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    Antoine Griezmann confirms plan to make MLS transfer after Barcelona contract ends and see out career in US

    ANTOINE GRIEZMANN has confirmed that he wants to end his career in America after his contract with Barcelona expires.The 30-year-old forward is preparing to make his 50th consecutive start for France today against Hungary and help them seal a place in the last-16 of Euro 2020.
    Antoine Griezmann has admitted he wants to end his career in the MLSCredit: Getty
    He headed to the Nou Camp from Atletico Madrid back in 2019 and has only helped the Catalans to one Copa del Rey during that period.
    Griezmann will be desperate to lift both LaLiga and the Champions League for the club – but it appears he has another aspiration he wants to fulfil before hanging up his boots.
    Speaking ahead of his country’s clash, he said: “My contract with Barcelona runs until June 2024 and after that I think it will be the right time to go to the United States.
    “I love this country, this culture, the NBA and the desire for discovery guides me, but I also have a family.
    “I would love to end my career there but being good on the pitch and winning MLS, not coming in with nothing left in your legs and looking like nothing else on the pitch.”
    Meanwhile, ahead of winning his 93rd French cap, his national boss Didier Deschamps hailed Griezmann as ‘one of the greatest’ ever.
    “He (will) beat a record, you’re right,” Deschamps told a press conference.
    “Above and beyond the fact that he’s playing in consecutive games, and wonderfully so for him, for all his game-volume, he may not be 20 years old anymore, but he takes very good care of himself.”
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    Deschamps, who guided Griezmann and Les Bleus to World Cup joy in 2018, added: “He’s a professional and he’s managed to avoid the different injuries that he could have had. The statistics speak for themselves.
    “You can see the influence that he has for the French national team, through the goals that he scores, through his assists.
    “If we then add to that the capacity that he has to change the game, to get stuck in when we need to defend when we don’t have the ball, he’s one of the greatest players of all time, both in Europe and worldwide.”
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    Sergio Ramos reveals he did NOT want to leave Real Madrid and accepted contract offer but it had expiry date

    SERGIO RAMOS claims he wanted to stay at Real Madrid – but didn’t sign his contract extension in time.The 35-year-old is believed to have been offered a new one-year deal at the Bernabeu but it was taken off the table.
    Sergio Ramos, 35, says goodbye to all the trophies he’s won at Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Speaking to the Spanish press, Ramos said: “The offer was accepted but it had a use-by date.
    “They informed us a week ago that the offer had run-out.
    “I don’t know why it had an expiry date.
    “Maybe I interpreted it wrongly or I didn’t understand it but no one told me.”
    Real Madrid have announced the Spain international will leave the club after 16 years of service.
    Ramos played more than 650 games for the Spanish giants, winning four Champions League titles, five LaLiga crowns and many more trophies.

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    Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Sergio Ramos are Real Madrid’s top earners
    Reports suggest both Manchester clubs and Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain are keen on signing the defender.
    The bookies are also offering odds on him joining Italian team Juventus, European champions Chelsea and Premier League hopefuls Tottenham.
    But Ramos has confirmed he is yet to begin negotiations with his next club.
    He told the press: “There has been the occasional call from interested clubs.
    “We will start the search now.”
    Paris Saint-Germain are the bookies’ favourites to sign Sergio Ramos this summer

    The 180-cap international will not be joining Sevilla, though, after telling journalists a return to his former club is ‘not an option’.
    He was clearly emotional as he announced his exit from the Spanish capital in a press conference.
    The ex-captain said: “I’ll always keep Real Madrid in my heart.
    “A marvellous stage in my life is over, but a new exciting future awaits and I am looking forward to showing my level and winning some more trophies.
    “You’re never prepared to say adios to Real Madrid but the moment has arrived.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Real Madrid confirm Sergio Ramos is LEAVING this summer with legend to leave on free transfer after 16 years at Bernabeu More

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    Man Utd interested in Raphael Varane transfer from Real Madrid but yet to decide on opening offer amid £50m bid rumours

