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      Best XI available for FREE in 2021 including Lionel Messi, Mesut Ozil, Paul Pogba… and Prem return for Diego Costa?

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      LIONEL MESSI and Paul Pogba head the list of seriously big names who are now into the final year of their current contracts.
      And that means we could see some incredible free transfers at the end of the season.

      These players are all out of contract come the end of the season so will be available for free

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      Lionel Messi made a dramatic U-turn to see out the final year of his Barcelona contractCredit: AFP or licensors

      Messi threatened to quit Barcelona this summer but decided to honour his deal while Pogba made another ploy to try and manufacture a ‘dream’ move to Real Madrid over the international break.
      But with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero also running down their deals, plenty of clubs will be eyeing up some smart business.
      And could there even be a surprise return to the Premier League in store for Diego Costa?
      SunSport picks out some of the best players available for nothing next summer.

      GK – Gianluigi Donnarumma
      The AC Milan stopper burst on to the scene as a teenager and is still backed to be Italy’s No1 for many years.
      But with just a year to go on his current deal, could he be holding out for one of the European superpowers to come calling?
      RB – Eric Garcia
      OK, yes, his favoured position is at centre-back but for this team he is going to have to move across.
      The Manchester City star revealed he will not be signing a contract extension at the Etihad and is expected to rejoin Barcelona after a summer move fell through.

      CB – Sergio Ramos
      Ramos takes the first centre-back spot as one of the greatest in that position over the last decade.
      Captain now Iker Casillas has gone, penalty taker now Cristiano Ronaldo has gone, the Real Madrid icon may no longer be at his peak aged 34 but is still a fine defender.
      CB – Jerome Boateng
      On paper, Boateng has enjoyed a stellar career with an FA Cup, eight Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues and the World Cup.
      But even then the German still leaves some unconvinced he is in the top bracket – however, you could do worse for a free agent.

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      Sergio Ramos continues to lead by example for Real Madrid with the armband and spot-kick responsibilitiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea were the top spenders in the Premier League this summer

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      The percentage of answers have been round up or down from their decimal points
      LB – David Alaba
      Alaba, meanwhile, has proven his quality time and time again – and in many different positions.
      The Bayern Munich star excelled at left-back for years but has since moved into midfield and centre-back, making it look easy – no wonder the giants are battling it out for his signature.
      CM – Paul Pogba
      What more is there to say about Paul Pogba? There is undoubtedly bags of talent – as he showed at the World Cup and at the end of last season.
      But it feels like he has never fully found his best football since returning to Old Trafford for £89million and keeps openly admitting he would consider a transfer – the question is whether he has justified a move to the likes of Real Madrid. Does have a 12-month extension option.
      CM – Georginio Wijnaldum
      A critical part of the Liverpool engine room which delivered European and then league success.
      Ronald Koeman taking over at Barcelona and Thiago’s arrival at Anfield led to speculation of a departure this summer – give it a year and he could well be lining up at the Nou Camp.
      CM – Mesut Ozil
      Arsenal will be counting down the days until they can stop paying Ozil £350,000 per week, or £50,000 a day, or £2,083 an hour, or £34.72 per minute.
      The German signed his lucrative new deal in January 2018 and has done very little for the club since – and absolutely nothing after the lockdown restart, except offer to pay for Gunnersaurus’ wages.

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      Paul Pogba declared it would be a ‘dream’ for him to play for Real Madrid – but whether he has earned the move is debatableCredit: PA:Press Association

      RW – Lionel Messi
      We almost witnessed one of the most spectacular of all transfers this summer when Messi was ready to walk out on Barcelona after nearly 20 years.
      His loyalty to the Catalan giants saw him perform a U-turn so he didn’t take them to court and instead would honour the final year.
      But it would take a remarkable shake-up for the Argentine to sign a new deal.
      And that means the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain will be plotting their mammoth offers.

      ST – Sergio Aguero
      Aguero is the greatest foreign goalscorer the Premier League has seen, breaking records galore and bagging more than 250 times for City since his arrival in 2011.
      But this season may well be his last if there is no agreement made for the 32-year-old to stay on beyond the summer – and he would not be short of options.
      LW – Memphis Depay
      Remembered by many for his failed spell at Manchester United, Depay reset with Lyon and has proven he is still a top-class talent.
      Like compatriot Wijnaldum, he was close to joining Barcelona in the last window but a deal could not get over the line in time – another impressive campaign in Ligue 1 will ensure the biggest clubs keep an eye out.
      Alternative XI
      Unsurprisingly, there are still a fair few names not getting into that star-studded XI.
      So here is the Alternative XI – and it is still pretty strong with experienced internationals, Premier League kings, a World Cup champion and even a Ballon d’Or winner.

