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      ‘Laporta’s words hurt me’ – Lionel Messi slams Barcelona president and insists he was never asked to play for free

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      LIONEL MESSI has slammed Barcelona president Joan Laporta for suggesting he could have played for free as he insisted he was never asked to.The 34-year-old departed the Nou Camp in August on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after 21 years spent in Catalonia.
      Argentine forward Lionel Messi swapped Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in the summerCredit: Getty
      Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated earlier this month he was surprised Messi didn’t offer to play for freeCredit: AFP
      Messi had wanted to remain with the Blaugrana and had agreed to lower his salary by 50 per cent, only for LaLiga to impose a salary cap on the crisis club.
      Speaking earlier this month, Laporta revealed he thought that Messi would have offered to play for nothing instead of linking up with Les Parisiens.
      That is despite Spanish law making it legally impossible for a player to represent a team for free, with the rule in place to avoid financial manipulation.
      Laporta, 59, told RAC1: “With Messi I do not get angry because I appreciate him.
      “I know he had a huge desire to stay, but also a lot of pressure because of the offer he had.
      “Everything indicates that he already had the offer from PSG. Everyone knew that he had a very powerful offer. We knew from Messi that they had a very good offer.”

      Before adding: “I did hope that at the last minute Messi would say that he would play for free. I would have liked that and he would have convinced me.
      “I understand that the league would have accepted it. But we cannot ask that of a player of his level.”
      And Messi has now broken his silence over Laporta’s comments as he declared he has been left ‘hurt’, with the forward stating he did everything possible to stay.
      He told Sport: “The truth is that, as I explained on my way out, I did everything possible to stay, never at any time was I asked to play for free.
      “I was asked to cut my salary by 50 per cent and I did it without any problem. We were in a position to help the club more.
      “The desire of me and my family was to stay in Barcelona. 
      “Nobody asked me to play for free but at the same time, it seems to me that the words said by the president are out of place.
      “They hurt me because I think he doesn’t need to say that, it’s like getting the ball off you and not assuming its consequences, or taking charge of things. 

      “This makes people think or generates a type of doubt that I think I do not deserve.”
      Messi has also declared he does intend to return to Barca in the future, though only when his playing days are over.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is planning to become the club’s ‘technical secretary’ – a role designed to bridge the gap between the boardroom and dressing room, as well as helping to sign players and hire coaches.
      Football fans convinced Lionel Messi played with an injury as PSG star spotted massaging hamstring More

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      Sergio Aguero ‘diagnosed with irregular heartbeat’ after chest pains and breathing issues in Barcelona game

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      SERGIO Aguero has reportedly been ‘diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat’, Spanish media claim. The 33-year-old was taken to hospital in an ambulance after suffering from chest pains and breathing difficulties during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Alaves.
      Aguero fell to the ground as medics rushed on to help him
      He was seen hunching over and casting a worried look towards the bench
      The striker had a hand on his chest and neck and complained of breathing difficulties
      Thankfully he managed to get back to his feet before being taken to hospital

      He fell to the floor and needed treatment from medics after being seen clutching his chest.
      As well as complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing, Aguero is reported to have been suffering from a high heart rate.
      Thankfully he made it back to his feet and walked off the pitch but tests at Barcelona Hospital showed the former Manchester City man to have a ‘cardiac arrhythmia,’ according to well-respected Spanish outlet SPORT.
      The report goes on to claim that further in-depth tests will be carried out, but he is said to have already been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
      Spanish outlet Marca also report Aguero will have a full heart check in the coming days to work out the extent of the problem.
      He will be kept under observation and therefore is likely to miss the Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.
      Manchester City’s official Twitter account tweeted their support to Aguero
      Raheem Sterling also sent a message of support to Aguero

