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      Spain legend reveals plan to KIDNAP Man Utd star Antony after incredible loan transfer spell

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      SPAIN legend Joaquin is prepared to “KIDNAP” Antony to stop the winger from returning to Manchester United. The Brazilian’s sensational half-volley secured a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final.Spain and Real Betis legend Joaquin joked about kidnapping AntonyIt comes after Antony’s belter secured a narrow 2-1 win over FiorentinaCredit: GettyAfter picking up the ball outside the 18-yard box, Antony initially failed to get a long-range effort away on his favoured left foot. But he showed rapid reactions and excellent precision to smash the ball into the top corner with his right foot on the follow-up – which flew past his former Old Trafford team-mate David de Gea.The Brazil winger added to a thunderbolt opener from Abde Ezzalzouli to double the Betis’ lead.It marked his 10th goal contribution for the LaLiga outfit in what has been an incredible loan spell since he left Man Utd in January. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLuca Ranieri gave Fiorentina hope for the return leg in Italy by slamming a 73rd-minute reply.Antony’s future in Seville is up in the air, with United rejecting a £25m season-long loan deal for next term, preferring a permanent sale instead.But Betis legend Joaquin has urged his former side to do everything they can to keep the 25-year-old.The 43-year-old joked: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. Most read in FootballAntony has been a huge hit with his Betis team-matesCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come, and we’ll see later.”Antony’s strike took his tally to six goals and four assists across 19 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side since joining in January.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everHis influence has been a major factor in Betis’ push for European football, as the club currently sit sixth in the table.It comes as his parent club enjoyed a memorable night of their own, with United running out 3-0 winners against Betis’ LaLiga rivals Athletic Bilbao. Antony was, however, given a straight red in Betis’ 2-1 win over Getafe in February, before it was overturned by the Spanish Football Federation. More

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      Football club ban fans from eating SUNFLOWER SEEDS to protect stadium from ruin

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      A SPANISH football club have banned fans from eating their favourite food… after their stadium was overrun by RATS.Second-division leaders Elche could host Real Madrid and Barcelona next season if they win promotion to LaLiga.Elche have banned fans from eating sunflower seeds at their stadiumCredit: GettyRats and pigeons eat the dropped shells which also block drains and pipesCredit: AlamyBut their Martinez Valero ground has become infested with vermin as a result of fans munching SUNFLOWER SEEDS – and scattering shells on the ground.Club chiefs have now banned the popular Spanish snack from the 34,000-capacity arena.They announced: “Elche Football Club has decided to ban the sale and consumption of sunflower seeds throughout the entire Martinez Valero Stadium, starting from our next game against Levante.”This measure is in response to the need to protect the ground, ensure hygiene and reinforce our commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Martinez Valero is not just a football stadium, but a symbol shared by thousands of fans.”However, the vast consumption of sunflower seeds in recent years has created problems for the building.”The shells block drains and pipes, damage the seats and affect the paint finishes to multiple surfaces. “They significantly raise the costs of cleaning and maintenance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They attract plagues of rats and pigeons. And, above all, they put the cleanliness of the stands at risk.”Despite the constant efforts of the club’s cleaning staff, we need to remove all the shells after every game. ‘This is so impressive’ – Fans amazed as Oli McBurnie speaks in flawless Spanish just months after joining LaLiga”The shells also damage the concrete underfoot and collect in hard-to-reach areas.”This decision is not meant to punish any fan, but instead to preserve a communal space in the best possible conditions.  “Elche CF calls on your collective responsibility to maintain the Martinez Valero as an example of civility, respect, cleanliness and pride in the club.”We thank fans for their understanding, aware of the value of keeping a stadium fit to enjoy football in safety and comfort.”Elche, based near Alicante in south-eastern Spain, ended a three-year spell in LaLiga in 2023.Former Sheffield Wednesday, Preston and Barnsley defender Bambo Diaby, 27, plus ex-Watford man Mario Gaspar are part of their current squad. More

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      Fans only just realising incredible story behind Lamine Yamal’s name.. and reason why he has BOTH on his Barcelona shirt

