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      Former wonderkid John Bostock reveals Barcelona offered him TEN-YEAR contract and signed Ronaldinho poster

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      FORMER wonderkid John Bostock revealed Barcelona offered him a ten-year contract and a signed Ronaldinho poster when he was 14.
      The then-Crystal Palace youngster had burst on to the scene and had Europe’s elite clubs chasing after his signature.

      John Bostock opened up on his contract offer from Barcelona which included a signed Ronaldinho posterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He told BBC Sport: “When I was 14, Barcelona offered me a ten-year contract.
      “Ronaldinho was my favourite player at the time so they sent me a signed poster from him.
      “I’ve still got it at my house in London. It said, ‘To John from Ronaldinho.’
      “You name the club, I had interest from them.

      “Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool – the who’s who of European football.
      “From as early as I remember I wanted to be the best player in the world and to win the Ballon d’Or.
      “I saw Ronaldinho win these trophies and I just thought I want to be that guy. I pinned my identity on that and I thought if I didn’t achieve that I was a failure.”
      Bostock did not sign that deal to head to Spain and stayed put with Crystal Palace, the team he joined aged five.

      He made his professional debut for his boyhood club aged 15 years and 287 days, becoming the Eagles’ youngest player – and was made to get changed in a different dressing room.
      But things spiralled downwards.
      A bitter 2008 £700,000 transfer to Tottenham was eventually settled through a tribunal and almost led to Palace chairman Simon Jordan revoking Bostock’s family’s season tickets at Selhurst Park.
      And the move had major implications both on and off the field as he struggled to get his break at Spurs – playing just four times for the senior side – and his confidence took a battering.
      Bostock, 28, added: “I do have regrets. Maybe the big regret wasn’t even not joining Barcelona but leaving Palace.
      “My family and my agent thought it was in my best interests to go to Tottenham.
      “The plan, the set-up, the players I’d be training with. They thought it would be best for my development.
      “If I’m honest I didn’t really have a voice. I was 15 – I saw paper on the table and I was told to sign it.

      Big things were expected of the Crystal Palace youngster as some of Europe’s biggest clubs circledCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Bostock made his Spurs debut in a Uefa Cup clash against Dinamo Zagreb in November 2008, one of four first-team appearancesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We didn’t expect the backlash. Obviously football is a business you understand that and you respect that.
      “I’d get death threats – they’d write things like, ‘I’m going to do this when I see him in the streets’.
      “I’m very grateful that I had my family network, more so mentally – people around me I could speak to about mental struggles.
      “Some people just see the football game for what it is but behind it there’s a life, pressures and expectations. I was just a young man trying to chase my dreams.
      “Before you know it you start questioning ‘well am I really that good? Am I really that amazing a player?’

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      “Then you start to look at people’s opinions of you – it’s a dangerous spiral for any person, especially in sport, once you start to question yourself.”
      Bostock is a devout Christian – and heads up Ballers in God, a community of Christian believers in professional football – and, together with his wife, credits his faith for keeping him going.
      Instead of the bright lights of the Nou Camp, Old Trafford or the San Siro, he ended up playing for 13 teams within 13 years.
      He was sent out on loan from Spurs to Brentford, Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and Toronto before signing for Belgian side Royal Antwerp in 2013.
      A spell at OH Leuven followed as well as Lens and Toulouse in France either side of a brief stint at Turkish outfit Bursaspor.
      England youth international Bostock had a spell on loan at Nottingham Forest last season and, after leaving Toulouse by mutual consent in October, is hoping to stay in England and find a new club.

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      How Man Utd and City could line up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi respectively after possible summer transfers

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi could sensationally continue their rivalry next season – in the Manchester derby.
      Both superstars have been linked with moves to England at the end of the current campaign.

      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Ronaldo, 35, may make a stunning return to the red half of Manchester by heading back to Old Trafford while Messi, 33, remains a target for City.
      That could see two stunning front lines square off.
      Should Sergio Aguero sign a new contract, it could be a front three of Messi, Aguero and Raheem Sterling in front of Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Phil Foden.

      The City back four would likely remain similar with Ederson shielded by Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy.
      For United, it may well be Ronaldo leading the line, replacing Anthony Martial, and supported by Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood.
      Behind them Fred and Scott McTominay are forming a formidable partnership while Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Alex Telles could be the back four if no new centre-back arrives.
      Lastly, David De Gea and Dean Henderson look on course to continue to battle it out for the spot between the sticks.

