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      Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium to break attendance record in different sport as it hosts major event

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      REAL MADRID’S Santiago Bernabeu stadium is set to host the EuroBasket opener in 2029.EuroBasket is Europe’s largest international basketball competition.Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium features a retractable roofCredit: GettySpain are the reigning EuroBasket championsCredit: AFPSpain are among the continent’s most successful basketball nations and are the reigning EuroBasket champions.World basketball governing body Fiba has announced that Spain are among four countries to host the 2029 edition.Madrid’s 80,000-seater Bernabeu is set to host the opening game of the tournament, likely to be Spain against a leading contender.The curtain-raiser could set a new Fiba attendance record, with the largest attendance currently standing at 38,115, set at Philippine Arena two years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal Madrid’s iconic home has undergone substantial renovations in recent years – now featuring a retractable roof and huge LED screens.In addition to the curtain raiser, final phase games are also set to take place in Spain.Other games in Madrid are to be held at the 16,000-seater Movistar Arena.In addition to the Spanish capital – Athens, Tallinn and Ljubljana will also host games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFiba Europe president Jorge Garbajosa said: “We are excited to bring FIBA EuroBasket 2029 to some of Europe’s prime basketball destinations, each with a strong basketball culture and a clear commitment to delivering an outstanding event.”We look forward to working closely with the host countries to ensure a successful and memorable tournament for teams, fans, and partners alike.”Charles Barkley forced off air as he’s abruptly cut midway through speechFiba chief Kamil Novak added: “The interest our National Federations have shown in organising this event speaks to the growing profile and prestige of Fiba EuroBasket.”We thank all the bidders for their outstanding proposals and extend our best wishes to the four hosts as they begin their journey toward delivering a fantastic tournament.”This summer’s EuroBasket is set to take place in Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, and Poland.The tournament will run between August 27 and September 14 – and could feature the likes of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.EuroBasket is set to take place this summer between August and SeptemberCredit: FIBA More

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      Shocking moment ex-Liverpool and Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho’s interview interrupted by gunshots

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      GUNSHOTS interrupted an interview with Liverpool icon Philippe Coutinho.Loud gunfire also erupted when his Vasco da Gama team-mates Leo Jardim and Nuno Moreira went in front of the same cameras pitchside.Philippe Coutinho appeared to to take it in his strideBrazilian keeper Leo Jardim laughed readily during the incidentFans were shocked by the scenes in Rio de Janeiro – but many were even more amazed by the reaction of all three players.Former Barcelona playmaker Coutinho, 32, paused when the shots cracked out, before turning around grinning and sharing a jokey comment.His fellow Brazilian, 30-year-old ex-Lille keeper Jardim, burst out laughing.And Portuguese winger Moreira, 25, stood calmly with a smile on his face before crossing his arms.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFour of Brazil’s biggest teams are in the high-crime city of Rio.Vasco, Fluminense, Botafogo and Flamengo are bitter rivals.But some areas of the city – usually in impoverished neighbourhoods called favellas – have a history of gang violence.And when clips of the interviews were posted online, fans were stunned by how the three stars appeared to make light of the gunshots.Most read in FootballOne observer wrote: “The craziest thing is that no one even moves. Like normalizing things is really scary.”Another posted: “The tranquility of the Carioca people [Rio residents] listening to the bullets flying still impresses me. “Nuno Moreira also reacted coolly to the interventionBut a third argued: “Embarrassing. They have to move the training centre out of the middle of this favela. It’s embarrassing. For the love of God.”A fourth pointed out: “Vasco and Fluminense’s training centers are on the same street, practically next to Cidade de Deus. “It’s not a good location. But when it comes to the city of Rio de Janeiro, no place is a good place.”And a fifth made an even more sobering claim.They wrote: “This is Rio without makeup, not what the authorities try to sell to outsiders. Most Cariocas survive daily under these conditions of imminent risk when leaving their homes. Devastating and revolting.”Coutinho is on loan at mid-table Brazilian top-flight club Vasco from Aston Villa after spending last season with Qataris Al-Duhail SC.But his career has gone downhill since he followed five scintillating years at Liverpool with a £142million move to Barca in 2018. Fans saw Coutinho chat comfortably before and after the gunshotsCredit: X/ geglobo More

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      Luka Modric tipped to make ‘tremendous’ Championship transfer after Real Madrid exit

