La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Stunned Spanish press’ response to Lionel Messi’s bombshell Barcelona exit as they claim LaLiga are to blame

      by

      SPANISH media were left shellshocked by Barcelona’s announcement yesterday that Lionel Messi is leaving the club.The 34-year-old Argentine will end his two-decade career in Catalunya after failing to agree a new deal.
      Marca said Barcelona let Lionel Messi escape and have lost their best ever player
      Mundo Deportivo called it a bombshell on their front page
      The news was announced by Barcelona on Thursday and seemed to take everyone by surprise.
      Messi was expected to agree to a pay cut and sign a new deal to stay at the Nou Camp.
      But the Argentine magician is on his way and the reaction in the Spanish press says it all.
      The front page of Marca today says Barcelona have let Messi escape and lost the best player in their history.
      While news outlet AS have instead blamed LaLiga for Messi not signing a new contract and leaving.
      Their headline reads ‘No Seguira’, which translates as ‘I can’t go on’.
      Mundo Deportivo, meanwhile, reacted to the bombshell news like the rest of us.
      They wrote ‘Bombazo! Messi se va!’ which just said that the great was leaving.
      AS placed the blame for Lionel Messi leaving on LaLiga
      Sport’s front page on Friday after the shock Lionel Messi news
      Messi is now a free agent and being chased by the likes of PSG and Man City.
      A move to the MLS to Inter Miami is also a possibility, as is a return to Argentina.
      Messi, who joined Barca aged just 13, was believed to be close to agreeing a new contract but financial restrictions mean the deal CANNOT be finalised.
      Reports earlier this week claimed Messi’s contract would be confirmed soon, with just the finer details left to be sorted.
      According to Spanish newspaper Marca, a Thursday meeting between Barca’s hierarchy and Messi’s father and agent Jorge – along with other representatives – did not fix the remaining issues, leading Barcelona to announce Messi’s departure.
      Barcelona have now confirmed that Messi will end his glittering Nou Camp career and expressed their regret that the wishes of both player and the club could not be fulfilled.
      The Catalans also placed on record their thanks to Messi and wished him well for the future.
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS

      A statement read: “Despite having reached an agreement between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it cannot be formalised due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations).
      “Given this situation, Lionel Messi will not continue [with] FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the club cannot finally be fulfilled.
      “Barca would like to thank with all its heart the player’s contribution to the enhancement of the institution and wishes him the best in his personal and professional life.”
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET LEICESTER AT 60/1 OR MAN CITY AT 30/1
      Lionel Messi leaves cash-strapped Barcelona in transfer bombshell More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Incoming Man Utd star Raphael Varane set to fly to UK today and will sign contract after quarantine and medical

      by

      RAPHAEL VARANE is reportedly set to fly out to England today to finalise his move to Manchester United from Real Madrid.The Red Devils have already agreed a deal with Los Blancos rising to £42.7million to secure the French centre-back’s services.
      Manchester United have already agreed a fee with Real Madrid to sign Raphael VaraneCredit: Getty
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made signing the 28-year-old a key priority this summer as he looked to bring in a suitable partner for Harry Maguire.
      And Los Blancos were forced to accept a cut-price deal for Varane who was poised to become a free agent in 2022.
      After ten years spent at Madrid where he won three LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns, the World Cup winner was keen for a fresh challenge.
      The ex-Lens ace is believed to be ready to put pen to paper on a four-year deal which will be signed after he completes his medical and quarantines in the UK.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Raphael Varane update. He’s ready to fly to Manchester today.
      “The Visa issue is finally to be resolved in the next few hours – original plan was to fly earlier this week.
      “Now: quarantine, medical and then official announcement. Contract [2025] into his agents hands.”
      Before adding: “Confirmed. Raphael Varane ready to fly to Manchester today, contract until June 2025 + option 2026 set to be signed after quarantine and medical.”
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET LEICESTER AT 60/1 OR MAN CITY AT 30/1

