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      I’m targeting Euro 2024 glory with Real Madrid legend Luka Modric – but first I’m out to KO his Champions League dream

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      JOSKO GVARDIOL cannot wait to be part of Luka Modric’s curtain call with Croatia this summer.But first he plans to end his countryman’s hopes of bowing out with yet another Champions League title.Croatian stars Josko Gvardiol and Luka Modric will collide again in the Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyModric, 38, is expected to retire from international football after Euro 2024 in Germany.He also looks likely to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season with his former club Dinamo Zagreb among those looking to sign him.In 12 years at the Bernabeu, the former Tottenham man has won the top Uefa pot FIVE times. And he wants one more back in North London to round things off, with the final at Wembley on June 1.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGvardiol said: “I don’t need to waste my time talking about his qualities as we all know them.“But he’s an even better person — and a leader on the pitch. This will be his last Euros, the last season for the national team.“So as a leader and person, I’m really happy I had a chance to play with him and share a dressing room.“I need to enjoy the last moments with Luka. But it’s also fun to face national team-mates with your club.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOver the last week, Gvardiol, 22, has scored a couple of goals that Modric would have been proud of.The defender is settling in nicely at the Etihad after his £77million summer switch from RB Leipzig in Germany but now he wants silverware.Luka Modric’s former club put full-page advert in Spanish newspaper to convince Real Madrid star to leaveIf City are to defend the Champions League trophy they won in Istanbul last June, they will have to do it the hard way.They must see off 14-time European “kings” Real Madrid in tomorrow’s quarter-final second leg at the Etihad.The tie is finely poised at 3-3 with Arsenal or Bayern Munich awaiting the winners in the semis.Gvardiol had not joined City when they first tasted Champions League glory last term  — and he is eager to experience it.He said: “We are going to face Real Madrid, the kings of this competition but if you ask me,  there is no fear.“If you’re afraid of trying and doing something, it’s better to watch it on TV.“We want to win the cup. If you want to go through then you need to beat Real Madrid.“In the Champions League if we want to win it we have to face the best teams.”Gvardiol scored a stunner in Madrid last week then added another long-ranger to round off the scoring in Saturday’s 5-1 rout of Luton.City’s Mateo Kovacic — who also scored a cracker against the Hatters — is impressed by his international team-mate.The former Real Madrid midfielder said: “Josko is doing great scoring goals and he’s happy here which is the most important thing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s loving Manchester life and enjoying his football. We know he is a great player, he just needs to keep going.“We both feel comfortable and we love being here.” More

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      Ex-Barcelona star’s pals ‘used curtains as sex swing at wild parties as he’s sued for vandalising luxury villa’

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      FORMER Barcelona star Arda Turan has been sued for “vandalising his luxury villa” after hosting lavish parties, according to reports.The owner of the house has accused Turan and his friends of “using curtains as sex swings” among a long lost of complaints.Arda Turan is being sued for the damage caused to his Barcelona villaCredit: GettyTuran played for Barca for two seasons in 2015-16 and 2016-17 after joining from rivals Atletico Madrid.Despite his brief stint in the Catalan capital before returning to Turkey, Spanish outlet Marca have said that the player “left his mark” on Barcelona.Turan’s former landlord is now seeking £196,000 in compensation for the alleged damage done to his £15million home by Turan.The case had already gone through the Provincial Court of Barcelona but has been restarted after there were “bureaucratic irregularities” in notifying the former player.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe villa is located in Esplugues de Llobregat, an area near Barca’s training facilities.The owner of the house insists Turan had “no care” for the villa he rented to him and has accused him of letting his friends party there when he was away.Those parties were allegedly raucous with the curtains used as sex swings, cigarette butts littering the floor and left on furniture and electronics damaged.The owner alleges that the television remote was thrown into the pool everytime a certain football team scored.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe owner alleges that Turan was initially an excellent tenant.He completed a deep clean of his apartment when he took over the tenancy and would often sing Barca chants.Football stars’ weird phobiasBut now the two are involved in a bitter legal battle.Turan retired from professional football in 2022.He went on to become manager of Istanbul side Eyupspor in 2023, and still manages the Turkish second division side. More

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      Mystery as Real Madrid name ineligible player in Champions League squad to face Man City