      Another whole team of out-of-contract talented players could make up a second-string XI
      GK – Jack Butland
      Things have gone rather pear-shaped for Butland, England’s youngest senior goalkeeper, with relegation with Stoke, a loss of form and now an outcast – although was linked with Liverpool as back-up to Alisson.
      CB – Willy Boly
      Boly was one of Wolves’ standout players in their first year back in the Premier League and is still a key member of the back three Nuno Espirito Santo has mastered at Molineux.
      CB – Jonny Evans
      At £3m, Leicester bagged a great when they landed the former Man United defender, who played in every league game for the Foxes in 2019-20 – don’t rule out a new deal getting signed.
      CB – Shkodran Mustafi
      Mustafi’s Arsenal career looked all over before Mikel Arteta’s arrival and a strong end to the season.
      But will he be needed next season with William Saliba, Gabriel, Pablo Mari, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers AND Konstantinos Mavropanos?

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance
      RM – Michail Antonio
      Effective in a multitude of positions – probably none more so than up front – Antonio is proving why he deserves a new contract with the Hammers already this season.
      CM – Luka Modric
      A serial winner for Real Madrid, ended the Ballon d’Or duopoly and took Croatia to the World Cup final.
      But it looks as though Modric’s nine years at the Bernabeu will come to an end following the emergence of Fede Valverde and others.
      CM – Julian Draxler
      The German midfielder’s Paris Saint-Germain career never really took off as many expected following his 2017 arrival from Wolfsburg but aged 27 he will be confident of further success.
      LM – Danny Rose
      England’s No1 left-back for many years saw his career spiral downwards when Jose Mourinho arrived at Spurs and he needs to find a new club while he can still do a job .
      The 30-year-old walks into a fair number of Premier League sides.

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      Jonny Evans and Michail Antonio will both have their eyes on a new contract after excelling at Leicester and West Ham respectivelyCredit: EPA

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      Luka Modric became the first player other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or since Kaka in 2007Credit: AP:Associated Press
      CAM – Angel Di Maria
      Not many players can boast a CV of clubs like Di Maria.
      But now well into his 30s, he will do well to earn another contract at Paris Saint-Germain and will need to be playing to get back into the Argentina fold ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
      ST – Arkadiusz Milik
      He may have already racked up more than 50 Poland appearances but it appears Spurs-target Milik is unwanted at Napoli. Turning 27 in February, he still has plenty to offer.
      ST – Diego Costa
      And last but by no means least is Costa. The fiery front man banged in 59 goals in 120 Chelsea appearances before returning to Atletico Madrid in 2017 – but now faces competition from Luis Suarez.

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      The arrival of Luis Suarez could see Diego Costa leave Atletico Madrid – could a return to the Premier League be on the cards?Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Man Utd star Paul Pogba confirms he’d like Real Madrid transfer ‘one day’ but insists he’s happy at Old Trafford More

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      Lionel Messi in X-rated bust-up on Argentina duty after rowing with ‘bald’ Bolivia coach in World Cup qualifier win

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      LIONEL MESSI has been caught on camera launching into an X-rated rant at Bolivia coach Lucas Nava after Argentina’s 2-1 win.
      The 33-year-old helped his country beat their South American opponents away for the first time since 2005 in their World Cup 2022 qualifier.

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      Argentina forward Lionel Messi was visibly angry at Bolivia coach Lucas Nava

      And after the full-time whistle, tensions boiled over as the Barcelona forward was seen swearing at the opposition.
      Officials and Messi’s team-mates had to pull him and Bolivia goalscorer Marcelo Martins away.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was also visibly furious with Nava.
      According to TyC Sports, the Blaugrana legend told him: “The c*** of your mother. What’s up baldie?”

      Before adding: “You were screaming the whole game.
      “What are you doing? From the bench you are yelling at me the whole game.”
      Argentina came back from behind to win their second World Cup qualifier from as many games.
      Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez equalised for the visitors before the break, with Lazio forward Joaquin Correa firing in the winner in the 79th minute.