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      LUKA MODRIC and Real Madrid have announced he will be leaving the club after the Club World Cup this summer.In an emotional statement, the 39-year-old confirmed “the time has come” for him to move on from the Spanish giants.Luka Modric has confirmed he is leaving Real Madrid after 13 yearsCredit: AFPThe midfielder won 28 trophies since joining in 2012Credit: PAIt has been confirmed he will leave after the Club World CupCredit: AFPHe became a co-owner of Swansea last monthCredit: RexEx-Madrid ace Fernando Morientes told him to seal a transfer there for next seasonCredit: GettyModric has been with the club since 2012 and has won an incredible 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and six Club World Cups.But the ex-Tottenham star has been urged to make a “tremendous” transfer from Champions League to Championship by joining Swansea, who Modric became a shock co-owner of last month.Former Madrid striker Fernando Morientes backed him to make the switch to Wales next season.Speaking to CasinoHawks, who offer the latest online casinos, Morientes said: “Luka Modric playing for Swansea would be tremendous.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m sure there would be a lot of excitement among the fans. A player like Luka Modric, even if he’s at the end of his career, would be welcome I’m sure and he would be excited for the project.”Obviously, we shouldn’t expect him to be 100 per cent or at his best because he’s at a certain age, but even when he came on against Barcelona, the feeling of Madrid in midfield changed. “He probably doesn’t have the level of competitive rhythm that a game like that demands, but he’s so intelligent, he’s so good in midfield, he has so much quality that he could continue to give a few good seasons. “I think he could have a couple of good seasons in England, without a doubt and I’m convinced the excitement he would generate among the fans would be tremendous.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKModric is said to have wanted the club to trigger a contract extension that would have seen him spend one more season at the Bernabeu, but the decision was made not to activate it.The Croatian will now have the chance to add a seventh Club World Cup accolade before he completely calls quits on his time with Los Blancos.Watch moment frustrated Luka Modric walks out of interview after reporter’s question following Croatia’s Euro 2024 drawThe refreshed competition being held in the USA will start on June 14 while the final will be on July 13.Modric and Co. qualified for the tournament by winning the Champions League in 2021/22 and 2023/24. In an Instagram statement on his exit, he said: “The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end.”I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next.”Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”The club’s statement on the decision said: “Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.Luka Modric leaving statement in fullLuka Modric’s leaving Real Madrid statement in full on Instagram:Dear Madrid fans:The time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.Llegué en 2012 con la ilusión de vestir la camiseta del mejor equipo del mundo y con la ambición de hacer cosas grandes, pero no me podía imaginar lo que vino después.Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person.I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.I want to thank the club from the bottom of my heart, especially the president Florentino Perez, my teammates, coaches and all the people who have helped me during all this time.Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We won everything and I was very happy. Very very happy.But beyond the titles and victories, I carry in my heart the affection of all Madrid fans. I really don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected and loved I have felt and feel. I will never forget each ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me.Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I’ll always be a Madrid fan.We’ll see each other again. Real Madrid will always be my home For a lifetime.Hala Madrid and Nothing ElseLuka Modric.”Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football…”Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid’s 123-year history.”On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d’Or, was named FIFA The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018. “He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.”Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.”The club statement also confirmed the Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to Modric on their final home game of the season this Saturday.Read More on The SunReal president Florentino Perez said: “Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique an exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. “His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”Real Madrid statement on Modric exit in fullFull Real Madrid statement on Luke Modric leaving after Club World Cup:Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football.Modrić arrived at Real Madrid back in 2012, and has gone on to be a key component of one of the most successful periods in our club’s history. Over the course of 13 seasons in our colours, he has won 28 titles: 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 European Super Cups, 4 LaLiga titles, 2 Copas del Rey and 5 Spanish Super Cups.Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid’s 123-year history.On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d’Or, was named FIFA The Best Men’s Player, and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018. He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.With the Croatian National Team, he has played 186 times, making him his country’s record holder for international caps. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has said, “Luka Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all madridistas as a unique an exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”Real Madrid wishes Luka Modrić and his family all the best in this new chapter of his life.The Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him this Saturday at our team’s final league game of the season. More

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      Enzo Fernandez ‘house-hunting in Madrid after agreeing Real transfer’ despite Chelsea ace having seven years on contract

