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      Real Madrid in dispute with neighbours amid claims their stadium is operating without a licence to show FOOTBALL

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      REAL MADRID have allegedly been holding FOOTBALL matches at the Bernabeu with an expired licence, according to furious residents.Los Blancos have been locked in ongoing rows with a local group called the ‘Residents’ Association of People Affected by the Bernabeu’ for many years.Real Madrid’s ongoing dispute with its Bernabeu neighbours has taken a fresh turnAfter the residents group have claimed that the stadium does not have a licence to hold frequent concertsThe residents group’s latest claim is that both football matches and music concerts have been held at the Bernabeu Stadium without a valid licence.The association claims that they have found evidence that the current licence expired in 2001, according to Spanish outlet El Confidencial.It claims that members of the group came across the small print when they requested a copy of the licence during their legal battle with the LaLiga giants.But Real Madrid adamantly deny all allegations.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA section of angry residents have also claimed that the Bernabeu should only be holding sporting fixtures and the odd “extraordinary event”, according to the the Madrid City Council.Group spokesperson Jose Manuel Paredes told The Times that “extraordinary events” do not include showing frequent concerts.The Association’s complaint has reportedly been presented to a judge, according to El Pais.The group also argue that in order for Madrid to have a valid licence, both the stadium and the exterior development work must be finished – which it is not.Most read in FootballConstruction work continues at the BernabeuCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Bernabeu has entered the final stages of its £843million, five-year reconstruction.But the iconic European venue hosted a string of high-profile concerts over the spring and summer.Real Madrid’s iconic stadium looks unrecognisable with underground greenhouse below pitchRecent headliners have included Taylor Swift, Luis Miguel and Colombian star Karol G.This comes after Madrid were forced to postpone all concerts at the Bernabeu to comply with the capital city’s noise regulations.The group reportedly requested a copy of the licence on four occasions before receiving a response.Residents have also lodged complaints about the noise from the ongoing construction which started in 2019.Angry residents of apartment buildings near the stadium have put up banners on their balconies that read: “NO concerts.”The stadium has gone from hosting some 35 events per year before the refurbishment to planning more than 300.A club statement read: “Real Madrid has, and has always had, the corresponding municipal licence for activity and operation, which fully covers the holding of sporting events at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”Furthermore, it is absolutely untrue that Real Madrid carries out or has carried out its sporting activity under an expired licence.”Nor is it true that this licence has been used by third parties misleadingly before any public administration.”The concerts that have been held at the Bernabeu do not require the granting of a municipal licence.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has reached out to Real Madrid for comment.Football matches returned to the Bernabeu in September, after Real Madrid were forced to play at the nearby Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano ground for 18 months.Plans unveiled a swanky new bar for fansCredit: room 1804 Design More

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      Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny pledges to continue smoking just days after completing Barcelona transfer

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      WOJCIECH SZCZESNY has vowed not to quit smoking after signing for Barcelona.The former Arsenal goalkeeper, 34, reversed his decision to retire in order to sign for Hansi Flick’s side.Wojciech Szczesny recently came out of retirement to sign for BarcelonaCredit: ReutersThe goalkeeper will not quit smoking after joining BarcaCredit: SplashDespite re-entering high-level professional football, Szczesny is not about to give up smoking.Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he said: “There are things that I don’t change in my personal life and it’s nobody’s business if I smoke.”I believe that it doesn’t affect what I do on the pitch, I work twice as hard.”I don’t do it in front of kids because I don’t want to have a bad influence on them.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”Sometimes somebody will take a photo from the trees where I have a cigarette, that’s on them, not on me.”If somebody thinks that I will change the way I am in my personal life they can think again because I am who I am. I’ve been this way my whole life.”Szczesny hung up his gloves at the end of last season following seven years at Juventus.But when Barca came calling following the serious injury suffered by their No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Szczesny was tempted out of his brief retirement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Pole is yet to debut for his new side, with Inaki Pena having started their last four games between the sticks.Szczesny was famously caught smoking in the showers after Arsenal lost to Southampton in 2015.How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsArsene Wenger subsequently fined him £20,000 and dropped him from the squad.The homegrown keeper would never play for the Gunners again, joining Juventus in 2017 after a two-year loan at Roma.In 2020, Szczesny opened up on what happened during an appearance on the Arsenal Nation podcast.He said: “Back at that time I was smoking regularly and the boss knew it very well. He just didn’t want anybody smoking in the dressing rooms and I knew that also.”Because of the emotion of the game, I had a cigarette after the game when the team was still in.”I went in the corner of the showers, so it was at the other end of the dressing room and nobody could see me, and I lit one up.”Somebody saw me, it wasn’t even the boss himself, and just reported it back to the boss. I saw him a couple of days later, he asked me if that was true and I said ‘yes’.”He fined me and that was the end of it. He then said, ‘Look, you’re going to be out of the team for a little bit’, but there was no big bust-ups or big confrontations.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was very professional about it. I was fully expecting to be back in the team a few weeks later but we had a good run of form and David Ospina, who came in goal, played really well for those few games. He stayed in.”That meant I was waiting and trying to win my place back in the team, or trying to convince him that I was still the best goalkeeper at the club by going out on loan. That sounds strange but sometimes it’s the best way of doing it.”Szczesny left Arsenal for Juventus in 2017Credit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Arsenal star William Saliba ‘in transfer talks with Real Madrid’ as Spanish giants make Gunners star ‘top priority’