      Aguero is thought to be ‘calm but worried’ about his situation.
      El Pais report that an arrhythmia may not be something that poses any danger to the striker – but equally it could be an indication of further heart problems.
      The Barca summer signing pointed to his chest while receiving treatment and team-mates checked up on him during worrying scenes.
      But he did not require the stretcher that was brought on for him and was replaced by Philippe Coutinho.
      As a result of the diagnosis, Barcelona have left the Argentina forward out of their Champions League squad to face Dynamo Kiev this week.
      Aguero joined the Catalan giants in the summer after ten trophy-laden years at Manchester City.
      And his former club tweeted their well wishes to Aguero, saying: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes you a speedy recovery, @aguerosergiokun.
      “We’re with you.”
      Raheem Sterling also sent his well wishes to his ex-teammate, tweeting: “Stay strong my brother @aguerosergiokun, we’re all with you. Get well soon.”
      The striker has scored one goal in five appearances in all competitions since his switch to Camp Nou.
      He did miss seven games for Pep Guardiola’s side back in January after struggling with Covid-19.
      And he previously revealed players were ‘scared’ to return to football after the pandemic, saying: “The majority of players are scared because they have children and families.
      “I’m scared but I’m with my girlfriend here and I’m not going to be in contact with other people. I’m locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.”
      The incident follows Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during the Euro 2020 clash between Denmark and Finland.
      The Danish international has been since fitted with a heart-starter device but has been banned from playing in Serie A.
      He was fitted with an ICD (Implantable cardioverter defibrillator) to monitor his heart rhythm -which can also send shocks to the heart if necessary.
      Sergio Aguero rushed to hospital in ambulance after suffering ‘breathing problems’ on first Nou Camp start for Barcelona More

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      Sergio Aguero ‘diagnosed with irregular heartbeat’ after suffering chest pains and breathing problems in Barcelona match

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      SERGIO Aguero has reportedly been ‘diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat’, Spanish media are claiming. The 33-year-old was taken to hospital in an ambulance after suffering from chest pains and breathing difficulties during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Alaves.
      Aguero fell to the ground as medics rushed on to help him
      He was seen hunching over and casting a worried look towards the bench
      The striker had a hand on his chest and neck and complained of breathing difficulties
      Thankfully he managed to get back to his feet before being taken to hospital

      Manchester City’s official Twitter account tweeted their support to Aguero
      He fell to the floor and needed treatment from medics after being seen clutching his chest.
      As well as complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing, Aguero is reported to have been suffering from a high heart rate.
      Thankfully he made it back to his feet and walked off the pitch but tests at Barcelona Hospital showed the former Manchester City man to have a ‘cardiac arrhythmia,’ according to well-respected Spanish outlet SPORT.
      The report goes on to claim that further in-depth tests will be carried out, but he is said to have already been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
      Spanish outlet Marca also report Aguero will have a full heart check in the coming days to work out the extent of the problem.
      He will be kept under observation and therefore is likely to miss the Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.

      Aguero is thought to be ‘calm but worried’ about his situation.
      El Pais report that an arrhythmia may not be something that poses any danger to the striker – but equally it could be an indication of further heart problems.
      The Barca summer signing pointed to his chest while receiving treatment and team-mates checked up on him during worrying scenes.
      But he did not require the stretcher that was brought on for him and was replaced by Philippe Coutinho.
      Aguero joined Catalan giants Barcelona in the summer after ten trophy-laden years at Manchester City.
      And his former club tweeted their well wishes to Aguero, saying: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes you a speedy recovery, @aguerosergiokun.
      “We’re with you.”
      The striker has scored one goal in five appearances in all competitions since his switch to Camp Nou.
      He did miss seven games for Pep Guardiola’s side back in January after struggling with Covid-19.
      And he previously revealed players were ‘scared’ to return to football after the pandemic, saying: “The majority of players are scared because they have children and families.
      “I’m scared but I’m with my girlfriend here and I’m not going to be in contact with other people. I’m locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.”
      The incident follows Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during the Euro 2020 clash between Denmark and Finland.
      The Danish international has been since fitted with a heart-starter device but has been banned from playing in Serie A.
      He was fitted with an ICD (Implantable cardioverter defibrillator) to monitor his heart rhythm -which can also send shocks to the heart if necessary.
      Sergio Aguero rushed to hospital in ambulance after suffering ‘breathing problems’ on first Nou Camp start for Barcelona More

