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      Gini Wijnaldum set to seal Barcelona free transfer after leaving Liverpool in snub to Bayern Munich and PSG

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      GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM is set to sign a three-year deal with Barcelona, according to reports.The news will come as a blow to Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain who were also said to be keen on signing the Dutchman on a free as he departs Liverpool.
      Georginio Wijnaldum is set to sign a three-year deal with BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Wjjnaldum, 30, is out of contract this summer and played his last match for the club on Sunday after five years and 22 goals in 237 appearances.
      He was given a guard of honour as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace on the final day to secure their Champions Lague spot for next season.
      But focus is now on his next move with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeting: “Gini Wijnaldum is set to join Barcelona as a free agent until June 2024 – there’s nothing agreed with FC Bayern, he wants to sign for Barça.
      “Last details and… here we go soon!”
      Earlier this month Wijnaldum’s agent Humphry Nijman urged Bayern to get in touch if they were interested in signing the midfielder.
      And Chelsea and PSG were also said to be keen.
      Wijnaldum had a decorated spell at Liverpool – he won the Premier League, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup under Jurgen Klopp.
      He joined Liverpool from Newcastle for £23million in 2016 on a five-year deal.
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      And after Sunday’s game, Wijnaldum said: “I’m fighting against tears right now.
      “The people in Liverpool have shown me love during the five years. I will miss them.
      “I hope to have played many more years for the club but unfortunately things went different. I have to start a new adventure.
      “I knew I went to a big club. I remember that I was sitting in the living room and the manager said when I come to Liverpool we would win prizes.
      “I am happy it went that way. It would have been really painful to leave the club without any.
      “It’s really special. Since I’ve joined the fans have sung my name. Week-in, week-out they saw I was giving 100 per cent to give everything for this club.
      “That’s what the supporters want to see and that’s what they appreciate from me. It is something I’m going to miss.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      England’s provisional squad for Euro 2020 has been named More

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      Luka Modric ends transfer speculation over future as midfielder signs new one-year Real Madrid contract

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      LUKA MODRIC has signed a one-year contract extension at Real Madrid, keeping him at the club until 2022.The Croatian’s previous deal had been set to expire at the end of June.
      Luka Modric was flanked by Florentino Perez as he penned his extensionCredit: Instagram @realmadrid
      Perez congratulates ModricCredit: Instagram @realmadrid
      Some speculation had arisen that he could depart Santiago Bernabeu to try something new before the end of his career.
      But the former Spurs midfielder, 35, is loving life at Real Madrid as much as ever.
      Modric celebrated his extension by posing in front of a collection of Madrid’s European Cups, while holding aloft a shirt with ‘Modric 2022’ on the back.
      Alongside the image, Modric wrote on Instagram: “Happy and proud to continue wearing the jersey of the best team in the world. ✍️❤️🙏 #HalaMadrid”
      And he was congratulated by a number of team-mates past and present.
      Karim Benzema commented on his Insta post: “🔥🔥🔥🔥”
      While Lucas Vazquez, himself set to be out of contract, added: “Grande amigo 💪💪💪”
      Former Spurs colleague Robbie Keane wrote: “Congrats mate well deserved 🔥🔥”

      Modric poses in front of a selection of Madrid’s European CupsCredit: Instagram @realmadrid
      Modric will enter his tenth season with the clubCredit: Instagram @realmadrid
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      And Madrid legend Iker Casillas commented: “Grande Trolo!!!!”
      Modric was also praised by fellow midfield maestros past and present.
      Xabi Alonso, 39, wrote: “Grande Luka!!🙌🙌🙌 Legend”
      And Toni Kroos added: “😍😍😍”
      Team-mate Rodrygo Goes wrote: “Vamos papa 🔥😘🔟”
      And Dani Carvajal joked: “💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 another year holding on to you 🤦🏻‍♂️😂😂”
      Modric, 35, joined Madrid all the way back in 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The midfielder has won four Champions LeaguesCredit: Getty
      Modric joined Madrid from Tottenham back in 2012 for a fee of around £33million.
      The silky operator struggled a little initially, but soon found his feet and became a mainstay of the team.
      Modric has won four Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles during his time in the Spanish capital.
      And his performance for Croatia on the way to the 2018 World Cup final helped earn him the Ballon d’Or award that year.
      Modric has made 391 appearances for Los Blancos, and is set to pass the 400 mark next season.
      Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018Credit: Getty
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      Luka Modric breaks down in tears after Croatia team-mates give him standing ovation for becoming most-capped player More

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      Dani Ceballos confirms Arsenal exit as midfielder sends emotional message to Gunners fans ahead of Real Madrid return

