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      Barcelona open investigation into Lionel Messi contract leak and deny sharing details of record £492m deal themselves

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      BARCELONA interim president Carles Tusquets has promised to investigate Lionel Messi’s contract leak – and denies being the man behind the saga.
      The Argentinian talisman wants to launch legal action against whoever revealed the details of his mega deal.

      Lionel Messi is preparing legal action against the culprit of the leakCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Interim Barcelona president Carles Tusquets has opened the club’s own investigationCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A leak to Spanish newspaper El Mundo earlier this month revealed Messi’s whopping £492million of earnings over the course of the four-year contract.
      Interim chief Tusquets has vowed that he and his fellow board members were not responsible.
      He told Deportes Cuatro on Tuesday: “The details of the contract have not come out through the management, because none of us have ever asked for them.
      “We have opened an investigation in the club.”

      Much attention has been paid to the deal expiring in the summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City thought to be preparing a bid to sign the 33-year-old.
      But Barcelona hope to convince him to stay and successfully investigating the matter could be key.

      Tusquets is taking temporary charge of the LaLiga giants until the delayed presidential elections are completed in March.
      Whoever of Joan Laporta, Toni Freixa and Victor Font is chosen for the role faces a fight to keep Messi.

      The coronavirus pandemic has bitten the Catalan club hard, leading to the striker’s salary package being seen as even more astronomical than before.
      German side Bayern Munich have ruled themselves out of the running for Messi’s signature having seen the numbers involved.
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      Karl-Heinz Rummenigge disparaged the amount when speaking to Italian daily Corriere della Sera earlier in the week, saying: “I laughed when I saw Messi’s contract with Barcelona.
      “I can only say congratulations to him for obtaining an astronomical contract. But this salary situation needs to be changed.”
      Prospective bidders PSG will have the chance to bulk up their scouting report of the superstar forward when they play Barcelona on Tuesday.
      Messi goes into the Champions League last-16 first leg with nine goals in his last eight matches.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Barcelona fans vent their fury on PSG chief Al Khelaifi over Messi chase More

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      Luis Suarez has clause allowing him to leave Atletico Madrid on FREE transfer this summer… but striker wants to stay

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      LUIS SUAREZ could leave Atletico Madrid on a FREE this summer.
      But the Uruguay goal machine wants to stay in the Spanish capital after hitting the ground running.

      Luis Suarez could leave Atletico Madrid on a free this summerCredit: Getty Images

      The 34-year-old striker signed a two-year deal after joining from LaLiga rivals Barcelona after last season.
      And, according to Marca, he has a clause in his contract that lets him leave for free this summer if he wants to.
      But the report adds that Suarez has no intention of triggering it with Atletico on course to win the Spanish league.
      Suarez has already been paid a bonus by Atletico after scoring for fun.

      The 33-year-old is LaLiga’s top scorer with 16 goals in 18 games, and seven in his last five.
      His goals have fired Atletico Madrid to the top of LaLiga – five points ahead of Real Madrid with two games in hand.
      Former club Barca are eight points behind.
      And Mundo Deportivo reported that the Uruguayan was paid a million Euros bonus (£880,000) for scoring 15 goals.

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      Suarez is also in line for another payout if and when he makes it to 20 goals, which seems like a formality.
      The Uruguay striker has found a new lease of life since his tearful exit from Barcelona last year.
      Suarez was reportedly told by new boss Ronald Koeman that he wasn’t part of his plans.
      He was seen driving out of the training ground for the last time in tears after six years at the club – during which he won four LaLigas and the Champions League.
      Atletico have lost just one league game this season and Suarez credits manager Diego Simeone with their record.

      Luis Suarez has been lethal in front of goal for Atletico MadridCredit: AP:Associated Press

      He told Onda Cero: “He is one of those coaches who convinces you by his desire and positivity and by everything he knows about this.
      “I rely more on the coach’s conviction when speaking to you than on the style of play he has.
      “Simeone is a coach who reaches out to you and motivates you.
      “I would not like to be a coach, you suffer a lot and you can’t keep everyone happy.”

      Luis Suarez shows his talent as he joins Atletico Madrid in training More

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      Adnan Januzaj insists he has ‘nothing to prove’ to Man Utd and hits out over lack of game time while at Old Trafford

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      ADNAN JANUZAJ believes he has ‘nothing to prove’ on his return to Manchester United.
      Real Sociedad face the Red Devils in the first knockout round of the Europa League, with the first leg taking place in Turin on Thursday.