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      Sergio Aguero rushed to hospital in ambulance for cardiac tests after suffering ‘breathing problems’ in Barcelona game

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      SERGIO AGUERO was taken to hospital following a heart scare and breathing difficulties during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Alaves.The former Manchester City striker needed medical treatment on the pitch after clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems.
      Sergio Aguero fell to the floor after he appeared to have breathing problems during Barcelona’s clash against AlavesCredit: AFP
      Aguero thankfully managed to make it back to his feet as he walked off the pitch in the first halfCredit: AFP

      His heart rate was also racing and he was taken by ambulance to hospital for tests.
      Reports in Spain suggest the Argentine striker is “feeling OK”.
      Barca interim boss Sergi Barjuan told La Liga TV: “He told me he was a little dizzy.
      “I have found out now that they have taken him to the hospital to see what he really has. I do not know any more.”
      Barcelona later confirmed: “Aguero reported an episode of chest discomfort and has been transferred to the hospital for a cardiology study.”
      Aguero, 33, fell to the ground towards the end of the first-half at the Nou Camp and medics rushed to his aid.

      He pointed to his chest while he received treatment and team-mates checked up on him during worrying scenes.
      Medics brought a stretcher onto the pitch, but it was not needed as Aguero soon returned to his feet and walked off the field to be replaced by Philippe Coutinho.
      The Argentine striker struggled with Covid-19 after contracting the virus in January this year, missing seven games for City.
      And in May last year Aguero said “the majority of players are scared” by the prospect of returning to football too soon amid the coronavirus pandemic.
      He said: “The majority of players are scared because they have children and families,
      “I’m scared but I’m with my girlfriend here and I’m not going to be in contact with other people. I’m locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.”
      The incident comes after Christian Eriksen was fitted with a heart-starter device following his shock cardiac arrest at this summer’s Euros.
      Barcelona president Joan Laporta says club should have fired Koeman earlier More

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      How Barcelona could line up under Xavi with Sterling and Kounde and reverting to Guardiola formation

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      BARCELONA legend Xavi is understood to be taking the hot seat at his old club.Ex-boss Ronald Koeman has been given the chop following a woeful run of results that leaves Barca ninth in LaLiga.

      Now Xavi is reported to be lining up Man City’s Raheem Sterling and Jules Kounde of Sevilla as his first signings.
      The 41-year-old won every trophy going in his 17 years as a player at the club.
      And he is thought to prefer a return to the 4-3-3 formation that brought so much success during the ‘tiki taka’ era under Pep Guardiola.
      Koeman was arguably fighting with one hand tied behind his back this season.
      He lost talisman Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain after financial turmoil at the Nou Camp meant they couldn’t afford to hold onto him.
      And new signing Sergio Aguero was crocked before even kicking a ball.

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      Results were awful under the Dutchman but one thing he can be credited with is bringing through Barca’s raft of young talent.
      The question for Xavi would be what combination of youth and experience does he go for in his new era.
      There is little doubt Marc-Andre ter Stegen keeps his position between the sticks.
      The back four is prime territory for blending young and old, with the experienced Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto flanking Eric Garcia and potential new man Kounde.
      Ahead of them sits another mix of present and future.
      Club captain Sergio Busquets sits as the anchor between the frighteningly talented Gavi and the developing Frenkie de Jong.