      Juventus are keen to cash in before Ronaldo’s contract expires at the end of the 2021-22 season and offload his £540,000-a-week wages.

      Messi and Ronaldo’s fight to be crowned the GOAT continues to rage on

      Ronaldo is claimed to be ‘considering’ the offer, with Juventus ‘willing to negotiate’ with United.
      And Messi could be tempted into a reunion with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
      After almost quitting Barcelona in the summer following a major fall-out with former president Josep Maria Bartomeu, the Argentine made a dramatic U-turn to honour the final year of his contract.
      But his future beyond this season remains unclear and he could decide against signing a new contract, instead making himself a free agent as City look to splash the cash on his mammoth wages.
      And should both transfers get over the line, fans will be treated to the next instalment of their battle.
      Messi and Ronaldo have faced off 33 times with the Barcelona great winning 15, the Portuguese hero nine and nine draws – the six-time Ballon d’Or winner also edges the goals in those head-to-head matches by 21 to 18.
      Ronaldo missed out on the chance to face Messi for the first time in a Juventus shirt last month after his positive Covid-19 test and subsequent self-isolation meant he was unavailable for the Champions League clash.
      The pair playing together in England will only add further fuel to the ongoing GOAT debate.

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      Man Utd ‘in talks over sensational Cristiano Ronaldo transfer return next season as Juventus look to offload superstar’ More

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      Kai Havertz explains decision to snub Real Madrid transfer as he claims ‘a title with Chelsea is worth more’

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      CHELSEA star Kai Havertz has explained his decision to snub Real Madrid – explaining that a title with the Blues would be ‘worth more’.
      The highly-rated German star was strongly linked to the huge Spanish club among others, and surprised some onlookers when he joined Chelsea for a whopping £71million fee.

      Havertz has shown impressive flashes since joining Chelsea in the transfer windowCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Havertz claimed a title with Chelsea would mean more to him than with another club Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He has since enjoyed a decent start to life in London, and revealed how much success at Stamford Bridge would mean to him.
      He told Sport Bild: “A transfer like mine doesn’t happen overnight.
      “I had to think about all the options and the things which are important to me.
      “I watched the Premier League on TV a lot and I know Chelsea very well.

      “A title with Chelsea is worth more. It was important for me to choose a club with vision.
      “We’re a young team with many great players who think ambitiously; we want to build something here and attack, that is a great motivation for me.”
      Havertz’s encouraging start to the season has been temporarily halted after a positive Covid-19 test saw him ruled out of Chelsea’s final two games before the international break.

      The 21-year-old has already made enough of an impact to get fans excited, with four goals and three assists from his first 10 games.

      This included a hattrick against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup and a first Premier League strike in a draw against Southampton.
      He is expected to be back for Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle next week.

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      Antoine Griezmann’s uncle aims subtle dig at Lionel Messi, claiming training is designed around Argentine star

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      ANTOINE GRIEZMANN’s uncle has taken a subtle dig at Lionel Messi by claiming Barcelona training sessions are designed to make him look good.
      Frenchman Griezmann has failed to settle at the Nou Camp since his £108million move from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

      Antoine Griezmann’s uncle aimed a subtle dig at Lionel Messi about Barcelona’s training sessionsCredit: EPA

      There are rumours of a dressing-room rift between the 29-year-old and Barca’s main man Messi.
      Griezmann’s uncle has done nothing to quash those murmurs by saying Messi doesn’t work hard enough.
      Spanish outlet AS claim he told El Chiringuito de Jugones: “Griezmann was convinced that he wasn’t going to be successful within the first six months, but what I didn’t expect was that [his struggles] would last an entire year.
      “Besides, with Messi, I know what’s going on inside – it’s not easy.

      “Basically, [Messi] doesn’t work hard enough at Barca and the training sessions are structured in order to please certain people, which is fine if you don’t want to work.
      “Antoine needs to work, even though others don’t need as much effort to play well. He’s the other way around – he needs to put in a lot of effort for himself.”
      But Croatian playmaker Ivan Rakitic insisted his team-mates ‘get along very well’.

