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    Former Barcelona star accused of sending his twin brother to play in his place as he’s ‘caught out’ for bizarre reason

    FORMER Barcelona starlet Edgar Ie has been accused of sending his twin brother to play for Dinamo Bucharest in his place.Ie, 30, made one first team appearance for Barca under Luis Enrique.Edgar Ie was previously on the books at BarcelonaCredit: GettyIe, 30, joined Dinamo Bucharest in FebruaryCredit: GettyAfter leaving Turkish side Basaksehir in January, the Guinea-Bissau international signed for Romanian side Dinamo Bucharest the following month.Ie has so far played five times for Dinamo.But according to Romanian journalist Emmanuel Rosu, figures within the club believe that Ie has sent his twin brother Edelino to play instead.Having started at Barcelona, Edgar Ie has also played for the likes of Villarreal, Lille, Nantes, Trabzonspor and Feyenoord.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEdelino, meanwhile, has spent much of his career in the Portuguese lower leagues.While his last known club was Tluchowia Tluchow in Poland.Rosu adds that suspicions have been raised due to a language-barrier with their player.They reportedly believe Edgar Ie to be fluent in English, but have found that they cannot communicate in the language with their player.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe report also alleges that their player has refused to show them his driving license.Dinamo have collected eight points in the five matches in which he has played.Ilkay Gundogan points blame at two Barcelona team-mates on live TV after nightmare Champions League exit to PSGAccording to Spanish outlet Marca, they could lose those points if it is proved that it is not Edgar Ie that has been playing for them.Although a figure within the Romanian Football Federation has told local outlet iAMsport: “There is no planned scenario for this situation.”If the player who played is not the real one, there could be sanctions. Legally, a DNA test can decide everything.”Of course, Dinamo never intended to use the twin brother instead of the correct one.”I think that, if the DNA result confirms that it is his twin brother, they should consider a defence, considering that they did not know about this.”The possibility will have to be considered, but if Dinamo was deceived and manages to prove it, then the risk of losing points does not exist.”Edgar Ie joined Barcelona in 2012 from Sporting Lisbon, where he had been in the academy with his twin brother Edelino.He went on to play once for Barca’s first team, replacing Jeremy Mathieu and featuring alongside the likes of Andres Iniesta in a 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Huesca in 2014.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis last appearance in a matchday squad for former club Basaksehir came on December 23, when he was an unused substitute for a match against Trabzonspor.He was called up by Guinea Bissau for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and made one appearance in the group stage, playing the full 90 minutes as they lost 1-0 to Nigeria on January 22.Ie battles with Edinson Cavani during his Lille daysCredit: AFP or licensors More

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    Forgotten five-time Champions League winner, 32, wins 19th MOTM award in just 28 games after stunning career revival

    A REAL MADRID legend is continuing to enjoy an incredible career resurgence.Step forward forgotten five-time Champions League winner Isco.A career resurgence has seen one icon earn 19 man of the match awards from 28 appearances this termCredit: RexThis winger was unemployed for nearly six months before signing for Real Betis last summerCredit: GettyThis 32-year-old winger has been capped 38 times by Spain and has a host of medals in his collection.However, last year he spent five months unemployed after a transfer move turned into a nightmare.But now he is back to his best and is hoping to reward Real Betis for giving him another chance by securing them a top six finish in LaLiga.Isco started out at Valencia but his breakthrough came at Malaga following a switch there in 2011.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was his impressive displays over the next two years there that eventually earned him a dream move to Real Madrid.He went on to spend nine years at the Bernabeu and lifted Europe’s biggest prize five times as well as LaLiga on three occasions.The ace played over 250 times for Los Blancos and scored 37 goals as well as winning four Fifa Club World Cups, three Uefa Super Cups, a trio of Spanish Super Cups and a Copa del Rey.But, after making just 14 LaLiga appearances in his final season, Isco was released when his contract expired in June 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNaturally, there were a host of teams chasing Isco’s signature from across the continent which allowed him to have his pick of clubs.It was eventually Sevilla that won the race for his signature in a move that saw him link up with former Spain and Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui – but it soon emerged that transfer chief Monchi was not as much of a fan of the player.Isco scores a brilliant goal in Real Madrid training Just four months and 19 appearances later, Isco was heading for the exit door.Monchi publicly claimed that the attacking midfielder wanted to leave, only for the player himself to deny this in an explosive interview where he revealed that he and the chief, who now works for Aston Villa, even came to physical blows.Isco was unemployed for nearly six months after a transfer to Union Berlin collapsed during the January 2023 window.The player was linked with a move to the Premier League as both Arsenal and Tottenham were keen but he penned a contract with Sevilla’s bitter rivals Real Betis instead last summer – and he has returned to top form since.Isco has scored eight goals and provided five assists so far in his 28 top-flight appearances so far for Betis.But even more impressive that those stats is the amount of man of the match awards he has received.Isco, who got on the scoresheet, was picked as the star performer in Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Almeria.Amazingly, that was his 19th man of the match award from his 28 matches this term.We revealed previously that Isco’s contract was initially valid until June 2025, but it has now been extended until 2026 after he triggered the additional 12 months by making 25 appearances.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, that deal also includes a release clause for just a bargain £8.6m.That could lead to a host of top teams queuing up again to try and snap him up for that reduced fee thanks to his rich vein of form.Isco won the Champions League five-times in nine years at Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid ‘start work on NEXT Galactico transfer after Mbappe – but give Premier League clubs a year’s head start’

