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      Neymar is ‘technically better than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’ says Brazil legend Cafu

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      CAFU has joined the debate over who is the world’s best footballer and says it’s not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo… it’s Neymar.But the 29-year-old must finally became a ‘leader’ to realise his true potential, the Brazil legend told Marca.
      Cafu captained Brazil to their 2002 World Cup winCredit: Getty
      Fans have argued for years over who is better out of Messi and Ronaldo and should be regarded the GOAT – the Greatest Of All Time.
      So when Brazil’s record 142-cap appearance maker – whose sprawling list of honours includes a couple of World Cups, two Copa America titles and a Champions League success – offers his opinion, it is well worth noting.
      Retired Roma and AC Milan right-back Cafu, 51, said: “Neymar is technically better than Messi, better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but he must assume the responsibility of a leader.
      “One must dedicate themselves 100 percent to football.
      “I’m not better than Neymar, but I am better than other right-backs because I dedicated myself to that. He [Neymar] has to become a captain.”
      He seems to have a point. While the footballing ability of six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi and five-time winner Ronaldo has never been in doubt, both have also established themselves as two of the game’s great leaders.

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      Paris Saint-Germain star Messi, 34, often appeared to single-handily drag Barcelona over the line on route to winning a club-record 35 trophies, and skippered Argentina to a Copa America win over Neymar’s Brazil in the summer.
      Manchester United legend Ronaldo, 36, has similarly spear-headed the Red Devils, Real Madrid and Juventus to 27 major club honours, and captained Portugal to their historic Euro 2016 win.
      PSG’s Neymar’s 18 club titles record is not too shabby either but he only has that Copa America runners-up medal at international level.
      And his eight-month spell as Brazil captain ended in 2019, so maybe Cafu has identified the dimension which could see him join the pantheon of greats. More

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      ‘He knows how everything works’ – Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta speaks out after old pal Xavi takes over at Nou Camp

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      ANDRES Iniesta says former team-mate Xavi has everything needed to handle the pressure of becoming Barcelona’s latest manager. The tiki-taka legends established themselves as one of the greatest midfield pairings of all time in heart of all-conquering Barca and Spain sides, and they remains close friends.
      Xavi and Iniesta were a sensational midfield pairing for Barcelona and SpainCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Iniesta, 37, still plays for Japanese side Vissel Kobe but Xavi, 41, hung up his boots in 2019 to start his managerial career and was appointed Barca boss last week.
      The Nou Camp’s top job has become something of a poisoned chalice in recent seasons with the LaLiga giants sacking four bosses in the last two years.
      But Iniesta has told Mati de Catalunya Radio his old pal has clear advantages over his recent predecessors at the club.
      He said: “Xavi has a conciliatory part but also a strong personality that knows how to handle [the pressure].
      “He has been captain of Barca, and of the national team.
      “He has lived through all kinds of situations and knows how everything works.
      “I don’t think he has any problem.”

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      Xavi left his successful role as Al-Sadd boss to return to Barca as the replacement for Ronald Koeman, who was sacked after 14 months in charge.
      He returns with his old side tackling financial difficulties off the pitch and poor performances on it which have left them ninth in the LaLiga table after 12 games.
      But the Catalans have been boosted by the return of Brazilian right-back Danny Alves, 38, who is former team-mate Xavi’s first signing as Barca boss.
      Alves, who was a free agent after leaving Sao Paulo in September, made his name alongside Xavi, Iniesta, and now Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi, in a famous Barca side which enjoyed incredible success under Pep Guardiola. More

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      Brazil icon Ronaldo ‘had buses full of ladies turn up to his parties’ during amazing Real Madrid career