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      DANI CEBALLOS has taken to Instagram to thank Arsenal fans as he departs the club for a second time.The Spaniard has spent the last two seasons on loan in North London.
      Dani Ceballos made 77 appearances over two seasons with ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      Ceballos, 24, helped his team win the FA Cup last yearCredit: Getty
      And while things largely haven’t gone well on the pitch in that time, Ceballos, 24, still has plenty of amazing memories to take back to Madrid with him.
      None more so than helping the Gunners win the FA Cup last season.
      Alongside a picture of himself clutching the trophy, he wrote: “Thanks @Arsenal and thanks to all Gunners.🙌🏻
      “For welcoming me with so much love from the very first day I wore this jersey. For letting me experience the feeling of being a Gunner and allowing me to be a part of your family all this time.
      “A complicated year – for many reasons- has come to its end. Especially for having missed the chance of living home matches in the Emirates with our supporters. Still, I assure you that I will never forget your warmth and support in every moment.
      “I am sure that Arsenal, being a historic and great team, will soon be back on top, winning championships and being a reference as it is and always has been. This club, and especially its supporters, deserve it, and I am confident that they will achieve it.
      “Thanks to all those people who are part of the team: coaches, kit men, medical staff, communications and marketing team, employees, managers and especially the supporters.
      “All those persons who so often work quietly giving all they have for this great club.

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      “I want you to know that I have always worked very hard and tried my very best for this crest and this jersey.
      “I wish you all the best and the success that I’m sure will come.
      “💪⚽️ Let’s go Gunners! ⚽️💪
      “GOODBYE. THANKS FOR ALL!”
      A number of team-mates commented on his post, predominantly in emojis, with Hector Bellerin writing: “😔❤️”
      While Bukayo Saka added: “❤️❤️”
      Martin Odegaard, also set to return to Madrid, commented: “🙏🏼❤️”
      Ceballos made 40 Arsenal appearances this season, adding to 37 last term.
      He has two years remaining on his contract at Real Madrid, but is unlikely to figure in their plans moving forward.
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      Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal will open Martin Odegaard transfer talks with Real Madrid ‘in next few weeks’ More

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      Barcelona set to axe TEN players in summer transfer cull including Coutinho, Dembele, Umtiti and Griezmann

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      BARCELONA president Joan Laporta is ready to wield the axe and cut as many as ten first-team players in a summer overhaul.Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho are just two star names who could be sold as the Spanish giants look to cure their ailing finances while also turning the team around.
      Antoine Griezmann could lead a huge Barcelona summer clearoutCredit: AFP
      An early exit from the Champions League and the team’s failure in the LaLiga title race have emphasised the need for a fresh approach.
      And, according to Sport, the starting point will be securing Lionel Messi’s contract.
      Barcelona are said to be confident that the Argentine will sign a new deal, allowing them to press ahead with the potential sale of Griezmann.
      If Messi does not stay, the Frenchman’s position in the team will likely change drastically and a higher price tag placed on his head.
      Another major contract extension will also prove vital to the summer with the Catalans reportedly wanting Ousmane Dembele to commit his future by the end of July.
      If the winger does not extend his current deal, which expires in 2022, he will be available for transfer.
      A number of senior players who have not quite hit the high notes at the Camp Nou are named as up for sale, from Coutinho and Miralem Pjanic to Martin Braithwaite, Junior Firpo and Neto.
      One-time Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti could finally move after a torrid time with injuries.
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      Matheus Fernandes is being considered for a sale while academy starlet Riqui Puig may be allowed to leave on loan.
      The futures of Francisco Trincao, Sergino Dest and Clement Lenglet are not thought to be in immediate danger but the potential replacement of coach Ronald Koeman could change that.
      Even club stalwarts Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto are said to not be safe from the clearout as Barcelona attempt to agree a fresh round of pay cuts with the quartet.
      It leaves just Messi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Oscar Mingueza, Pedri, Ilaix Moriba and Ansu Fati as indispensable in the eyes of the Blaugrana hierarchy.
      It would not be the first time Barcelona were linked with a huge overhaul after last summer was tipped to feature a major axe-wielding.
      That year, Luis Suarez was controversially allowed to leave for free to eventual champions Atletico Madrid with serious fees brought in for only Nelson Semedo, Marc Cucurella and Carles Perez.
      A cycle has finished, we are entering a process of renewal.Joan Laporta

      Club president Laporta has admitted that he will not be able to move on every unwanted player but is determined to start the ‘process’.
      He recently told the XXIV Festa de L’Esport Catala: “A cycle has finished, we are entering a process of renewal.
      “Starting next week, decisions will be made to build a more competitive team next year in order to win the Champions League and LaLiga.
      “When I talk about the end of the cycle and renewal, it is because I think that is what we must do.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Furious Barcelona fans surround Antoine Griezmann’s car and demand he show respect to Lionel Messi after bust-up More

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      Sergio Aguero next club: Five destinations for exiting Man City striker this summer including Barcelona and MLS transfer