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      REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti has named Aurelien Tchouameni in his travelling squad to face Manchester City – despite the midfielder being suspended.Los Blancos will travel to England this week to face Pep Guardiola’s side in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.Aurelien Tchouameni has been named in Real Madrid’s travelling squadCredit: GettyHe received his third yellow card of the Champions League campaign last weekCredit: GettyNothing separates the two teams following last week’s thrilling 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.But Ancelotti has a huge decision to make with Tchouameni unavailable to play.The Frenchman has jumped from midfield to defence in recent months due to Real Madrid’s injury issues.But now either Nacho Fernandez or Eder Militao will likely step into the position.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTchouameni was hit with the suspension last week after receiving his third yellow card of the Champions League campaign.He was not expected to travel to Manchester this week as a result.However, the 24-year-old has been named in Ancelotti’s 22-man squad for Wednesday’s fixture.Real Madrid were disqualified from the Copa del Rey back in 2015 for fielding an ineligible player.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTchouameni has been integral for Real Madrid this seasonDenis Cheryshev played and scored for the La Liga giants against Cadiz in the round-of-32 when he should have been serving a one-match suspension.Los Blancos launched two appeals over the incident but lost both, meaning they were kicked out of the competition.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridAncelotti will be desperate to avoid making a similar mistake this week.Speaking after his side’s 1-0 win over Mallorca at the weekend, the Italian claimed: “We are not going to win the game [vs Manchester City] through fitness, but through attitude. City are physically very strong.” More

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      Forgotten Arsenal star reveals ‘sadness’ as he prepares to return to Gunners after loan transfer

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      ARSENAL defender Kieran Tierney has expressed his “sadness” at the prospect of leaving Real Sociedad this summer.The Scotland international who joined the Spanish club on loan at the start of the 2023/24 season, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his time in Basque Country. Kieran Tierney has revealed his ‘sadness’ at the prospect of leaving Real Sociedad this summerCredit: GettyThe Arsenal defender went on loan to the La Liga giants at the beginning of the seasonCredit: PAWith Real Sociedad unlikely to make his move permanent and Tierney is not in line to return to the first team at Arsenal his future in North London is at risk.An exit to another Premier League side or a return to the 26-year-old’s former side Celtic has been mentioned.But with only a few weeks left in the season, he is disappointed he will have to leave Sociedad.He told Marca: “I don’t speak as much Spanish as I would like. It’s very difficult to learn and you need to be consistent for three or four days a week.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”But I have learned a different style of football and a different culture.“I’m living an incredible experience, which I’m enjoying. It’s sad there is so little left with only six or seven weeks until the season ends.”The La Liga giants are aiming for a spot in the UEFA Europa League as they currently sit sixth in the league.They sit eight points adrift from fifth place Atheltic Club who are sitting in the qualification spot for the European tournament. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, Tierney has had an underwhelming term at Imanol Alguacil’s side.Missing a chunk of games due to a hamstring injury has left the defender with only 18 appearances this season.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsTierney arrived at Arsenal from Celtic in 2019 on a £25million deal – a record amount for both a Scottish national and a player from the Scottish league. More

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      Ben Brereton Diaz set to return to Villarreal as Sheffield United look to push through Tottenham star transfer

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      BEN BRERETON DIAZ is planning to go back to Villarreal.The talented forward was loaned to Sheffield United after a difficult few months in LaLiga following his switch from Blackburn, failing to score in his 20 appearances in Spain.Ben Brereton Diaz looks set to head back to Villarreal when his Sheff Utd loan endsCredit: ReutersBut now the Chile international, 24, wants another crack at Spanish football.The Blades would love Brereton Diaz to come back to them for a second spell but their chances appear slim.The only possible alternative to Villarreal is if another Premier League club come in.Brazilian midfielder Vini Sousa may also leave if United are relegated as expected.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut there is incoming activity too as boss Chris Wilder looks to exploit the loan market.United are looking into a swoop for Spurs centre-half Ashley Phillips, 18.He has impressed on loan at Plymouth this term.Wilder’s side seemingly took another step towards relegation on Saturday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey were beaten 2-0 away at Brentford thanks to an own goal from Oliver Arblaster before Frank Onyeka wrapped up the victory in injury time.That leaves United adrift at the bottom of the Premier League table.Ange Postecoglou does NO tactical work in training reveals former Tottenham star Eric DierThey have picked up just three wins and 16 points from 32 matches, shipping 84 goals. Sheffield United are ten points from safety with six games remaining.And should the Blades go down to the Championship, they will be slapped with a two-point deduction.The EFL fined the Yorkshire club £310,455 after defaulting on payments during last season when they were promoted. More

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      ‘Now that’s a party’ – ONE MILLION Athletic fans flood Bilbao for trophy parade on river after ending 40-year drought