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      LAMINE YAMAL is tearing it up for club and country, but there’s something unusual about the name on the back of his shirt.Because shockingly, neither Lamine nor Yamal comes from his family. Lamine Yamal is likely to switch from his number 19 to no 10 next seasonYamal was sensational for Spain at the EurosCredit: GettySome Barce fans think Yamal is the second coming of MessiCredit: GettyThe Barcelona wonderkid has been dazzling fans since his breakthrough last season, when he scored seven goals in 50 games.This season has been even better as he’s taken up more responsibility in the team. Fifteen vital goals and counting so far and let’s not forget his heroics at Euro 2024 where he fired Spain to glory and won the Young Player of the Tournament award.But behind the teenage phenom’s name is a story straight out gratitude. READ MORE ON LAMINE YAMALYamal’s full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana.Nasraoui is from his dad. Ebana is from his mum.But Lamine Yamal that’s not a family name at all.According to Tribuna, the 17-year-old was named after two men, both complete strangers who helped his parents pay rent during a tough time after his birth.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe duo’s names were Lamine and Yamal.So as a tribute, Yamal’s dad made a heartfelt promise to them that if they ever had a son, he’d be named after the men who helped them through their darkest days.Lamine Yamal watches WWE Smackdown in crowd after rubbing shoulders with starsAnd now, the football world knows their names, splashed across the back of one of the hottest talents on the planet.His performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League is one of those that will live long in the minds of fans given how he dominated the game.The young forward has the football world talking about himCredit: AP More

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      How Athletic Bilbao built squad for less than the price of Man Utd’s Andre Onana with unique transfer policy

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO will be hoping their unique transfer policy will pay dividends when they face Manchester United.The LaLiga side take on the Red Devils in the Europa League semi-finals with the first leg in Spain on Thursday.Athletic Bilbao have a unique transfer policyCredit: GettyBasque-born Nico Williams (left) and his brother Inaki are Athletic Bilbao’s poster boysCredit: AFP
      The team cost less than Andre Onana’s potential feeCredit: PABilbao are unlike most clubs in world football with a self-imposed transfer limitation.The current team has been assembled for less than the £47.2million that Man United could end up paying for Andre Onana.Ernesto Valverde’s squad only has five players who have been paid for in transfer deals totalling just £46.1m.They are Yuri Berchiche (£21m), Oscar de Marcos (£255,000), Alex Berenguer (£9.5m), Alvaro Djalo (£12.8m) and Maroan Sannadi (£2.55m).READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe remainder of the squad came through the youth academy or have been free transfers.With the likes of Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams and his brother Nico in the mix, they have assembled a top squad.The Basque Country where Bilbao is located has a population of 2.2million – a quarter of the size of London – and has a low number of immigrants.Despite this relatively small pool and limited transfer strategy, the club has enjoyed success.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBilbao have won EIGHT LaLiga titles – which is only less than Real Madrid (36), Barcelona (27) and Atletico Madrid (11).They also have six more league titles than Basque rivals Real Sociedad.Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’Oihan Sancet is one of the stars at BilbaoCredit: RexYuri Berchiche cost the club £21m in 2018Credit: GettyThe club have also won TWENTY-FOUR Copa del Rey titles with their last success coming in 2024.They have never won a European honour and will be hoping to achieve that this season by getting past Manchester United.What is Athletic Bilbao’s transfer policy?The club has instilled a “Basque-only” policy, which means not just any footballer can play for the club.The San Mames outfit has stated that every one of their players has to either been born or raised in the Basque Country.Another statement reads: “As an institution, Athletic Club and all its supporters are characterised by a steadfast belief in a set of values which are becoming increasingly uncommon in football and 21st century sport.”Athletic Club takes pride in its own and has a philosophy and way of seeing football that is unique in the world of football.”This ideal is fully reflected in its policy of promoting academy players.”Athletic Club is based in Bilbao, a city situated in Biscay, a province which makes up part of the Basque Country.”The club’s sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre, Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre.”Why do Athletic Bilbao only sign players from the Basque region?The rule was introduced in 1911 after a dispute between Bilbao and fellow Basque-based side Real Sociedad.Bilbao had fielded ineligible players from England as well as some non-Basque players in a Copa del Rey match.The Spanish FA ruled that players must be Spanish citizens to appear in the competition from the following season.Bilbao opted to maintain the approach even when regulations were later relaxed. A statement on the club website reads: “During the Copa tournament held at Jolaseta in April 1911, several of the participating teams denounced Athletic for improperly fielding foreigners.”From then on, Athletic Club would compete only with home-grown players, thus giving birth to the philosophy that today distinguishes it from any other team in elite football.”The policy makes the club prioritise the signings of players who were born in the Basque Country.The region is in the north of Spain and borders France on the western coast.The policy was implemented in order to preserve the unique culture and identity of the region.Have Athletic Bilbao ever signed non-Basque players?The club states that every player since the start of the rule has been born in the Basque Country or raised there.However, some players who have turned out for the club have sparked debate.Former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte became the first Frenchman to graduate from the club’s youth system in 2012.He was only connected to the Basque Country via his great-grandparents.France star Antoine Griezmann has been a controversial one as he was developed by Basque-based Real Sociedad.He arrived at the club at the age of 14 with the likes of Bilbao’s academy director, Jose Maria Amorrortu, believing that he would qualify.However, some argue that he is ineligible, like adults who have been transferred in by Sociedad.Do Athletic Bilbao managers have to be Basque and have they had non-Basque managers?There are some exceptions to the rule as the club’s coaching staff does not need to be Basque.The club has had managers from England, Germany, France, Argentina and Hungary.Read More on The SunEnglish managers of Bilbao have included Henry John Bagge, William Garbutt, Ralph Kirby, Ronnie Allen and Howard Kendall.The most recent manager who was not even Spanish was Argentine Eduardo Berizzo for 15 matches in 2018.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Lamine Yamal putting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame as staggering stats comparison of stars at 17 emerges

