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      Lionel Messi called deceptive, provocative and unimaginably rude by ex-Liverpool star Jerzy Dudek in sensational attack

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      FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek took an astonishing swipe at Lionel Messi in his autobiography, labelling him as “provocative” and “rude”.The Pole saw Messi up close over the course of many Clasicos, having acted as deputy to Iker Casillas at Real Madrid for four years after leaving Anfield in 2007.
      Dudek has taken a swipe at Messi
      And in his tell-all book Dudek, now 48, did not hold back when talking about Messi – who is set to leave Barcelona this summer. 
      He wrote of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner: “He was deceptive and provocative, the same as Barcelona and Pep Guardiola.
      “They were so ready to provoke you and they were able to do it to perfection.
      “That hurt Jose Mourinho and the whole team a lot.
      “I saw Messi say such rude things to Pepe and [Sergio] Ramos that you would not imagine from such a quiet and seemingly good person.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo is arrogant, but he’s a normal guy behind the scenesJerzy Dudek
      As well as Messi and Guardiola, Dudek also had his say on legendary ex-team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul.
      Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League hero continued: “Cristiano Ronaldo is arrogant, but he’s a normal guy behind the scenes.
      “It’s about how people perceive him, more or less.
      “Like Raul, he’s egocentric, incredibly competitive and a winner.
      Messi has regularly been the scourge of Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Both would prefer their team to win 2-1 with their goals than 5-0 with other players scoring.”
      Clasicos regularly boiled over in the Guardiola vs Mourinho period, and clearly there is still no love lost between those involved.
      During one particularly bad-tempered affair in 2011 a poor challenge from Marcelo sparked a row – with Mourinho bizarrely poking Tito Vilanova in the EYE from behind.
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      Ex-Barcelona youngster Dani Olmo reveals he was forced to take picture with Lionel Messi ‘against my will’ as kid

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      SPAIN midfielder Dani Olmo has revealed he was forced ‘against his will’ to pose for a photo with Lionel Messi before he joined Barcelona juniors.RB Leipzig star Olmo also cried when joining the Spanish giants a year later, aged nine, as he ‘wanted to stay with my friends at Espanyol’.
      Dani Olmo now cherishes the memory of his junior days with BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Most people would crave the chance of a photo with Lionel Messi but as an eight-year-old Dani Olmo thought differentlyCredit: Getty
      The 22-year-old admits not many kids or players would want to snub a picture opportunity with one-club Nou Camp legend Messi.
      But he was an independent thinker.
      Olmos told The Players Tribune: “Once, before even joining La Masia, I accompanied my father while he was directing a game in Castelldefels.

      “I was eight. I was playing alone and happy, when someone – I think it was a friend of dad’s – approached me and said, ‘Hey, Dani, come here! You won’t believe it. You can take a picture with Lionel Messi!’
      “Wow, Messi, right? In Castelldefels? What kid wouldn’t want a picture with him? Well, me! 
      “I said something like, “No thanks. I’m fine. I want to keep playing! It’s just a picture, right?’
      “But against my will they put me next to Messi and took the photo.”
      And Olmo was even more unhappy – when he finally made what might have seemed a dream move in signing for Barca.
      He said: “I was nine years old and wanted to stay with my friends at Espanyol. 
      “But my father made the decision and I have to say that he finally knew what was best for me.”
      Olmo, though, now sees something different, having surprised many by leaving Barca for Dinamo Zagreb in 2015.
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      The 11-cap ace said: “I have many incredible memories of La Masia and the club will always have a special place in my heart. 
      “It was a privilege to have played there.
      “It is a reference point for the rest of the football world and any child would give anything to play there, where so many greats have come and learned the trade.”
      Man City keen on Lionel Messi AND Erling Haaland as Pep Guardiola eyes superstar transfer in summer More

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      PSG ‘slash Kylian Mbappe’s transfer fee to as low as £102m after growing impatient with star’ amid contract stand-off