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      Messi launched into an X-rated rant at Nava after the 2-1 victoryCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Argentina have won their opening two World Cup 2022 qualifying matchesCredit: AFP or licensors

      Martinez’s strike was incredibly the first time in four years that an Argentina player has scored in a World Cup qualifier from someone that isn’t Messi.
      Speaking after the match, Martinez said: “We knew what this game meant to us because of its history.
      “We’re not going to deny that it’s difficult to play here.
      “I think this team showed lots of heart and lots of brains. We’re very happy.”

      FIFA 21 guesses that Barcelona’s Ansu Fati will win the Ballon d’Or in 2034 More

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      Paul Pogba being backed by Man Utd dressing room despite openly ‘dreaming’ of Real Madrid transfer and upsetting club

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      PAUL POGBA still has the backing of the Manchester United dressing room despite openly ‘dreaming’ of a transfer to Real Madrid, according to reports.
      The Frenchman, 27, made his latest ploy to manufacture a move to the Bernabeu during the international break.

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      Paul Pogba is still a well-liked member of the Manchester United dressing room despite his recent commentsCredit: PA:Press Association

      He said: “Today, I am still at Manchester United and I am fighting to try to take the club even higher.
      “Yes, all footballers would like to play for Real Madrid. Maybe it is a dream. It is a dream for me, why not one day?”
      But according to the Manchester Evening News, the comments have not done any harm to the midfielder’s popularity among his team-mates.

      The report adds that Pogba is ‘highly regarded’ by players and staff.

      But his agent Mino Raiola has made no secret of his desire to push through a transfer, especially after Pogba admitted last year he is ready for a new challenge.
      Zinedine Zidane would love to work with the £89million United No6 at the Bernabeu.
      After a season disrupted by injuries and coronavirus, he stayed put this summer.
      However, his contract currently expires next summer – with an option of a further 12 months – and there has been no discussions about penning a new deal.

      Pogba, who has started all three Premier League games this season and scored in the Carabao Cup win over Brighton, added: “Nobody has said anything to me. I have not spoken with Ed Woodward.
      “I have not been spoken to about an extension. For the moment, I am at Manchester United and I am thinking above all to hit my top form.
      “I think that there will be a moment where the club comes to speak to me and maybe offers me something, or not.
      “For the moment, nothing has happened. I cannot tell you something that I know nothing about.
      “I am really thinking about me, to come back well and to produce great performances for my club.”
      Pogba is set to reunite with his team-mates this week after returning from international duty.
      The Red Devils take on Newcastle at St James’ Park in the 8pm kick-off on Saturday night in their first match since the 6-1 hammering at home to Tottenham. More

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      Man Utd star Paul Pogba ‘interested’ in Barcelona transfer as skint Spanish giants eye shock free swoop for midfielder

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      PAUL POGBA is ‘interested’ in a shock free transfer to skint Barcelona, according to shock reports.
      The Frenchman’s Manchester United future remains unclear with just one year left to run on his current contract – although the Red Devils do have a 12-month extension clause.

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      Paul Pogba is reportedly open to signing for Barcelona on a free transfer next summerCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      And according to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants are hoping to take advantage by landing Pogba for nothing next summer.
      The LaLiga side are struggling for cash and were unable to spend big in the transfer window this summer as a result.
      So the report suggests they will make a swoop for the World Cup winner, 27, with a Bosman agreement able to be arranged as early as January.

      Bayern Munich defender David Alaba is also out of contract at the end of the season and is another target for Barca – although Juventus appear favourites to sign the Austrian.

      Pogba is thought to be a big admirer of the Nou Camp outfit and would be open to a move.
      He revealed in 2019 he is ready for a new challenge but a switch to Real Madrid was the most likely destination for the midfielder.
      But Pogba opened another can of worms surrounding his club career while away on international duty by declaring it a ‘dream’ to play for Los Blancos.
      The midfielder said: “I heard a lot of noise that I was going to leave and I was going to leave to clubs left and right.