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      RONALDO NAZARIO would have “buses of girls” arrive at his parties back in his Real Madrid heyday, former teammate Ivan Helguera revealed.As one of his era’s most famous players, for his antics on and off the pitch, the Brazilian was known for enjoying the lavish lifestyle that came with playing for Los Blancos.
      Ronaldo played with a number of fellow jetsetters including David BeckhamCredit: Rex Features
      This party snap with alleged drug trafficker Amon Lemos landed him in hot water in 2005Credit: EPA
      Many have debated whether Ronaldo ended up squandering some of his talent as fitness issues dogged the latter stages of his career, but he has previously insisted he does not regret how he handled the money and fame that came his way.
      Forming a duo with Roberto Carlos, Helguera has detailed how notorious Ronaldo was inside Real’s Galactico team.
      The Spaniard told an Instagram Live interview with Spanish journalist Mister Chip: “Beckham, Zidane and Figo were great professionals.
      “Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, on the other hand, liked to go out a little more. But they certainly didn’t do it every night.
      “It happened if we played on a Saturday and, if we won, we all went out to celebrate. But it is absolutely not true that we went out on Friday or Saturday before important games.
      “I remember a birthday party at Ronaldo’s house, which he later sold to Sergio Ramos, where buses full of girls began to arrive. I was with my wife and we decided to leave, as did Figo.”
      I was the president of the parties! I miss it so much!”Ronaldo Nazario
      Helguera added Ronaldo, had: “Another party when we won LaLiga. It was also massive. I stayed late for that one.
      “Ronaldo was like that.”
      Last year, the ex-striker joked that he now misses his partying days having settled down with his girlfriend.
      He told Off The Ball: “I was also the president of the parties! I organised most of the parties.
      “My girlfriend now is very happy that I have also retired from the parties – and I miss it so much!”
      Joining Madrid from Inter in 2002, the forward won just the one LaLiga title as the Galacticos squad failed to live up to their potential.
      And weight issues were a particular problem for Ronaldo after injuries dogged his playing opportunities.
      As mentioned by Helguera, fellow Brazilian star Roberto Carlos also became infamous for his partying habits.
      Ronaldo made plenty of headlines with his lifestyle in MadridCredit: Rex Features
      Ex-defender Helguera admits he sometimes stuck around for the “massive” eventsCredit: Reuters

      The former full-back said in 2019 that “training sessions on Monday and sometimes Tuesdays were at five in the afternoon” because “almost nobody would go at 11 in the morning”.
      When asked about the comments, Helguera said: “The Brazilians were different. One of the good things Del Bosque did was he knew how to manage the squad very well.
      “Some people liked to go out more than others, but to the point of changing our training sessions to the afternoon, I can assure you it wasn’t like that. We trained at 11am every day.”
      Watch ‘most expensive transfer of all time’ Ronaldo’s top 3 free kicks for Inter Milan More

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      Dani Alves, 38, ‘will hold talks with Barcelona over sensational transfer return’ five years after leaving club

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      DANI ALVES is set to make good on his promise to lend a hand at former club Barcelona.The 38-year-old is reportedly in talks for a stunning return to the Nou Camp five years after he left the club.
      Right-back Dani Alves spent eight years at BarcelonaCredit: AFP – Getty
      The LaLiga giants are in financial turmoil as they struggle to cope with a mountain of debt.
      And they recently sacked manager Ronald Koeman after a woeful start to the season.
      Club legend Xavi has been brought in to steady the ship and is said to be keen on welcoming former team-mate Alves back into the fold.
      The Brazilian enjoyed eight successful years in Catalonia before heading to Juventus in 2016.
      He left Italy for Paris Saint-Germain a year later, then headed back to Brazil with Sao Paulo in 2019.
      But things turned sour this year as the right-back saw his contract ripped up after a dispute over unpaid image rights.

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      Alves is now a free agent and last month said he was ready to help out at Barca if they came calling.
      He said: “The affection, love and respect I have for this club is too much. If Barca think they need me, they just have to call me.”
      The offer appears to have been heard as club president Joan Laporta revealed contact with the player.
      He said: “Dani is helping our club in many ways, he has also offered his help on the pitch.”
      AS claim talks are being held over his return.
      Barca have a crop of promising young players who would benefit from an experienced head such as Alves coming in.
      He would also provide cover at right-back for youngster Sergino Dest and the injured Sergi Roberto.