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend Sergio Aguero bid farewell to the Etihad faithful in fairytale fashion on Sunday with two goals in his team’s 5-0 thrashing of Everton.But focus has already switched to where he will play next season having confirmed he will leave this summer with his contract expiring next month.
      Sergio Aguero is all but certain to sign for BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      The Argentine scored twice in his final game at the Etihad for City on SundayCredit: Getty
      Barcelona are hot favourites to sign the Argentine superstar.
      The 32-year-old is one of the greatest players in Premier League history and is demanding £200k-a-week from his next team.
      And Pep Guardiola all but confirmed the goal machine will join the Catalan giants in the next few weeks.
      However, nothing has been confirmed yet and SunSport has explored five teams the Argentine international could join including Ronald Koeman’s side.
      BARCELONA
      Speaking after his Premier League champions capped off a phenomenal domestic campaign by thrashing Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees, ex-Barcelona manager Guardiola appeared to let the cat out the bag.
      He told BBC: “Maybe I reveal a secret. Maybe he [Aguero] is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart – for Barcelona.
      “He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, [Lionel] Messi. I’m pretty sure he is going to enjoy. And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch.”
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      NEW YORK CITY FC
      A fellow member of the City Football Group, the MLS side would appear to be the obvious option if Aguero was to move Stateside.
      New York are also play a possession based system similar to City’s and are crying out for a frontman to convert it into goals.
      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
      The French giants were said to be the first to get in contact with Aguero’s representatives once it became clear he was not going to extend his ten-year stay at City.
      Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly keen on the striker as backup to Kylian Mbappe but the No 1 slot could also become available with the World Cup winner being heavily linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes.
      CHELSEA
      The Blues have been monitoring Aguero’s situation for some time with question marks over goal-shy Timo Werner’s future at the club.
      Erling Haaland is said to be their No 1 target but they could turn to proven Prem ace Aguero should the Norwegian sensation move elsewhere or stay at Borussia Dortmund.
      JUVENTUS
      Having qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the Serie A season thanks to Napoli failing to beat Verona, Juve are in a better financial position than expected.
      Doubts also remain over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future which could free up the wages required to land Aguero and a slot for him in the starting XI.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Guardiola gets emotional as he pays tribute to Sergio Aguero after ‘fairytale’ win More

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      Pep Guardiola all-but confirms Sergio Aguero’s Barcelona transfer… and appears to let slip Lionel Messi will STAY

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      PEP GUARDIOLA all-but confirmed Sergio Aguero’s transfer to Barcelona and appeared to let slip that Lionel Messi will STAY. The Manchester City boss will lose his star striker this summer when Aguero’s contract expires next month.
      Pep Guardiola all-but confirmed Sergio Aguero’s transfer to BarcelonaCredit: AFP
      Lionel Messi could be set to stay at BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Sergio Aguero celebrates after his final Premier League game for Man CityCredit: Getty
      And Guardiola seemed happy with the fact the Argentine will be moving to his former club, where he spent 15 years as a player then manager.
      He told BBC: “Maybe I reveal a secret. Maybe he is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart – for Barcelona.
      “He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, Messi.
      “I’m pretty sure he is going to enjoy. And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch.”
      Guardiola’s comments come amid Messi’s uncertain future at Barca.
      Aguero’s countryman pushed for a move away last summer but stayed to avoid dragging his boyhood club through the courts.
      He is yet to sign a new deal, with his current set to expire at the end of June, with PSG and City among the interested clubs.
      But after Joan Laporta replaced Josep Maria Bartomeu as Barca president, it sparked new hope Messi would stay.

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      Barca finished third in the table, seven points behind champions Atletico Madrid, but did win the Copa del Rey.
      And Messi appeared to hint it was only the start of things to come as the Spanish giants ended their two-year trophy draught.
      He said to Diario Ole: “The truth is that the recent Copa del Rey was special due to the period we were in, the club has gone a couple of years of not having a great time due to different results and titles.
      Because it is a very young dressing room, with a lot of people, and new people, and this Copa del Rey for the dressing room was a turning point, and very important.
      “Whenever I compete, I compete to win and try to achieve all the objectives, to get titles. Beyond that, I like to win and get titles. The more the better.”
      Manchester City v Everton as it happened More

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      Atletico Madrid fan, 14, dies from horror head injury as LaLiga title celebrations marred by tragedy

