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      Philippe Coutinho still wears lucky bracelet Lionel Messi gave him three years ago as he shows it off in Villa unveiling

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      PHILIPPE COUTINHO still wears the lucky bracelet Lionel Messi gave him three years ago at Barcelona. Messi was first given the bracelet by journalist Rama Pantarotto after missing a penalty in Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland in June 2018.
      Philippe Coutinho still wears the lucky bracelet Lionel Messi gave himCredit: Getty
      The footballing legend then kept it, wearing it around his ankle, which stunned Pantarotto when they met again after Argentina beat Nigeria that same month.
      The lucky charm had belonged to Pantarotto’s mum but Messi was about to gift it to Coutinho, who at the time was struggling for form at Barca in 2019.
      And it appears even now, the Brazilian forward treasures the bracelet as he wrote it at the unveiling of his loan move to Villa.
      He will link up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard, the current Villa manager.
      Gerrard, 41, said: “He is a fantastic talent, we are lucky to have him and at the right time he will be unleashed.
      “His name alone inspires people, what he has done in the game inspires people. I have no doubt at all we will see the real Philippe Coutinho in time.
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      “I don’t buy into this ‘he never had the best time at Barcelona’. This is a kid who has won leagues at Barcelona and won the Champions League at Bayern.
      “He is hungry to play. If we can get him feeling good and the confidence back, Phil Coutinho is still inside Phil Coutinho.”
      Coutinho, 29, is also joined by ex-Barca left-back Lucas Digne, 28, in arriving this month.
      Gerrard confirmed the pair are both available to play against Manchester United at home on Saturday.
      He said: “They’re available. Philippe’s trained for three days now with no issues.
      “We obviously have to build his match sharpness and match fitness up. Lucas is slightly different.
      “He’s been involved in group training for quite some time and he’s been available for Everton before he arrived.
      “They’re both available for selection with the group and they’re both in a good place but, obviously, decisions will come off the back of information we’ve had of both players over the last couple of days.”
      Philippe Coutinho training with Aston VillaCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea star Hazard branded ‘little fat man’ by Belgian mayor and ridiculed for scoffing burger after being subbed

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      EDEN HAZARD was branded a ‘little fat man’ in a scathing attack by a Belgian politician. And Jean-Marie Dedecker ridiculed the winger for scoffing a burger back in 2011.
      Eden Hazard was branded a ‘little fat man’ by a Belgian mayor
      Jean-Marie Dedecker made the brutal comments and referenced the 2011 incident with BelgiumCredit: AFP
      The 69-year-old, currently mayor of Middelkerke in northern Belgium, piled in on the national team captain in an interview with newspaper Krant van West-Vlaanderen reported by Mundo Deportivo.
      Referencing the bizarre incident when 5ft 8ins Hazard was 20, Dedecker said: “The whole press complains about him.
      “Actually, he is just a little fat man who has gotten fat by the system and the money.
      “I can still see him flee when Georges Leekens replaced him and had a hamburger near King Baudouin Stadium.”
      Hazard, then shining for Lille, had earned a starting spot for his country in their Euro 2012 qualifier against Turkey.
      But when manager Leekens subbed the now-Real Madrid man off with half an hour to go, the forward reacted furiously.
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      He stormed past his coach and straight down the tunnel.
      But Hazard did not stop there.
      With the match still going on, he left the stadium and was later pictured munching a burger at a fast-food restaurant in Brussels with the rest of his family.
      The shocking pictures were splashed across newspapers in Belgium causing Leekens to dish out a two-game suspension for the star’s unprofessionalism.
      Hazard now sees the funny side of the story.
      When asked what sauce was in the famous hamburger, he told RTBF in 2019: “It was Andalusian, it has always been my favourite sauce.
      “I have some pots in London, I ask mum to bring me some back every time she comes.
      “That night, I did a stupid thing but the story of the hamburger, we talk about it in a joke, it’s in quotation marks what makes my legend with the selection [of Belgium].”
      But the association between Hazard, 31, and food did not end there.
      He was once described as the ‘greediest member of Belgium’s current squad’ by team chef Wym Casteleyn.
      DAMNING DAMIEN
      And since signing a reported £416,000-a-week contract at Real Madrid in 2019, the attacker has twice been slammed for turning up to pre-season overweight.
      He claimed to shed the five kilos in ‘ten days’ but Damien Duff blasted Hazard last season.
      The Irishman said: “You’d worry for him going forward. He relies on sharpness, being a quick dribbler.
      “He’s never been a top pro and he’s never had the drive of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo. If he did, you’d probably be mentioning him with them two players.
      “He turned up for his first pre-season at Real Madrid – Galactico, 160 million [euros] – overweight. Fat. Call it what you want.
      “To be signed by Real Madrid, 160 million, you turn up to pre-season in the shape of your life.
      “And he turned up overweight because he was on holiday. I ain’t having that.”
      The flop has managed just five goals in 59 appearances in two-and-a-half injury-hit years since joining Los Blancos from Chelsea.
      The winger has managed just five goals in 59 Real Madrid matches, with none this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s Barcelona future ‘not clear’ after just seven months following Xavi arrival

