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      Seven Galacticos who flopped at Real Madrid including Anelka, Cassano and Kaka after Eden Hazard’s nightmare start

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      PLAYING for Real Madrid comes with arguably more pressure than at any other club.
      Fans, the media and Los Blancos bosses expect the world – and are quite often happy to pay for it.

      Zinedine Zidane has not been able to enjoy the best of Eden Hazard since his mega-money moveCredit: Reuters

      But it doesn’t always go to plan.
      Big money does tend to guarantee big quality yet even the grandest of stars have found it tough under the Bernabeu lights.
      Eden Hazard is just the latest Galactico to struggle to live up to his price tag.
      Here, SunSport details seven mega signings who disappointed at Real Madrid.

      Kaka
      A £56million signing from AC Milan in 2009, Kaka was the first player to arrive after Florentino Perez won the club presidency.
      It was Perez who nurtured the Galactico philosophy in an earlier spell at the helm and the Brazilian was the superstar of the day thanks to a stunning spell in Italy.
      A middling first season included just nine goals and knee surgery ruled him out for much of the 2010-11 campaign.
      Kaka would help Real win a LaLiga title the following year before injuries and poor form again led to disappointment, and a quiet return to Milan.

      Kaka could only produce one good season in his four years at MadridCredit: AFP
      Antonio Cassano
      Madrid knew what they were getting when picking up Cassano from Roma for a surprisingly small fee in January 2006.
      Indeed, constant battles between the Italian and his old club simply turned into constant battles between himself and his new club.
      Cassano quickly put on weight – leading to the nickname ‘Gordito’, or ‘Chubby’ – and wrote in his autobiography that he would ask a waiter in his hotel to bring four Italian croissants to his room whenever he had sex.
      Madrid took the stunning measure of introducing fines that were directly proportional to his extra pounds, but he left after an 18-month spell which featured three goals and would be described by the player as his ‘biggest mistake’.

      Antonio Cassano was lambasted for putting on weight after joining Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nicolas Anelka
      One of football’s most talented journeymen, Anelka left Arsenal for Real Madrid in 1999.
      The £22.3m signing didn’t score until after the Millennium and fell out with coach Vicente del Bosque.
      He nevertheless started in Real’s Champions League final victory over Valencia before a hasty retreat to Paris Saint-Germain the following summer.
      Later recalling how he ‘hated’ his Madrid stay, Anelka said: “There was so much pressure. I was in the press every day. On the pitch, things weren’t great. I couldn’t have a private life. I couldn’t do anything.”

      Nicolas Anelka won the Champions League in an otherwise unhappy spell at the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Eden Hazard
      There is still plenty of time for former Chelsea star Hazard to excel in Spain and live up to a fee that could reach £150m.
      But the stats speak for themselves in a so-far disappointing time for the Belgian.
      Just a single goal was scored by Hazard in a debut season blighted by injury – with Madrid winning LaLiga nonetheless.
      And while the new campaign has seen the 29-year-old provide glimpses of good form, he missed a number of weeks in the autumn and has again been ruled out with a leg muscle injury.

      Eden Hazard has once again hit injury issues in recent weeksCredit: Reuters
      Jonathan Woodgate
      The cautionary tale of ex-England ace Woodgate would perhaps be considered ‘a bit much’ if dreamt up by a football scriptwriter.
      Following in David Beckham’s and Michael Owen’s shoes to swap England for Los Blancos, he was even on the injury list when he joined for £13.4m from Newcastle.
      Having failed to be fit for a single game in his first year, his eventual debut showed why he may have preferred another week off with a red card and own goal against Athletic Club.
      A brief run in the side saw Woodgate impress before injury struck again and he scarpered for hometown club Middlesbrough without a trophy to his name.

      Jonathan Woodgate was unable to produce his best for Real MadridCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Walter Samuel
      Few could argue with Real Madrid’s thinking in 2004.
      Having finished third despite scoring the most goals in the league, they signed a strong English centre-back in Jonathan Woodgate and a Serie A winner to partner him in Walter Samuel.
      The aforementioned injury nightmare of his team-mate meant £22.5 signing Samuel had to perform.
      Alas, he never fitted in and later admitted his ‘surprise’ at failing in Spain in the single season before he returned to Italy for a hugely successful stint with Inter Milan.

      Walter Samuel was sold after just a year in MadridCredit: Reuters

      Luka Jovic
      Like Hazard, there is time for Jovic to turn things around but few would predict such a Lazarus-esque rise to occur any time soon.
      A whopping £54m was splashed out on the Serb, who at the time was still just 21 and coming off the back of an excellent spell at Eintracht Frankfurt.
      Karim Benzema and Co can certainly hog the plaudits for Real’s title last season, which came amid Jovic’s measly return of two goals.
      The 22-year-old continues to be a bit-part player and has served to highlight how difficult it is to replace the goals of a man like Cristiano Ronaldo.

