’t, because he’s at school.”Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and assault.Mason Greenwood set to leave Man Utd as Getafe give transfer updateProsecutors later dropped all charges.A club internal review followed and United bosses ruled that Greenwood should ply his trade away from Old Trafford.He then joined Spanish club Getafe last September on a season-long loan, where he won player of the season after returning ten goals and six assists in 36 appearances.United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe opened the door earlier this season to bring the troubled star back, saying the club needed to make a “fresh decision”.Greenwood, 22, remains on United’s list of retained players and his contract at Old Trafford runs until 2025, with the club having the option to extend it by another 12 months. More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid break tradition with new 2024/25 kits – but fans can’t buy Kylian Mbappe’s shirt

      by

      REAL MADRID have both thrilled and frustrated fans with their new kits for next season.Supporters hailed the “cold” gear which in one case break tradition – but have also realised one striking problem.Kylian Mbappe is focused for now on the Euros with Didier Deschamps’ FranceCredit: APReal Madrid fans have mostly given the new kit the thumbs-upYou can’t buy one with new No 9 Kylian Mbappe on it!However, there’s a perfect explanation for that – and one which means fans will only have to wait until July 1.It comes as Real and adidas opt for a more simple look, with black trim on a textured white shirt for their first kit.And it’s the second strip that departs from the Spanish giants’ usual colours.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLThe Champions League and LaLiga kings have gone for bright orange.But for any fans unsettled by that move away from the past, Real have provided a reassuring appearance for their third kit.That will be in Los Blancos’ more typical black and grey pattern.However, the lack of a Mbappe top has stolen much of the attention, just days after the frontman’s free transfer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballLos Blancos look to have amazing attacking options next termEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSReal would no doubt love to have rushed out Mbappe shirts after their lengthy pursuit of the French icon ended successfully.But the matter is complicated as his PSG deal runs until June 30.Kylian Mbappe’s crazy Real Madrid contractMbappe’s move tested the relations between the two clubs.And Diario AS say PSG were unwilling to give up early all the image rights concerning the 25-year-old.That’s also why fans have yet to see a picture of the potential Euro 2024 hero in a Real shirt. Meanwhile, supporters have praised Madrid’s new outfits as “fantastic” and a “thing of beauty”.A few, however, reckon next season’s kit has hardly altered.”Looks the same as the last 100 home kits,” insisted one, while another said: “I see no changes.”Real’s new outfits each cost 100 euros (about £85). That rises to 160 euros (£136) if you want the exact version worn by the players.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet even at those prices many fans reckon they are strips to die for – if not yet to Kyl for.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England star Kieran Trippier reveals ‘lunatic’ team-mate drove TRACTOR to training and did donuts on the pitch

      by

      KIERAN TRIPPER hilariously lifted the lid on his former team-mate doing donuts on the training pitch in a TRACTOR.The 33-year-old has played with plenty of unique personalities during his days at Burnley, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Newcastle.Kieran Trippier says his ‘lunatic’ ex-team-mate drove a tractor onto the training pitchCredit: RexTrippier played with Diego Costa at Atletico MadridCredit: Getty – ContributorAhead of this summer’s Euros, England star Trippier was asked quickfire questions by Gary Neville.The Manchester United legend quizzed him on who the best character he has ever shared a dressing room with is.And Trippier did not hesitate as he shared a hilarious story about his fiery old Atletico Madrid team-mate.He told SkyBet’s The Overlap: ” Diego Costa. Lunatic. Absolute lunatic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You would be walking down the hill to training and he would fly past you on one of those buggies or a tractor.”He would then start doing donuts on the pitch.”But he was brilliant in the dressing room and Diego Simeone sort of accepted him.”Costa, 35, won the LaLiga title alongside Trippier at Atleti in 2021.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      The hothead striker developed a reputation at Chelsea and Wolves for being a bad boy, having received seven red cards in his career.Costa now plays in Brazil for Gremio and has scored seven goals in 12 games this year.Ex-Premier League star accuses Diego Costa of having smelly breath as pair have blazing row on live TV More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Kylian Mbappe’s private suite at Real Madrid training ground with fingerprint scanner and huge balcony

