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      Real Madrid star Federico Valverde reveals he had decided to join Arsenal before being handed Gunners transfer snub

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      REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde revealed he decided to join Arsenal before being turned down by the club.The midfielder has been a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side for the past few years, but he could have been playing in the Premier League.Federico Valverde trained with Arsenal ten years agoCredit: RexHe trained with Arsenal ten years ago and felt at home at London Colney.Valverde, 26, was welcomed by the likes of Emi Martinez and Alexis Sanchez and he claims he saw a future at the club – only to be rejected by the Gunners.He told Marca: “I was 16. I said: ‘That’s it. This is my club. I’m going to grow here.”In Uruguay, the Premier League was watched a lot. I imagined a future there. READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I enjoyed it and I trained with spectacular players. “I don’t know if he’ll remember me, but Dibu [Emi Martinez] was one of the ones who helped me the most in everything, along with [Hector] Bellerín, Alexis [Sanches] and [Santi] Cazorla. I didn’t know English and they had to explain all the work to me.”Valverde was playing for Uruguayn side Penarol at the time and he went on to join Real Madrid two years later.He has 275 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 24 times, while winning plenty of silverware.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSValverde has three LaLiga titles to his name as well as two Champions League victories.He was also subject to a £51million bid from Liverpool last summer, which was rejected.’He bottled it,’ squeals Neville as Carragher gives updated title prediction More

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      France World Cup winner reveals shock plans to retire at 34 for career in real estate

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      FRANCE star Ousmane Dembele has already planned out his retirement despite being only 27 years old.Dembele has already experienced immense success at both club and especially international level, having won the 2018 World Cup with Les Bleus.Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele revealed he will retire at the age of 34Credit: GettyWorld Cup winner Dembele is planning to get in the real estate businessCredit: GettyThe forward also counts three LaLiga titles as well as two Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona, a German Cup with Borussia Dortmund and last season’s double with current club Paris Saint-Germain.And Dembele appears to only have about seven years left in his career to win even more honours.That is because the France international revealed he has decided to hang up his football boots at the age of 34.And then the ex-Rennes star is planning to get in the real estate business in France as well as several African nations.Read More on FootballDembele told The Bridge – a YouTube show, which is co-presented by Real Madrid ace and France team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni: “I want to retire at 34. “And then I want to get into the property business. Invest in Africa, in France…”Dembele has had a strong start at PSG this season as he already counts five goals and seven assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.Ever since his arrival in Paris from Barcelona last year, the versatile attacker counts a total of 11 goals and 21 assists in 55 matches.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Frenchman has also registered a total of six goals and four assists in 53 caps with his national team.That includes four appearances in the World Cup six years ago, when France lifted the trophy.PSG return to action on Friday in Ligue 1 against Toulouse at Parc des Princes.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games More

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      Tottenham flop, 35, becomes an OIL TYCOON in major career change three years after retiring from football

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      FORMER Tottenham star Giovani dos Santos has swapped boots for barrels… by becoming an OIL TYCOON.The Mexico winger, a £9million Spurs buy from Barcelona, spent four seasons at White Hart Lane.Giovani Dos Santos has become an oil tycoonCredit: instagram @ oficialgioThe footballer spent time at Tottenham and Ipswich during his careerCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe scored three goals in 33 games, and also had a loan spell with Ipswich Town, before leaving for Mallorca in 2012.Dos Santos also helped Mexico win gold at the 2012 London Olympics, beating Brazil 2-0 in the final at Wembley.Dos Santos, 35, retired in 2021 and has since had a business buying and selling luxury cars in his home country.But the 106-cap international has now become the JR Ewing of football by investing in Procura Mexico.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe company is part of the country’s state-owned oil giant Pemex.And Dos Santos is reported to be earning up to £400,000 a year from Pemex, Latin America’s second-largest oil company.A source said: “According to our information, his new job brings him in four to five hundred thousand dollars a year – over 10 million Mexican pesos.”Barcelona academy product Dos Santos was once dubbed the new Lionel Messi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also had spells with Galatasaray, Racing Santander, Villarreal, LA Galaxy and Mexico’s Club America before hanging up his boots.Dos Santos played eight times for Ipswich in 2009, scoring four Championship goals.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDos Santos’ brother Jonatha, right, starred for VillarrealCredit: Rex FeaturesHe comes from a footballing family with his brother, Jonathan, also a successful pro.He also came through the youth ranks at Barcelona.He went on to play for Villarreal before moving to the MLS with LA Galaxy.He then returned to Mexico to join Club America in 2022 and is still playing for the club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Real Madrid youngster forced to retire at 19 after suffering rare complications following horror knee injury