      “Today, I am still at Manchester United and I am fighting to try to take the club even higher.
      “Yes, all footballers would like to play for Real Madrid. Maybe it is a dream. It is a dream for me, why not one day?”
      Pogba, who has started all three Premier League games this season and scored in the Carabao Cup win over Brighton, added on his contract renewal: “Nobody has said anything to me. I have not spoken with Ed Woodward.
      “I have not been spoken about an extension. For the moment, I am at Manchester United and I am thinking above all to hit my top form.
      “I think that there will be a moment where the club comes to speak to me and maybe offers me something, or not.
      “For the moment, nothing has happened.” More

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      Man Utd line-up Eduardo Camavinga, 17, as Paul Pogba transfer replacement but face fight with Real Madrid for Rennes ace

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      MANCHESTER United have reportedly lined-up teenage sensation Eduardo Camavinga to replace Paul Pogba – but will face a fight with Real Madrid.
      Reports say the Red Devils have ‘put in place’ a mechanism to sign the 17-year-old as interest in him rises.

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      The two Frenchman, a decade apart in age, are entangled in speculation involving Man United and Real Madrid Credit: AFP or licensors

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      Camavinga, 17, is quickly picking up admirers in the football world for his performances for club and countryCredit: AFP or licensors

      He is seen as a potential replacement for countryman Pogba, whose contract runs out in 2021, although the Manchester club have the option to extend it for another year.
      The United midfielder did little to play down speculation Real Madrid could be his next destination, saying last week it would be a ‘dream’ to go to the Bernabeu ‘one day’.
      But with Madrid also interested in Camavinga, it sets up a potential battle with United over the two Frenchmen.
      Spanish outlet AS report that United are putting the building blocks in place to sign the young midfielder from Rennes.

      His contract runs down in 2022 and and he has already turned down a renewal from the surprise Ligue 1 league leaders.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are reportedly ‘posing a threat’ to Real Madrid, who have long had ambitions to capture Camavinga.
      Boss Zinedine Zidane is believed to have expressed an interest months ago in the young ace and the club are also preparing to make a move.
      It is believed only the financial implications of the Covid-19 pandemic stopped the Spanish giants going all out for him in the summer window.

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      United chief Ed Woodward was criticised for his efforts in the transfer window, but is making inroads with his pursuits of young players Credit: Getty – Pool

      Paris-Saint Germain and Juventus are also reportedly to be interested in the Rennes man, whose value rose after a stunning goal for France last week.
      The competition to secure the player is complicated by the future of Camavinga’s French international team-mate Pogba.
      United want the teen to replace their midfielder, but could potentially end up with nothing with the 27-year-old speaking highly of Madrid.
      Asked about them at a recent press conference, Pogba said: “I heard a lot of noise that I was going to leave and I was going to leave to clubs left and right.
      “Today, I am still at Manchester United and I am fighting to try to take the club even higher.
      “We have all heard these things that have been said. What to respond?
      “Yes, all footballers would like to play for Real Madrid. Maybe it is a dream. It is a dream for me, why not one day?
      “As I have said, I am at Manchester United and I like my club.

      “I am performing at Manchester United, I am enjoying myself and I want to do everything I can to get the club back to where it deserves to be.”
      AS reports that United are resigned to losing Pogba, making Camavinga a top priority.
      He could join other young stars like Facundo Pellistri and Amad Traore who have recently come to Old Trafford.

      Watch Eduardo Camavinga, 17, score stunning overhead kick on first start for France More

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      Marc-Andre ter Stegen to sign new five-year Barcelona contract this week ending Bayern Munich and Juventus interest

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      MARC-ANDRE ter Stegen is reportedly set to sign a new five-year contract with Barcelona this week – putting an end to speculation linking him to Bayern Munich and Juventus.
      Officials hope the new agreement will tie the goalie down long-term at the club as they look to rebuild.

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      Ter Stegen has been linked to other clubs in Europe, helping to prompt contract talksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The front page of Sport speculates that a new contract is on the way

      Reports say Ter Stegen wanted to stay at Barca and had no intentions of moving elsewhere.
      But Sport say that the German wanted to be one of the best-paid players at the club, to reflect his high-level performances and consistent contribution to the side.
      He is also in a strong negotiating position, with other European giants reportedly interested in his signature, including PSG and Chelsea.
      But the contract talks come as the Spanish club continue to try and balance the books after their finances were battered by the pandemic.

      The cash-strapped side had to mostly focus on selling well-paid players during the transfer window and boss Ronald Koeman couldn’t even afford a move for his main target Memphis Depay.
      Ter Stegen is believed to love the city of Barcelona but wants a new project to inspire him after the team’s high-profile struggles in recent months.
      He joined in the summer of 2014 to replace Victor Valdes and has been a big part of the club since.
      If both sides can settle on an agreement, a deal could be tied up as soon as next week, the report says.