    MANCHESTER UNITED are kicking on with a busy summer in the transfer market amid talk of a bid for Raphael Varane.Varane, 28, has been a star at Real Madrid for a decade and boasts a trophy cabinet containing four Champions League titles, three LaLiga crowns and a World Cup.
    Raphael Varane is on Manchester United’s radar ahead of a potential bidCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils are determined to sign a new partner for Harry Maguire this summer, in the hope of generating a Premier League title challenge.
    It had been reported by Manchester Evening News that an offer of £50million was sent to Real – and swiftly rejected.
    Los Blancos were said to have asked for £80m despite their player being just a year away from leaving for free.
    Talks over a new contract have failed to progress and it had previously been suggested that Real would cash in if Varane refused to sign.
    A fee of £80m would be difficult to meet for any team in the pandemic crisis, including United who are also discussing a deal for Jadon Sancho.
    However, the club will be able to offer Varane a pre-agreement contract to join as a free agent in January if he does not commit to Real.
    By that point it is expected a host of rivals would also join the race to sign the France international.

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    Chelsea are one other club thought to be interested in the 28-year-old.
    Sevilla’s Jules Kounde has also been named as on United’s shortlist.
    Madrid have already let Sergio Ramos go this summer amid a mounting debt problem, but have signed David Alaba to bolster their defence.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Sergio Ramos breaks down in tears in emotional goodbye to Real Madrid after trophy-laden 16-year career with club 

    SERGIO RAMOS broke down in tears as he emotionally bid goodbye to Real Madrid after 16-year trophy-laden years with the club. Madrid confirmed their captain would leave at the end of the season when his contract expired.
    Sergio Ramos broke down in tears as he emotionally bid goodbye to Real Madrid
    Real Madrid confirmed Sergio Ramos would leave at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
    Sergio Ramos’ wife Pilar Rubio and their children
    Ramos, 35, held a press conference to say his farewells and was reduced to tears with his wife Pilar Rubio and their children present.
    He said: “I’ll always keep Real Madrid in my heart.
    “A marvellous stage in my life is over, but a new exciting future awaits and I am looking forward to showing my level and winning some more trophies.
    “You’re never prepared to say adios to Real Madrid but the moment has arrived. This is a ‘adieu’ as sooner or later I will return.
    “I would like to thank the fans, they carried me in their arms at all times. I would have liked to say goodbye at the Bernabeu.
    “But I will always carry you in my heart.”
    Ramos joined from Sevilla in 2005 and went on to win five LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies in the Spanish capital.
    He ended with 671 appearances scoring an incredible 101 goals in the process, and even became Spain’s most capped player playing 180 times.
    The World Cup winner went trophy-less this season as Atletico Madrid won the league with Barcelona lifting the Copa del Rey.
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    PSG and Manchester United are among those linked with free agent Ramos, who was a shock omission from Spain’s Euros squad.
    Hehas already been replaced at Madrid by David Alaba, who arrives on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
    And, speaking before Ramos, Madrid president Florentino Perez said: “Thank you for everything you have given to this club and for defending our shield, leaving your soul in each game and always fighting to the end.”
    Ex team-mate Karim Benzema tweeted: “More than a Captain, my friend, my brother, thanks for all the moments we spent together on the road of success for the @realmadrid. Wish you all the best legend.”
    Ramos has already been replaced at Madrid by David Alaba, who arrives on  a free transfer from Bayern Munich. 
    And, speaking before Ramos, Madrid president Florentino Perez said: “Thank you for everything you have given to this club and for defending our shield, leaving your soul in each game and always fighting to the end.”
    Ex team-mate Karim Benzema tweeted: “More than a Captain, my friend, my brother, thanks for all the moments we spent together on the road of success for the @realmadrid. Wish you all the best legend.”
    Sergio Ramos scored 101 goals for Real MadridCredit: AFP
    The defender joined Real Madrid from Sevilla in 2005Credit: EPA
    Sergio Ramos is a four-time Champions League winnerCredit: AFP
    Real Madrid president Florentino Perez with Sergio RamosCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid confirm Sergio Ramos is LEAVING this summer with legend to leave on free transfer after 16 years at Bernabeu