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      REAL MADRID have reportedly made contact with William Saliba after making him their top priority for a shock transfer. The Arsenal star, 23, is widely considered one of the best centre-backs in world football.William Saliba is a transfer target for Real MadridCredit: GettyHis form for the Gunners has seen him cement himself as a regular in the starting XI for France.And now Los Blancos want to take him to the Bernabeu.According to Le10Sport, Real Madrid are hoping to follow up the signing of Kylian Mbappe this year by adding his compatriot Saliba next summer.Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne for £27million in 2019 but had to wait until the 2022-23 season to force his way into the side at the Emirates.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSince then, though, he has created a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes and he started all 38 Premier League games last season, recording a league-high 18 clean sheets.The 6ft 4ins defender has made his name for being notoriously difficult to beat in one-v-one situations and has managed to keep plenty of the world’s top strikers quiet. Saliba signed a new £190,000-a-week contract at Arsenal in July 2023 which runs until the end of the 2026-27 season.But Real Madrid hope to test the player and the North London club’s resolve by making an approach next year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe reports in France suggest initial conversations have already taken place to register the LaLiga giants’ interest. According to Transfermarkt, Saliba is the most valuable defender in the world at £67million – the same as Manchester City’s Ruben Dias.Arsenal player ratings vs SouthamptonBut Real will know they would need to stump up significantly more than that to convince Arsenal to sell.In fact, it could take a world-record bid – surpassing the £85m Manchester United paid Leicester for Harry Maguire in 2019 – to sign Saliba.Should Saliba make the shock switch to Spain, he would not only link up with Mbappe but also fellow Frenchmen Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy. Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred centre-back pairing at the moment is Eder Mlitao and Antonio Rudiger.Rudiger turns 32 this season and therefore the Real Madrid hierarchy could view Saliba as his long-term successor. Ironically, the former Chelsea man won over plenty of Arsenal fans last week when he heaped praise on Saliba and Gabriel.Asked about the top centre-backs in the world, Rudiger said: “Saliba and I like Gabriel from Arsenal as well. If you see Arsenal and the two centre-backs playing together.”For two years now they are doing an amazing job. The transformation from Arsenal before and now.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Those two are the pillars of it. You have Gabriel as the more aggressive leader and Saliba, this brother plays clean.”You have to give it to him he looks like a silent leader.”Saliba is one of the best defenders in world footballCredit: GettyHe would link up with France team-mate Kylian Mbappe at the BernabeuCredit: AFP More

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      Distraught fans say ‘the game’s gone’ as iconic stadium to be renamed after mega-money partnership with Riyadh Air

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      FANS are up in arms after Atletico Madrid announced their new stadium sponsor.The Spanish giants moved into the 68,456-capacity Metropolitano Stadium in 2017 after leaving the iconic Vicente Calderon Stadium.Riyadh Air will sponsor the Metropolitano stadiumCredit: AlamyThe state-of-the-art venue hosted the 2019 Champions League final, when Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1.Now Atletico’s stadium will undergo a rebrand after the club agreed a deal with Saudi company Riyadh Air, according to AS via Expansion.The sponsorship means the venue will be renamed the Riyadh Air Metropolitano until at least 2033.The deal is reported to be worth in the region of £210-250million, and will see Riyadh Air increase their involvement in Atletico, having already sponsored their shirts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChinese company Wanda group sponsored the ground for the first five years before Civitas took over in 2022 in a deal worth £7m a year to Atletico.Fans are unhappy at the switch with some declaring the “game has gone”.One supporter reacted to the news saying: “Riyadh Air Metropolitano” not even remotely feels like their home ground name 🤮”Another added: “Woke nonsense.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. A third wrote: “They’re coming for absolutely EVERYTHING.”And another commented: “Atletico and Barcelona are selling their souls for money it’s embarrassing.”Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher already has his own song at Atletico Madrid as he’s serenaded by packed stadium on debut More