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      MEMPHIS DEPAY’S future at Barcelona is already in doubt after just seven months with the Spanish giants, according to reports.The Manchester United flop is in a fight for his place under new boss Xavi due to some indifferent displays, reports Sport.
      Depay was a hit at Barcelona under former boss and compatriot KoemanCredit: Getty
      The 27-year-old was signed by former Barca boss and fellow Dutchman Ronald Koeman in June 2021.

      But the Netherlands forward’s form has dipped since Koeman was sacked in October.
      He is still the Spanish giants’ top scorer with eight goals but only two of them have come in the last two months under new boss Xavi.
      Sport says Koeman’s departure ‘was a hard blow’ for Depay and that his light ‘has been fading’.
      It says the good form of fellow Dutch star Luuk de Jong is also putting pressure on Depay’s place in the team.
      And it adds the arrival of former Manchester City star Ferran Torres along with the return to fitness of Ansu Fati after a hamstring injury could see Depay fall further down the pecking order.
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      But Depay struggled to impress during a two-year spell with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
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      Depay let his contract at Lyon run down before joining Barca on a free transfer and on a two-year deal last summer.
      He initially made his name with PSV, scoring 50 goals in 124 appearances for the Dutch side between 2011 and 2015.
      It earned him a move to the Red Devils but after scoring only seven goals in 53 games he moved to Ligue 1 in 2017 and rejuvenated his career with 76 goals and 55 assists for Lyon.
      Barcelona boss Xavi says crumbling Ousmane Dembele contract talks are a matter of negotiating More

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      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi was deceptive, provocative and unimaginably rude, says ex-Liverpool star Jerzy Dudek in sensational attack

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      FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek took an astonishing swipe at Lionel Messi in his autobiography, labelling him as “provocative” and “rude”.The Pole saw Messi up close over the course of many Clasicos, having acted as deputy to Iker Casillas at Real Madrid for four years after leaving Anfield in 2007.
      Dudek has taken a swipe at Messi
      And in his tell-all book Dudek, now 48, did not hold back when talking about Messi – who is set to leave Barcelona this summer. 
      He wrote of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner: “He was deceptive and provocative, the same as Barcelona and Pep Guardiola.
      “They were so ready to provoke you and they were able to do it to perfection.
      “That hurt Jose Mourinho and the whole team a lot.
      “I saw Messi say such rude things to Pepe and [Sergio] Ramos that you would not imagine from such a quiet and seemingly good person.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo is arrogant, but he’s a normal guy behind the scenesJerzy Dudek
      As well as Messi and Guardiola, Dudek also had his say on legendary ex-team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul.
      Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League hero continued: “Cristiano Ronaldo is arrogant, but he’s a normal guy behind the scenes.
      “It’s about how people perceive him, more or less.
      “Like Raul, he’s egocentric, incredibly competitive and a winner.
      Messi has regularly been the scourge of Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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      “Both would prefer their team to win 2-1 with their goals than 5-0 with other players scoring.”
      Clasicos regularly boiled over in the Guardiola vs Mourinho period, and clearly there is still no love lost between those involved.
      During one particularly bad-tempered affair in 2011 a poor challenge from Marcelo sparked a row – with Mourinho bizarrely poking Tito Vilanova in the EYE from behind.
      Lionel Messi’s obsession with ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali includes a shrine to boxing icon at Barcelona star’s home More