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      INCREDIBLE stats show Lamine Yamal is putting a young Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to shame.The Barcelona wonderkid capped his 100th senior appearance for the club with a goal and a stunning performance in the 3-3 Champions League semi-final draw with Inter Milan last night.Lamine Yamal was at his brilliant best for Barcelona against Inter MilanCredit: GettyLionel Messi was only just breaking into the team at Yamal’s ageCredit: EmpicsCristiano Ronaldo had scored just five goals before his 18th birthdayCredit: ReutersYamal was at his brilliant best and despite being just 17-years-old, was undoubtedly Barca’s main man.The winger inspired the comeback from 2-0 down with a solo goal as he weaved his way past several defenders and fired a curler beyond Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.In was his 22nd goal for his boyhood club since bursting onto the scene and making his debut aged 15 years, 9 months and 16 days.He has also picked up 33 assists in his first 100 games in a Barca shirt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYamal’s record so far is demolishing what Messi and Ronaldo had achieved before adulthood.The Argentine legend made just nine appearances, scoring one goal for Barca before his 18th birthday.Messi did not become a regular and net double figures in a season for the Catalan giants until he was 19-years-old.As for Ronaldo at 17, he was only just breaking through at Sporting Lisbon and had played in 19 games, scoring five goals and getting four assists.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe made the move to Manchester United the following year aged 18 after catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson in a pre-season friendly.Yamal fired Spain to Euro 2024 glory last summer and is closing on a potential Treble-winning season this term with Barca.Lamine Yamal sends brutal message live on TV after being called out by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final Before last night’s draw with Inter, the teenager was asked about comparisons to Messi.He said: “I don’t compare myself to him, because I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi.”We are thinking about improving ourselves, every day, and on being better on the next day.”So I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.”I admire him obviously, as the best player in history, but I don’t compare myself to him.”The eyes of the world being on Yamal also does not bother him, adding: “But fear, I left fear in the park in Mataro (Yamal’s hometown) a long time ago.”Yamal team-mates celebrated his 100th appearanceCredit: Getty More

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      Brazil ‘set to appoint Ruben Amorim’s mentor, 70, as new manager following Carlo Ancelotti snub’

