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      Neymar aims to follow in Pele, Maradona and Cruyff’s footsteps as he ditches Nike for Puma after 15 years

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      NEYMAR has become the newest face of Puma after ending his 15-year link with Nike. 
      And the Brazil ace says his new ties with the firm are inspired by his admiration for some of the greatest players in football history. 

      The PSG star, 28, is set to don the firm’s latest boot range, known as The King, in tribute to some of the icons. 
      His new Puma affiliation was announced on the company’s web site with a banner which read “The king is back” and “Welcome to the family Neymar Jr”.
      And the news was greeted with a welcome message from sprint king Usain Bolt, another star face of the brand.

      Neymar took to social media to share the reasons behind his new ties.
      And he cited legends Pele, Johan Cruyff, Eusebio and Diego Maradona – all noted for wearing Puma in the past – as his inspirations.

      These were the kings of the pitch, the kings of my sport. I want to help bring back memories from each of their football histories
      Neymar

      In a Twitter post, Neymar wrote: “I grew up watching videos of great football legends such as Pele, Cruyff, Matthaus, Eusebio and Maradona 
      “These were the kings of the pitch, the kings of my sport. And they had something in common — a love of the game, a drive to be the best version of themselves and a spirit that unites all. 

      “I wish to bring back the legacy that those athletes created on the pitch. 
      “I want to help bring back memories from each of their football histories and the magic they gave us in their classic leather boots.” 

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      Neymar says his heroes such as Diego Maradona have inspired his new partnership with one of Nike’s biggest rivalsCredit: Neymar Snr / www.neymaroficial.com

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      Puma officials are reported to have been in secret talks with the Brazil striker for monthsCredit: Reuters
      Puma’s deal to add Neymar to their roster is thought to have been a huge secret within the sports firm. 
      Neymar was part of a PSG side that reached the final of last season’s Champion’s League, losing 1-0 to Bundesliga side Bayern Munich. 

      The striker returned to training with the French giants on Friday despite testing positive for the coronavirus. 
      In his absence, the Ligue 1 title-holders lost their season opening game 1-0 to Lens. 
      The Brazil forward has entered his fourth season at the side following his record-breaking £196million transfer from Barcelona in 2017.

      Neymar ‘tests positive for coronavirus’ after Ibiza holiday as PSG confirm three cases just eight days before season More

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      Luis Suarez ‘ready to snub Juventus transfer and favours switch to Atletico Madrid’ as Barcelona plan overhaul

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      LUIS SUAREZ could be set to perform a U-turn on his move to Juventus to seal a shock transfer to Atletico Madrid.
      The Barcelona striker is understood to have agreed terms with the Italian champions after being cast aside by new boss Ronald Koeman.

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      Luis Suarez is rumoured to be ready to snub a proposed Juventus move for a switch to Atletico MadridCredit: AFP or licensors

      But, according to reports in Spain, the former Liverpool icon could now end up closer to home.
      AS claims that Suarez, 33, is “locked in talks” with Diego Simeone’s side and is keen to extend his stay in Spain having already played in LaLiga for six years. 
      The Uruguayan has won it all at the Nou Camp and his 198 goals for the club make him their third highest scoring player ever.
      But it appears to count for nothing with incoming head coach Koeman who wants Suarez out as part of a major overhaul.

      And Atleti chief Simeone is ready to pounce in the hope that the controversial forward’s all-action style will be a good fit for his side’s frontline. 
      Juventus have been leading the chase for Suarez’s signature and were said to be finalising a two-year deal worth £6million a season.
      And that could rise to an eye-watering £9m if certain bonuses are met.

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      Luis Suarez’s boss Ronald Koeman is overseeing a clearout of Barcelona players in a bid to refresh his squadCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      But Deportes Cuatro claims the former Liverpool icon wants to mull over all offers before making a firm decision on a move which could be the last of his playing career. 
      And while the Uruguayan is thought to be tempted by Juve’s offer, a late bid by Atletico has given him pause for thought.
      Should the Madrid side press ahead with a Suarez transfer, it could spell the end for Diego Costa or Alvaro Morata.

      Simeone thought to be keen on moving on one or both players.  
      However the Barcelona player’s contract wishes could be an obstacle with his Nou Camp bosses also keen to secure a fee that suits their financial needs
      And Spanish outlet Sport claim Atletico have yet to make a formal bid and that Juventus remains Suarez’s most likely destination. 

      Barcelona reject swap transfer of Luis Suarez for Gonzalo Higuain after Juventus propose amazing striker exchange More

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      Man Utd boost in Sergio Reguilon transfer chase as Sevilla close in on Marcus Acuna from Sporting as replacement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S pursuit of Sergio Reguilon has been given a huge boost with Sevilla reportedly closing in on a replacement left-back.
      Sporting Lisbon’s Marcos Acuna is said to be in advanced talks with the LaLiga side who appear to have given up on the chance of signing Reguilon from Real Madrid permanently.