      by

      KYLIAN MBAPPE’S eyes have been opened to the luxuries enjoyed by Real Madrid stars.The former Paris-Saint Germain winger was gifted with his own stunning private suite with a lavish balcony at Madrid’s £100million training base.Kylian Mbappe has been gifted with his very own private suiteCredit: Real MadridEvery player has their own stunning suiteCredit: Real MadridThe bed is fitted with Real Madrid crested pillowsCredit: Real MadridA luxuriant en-suite is among the facilities on handCredit: Real MadridAs well as a HUGE modern balconyCredit: Real MadridMbappe, 25, joined Los Blancos as a free agent last week, in what many consider the ‘most expensive free transfer in football history’.And now he has discovered that no expense is spared for players who wear the Madrid shirt, after being introduced to his very own private room.The video released by Spanish TV channel Conexion Deportiva shows that Mbappe’s name has been nailed to the door of his exclusive digs.Each room is only accessible by the fingerprint of that specific player, with an immense balcony overlooking the impressive training pitches.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJust like a five-star hotel, Mbappe’s en-suite is larger than most flats. The hallway walls are covered in white gloss with luminous club crests, before you get to French World Cup winner’s room 103.The building boasts an indoor swimming pool, games room, cinema and 57 individual bedrooms across an area of more than 7,800 squared metres.The Valdebebas Park facilities were opened in 2005 and cost an estimated £100million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMbappe was reportedly allocated the room which was previously occupied by legendary German midfielder Toni Kroos.The suite emptied quite recently when Kroos, 34, left the club last week, having announced his retirement from football.Play Home Games and guess which sporting icon lived in this dream mansionMbappe ended his career at Paris Saint-Germain by lifting the Coupe de France trophy a few weeks ago.Before announcing his move to the former club of his favourite player, Cristiano Ronaldo.He expressed his excitement about joining Madrid on social media and even received words of support from Ronaldo himself.Fans joked that after Ronaldo had left Madrid’s stunning training base for Juventus, he was forced to suffer with Manchester United’s ancient facilities when he re-joined in 2021.After seeing the video, one Man Utd fan account wrote: “Wow. We’re sorry Ronaldo.”Another said: “Now I understand why Ronaldo was complaining about Man Utd’s leaking roof.”Mbappe joins the 15-time European cup winners after a six-year spell with PSG in which he scored 256 goals in 308 appearances.The French midfielder penned a five-year contract with Madrid that will see him take a whopping £51MILLION pay cut to join.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s believed that the star was earning a whopping £63.9m per year during his final season in Paris with an annual £25.6m signing-on-bonus too.While his new deal in the Spanish capital will see him earn a comparatively measly £12.8m per year deal after tax.Mbappe joined Real Madrid as a free agentCredit: AFP More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Rose Bertram wows in sexy blue bikini ahead of boyfriend Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid

      by

      ROSE Bertram looks like she’s licking forward to her boyfriend Kylian Mbappe moving to Real Madrid.The curly-haired Belgian beauty, 29, clutched a lollipop as she posed in a blue bikini for PrettyLittleThing.Model Rose Bertram clutched a lollipop as she posed in a blue bikini for PrettyLittleThingCredit: PrettyLittleThingThe Belgian stunner has been linked to football aces as well as actor Leonardo DiCaprioCredit: AFPIt comes after striker Mbappe, 25, confirmed his transfer from PSG.Real fans will hope he doesn’t suck. In May 2023, Rose was rumoured to be dating actor Leonardo ­DiCaprio, 49 — after being previously linked to then-24-year-old French football ace Kylian Mbappe.Rose previously dated Gregory van der Wiel, once of Ajax and capped 46 times by the Netherlands.READ MORE ON MODELSThe two got together when she was just 19, and had a whirlwind romance – where she followed his career from Paris to Istanbul to Sardinia and Toronto.They would welcome two children in their time together.But cracks began to form in their relationship as van der Wiel suffered some mental health problems such as anxiety and panic attacks, which began to affect the couple.In 2023, Rose said: “There are a lot of people who deal with this.Most read in Football”It’s not talked about enough and in my case if you don’t know enough about it, it’s very difficult to understand that person. “It hasn’t always been easy to deal with. It breaks my heart that he feels this way and that I can’t help it.”Kylian Mbappe’s crazy Real Madrid contractRose is currently dating Real Madrid star Kylian MbappeCredit: AFP More