      Xavi takes Barcelona training for first time More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘convinced’ Barcelona can lure Raheem Sterling from Man City amid transfer interest

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has admitted he could lose top players to Barcelona amid their interest in Raheem Sterling.The Catalan giants have been long-time admirers of Sterling and rumoured to be lining up a transfer offer.
      Raheem Sterling could be lured by Barcelona, his manager Pep Guardiola admittedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Pep Guardiola conceded the lure of Barcelona is still there for playersCredit: AFP
      Barcelona have just appointed Xavi to be their new head coach and want new faces to help rebuild after a miserable start to the campaign.
      Sterling, 26, would be an ideal option to fit into the club’s 4-3-3 system.
      And City boss Guardiola admitted: “If Barcelona are interested in any of our players, I am convinced that they can get them.
      “Barca continues to be an attractive club, more than attractive. The city, the club, the history and this for the trainers, for the players always seduces a lot.
      “If Barcelona interests one of our players, they will set up the machinery into operation, it is a liner.
      “Barca can use their media to influence signings. That’s the thing about Barcelona; they can do what they want, good or bad.”
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      Sterling isn’t a first-team regular under Guardiola and has scored twice this season in 15 appearances.
      He recently admitted he would be open to leaving the Etihad in a bid for more playing time.
      Sterling told Financial Times: “If there was the opportunity to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it at this moment in time.
      “As I said, football is the most important thing to me — challenges that I have set myself from a young age and dreams as well.
      “As an English player all I know is the Premier League and I’ve always thought you know maybe one day I’d love to play abroad to see how I would come up against that challenge.”
      Catalan outfit El Nacional yesterday claimed there could be a player swap deal for Sterling and Barcelona star Frankie de Jong.
      Guardiola is said to be an admirer of De Jong, who hasn’t had the influence in Barcelona’s midfield that they hoped for since his move from Ajax.
      De Jong is valued at £60m Euros by the Catalans while Man City have a £43m price tag on Sterling.
      That would mean Sterling plus £17m would be the price Pep has to pay if he wants to bring 24-year-old De Jong to Manchester.
      De Jong joined Barcelona in a £65m deal from Ajax in 2019 and came with high expectations.
      Guardiola reacts to Man City’s huge step towards knockout stages after 4-1 win against Brugge More

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      Xavi ‘immediately SACKS two Barcelona coaches in bid to improve fitness as new manager begins staff overhaul’

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      XAVI has made an instant mark at Barcelona by reportedly sacking two club physios.The club legend, 41, took charge at the Nou Camp on Monday and has wasted no time in making changes.
      Xavi was unveiled by Barcelona on Monday and has made an immediate impactCredit: Rex
      Ansu Fati was the latest player to limp off in the 3-3 draw at Celta VigoCredit: AP
      Barcelona have a growing number of injuries and reports say players weren’t happy with the pre-season preparations.
      And, according to AS, Xavi has told physio Juanjo Brau and physical trainer Albert Roca their services are no longer needed.
      Ansu Fati was the latest star to join the injury list as he limped off in the 3-3 draw against Celta Vigo.
      He was joined by Eric Garcia and Nico Gonzalez in leaving that match early in a triple injury blow.
      And they all join the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Gerard Pique as part of the 11-man list of stars currently on the sidelines.
      Xavi was unveiled in front of 10,000 fans on Monday after replacing Ronald Koeman.
      But there was a rather awkward choice of music to greet his arrival at the Nou Camp.
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      But before he was wheeled out, the Tannoy boomed with the hit song ‘Another One Bites The Dust’.
      Xavi will be hoping it is not an ominous sign with the LaLiga giants sacking four bosses in the last two years.
      The Spaniard has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Barca.
      He also revealed the message he was sent by his former team-mate and club great Lionel Messi.
      Xavi said at his unveiling: “With Messi I have friendship, he has written to me and wished me luck, he is the best player in the world and in the history of this club.”
      The pair won seven LaLiga titles together and four Champions Leagues in one of the most dominant teams ever.
      And Xavi has a tinge of regret that Messi left Spain this summer before he got a chance to manage the Argentina magician.
      The new Barcelona manager said: “Of course I would have liked to train him. Like Eto’o or Ronaldinho.
      “We do not have him and we can no longer think about the players who are not there.”