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      Man Utd have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon

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      Sevilla are closing in on Sporting Lisbon left-back Marcos Acuna as a replacement

      United are said to be plotting a move for the £27million rated 23-year-old who spent last season on loan at Sevilla from Real.
      And he would “love” to move to Old Trafford, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      With Sevilla close to landing 28-year-old Argentine Acuna – according to Portuguese outlet A Bola – there is now “no chance” of Reguilon going back on a permanent basis.
      However United are said to be unwilling to pay Real Madrid’s £27.7m asking price.

      The defender is free to leave the Bernabeu this summer after his one-season loan.
      And Zinedine Zidane does not think he is ready for a place in his squad.
      Reguilon is behind Ferland Mendy and Marcelo in the pecking order at the Bernabeu.
      That is despite his hugely impressive campaign where he helped Sevilla to Europa League glory.

      Although Real Madrid value him at £27m, they would reportedly be willing to let him leave for around £22m.
      Chelsea were interested at one stage but instead opted for Leicester’s Ben Chilwell in a £50m deal.
      Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bolster his options at left-back and provide competition for places.
      Luke Shaw remains injury prone while Brandon Williams is regarded as one for the future after his breakthrough campaign.
      United are likely to face competition across Europe with Juventus and Inter Milan interested.

      Four Premier League teams crack the top ten highest wage bills in Europe

      Prince William sends a message to every football club and fan that has helped those affected by the pandemic More

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      Barcelona set to make fresh Hector Bellerin transfer swoop as they eye Arsenal defender on loan

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      BARCELONA are reportedly plotting a move to sign Hector Bellerin on loan.
      The Spanish giants have met with Arsenal to discuss a deal for the 25-year-old.

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      Hector Bellerin has also attracted interest from Paris-Saint GermainCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      According to Marca, Barcelona would prefer to sign the defender on loan this summer.
      If Arsenal reject their proposal, the LaLiga side will offer them a player-plus-cash deal.
      Barcelona reportedly believe a deal for Bellerin will cost them between £18m and £23m.
      But that figure is too high for them as they have a taken a huge financial hit due to the coronavirus pandemic.

      Barca have kept a close eye on Bellerin since he left the club in 2011.
      He played for Barcelona’s youth ranks from 2003 until 2011 before moving to the Gunners.
      Paris-Saint Germain are among the clubs interested in signing him this summer.

      But Arsenal reportedly rejected a loan bid from the French side this week.

      Juventus have also reportedly been in contact with Arsenal over a move for Bellerin.
      He has remained a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad, but only made 15 appearances last term.
      But Barcelona are determined to sign him as a replacement for Nelson Semedo.

      Ex-Celtic star Kieran Tierney says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has taught him whole new way of playing football More

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      Lionel Messi releases limited edition Budweiser beer in video that references failed Barcelona transfer

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      BARCELONA wantaway Lionel Messi has released a limited edition Budweiser beer – which comes with an ad referencing his botched transfer move.
      The footballing superstar has been forced to stay put after his attempts to leave Spain fell through.

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      Lionel Messi transfer saga has dominated headlines this summer

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      The Budweiser beer is branded after Messi

      He was left embarrassed after Barca’s 8-2 humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.
      Now a new Budweiser beer with his name on the label has been released – and the 44 second ad includes cheeky references to recent events, including an appeal to fans to “never give up on greatness”.
      The beer will have a limited edition bottles branded after the six-time Ballon d’Or award.
      And with Messi releasing the advert on his instagram, it could be seen by many of his many 167 million followers.

      Flashing up on a black background, the advert says: “They said moving to Spain at 13 would break him.
      “They said he was too small.
      “Now they say he’s grown too big. They say he’s stopped loving the city.”
      This appears in reference to some fans’ reaction after news broke that Messi wanted leave the club.

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      The advert makes many pointed references to his career

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      One of the messages referenced his early career when he was dismissed as too small to compete

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      The advert ends on the message ‘never give up on greatness’
      The advert continues: “They say his heart’s not in it. They say the dynasty is over.
      “They say his greatness is gone.
      “So what does he say?”
      At this point the advert shows the Argentine magician unleashing a freekick in the net at the Nou Camp.
      Then the scene flashes to Budweiser’s new drink, entitled “Messi, king of football”.
      The ad references all the way back to when he was a young man arriving at Barcelona, critiqued for being too small, to the events of this summer when he planned to leave.
      Messi captions the video: “Thank you Budweiser for your trust. We never give up on greatness.”
      It has already clocked up just shy of two million views in the space of just a couple of hours.

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      The attacker has enjoyed many great years at the club but things have recently turned sour
      Messi announced a partnership with the German beer firm only days earlier.
      It joins his long list of other company endorsements, including Adidas, Lays, Mastercard, watchmaker Jacob & Co and Qatar-based telecom company Ooredo.
      According to Business Insider, Messi said: “I’m excited to partner with Budweiser to share my journey that was based on a determination to be the best player I can be.