      United legend Gary Neville has praised the imminent arrival of Varane at the Theatre of Dreams along with the £73m purchase of Jadon Sancho.
      He told Sky Sports: “I think Varane is really exciting. Sancho’s exciting but it was almost inevitable that was going to happen.”
      Neville then continued: “Varane is exciting and I think last season, every United fan, every commentator, pundit, fan and analyst watched United and said, ‘They need a partner for Harry Maguire’, and they’ve got one.
      “He’s a good age, got massive experience, he’s got a good centre-back alongside him. In fact, he’s got a good back four.
      “So he’s not coming into a team where he’s having to hold it together. He’s, you could argue, the last piece of the jigsaw in the sense that the rest of them are doing a pretty good job.”
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      DREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer says Raphael Varane is a ‘proven winner’ More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Neymar sparks romance rumours as he takes stunning influencer Bruna Biancardi to dinner with Messi and wife Antonela

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Neymar has sparked romance rumours with influencer Bruna Biancardi as the two continue to be snapped together in Ibiza.The pair are currently on holiday in the party island before the ex-Barcelona forward reports back for pre-season duty in France.
      Neymar has been snapped with influencer Bruna Biancardi on holiday in IbizaCredit: Getty
      PSG forward Neymar has sparked romance rumours with Brazilian beauty BiancardiCredit: Splash
      Biancardi posed for a picture with the partners of Neymar’s friends – including Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela RocuzzoCredit: Instagram
      Neymar has posed for photos with former team-mate Lionel Messi in Ibiza, along with PSG pals Angel Di Maria, Marco Verratti and Leandro Paredes.
      And it appears he has introduced Biancardi to his friends after the 27-year-old was pictured alongside the wags of his mates – including Messi’s wife Antonela Rocuzzo.
      According to AS, Messi and Rocuzzo organised the dinner, with Di Maria’s partner Jorgelina Cardoso sharing an image of the women together on social media.
      Biancardi, who posted a snap of herself in a white dress earlier that day, can be seen wearing the same clothing in Cardoso’s upload.
      As of yet, neither Neymar or Biancardi have commented on a possible relationship between the pair on social media.
      Though Biancardi – who boasts over 252,000 followers on Instagram – has shared a snap of the two on her story.
      It has even been claimed that the Brazilian beauty was present at Neymar’s New Year’s Eve party in Rio de Janeiro.
      And while Neymar could be getting lucky off the pitch, he has failed to get lucky on it.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET LEICESTER AT 60/1 OR MAN CITY AT 30/1
      Neymar posed for a picture with Messi, Angel Di Maria, Marco Verratti and Leandro Paredes the same night Biancardi was snapped with his pals wagsCredit: Instagram @neymarjr

      Biancardi was reportedly present at Neymar’s New Year’s Eve party in Rio de JaneiroCredit: Splash
      Influencer Biancardi boasts 252,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @brunabiancardi

      DREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      That is because his dream to play with Messi again appears to be over with the 34-year-old set to sign a new deal at Barcelona.
      The former Santos magician is understood to have been desperate to be reunited with Messi at Parc des Princes, with Les Parisiens failing to persuade him to join.
      TNT Sports and Radio Italia journalist Marcelo Bechler tweeted: “PSG was very confident and wanted Messi very much.
      “They offered him everything money could buy. Neymar really wanted to play with his idol again.
      “Messi wants to stay in the club of his life.”
      Neither Biancardi or Neymar have commented on their possible romanceCredit: Instagram @brunabiancardi
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      Neymar shows off incredible £10m personalised Mercedes helicopter More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi’s Barcelona renewal ‘imminent’ with star set to sign in time to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus

      by

      LIONEL MESSI’S new contract at Barcelona is ‘imminent’, according to reports.And that could see the Argentine great go up against Cristiano Ronaldo this weekend.
      Lionel Messi is back in Barcelona and could play for the club against Juventus on Sunday
      He landed back at El Prat airport at 9.30pm on Wednesday evening
      Barcelona take on Juventus in a pre-season friendly on Sunday night in Catalonia.
      Ronaldo is expected to be involved with the match being both sides’ final warm-up games before the new campaign gets underway.
      And Ronald Koeman will want Messi available.
      The Dutchman could well get his wishes granted with the Barcelona legend back in the city after returning from his latest holiday in Ibiza.
      He landed at El Prat airport on a private flight at around 9.30pm on Wednesday night, report Mundo Deportivo.
      Marca add all the details of Messi’s contract extension were sorted three weeks ago.
      Now the 34-year-old has returned to Barcelona, the contract looks set to be signed and announced in ‘a matter of hours’.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET LEICESTER AT 60/1 OR MAN CITY AT 30/1

