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      Lionel Messi watches from stands and shakes his head in disgust as Barcelona are held by lowly Eibar

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      LIONEL MESSI shook his head in the stands with frustration as Barcelona slipped six points off the LaLiga pace with a 1-1 home draw against lowly Eibar.
      Barca’s injured superstar, just back from a break in Argentina, was sorely missed as Ronald Koeman’s under-achievers relied on inspirational sub Ousmane Dembele for a point-saver.

      Lionel Messi, recovering from an ankle injury, looks on in disappointment as Barca struggle to a 1-1 home drawCredit: Reuters

      Ousmane Dembele hails his point-saver for sixth-placed Barca against EibarCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      Messi’s reaction hardly dampened speculation he will be off in the summer when his contract ends, having eventually accepted he had to stay for this campaign.
      Manchester City and PSG are rated the 33-year-old’s main suitors.
      But even if Messi does depart to challenge for top European honours, even he must be surprised at how Barca are struggling domestically.
      They remain sixth, well adrift of pace-setting Madrid clubs Atletico and Real, mainly thanks to their disappointing first half in which Martin Braithwaite missed an early penalty.

      Masked Messi turned sharply and shook his head repeatedly as he quickly exited the stands at the final whistle.
      And it wasn’t a performance his squad-mates will want to dwell on either.
      Braithwaite fired a fifth-minute spot-kick wide of the left post after Pedro Bigas fouled Araujo.
      And that let-off sparked Eibar ‘s best spell.

      Pedri was also crestfallen, after seeing Kike Garcia grab a shock opener for Eibar in a 1-1 drawCredit: EPA

      Lionel Messi and Co stay socially distanced, rather like the gap developing between Barcelona and the top of the tableCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      Takashi Inui, Kike Garcia and Edu had decent chances, as well as the visitors earning several corners.
      Barca only revived midway through the first period, Marko Dmitrovic saving well from Araujo’s header and Braithwaite having a goal ruled offside.
      And in fact it was only Dembele’s half-time introduction that truly revved Barcelona up.
      The Frenchamn regularly conjured opportunities, notably for Miralem Pjanic and Antoine Griezmann, plus two for himself.
      But on 57 minutes Garcia stole the ball off Araujo on halfway and surged away to drill past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

      On came Philippe Coutinho and Trincao.
      And Barca levelled in the 67th minute, flowing play down the left peaking with Junior Firpo crossing low for Dembele to angle home a drive
      The hosts pressed for victory, but Clement Lenglet headed high and Braithwaite shot wide.

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

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      Wolves line up shock Diego Costa transfer move after ex-Chelsea striker terminated Atletico Madrid deal early

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      WOLVES are weighing up whether to make a shock move for Diego Costa.
      The Spain striker is a free agent after Atletico Madrid terminated his contract with immediate effect – six months ahead of schedule.

      Wolves are weighing up whether to make a shock move for Diego CostaCredit: Rex Features

      That hasn’t gone unnoticed by Wolves who are currently without star striker Raul Jimenez who suffered a fractured skull against Arsenal which could sideline him for months.
      Nuno Espirito Santo has been forced to rely on 18-year-old Fabio Silva to lead his attack, well ahead of schedule and would welcome an inexperienced frontman to take some of the weight from his young shoulders.
      Costa certainly has all the credentials after earning legendary status at Chelsea where he won two Premier League titles.
      Bookmakers swiftly installed the Molineux club as 6/4 favourites to land the Brazilian born hitman, with Arsenal just behind them at 3/1.

      However Wolves have been linked with the 32-year-old for the past two seasons and Nuno Esperito Santo has so far resisted the temptation to move for the combative striker, despite their links with super-agent Jorge Mendes who represents Costa.
      Portuguese head coach Nuno is a stickler for discipline and his Wolves squad take pride in their togetherness and total lack of egos in their ranks.
      Signing hothead Costa could risk that harmony and is seen as a major reason why Wolves have yet to be tempted by Costa, regardless of the quality and experience he would undoubtedly bring.
      The striker would also have to slash his current £270,000 a week wages, which are well above Wolves’ best paid players. 

      However Costa may want to enjoy one final fling in the Premier League to prove he can still hack it at the top level after failing to impress since his latest return to Atleti. 
      The Spain international has plenty of interest from South America, the Middle and Far East.
      But he has endured an injury-hit season and fallen behind Luis Suarez and Joao Felix in Simeone’s pecking order at the Wanda Metropolitano, where he has made just seven appearances across all competitions, including two starts, and two goals.
      However Wolves must weigh up whether a short-term deal could suit both parties until the end of the season, allowing Jimenez the time he requires to make a full recovery from his horror injury.