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      Steven Gerrard hints at sensational Philippe Coutinho transfer to Aston Villa as he hails ‘world class’ Barcelona star

      by

      ASTON VILLA boss Steven Gerrard has responded to reports linking Philippe Coutinho to the club, labelling his former team-mate as a ‘world-class player’. A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for the Barcelona playmaker, with Villa claimed to be in talks with Coutinho’s representatives.
      Gerrard and Coutinho spent two-and-a-half years as team-mates at LiverpoolCredit: PA
      Aston Villa are one of a number of Premier League clubs linked with a move for CoutinhoCredit: Getty
      Five Premier League clubs had been in discussions over a move for the 29-year-old, but Sky Sports report that has now been cut to just two, with a decision expected on Friday.
      And speaking on the links, Gerrard gushed: “He’s a wonderful footballer, to share a dressing room and a pitch with Coutinho was an absolute pleasure because he is on a level that very few footballers are on.
      “His imagination, his creativity, some of the highlight reels are incredible and there for all to see. I think the name speaks for itself.”
      Gerrard though remained coy on rumours linking Coutinho to Aston Villa.
      He continued: “What I won’t do here or elsewhere is speak about players who belong to other clubs, that’s not fair or respectful. 
      “But I do appreciate his name is out there and he is linked to Aston Villa, but he is also linked to five or six other clubs in this league.
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      “I’m sure there would be a long list of foreign clubs linked with Philippe’s services as well as you are talking about a world-class player. 
      “I understand and respect it but I can’t give anything further than that.”
      Along with Aston Villa, Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle had been linked with the former Liverpool star.
      But with just two clubs left in the race, Villa face less competition for his signature, if of course they are one of the parties that remain interested.
      Coutinho is said to have his heart set on a move away from Barcelona in January.
      The £145million signing is fearful of his chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad if he stays at the Nou Camp.
      Elsewhere Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is also keen to sign the former rival, but boss Rafa Benitez is reported to be unconvinced by the prospect of signing Coutinho.
      Coutinho has played just 251 minutes of La Liga action for Barcelona this campaign, and seems destined to leave the club.
      Ferran Torres’ £55m arrival means the Spaniards need to move players on in order to register their new signing from City. More

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      Arsenal set out conditions to sign Philippe Coutinho as they target loan transfer for Barcelona flop

      by

      ARSENAL have laid out the ground rules ahead of a potential loan deal for Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho.The Brazil international has been the subject of transfer speculation as the Catalans try to free up funds for reinforcements this month.
      Philippe Coutinho is reported to favour a move to ArsenalCredit: Getty
      But efforts to find a buyer have been hampered by the 29-year-old’s astronomical wages.
      An exit could now come in the shape of a loan move to the Emirates, providing certain conditions are met.
      Spanish outlet Sport reports the Gunners have told Barca they expect to be under no obligation to buy at the end of any loan.
      And the Premier League outfit say they won’t be paying Coutinho’s full salary while he’s in N7, which could mean Barca topping up the rest.
      The ex-Liverpool star is a key part of a transfer jigsaw puzzle at the Nou Camp.
      New boss Xavi is eyeing striker Alvaro Morata – currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid.
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      But any move for him hinges on offloading Coutinho, with a permanent transfer the preferred option.
      The likes of Tottenham and mega-rich Newcastle have long been mooted as possible destinations.
      And Everton recently entered the fray after they were reportedly ‘offered’ the player by his agents.
      But Countinho is reported to favour a move to Arsenal after boss Mikel Arteta gave the ‘green light’ to an approach.
      ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs More

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      Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger ‘in talks over FREE transfer with Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus’

      by

      ANTONIO RUDIGER is in talks with four top European clubs over a free transfer, reports say. The German has just half a year left on his current deal and is yet to extend it, despite efforts from Chelsea.
      Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is entering the last six months of his contractCredit: EPA
      Having entered the last six months of his contract, Rudiger, 28, is now able to negotiate a free transfer abroad.
      And according to Sky Sports, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all opened talks with his representatives.
      It could see him finalise a pre-contract agreement this month and secure a move away from Stamford Bridge.
      But, it is also claimed staying at Chelsea has not yet been ruled out by Rudiger.
      He has started 20 Premier League games this season – the most of any outfield player – and remains hugely valued by the club.
      It is believed the Blues have been unable to strike a financial agreement with the defender, who reportedly earns in the region of £140,000-per-week.
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      The Telegraph had claimed LaLiga giants Real are willing to DOUBLE that salary in order to prize Rudiger over to Spain.
      He is also joined by Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, Andreas Christensen, 25, and Thiago Silva, 37, who are all entering the final stages of their contracts.
      Azpilicueta is understood to be pushing for a two-year extension with the option of a third.
      But Chelsea – who have a policy of offering over 30s only one-year extensions – are expected to counter with a 12-month deal with the option of another year.
      Christensen had appeared close to agreeing terms with Chelsea, but has since changed agents and been linked to Barcelona on a free, Sky in Italy say.
      Silva on the other hand is nearing a one-year extension, which would guarantee him three years at the club.
      Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas ChristensenCredit: Getty More

