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      Kylian Mbappe tipped for shock transfer to ‘different continent’ before joining Real Madrid after turning 26

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      MARCEL DESAILLY has suggested that Kylian Mbappe swerves his proposed move to Real Madrid… For now.The 1998 French World Cup winner has said Mbappe should move to the Saudi league for a year before joining Madrid in a mega-deal.Marcel Desailly has recommended that Mbappe join the Saudi leagueCredit: AFPMbappe turned down the chance to join a Saudi side last yearCredit: GettyThe opinion is based on a Saudi approach for Mbappe last summer when he looked nailed on to leave Paris.PSG accepted a £259million bid from the Saudi league but Mbappe ultimately turned down the offer.The deal would have seen him play in Saudi for a season before joining Madrid this summer.And it was reported that the Saudi league would have offered Mbappe £11.6m-a-week to essentially spend the year on loan there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite that deal looking dead in the water, and Mbappe pretty much nailed-on to join Madrid this summer, Desailly thinks he should still find a way to experience the Saudi League.Speaking to beIN Sports, Desailly said: “I’ve said it already, I would move to a different continent. For him, I’m not sure Madrid is the perfect place for him to be.“We have Vinicius on the left side, a player showing the quality like Bellingham so he’s not going to be the full number one that he wants.“He’s not announcing where he’s going and even though he wants to keep it and announce it like a star there must be something behind it, a surprise.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“If you think about the business of football, for £350million I would go to Saudi for a year, then come back next season – the year of the World Cup – aged 26 and a half, cash out and play football because what does Mbappe want? He wants to play football.”Asked about his prediction of Mbappe moving to Saudi Arabia, Desailly added: “This is what I feel and what I think as a businessman and looking at the business side of things.Mbappe laughs and brutally shuts down thought of joining Arsenal“It’s still competitive in Saudi… broadcasters are coming in to show the matches around the world.“They are doing what Qatar did in 2004 or 2005 and I went there to promote and expose the country.“It is a business on both sides and I do believe that this could be an opportunity for him to make more business and play more football after the Euros.”Desailly alluded to the fact that he was a trailblazer for today’s generation of footballers that now ply their trade in the Middle East.Following a successful career that saw him play for the likes of Marseille, AC Milan and Chelsea, he left to join Qatari side Al Gharafa in 2005. He would go on to end his career at Qatar SC in 2006. More

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      New 104,000-capacity football stadium looks unrecognisable as concept pics of ground emerge and major feature approved

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      BARCELONA’S Nou Camp looks completely unrecognisable as an incredible new feature received approval.Barcelona announced in July 2022 they were pressing ahead with plans to modernise their iconic Nou Camp home.Stunning concept pictures show what the Nou Camp will look likeCredit: FC BarcelonaThe stadium remains on course to open by the end of 2024Credit: FC BarcelonaThe stadium’s capacity will increase to 105,000Credit: FC BarcelonaThe iconic Nou Camp has been knocked down over the past year for the new ground to be builtCredit: FC Barcelona via YouTube / SportsRenderThe Catalans have played their home matches at the Olympic Stadium this term while the rebuild is underway.The project – set to cost a cool £1.25billion – is aiming to finish the refurbishment of the ground in time to move in before the end of the year.The development will see the capacity expand from 99,354 seats to 104,000, increasing its gap as the largest football ground in Europe – with second place Wembley having a 90,000 capacity.Fans were left devastated when they saw pictures of the iconic old Nou Camp in a pile of rubble back in August.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut since then they are starting to come around to the stunning new home after pictures of what the Nou Camp now looks like inside were released a month ago.It will have a host of new features, with escalators and a roof added alongside a stadium rename in line with the club’s £237m sponsorship deal with Spotify.The ground will not feature a 360-degree electronic board, as explained by club vice-president and spokeswoman Elena Fort.Now Mundo Deportivo say that the Barcelona Fire Department have given the “green light” for their stunning new ‘skywalk’ project.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSElena Fort, the institutional vice president of the LaLiga giants, recently revealed that talks were in the final stages for the walkway that will offer a bird’s eye view of the stadium and city from the ground’s ROOF.However, anyone wanting to use the ‘skywalk’ will have to wait until the roof is fully installed – which will mean it won’t open until 2026.Cash-strapped football giants selling tufts of iconic stadium’s GRASS for £340 as fans say ‘how the mighty have fallen’Despite some other 3S virtual images going viral on social media before, this update states that the location above the box and benches in the Grandstand looks set to be its destination.It will also be the “most practical for visitors following the tour route through the new museum, locker room tunnel, bench area, and up to the grandstand”.From there, visitors will get a 360-degree view in which they will be able to see landmarks such as Sagrada Familia, Tibidabo, Montjuïc, and the sea.Barcelona, who have had well documented financial problems in recent years, are set to earn an extra £25m a year when the revamp is completed.And the ‘skywalk’ should also help to provide an extra revenue to boost Barcelona’s revenue with only those purchasing a “special ticket” able to access it.NOU CAMP’S NEW FEATURESHere are some of the key changes in the incredible new design:
      The capacity will be increased from its original 99,354 to a whopping 104,000.
      That will make it the largest ground on the continent.
      It has received the thumbs-up from firefighters for a mega new ‘skywalk’ that will be located on the roof.
      That will provide amazing views of the city and its landmarks such as Sagrada Familia, Tibidabo, Montjuïc.
      The Nou Camp will also boost the largest roof in Europe once the work has finished.
      A host of other new features will also include hundreds of escalators.
      Meaning even those seated up in the gods will not have a strenuous journey to their seats.
      However, the one thing it won’t have is a 360-degree electronic board hanging down from the roof.