      Atletico Madrid terminate Diego Costa’s contract after striker demands to be let go More

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      Atletico Madrid TERMINATE Diego Costa’s contract after striker demands to be let go with Arsenal keen on transfer

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      ATLETICO MADRID have terminated the contract of Diego Costa with immediate effect as Arsenal eye a shock transfer.
      The Spanish striker’s deal was set to expire at the end of the 2020-21 season.

      Atletico Madrid have released Diego Costa from his contract six months earlyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But with the LaLiga side keen to get his reported £270,000-a-week salary off the wage bill, there was talk they would permit him to leave for free in January as he skipped training on Monday to help resolve his situation.
      However, Atletico Madrid today confirmed the decision to rip up his contract and release him now – the third time he has departed the club during his career.
      He rejoined them in 2018 from Chelsea and managed 19 goals in 81 games in his latest spell.
      He leaves with an overall record of 83 goals in 215 appearances for the Spanish side, winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and Europa League.

      Atleti said: “The striker asked to leave the club for personal reasons a few days ago and on Tuesday signed the termination of his contract.
      “The club wishes the striker the best of luck in the next stage of his professional career.”
      Boss Diego Simeone added: “He gave us a lot and we gave him a lot. He needs a new challenge. I’m sure that wherever he goes he’ll do well because he’s a fighter.”
      The transfer window reopens on Friday, giving the ex-Chelsea striker all of January to find a new club.

      Reports in Spain suggest Costa, 32, would have to pay a staggering £23million to Atletico if he joined one of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Sevilla.
      Radio station Cadena Cope added he would need to stump up £4.5m if a different ‘champion team’ signed him.

      Agreement with @diegocosta for the termination of his contract.The club wishes the striker the best of luck in the next stage of his professional career.
      — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 29, 2020

      And he would automatically be forced into a £2.9m settlement if he simply joined any other club before his previous Atleti contract was due to run out on June 30, 2021.
      However, a return to the Premier League could be on the cards.
      Costa won the Premier League twice in his three years at Chelsea but may join rivals Arsenal in January.
      The Gunners are struggling for goals and form this season under Mikel Arteta and the North Londoners are thought to be keen on a move for Costa.
      Wolves are another option as they look for a striker to replace Raul Jimenez during his recovery from surgery following a fractured skull.

      Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are all outside bets.
      Costa also has plenty of interest from South America plus the Middle and Far East.
      But the forward is allegedly determined to remain playing at the top level in Europe, where he feels he can still compete for another few years.
      He has endured an injury-hit season and fallen behind Luis Suarez and Joao Felix in Simeone’s pecking order at the Wanda Metropolitano.
      That has limited him to just seven appearances across all competitions, including two starts, and two goals.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Diego Costa shows what he is made of in Atletico Madrid training More

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      Gerard Pique wants to be Barcelona PRESIDENT but club must change rules banning current players from running

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      GERARD PIQUE has asked for Barcelona’s internal rules be be rewritten — so he can run for PRESIDENT of the club.
      The defender, 33, wants to stand for the role vacated by Josep Maria Bartomeu in October.

      Gerard Pique wants a change to rules preventing current players from being Barcelona club presidentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But under current Nou Camp statutes, a serving player cannot stand for election.
      Pique’s grandfather Amador Bernabeu is a former vice-president so he  has used his connections in his  attempt to change the rulebook.
      Pique has urged Carles Tusquets, the head of the club’s management board and interim President, to alter the regulations.
      He is understood to have asked for 65,000 nomination forms to be sent to him to obtain the signatures needed to get on the January 24 ballot.

      That will pit him against ex-President Joan Laporta, who  previously endorsed his presidential ambitions.
      He will also go up against Victor Font, the businessman  who pledged to bring in legend Xavi  as coach is he wins.
      Pique has already branched out by creating his own business empire while continuing to be a part of Ronald Koeman’s squad.
      The centre-back headed the consortium that turned the Davis Cup into a multi-nation tennis tournament.

      He helped the club’s shirt deal with Japanese giant Rakuten, and is close to multi-billionaire Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
      Pique is involved in wife Shakira’s business interests and believes the time is right for him to take a pivotal role at the club.
      Barca remain traumatised by the 8-2 Champions League humiliation by Bayern Munich last summer.

