La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Emotional Barcelona president Laporta tells Lionel Messi ‘I love you’ and begs him to stay while offering him pay CUT

      by

      JOAN Laporta told Lionel Messi ‘I love you and Barcelona also loves you’ in a passionate plea to convince him to stay.The Catalan club’s new president held his inauguration ceremony at the Nou Camp which Messi and his team-mates attended.
      Joan Laporta made a passionate public bid to keep hold of Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      The Barcelona president held his inauguration ceremony at the Nou Camp on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      Laporta, 58, elected as Barca’s new president for a second spell last week, used his speech to try and convince Messi, 33, to sign a new deal.
      He said: “We will, for example, try to convince Leo to stay at the club.
      “Sorry Leo. I will do my best and he knows it! We’re going to try, of course, to convince him to stay here because he’s the best player in history.
      “Sorry, but I love you and Barcelona also loves you. If this stadium were full, you wouldn’t want to go.”
      Messi came close to leaving Barcelona last season before backing down and agreeing to see out his contract.
      And he becomes a free agent this summer having initially thought he was ‘free to leave’ last year.
      The Argentine great claimed the club went back on their word and said the only way he could leave is if the £600m release fee was met.
      Messi said he didn’t want a legal battle with the club and his move to Manchester City collapsed.
      CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY THREE OFFERS

      Lionel Messi came close to leaving last summer and will be a free agent in a few monthsCredit: Rex
      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks
      Lawyer Laporta, who spent seven years in the role until 2010, said addressing the club’s financial situation was also a priority and that he had faith in head coach Ronald Koeman.
      He said: “Now we need to do things well. We’ll do what we can so you can be proud of Barcelona again.
      “The economic situation is a priority for us.
      “We need to make the club sustainable. We have a plan for this. We will take decisions in Barcelona’s best interests.
      “Stability is key and we can improve all the sections to make them more competitive. But, we must maintain stability.”

      During Laporta’s first seven-year tenure, Barca won four LaLiga titles, two UEFA Champions Leagues, one UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.
      On Koeman, he added: “Ronald, you have our confidence.
      “We want to get back to making history in the Champions League, but this year we need to go out and try to win the league title and the Copa del Rey.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

    • 113 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      The Rocketman of Real Sociedad Is Still Breaking News

      by

      As soon as the ball crosses the line, Juan Iturralde is on his feet. He darts back inside his suite, heading for the door. He pauses only briefly, to snatch two bottle rockets from a plastic bag placed carefully, deliberately, in his path. Its location is strategic: Iturralde is, essentially, in the news business, and every second counts.He bounds — as fast as his knees will allow — down two flights of stairs, clasping the fireworks by their stalks. He sprints out of Gate 18 at the Reale Arena, home of the Spanish soccer team Real Sociedad, and onto the street outside. He checks that the coast is clear, slips the first of his two rockets into his hand-held launcher, and breaks his story across San Sebastián’s night sky.His news, this time, is good. As the first rocket shrieks above his head, Iturralde sets off another, another shower of sparks falling at his feet, another cloud of cordite writhing around his sleeve. Everyone in the city knows how to crack the code. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Explosive moment journalist is kicked off TV show for calling Eden Hazard ‘fat’ during Real Madrid win over Atalanta

      by

      THIS is the shock moment a journalist was kicked off a Spanish television show for calling Eden Hazard ‘fat’.Jorge D’Alessandro was told to leave the room by ‘El Chiringuito de Jugones’ host Josep Pedredol.
      A journalist was kicked off a Spanish television show in dramatic fashion
      The reporter labelled Real Madrid playmaker Eden Hazard ‘fat’Credit: Reuters
      It came after the reporter called Real Madrid playmaker Hazard ‘fat’ on air.
      The show was broadcast during Real’s victory over Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
      The panel were discussing team selections and options – and Hazard wasn’t even involved.
      The Belgian has struggled with injuries ever since sealing his £130m move from Chelsea in 2019.
      He admitted he reported for pre-season training in the Spanish capital five kilos overweight.
      Hazard told L’Equipe: “[My weight?] I don’t hide it. When I am on vacation, I am on vacation.
      “I am someone who takes weight fast and loses it fast.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      “When I was in Lille at 18, I weighed 72 kilos. Afterwards, I gained muscle mass up to 75 kilos.
      “On a bad day I weigh 77 kilos, but weighed 80 this summer. I lost everything in ten days.”
      And he revealed last summer that he was struggling with his diet during lockdown when football was cancelled for months.

      He was working with a physio at the time in a bid to regain strength on his ankle.
      But Hazard admitted: “It’s complicated for me. I’m trying not to eat a lot.
      “I’m trying not to go into the pantry to eat a lot of buns, but it’s not easy.”
      Watch Real Madrid stars including Eden Hazard have snowball fight in training as club confirm Osasuna game to go ahead More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Joao Felix denies Diego Simeone rift as Atletico Madrid boss prepares to unleash whizkid on Chelsea

      by

      JOAO FELIX has denied rumours of a rift with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.The 21-year-old rising star was pictured shushing towards his own bench after scoring against Villarreal last month.
      Joao Felix has denied rumours of a rift with Diego SimeoneCredit: Getty
      Joao Felix produced a cheeky shush celebration to his own bench last month
      And that led to speculation that Felix was sending a message to Atleti manager Simeone.
      But the creative midfielder insisted it was a joke with a team-mate and he has no problems with his boss.
      Felix explained: “I already said on Instagram that it was a joke with Lodi.
      “He was winding me up before the game, telling me I didn’t score against anyone and when I got the goal I did the gesture for him.
      “The press like to talk about things they don’t know.”
      The 21-year-old added: “My relationship with the manager is very good.
      “He always tries to help me and we’re here to help each other.
      “I am happy here. My family is fine, I am fine, I am fine with the club and like with all players there are moments that are not so good. They can be overcome.”
      CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER: GET CHACUN POUR SOI AT 50/1 IN THE CHAMPION CHASE

      Felix has been key in Atletico Madrid’s title challenge in Spain this season.
      He has scored seven goals and notched up four assists in LaLiga to guide Atleti to the top of the table.
      Simeone’s men are four points clear of Barcelona with 11 games to play.
      But they face a tough task to turn around their Champions League tie against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
      The Blues hold a 1-0 aggregate lead thanks to Olivier Giroud’s stunning strike in the first leg last month.
      Felix is expected to start at Stamford Bridge as Atletico look to turn the tie around.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd ‘enter Jan Oblak transfer race with De Gea future in doubt More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘more likely to return to Man Utd than Real Madrid’ as Spaniards eye Mbappe or Haaland transfer

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO returning to Manchester United is looking more likely than a move to Real Madrid, according to reports.The Spanish side have given up on bringing Ronaldo back, it’s claimed, and instead are focusing their attentions on landing Kylian Mbappe.
      Cristiano Ronaldo could be forced to leave Juventus with the club facing financial troubleCredit: Getty
      He spent six years at Manchester United – where he won three Premier League titles and the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      And Tuttosport in Italy report that Man Utd is looking a more viable option than Real Madrid.
      Ronaldo, 36, spent six years at Old Trafford before nine seasons in the Spanish capital.
      He joined Serie A champions Juventus in 2018 but could be forced to leave this summer with the club facing a financial crisis.
      Ronaldo has long been linked with a sensational return to Manchester United, and it appears this season he could be on the move once more.
      Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane suggested at the weekend that Ronaldo returning to the Spanish giants could be on the cards.
      However, Real are among the Euro giants trailing 22-year-old French striker Mbappe.
      World Cup winner Mbappe had been Zidane’s dream transfer this summer.
      But despite his contract ending in 2022, PSG are reportedly reluctant to sell him and will gamble on keeping the youngster for one more year in order to hand him an extension.
      So Real are also now ready to enter the war for Erling Haaland and could dig deep to find the reported £150million required for his coveted signature.
      CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER: GET CHACUN POUR SOI AT 50/1 IN THE CHAMPION CHASE
      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club

      Should Haaland end up at the Bernabeu, it could spell the end of Karim Benzema’s 12 seasons in the Spanish capital.
      And it would also make a move for Ronaldo financially impossible.
      That would open the door for Ronaldo to rejoin Manchester United, where he won three Premier League titles and the Champions League.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Real Madrid are focussing their attentions on Kylian Mbappe, reports claimCredit: AFP
      Cristiano Ronaldo talks to UFC star Khabib ‘almost every day’ More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      David Beckham ‘eyes transfer for Real Madrid star Marcelo’ as he continues to build star-studded Inter Miami team

      by

      INTER MIAMI owner David Beckham is reportedly eyeing a move for Real Madrid star Marcelo.France Football claim Manchester United legend Becks has already approached the veteran Brazilian over a switch to the MLS.
      Inter Miami are interested in a move for Real Madrid defender MarceloCredit: Getty
      The report adds that Marcelo – who hasn’t featured for Madrid for over a month – is yet to respond to the offer to play for Miami.
      At his peak, he has established himself as one of the world’s best left-backs during his trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital.
      But the 32-year-old’s struggles with injuries alongside the emergence of Ferland Mendy has seen him reduced to just seven starts this season.
      Marcelo’s contract expires in June 2022 Madrid will have to offload him this summer if they are to recieve any fee for the Brazil international.
      CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER: GET CHACUN POUR SOI AT 50/1 IN THE CHAMPION CHASE
      Such have been his contributions to Real, he was named in SunSport’s best XI of players who have played with Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
      And CR7 is also reportedly urging Juventus to sign his former Real Madrid team-mate following their interest back in the spring of 2020.
      Inter Miami meanwhile are in the market for a left-back and are one of many MLS sides keeping tabs on West Brom defender Kieran Gibbs.
      Ryan Shawcross has already joined Phil Neville at Inter Miami on a free transfer after ending his 14-year stint at Stoke.
      Marcelo could join several other household names in the MLS side

      Marcelo could be the latest signing under owner Becks – who has ploughed another £11.2million of his own cash into the US franchise.
      International superstars like Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi have already signed on as Neville attempts to improve on last season’s disappointing 10th-placed finish in the Eastern Conference.
      Yet Miami are said to be under investigation by the MLS for ‘violating the salary budget’ by signing Frenchman Matuidi from Juventus.
      David Beckham boasts ‘I’ve still got it’ as he nails crossbar challenge in football training More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Xavi confirms he is ‘in contact’ with Barcelona president Joan Laporta as he fuels talk of sensational return as manager

      by

      BARCELONA legend Xavi is in regular contact with the Catalans’ new president Joan Laporta.The legendary midfielder is widely backed to become Barca boss one day and this latest revelation will only fuel that fire.
      Xavi says he is ‘in contact’ with new Barcelona president Joan Laporta amid talk of the Al Saad coach taking over as managerCredit: Getty
      Xavi’s ‘great friend’ Laporta was re-elected earlier this monthCredit: Rex
      Xavi, 41, is currently in charge of Qatari side Al Saad and has won four trophies in his time there.
      He built up a strong bond with ‘good friend’ Laporta during the latter’s first spell as Barca president between 2003 and 2010.
      And the former club captain – who admitted it’s his dream to manage Barca – recently revealed he stays in touch with ‘the best president I ever had’ in Laporta.
      Xavi told beIN Sports: “Laporta is a good friend. I know him very well.
      “He is the best president I have ever had. Barca will return both in terms of sporting and economic results.
      “There are problems to solve but you can do it all. I wish him well. I am in contact with him and I am very happy.”
      Laporta was re-elected earlier this month and refused to rule out a move for Xavi during his campaign.
      Former Barca star Ronald Koeman is currently in charge of the Nou Camp giants.
      However, his first season in charge has not been great, with his team crashing out of the Champions League to PSG at the Round of 16 stage.
      His side do remain in the hunt for the LaLiga title however, trailing league leaders Atletico Madrid by four points.
      CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER – GET HONEYSUCKLE AT HUGE 80/1

      When asked about Xavi in February, Laporta told RAC1: “We call each other often.
      “In my project, I think that in the short, medium or long-term, he can coach Barcelona because he wants to.
      “But he needs a little more preparation. The club requires experience. It’s the same as we did with [Frank] Rijkaard, who laid the foundations, and Pep Guardiola, who brought excellence.
      “First of all, we have to respect Koeman, who has a contract. He’s a Barcelona great and deserves all our respect, although results and performances count.
      “The current situation requires experience.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Watch moment annoyed Lionel Messi snaps at fans as they film Barcelona legend leaving training More

    • 288 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Eden Hazard ‘wants surgery’ a year after Real Madrid star’s ankle op in bid to get fit again but could MISS Euro 2020

      by

      EDEN HAZARD reportedly wants to undergo ankle surgery AGAIN just a year after his last op.The Belgian has struggled with injuries since leave Chelsea for Real Madrid and this latest setback could see him miss this summer’s Euros.
      Eden Hazard reportedly wants to have another ankle operation
      The procedure could see the Belgian miss the EurosCredit: Rex
      Hazard, 30, has a persistent problem with his left ankle.
      And he is said to have been in pain – which has got worse recently – since his procedure on it last March.
      The winger has also picked up several muscle injuries since he has been at Real and they are linked to the underlying ankle issue, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
      Hazard’s running and movement style are said to have been affected by the issue which could have led to the increase in muscle injuries.
      And as a result, the former Lille man is said to be resigned to another surgery and sees it as his only option even though it was almost certainly see him miss Belgian’s Euros campaign.
      Hazard joined Real in June 2019 from Chelsea for an initial fee of £89million, although that sum could end up rising to £150m.
      But he has played just 36 of Real’s 88 games since he arrived at the Bernabeu.
      His latest injury came in training as he was forced out with a psoas muscle problem which affects the lifting of the upper leg.
      CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER – GET HONEYSUCKLE AT HUGE 80/1
      Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Sergio Ramos are Real Madrid’s top earners

      Hazard was absent from the open portion of Real’s training session last Monday afternoon, sparking fears he’d suffered yet another setback.
      Real confirmed his injury a few hours later, with reports claiming he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
      Hazard recently told Premier Sports: “When it comes to the end of my career I can look back at my achievements, but my priority now is playing well and enjoying my football.
      ‘I don’t think about where I will be in the next few years, I try to focus on the next match and the next training session.
      “I’ve only just turned 30 so as long as my body feels good, hopefully I can keep playing for at least another five or six years.”
      Belgium are in a group with Russia, Denmark and Finland this summer.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      Turkish star Ozdemir sent off for horror challenge after flying kick to rival’s FACE leaves him needing seven stitches More