    REAL MADRID have already started working on a massive transfer deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.But Real aren’t planning to sign Wirtz, 21, before the summer of 2025 and have thus given the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool a year’s head start.Real Madrid are planning to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz in 2025Credit: GettyReal Madrid target Wirtz as their next Galactico after Kylian MbappeCredit: AFPMan Utd, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool also target Leverkusen star WirtzMbappe, 25, finally confirmed he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain in June after months of reports insisting the star forward has no plans to extend his seven-year stint at Parc des Princes.The star forward looks set to join Los Blancos as a free agent on a lucrative contract.And Real are already preparing the ground for their next Galactico signing with Wirtz posing as their favourite marquee signing for the 2025-26 season.According to Marca, the Spanish champions have begun work on acquiring the playmaker at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.Read More on FootballThat means United, City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who see him as Mohamed Salah’s replacement, will have to work fast this summer or next January.This promises to be quite an intense bidding war with Bayern Munich also interested.The Germany international has set the world alight this season by starring for Xabi Alonso’ undefeated Leverkusen side.The German champions are targeting an unprecedented Treble triumph while enjoying a record 49-game unbeaten run across all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Wirtz has stood out with a staggering total of 18 goals and 19 assists in 46 appearances.Real are famous for beating their competition in landing some of the world’s top young talent.England star Jude Bellingham speak in fluent spanish as Real Madrid parade LaLiga trophy leaving fans so ‘proud’Madrid proved it with the signings of Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick. More

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    Premier League title winner, 41, set to be unemployed after release from Spanish giants – but still won’t retire

    CLAUDIO BRAVO is set to leave Real Betis as a free agent in the summer at the age of 41.However, Bravo doesn’t appear prepared to retire any time soon despite his advanced age.Claudio Bravo is leaving Real Betis but isn’t planning to retire despite his advanced age of 41Bravo spent four years with Manchester City before joining BetisCredit: AlamyAccording to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the goalkeeper will be released on June 30 when his contract runs out at Betis.The ex-Manchester City ace is now ready for a “new chapter” and isn’t planning to return to his native Chile.The ex-Chile international’s career kicked off in 2002 with Colo-Colo where he rose through the ranks as a youth star.Bravo spent four years at the esteemed club before getting his big break at Real Sociedad.Read More on FootballThe keeper made a name for himself in Spain with a whopping 237 appearances at Sociedad.That led to a big move at Barcelona in 2014 after a stunning display in that summer’s World Cup where Chile made it to the Last 16.Bravo amassed 43 clean sheets in 75 appearances during his two-year stint at Barca.Then Pep Guardiola came calling and brought the shot-stopper to City in 2016.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Chilean spent four years with the Citizens but only played 61 times for the Premier League giants due to a raft of injuries.However, he still won the 2018 Premier League title as well as two FA Cup trophies.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersBravo left Guardiola’s side in 2020 and spent the last four years with Betis where he thrived despite his advanced age.He is set to leave the Seville outfit with a total of 74 appearances under his belt. More