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE could be sold for as little as £102million in the summer with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly growing impatient with the striker.The 22-year-old has just one year left on his deal at Parc des Princes, and it remains to be seen whether he will extend his stay despite the club’s best efforts.
      Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe faces an uncertain future at Parc des PrincesCredit: Reuters
      Real Madrid are understood to be weighing up a move for the World Cup winner with boss Zinedine Zidane known to be a huge admirer of his French compatriot.
      And Le Parisien have stated that Mbappe could be heading closer to leaving Les Parisiens with the board losing patience with his contract renewal.
      They claim that they have lowered their asking price to between £102m-£128m for Mbappe should they decide to cash in on him.
      The former Monaco ace hinted that he could quit PSG following France’s three World Cup qualifiers over the international break.
      He declared that he is growing increasingly infuriated over negative headlines in the French press.
      Quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Mbappe said: “After a while, of course criticism tires, especially when you play for a team from your country and you give everything for your team as well.
      “In the end all this tires. Playing for France is different for those who come from abroad.
      “I am here all the time, playing for PSG and with the French national team.
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      Mbappe has one year left on his contract at PSG and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid
      “It’s a different context and I knew it when I signed for PSG. We’ll see later.
      “Could this influence my decision to stay at PSG in the summer? Of course.
      “But it’s not just that. The most important thing is to feel good where you are and have fun every day.”
      Mbappe has been in inspired form for PSG yet again this term, with the player chipping in with 30 goals and nine assists in 36 games in all competitions.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Romelu Lukaku ‘available for £102m’ as Chelsea, Man City and Barcelona eye transfer for Inter Milan star

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      INTER MILAN value Romelu Lukaku at £102million, with Barcelona considering him as an alternative to Erling Haaland, reports say. Lukaku, who arrived from Manchester United for £73million in 2019, has scored 19 goals in 26 league games this season, as Inter top Serie A.
      Inter Milan value Romelu Lukaku at £102m, reports sayCredit: Getty
      Corriere dello Sport says Romelu Lukaku is valued at £102m
      But behind the scenes, the club are battling financial losses, which could force the them into transfer sales in the summer.
      According to Corriere dello Sport, Lukaku has been handed a £102m price tag, should he be sold.
      Feloow forward Lautaro Martinez, 23, is another with an uncertain future, as Inter look to balance their books.
      Barca, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all been linked with Lukaku and Borussia Dortmund star Haaland.
      But Lukaku, 27, is a far more affordable options, with Haaland, 20, valued at £150m.
      The Norwegian’s release clause in 2022 allows him to leave for only £65m, but it does not guarantee he will stay.
      If Barca – also facing debts of £1BILLION – cannot afford Haaland this summer or miss out, Lukaku is their second choice.
      Current manager Ronald Koeman worked with the Belgian at Everton, and would like to bring him to the Nou Camp, Mundo Deportivo report.
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      City are also on the hunt for a new striker, following the news club legend Sergio Aguero, 32, will leave at the end of the season.
      And Chelsea – where Lukaku was signed to from 2011–2014 – are also rumoured to be looking for another goal scorer.
      But Italian press suggest Lukaku would opt against moving back to the Premier League.
      It comes following speculation Haaland is also favouring Barca or Real Madrid over England’s elite.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Lionel Messi ‘issues new Barcelona president Joan Laporta list of demands it will take for him to sign new contract’

