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      Lionel Messi opens up on ‘very bad time’ in summer after failed Man City transfer – but focus is back on Barcelona

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      LIONEL MESSI has revealed the ‘very bad’ experience he went through when trying to force a move from Barcelona in the summer.
      A trophy-less season at the Camp Nou saw Ronald Koeman installed and several big-name players sold.

      Lionel Messi says he is ‘excited’ for Barcelona’s trophy chances this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      With best pal Luis Suarez among those binned, Messi attempted to trigger a release clause embedded in his contract.
      Yet he backed down when Barcelona threatened a legal battle, citing that the clause had expired amid the coronavirus pandemic.
      Recounting the incident on Spanish TV, Messi admitted the unhappy episode affected his form at the start of the season.
      In a snippet of a lengthy interview with LaSexta, via Marca, he stated: “I’m actually doing well today.

      “It’s true that I had a very bad time in the summer. It came from before.
      “What happened before the summer, the way the season ended, the burofax and all that…

      “Then I carried it with me a bit at the beginning of the season.”
      A draw at home to Valencia on Sunday left Barcelona eight points off the pace in the LaLiga title race.

      Although 33-year-old Messi has been edging back towards his best form, scoring nine goals in 17 appearances.
      The Argentine declared that he is willing to fight for titles with the Catalan club and is ‘excited’ for the challenge.
      He added: “I’m fine today, and I feel like seriously fighting for everything that’s ahead of us.
      “I feel excited. I know that the club is going through a difficult time, at a club and team level.

      Everything around Barcelona is difficult, but I am looking forward to it.
      Lionel Messi

      “And everything around Barcelona is difficult, but I am looking forward to it.”
      Messi’s future may be a step closer to being resolved when Barcelona’s presidential elections take place on January 24.
      The new chief will have to secure the forward’s future soon, with his existing deal expiring in June.
      Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be circling in case the superstar becomes available.

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      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in furious row with La Liga chief Javier Tebas over planned European Super League

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      LA LIGA chief Javier Tebas is locked in a war of words with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez over the planned European Super League and claims of TV “bias”.
      Perez upped the ante on his simmering dispute with the league boss by suggesting there was a deliberate TV policy to ignore bad decisions against the Bernabeu side.

      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez believes football “needs a change”Credit: Reuters

      The Real president said: “On the television there are times when they don’t show the replays for very important moments.
      “I’ve always said it, but the producers treat us very differently to other teams.
      “Everyone can see that there’s a big difference, not only with the replays but also in the people they have commentating on the games, who are never in favour of Real Madrid.
      “I’ve never gotten involved in this, but it’s true. They treat Real Madrid differently to the other teams in the country.”

      The best players of 2020, according to quantitative analysis from Carteret
      Speaking to Real’s General Assembly, Perez added: “Football needs a change and Real Madrid will be there to promote it.
      “We are faced with an overcrowded schedule that harms fans, who often do not know what competition is being played, and the health of footballers, who suffer a lot of injuries.
      “The reform cannot wait. The big clubs have millions of supporters and a responsibility to fight for change with respect to other clubs.”
      That was seen as a direct challenge to the existing order but Tebas shot back with a withering Twitter response, designed to put Perez in his place.

      Tebas said: “I think the President of Real Madrid is getting very distracted by the matter of the Super League.
      “People should inform him better.
      “And when it comes to TV broadcasts, if he thinks they aren’t objective, he has the option to turn his remote and listen to Real Madrid TV. I’m certain they are more “objective”.”

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      Sergio Ramos to snub transfer away from Real Madrid and sign new contract to stay for ‘many years’, claims Zidane

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      SERGIO RAMOS is set to stay with Real Madrid “for many years”, according to Zinedine Zidane.
      The 34-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu.

      Sergio Ramos is in the final year of his contract at Real MadridCredit: EPA

      PSG have reportedly offered Ramos a three-year contract worth £54million after tax.
      While Spanish website Onda Cero has claimed Ramos has proposals from Italy and England amid reports that Manchester United are considering a swoop.
      Ramos would be eligible to discuss terms on a free transfer with clubs outside of Spain from January.
      But Zidane, who has 18 months left to run on his own deal, believes Ramos will commit his future to the club.

      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.”

      The best players of 2020, according to quantitative analysis from Carteret

      Ramos has won 15 major honours including four Champions League titles since joining the club from Sevilla in 2005.

      The Spaniard has made 664 appearances in that time, although a couple of injuries have limited him to 14 games in all competitions this term.
      Ramos’ return from a muscle tear has coincided with three La Liga wins on the spin for Real, who have climbed to second in the table behind city rivals Atletico.