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      How Barcelona can afford transfers like Haaland just months after announcing £1.2BILLION debt and releasing Messi

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      BARCELONA president Joan Laporta claims it is “very possible” the Nou Camp side can sign Norwegian superstar Erland Haaland this year and promised: “Barca are back.”But this was the same Catalan club that was forced to unload Lionel Messi and a string of other prized assets only last summer.
      Joan Laporta claims Barcelona will be among the sides battling to sign Erling HaalandCredit: AFP
      Sun Sport explains how Barca got into such dire straits – and why Laporta is now so bullish about what seemed a crisis club.
      Ok, so what was Barcelona’s financial position?
      The Covid-hit season of 2020-21 saw the Catalan giants post losses of a staggering £404m, due to a huge wage bill and more than an entire season without crowds.
      That meant a gross debt of around £1.2bn. In October the club announced it was “technically bankrupt” – due to debts and liabilities – when Laporta returned to the helm for the second time in March.
      That’s not good. But the Spanish giants have often been loaded with debt – after all, no bank would ever close on them, would they?
      No, and indeed both Barca and Real Madrid have benefitted from that knowledge in the past.
      But that in an era before La Liga imposed the current tough Financial Fair Play demands.
      Which are?
      Since 2013, “economic controls” have introduced squad limit costs to impose strict budgets for each season, with the aim of preventing “unsustainable debt”.
      La Liga have a group of financial analysts who go through the books of every club to assign the limits.
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      What did that mean for Barca?
      Everything!, In 2019-20, the Catalan side had a squad budget of £552m.
      The following season it was down to £322m and this term cut to just £82m, only the seventh highest in Spain – Real Madrid were allowed to spend £621m – and less than Watford’s budget in the Prem.
      And that spelled the end for Messi?
      Yes, despite Barca insisting the Argentine did not want to go and had agreed to take a 50 per cent wage cut.
      But it also forced a fire-sale, headed by the departures of Antoine Griezmann, back on loan to Atletico Madrid with an obligation to buy, Emerson Royal to Spurs for £25m and Junior Firpo to Leeds for £15m.
      In total, Barca sold players worth £82m and did not pay a transfer fee for any of the players who arrived.
      Barcelona’s budgetary issues led the club to part company with superstar playmaker Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      But they signed Sergio Aguero, didn’t they? And still have massive earners like Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.
      How can they have all them and pay out just £82m?
      They can’t. But they don’t have to. Although the salary cap was set by La Liga, the rules do not force them to sell players whose contracted salaries bust it.
      And even clubs that are over the limit can spend 25 per cent of transfer income on new salaries.
      It is understood that, despite the official limit, Barca’s current wage bill is actually in the region of £335m.
      Yes, but they signed Ferran Torres and are pushing hard for Alvaro Morata – how could they do that, even now that Aguero has been forced to retire?
      They have signed Torres, albeit only paying the £46m transfer fee in four instalments, but not registered him.
      And they can’t register him – or anybody else – until they have shipped out some of the players new boss Xavi no longer wants.
      That is why there is a desperation to find a new taker for Coutinho, Dembele, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti.
      Barca are reportedly willing to consider offers from clubs for a number of players including Samuel UmtitiCredit: Getty
      So why is Laporta so bullish?
      Probably because he has to be – especially with the Catalan fans still not happy despite Xavi’s return in place of axed Ronald Koeman.
      Champions League football next season is a must and while there seems little chance of making up 15 points on Madrid, Barca are up to fifth, within two points of third-placed Betis.
      And they have the fall-back option of winning the Europa League.
      Barca fans want Xavi to steer the club to a Champions League qualifying spot before next seasonCredit: EPA
      But what about the money?
      Gates have been restricted in La Liga so there will not be the normal cash inflow yet Laporta says the club has regained its “weight” in the transfer market.
      It could all be bluster, of course – smoke and mirrors on a grand scale.
      But Laporta also knows that there will always be someone willing to pony up the cash for Barca to spend…. More