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      CHELSEA star Enzo Fernandez has been spotted house-hunting in Madrid, according to sensational reports in Spain.The midfielder has seven years left on his Stamford Bridge contract but has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.Enzo Fernandez has reportedly been spotted house-hunting in MadridXabi Alonso, who is due to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, is looking to add more control to his midfield.And journalist Gustavo Mendez has reported that Fernandez and his girlfriend have been looking at properties in the Spanish capital this week.Mendez also claimed that Fernandez and the 15-time European champions have reached an agreement – but this has not been confirmed.The Premier League ace was allegedly recommended an area by his Argentina team-mate Julian Alvarez, who is at Atletico Madrid.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe gaff was reportedly close to former Manchester City striker Alvarez’s house.Fernandez, 24, was heavily linked with Real before he joined Chelsea, for a then British-record fee of £106million from Benfica in 2023.The LaLiga giants registered their interest again in January, but manager Enzo Maresca is keen to keep his namesake at Stamford Bridge.Fernandez has been a regular starter and even stepped in to wear the captain’s armband this season, with Reece James out injured for most of it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter a tough debut campaign, Fernandez has pushed on this season, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in the Premier League.The 2022 World Cup winner has notched 14 goals and 19 assists in 106 Chelsea appearances.Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke lead Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after win over LiverpoolHe could get his first taste club silverware next week when Chelsea play Real Betis in the Uefa Conference League final.Before that, Fernandez and Chelsea host Nottingham Forest, with both teams looking to finish inside the Champions League spots for next season.If Fernandez is unavailable, Madrid will move for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson. More

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      Jamie Vardy top target for LaLiga giants in shock free transfer after legend’s Leicester exit aged 38

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      JAMIE VARDY could be lining up against Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid next season in LaLiga.SunSport can reveal Vardy is a top summer target for Valencia boss Carlos Corberan, who is keen to sign the 38-year-old Leicester City legend.Valencia want to sign Jamie Vardy in a free transferCredit: GettyVardy bid farewell to Leicester on Sunday after 13 years at the clubCredit: GettyThe former West Brom boss wants to use Vardy’s experience and believes he is still capable of scoring goals in Spain’s top flight.Vardy scored 10 goals for relegated Leicester last season – nine of them in the Premier League.Corberan believes Vardy still has pace to burn and is ideally suited to his side’s counter-attacking game.The Foxes icon bowed out at the top last Sunday when he scored his 200th goal for Leicester City on his 500th club appearance – 13 years to the day since he signed for £1million from Fleetwood Town.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVardy has made it clear he wants to stay in the Premier League but would also consider a lifestyle change, with Major League Soccer and a move to Saudi Arabia also under consideration.However Corberan has made his move early and hopes to persuade Vardy to give Spanish football a try before hanging up his boots.Corberan has worked miracles this season to transform the fortunes of the fallen Spanish giants.Valencia were joint bottom of La Liga on 12 points, four points from safety, when Corberan took over on Christmas Eve.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut since being thrashed 7-1 by Barcelona on January 26, Corberan has turned their season around.He steered them to safety after putting together a run of eight wins, five draws and only one defeat in their next 14 games – with their only loss coming at the hands of Atletico Madrid.Emotional Leicester fans say ‘delete this’ as club share pics of Jamie Vardy packing his things into a cardboard boxAnd if they beat Europa Conference League finalists Real Betis tomorrow night, they could move up to 10th in the 20-team league.Corberan has already sounded Vardy out about a move to La Mestalla as he looks for bargains to bolster his squad.Valencia are short on cash and signing Vardy on a free transfer represents good value for their money. More

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      Chelsea ‘preparing shock transfer bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo’ as ace has ‘one foot out the door’

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      CHELSEA are ready to make a shock bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to reports.The 24-year-old winger is set to be put up for sale this summer.Rodrygo is on the radar of Chelsea as he looks to quit Real MadridCredit: RexShock claims emerged last week that Rodrygo is unhappy at Real Madrid as he believes he is being overshadowed by team-mates like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.Spanish outlet AS have since reported that the Brazilian is in a “complicated moment” and has “one foot out the door”.Rodrygo is waiting to discuss his future with Xabi Alonso, though the incoming boss is supposedly happy to sell him.Chelsea are said to be monitoring the situation ahead of a potential bid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoal claim the Blues have begun talks with the player’s representatives to see if he is interested in the move. But Chelsea are yet to begin discussions with Real Madrid.Rodrygo, who has scored 68 goals and got 50 assists from Real Madrid in 267 games, has a contract at the Bernabeu until 2028.The two-time Champions League winner has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd it could take a fee of close to £100million to get their man.Chelsea are in the market for a winger this summer and rumours suggest Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens are on their shortlist. ‘I’m not happy’ – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca FUMING at Conference League final opponents Real Betis’ unfair advantageGittens’ agent has been in talks with the club for some time and they are willing to double his £2.5million-a-year wages at Dortmund. More