    REAL MADRID have confirmed that Sergio Ramos will LEAVE the club this summer.The Real captain, 35, is out of contract and will officially depart at the end of June, bringing an end to his 16 years of service.
    Sergio Ramos is leaving Real Madrid this summer on a free transferCredit: Getty
    Real announced on Wednesday night that they will bid farewell to Ramos with a ‘tribute’ event on Thursday ahead of his exit in a fortnight’s time.
    Marca claims the stalwart defender was offered a new one-year contract by Real with a ten per cent pay cut.
    However, Ramos was unwilling to accept anything less than two years.
    And one of Real’s – and football’s – most decorated players is now on the hunt for a new club.
    Ramos’ decision will come as a blow to returning boss Carlo Ancelotti, who was eager for the centre-back to stay.
    Los Blancos chiefs fear Raphael Varane could be heading off with just one year left on his deal.
    And it was hoped Ramos would stay put to ensure Real weren’t left light at the back.
    Ramos played 671 times for the capital club after a £23million move from Sevilla in 2005, scoring an incredible 101 goals in the process.
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    He led Real to numerous trophies, including five LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues and two Copa del Reys.
    Ramos is also the most capped player in Spain’s history, playing 180 times for his country.
    But the defender was stunned when he was left out of Luis Enrique’s 26-man squad for the Euros last month.
    And after seeing the end of an era on the international circuit, Ramos’ legendary club career with Real has also reached its final hurdle.
    The Spanish giants have already landed a potential replacement in the versatile David Alaba – who played left-back, centre-back, in midfield and on the wing during his long stay at Bayern Munich.
    Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Sergio Ramos are Real Madrid’s top earners
    But with the plan always having been for Ramos to stay, Real may be in the market for a new leader at the back.
    As for Ramos, he is sure to have numerous offers from across the continent after establishing himself as one of world football’s best-ever defenders.
    Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move as they eye a new partner for captain Harry Maguire.
    Premier League champions City are also thought to be keeping tabs, with doubts over the future of Aymeric Laporte – the man who ousted Ramos from Spain’s Euro selection.
    Paris Saint-Germain could be in the market too as they look to convince Kylian Mbappe to pen a new deal alongside Neymar.
    Indeed, the bookies have PSG as favourites to sign Ramos, with United second and Juventus third.
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    Memphis Depay nears Barcelona transfer with Holland star ‘deciding he wants move from Lyon’ after Euro 2020

    MEMPHIS DEPAY is reportedly close to sealing his dream move to Barcelona.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the Netherlands international is undergoing final checks over his Lyon exit after Euro 2020.
    Lyon star Memphis Depay is close to sealing a free transfer to BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    Memphis Depay has decided to join Barcelona – no doubt. Player’s camp optimistic and lawyers now checking contracts in order to complete the deal in the next few days. 🔴🔵 #FCBIt’s considered “a matter of final details and time”, then Memphis will join Barça. #Depay https://t.co/rJ5Nw9hku6— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2021

    The report adds that it is ‘considered a matter of final details and time’ for Depay to seal his long-awaited switch to the Catalan giants.
    The news will come as a massive boost to Ronald Koeman who was directly involved in a deal to reunite with his former Holland charge.
    The Barcelona manager had already seen a potential move for one of his other compatriots, Georginio Wijnaldum, slip through his fingers.
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    Liverpool lost the box-to-box midfielder on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after the French side hijacked Barca’s deal late on.
    And SunSport previously reported that Koeman was fearful the same could happen with Depay – who was offered better terms by Juventus.
    But the 27-year-old seemingly has his heart set on Spain and will follow Sergio Aguero in moving to the Nou Camp on a free transfer.
    But Depay won’t be leaving with Lyon’s best wishes after the club’s sporting director Juninho delivered a stinging attack on him last month.
    The Brazilian told OLTV: “Memphis, he has done his time. The president made a lot of efforts for him to extend. Memphis, he wanted a team for him.
    “That is not a criticism. I had a good relationship with him. However, it was as if the whole team had to work around him and that was very hard.