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      Real Madrid release statement as Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta retires leaving fans stunned after career-long rivalry

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      REAL MADRID have released a club statement paying tribute to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.The former midfielder, 40, broke down in tears as he confirmed his emotional retirement on Monday.Andres Iniesta was a thorn in Real Madrid’s side for many yearsCredit: Getty – ContributorIniesta battles with Gareth Bale, who last year also retiredCredit: Getty – ContributorIniesta is widely regarded as one of Barcelona’s greatest ever players, appearing 674 times for his boyhood team before leaving in 2018.Following his Barca exit, he spent five years with Japanese side Vissel Kobe.When his game time began to dwindle in Japan, Iniesta spent one final season with UAE side Emirates before hanging up his boots.The former Spain star was part of an all-conquering Barcelona side in his pomp – winning nine LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues, six Copa del Reys and three Club World Cups.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite his incredible contribution to their biggest rivals, Real Madrid took the unusual move to pay tribute to him in a somewhat formal club statement.It read: “Following Andres Iniesta’s announcement that he will retire from professional football, Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors wish to express their recognition, admiration and affection for one of the great legends of Spanish and world football.”Andres Iniesta has contributed to the greatness of the sport with his football and his values, beyond the numerous titles he has won during his career.”His iconic goal in the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will remain forever in the memory of all Spanish fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Real Madrid wishes him and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of his life.”The statement points to Iniesta’s dramatic winner against Germany in the 2010 World Cup final.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersIn total he played 131 times for his country, winning two European Championships in addition to the World Cup.While the bulk of Iniesta’s success came in Europe, he also won a J.League title, Emperor’s Cup and Japanese Super Cup with Vissel Kobe.In an incredible retirement video, Iniesta received praise from his former coaches including Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and Luis Enrique.Guardiola even revealed that during his early days at Barcelona, Iniesta gave him the “boost of energy to keep going” and that he will “always be grateful” to the midfielder.Iniesta this week confirmed his emotional retirementCredit: Reuters More

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      How Liverpool’s Bellingham transfer plan spectacularly backfired with Alexander-Arnold now on verge of Real Madrid move

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      TWO years ago, Liverpool hatched an elaborate plan to bring Jude Bellingham to Anfield.However, the idea could have spectacularly backfired amid rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold could join Real Madrid.Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold have struck up a close friendshipCredit: APThe pair are inseparable off the pitchCredit: GettyAnd the tables have now turned, with Jude possibly trying to lure Trent to Real MadridCredit: GettyWhile at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham had the world’s biggest teams chasing his signature.Liverpool were among them, with the club desperate to overhaul an ageing midfield that featured Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago.The Reds knew they may not be able to match the financial strength and glamour of Real Madrid – but they offered Bellingham the chance to come home to England.They knew they needed to convince the midfielder that the right move was to Merseyside, so the club plotted a sensational plan to get him on side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports claim they told Liverpool and England stars Henderson and Alexander-Arnold to go on the charm offensive while they were together on international duty.Wherever Bellingham went, one of the duo seemed to be nearby as they tried to form a bromance.Fans noticed on social media that Trent had become especially close mates with Jude, only fuelling the conspiracy there was perhaps an ulterior motive.Bellingham chose Real Madrid and signed for the European giants for £115million in the summer of 2023 despite Liverpool’s interest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe then fired Los Blancos to Champions League and La Liga glory last season, scoring 23 goals.And although he chose the Spanish sun over Liverpool, Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold struck up a true friendship.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeThe best mates performed a pre-planned celebration after Jude scored at Euro 2024, relating to the game Werewolf they often play.And the pair even holidayed together in the US over the summer.Now, the tables have spectacularly turned with Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract expiring at the end of the season.Real Madrid are keen to bring him to the Bernabeu and are ready to step up their interest as right-back Dani Carvajal has sustained a long-term ACL injury.The club reportedly also have plans to use him in midfield. In a spectacular U-turn, it is now Bellingham in the ear of Trent, trying to get them to team-up in Spain.The Birmingham-born star even made him a giant birthday card and hid inside it during the current England camp. Jude Bellingham surprised Trent Alexander-Arnold with a huge birthday cardCredit: GettyReal Madrid love to use their power as of one of the world’s biggest clubs to strike bargain transfers.They tell the player they want them but can only do a deal for free.Such is Real’s huge status, stars have been known to run their contract down to force a move to them.Look at Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG in the summer as a prime example.READ MORE SUN STORIESNot forgetting Antonio Rudiger ditching Chelsea and David Alaba running down his contract at Bayern Munich.The ploy has saved Real Madrid millions and perhaps “Agent Bellingham” will prove his worth by getting Alexander-Arnold to be the next in a long line of clever free transfers. More