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      LIONEL MESSI has reportedly issued Barcelona president Joan Laporta with a number of demands it will take for him to pen a new deal at the Nou Camp.The 33-year-old – who handed in a transfer request last year before agreeing to see out his contract – is set to become a free agent in the summer.
      Lionel Messi is claimed to have sent Barcelona president Joan Laporta a number of demandsCredit: Getty
      Manchester City have been heavily linked with a move for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner where the Argentine international would reunite with Pep Guardiola.
      And Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest, with the Ligue 1 side banning their squad from talking about the potential transfer.
      But Barca icon Rivaldo recently revealed that Messi is close to agreeing a new deal following positive talks with the board.
      And Eurosport have confirmed that Messi has been in contact with club president Laporta.
      They state that the four-time Champions League winner is open to extending his stay in Catalonia, but only if his requests are fulfilled.
      One of the demands that Messi is seeking is Barcelona to make a marquee signing at the end of the season.
      And the club could be ready to bring Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland to Spain after they held talks with the player’s dad and agent.
      Messi is also keen for Barca to have renewed trust in youth, where he wants Ansu Fati, Pedri and Ilaix Moriba to be allowed to develop.
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      He is also desperate to have an open relationship with boss Ronald Koeman and technical secretary Ramon Planes.
      Despite his uncertain future, Messi has been in fine form the Blaugrana, where he has chipped in with 29 goals and 13 assists in 37 games in all competitions.
      Barca sit second in the LaLiga table, just four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, following five consecutive wins in the top-flight.
      And Messi could still finish the season with silverware with the club in the Copa del Rey final where they will face Athletic Bilbao.
      Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta slams PSG for Messi transfer pursuit More

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      Man Utd, City and Chelsea dealt bitter transfer blow as Erling Haaland ‘only wants move to Barcelona or Real Madrid’

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      ERLING HAALAND only wants a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, Spanish reports say. It would come as a massive transfer blow to Chelsea, Manchester United and City, who are all linked with the Borussia Dortmund striker.
      Erling Haaland only wants a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, Spanish reports sayCredit: Getty
      Mino Raiola and Alfie Haaland were in Spain to speak with rivals Barca and Real Madrid
      Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, and dad, Alfie, were in Spain on Thursday to speak with rivals Barca and Real Madrid.
      And according to Catalunya Radio, Raiola told Nou Camp president Joan Laporta, the Dortmund forward is only interested in a move to LaLiga.
      But, it is claimed Laporta also explained they prefer to sign the 20-year-old next season due to his release clause.
      Haaland is available for just £65million in the summer of 2022 per the stipulation.
      But any side looking to sign the Norwegian in the next window can be expected to pay close to £150m.
      Barca are currently battling huge financial debt, believed to be in the region of £1BILLION.
      It leaves them at a disadvantage to Real Madrid, who have the funds to facilitate a deal.
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      But it is believed the Spanish champions are also eyeing a move for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, 22.
      Raiola and Haaland Sr are now expected to meet with Premier League clubs in the coming days.
      United were linked with Haaland in 2019, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even meeting with the goal machine.
      But he was unable to convince him to make the move to Old Trafford, despite the pair working together at Molde.
      City are on the hunt for a new marksman following the news club legend Sergio Aguero, 32, will leave at the end of the season.
      Chelsea spent close to £150m on attacking talent last summer, but owner Roman Abramovich is rumoured to be a massive admirer of Haaland.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Erling Haaland’s dad and agent land in Barcelona and whisked off to transfer meeting with president Joan Laporta More

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      Real Madrid put £150m worth of talent currently out on loan up for sale to fund Haaland or Mbappe transfer