      Rumours persist that Messi and Griezmann have not seen eye to eye since the Frenchman arrived last summerCredit: Getty Images

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      He told radio programme El Pelotazo on Canal Sur: “From what I could see they got along very well. I got along wonderfully with Antoine and Leo. What there is, I don’t know.

      “It’s a bit like everything.
      “If you win every game 5-0, we can all laugh. If not, many things are sought.
      “But they are two spectacular boys. I have met Antoine, he is a spectacular boy and there should be no problem.”
      Griezmann’s former agent weighed in on the debate this week and did not hold back as he blasted Messi’s ‘reign of terror’.
      Eric Olhats said: “Antoine arrived at a club where Messi has the final word on everything.
      “He is as much an emperor as a monarch and he didn’t take kindly to the signing of Antoine.

      “His attitude has been deplorable and he made him feel unwelcome.
      “I’ve always disliked hearing Griezmann say that there are no issues with Messi but never the other way around.
      “It’s a reign of terror. You’re either with him or against him.”

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      Aubameyang-Kroos row sees Arsenal and Real Madrid fans enter Twitter war in defence of their stars

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      FANS have leapt to the defence of their heroes in the surprise row between Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Toni Kroos.
      The Real Madrid star called out various top players, including Aubameyang, for their ‘nonsense’ celebrations.

      ⚠️ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was unhappy when finding out his mask tributes were described as ‘nonsense’Credit: EPA

      Toni Kroos had made his preference for more basic celebrations knownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The striker’s occasional use of a superhero mask, be it Spiderman, Batman or Black Panther, appears to irk Kroos.
      Kroos, 30, had told Einfach mal Luppen: “I find it very silly. Even worse is if there are any objects hidden in their socks.
      “Aubameyang once celebrated and took out a mask. That’s where it ends with me.

      “I don’t think that’s a good role model, either. What nonsense.
      “What I always found sweet was Gerd Muller. He just jumped up, pulled up his pants. That was real joy, nothing big.”
      Having seen the German’s remarks, Arsenal captain Aubameyang shot back with a furious riposte.
      The 31-year-old tweeted: “By the way does this Toni Kroos have kids?

      “Just to remember i did it for my son few times and I will do it again. I wish you have kids one day and make them happy.”

      The mask duel hit a lighter note after that as Kroos tweeted to say he did have three kids, to which Aubameyang replied with “cordial congratulations” from your Batman and Robin” – alongside a photo of himself as the caped crusader.
      Earlier, though, both players’ fans took to the comments section to make the case for their star man.
      Kroos fan Josh tweeted: “Toni busy winning to be arguing with Europa League teams.”
      Another wrote: “Mask on or mask off, you’re still not playing UCL football with Arsenal.”
      A Real Madrid fan added: “More UCL trophies than all your clubs combined.”
      While another said: “Kroos isn’t too wrong tbf, I would be a bit worried too if I were 31 years old and putting a mask on to celebrate an equalising penalty against NORWICH.”

      By the wayDoes this @ToniKroos have Kids?Just to remember i did it for my son few Times and i will do it againI wish you have Kids one day and make them happy like this Junior School pupils Talk 🙏🏽👊🏽 and don’t Forget #maskon #staysafe 🤡bis https://t.co/J4ZF1XGlsU
      — Aubameyang P-E (@Aubameyang7) November 12, 2020

      And Junaid explained: “Toni Kroos has his own foundation for less fortunate children. He’s not mocking you nor the reason you did it, he simply gave his opinion.”
      Patrick led the Aubameyang fans’ charge, writing online: “Don’t ever change.”
      Another Auba fan tweeted: “Auba going to knock Real Madrid out of the UCL next season and celebrate with a mask. INJECT IT IN MY VEINS.”
      While one Twitter user posted: “Auba is 100% spot on. Why does Kroos care so much? Auba does this for his kids and fans around the world. Being petty about it like Kroos is very weird for a grown man.”

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      Ter Stegen reveals staying at Barcelona ‘best for me and my family’ after snubbing transfer to sign new contract

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      MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN is snubbing a string of European giants to sign a new Barcelona contract because “staying is best for me and my family”.
      The Germany keeper was linked with Bayern Munich and Juventus after reportedly being unhappy at lagging behind Barca’s top earners.