      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner will put pen to paper on a five-year extension with the club.
      At least two of those are expected to be as a Barca player – but the last three could be as an ambassador in the USA.
      Messi may even be presented at the Estadi Johan Cruyff ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy clash with Juve.
      The Spanish press expect Messi to sign his new contract in the coming days, if not hoursDREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Watch as Lionel Messi is mobbed by fans in Miami after leaving restaurant as he and wife Antonela relax on holiday More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd in Kieran Trippier transfer boost with Atletico Madrid ‘lining up replacement in Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Kieran Trippier. That is because Atletico Madrid have reportedly lined up Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi as a replacement for the England hero.
      Man Utd have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Kieran TrippierCredit: Getty
      That is because Atletico Madrid have lined up Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi as a replacement for the England heroCredit: Getty
      The England full-back has been linked with the Red Devils for weeks, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen on the former Spurs player.
      And the 30-year-old is said to be desperate to move to Old Trafford.
      However, with two years remaining on his contract, Atletico are digging their heels in on the fee.
      They are reportedly holding out for his £34million release clause to be triggered.
      But they are still making plans for Trippier’s departure, according to Spanish outlet AS.
      Florenzi, 30, spent last season on loan at Paris Saint-Germain from Roma.
      He played 36 times in all competitions for the French giants – scoring twice and providing one assist – before bagging a Euro 2020 winner’s medal with Italy.
      New Roma boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly not interested in keeping the right-back.
      And Atletico are said to be keeping tabs on his situation in case they have to replace the Three Lions man.
      ‘HOMECOMING’
      Trippier himself is now pushing to make the move back to England, according to Diario Sport in Spain.
      The former Burnley man hails from nearby Bury, and would see the transfer as a homecoming.
      And his family is believed to be comprised predominantly of United fans.
      SunSport understands the Red Devils are determined to secure his signature, to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      And the Telegraph recently claimed Trippier is willing to wait all summer to secure his move.
      This could see negotiations go right to the wire on transfer deadline day on August 31.
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS

      United may have to sell players before being able to splash out on Trippier, having already forked out on two key signings.
      They began their summer with a bang, finally securing the signature of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for £73m.
      And they have since added another blockbuster name to their squad in Raphael Varane, having confirmed a £34m deal.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Man Utd work hard in training ahead of the new season More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘determined to seal Martin Odegaard transfer this month with Real Madrid ready to sell on permanent deal’

      by

      ARSENAL remain determined to sign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid, according to reports.The 22-year-old impressed on loan with the Gunners last season and Mikel Arteta was hoping to come to a similar arrangement this term.
      Arsenal want to bring Martin Odegaard back to the EmiratesCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid are understood to be willing to sell but only on a permanent dealCredit: Getty
      Arsenal were initially told playmaker Odegaard would be staying put.
      But Odegaard is said to be concerned about how many minutes he will get under new boss Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.
      And Los Blancos are now believed to be willing to let the Norwegian leave… however only on a permanent deal.
      Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are said to be Ancelotti’s preferred midfield options.
      Real have set their Odegaard asking price at £42.5million.
      And, according to football.london, Arsenal reckon a deal is there to be done.
      Madrid believe the midfielder does have a future at the club, but won’t rule out sanctioning a sale if the player asks to leave and a their valuation is hit.
      The LaLiga giants are hopeful Odegaard decides to stay at Real, despite reports suggesting the player is unsettled.
      An ongoing debate inside Real is whether Odegaard is ready to step up and stamp down a first team place, succeeding an ageing Modric.
      Or whether the player isn’t up for the fight and is looking for a way out.
      Real are preparing for massive changes at the club, in particular in the midfield.
      Modric has just a year left on his current deal, and midfield partner Kroos is 31.
      Midfield enforcer Casemiro is also almost 30, so Real are turning to 23-year-old Federico Valverde and possibly Odegaard to carry the torch when the time comes.
      Although Arsenal are keen on Odegaard, Real are not willing to let the player leave on loan.
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000