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      ‘I’m not happy’ – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca FUMING at Conference League final opponents Real Betis’ unfair advantage

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      ENZO MARESCA has fumed at Chelsea’s Conference League final opponents Real Betis having 48 hours extra to prepare for the match.The Blues boss will lead his side to Poland for the Uefa showpiece on May 28.Enzo Maresca has spoken ahead of his side’s Conference League finalCredit: GettyChelsea will take on Real Betis in PolandCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJust three days earlier, Chelsea will play their crucial Premier League final day clash with Nottingham Forest.The Blues are fourth in the Prem table, but will fall to fifth should Manchester City avoid defeat to Bournemouth this evening.Maresca’s men would then slip below Forest and out of the Champions League places, should the Tricky Trees leapfrog them by winning on Sunday.In contrast with Chelsea, Real Betis will get to play their LaLiga clash on Friday night, giving them two extra days to prepare for the final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManuel Pellegrini’s side will host Valencia, having already secured sixth place.On the differences in Chelsea and Betis’ respective schedules, Maresca fumed: “I am not happy, 100 per cent.”You cannot allow a team 48 hours more when you play a European final.”I don’t know if it’s from LaLiga, from the Premier League or from Uefa.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If I ask you if it is normal to play a final where one team has 48 hours more than the other, it is not normal, it is not correct.”Further pressed on whether Uefa need to adjust their rules, the Chelsea boss added: “Absolutely, yes.”Cole Palmer eats sandwich and ketchup as Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit release videoMaresca, 45, played under opposite number Pellegrini at Malaga.On reuniting with the Chilean, Maresca revealed: ” I spoke with Manuel yesterday.”It’s special. I spent four years with Manuel, he is a reference for me because of his career and history.”As a human being, he is a top person. I define him like a professional dad because when I need to make big decisions, we are in contact.”Manuel Pellegrini has a close relationship with Enzo MarescaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Emi Martinez ‘wanted by Man Utd and Barcelona’ in shock transfer after keeper hints at Aston Villa exit

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      EMI MARTINEZ is wanted by Manchester United and Barcelona after he hinted at an Aston Villa exit, according to reports in Argentina.Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 – following eight years in North London where he was loaned out six times.Emi Martinez is wanted by Manchester United and Barcelona, say reports in ArgentinaCredit: AlamyAnd he emerged as one of the best keepers in the league, also cementing his place as Argentina No1 before their 2022 World Cup win.But Martinez – whose contract expires in 2029 after extending it in the summer of 2024 – appeared to hint that he is leaving the club.He was seen tearfully waving to fans following Villa’s 2-0 home win against Tottenham – suggesting he is preparing for an exit. And according to Argentine TV channel DSports, United and Barca are both interested in signing Martinez and the keeper has offers from both. READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited No1 Andre Onana has suffered inconsistent form since arriving from Inter Milan in 2023 in a deal worth £47.2million.Old Trafford legend Wayne Rooney even suggested the club should re-sign David de Gea – who left on a free with Onana replacing the Spaniard.Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still Barca’s main stopper but the German has played only seven times this season due to a horror knee injury.Former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny – who joined in 2024 after coming out of retirement – has played 30 times in Ter Stegen’s place. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 35-year-old Pole’s contract expires at the end of the season – after Barca were crowned LaLiga champions – but there is an option to extend. Villa boss Unai Emery, meanwhile, remained tight-lipped on Martinez’s future despite the World Cup winner’s emotional gesture to fans.Wayne Rooney names three players Man Utd should sign this summer including transfer for iconic former starEmery said: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match (of the season) here, and I don’t know. We will see about the team, the players.”Of course, they are responding on the field, at the moment they are responding and they are so, so focused in how we are preparing and playing each match.”But Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp and Roy Keane seem more convinced that it was a goodbye from Martinez. Redknapp said: “What a signing he has been. Amazing player, great goalkeeper, but it looks like he was waving goodbye.”Trying to find someone to fill that void will be very difficult.”Keane added: “He has been a good character, some people like him. He can be annoying at times with some of his antics.”But he has been a great signing for them, he’ll be a big loss as it does look like he his saying his final goodbyes.”Martinez was in tears gesturing to Villa fansCredit: Getty More