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      A REAL MADRID youngster has been forced to retire due to injury aged just 19.Marc Cucalon joined the club in 2016 from Zaragova as a “child with a backpack full of dreams”.Marc Cucalon has announced his retirement aged just 19Credit: Instagram / marc_cucalon6The midfielder failed to overcome an ACL injury he suffered two years agoCredit: Instagram / marc_cucalon6He was part of Real Madrid’s academy and brushed shoulders with the biggest starsHe rose through the ranks at Real Madrid’s La Fabrica academy, featuring for the C team.The midfielder earned comparisons to Los Blancos great Xabi Alonso and featured for Real Madrid in the Uefa Youth League.But it was in his fourth appearance in that competition that his career changed, as he tore his ACL in a challenge with an opposing Celtic player.That happened in September 2022 but Cucalon has been unable to recover so has announced his decision to retire.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote in a statement: “I didn’t know how to start this letter. So I’ll do it by saying THANK YOU to everyone. From the bottom of my heart. For all the support you have given me throughout this time.”I arrived at the Real Madrid youth team in the summer of 2016 as a child with a backpack full of dreams and I have been very, very happy. And the truth is that my life changed completely on September 6, 2022, when I was seriously injured in a match of the @uefayouthleague.”After several complications, that injury has forced me to make the tough decision to say GOODBYE to football, at least in the way I had always dreamed of.”During these last two years I have fought physically and mentally with all my strength and I have tried everything in my power to enjoy this sport again, but it has not been possible to recover. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCucalon underwent surgery following his injury but it did not go to plan, with bacteria entering his body and causing an infection which affected the cartilage in his knee.The youngster persisted and underwent various treatments but was unable to make a full recovery.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti shows his disappointment at loss to Milan in the Champions League Despite that he is still in high spirits as he starts a new journey.He continued: “Although do not get me wrong: this is not a sad farewell at all.”After all, I think I have been truly privileged to have been part of the best club in the world and to have lived a dream. I have learned and matured as a person and as a player.”I will take with me for the rest of my life the values ​​that have been instilled in me and, of course, football has taught me in every victory and in every defeat: you always have to overcome and keep fighting to overcome obstacles. Those lessons will be part of my life forever.”It is time to look back and be grateful to all the people who have been by my side on this journey.”Endless thanks to my family. Thanks to my parents, who have always supported me in every decision and every obstacle in my path.”It is true that leaving home to fulfill my dream was difficult. But seeing their happy faces when they saw me enjoying myself on the field became my greatest pride. Thanks also to my friends, the unconditional ones who have never let me down.” More

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      Rodri breaks silence on Real Madrid snub after Man City ace beat Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Rodri is not bothered by Real Madrid’s claim that their star player Vinicius Jr deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or instead of him.Real boycotted the prestigious ceremony in France last month after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t be winning the esteemed award, claiming the decision was a sign of “disrespect” to the club.Manchester City star Rodri isn’t bothered about Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or snubCredit: RexReal boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t winCredit: RexRodri was ultimately named the best male player of the year- with the Brazil international finishing as runner-up – after winning the Premier League with City and Euro 2024 with Spain.Vinicius has not yet congratulated the star midfielder and has instead vowed to put in 10 times the effort to win it himself next year.However, the Spain international insists Real and the forward’s reaction do not offend him.Rodri told Cadena Cope: “All the Spanish clubs would have to congratulate me and they haven’t.Read More on Football“I care about my family and my club. They must have their reasons; I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going over it. “The mistake is giving so much attention to a club that hasn’t decided to participate.”Rodri is expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury.The Spaniard suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage in his right knee in September during Man City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the ex-Atletico Madrid star is confident he will be back this term and teased he could actually play in this summer’s controversial Club World Cup despite criticising it a few months earlier.Rodri said when asked whether he will be back this season: “Yes, yes. Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”Plus, seasons are longer now, the Club World Cup finishes on July 13. I want to have that mental challenge.” More

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      Former Real Madrid star’s house left a charred wreck after horrific fire as partner says ‘we are still in shock’