      Luka Jovic has only scored twice since signing for Los BlancosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Real Madrid Zinedine Zidane says he will not resign after a second Champions League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk More

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      Barcelona’s transfer ‘bid’ for David Beckham from Man Utd was FAKE, claims former presidential candidate

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      BARCELONA’S transfer bid for David Beckham in 2003 was a bluff, according to former presidential candidate Lluis Bassat.
      The Spanish giants were heavily linked with a move for the England icon while he was playing for Manchester United.

      David Beckham left Manchester United for the Bernabeu in 2003Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Reports claimed that Barcelona had agreed terms to bring Beckham to Spain.
      But the move fell through and he ended up joining their LaLiga rivals Real Madrid.
      Bassat, 79, has now claimed that Barcelona’s interest in Becks was not legit.
      He has suggested that it was a bluff used to help Joan Laporta to win the 2003 presidential elections.

      Speaking on Catalunya Radio in comments revealed by Mundo Deportivo, he said: “Something happened because a few days before the elections I had 42 per cent in voting intention while Laporta had just nine per cent.
      “Then I called the head of the advertising agency that manages the Manchester United account, the Ogilvy group.
      “This person had a few days ago offered, in my office, to find sponsors for Barcelona like he was already doing with United.
      “I called this man and said ‘Laporta says he has signed Beckham.’

      “He told me ‘no, no, he is already signed by Madrid’.”
      At the time, Laporta claimed he was ‘very confident’ of completing a deal for the English star.
      The presidential candidate said: “They think my campaign team is strong and we are very, very confident about our negotiations.”

      David Beckham being prematurely aged by video technology for malaria charity More

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      Barcelona interim president regrets not selling Lionel Messi in summer and tells Neymar he can only come back for FREE

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      BARCELONA’S interim president has hailed the players for ‘saving their season’ after agreeing a wage deferral – but admitted his regret at not selling Lionel Messi last summer.
      Carles Tusquets also revealed the only chance of Neymar coming back to the Nou Camp is if it is on a free due to their financial state.

      Barcelona’s interim president says he would have sold Lionel Messi last summerCredit: Getty

      The Barca players have agreed to defer a significant amount of their wages this season to save the club up to £155m next month.
      The La Liga giants have been hit especially hard by the coronavirus pandemic financially and have had their salary cap reduced by almost £270m this season.
      Tusquets said: “The agreement we currently have allows us to finish the season without cash flow problems. This season is saved.”
      Barca were forced to cut costs, which led to the sales of Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal.

      They were also rocked by Messi, who earns a basic wage of around £54m-a-year, handing in a transfer request.
      Manchester City were desperate to sign the 33-year-old Argentine, who believed he could leave due to a clause in his contract.
      He eventually performed a U-turn after La Liga backed Barcelona in the transfer row, but with his deal up in June, he now looks set to leave for nothing at the end of the campaign.
      And Tusquets admitted if he was in charge, he would have agreed to flog the legendary frontman as it made financial sense.

      He told RAC1: “From an economic point of view, I would have sold Messi in the summer.
      “It would have been desirable for the money we would have received, and for what we would have saved.”
      Neymar has been linked with a return to Barcelona and has said he ‘has to’ play with Messi again.
      But the prospect of the Catalans signing the Brazilian next year have been dashed as Tusquets said they can only get him ‘if he comes for free, unless the next president brings a miracle’.
      The interim chief also explained how the club will recover financially once they restore and repair their stadium.
      He revealed: “There is a part of the Camp Nou structure that is falling. Pieces of the ceiling have fallen from the roof at some gate to the stadium.
      “The economic situation is worrying. Terrible but hopeful.
      “When the stadium opens we will enter 220 million without doing anything, 320 million thanks to sponsors.
      “Meanwhile the expense meter does not stop. The situation is horrible.”

      Neymar says he is desperate to play with Lionel Messi againCredit: Getty

      Neymar sensationally admits he wants to he wants a reunion with Lionel Messi next year More

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      Mauricio Pochettino ‘loves’ Paris and could replace PSG boss Thomas Tuchel despite Man Utd and Real Madrid links

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      MAURICIO Pochettino has been tipped to replace under-fire PSG boss Thomas Tuchel because he ‘loves Paris’.
      The 48-year-old – who was Paris Saint-Germain’s skipper during his spell at the Ligue 1 side – has been out of a job since being sacked by Spurs last November.

      Mauricio Pochettino is looking for his next job in management after being sacked by TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Pochettino featured 95 times for Paris Saint-Germain between 2001-2003Credit: EPA

      And it has been claimed that he would welcome a move back to France to take charge of Les Parisiens.
      According to talkSPORT, German gaffer Tuchel is under pressure at PSG.
      That is despite the club sitting top of the French table and almost sealing a place in the Champions League knockout stages with last night’s win over Manchester United.
      His contract expires at the end of the season, and it has been claimed that club chiefs are already looking to replace the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss.