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      Six-time Champions League winner warned he has just 50 PER CENT chance of recovering from horror injury

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      REAL MADRID legend Dani Carvajal has just a 50 PER CENT chance of recovering from his serious knee injury, according to a top doctor.The Spaniard, 32, won his sixth Champions League last season and also triumphed at the Euros.Dani Carvajal may never return to his top levelCredit: AFPHe was left in tears on the floor after rupturing his cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament and popliteal tendonCredit: RexSix-time Champions League winner Carvajal faces at least 12 months on the sidelineCredit: EPABut his season was ended during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday after he ruptured his cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament and popliteal tendon.Doctor Pablo Gelber, founder and president of the European Knee Society’s Lateral Knee Injuries Committee, has now given his take on Carvajal’s injury – which left the defender in tears.He confirmed it will take a minimum of 12 months to recover and also shockingly revealed the right-back only has between a 50 and 60 per cent chance of getting back to his optimum level.Speaking to Marca, Dr Gelber said: “Of all the factors for returning to sport, the time since surgery is perhaps the least important. It is a necessary factor, but by no means sufficient. In this case, I would not speak of less than 12 months of recovery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And another issue is the return to the same sporting level, which, speaking in cold numbers, is not more than 50 or 60 per cent.”A negative factor is that footballers tend to have varus legs, as we technically call it. It basically refers to having bowed legs, as Rivaldo, for example, had in a very pronounced way.”This fact is a negative factor for the successful recovery of these injuries, because it puts the ligaments that are being reconstructed under a lot of stress, potentially stretching them to levels that make the surgery fail.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.”In normal people, we often correct this deviation of the leg to avoid this potential failure, especially in cases that have been going on for some time since the injury.Most read in Football”But in a professional footballer, this correction of the shape of the legs is totally contraindicated, because it would mean the end of a footballer’s career.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ “On the other hand, the mental state in such serious injuries is of vital importance, because frustration, fears and negative thoughts can undermine optimal recovery.”Real Madrid made the classy decision to extend Carvajal’s contract until 2026 following the injury that is set to keep him out for the rest of the campaign.He has been with Los Blancos since 2002 when he was 10 years old and competed across all of their youth teams.After a year playing at Bayer Leverkusen, the defender joined Real’s senior team in 2013 and went on to win all major honours, including four LaLiga titles and six Champions Leagues.He also won Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer, defeating England in the final. More

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      Ronaldinho’s son, 19, moves to England with influencer girlfriend as he follows in Barcelona legend’s footsteps

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      RONALDINHO’S son has moved to England and is set to play for Burnley.Joao Mendes, 19, has made a permanent move to the UK with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 24.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has moved to England with his girlfriendCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is following in his father Ronaldinho’s footsteps in footballCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes is set to play for Burnley in the ChampionshipCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes has moved to the UK with his influencer girlfriend Giovanna BuscacioCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna has over 131,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes was pictured with a Clarets shirt in August after reportedly signing with the Championship outfit.Reports now suggest the winger, who could start out in Burnley’s Under-21 side, has now moved to Manchester.The Brazilian has reportedly been living in Manchester since September with his influencer girlfriend with whom he’s been with for two years.Giovanna has over 131,000 followers on Instagram and has been sharing several snaps on social media showing their new life in England.Read More on FootballMendes has been following in his father’s footsteps since the age of 13 when he started playing club football in Brazil.The led the forward to Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy where he played until June.Mendes’ contract with Burnley will reportedly run for the next two years.Ronaldinho, 44, burst onto the scene in the 2002 World Cup when he helped Brazil lift the trophy by beating Germany in the final.Most read in ChampionshipThat led to a lucrative move to Barcelona in 2003 where he amassed a staggering total of 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 appearances.The star forward also won two LaLiga titles, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2006 Champions League during his five-year stint with Barca.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe Brazil legend rolled credits on his 17-year career, which also saw him playing for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, in 2015 with 33 goals in 97 caps.Giovanna has already started sharing snaps from their new life in EnglandCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is set to start playing for Burnley’s Under-21 sideCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna shares a series of glam pics on social mediaCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashGiovanna will be rooting for Mendes from the standsCredit: @giobuscacio/Newsflash More