      Sergio Ramos makes it look easy as he shows off his fantastically fast feet in training More

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      Arsenal transfer boost with Isco demanding he leave Real Madrid in January to help Mikel Arteta’s flopping strikers

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      ARSENAL target Isco is keen to leave Real Madrid in January, according to reports.
      The 28-year-old has started just three La Liga games for the Spanish side this season.

      Isco has fallen out of favour under the management of Zinedine ZidaneCredit: The Mega Agency

      According to Spanish source AS, Isco wants to leave the Bernabeu next month.
      But Madrid are yet to receive any official offers for the 38-cap Spain international.
      Isco – who joined the club from Malaga in 2013 – remains under contract until 2022.
      Zinedine Zidane’s side are not prepared to send the 28-year-old out on loan next month.

      And it is reported that they will not sell him for less than their £55 million asking price.
      Isco’s agent has confirmed that looking for a new challenge abroad to revive his career.
      His father and agent Paco Alarcon told radio show El Larguero: “Right now, we have no offers. But Isco wants to try another league.”
      Everton and Juventus are among the clubs that have also been linked to Isco.

      But Mikel Arteta is determined to sign a new midfielder during the January window.
      Reports have claimed he could make a double swoop for Isco and long-term target Houssem Aouar.
      Arteta needs some fresh legs in midfield to get his struggling strikers firing again.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Football star Isco shows off his skills at the Real Madrid training ground More

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      PSG may not be able to afford bumper new contract for Kylian Mbappe alerting Real Madrid to mega-money 2021 transfer

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN may be unable to hand Kylian Mbappe a new bumper contract having been hit hard by the on-going coronavirus pandemic.
      According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Parisian’s accumulated losses of £90million last season and it could rise to £180m this season.

      Kylian Mbappe is on Real Madrid’s shortlist for 2021Credit: Getty Images

      The club need to come up with more than £40m in the January window to somewhat help recoup the loses, with Julian Draxler and Leandro Parades most likely to be sacrificed.
      The report states that the current financial crisis at the club could push Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid’s direction.
      Madrid have already expressed their desire to snap up the World Cup winner, as well as targeting a potential move for Borussia Dortmund attacker Erling Haaland in 2022.
      And Mbappe is also reportedly keen to link up with fellow countryman and French footballing icon Zinedine Zidane.

      Mbappe’s current contract expires in 2022 and although both parties have already opened negotiations, no agreement has been found.
      Should PSG lose one of their most prized possessions, they’re reportedly lining up Lionel Messi as a potential replacement.
      Barcelona, much like PSG, are facing financial problems of their own with the players agreeing to a pay cut totalling to an eye-watering £110m.
      Barcelona are also set to elect a new president in January to fill the vacant spot left by Josep Maria Bartomeu.

      And presidential candidate Emili Rousaud has stated that Messi’s £90m salary cannot be sustained.
      PSG moving on Mbappe and bringing in arguably the biggest star in world football could be seen as counter productive.
      And a viable financial plan for the future needs to be found and fast otherwise the club risk losing one of their biggest and brightest assets.

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      Tottenham chasing Marcel Sabitzer transfer from Leipzig with Barcelona ready to launch audacious bid for Tanguy Ndombele

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      TOTTENHAM are plotting a move for Marcel Sabitzer should Barcelona come in with an audacious bid for Tanguy Ndombele, according to reports.
      The LaLiga giants allegedly want to try and land Ndombele, who has enjoyed a fine season so far under Jose Mourinho.

      Tottenham may go after Marcel Sabitzer if they lose Tanguy Ndombele to BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors

      And according to Mundo Deportivo in Spain, Spurs may go after Sabitzer as a replacement.
      The report adds Tottenham would be willing to stump up £45m for the RB Leipzig star.
      The Austrian international, 26, is closing in on 200 appearances for RB Leipzig following his 2014 transfer from Rapid Vienna.
      He was named in Uefa’s squad of the season for the 2019-20 Champions League as Julian Nagelsmann’s side reached the semi-finals.

      The Leipzig captain was particularly impressive in knocking Tottenham out in the last 16, scoring twice in the second leg and catching Mourinho’s attention.
      Sabitzer’s best position is in central midfield – the same as Ndombele – but can operate on the right if needed.
      He has three goals and three assists in 15 appearances so far this term.
      Ndombele, the man he could replace, has two of each in his first 18 matches in 2020-21 but is being trusted and utilised far more this term after struggling in his first season.