      Marc Andre Ter Stegen has ended speculation over his future by agreeing to sign for Barcelona, amid interest from Juventus and Bayern Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Barca keeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen trains with Germany team-mates Oliver Baumann and Kevin Trapp, aside manager Oliver BierhoffCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the former Borussia Monchengladbach star, who reportedly interested Chelsea and PSG in the summer, told his club’s media channels: “Staying at Barca was the best for me and my family.
      “Here everyone has made it easy for us to settle into a country and a culture where we feel at home.
      “The football we play here is that one I want to play and for that reason we are very happy about the contract extension.” 
      But Ter Stegen, who has just returned from injury, admits it could take the Spanish giants’ new-look side time to adjust following Ronald Koeman’s arrival as manager in August.

      He said: “We always want to win but we have to be aware that many things have changed.
      “We have to be patient with the team until everyone finds their place.”

      Meanwhile, Juventus and Roma are tipped to rival Barcelona in the January race for Lyon attacker Memphis Depay.
      Koeman’s summer attempts to land the Holland flier foundered due to Barca’s wobbly financial situation.

      But former Manchester United misfit Depay, 26, is expected to again be a major target for several top clubs in the next transfer window.

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      Man Utd starlet Arnau Puigmal, 19, wanted by Barcelona with Spaniards looking to strengthen at right-back

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S teenage starlet Arnau Puigmal is reportedly wanted by Barcelona as the club look for reinforcements at right-back.
      The 19-year-old currently plays for United U23s and is seen as a real future prospect.

      Arnau Puigmal (right) alongside Luke Shaw, centre, and Ethan Laird during a first-team training session before a Europa League match Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Barcelona chiefs are eyeing a January move for the impressive Spaniard, who joined the Red Devils three years ago.
      Sport report that Puigmal would welcome a return to Spain to help develop his career further.
      While they are not the only team monitoring the youngster, the club are reportedly confident they can land him.
      If he signs he will join Barca B, who play their games in Spain’s third tier.

      Puigmal is seen as one of the best players in United’s U23 set-up and can also play left-back or in midfield.
      The full-back is the side’s top-scorer so far this season with four goals.
      Barcelona tried to sign him when he was younger but the U23 ace opted for Manchester.
      He has not made his first team debut yet but has been included in United’s Europa League squad.

      He has also appeared for Spain’s U19 side and has made three appearances so far.
      Puigmal will still be hopeful of a route to the first team for club and country.
      Many United youngster have graduated to the first team in recent years, including the likes of Mason Greenwood and Scott McTominay.

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      Juventus and Roma to rival Barcelona for Memphis Depay transfer in January despite Lyon insisting star will not be sold

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      JUVENTUS and Roma are reportedly ready to rival Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay in January – but Lyon continue to insist he will not be sold.
      The Dutchman was repeatedly linked with a move to the Nou Camp over the summer but Barcelona couldn’t force through a deal.

      Lyon’s Memphis Depay is wanted by multiple clubs around EuropeCredit: AP:Associated Press

      If they try again when the window reopens, Sport report the Spanish side could have Juventus and Roma for company – but Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says nobody is buying Depay in January.
      He told RMC: “Nobody listened to me during the transfer window because everybody thought he would leave.
      “There is not only Memphis, but also Houssem Aouar and Moussa Dembele.
      “From the start, I told you, they will not leave because in a year when we were unfairly deprived of European football, we absolutely have to make a success of the season. So he will stay.”

      The issue has arisen again after some cryptic comments from Depay when he was asked about the club’s ambitions this season.
      According to Get French Football News, the former Manchester United man said: “The title? That should be our aim.
      “Even if I cannot say everything going through my head right now… in terms of what’s happening, what I am seeing at the club, there are things that I honestly can’t say.”
      Barcelona are expected to try for Depay again in January after the Catalan club’s financial shortcomings held them back last time.

      However, it is believed either Ousmane Dembele or Martin Braithwaite must leave first to ensure Barcelona keep on top of their massive wage bill.
      A £95million purchase in 2017, 23-year-old Dembele has struggled to maintain form and fitness.
      Meanwhile, emergency February signing Braithwaite, 29, is said to want to stay with the club.

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      Olympique Lyonnais star Memphis Depay shows off his physique as he works out at his luxury villa More