      Xavi reveals message from Lionel Messi before joining Barcelona More

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      Xavi reveals message from Lionel Messi before joining Barcelona and regrets not being able to manage legend

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      NEW Barcelona boss Xavi has revealed he was sent a special message from his former team-mate Lionel Messi.The Spanish club legend was unveiled as their new manager on Monday after replacing the sacked Ronald Koeman.
      Xavi revealed he was sent a message by Lionel Messi after being named Barcelona managerCredit: AFP
      Xavi was unveiled as Barcelona’s new manager on MondayCredit: Getty
      Xavi, 41, has a huge job on his hands to turn around Barcelona’s fortunes after a miserable start to the campaign.
      But he has the support of Messi – who he played with for over a decade in Catalunya.
      Xavi said at his unveiling: “With Messi I have friendship, he has written to me and wished me luck, he is the best player in the world and in the history of this club.”
      The pair won seven LaLiga titles together and four Champions Leagues in one of the most dominant teams ever.
      And Xavi has a tinge of regret that Messi left Spain this summer before he got a chance to manage the Argentina magician.
      The new Barcelona manager said: “Of course I would have liked to train him. Like Eto’o or Ronaldinho.
      “We do not have him and we can no longer think about the players who are not there.”
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      The new manager was left red-faced at his unveiling on Monday by the choice of music.
      Xavi left his role as Al-Sadd boss to return to the club where he achieved boundless success.
      The 41-year-old was unveiled to his adoring fans at the club’s stadium today.
      But before he was wheeled out, the Tannoy boomed with the hit song ‘Another One Bites The Dust’.
      Xavi will be hoping it is not an ominous sign with the LaLiga giants sacking four bosses in the last two years.
      The Spaniard has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Barca.
      Xavi ‘wants Raheem Sterling and Jules Kounde as his first two Barcelona transfers after agreeing deal to become manager’ More

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      Watch Arsenal loanee Hector Bellerin score HORROR own goal in Real Betis derby clash with Sevilla which they lose 2-0

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      ARSENAL loanee Hector Bellerin scored a HORROR own goal to seal boyhood club Real Betis’ 2-0 defeat to Sevilla.Sevilla were leading 1-0 heading into the final ten minutes of the LaLiga clash.

      Both Mir and Pezzella missed Montiel’s crossCredit: PREMIER SPORTS
      Bellerin couldn’t adjust in time and he buried the ball into the back of his own netCredit: PREMIER SPORTS
      Bellerin had a goal disallowed before scoring an own goalCredit: AFP
      And right-back Gonzalo Montiel found himself in acres of space down Betis’ left-hand side.
      The Argentine whipped an inviting cross into the box, which both forward Rafa Mir and Betis defender German Pezzella somehow missed.
      Bellerin was in the wrong place at the wrong time and he was unable to adjust his feet in time to prevent planting the ball into the back of his own net.
      Despite Sunday’s loss, Bellerin and Betis have enjoyed a good start to their league campaign.
      The defeat keeps them on 21 points in fifth place, two behind defending champions Atletico Madrid.
      Three points for Sevilla puts them level on points with title-chasing Real Madrid, but Real Sociedad still top the table.
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      Bellerin says he doesn’t know what the plan is next summer, but he’s focussed on enjoying his time at Betis.
      He told EIDesmarque: “I don’t know, but I’ve always said if I didn’t want to be here next season, I wouldn’t have come from the beginning.
      “There are many things to be decided but what I want to do is enjoy this season that I am here. And what has to happen will happen.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
      Arsenal outcast Hector Bellerin joins boyhood club Real Betis on loan transfer after Gunners’ Takehiro Tomiyasu swoop More