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      ATHLETIC BILBAO celebrated last week’s Copa del Rey win with a stunning trophy parade along the Nervion River on Thursday.The Lions ended their 40-year wait for a trophy by defeating Mallorca 4-2 on penalties last Saturday.Thousands of fans lined the river banks to watch Athletic Bilbao’s trophy paradeCredit: GettyPlayers paraded the trophy on a barge named ‘La Gabarra’Credit: GettyThey sailed down the Nervion RiverCredit: EPAAround 50,000 fans showed up at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville to support the team, with a further 53,000 watching a sold-out screening at the San Mames Stadium.Having suffered six consecutive Spanish cup final defeats prior to Saturday’s triumph, club officials were determined to celebrate in style.One MILLION people took to the streets of Bilbao this week to watch Athletic’s victory parade along the Nervion River.Ernesto Valverde’s side boarded a barge named “La Gabarra” to showcase the trophy.Read More on FootballThey were joined by the players that won Athletic’s last piece of silverware in 1984.Thousands of fans lined both river banks and crammed onto balconies to watch the extraordinary celebrations.The Bilbao barge was followed by several other boats filled with supporters.Local schools closed early to allow fans of all ages to enjoy the celebrations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez, who played for the club between 2018 and 2023, joined in on a boat of his own after receiving permission from Xavi.Captain Iker Muniain led the celebrations from the City Hall, chanting: “Who are we? Athletic! And what are we? Champions!”Chelsea scouting Athletic Bilbao star with fans convinced ‘this will be the end of Mudryk or Sterling’Striker Inaki Williams also gave heartfelt speech, saying: “This is for those who are here, those who are not here and those who have left us.”For those who played at Athletic and gave everything.”Fans sailed boats down the river at the same time to celebrate with the playersCredit: EPAOne million fans took to the streets of BilbaoCredit: EPAThe parade ended at the Town HallCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea and Liverpool ‘joined by Premier League rivals in race to trigger Nico Williams transfer release clause’

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      TOTTENHAM have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to reports.Williams, 21, has impressed for the La Liga side this season, scoring six goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions.Tottenham are interested in signing Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyHe is considered one of the most sought-after young wingers in Europe, with several clubs considering a summer swoop.Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been linked with a move for Williams in recent months.And according to The Telegraph, Tottenham are also keeping a close eye on him.Williams has a £42.8million release clause in his current contract.Read More on FootballSpurs are currently assessing whether or not they will need attacking reinforcements this summer.Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal are also monitoring the winger.And while Chelsea maintain an interest, club chiefs are prioritising a new out-and-out striker.Barcelona are also among his admirers, but officials are willing to hold out until 2025.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilliams has impressed for Athletic Bilbao this seasonWilliams helped Athletic Bilbao win the Copa del Rey last week, ending the club’s 40-year wait for silverware.After the match, he told Diario AS: “I have many years left here, I am calm and happy. I can’t wait to get to Bilbao to celebrate.”Bizarre moment Arsenal target Nico Williams gets ‘dumbest red card ever seen’ after two yellows in 12 seconds – BEIN Sports 5The winger also has 13 caps for the Spanish national team.He made his senior international debut back in September 2022 and has since scored two goals. More

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      Phil Foden looks distraught as he hobbles off injured in worrying scenes during Man City’s clash vs Real Madrid

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      PHIL FODEN was distraught after being subbed off in the 87th minute of Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid.The 23-year-old midfielder was hobbling as he was withdrawn, which will concern City fans going into the business end of the season.Foden was not happy as he was helped off the pitchCredit: TNT SportsHe was closely helped by two medicsCredit: TNT SportsFoden starred in the 3-3 classic with Madrid, scoring a wonderful goal in the 71st minute to make it 2-2.The England international earned his start after Kevin De Bruyne pulled out of the starting XI before kick off.De Bruyne was ill before the game, with Pep Guardiola saying that he had “vomited” in the changing rooms.Fortunately for City fans, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Foden’s injury was not as bad as it first appeared.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said to TNT’s Becky Ives after the game: “It was [just] a knock, he was grumpy with me because I made the substitution.”When asked if City could emulate their feat last season and beat Madrid on home turf, Guardiola said: “We have to win the game.”It will not be like last season but we will have our people. Our fans will be there. It will be sold out. “We need all of them, the energy during 95 minutes to try and beat the king of this competition. Most read in FootballCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Our people in Manchester will go for it and yeah. The people will be there. They [Madrid] will score one goal that’s for sure.”City fans will be eagerly awaiting Pep’s next press conference ahead of the weekend’s clash with Luton.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridThey are one point off Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League with seven games to go.They also face Real Madrid in the second leg next week. More