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    Watch England star Jude Bellingham speak in fluent Spanish as Real Madrid parade LaLiga trophy leaving fans so ‘proud’

    JUDE BELLINGHAM brilliantly spoke fluent Spanish on the balcony of Real Madrid’s LaLiga title celebrations.Bellingham, 20, has been sensational since arriving at the Bernabeu in the summer.Jude Bellingham spoke Spanish to the crowd before spreading his arms aloftCredit: EPABellingham performed the celebration that has become synonymous with himCredit: RexBellingham did not shy away from speaking to the fansCredit: XBellingham has learnt Spanish less than one year after joining Real MadridCredit: EPAHe has been sensational for Real Madrid this seasonCredit: EPAThe Real Madrid players soaked in the atmosphere on an open top busCredit: EPAHe has scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists as Carlo Ancelotti’s men cantered to the title with four games remaining.Real Madrid are also into the Champions League final where they will face Bellingham’s former club Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.But ahead of their attempts to claim a record-extending 15th European crown, the Spanish champions revelled in their LaLiga glory with a parade around the city of Madrid.It culminated in the squad gathering on a balcony looking over the Cibeles Fountain as the adoring fans assembled to catch a glimpse of the team with the trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd after right-back Dani Carvajal had conducted his own speech, he ushered Bellingham to the microphone.Vinicius Junior could be seen laughing hysterically as the ex-Birmingham man made his way over.But he then proceeded to speak in fluent Spanish as he captivated everyone.He said: “Many thanks for your support and the love shown this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe incredible scenes come as they prepare to go for a sixth Champions League in 10 yearsCredit: ReutersBellingham put on some shades for the paradeCredit: ReutersFans came out in their thousands to see the LaLiga champions parade around MadridCredit: ReutersVinicius Junior was loving the celebrations in MadridCredit: Reuters”We’ve got one more big game at Wembley. We’re going to win.”Come on Madrid.”Jude Bellingham interview after winning Laureus Sports Breakthrough of the Year awardBellingham then held aloft both of his arms – a goal celebration he has quickly made synonymous with him.The England star only arrived in Spain 11 months ago after sealing a £115million transfer from Dortmund.Yet he appears to have swiftly picked up the language as he continues to impress both on and off the pitch.Bellingham’s mum, Denise, moved to Madrid with her son following his switch last year.Meanwhile, his dad, Mark, moved to Sunderland to be with Bellingham’s brother, Jobe.It was exclusively revealed by The Sun in April that the Real Madrid man is dating Dutch Instagram model Laura Celia Valk.Bellingham has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s superb 2023/24 campaignCredit: Getty More

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    Kylian Mbappe’s staggering pay cut revealed with star expected to join Real Madrid after announcing PSG exit

    KYLIAN MBAPPE will allegedly take a huge pay-cut at Real Madrid.The 25-year-old will leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer next month when his contract expires.Kylian Mbappe is set for a huge pay decrease when he joins Real MadridCredit: AFPThe star announced his PSG exit in a video on FridayCredit: AFPArsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with a summer swoop to try and bring him to the Premier League.However, it is Real Madrid that have won the race to sign Mbappe after chasing him for years.The French forward is believed to have signed a five-year deal that will keep him at the Bernabeu until June 2029.Now AS are claiming that Mbappe’s salary will be vastly reduced despite him being one of the top earners at the Bernabeu.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe star is coming to the end of a two-year deal at PSG that netted him a whopping £5.1million per week.But this latest report in the Spanish media states that Mbappe’s new contract will be almost two-thirds less than what he is currently on.However, he will still receive a handsome salary.It claims that Mbappe will pocket £21m-a-year – which equates to £404,000-a-week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that will make him Madrid’s best-paid player.Confirming his exit in a video message after seven years yesterday, Mbappe said: “It’s hard, and I never thought it would be this difficult to announce that I will leave my country.Real Madrid-bound Mbappe storms out of interview after PSG star is asked if he will support Los Blancos against Bayern “France, the Ligue 1, a league I have always known. “But I think I needed this, a new challenge after seven years. It’s difficult and of course there are some people I want to thank above all. These are the fans.“I know I’m not the most demonstrative player. I haven’t always lived up to you for seven years. I have always wanted to be effective.“PSG is a club that never leaves anyone indifferent. We can love it or hate it.“I made the choice of loving it and I did it for seven years, with ups and downs of course. But I do not have any regrets at any moment signing with this prestigious club.“It’s a club that I will keep in my memory my entire life. I will tell everybody my whole life I had the chance to play.”Mbappe will bid farewell to Parc des Princes later today in his final home match when they take on Toulouse.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe already-crowned Ligue 1 champions then travel to Nice on Wednesday before facing Metz in their final top-flight match next Sunday.PSG then take on Lyon on Saturday 25 May in the French Cup Final. More