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      FORMER Real Madrid striker Borja Mayoral has suffered a devastating fire at his home that has left his family in “shock”.The Spanish forward, 27, who now plays for Getafe, saw the top floor of his Madrid chalet go up in flames.Borja Mayoral has revealed a fire ripped through his Madrid homeCredit: GettyMayoral’s wife Favia Natalini shared a picture of the devastating impact of the blazeCredit: Instagram @flavianataliniFlavia also thanked the firefighters for putting it outCredit: Instagram @flavianataliniMayoral and Flavia thanked those who sent them well wishesCredit: RexTwo fire engines arrived at the scene to put out the fire.According to Marca, the first two floors were damaged along with the chalet.And Mayoral took to Instagram to provide an update for his 926,000 followers.He said: “As you may have read in various media outlets, I had a problem at home today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Luckily, my family and I are fine and everything has just been a scare.”Thank you very much for your messages of concern.”Mayoral’s partner, Flavia Natalini, posted a picture of the destroyed house showing the rubble that has been left behind.And she said: “You’re asking us a lot about what happened to us… We’re still in shock but we’re all fine and that’s the important thing. Thank you all very much.”Most read in FootballMayoral spent seven years at Real Madrid between 2015 and 2022Credit: AP:Associated PressAlongside another image of the firefighters who put out the blaze, she added: “You are heroes. Thank you.”Mayoral spent seven years at Real Madrid but played just 33 games for the club, scoring seven goals.He won the Champions League and Club World Cup during his time with the Spanish giants, before he eventually departed permanently in 2022 for Getafe.Since penning a long-term deal at the club, Mayoral has scored 26 goals in 69 matches for Getafe.Last season, he racked up his best goal return with 17 in 31 appearances. More

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      Legendary Champions League stadium unrecognisable as rival fans ‘get backache just looking at’ 104,000-seater rebuild

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      ONE of Europe’s most beloved football stadiums is currently undergoing a facelift – and fans are not best pleased.The iconic Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona closed in June 2023 ahead of a complete redevelopment.New images of the redeveloped Nou Camp have been revealedCredit: XFans don’t seem to be pleased with the seatsCredit: XIt was completely demolished to make room for a new £1.25billion stadium that will have a capacity of 104,000.Barcelona have since been housed at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium around five kilometres away.Club officials are hoping to move back into the Nou Camp within the next few months.But the stadium will not be fully complete until 2026.Read More in FootballSome new images of the development were shared on social media last week, but fans were far from impressed.One of the biggest complaints was the apparent lack of padding on seats.One person took to X to write: “What sh***y seats. Low cost seats with 100% comfort 😂 or you get a cushion or your butt will get square 😂.”Another commented: “I got a backache just looking at those seats.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a third simply said: “Horrible.”The stadium improvements are set to earn Barcelona an additional £25m in revenue each year.Inside iconic abandoned stadium that hosted England matches before falling into disrepair when club went bust Hansi Flick’s side currently sit top of the La Liga table, six points ahead of close rivals Real Madrid. More

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      Raphinha gifts Yamal £10,000 solid gold iPhone to congratulate his Ballon D’or Kopa trophy win

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      LAMINE Yamal’s Barcelona teammate Raphinha surprised him with a £10,000 solid gold iPhone to celebrate his Ballon D’or Koba trophy win.Yamal was awarded the Koba at the ceremony in Paris last month.Raphinha surprised Yamal with a pricey presentHe handed him a £10,000 solid gold iPhone from I Design GoldInsiders said Raphinha was inspired by Lionel Messi and Kevin De Bruyne – who previously bought gifts for their teammates from I Design Gold.A source said: “Raphinha presented the solid gold iPhone to Yamal when they were together and he was delighted.“It was a mark of their friendship both off and on the field and was given to him after the Ballon D’Or ceremony where he got the Koba trophy.“Raphinha had the phone made especially for Yamal by I Design Gold and it was tailored to all of his preferences and has his name engraved on the back.”READ MORE ON LAMINE YAMALA spokesperson for I Design Gold said: “Yamal and Raphinha have formed a very special partnership on the field with Robert Lewandowski; off the pitch, they have become great friends.“We were honoured to deliver this amazing young player our famous gold iPhone.“As a company, we always look after individuals and create exclusive pieces that reflect their personalities.“Next year, we’re excited to be expanding further into the Middle East and USA retail markets, bringing our luxury designs to even more clients who appreciate innovation and personalisation.”Most read in FootballI Design Gold is a pioneering luxury brand that has become synonymous with bespoke tech accessories, celebrated worldwide for crafting exclusive, high-end gadgets that combine artistry, customisation, and premium materials. Known especially for their gold and platinum devices, the company has become the go-to brand for elite athletes, celebrities, and global tastemakers who seek more than functionality from their phone—they seek a statement piece that aligns with their personal style.As luxury tech becomes more popular among football’s elite, players like Messi, De Bruyne, and now Raphinha and Yamal, have all called upon I Design Gold for the gifts.Last year, Messi spent £175,000 on 35 of the gold iPhones for his Argentine World Cup winning team and staff.A source said: “Lionel wanted to do something special and blingy to celebrate his proudest moment.”He won the Kopa trophy at the Ballon D’Or last monthCredit: APRaphinha and Yamal have formed a tight bond on and off the pitchCredit: Rex More