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      REAL MADRID will sell over £150million worth of talent currently out on loan in order to fund a move for Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.Club president Florentino Perez is desperate to land a new superstar striker this summer.
      Real Madrid are eager to win the race for Erling HaalandCredit: Reuters
      Los Blancos also want to sign Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
      But to do so, Los Blancos need to permanently offload players currently in their ‘loan box’, according to AS.
      Among the most valuable assets are Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos, with the Norwegian in particular having impressed.
      They are also hell-bent on selling Gareth Bale, despite the Welshman last week revealing that he intends to return to Madrid at the end of the season.
      The 31-year-old earns over £600,000-a-week at Santiago Bernabeu, and would need to be offloaded in order for the club to afford a package for a new major star.
      Erling Haaland, whose father Alf-Inge and agent Mino Raiola have visited both Barcelona and Madrid for talks, will likely cost around £150m this summer, as Borussia Dortmund dig their heels in.
      And Mbappe, 22, who will have just a year remaining on his contract, could still cost £128m from Paris Saint-Germain.
      Flop Luka Jovic has managed only three Bundesliga goals this term back on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt this season, and will be cashed in on by Madrid this summer.
      Teenage duo Reinier and Take Kubo are set to be given up on in pursuit of Haaland and Mbappe, while former Wolves defender Jesus Vallejo, currently at Granada, will be up for sale.
      Arsenal could keep Martin OdegaardCredit: Rex
      Real Madrid don’t want Gareth Bale to return next seasonCredit: Getty
      Dani Ceballos is in his second season on loan in North LondonCredit: Getty
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      Brahim Diaz, poached from Manchester City in 2019, could join AC Milan permanently for the right price.
      While homegrown striker Borja Mayoral is unlikely to play for Zinedine Zidane’s side again.
      This clear-out of young talent certainly wouldn’t be an unprecedented move for Madrid.
      Just last summer, they ditched the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Reguilon and Oscar Rodriguez to Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla respectively.
      Luka Jovic has struggled to replicate his form of two seasons agoCredit: EPA
      Take Kubo, 19, is on loan at getafeCredit: Alamy
      Brahim Diaz could stay at AC MilanCredit: EPA
      Even if Madrid do raise the funds required to sign Haaland, 20, or Mbappe, there is so guarantee that they will be able to pull off either deal.
      In addition to Barcelona, they face competition for Haaland from both Manchester clubs, as well as Chelsea – with Raiola and Alf-Inge set to visit all three.
      As for Mbappe, who could miss the Olympics to focus on his club future, PSG are desperate to agree a new deal with their star man – and won’t give up without a fight.
      Reinier has made 13 appearances for Dortmund this seasonCredit: Getty
      Jesus Vallejo has reached the Europa League quarter-finals with GranadaCredit: Reuters
      Borja Mayoral’s time could be up at Real MadridCredit: Getty
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Wales captain Gareth Bale says he will return to Real Madrid at end of season More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea in Lucas Vazquez transfer fight as midfielder ‘tells Real Madrid he will NOT sign new deal’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea could be involved in a transfer fight for Lucas Vazquez after he told Real Madrid he will not sign a new deal, according to reports.The Spanish wideman, 29, is out of contract at the Bernabeu at the end of the season.
      Lucas Vazquez is set to be at the centre of a transfer tussle when his Real Madrid contract expires this summerCredit: Getty
      According to ABC in Spain, Vazquez has rejected ‘several’ extensions from Los Blancos – the latest of which was a three-year deal but included a ten per cent pay cut due to the pandemic.
      The report states he has made it clear he will refuse to put pen to paper and that could open the floodgates for a battle for his signature.
      Premier League giants United and Chelsea are among the frontrunners to bring the nine-cap international in on a free transfer.
      Both clubs will be desperate to bolster their squads in the summer – the experienced and versatile Spaniard fits the bill.
      After struggling for game time last season, the three-time Champions League winner is back in the fold as a first-team regular this term – either on the right wing or at right-back.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants another winger and cover for Aaron Wan-Bissaka while Vazquez could slot into a number of positions under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, including as the right wing-back.
      However, both clubs face competition from AC Milan, Leeds and Tottenham.
      A reunion with Carlo Ancelotti at Everton could also be on the cards with suggestions the Toffees are monitoring his situation.
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      Across Europe, Valencia, Sevilla and Napoli may all be possible destinations.
      But it is Bayern Munich who are in pole position.
      Reports in March stated advanced talks have taken place between the player’s representatives and the Bundesliga champions.
      Vazquez joined the Real Madrid youth system in 2007 aged 16 and has racked up 237 first-team appearances and 26 goals after spending the 2014-15 season at Espanyol.
      Vazquez also boasts two LaLiga titles and three Club World Cup winner’s medals to his name.

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