    “Because everyone needs to feel like they are working equally.
    “There are only 4 players in the world who you should do everything for him: Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Mbappe.
    “If you have one of them, things should work around them. Sorry, I think Memphis is good, but not at the level of those four. And I think he needs to work more off of the ball.”
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    Xavi ‘dreams’ of signing Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich if he becomes Barcelona manager in transfer blow to Man Utd

    XAVI dreams of signing Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman if he takes charge of Barcelona in a blow to Manchester United.The Nou Camp legend is widely tipped to manage his old club one day and has told those close to him he wants the French winger when he does.
    Xavi is expected to take charge of Barcelona one dayCredit: Getty
    And he has told friends he wants to sign Kingsley Coman when he doesCredit: Getty
    Coman, 25, reportedly wants to quit Bayern this summer as his ‘wages are too low’.
    And Xavi would love to manage him at the Nou Camp if he ever took over, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
    The 41-year-old is currently managing Qatari side Al Sadd where he recently signed a new deal after rejecting the chance to take charge of Borussia Dortmund and Brazil.
    But he has reportedly told close friends how he would want his Barca side to look.
    The former midfielder wants to go back to a 4-3-3 system.
    And Xavi is said to want Coman as his left-winger.
    The Spaniard is a fan of the wideman’s ability to cut in from the left on to his right foot as the club have ‘lacked that since Neymar left for Paris Saint-Germain’.
    Coman’s speed and ability to unbalance defenders are also said to be among his most desired traits.
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    United are interested in the France international as an alternative to Jadon Sancho.
    Coman – whose current deal runs until 2023 – has been offered £10million-a-year to stay at Bayern.
    But that is still below the £14.5m fellow winger Leroy Sane has been raking in annually since his move from Manchester City.
    And Coman is said to be using his team-mate’s salary as a benchmark in negotiations having recorded better stats on the field.
    He was also reportedly left upset by Bayern’s decision not to award him the iconic No 10 shirt.
    Coman allegedly asked for Arjen Robben’s number after the Dutchman left in 2019 but the club gave it to Philippe Coutinho during his loan season.
    To add insult to injury, ex-City speedster Sane was then handed the No 10 on a permanent basis last term.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Real Madrid offer Sergio Ramos last-minute new contract but fear Man Utd transfer target Raphael Varane wants out

    REAL MADRID are reportedly ready to offer Sergio Ramos a last-gasp new deal.But Los Blancos chiefs fear defensive partner and Manchester United transfer target Raphael Varane wants out this summer.
    Sergio Ramos is set to be offered a last-gasp deal by Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Los Blancos chiefs fear Man Utd target Raphael Varane could leave this summerCredit: Getty
    AS claims Carlo Ancelotti wants to work with a ‘smaller’ squad after his stunning Bernabeu return.
    David Alaba has already been snapped up on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
    And there is now an abundance of defenders at the capital club.
    It’s believed the likes of Nacho, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo are sweating over their futures.
    But long-serving captain Ramos will be offered a new one-year contract by Ancelotti.
    The veteran centre-back, 35, is set to become a free agent at the end of the month when his current deal expires.
    Ramos made just 15 LaLiga appearances this term after being hit by injury problems.
    But Ancelotti wants to keep the skipper amid Premier League links.
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    And a new deal is in the works to extend Ramos’ stay for a 17th season.
    However, Real are not so confident over star man Varane.
    The French World Cup winner, 28, is out of contract in 2022.
    Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move, as have Champions League winners Chelsea.
    Real are desperate for Varane to stay put as one of Ancelotti’s key men.

    But it’s thought the defender is considering an exit this summer after entering his prime years.
    Varane has been at Real since 2011 and won all there is on offer.
    He is now said to be eager to test himself in a new league.
    And Varane could be heading to England amid interest from some of the Premier League’s top clubs.
    Varane’s reluctance to discuss a new contract with Real means the cash-strapped Spaniards will be forced to sell him this summer.
    If not, Real risk losing Varane for nothing in 2022, which they are unwilling to consider after being hit in the pocket by the coronavirus pandemic.
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