      Then comes the head-scratcher – who leads the line in this new-look XI?
      Xavi is reported to believe he can revive the career of Ousmane Dembele – the young Frenchman who joined for big money but has suffered horrendous injury luck.
      And if Sterling comes in, there’s every chance he starts in a front three alongside former City team-mate Aguero.
      There are a lot of ifs and buts in this though – the 33-year-old Aguero joined Barca to play with Messi and is reportedly eyeing a reunion at PSG.
      Big names Memphis Depay and Philippe Coutinho are also relegated to the bench.
      Xavi is one of the most famous graduates of the vaunted La Masia academy.
      Xavi is understood to rate injury-hit Ousmane DembeleCredit: Getty
      The Catalans’ youth set-up has also produced the likes of megastars Messi, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol.
      So what’s to stop Xavi putting his faith in the current crop of starlets coming through the ranks?
      Barca may be skint but they are currently blessed with some of the best youngsters on earth.
      A little mix-and-match would need to happen to squeeze them all in. The prodigy Pedri may have to play further forward than usual.
      There’s space for just one old hand – Xavi could put his former team-mate Gerard Pique in at the back as the senior figure while the kids run amok.
      Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman sacked with Xavi set for return More

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      Xavi ‘wants Raheem Sterling and Jules Kounde as his first two Barcelona transfers after agreeing deal to become manager’

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      XAVI is already adding to his shopping list after reportedly agreeing to take over at Barcelona.The legendary former midfielder is said to want Raheem Sterling and Jules Kounde as reinforcements at the Nou Camp.
      Raheem Sterling has admitted he could leave Manchester CityCredit: EPA
      Jules Kounde has caught the eye in the Sevilla defenceCredit: AFP
      The 41-year-old is in line to take the Barca job after Ronald Koeman was given the chop on Wednesday night.
      And he is plotting ways to inject some pace and energy into the side that has flopped to ninth in the current LaLiga table.
      Manchester City star Sterling has admitted he would be open to leaving the Premier League champs if he is not playing regular football.
      The England ace also claimed an adventure abroad is still something that appeals to him, with Barca just one of a number of clubs rumoured to be interested.
      He said earlier in October: “If there was the option to go somewhere else for more game time, I would be open to it.
      “Football is the most important thing to me — challenges that I have set myself from a young age and dreams as well.

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      “As an English player, all I know is the Premier League.
      “I’ve always thought maybe one day I’d love to play abroad — see how I would come up against that challenge.
      “I actually should be learning a few different languages. I quite like the French accent and Spanish.”
      France international Kounde has caught the eye of several European giants thanks to his performances at the back for Sevilla.
      Xavi would face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid for the 22-year-old’s signature.
      Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman sacked with Xavi set for return More

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      Ronald Koeman SACKED by Barcelona after horror start to season and another embarrassing LaLiga defeat

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      RONALD KOEMAN has been sacked as Barcelona manager after a miserable start to the season.The Dutch boss was axed hours after another embarrassing defeat on Wednesday night at Rayo Vallecano.
      Ronald Koeman has been sacked by BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
      Koeman left Barcelona ninth in LaLiga and facing an early Champions League exit.
      He won a vote of confidence this summer to remain in charge after a poor season at the helm.
      But things have spiralled out of control for the crisis-hit Nou Camp side after losing talisman Lionel Messi over the summer and Koeman has paid the price.
      Poor results in El Clasico and against Rayo Vallecano have sealed his fate.
      Barcelona announced the sacking at just gone midnight local time in Catalunya after crisis talks.
      A short statement read: “FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach.
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      “The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano.
      “Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva.
      “FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the Club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.”
      Koeman quit his job as Netherlands manager in August 2020 to replace Quique Setien at the Nou Camp, even reportedly paying his own £6million release clause to join the cash-strapped Catalans.
      But the Dutchman has endured a miserable 14 months in charge of the club he helped to European Cup success in 1992.
      They finished third last season after winning just two of their last five La Liga games before the true impact of the club’s financial difficulties kicked in over the summer.
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      Anger from supporters boiled over at the weekend when a mob of supporters surrounded his car as he left the ground following the defeat to Madrid.
      Fellow Barca legend Xavi, currently managing in Qatar, is the early favourite to succeed him.
      Belgium’s Spanish head coach Roberto Martinez is another name that has been mentioned as a potential replacement.
      Huge mob of furious Barcelona fans surround Ronald Koeman’s car outside Nou Camp after El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid More