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      Former Barcelona star shows off withered leg as he shows how much muscle he lost after devastating ACL injury

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      FORMER Barcelona prodigy Riqui Puig has revealed pictures of his withered leg after suffering a devastating ACL injury.Puig, who now plays for LA Galaxy, lost a significant amount of muscle in his right leg after undergoing reconstructive surgery last month.Riqui Puig has shown off his withered right legThe 25-year-old tore his ACL in NovemberPuig came through the ranks with Barcelona’s La Masia set upPuig joined LA in 2022Puig suffered a nasty ACL injury during LA Galaxy’s 1-0 win over Seattle Sonders FC in the Western Conference final in November.But he played over 30 minutes with a torn ACL and even provided the game-winning assist for Dejan Joveljic’s 85th minute goal.Scans after the trophy celebrations showed a rupture and surgery was performed in a Barcelona hospital a month later.The 25-year-old has shared an update on the rehab process of his knee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPictures show the midfielder has lost a ton of muscle on his right leg as he works with specialists.Puig grabbed 37 goal contributions in 36 matches played across all competitions for the LA Galaxy during the 2024 campaign.He left Barcelona for America as a free agent in 2022 after falling out of favour with former manager Xavi’s plans.His exit was a shock for fans after Barca’s legends indicated he was a special talent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBack in 2018, one report read: “Lionel Messi quickly realised that after Riqui started going to some training sessions with the first team last season.”He wanted him at his side and, of course, the kid was happy to have his idol in front of him and on top of that, that he gave him the ball.Ex-Everton and Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu works out in gym after horror injury “He was not the only one who was astonished.”Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta – a player whom he has many resemblances towards – were also captivated by his football.”Despite his promising talent as a teenager, Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp and left in 2022.Gavi and Pedri are two of the highest-rated young central midfielders in Europe and have continued to prosper.Meanwhile, Puig is one of the best players in the MLS and is a two-time All-Star.Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp More

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      Vinicius Jr lined up for world record-shattering £296m Saudi transfer following controversial Ballon d’Or snub

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      VINICIUS JR is reportedly being lined up for a world-record £296million move to Saudi Arabia after his Ballon d’Or snub.The Real Madrid superstar, 24, has emerged as a target for three Middle Eastern giants amid doubts over his long-term future at the Bernabeu.Vinicius Jr is being lined up for a world-record £296million move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyVinicius Jr joined Real in 2018 from Flamengo for £40million, a year after penning a contract with the Spanish giants.He’s since scored 101 goals in 291 games while winning three titles and two Champions Leagues.But Vini was left deeply upset last year when it emerged he had missed out on the latest Ballon d’Or award.The winger was strong favourite to land it thanks to his domestic and European trophy wins.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet it emerged on the day that Man City’s Rodri had pipped him to the post.It prompted an outcry from Vinicius Jr’s club Real, who snubbed the ceremony.But despite their support, Give Me Sport claims Vini could soon end up leaving them for pastures new.It’s reckoned Saudi pay masters are ready to spend £296m on Vinicius Jr this summer, with Al-Ahli the most likely destination.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Saudi club already boasts ex-Premier League stars including Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.But Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al-Hilal — who reportedly want to replace Neymar with Liverpool’s Mo Salah — have also shown interest.Humiliating moment Ballon d’Or favourite Vinicius Jr is sat down by teen in futsal leaving Real Madrid star on his bum As it happens, Neymar still holds the current world record transfer fee for his £200m switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.Real have no intention of selling Vinicius Jr, even though his exit would allow struggling Kylian Mbappe to play off his favoured left-hand side.And the Brazilian will have a big decision to make if a Saudi bid does emerge for him at the end of the season. More

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      Arsenal leapfrog Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea in football rich list as Real Madrid break never-before-seen record

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      ARSENAL have leapfrogged Liverpool and London rivals Spurs and Chelsea in the latest football earnings table.The Gunners had dropped to 10th in the global revenue charts after five years outside the European elite.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal success has seen the club leapfrog three rivals in the football rich listCredit: GettyBut their return to the Champions League last season, and another Prem near-miss, saw the Emirates outfit gross £605.5m to move up to seventh in a table headed by Real Madrid.The Spanish giants became the first club in Uefa football history to bank more than £1b Euros in 2023-24, with the Bernabeu side, who won a 15th European crown, earning £883.7m after the refurbishment of their home ground.While Manchester City remained second in the table, with revenues of £708.1m, the gap between them and Madrid has leaped from just £5m in 2022-23 to £175m, last season.Across Manchester, United moved up from fifth to fourth, overtaking Barcelona, who dropped two places, even though their revenues rose by less than £3m, from £648.5m to £651.4m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it was Arsenal who made the biggest advance – as Spurs’ lack of any European football saw them drop from eighth to ninth, according to the latest Deloitte Football Money League figures.Tottenham had seen record income of £549.2m in 2022-23, when they reached the last 16 of the Champions League but missed out on European qualification.That saw their 2023-24 income cut to £519.9, a £30m reduction.Arsenal, eliminated by Bayern Munich in the last eight, earned £258.2m from broadcasters, plus £129.7m in match-day income and £217.9m from their commercial deals.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLiverpool, seventh last year with £793.8m, drop a place after earning £604.2m, with Chelsea also down a place on £461.2m, down £51.3m.It is the first time the Gunners have grossed more than Liverpool and Chelsea since the 2016-17 season.Inside ‘insane’ £1.5bn Bernabeu renovation from hidden tunnels under stadium to setting fire to the old roof The Deloitte figures confirm the Prem’s financial muscle with Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa all in the top 20 earners.While that is nine Prem teams, Spain, France and Italy have three representatives, with Munich and Dortmund the Bundesliga money sides. Prem income is set to rise by up to 20 per cent next term with the new international broadcast deals, while TV contracts across the rest of the Big Five are in decline.Deloitte’s Tim Bridge said: “On-pitch performance is critical for teams to reach the top echelons of the rankings, although high performing clubs are also able to diversify the way they generate revenue through unlocking innovative partnerships and developing the land and stadium space that they own or operate.“While commercial revenue dominates the income of the top ten Money League clubs, broadcast income remains crucial for teams in the second half of the rankings.“As competitions expand and create more broadcast and matchday opportunities, these can further increase the earning potential for clubs.“At a time where there is more demand than ever for a greater number of matchdays, this must be balanced with player welfare, as they ultimately bring the on-field success that can earn clubs many further rewards off-field.” More

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      Man City accused of persuading transfer target, 18, to buy out his contract as Real Valladolid threaten legal action

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      MANCHESTER City have been slammed over the potential signing of young defender Juma Bah.Spanish side Real Valladolid are accusing City of persuading Bah to buy out his own youth contract in order to secure a move to the Etihad.Man City are being threatened with legal action over a move for Real Valladolid’s Juma BahCredit: GettyAnd Valladolid have threatened to take legal action against the centre back, 18, for breach of contract.According to reports in Spain, City were in talks with the LaLiga side for a deal worth up to £6.75m.But Sierra Leone-born Bah, 18, and his representatives informed Valladolid that they were instead going to pay up the terms of his current youth contract at a cost of around £5m.And Valladolid are furious, because Bah has refused to sign a pro deal that would have cost more to buy out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spanish club issued a stern statement, saying: “Abdulai Juma Bah and his agent informed Real Valladolid yesterday evening of their intention to unilaterally break the contract that binds both parties.“Previously, yesterday evening, Manchester City sent a statement asking Real Valladolid to open negotiations for the player for a possible permanent transfer.“Today, the Sierra Leonean has decided not to report to his workplace for morning training. For all these reasons, the Club holds the player responsible for the breach of his contractual commitments, and has asked its legal department to initiate disciplinary action in this regard.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation at the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“The Club considers that Manchester City, a member of the City Football Group, is behind the Player’s decision, and appears to have advised the player to take this route, which puts Real Valladolid in a defenceless position, after having recently rejected financial offers of a higher amount, even more so when the player is in the legally protected period of his youth stage.”And, in recent days, had refused to sign the professional player’s licence, as this would entail an automatic increase in his termination clause.Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov in £34m deal with ‘tank’ as quick as Usain Bolt roped in to bolster Pep’s defence“Manchester City seems to have advised the player to adopt this path that puts Real Valladolid in a helpless situation.“The player’s intention, supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation within Real Valladolid.”Real Valladolid will resort to the appropriate legal and sporting jurisdictions to exercise its rights and defend its interests.”Man City have declined to comment.Bah arrived at Valladolid on loan last summer from AIK Freetown in his native Sierra Leone.The 6ft 5in centre back was so impressive that on January 1 the La Liga club exercised its right to buy him for a fee of about £840,000.If City complete a deal for Bah, he is expected to go straight out on loan to Lens after the French club sold centre half Abdukodir Khusanov to the Premier League champions earlier this week. More

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      Footy star’s wife posts sex calendar detailing couple’s bedroom routine as ex-LaLiga ace, 33, shares post

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      A FOOTBALLER’s wife has shared a sex calendar on social media.The spicy venture details the bedroom routine of Deyverson and his partner Karina Alexandre throughout 2024.Karina Alexandre shared her sex calendar with DeyversonCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvThe calendar reveals when they were intimate with each other in 2024Credit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvKarina and Deyverson have three daughters with eachotherCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvDeyverson, 33, has starred for LaLiga clubs such as Levante, Deportivo Alaves and Getafe during his career.The striker’s best period came at the Brazilian outfit Palmeiras between 2017 and 2022.He made 144 league appearances for the club and scored 31 goals.But he has also enjoyed life off the pitch with his relationship with Karina.READ MORE SPORT NEWSShe has now given fans a glimpse into their intimate life with a post on social media.She shared an image of their sex calendar, which had love hearts on each day that they had been intimate with each other.Karina captioned the image: “My goal in life is to multiply love.”Deyverson shared the post on his own Instagram account and added three love heart emojis.Most read in FootballThe Brazilian went viral in 2021 during his time at Palmeiras after he dived to the ground after being patted by a referee.He is currently playing at Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro having joined in August 2024.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelHis contract is set to run until December and he has so far scored twice in 17 appearances for the club.Karina was at his unveiling as an Atletico Mineiro player and regularly shows her support at matches.The couple have three daughters.She is a digital influencerCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvShe is also a veterinarian according to her social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mvShe has 246 followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @kariina.mv More

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      Carlo Ancelotti ‘to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season with Xabi Alonso favourite to take over as manager’

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI will quit Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso ready to replace him, according to reports.The 65-year-old boss guided Los Blancos to LaLiga and Champions League glory last season.Carlo Ancelotti is set to quit as Real Madrid boss at the end of the seasonCredit: RexXabi Alonso is the favourite to replace AncelottiCredit: EPABut Ancelotti is apparently ready to step down as manager in the summer.The Italian, who is three-and-a-half years into his second spell at the club, signed a new deal in 2023.Ancelotti’s contract came amid rumours he was going to leave to become Brazil manager.His contract at the Bernabeu runs until 2026, but he will reportedly now say farewell “no matter what happens” between now and the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAncelotti has come under criticism for losing two El Clasico’s to bitter rivals Barcelona 4-0 and 5-2.He also oversaw a poor start to the season that has left Real Madrid 20th in the Champions League table.But they have since recovered in the league and now sit top.Ancelotti has won two LaLiga titles in his second spell at the Bernabeu, as well as two Champions Leagues.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe also won the European Cup in his first tenure, in 2014.Club president Floretino Perez is already working on replacing Ancelotti and is targeting former player Xabi Alonso.Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealedThe Spaniard was heavily linked with the Liverpool job in the summer but rejected them to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.Alonso led the club to an unbeaten domestic season as they lifted the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. More

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      Inside stunning 60,000-seater new stadium set to leave former Champions League club in exile for two years

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      EX-CHAMPION LEAGUE side Real Betis will be left in the football wilderness for two years as part of a stunning new stadium build.The one-time Spanish champions are embarking on an ambitious project which will see them move in to a 60,000-seater home.A look at how Real Betis’ new Benito Villamarín stadium might lookThe works will see the preferred stand torn down and rebuiltCredit: RexThe ground is aiming to be completed for the 2027/28 seasonCredit: Real BetisThe work will commence at the end of the season, but will force Betis to leave their Benito Villamarín home for two seasons, with the hope the new ground will be ready for operation from 2027.In the meantime, Betis will move into the Estadio de La Cartuja on the other side of Seville.Betis’ current Benito Villamarín Stadium has a capacity of 60,720, but the new project will modernise it with one stand being torn down – following the others which had changes made for the 1982 World Cup.New details of the plan were shared by club president Ángel Haro during a Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting on Tuesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaro revealed it was hoped the new build would create a “a qualitative and quantitative leap in income” that will allow the club “to have a better team”.That being said, Betis do not want to emulate Real Madrid’s new-look Bernabeu.While the new Benito Villamarín will have the capacity to host concerts, Haro admitted this will be limited to two or three a year during the summer months when sport competitions are finished.This will ensure there are no issues with the grass at the ground, with the new stadium set to forgo the ability to have a retractable pitch.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe stadium will also feature an adjacent leisure facility in an adjacent building that will feature “a large hotel, a clinic and a wellness centre”.Improvements will also be directed towards better security and evacuation features.Inside ‘insane’ £1.5bn Bernabeu renovation from hidden tunnels under stadium to setting fire to the old roof The plans have not come without criticism however, with fans taking issue with a controversial plan to increase the number of VIP seats from 1,200 to 3,700, or six per cent of the total capacity in the stadium.However, Haro claimed these VIP seats will “generate around 20 or 25 per cent of the turnover” which will contribute to keeping prices affordable around the rest of the stadium.By comparison, Barcelona’s new Camp Nou will have around 7,000 VIP seats, while the stadium of cross-town rivals, Sevilla, will have Sánchez-Pizjuán be around 10 per cent.Betis have a tumultuous history, having been relegated a number of times, leading to the club’s motto being “¡Viva el Betis manque pierda! (Long live Betis even if they lose!)”.The club last won the Spanish top flight title in 1935, while they last competed in the Champions League in 2006.They have previously outlined the main details of the new project, which will include a new roof, sound and lightning systems and club shop.In a statement on the stadium project released last summer, Betis said: “Real Betis has received the preliminary project for the new Benito Villamarín Stadium, with detailed designs, marking another step in the development of the next home for Betis fans. “This project will enhance fan comfort and significantly increase the club’s revenue…”The new Benito Villamarín Stadium will feature a new exterior, a facade representing the Thirteen Bars of the club’s crest, with light, translucent tones, offering the possibility to project colours and images.”The basic project also includes the installation of a roof, which will house two new video scoreboards, larger than the current ones located in Gol Norte and Gol Sur, equipped with the latest technology. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The roof will also integrate sound and lighting systems to enhance the match day spectacle and fan experience. “Additionally, it will collect rainwater for irrigation, aligning with the club’s sustainability policy.” More

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      Ex-Everton and Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu may never play again with horror injury ‘beyond biology’

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      GERARD DEULOFEU has heartbreakingly admitted his career may be OVER due to the knee injury that blighted his time with Udinese.The Spain international has suffered multiple setbacks – including infected cartilage – since he tore his ACL in November 2022.Gerard Deulofeu suffered a horror knee injury in November 2022Credit: GETTYThe former Barcelona and Everton man has suffered numerous setbacks over the last two yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM@GERARDDEULOFEUThe setbacks have led to the mutual termination of his contract with UdineseCredit: GETTYAnd the 30-year-old has agreed to terminate his contract with the Serie A side, which he announced in an agonising social media post.The former Barcelona and Everton star said in a video: “I tore my anterior cruciate ligament two years ago against Napoli.”But [I] recovered and was able to play against Sampdoria despite the tear.”The bad news arrived after that match, when I knew I’d need surgery.“After that operation, I got an infection in the cartilage.”That is tough to get over, because the bones grind up against each other and it goes beyond a normal injury.“I have been fighting for two years against something that goes beyond biology.”Despite his repeated setbacks, Deulofeu is refusing to give up hope of one day returning to the pitch.Most read in SportGerard Deulofeu is refusing to give up hope of playing football againCredit: EPAHe said: “I feel better now than I did a few months ago, but we’ll see what happens.“I have always had an incredible rapport with Udinese and it means so much to me that they supported and waited for me.Leighton Baines praises Everton response after victory on ‘difficult day’ “If I do return to football one day, it will be with this jersey, for all that the club and its fans did to support me.“We have agreed to terminate the contract, but the relationship and support remain special.”Deulofeu joined Udinese in October 2020 following a two-season stint with Watford.The Spaniard leaves the club with a record of 16 goals and 13 assists in 63 appearances. More