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    Darwin Nunez’s agent Jorge Mendes ‘wants star to QUIT Liverpool and leaks asking price with Barcelona keen on transfer’

    DARWIN NUNEZ’S agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly leaked Liverpool’s asking price as he pushes for a move to Barcelona.SunSport exclusively revealed last week that the Catalans are eyeing a shock move for Nunez to replace Robert Lewandowski.Darwin Nunez has struggled to take his chances this seasonCredit: PRESS ASSOCIATIONAnd the Uruguayan fuelled speculation when he deleted all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram.He was then spotted in Barcelona on a day off from training this week.And, according to reports in Spain, Nunez’s agent Jorge Mendes is now pushing for a deal to happen.Mas Que Pelotas (via Sport) say that super agent Mendes hopes Barca would get the best out of the misfiring frontman.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd it is claimed he has even told the Spanish giants that Liverpool will accept an offer of £73million.And cash-strapped Barca believe they could afford that fee is they manage to offload their big earners in the summer.Barca’s salary cap has been slashed to just over £174million by LaLiga, meaning they will have to offload higher-paid to press on with a planned rebuild.With wages that will rocket to £27m next season, Lewandowski is the biggest earner of all — and almost certain to be sacrificed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNunez is among the best paid at Liverpool but he is on about a quarter of the Polish forward’s money, which puts him well within Barcelona’s range.The Uruguay hitman is the Reds’ record buy, costing £85m from Benfica two years ago, with a contract running to 2028.Ex-Liverpool star reveals ‘horrendous’ Rafa Benitez cost him £200k with ‘absolute disgrace’ Champions League final callBut Anfield top brass are aware of handing incoming boss Arne Slot a decent summer kitty.Nunez has made 95 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 33 goals and registering 17 assists.But he has struggled this season, scoring only 11 goals in 34 Premier League appearances.The striker has lacked a clinical edge, with no player in Europe’s top five leagues missing more big chances.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
    But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
    Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
    But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
    Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
    “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
    Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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    LaLiga star, 20, in induced coma after suffering head injuries in domestic accident as club say ‘we are all with you’

    A SPANISH footballer is in an induced coma after suffering head injuries in a domestic accident.Felix Garreta, 20, suffered a traumatic brain injury following a fall.Felix Garreta is in a coma following a fallCredit: GettySecond division side SD Amorebieta, where the youngster is on loan from LaLiga club Real Betis, have confirmed the shocking news.He is said to have hurt himself after falling to the ground during a sudden dizzy spell as he spent some down time in Palau-solita i Plegamans, near Barcelona where he hails from.Medics at the unnamed Barcelona hospital where he is in intensive care have described his outlook as “uncertain”.His team-mates were informed of the situation on Thursday. An update on his condition is expected later today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGarreta’s team released a statement which reads: “SD Amorebieta informs that the footballer Felix Garreta recently suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a fall at home. “The player on loan from Real Betis is currently in hospital, with a reserved prognosis and pending evaluation.“We are in constant contact with the player’s family and his club.”The LaLiga side added in its own social media comment: “All our support and affection from this club and its supporters for Felix and his family. We are all with you.”Most read in FootballFull details of the accident, said to have happened a few days ago, have not yet been made public.SD Amorebieta will go ahead with its game this Sunday against Villarreal B after considering requesting it to be postponed.Fans spot Jude Bellingham’s classy gesture after facing Greenwood’s Getafe as they say ‘England captain material’Garreta was expected to move back to Seville this summer to prepare for the start of next season and was also in the running to get a call-up to Spain’s U23 side for the Paris Olympic Games.He has scored four goals in his 33 appearances for SD Amorebieta this season.Fans have taken to social media to offer their support.One said: “You will pull through Felix. A big hug.”Another wrote on his Instagram: “Come on champion. You can overcome everything.” More