      Adnan Januzaj has recalled his difficult period under Louis van Gaal at Manchester UnitedCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      The meeting will be Januzaj’s first encounter with United since he ended a six-year association with the Premier League giants in 2017.
      Once tipped as the next big thing, the 26-year-old winger has found good form in Spain and still describes his old team as ‘the club I love’.
      He told ESPN: “I don’t have to prove to anyone, I know my qualities.
      “I don’t have to prove to anyone how good I am, I just have to believe in myself, get my games and be happy.

      “I’m really happy to go back there, the club I love.
      “Once I’m on the pitch, there’s going to be no friends because obviously I’m playing for another club now and also I want to win the game.

      “I want to go through with my team. I’m really happy to go back there to see the people but once I’m on the pitch there will be no friends.”
      Januzaj made his debut in David Moyes’ first game in charge having impressed in the youth ranks during Sir Alex Ferguson’s later years at the club.

      Despite a promising run in the side, the Belgium international struggled for game time under Louis van Gaal and fell by the wayside.
      Sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland, where he was relegated in a reunion with Moyes, Januzaj explained his frustration at missing out under the Dutch coach.
      The midfielder recalled: “I had Fergie and David Moyes, coaches that were believing in me, but then some others came in and they wanted a bit more experience in the team.
      “I was a young boy and when you’re a young boy you have to shut up and do what people tell you to do.
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      Januzaj (right) is a regular in Real Sociedad’s experienced setupCredit: AFP or licensors

      “I didn’t have the right coach to push me. For example when Van Gaal came I was playing one game out of six so it was difficult and I was like, ‘What am I doing here?’.
      “The first season under Moyes I was getting game time to show myself. At Manchester United, the most disappointing thing was that I wasn’t getting games.”
      Januzaj started in Real Sociedad’s win at Getafe on the weekend and the LaLiga side, home to fellow Prem old boys David Silva and Nacho Monreal, are the designated home team for Thursday’s 5.55pm kick-off.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Ex-Chelsea star Fernando Torres temporarily leaves Atletico Madrid B coaching role for ‘personal reasons’

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      FERNANDO TORRES has stepped away from his Atletico Madrid coaching role for ‘personal reasons’, reports say.
      The ex-Liverpool and Chelsea striker has been working with Atletico Madrid’s B team.

      Fernando Torres has reportedly left Atletico Madrid short term for ‘personal reasons’Credit: Rex Features

      And reports in Spain state the 36-year-old has asked for short-term leave.
      Diario AS say the former Spain forward’s absence is ‘due to personal reasons’.
      Torres took up a role with Atletico B last month under manager Nacho Fernandez as he works towards getting his Uefa badges.
      He recently showed off his hulking new physique after bulking up since his playing days finished.

      The B team have just two wins this season in the third tier.
      Torres is a club legend with Atletico having spent his youth and early years with the club.
      He joined Liverpool in 2007 under Rafa Benitez and hit the ground running with his goalscoring form.
      Torres was the fastest Liverpool player to score 50 league goals and one of the world’s best centre-forwards for a couple of seasons.

      Spain striker Torres had spells at Liverpool and then Chelsea (above)Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      He moved to Chelsea for £50million in 2011 but failed to hit the same heights.
      The striker returned to Atletico initially on loan from Milan before making his move permanent in 2016.
      He finished his career at Sagan Tosu in Japan before hanging up his boots two years ago.
      Torres scored 38 times for Spain in 110 caps, helping them to World Cup glory as well as Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 success.

      Fernando Torres shows off hench new physique as ex-Chelsea and Liverpool star undergoes incredible body transformation More

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      Watch Lionel Messi score two wondergoals as magician matches Xavi’s Barcelona appearance record in thumping Alaves win

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      LIONEL MESSI scored two vintage long-range stunners to help Barcelona hammer Alaves 5-1 – on a record-equalling night for the club captain.
      After having one ruled out for offside already, the Argentine legend grabbed his first on the stroke of half-time, cutting in from the right channel on to his left foot.

      Lionel Messi scored his first against Alaves with a sublime finish off the inside of the postCredit: Reuters

      Messi was at his brilliant best in the 5-1 win as he matched Xavi’s haul of 505 Barcelona LaLiga appearancesCredit: AFP or licensors

      And his lethal low strike gave the Alaves goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco no chance, nestling in off the inside of the post.
      Messi was back at it again with 15 minutes to go.
      Just seconds after Francisco Trincao had scored his second on his first full league debut to make it 3-0 at the Nou Camp, he dribbled directly at the Alaves defence in trademark fashion.
      Again he knocked the ball on to his left foot but this time his 25-yard beauty flew into the top-left corner – leaving fans and team-mates in awe once more.

      Gary Lineker tweeted: “Oh my word. Stop the debate,” followed by a goat emoji.
      It took his remarkable record against the relegation-threatened side to 13 goals in 12 appearances during his career.
      And he did it on the night he equalled Xavi’s Barcelona LaLiga appearance record.
      The midfield maestro appeared 505 times for the Catalan giants in the Spanish top flight.

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      And the footballing magician joined him at the top of the tree – and is expected to break the record at home to Cadiz next weekend.
      Messi had a hand in the final goal of the thumping, too, scooping the ball over for Antoine Griezmann who set up Junior Firpo at the back post.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has eight goals in his last five league appearances, while Barca are unbeaten in 12 games – picking up seven LaLiga wins on the bounce.
      He also scored in a fifth consecutive league game for the first time since April 2019.
      Despite leapfrogging Real Madrid into second before Los Blancos’ game on Sunday, Ronald Koeman’s side remain eight points behind leaders Atletico, who have a game in hand.

      Francisco Trincao scored twice on his full league debut for the Catalan giantsCredit: Reuters

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘urges’ Juventus to complete transfer move for his old Real Madrid pal Marcelo this summer

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has again urged Juventus to sign his former Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo, according to reports.
      And with Real reportedly keen to sell him this summer the chances of the pair being reunited are higher than ever before.

      Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Juventus to sign his old Real Madrid team-mate MarceloCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ronnie had similar conversations with Juve chiefs in the spring of 2020.
      Back then, officials from the Old Lady were said to have planned a trip to Madrid to thrash out a deal with the player’s representatives, only for the coronavirus pandemic to hit.
      Now, ForzaItalianFootball say Ronaldo has been knocking on the door again.
      Marcelo’s Madrid contract does not expire until June 2022 but Los Blancos are looking to offload him at the end of this season to ensure they receive a fee for the 32-year-old.

      The Brazilian has established himself as one of the world’s best left-backs during his trophy laiden spell in the Spanish capital, but there is no interest in offering the Brazilian a new deal.
      Ronaldo and Marcelo won the Champions League together four times at Madrid and developed a close relationship on and off the pitch.
      Real signed Brazil international Marcelo from Fluminense on January 2007 and he has played 519 games in all competitions since.
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      The pair became close at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He has bagged 38 goals and 101 assists in that time as he offered outstanding value at both ends of the pitch.
      Such have been his contributions to Real, he was recently named in SunSport’s best XI of players who have played with Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
      Marcelo narrowly beat Barcelona ace Jordi Alba to make it into the first XI.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have played with some of the finest players of the modern era

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      Arsenal ‘only signed Martin Odegaard after failing in loan transfer attempt for Barcelona youngster Riqui Puig’

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      ARSENAL failed with a January loan move for Barcelona youngster Riqui Puig before signing Martin Odegaard, according to reports.
      The Gunners were eager to add some creativity in January, after finally offloading Mesut Ozil and his whopping salary.

      Riqui Puig could have turned his back on BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Arsenal unveiled Martin Odegaard last monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Boss Mikel Arteta has seen the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette struggle for regular goals this season, while Willian has flopped.
      It saw the Spaniard move to sign Norwegian wonderkid Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid.
      But according to Fabrizio Romano, the 22-year-old wasn’t Arsenal’s first choice.
      The Italian transfer expert revealed that the Gunners were in ‘serious’ talks with Barcelona over borrowing 21-year-old starlet Puig.

      Ronald Koeman has only handed the young attacking midfielder one LaLiga start this term, leading Arsenal to believe that a deal could be done.
      But ultimately, the Dutchman decided to keep Puig around.
      Romano said: “At the start of the window Arsenal were seriously trying to sign Riqui Puig on loan with a buy option, in a similar deal as Odegaard, also with Riqui Puig at Barcelona.
      “Barcelona said let’s see with Koeman, if he wants to keep the player if he wants to play, let’s wait some weeks.

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      Odegaard is yet to make an impact at ArsenalCredit: AFP

      “Then in the middle of January they said no, Riqui Puig is not moving, we are keeping him.”
      Puig has made 29 appearances for his boyhood club in total, although has been largely upstaged by 18-year-old sensation Pedri in the pecking order.
      The Gunners instead managed to grab Odegaard, who had only made nine appearances for Real Madrid this term.
      He has made two substitute appearances since joining, with Emile Smith-Rowe keeping his place in Arteta’s starting XI.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Martin Odegaard enjoys first training session with Arsenal More