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      ATLETICO MADRID’s celebrations of their eleventh La Liga title were marred by the death of a teenage fan.A 14-year-old boy tragically lost his life on Saturday night after hitting his head on a wall while hanging out of a moving van.
      Atletico Madrid celebrate clinching their eleventh La Liga titleCredit: AFP
      Thousands of Atleti fans descended on to the streets of Madrid to celebrateCredit: Getty
      The teenager – who was travelling with family and friends at the time – subsequently suffered a cardiac arrest.
      Despite the emergency services’ best efforts to revive the boy, he sadly passed away an hour after the incident.
      The tragedy is being investigated by Madrid’s Municipal Police.
      Atletico released a statement on the heartbreaking incident via their official Twitter account.
      They tweeted: “Dismayed by the sad news of the death of a young athletic man.
      “We send all our encouragement to the family in these moments of pain.”
      Choqué par la triste nouvelle de la mort d’un jeune atletico. Nous adressons tous nos encouragements à la famille en cette période de deuil. DEP.— ❤️🤍🏆 CHAMPIONS 🏆❤️🤍 (@AtletiFR) May 22, 2021

      Thousands of Atlei supporters lined the streets of Madrid hours after they pipped their neighbours Real to the La Liga title.
      A 2-1 victory over Vallodolid on Saturday afternoon secured Los Rojiblancos their eleventh league title.
      Luis Suarez secured the title for Diego Simeone’s side with a 67th-minute winner at the Estadio Jose Zorilla.
      And the Uruguayan – who was deemed to be surplus to requirements by Barcelona last summer – couldn’t contain his delight.
      The 34-year-old said: “Barcelona didn’t value me and Atletico opened their doors for me.
      Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring the winner against ValladolidCredit: Getty

      “I will always be grateful to this club for trusting in me.
      “I’m sure (Lionel) Messi is happy for me as a friend. It was a difficult situation that I had to experience because of the way I was treated (by Barcelona).
      “Atletico had a great season despite the difficulties.
      “It wasn’t normal that we had such a good first half of the season and it wasn’t normal that we had that big dip either but in the end we end up as champions.”
      After the final whistle, Atleti boss Simeone said: “The club is growing, the club has done a fabulous job.
      ‘It’s more important than the results. We have always been fighting everybody to win this trophy, this is what it is all about.
      “It is such a unified club. I think people sometimes get bored of me and my approach but I am such a stubborn person.
      ‘When they asked me if I was going to stay, my idea was to help this club growing.” More

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      Suarez seals LaLiga title for Atletico Madrid at Valladolid as Real suffer final day agony despite win over Villarreal

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      LUIS SUAREZ fired Atletico Madrid to LaLiga glory less than a year after being axed by Barcelona.The Uruguayan scored the decisive goal as Diego Simeone’s men won 2-1 at Valladolid to be crowned champions.
      Luis suarez helped fire Atletico Madrid to LaLiga glory against ValladolidCredit: Rex
      Atletico Madrid are celebrating a first LaLiga title for seven yearsCredit: AFP
      Suarez scored the winner as Atletico came from behind to win at ValladolidCredit: Getty
      That result ensured final day agony for Real Madrid despite their own comeback against VillarrealCredit: AFP
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      Nearest rivals Real Madrid were the only team who could catch them going into the final day.
      But Zinedine Zidane’s men failed to put up much of a fight until a dramatic late comeback at home to Europa League finalists Villarreal.
      Yeremi Pino appeared to have scored the only goal only for Karim Benzema to grab an equaliser three minutes from time in what looks to be Zidane’s final game in charge.
      Luka Modric put Madrid 2-1 ahead in additional time but it was not enough for Los Blancos to prevent their neighbours from taking the crown.
      Atletico were forced to come from behind themselves to earn a first championship for seven years and their 11th in total.
      They trailed to Oscar Plano’s strike but turned it around in a dramatic second half through goals from Angel Correa and 34-year-old Suarez.
      An emotional Suarez, speaking to La Liga TV, said afterwards: “I am just delighted the way Atletico have appreciated me. They have given me the chance to show I can still perform on this stage. Thank you for trusting in me.
      “A lot of people have suffered with me. I think I have been playing football for many years and this is the year my family have suffered the most.
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      “It is an amazing feeling to perform in the final game of the season. My work is to help the team and pay them back by scoring goals.
      “Atletico is a huge club and we have shown it this season. We have been the most regular performers and that is why we are champions.”
      Los Colchoneros finished the campaign two points ahead of last year’s champions Real.
      And it also ensured that Zidane’s men end a disappointing season without any silverware.
      Meanwhile, Barcelona managed to clinch third place without Lionel Messi.
      An emotional Suarez celebrates with his team-mates after clinching the titleCredit: EPA
      The title was the 11th Atletico have won in their historyCredit: AFP
      Their skipper was given a rest prior to his involvement in this summer’s Copa America.
      But they were still able to win 1-0 at Eibar thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s acrobatic strike.
      Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla play their final game on Sunday against Alaves.
      However, they know they will finish fourth even with a victory due to an inferior head-to-head record against Barca.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Luis Suarez shows his talent as he joins Atletico Madrid in training More