      Odegaard has also failed to impress during Real’s pre-season fixtures, garnering criticism from the Spanish press for his performance in the loss to Scottish champions Rangers.
      AS’ Tomas Roncero blasted: “Odegaard is the eternal promise. Surrounded by homegrown players, he should have said ‘here I am’.
      “What is there to do? Like at Arsenal, do they all play for him? Martin, you are in Madrid. Wake up, macho.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
      Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Mikel Arteta admits Thomas Partey’s ankle is not looking good just 12 days before opener More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal transfer blow with Atletico Madrid ‘favourites to sign Lautaro Martinez’ as Inter Milan target Joaquin Correa

      by

      ARSENAL have been dealt a transfer blow with Atletico Madrid the new favourites to sign Lautaro Martinez, according to reports.The Gunners are on the hunt for a new striker with Alexandre Lacazette’s contract expiring next summer.
      Atletico Madrid are ready to battle Arsenal to the signature of Lautaro Martinez from Inter MilanCredit: Getty
      And they had identified the Inter Milan striker as a potential replacement with the Argentine expected to leave the San Siro.
      He even switched agent to Alejandro Camano who sealed team-mate Hakim Achraf’s transfer to PSG this summer.
      However, AS in Spain state Atletico want to wrap up a deal ahead of Arsenal.
      The Italian giants Inter could target Lazio ace Joaquin Correa as a replacement transfer if they lose their current star.
      Martinez, 23, has 49 goals in 132 Inter appearances and helped them to the Serie A title last season.
      There are two years left on his current contract, which includes a £100million release clause.
      Arsenal made an ambitious enquiry to see if they could land the forward amid conversations over Hector Bellerin.
      Martinez is on a fairly modest salary at Inter – earning around £40,000 per week – although he would likely increase that significantly should he move to the Emirates.
      However, additional reports suggest he does not fancy the transfer, especially with no European football on offer under Mikel Arteta next season.
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
      Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Barcelona were previously interested but are financially wrecked so need to make serious cuts to the wage bill.
      And that could pave the way for Atleti to swoop.
      Martinez has just returned to Milan following his summer exploits winning the Copa America with Argentina.

      Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez shows off his skills with amazing bicycle kick in training More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Real Madrid doctor says Gareth Bale is best athlete he’s ever seen over legend Cristiano Ronaldo

      by

      GARETH BALE is a better athlete than Cristiano Ronaldo, according to ex-Real Madrid doctor Jesus Olmo.Juventus star Ronaldo is famed for his physique and even maintains it at the age of 36 but Olmo reckons Bale – on loan at Tottenham – is the best athlete he has ever seen.
      Gareth Bale is a better athlete than Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a former Real Madrid doctor
      Jesus Olmo claimed Bale is the best athlete he has ever seen despite Ronaldo being famed for his impressive physique
      Having been team-mates during Olmo’s time at the Bernabeu, Bale and CR7 probably have their own ideas about who keeps in better shape but the Portuguese doc was in no doubt.
      The ex-Los Blancos doctor told Ideal: “Perhaps the best athlete I’ve ever seen is Bale.
      “Gareth Bale is a natural athlete who can excel in practically any sport.
      “He has incredible athletic skills, and I would also say technical skills.
      “He is the one who impressed me most in all aspects.”
      The medical expert also said Real Madrid fans haven’t seen the best of the Welsh wizard during his time in Spain, because he was suffering from several injuries.
      After Ronaldo leapt 8ft 5ins into the air to score a header against Sampdoria in 2019 he revealed his fitness secrets that keep him going and claimed he could play on until he was 41.
      And the Portuguese mega-star was recently said to be using rugby studs in his boots to make him EVEN FASTER on the pitch.

      Gareth Bale left without Real Madrid squad number ahead of new season after losing his iconic No11 shirt More