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      Injury has kept the keeper out of first-team action this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Injury has prevented the 28-year-old keeper featuring as of yet, with Neto deputising for him in the meantime.

      He has helped play a part in Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the season, where they have notched up two wins and a draw.
      They dismantled Villarreal 4-0 in Koeman’s first game in charge, before a 3-0 win at Celta Vigo.
      Sevilla held them to a 1-1 draw before the international break.

      FIFA 21 guesses that Barcelona’s Ansu Fati will win the Ballon d’Or in 2034 More

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      Barcelona eye ‘January bargains’ in transfer window with Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia on shortlist

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      BARCELONA are reportedly set to revive their interest in Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia in January.
      La Liga giants Barcelona failed in their attempts to sign the trio in the summer with the club lacking funds due to being hit by the Covid-19 crisis.

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      Lyon striker Memphis Depay failed to secure a move to Barcelona in the summerCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

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      Spanish media claim Barca want to bring in Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia in 2021

      Ronald Koeman’s side recently announced after-tax losses of £88million due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

      The Nou Camp side even had to slash players and staff’s wages by 70 per cent after feeling the full economic impact of the deadly virus.
      As a result, Barca were unable to land their main targets – a striker in the shape of Lyon’s Depay and a centre-back in the form of Manchester City’s Garcia.

      And Liverpool midfielder Wijaldum was also of interest, and Barcelona are prepared to dip back into the market in the winter transfer window.
      The trio are all set to become free agents in 2021, and according to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish side will look to secure their services in cut-price deals.
      They claim Barca will look to test City’s resolve yet again having had a £16million offer rejected for him on deadline day.
      But the Citizens could keep him on their books to provide cover if needed, leaving it likely that Barca will sign him on a free transfer.

      Wijnaldum will also be monitored to see whether they can reach a deal with the Reds.

      Meanwhile Barca will have to offload one of Ousmane Dembele or Martin Braithwaite if they want to bring in Depay in January.
      Depay has spoke of his failed move to the Nou Camp as he claimed ‘certain rules stopped it’.
      And Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that the Dutchman will push to join Barcelona in the New Year.
      Aulas revealed: “He is going to do everything he can to find himself in a position where he moves there in January.
      “Rudi Garcia, he fought with everything he had for Memphis to stay.
      “I have not abandoned the idea of extending [Depay’s] contract, but as he has always said no, it looks difficult to do.”

      FIFA 21 guesses that Barcelona’s Ansu Fati will win the Ballon d’Or in 2034 More

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      Ronald Koeman reveals he met Lionel Messi at his mansion to thrash out his future in first move as Barcelona boss

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      RONALD KOEMAN revealed he rushed to Lionel Messi’s mansion to discuss his future after taking charge of Barcelona.
      The 33-year-old superstar tried to force his way out of the club after handing in a transfer request this summer.

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      Ronald Koeman wanted to end any speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s futureCredit: Reuters

      With his future up in the air, Koeman headed straight to Messi’s plush pad for face-to-face talks.
      Speaking to Dutch source NOS, Koeman revealed: “After signing as coach, I immediately contacted Leo.
      “I went to his house and talked to him about his future. His discontent was clear.
      “In the end it well and from the moment he indicated he would continue, he has done everything I expect of him.”

      Messi’s incredible home is just 12 miles away from Nou Camp in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels.
      He has his own football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor and a playground for the kids.
      Messi also slammed Barcelona for ‘kicking’ his close pal Luis Suarez out of the club.

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      Lionel Messi’s house in Spain boasts stunning sea views Credit: Refer to Caption

      Suarez revealed he was made to leave the club because of his close friendship with Messi.

      But in a shock revelation, Koeman has insisted the ex-Liverpool star could have stayed.
      He said: “”In the case of Suarez, it had become very difficult for him to start playing and I made that known to him.
      “He found it difficult, but I never had any trouble with him at all.
      “He trained normally, trained well. He finally made the reason to leave and I said: ‘If you don’t leave, for whatever reason, then you are just one of the group, then you can prove that I was wrong’.

      “He could have stayed, yes.”
      Suarez, who scored 198 goals for the club, joined Atletico Madrid last month.
      And he plans to ‘point at those responsible’ for his Barcelona exit if he scores against his former club next month.

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      Lionel Messi also shares his house with his ginormous pet dogCredit: Instagram @leomessi

      Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reunited for first time since striker’s Barcelona axe as they arrive at airport together More