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      BRAZIL have been reportedly snubbed by departing Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and have identified their top alternative.Ancelotti, 65, is set to leave Real after losing the Copa del Rey to rivals Barcelona, getting eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal and falling behind in LaLiga.Brazil have been reportedly been turned down by departing Real Madrid manager Carlo AncelottiBrazil are now prioritising Al-Hilal boss Jorge JesusManchester United boss Ruben Amorim sees Jesus as a mentorThe ex-Chelsea and Everton boss has been linked with a move to Brazil for over a year, in what would be his first job outside club football in his 30-year coaching career.According to journalist Edu Aguirre, however, the Italian tactician has turned the Selecao down.The Brazilian national team have now turned their attention to Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus, with Aguirre claiming a deal is “90 per cent” likely.Jesus, 70, has managed the likes of Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Braga and Fenerbahce.Read More on FootballThe Portuguese tactician has also worked in Brazil where he coached Flamengo and won the league as well as the Copa Libertadores in 2019.Jesus’ work also proved to be inspirational as he is seen as a mentor by Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.Amorim learned a lot from the experienced head coach when he played for him at Belenenses and Benfica.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe United boss took note of his mentor’s focus on defensive tactics, the necessity of team work and the importance of details.Most read in FootballJesus’ influence was equal to that of ex-Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, who Amorim briefly shadowed when he was in charge at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd In the meantime, the Brazil target is enjoying success with current club Al-Hilal, having won five trophies in Saudi Arabia. More

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      Rodrygo ‘to LEAVE Real Madrid if transfer offer arrives’ in boost to Premier League sides

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      REAL MADRID star Rodrygo could quit the Bernabeu this summer if a big-money bid lands from the Premier League.The 20-time Brazil international is ready to pack his bags and seek a new challenge, according to reports in the Spanish media.Rodrygo has been brilliant since arriving at Madrid in 2018Credit: APThe arrival of Mbappe has led to a reduced role for RodrygoCredit: RexRodrygo was the hero as Madrid beat Manchester City in 2022Credit: GettyHe has been brilliant for Madrid since signing from Santos for £38million in 2018, helping them win the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga and the Champions League.Rodrygo was the hero in Madrid’s dramatic comeback against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final in 2022. He came on midway through the second half and scored two late goals that stunned Pep Guardiola’s side and now, he could be playing in the Premier League next season.Real are believed to be looking for around £85million to let the Brazilian leave.REAM MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArsenal have been linked with a move, but it’s Manchester United who are reportedly leading the chase as they search for a statement signing for next season.And the links have gone down well with fans, who believe Rodrygo has all the makings of an Old Trafford great.One said: “Rodrygo would be our best signing in years.”Another declared: “He should come to United without any doubt.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA third added: “Sign him, sign him, sign him.”And one fan claimed: “The ideal Marcus Rashford replacement.”Crocked Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal pulled away from Bukayo Saka after confronting Arsenal star at half-timeRodrygo has scored 13 goals this season, but the arrival of Kylian Mbappe has seen his role reduced, especially with Vinicius Junior untouchable on the left side of Madrid’s attack.Carlo Ancelotti’s side crashed out of the Champions League at the quarter final stage against Arsenal and the club is expected to make big changes this summer to get back on track. More

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      Barcelona ‘ready to grant Marcus Rashford’s transfer dream’ – but WON’T pay fee Aston Villa agreed with Man Utd

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is a summer transfer target for Barcelona – but they’re not prepared to pay £40million.The Catalan giants are ready to grant the Manchester United forward his “dream move” to Spain. Marcus Rashford is a summer target for BarcelonaCredit: RexRashford, 27, is currently on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under United boss Ruben Amorim.The England striker has netted 4 goals in 17 games since heading down the M6 in January. But his resurgence has been cut short by a niggling hamstring injury.The issue is not thought to require surgery but will end his season, with Rashford now set for talks with United over his future.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVilla were given a £40m option to buy on Rashford when they signed him on loan four months ago.The iPaper now suggests Barcelona are ready to swoop in and offer the 27-year-old his “dream move”.But they will haggle over the fee and are “unwilling to pay the £40m price” agreed with Villa. Barcelona were interested in a loan deal for Rashford in January but struggled to accommodate his £325,000-a-week wages.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe report indicates the forward would be “willing to take a pay cut” to move to LaLiga.And Rashford is desperate to play for a club in the Champions League next season. Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team everA return to United looks less likely, with Amorim already sounding out replacements. Reports suggest personal terms have already been agreed with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who has a £62.5million release clause.United are also keen on Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who can leave the Tractor Boys for £30m after their relegation to the Championship. United gaffer Amorim is certain that he made the right decision in letting Rashford and £86m flop Antony leave on loan in January.Speaking last week, Amorim said: “We lack a lot of things in the team.“In January we lost, and you are talking about Rashford and Antony, we lost these players.Read More on The Sun”And we didn’t bring new ones, that was a risk. We are trying to do something more important.“But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season.” More