      Barca also moved recently to ease fears that the Nou Camp will not be ready for its planned December unveiling.It was initially anticipated that the work will be completed in time for the start of the 2025/26 season before Barcelona updated the city’s Technical Architecture Association on its ahead-of-schedule progress.President Joan Laporta then said everything is on track to host a match in the Nou Camp before Christmas this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it is hoped that the first phase of construction work would be completed in November to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the club.That fixture would reportedly see the stadium operate with a 60 per cent capacity, with the first and second tiers of the stadium open.This new concept snap has been released by the club after they got the green light for a ‘skywalk’ More

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      My dad’s a champion stone lifter famed for iconic photo, now I’m making my own way as a Premier League manager

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI grew up idolising his stone lifter dad who made headlines long before his son won over fans across the world.Jose Antonio Lopetegui, 94, reached fame in his craft and inspired Julen, 57, to carve his own path to greatness, but in a completely different sport.Julen Lopetegui’s father Jose Antonio was a famous stone lifterCredit: Paco MaríLopetegui learned a lot from his father and will be bringing his principles to West HamCredit: PAThere is also a famous photo showing the strongman hoisting both of his baby daughters, one on each hand, while his young son was standing next to them.The Spaniard, who seems set to take over at West Ham, was the only member of the family who ended up loving football but still absorbed his father’s values.Julen previously said: “He was very recognised in stone lifting in an era when it was much bigger than it is now and you could make a living from it.”He was a great athlete in various sports but he didn’t play football. Read More on Football”In fact, I’m the black sheep of the family because my brother was a Basque pelota player for many years at a high professional level.”Jose Antonio taught Julen the importance of hard work and dedication to one’s passion.Those were characteristics that the former goalkeeper needed after his acrimonious dismissals from Spain and Real Madrid.The Spaniard had his national team cruising to the 2018 World Cup with a 20-game unbeaten record that saw them winning a staggering 14 matches along the way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut higher-ups sacked Julen on the eve of the competition in Russia because he agreed to join Real Madrid after the tournament and they didn’t take kindly to him negotiating ahead of the World Cup.And his return to Real, where he played before his retirement, didn’t work out as he was let go after just two months in charge because of a poor start to the campaign.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formHowever, Julen made the most out of the perseverance his father taught him and went on to succeed at Sevilla as well as Wolves.And now the ex-Porto boss is set to bring his same principles to West Ham with reports suggesting he has agreed terms with the club.The former Barcelona star is expected to replace outgoing manager David Moyes who will leave at the end of the season. More

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      Mason Greenwood’s Man Utd exit CONFIRMED by Getafe president as he reveals transfer interest from Euro giants