      The Frenchman, 23, arrived from Lyon in a £65m club-record deal in 2019 but started just 17 times.
      Speaking about his time at White Hart Lane earlier this season, Ndombele said: “I’ve got a good relationship with the coach – we speak together, we laugh together.
      “The more difficult moments last season have been left behind us. We’re now both trying our hardest to help the team.
      “I think I’ve just settled in better. It’s true that the last season was difficult – to change leagues like that, it isn’t easy.
      “But now I feel like I’m really settling in better and I really hope that I’m on the right track for the future.”
      It is claimed Barcelona were keen on the player in the summer and are considering a fresh move at the end of this campaign.
      A midfielder is said to be high on the Catalans’ wish list after an approach for Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum fell through.
      However, massive financial problems are taking a toll on the Nou Camp club.

      Ndombele has impressed this season after struggling in his debut Premier League campaignCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tanguy Ndombele shows off his moves as he joins Tottenham players in training More

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      Lionel Messi equals Pele’s incredible record of most goals for one club as Brazilian hails Barcelona star’s 643rd goal

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      LIONEL MESSI netted his 643rd goal for Barcelona to equal Pele’s incredible record for the most goals scored for one club. 
      The Nou Camp skipper achieved the phenomenal feat during his side’s 202 draw with Valencia.

      Lionel Messi has netted his 643rd goal for Barcelona – equalling Pele’s record for most goals with one clubCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Argentina star has been a talisman for the Catalan giants since joining the club as a teenager from Newell Old Boys. 
      To date, the prolific playmaker has won 34 trophies with Barca, including ten Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      And he now shares a goal tally with World Cup-winning football great Pele.
      The 80-year-old Brazil icon netted 643 times in 656 official games for Santos between 1954 and 1976. 

      And he posted a message to Messi on his Facebook page, beaming: “When your heart overflows with love, it is difficult to change your path.
      “Like you, I know what it’s like to love wearing the same shirt every day. Like you, I know that there is nothing better than the place we feel at home.
      “Congratulations on your historic record, Lionel. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at Barcelona.
      “Stories like ours, of loving the same club for so long, unfortunately will be increasingly rare in football. I admire you very much.”

      Messi’s history-making goal came courtesy of a mid-air header in the closing stages of the first half of Barcelona’s league game this term.  
      The Argentine had seen a penalty saved by Valencia stopper Jaume Domenich shortly before scoring. 
      And the Nou Camp giants, who had levelled through their captain’s first-half effort took the lead with Ronald Araujo netting in the 52nd minute. 

      Messi has equalled the record originally set by Brazil icon Pele for SantosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Barca skipper scored in the fourth minute of added time in the first half at the Nou Camp Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      However, Valencia refused to be bowed and picked up a second-half equaliser to share the spoils.  
      The result sees Barcelona move to fifth and eight points behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
      A clash with Valladolid will be the final game Messi and his team-mates play before Christmas.

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      Barcelona star Moussa Wague, 22, out for NINE months after ‘shattering’ knee amid fears he would be forced to retire

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      BARCELONA loanee Moussa Wague has been ruled out of action for at least nine months.
      The 22-year-old suffered a nasty knee injury while playing for loan side PAOK Salonika.

      Moussa Wague smashed into the goalpost at speed during the game against ArisCredit: Novasports

      Wague shattered his knee as he crashed into the goalpost when he tried to make a clearance.
      The Senegalese star was left in a heap on the floor before he was carried off on a stretcher.
      Reports immediately claimed that he could be forced to retire as a result of the injury.
      But Barcelona have provided an update following his knee surgery.

      Wague went under the knife on Saturday morning to repair the ligament damage.
      The operation was completed by Dr Ramon Cugat, who is known as the ‘Lionel Messi of medicine’.
      And the club think he will need nine months of recovery before he returns to the pitch.
      A statement on the club website: “FC Barcelona player Moussa Wague, on loan this season to PAOK Salonika, has successfully undergone an operation this Saturday morning to repair and reconstruct patellar ligament in his right knee.

      Initial reports claimed the 22-year-old’s injury could end his careerCredit: Novasports

      “The operation was performed by Dr Ramon Cugat under supervision of the FC Barcelona medical team.
      “The Senegalese footballer has also ruptured posterior cruciate ligaments and has undergone conservative treatment.
      “He will be out of action for an estimated nine months, and will remain in Barcelona for the recovery period.”

      Moussa Wague is expected to be out of action for nine months Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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