      One of those who could succeed Tuchel is Pochettino, who has been heavily linked with replacing Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.
      It has been stated that Zizou has just four games to save his job at the Bernabeu with Los Blancos in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16.
      But Pochettino could be tempted back to PSG, as French football expert Julien Laurens said: “The pressure on Thomas Tuchel is big.
      “He’s out of contract in June and he knows that he’s not going to get an extension, or that it’s very, very unlikely now.”

      Pochettino has been linked with taking charge at PSG, Real Madrid and Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters

      Before adding: “Pochettino has been very clever in the way that he’s waiting. He could have gone back to management very early on but he waited.
      “He really wanted to get the right project and the right club.
      “Real Madrid would be interesting for him, we know how close he is to Florentino Perez.
      “But he has really good ties with PSG, he was their player, their captain, and he loves Paris as a city and a football club.
      “That could be very interesting , I think it’s a very attractive club for any manager.
      “I think Manchester United is still in the back of his mind, because maybe Ole Gunnar Solksajer has lasted longer than all of us expected, but certainly he [Pochettino] would be high on their list.”
      Pochettino has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, but that now seems unlikely after Solskjaer received a vote of confidence from Ed Woodward.

      Mauricio Pochettino has made up mind on future amid Man Utd transfer links, claims fellow Argentine Ossie Ardiles More

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      Zidane ‘loses confidence in EIGHT Real Madrid stars including Hazard’ and faces ‘total breakdown’ with dressing room

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE is facing a ‘total breakdown’ with the Real Madrid dressing room, reports claim.
      Following last night’s 2-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk the Frenchman is believed to have just four games left to save his job, with Mauricio Pochettino waiting in the wings.

      Zidane is facing an internal crisis at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Eden Hazard is reportedly one of eight players to have lost the faith of their managerCredit: Reuters

      And according to Sport, he will have to do so despite having cooled on eight members of his first-team squad.
      The report claims that Zidane, 48, has ‘lost faith’ in Chelsea icon Eden Hazard, 29, who will miss the remainder of 2020 after rupturing his hamstring in the 2-1 defeat to Alaves at the weekend.
      Former prodigy Martin Odegaard, 21, who was brought back to the Bernabeu this term after impressing on loan at Real Sociedad, has also lost the faith of his manager.
      Zizou has ‘lost confidence’ in young Brazilian pair Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, and could ‘do without them’ if possible.

      He is also disappointed with the performances of winger Marco Asensio, following the star’s return from a year-long injury earlier in 2020.
      Two stalwarts also feature on Zidane’s naughty list as we approach Christmas.
      Marcelo, 32, has begun to show signs of his advancing years, with Ferland Mendy now staking a claim to take his place in the team full time – with Zidane beginning to ‘tire’ of the Brazilian’s attitude.
      Another in this boat is Toni Kroos, despite the midfielder’s reasonable performances.

      Martin Odegaard’s Real Madrid return has been less than idealCredit: Reuters

      Marcelo and Toni Kroos’ former glories may not be enough for ZidaneCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Marco Asensio’s form since returning from injury has not been up to scratch for his managerCredit: EPA

      Isco is also set to leave, with the fracture in his relationship with his manager now ‘total’.
      Grumpy Zidane reportedly only has total faith in SIX of his first-team squad.
      These players are skipper Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Mendy, Casemiro, Federico Valverde and Karim Benzema.
      If Zidane is to save his job over the next four matches, he will have to do so the hard way.
      Madrid travel to Sevilla at the weekend, before their crunch Champions League group decider against Borussia Monchengladbach next Wednesday.
      Following that is a Madrid derby against Atletico, before a home clash with Athletic Bilbao.

      Real Madrid may give up on teenager RodrygoCredit: AFP or licensors

      Vinicius Junior turned 20 over the summerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The relationship between Isco and Zidane is totally ‘fractured’Credit: The Mega Agency

      Real Madrid Zinedine Zidane says he will not resign after a second Champions League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk More

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      Lionel Messi slapped with £540 fine for Diego Maradona shirt celebration while Barcelona charged £316

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      LIONEL MESSI has been hit with a £540 fine for his tribute to Diego Maradona after the legend’s death. THe Barcelona superstar started his career at Newell’s Old Boys and unveiled their shirt in tribute to his fellow Argentine – who also played there – after scoring in Sunday’s 4-0 win against Osasuna. The goal […] More

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      Injured Barcelona star Sergi Roberto tests positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating at home

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      SERGI ROBERTO has tested positive for coronavirus in a nightmare end to the year for the Barcelona star. The club have confirmed that the player is ‘in good health’ with his close contacts being traced for further tests. Ronald Koeman’s defensive woe increased when the right-back injured his thigh in the recent defeat to Atletico […] More

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      How Real Madrid could line up under Pochettino with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Paulo Dybala brought in to save season

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO could be parachuted in to save Real Madrid’s season if Zinedine Zidane gets the sack. The French coach is on the brink after another tough night in the Champions League. Shakhtar Donetsk beat Madrid 2-0 in Ukraine and Los Blancos must avoid defeat at home to Borussia Monchengladbach next week to reach the […] More