      Pique helped to broker Barcelona’s shirt deal with Japanese firm RakutenCredit: AFP or licensors

      While coach Koeman is struggling to impose his authority with Lionel Messi seemingly edging ever closer to the exit door.
      But Pique is ready to unleash a slew of potential money-making ideas and schemes to put the club back on the right financial track.
      And while Font and Laporta had scared off previous rivals for the crown, Pique’s entrance into the race would seem a likely game-changer.

      18-year-old Pedri shows off his skills at Barcelona training More

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      Diego Costa ‘will be fined £23M if he signs for Real Madrid or Barcelona’ after demanding Atletico contract is torn up

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      WANTAWAY Diego Costa could face a £23MILLION penalty if Atletico agree to rip up the striker’s contract and he joins Real Madrid or Barcelona.
      The ex-Spain and Chelsea star, 32, reportedly wants his deal, ending next summer, terminated early for “personal reasons”.

      Diego Costa has struggled with fitness this season and is understood to want to leave Atletico Madrid, midway through the final season of his contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former Spain and Chelsea frontman Diego Costa has netted twice in five games for LaLiga leaders Atletico this seasonCredit: Reuters

      But if Costa does depart the LaLiga leaders in the January transfer window, joining an elite rival might hit him in the pocket.
      Spanish radio station Cadena Cope claim he would need to pay Atletico £23m in the unlikely event of him joining one of three big LaLiga rivals – Real, Barcelona or Sevilla.
      They also say he would need to hand over £4.5m if a different “Champion team” signed him.
      And to link up with any other club, it is understood Costa would still have to pay £2.9m.

      Marca suggest “the ball is now in the club’s court”, and ‘they will sit down to talk” with the 24-cap targetman, who is in his third spell with Atletico.

      Costa has managed just 204 minutes this season, albeit scoring twice, after struggling with muscle injuries, deep vein thrombosis and a blood clot in his leg.
      ESPN reports Costa has been “absent from training with permission” as he pushes for his exit.
      Atletico might well be willing to offload him – but would surely need a replacement as 33-year-old Luis Suarez is currently their only other established No9.

      Diego Costa was allowed to miss Atletico training and has suffered a string of injury and fitness problemsCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      Diego Costa shows what he is made of in Atletico Madrid training More

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      Tottenham boss Mourinho ‘keeping tabs on Sergio Ramos contract stand-off as he eyes free transfer for Real Madrid icon’

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      JOSE MOURINHO is reportedly looking to reunite with Sergio Ramos as the Tottenham boss looks to sign the Real Madrid defender on a free transfer.
      The 34-year-old – who played under the Special One for three seasons between 2010-2013 – is in the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu.

      Jose Mourinho managed Sergio Ramos for three years at Real MadridCredit: AFP

      It was claimed earlier this month that the Spanish defender is considering leaving Los Blancos having been at the club since 2005.
      Ramos is understood to have proposals from English and Italian clubs, while Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be keen on signing him.
      According to the Evening Standard, Spurs have emerged as a possible destination for the ex-Sevilla star.
      They state that Mourinho is keeping tabs on the player’s situation at Madrid.

      The news outlet reports that the former Chelsea gaffer wants a centre-back in the mould of Thiago Silva.
      Should they fail to bring Ramos to North London, Tottenham could then reignite their interest in Inter Milan ace Milan Skriniar.
      Zinedine Zidane recently revealed that Ramos wouldn’t be leaving his side, and would be a part of the Real squad ‘for many years’.
      He said: “I have a contract until 2022. So I’m not going to ask for anything.

      “I’m going to keep working. I’m happy to be at this great club. I’m lucky to say I’m at the best club in the world.
      “I just hope that the players can stay and that we can keep working with them.
      “When a player wants to stay that means a lot. With Sergio Ramos, I see him staying for many years.

      “He’s looking after himself well and I’m not surprised about what he’s achieving.”

      Jamie OHara slams Tottenham boss Mourinho for his Dele Alli criticism More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo wins player of century at Dubai Globe Soccer 2020 awards as Georgina Rodriguez stuns in red dress

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was named Player of the Century at a glamorous bash in Dubai.
      The Juventus superstar walked the red carpet with fiancee Georgina Rodriguez before he was awarded the top gong at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.

      The power-couple were on fine form at the red-carpet bash

      The winner gets a kiss from a sensational-looking Georgina RodriguezCredit: Instagram @cristiano

      Ronaldo won yet another trophy to add to his collectionCredit: EPA

      The ceremony was held at the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
      Ronaldo wore a dapper grey suit with a red tie, matching his partner’s sparkly red dress.
      The Juventus forward was joined by fellow football stars of the past and present.

      Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez arrived at Dubai Globe Soccer AwardsCredit: Reuters

      Ronaldo won the Player of the Century award Credit: Reuters

      Georgina watched on proud of her manCredit: Reuters
      Liverpool legend Ian Rush, 59, was pictured with his Irish singer and model fiancee Carol Anthony, 43.

      Gerard Pique, 33, and Robert Lewandowski, 32, were all smiles as they arrived at the ceremony.
      Even former boxing world champion Amir Khan, 34, was a guest alongside his wife Faryal Makhdoom, 29.
      Bayern Munich forward Lewandowski won the Player of the Year award, ahead of Ronaldo.

      Ian Rush pictured with his Irish singer and model fiancee Carol AnthonyCredit: Reuters

      Amir Khan alongside his wife Faryal MakhdoomCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A statement read: “Robert Lewandowski was named Player of the Year 2020 at last night’s Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, thanks to a combination of votes from fans all over the world and votes from the Dubai Globe Soccer Jury.

      “Lewandowski has had an exceptional season, being a top scorer of the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup and stacking up victories for his club, Bayern Munich.”
      But Ronaldo did pip long-time rival Lionel Messi, 33, and Barcelona legend Ronaldinho as the Player of the Century.
      After winning the award, he said: “For 20 consecutive years I have played and scored as a professional, I didn’t know there was another record to beat.
      “It’s a pleasure to hear about the records, I have achieved all this but without my team-mates, without a great team, I would not have achieved these records.”

      Globe Soccer Awards

      Player of the Year – Robert Lewandowski
      Club of the Year – Bayern Munich
      Coach of the Year – Hans-Dieter Flick
      Player of the Century – Cristiano Ronaldo
      Club of the Century – Real Madrid
      Coach of the Century – Pep Guardiola
      Agent of the Century – Jorge Mendes
      Player Career Award – Gerard Pique, Iker Casillas

      Ronaldo, who wants to play at the highest level until he is 40, revealed he has no plans of slowing down.
      He said: “It is an exceptional achievement. It gives me the motivation to move forward.
      “To be named the best is a great honour, I hope that this situation is over next year and that we can have more fun, thank you very much.
      “I hope to still be able to play for more years. ”

      Barcelona defender Gerard Pique at the award Credit: Reuters

      Robert Lewandowski won the Player of the Year award Credit: Reuters

      Georgina Rodriguez sets pulses racing with cheeky twerking video as Cristiano Ronaldo misses Juventus’ draw at Benevento More

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      Watch Eden Hazard score outrageous rabona in Real Madrid training leaving team-mates stunned as he steps up recovery

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      EDEN HAZARD proved he is almost back to his best by scoring an outrageous rabona during Real Madrid training.
      His Los Blancos team-mates are still waiting to see the Belgian hit top form since arriving in Spain but he left them stunned with his effort on Sunday.

      Eden Hazard scored an outrageous rabona during Real Madrid trainingCredit: Twitter

      The Belgian left the keeper rooted to the spot as he found the top cornerCredit: Twitter

      Hazard, who is currently out injured for the rest of 2020, proved he is gearing up to take next year by storm if training is anything to go by.
      The 29-year-old pulled off an audacious rabona style shot during a shooting drill that left the goalkeeper stranded as it nestled in the top corner.
      And the goal meant fans were left eagerly awaiting Hazard’s return to the pitch, with one fan tweeting: “Boom! Eden Hazard is back.”
      Another said: “My boy is about to do a madness in 2021.”

      A third added: “Is that Kepa in the post? I’d love to see that goal on the pitch btw.”
      It was a rabona during the win over Eibar in November 2019 that proved a small highlight for Hazard in an otherwise disappointing stint in Madrid.
      SunSport previously reported that the winger has reportedly cost Real £65,000 per minute since his move from Chelsea in 2019.
      The Belgium international, 29, has played just 26 times for Real since then, scoring only three goals.

      And the LaLiga champions are sure to be wondering whether the £65k per minute they’ve spent is looking value for money.
      Hazard’s latest injury – a hamstring issue – is the NINTH separate problem he’s picked up in the Spanish capital.
      By comparison, the ex-Lille starlet missed just 20 games through injury during seven years at Chelsea.

      Eden Hazard shows off his talent in Real Madrid training More