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      MASON GREENWOOD is set to be SOLD by Manchester United in the summer, it’s been claimed.The forward has spent the majority of the 2016 mon23/24 season on loan with Spanish outfit Getafe.Mason Greenwood is on loan at Getafe from Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTYThe LaLiga outfit are eager to retain Greenwood’s servicesCredit: REXGetafe president Angel Torress has claimed Manchester United plan to sell the forward in the summerCredit: GETTYGreenwood, 22, joined the Madrid-based club last September in a bid to rebuild his career after he had charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault dropped six months earlier.And according to Getafe president Angel Torres, the United brass are planning to get rid of their academy product in the coming months.When asked about potentially re-signing Greenwood, he told Radio Marca (via Mundo Deportivo): “If it depends on the boy and the parents, he will continue another year.”Manchester, the news we have from last week, the thing is that if there is a good offer they would like to sell.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Because he is not going to return there.”So we are going to have to wait a month and a half or two months, until the end of June.””But it depends on him and the family.Getafe president Angel Torres is keen for Mason Greenwood to stay at the clubCredit: GETTY”They are very comfortable and very happy with the fans.Most read in Football”He had not played for 16 months when he arrived and we have recovered him, he has scored 8 goals in the League and 2 in the Cup and he has given a great performance.”What I think is that he is going to stay. It’s going to be another year or half a year, until January. “This year starting from scratch can be a spectacle.”United have yet to make an official decision on Greenwood’s future at Old Trafford.But new shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently opened the door for a shock return for the England international.He said: “We will make a decision, correct. All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that. “Is he the right type of footballer, are we happy with if he’s a good person or not?”He’s a Manchester United footballer, so we are in charge of football.”So the answer is ‘Yeah, we have to make decisions. Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently refused to rule out Mason Greenwood returning to Old TraffordCredit: Getty”It’s quite clear we have to make a decision. There is no decision that’s been made.”He’s on loan, obviously, but he’s not the only one. “We’ve got one or two footballers that we have to deal with and we have to make a decision on so we will do that. “The process will be: Understand the facts, not the hype.”Then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values, which is basically is he a good guy or not? “Could he play sincerely for Manchester United well, would we be comfortable with it and would the fans be comfortable with it?”Greenwood has performed well during his brief stay in Spain, scoring ten goals and providing six assists in 32 matches.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis impressive form has reportedly caught the eye of Italian giants Juventus, who are said to be keen on signing him this summer.Greenwood and his Getafe team-mates will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to Andalucia to take on Cadiz. More

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      Fans are only just realising one of the world’s most iconic football stadiums is named after a person

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      FANS are only just realising that the Santiago Bernabeu is named after someone.The Real Madrid stadium is one of the most iconic in the world and has hosted the club since 1947.The Santiago Bernabeu has been home to Real Madrid since 1947Credit: GettyIt was named after former president Santiago BernabeuCredit: GettyReal have played in the stadium for the last 76 years and enjoyed monumental success.The club has won 34 LaLiga titles, 12 Copa del Reys and 14 Champions League titles since moving in.Many fans never questioned the origin of the name of the stadium.They are now just realising that it was given the name of Santiago Bernabeu as a way of honouring a former president.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne posted: “Santiago Bernabeu is a person???”A second wrote: “I thought the same thing.”A third commented: “Wait WHAT?”A fourth said: “I was today years old.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Bro I was shocked.”Bernabeu played for the club between 1911 and 1920 as a striker before leaving for a year and joining Atletico Madrid.Inside Real Madrid’s £500m Santiago Bernabeu stadium redevelopment which will actually reduce capacity by one He then returned to Real in 1921 for the last five years of his playing days.After retiring he then managed the club for a season before having roles as a director and assistant manager until 1935.In September 1943, he was appointed as the club president and continued to serve until his death on June 2, 1978.He was only just surpassed by Florentino Perez as the president to have won the most titles while in charge of the club.Real won the 34th title under Perez by sealing the LaLiga after Barcelona lost to Girona.The stadium has recently been renovated to be able to house a capacity of 85,000.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is now a retractable pitch, which is maintained when not in use.However, fans did compare the renovated ground to an AIR FRYER when the roof was closed.Top 10 biggest football stadiums in the worldHere is a list of the biggest football stadiums in the world

      Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, North Korea (114,000)
      Camp Nou, Spain (99,354)
      FNB Stadium, South Africa (94,736)
      New Administrative Capital Stadium, Egypt (93,940)
      Wembley Stadium, England (90,000)
      Lusail Stadium, Qatar (88,966)
      Estadio Azteca, Mexico (87,525)
      Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia (87,411)
      Borg El-Arab Stadium, Egypt (86,000)
      Santiago Bernabeu, Spain (85,000) More

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      ‘I was nowhere near that level’ – Gary Neville reveals how three La Liga bosses left him humiliated at Valencia

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      GARY NEVILLE has admitted he was “nowhere near” the level of three La Liga bosses during his time as Valencia manager.The former Manchester United defender spent four underwhelming months with Los Ches during the 2015/16 season.Gary Neville felt ‘nowhere near’ the level of his fellow La Liga managers at ValenciaCredit: Getty Images – GettyIt remains his only managerial role, alongside coaching jobs with United and England since he retired.Neville has now revealed he felt inferior to the other managers in La Liga during his time in Spain.He singled out his struggles against Ernesto Valverde, Diego Simeone and Luis Enrique as well as highlighting his interactions with Rafa Benitez.Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, he explained: “After a couple months into the job at Valencia, I remember looking at myself in the mirror one morning and thinking that I looked ill.READ MORE ON GARY NEVILLE”I remember we played three times against Athletic Bilbao, in the Europa League quarter-final and in a league game, and Ernesto Valverde was the coach – he played a different system that I thought he would and then he changed during the game, and I remember thinking that I was nowhere near that level.”I felt massively inferior to him because I struggled to manage and watch the game from pitch level, especially compared to how I see the game in the gantry.”You put yourself on the touchline and you’re watching a game where all you can see is legs, and how you think of the game tactically or how managers spot things, I have no idea because I remember thinking that I had no idea what was going on. “Seeing Valverde was the first time that I felt that I was miles off and then I coached against Diego Simeone, and on that day, I felt like he was beating me up in every way – with his tactics, his intimidation, and his mannerisms.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The other one was Luis Enrique, when Barcelona beat us 7-0 in the Copa del Rey, when they were winning 5-0, he didn’t substitute Neymar, Lionel Messi, or Luis Suarez, and at the end of the game, he walked straight past me and didn’t shake my hand, which I felt that he was sending me a message that I didn’t belong.”Rafa Benitez was good to me during my time at Valencia.Gary Neville feels ‘disconnected’ as Man Utd’s Class of ’92’s dream of taking Salford to Premier League implodes”We played Real Madrid, and he was under pressure at the time but after the game he came over to me and shook my hand, and he was actually very good with me.”Neville took charge of 28 matches during his Valencia tenure, winning 10, drawing seven and losing 11.However, he had to wait until his 10th La Liga match for a league victory as the side dropped from eighth to 14th before he was dismissed.I coached against Diego Simeone and, on that day, I felt like he was beating me up in every way – with his tactics, his intimidation, and his mannerisms.Gary NevilleValencia also dropped out of the Champions League into the Europa League, where they were knocked out by Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao.Meanwhile, Enrique oversaw a 7-0 demolition of Neville’s side in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at the Camp Nou.Although the second leg ended 1-1 at home, Valencia were dumped out 8-1 on aggregate by Barcelona.Gary Neville’s coaching experience

      Appointed as England assistant coach in May 2012.
      Euros in 2012 where they were knocked out by Italy in the quarter-final.
      World Cup in 2014 where England were knocked out in the group stages for first time since 1958.
      Appointed head coach of Valencia in December 2015 but was sacked three months later with a win rate of 35%.
      Rejoined England as head coach for Euro 2016 where they were knocked out in the last 16 by Iceland.
      Left England coaching role with a 59% win rate, partially due to the poor standard of opposition. More

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      Jude Bellingham leads Real Madrid to LaLiga title in sensational first season after Barcelona lose at Girona

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been crowned a LaLiga champion with Real Madrid for the first time after Barcelona fell to defeat against Girona.Carlo Ancelotti’s side put one hand on the trophy earlier today after a 3-0 win over Cadiz thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz, Bellingham and Joselu.Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid have won the LaLiga titleCredit: GettyBellingham scored again in a 3-0 win over Cadiz which put one hand on the trophy for MadridCredit: AlamyBarcelona had to beat Girona today to stay in the race but lost 4-2Credit: GettyThat then piled the pressure on bitter rivals Barca, who travelled to third-place Girona knowing they had to win to stay in the race.However, the City Group-owned minnows – who have defied the odds to mount a top four charge this season – proved to be too big a hurdle to climb for Xavi’s side. Barcelona got off the perfect start with a goal from former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen after just three minutes. But division top scorer Artem Dovbyk answered with a goal of his own for Girona only a minute later. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Blaugrana took the lead once again on the stroke of half-time through Robert Lewandowski.Girona though did not fancy being beaten at home for just the second time this season – their sole defeat at the Estadi Montilivi coming against Real Madrid – and surged back into the lead.Two goals from super sub Portu and a strike from Miguel Gutiérrez saw Girona take a 4-2 lead. And with Barcelona then unable to comeback, it saw Madrid crowned champions for a record 36th time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellingham has been an impressive figure for the champions this seasonIn the case of Bellingham, 20, he is the first Englishman since Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid) in 2021 to win the Spanish league title.Bellingham also become the first Englishman since David Beckham to be crowned champion with Real Madrid since 2007.England footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native NetherlandsThe former Borussia Dortmund star may even be eyeing another Beckham accolade with the club’s Player of the Year award – achieved by Becks in 2006.Bellingham has netted 22 goals in all competitions this season, including 18 in the league which also featured two late in matches against Barcelona.His other four have come in the Champions League, though he is yet to score in the knockout stages. However, Bellingham and his team-mates have been banned from partying tonight by boss Ancelotti.Bellingham took to social media to celebrate his first career league titleThe legendary coach confirmed following the win over Cadiz that his Madrid players would not be going to the Cibeles fountain in the city center regardless of the result in the Barca game.Ancelotti said: “Tomorrow there’s training and everyone does what they want tonight, like this afternoon. But there’s nothing organized. We have to think about Wednesday.”Ancelotti was reminded of a similar situation from two seasons ago when Madrid won the title, saying: “It’s a different situation.”Two years ago it was in our hands, because with beating Espanyol we were champions. But today we are not, and it’s not worth the wait.”If we have to celebrate, we’ll do it next Sunday – something that the fans understand perfectly. “We haven’t won yet, so we can’t come up with scenarios like ‘if Barcelona wins’… READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s nothing [to do]. [Go] home, [with] peace of mind and thinking about Bayern.”Last time out Ancelotti got fans love when he was seen enjoying a cigar in the celebrations, and it is easy to imagine something similar could occur again this time around.Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon Boon
      LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.
      The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
      Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
      From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
      Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.
      She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
      It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
      Find out more about Laura.
      Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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      Little-known rule could see Man Utd sign Barcelona striker target on free transfer in huge boost to Ten Hag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could reportedly sign Vitor Roque on a free transfer due to a little-known rule.The Brazilian star has impressed since arriving at Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense.Vitor Roque could leave Barcelona on a free transferCredit: GettyRoque, 19, has scored twice for the LaLiga giants in his 13 appearances and is expected to get even better.However, he could be set for a quick exit from Barcelona due to registration rules.MundoDeportivo have claimed that Roque could be loaned next season if Barcelona can not register him.This has sparked the interest of Sevilla, Real Betis, Napoli and Nice as well as Man United.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe report suggests that the clubs have contacted Roque’s representatives about the situation.Roque cost Barcelona £35million in 2023 and signed a contract that will run until 2031.His deal has a release clause worth £430m.The report does suggest that there is an extreme situation that could see Roque leave the club permentantly.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis would be that if he is not registered he could be considered as a free agent.It would be similar to the cases of Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan.Erik Ten Hag Press Conference ahead of Crystal Palace clashThe two stars had to wait until Barcelona trimmed their wage bill to be able to afford and register them. Therefore there is a chance that the Red Devils could swoop and sign Roque for nothing.However, it is claimed that Roque wants to remain at Barcelona and would only consider going out on loan. More