      “Day after day, year after year, it took sacrifice and hard work to reach my dreams. 
      “Hopefully fans around the world will find inspiration in my story to commit to their craft and never give up on greatness, no matter how hard the journey.”
      With the 33-year-old set to stay at his club, reports suggest many of his teammates could be off with new boss Ronald Koeman keen to rebuild. More

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      Barcelona in huge fire sale with TWELVE ‘up for grabs including Suarez and Umtiti’ as Koeman plans squad overhaul

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      BARCELONA are set for a huge fire sale under new manager Ronald Koeman – with 12 players reportedly up for grabs.
      Big names like Luis Suarez and Samuel Umtiti are facing the chop as the Spanish club looks to rebuild following their 8-2 Champions League humiliation and the prolonged Lionel Messi transfer saga.

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      Ronald Koeman is prepared to be ruthless in a squad clear-out, reports say

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      Luis Suarez arrives for Barcelona training yesterday with his future unclear

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      Arturo Vidal waves for the cameras as he heads for training

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      French defender Samuel Umtiti is one of a number of players who may be shipped out before the end of the window

      The Catalan giants are also believed to be on the hunt for new names in their dramatic squad overhaul.
      But with Lionel Messi set to stay, the inflated wage bill must first come down to accommodate expensive signings, according to Spanish sports site Mundo Deportivo.
      Along with Suarez and French international Umtiti, the likes of ex-Middlesbrough flop Martin Braithwaite and Arturo Vidal could also be shown the door.
      Liverpool fan favourite Suarez, 33, is tipped with a move to Juventus costing around £2.8million plus £12 million in variables, which would link him up with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo after he spent the last few years alongside Messi.

      The deal appeared close before Atletico Madrid become involved and now the Uruguayan is considering staying in Spain, reports say.
      If he were to leave, that would leave Braithwaite as the only recognised out-and-out striker at the club.
      But Koeman is reportedly not keen on him either and is open to offers, despite the 29-year-old’s professionalism.

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      Vidal, Suarez and Messi embrace during happier days for the clubCredit: EPA

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      Rafinha looks set for a Premier League move
      Vidal’s move to Inter Milan has stalled, with reports suggesting this is due to the financial repercussions of the coronavirus lockdown.

      And Umtiti also looks set for a move away from the Nou Camp after Koeman told him he can go.
      Along with the big names, the clearout could also see centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo on his way – with Leicester and Everton linked to him – and Nelson Semedo’s position is far from secure.
      Rafinha’s future appears to lie in the Premier League with Arsenal and Leeds battling it out for his signature.
      Left backs Junior Firpo and Miranda, along with youngsters Moussa Wague, Barcelona B central midfielder Monchu and defensive midfielder Oriol Busquets, may also be axed from the club.

      Former Everton boss Koeman is believed to be taking no prisoners to fix the crisis-hit club.
      Along with their dismantling by Bayern Munich, the club also finished five points off La Liga champions Real Madrid in a disappointing domestic season, with Quique Setiens sacked after only eight months in charge.
      On the bright side for Barcelona fans, rumours persist that Lyon hotshot Memphis Depay is on his way to join his former international manager.

      Lionel Messi trains with Barcelona for first time since failed transfer request as he prepares for new season More

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      Real Madrid to go ‘all out’ in 2021 with Kylian Mbappe, Dayot Upamecano and Eduardo Camavinga all on Zidane’s radar

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      REAL MADRID are preparing three mega deals in 2021 with Kylian Mbappe, Dayot Upamecano and Eduardo Camavinga reportedly on their radar.
      Following a hugely busy summer of 2019, no major signings have been made this time around with the focus on player sales.

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      Kylian Mbappe remains a major target for Real MadridCredit: EPA

      But the one year on, one year off pattern will see Real ready the cheque book for 12 months’ time with reports of a triple swoop.
      According to Spanish newspaper AS, Los Blancos will push hard to sign French trio Mbappe, Upamecano and Camavinga.
      Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe would naturally be the headline arrival and one of the biggest transfers to ever take place, if Real can pull it off.

      The 21-year-old’s contract expires in 2022 and, if no renewal occurs in the coming year, Madrid will fancy their chances.
      Much will depend on PSG’s ability to convince Mbappe that they can finally win the Champions League.
      Real reportedly hope their greater affinity with the competition will convince the striker to desire the move, but Les Parisiens’ jaunt to this summer’s final may be a sign of things to come.
      Reports earlier in the year suggested PSG were ready to make Mbappe one of the world’s highest-paid sports stars with a ridiculous £900,000-a-week offer to extend his stay.

      Whether that will be enough to halt the LaLiga giants’ advances remains to be seen.
      CAM AND GET IT
      The situation with teen sensation Camavinga is far more straightforward.
      Committing to Rennes for another year, the midfielder appears set for a move next summer.
      He stated last month: “I have two years of contract left, I will be with Rennes this season. [The speculation] doesn’t bother me at all.”
      Yet, Real are not the only major side hoping to tempt him into a big move.

      Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keen too with Rennes wanting around £37m for their 17-year-old starlet.
      Both clubs will rival Madrid for RB Leipzig defender Upamecano, it is also believed.
      And, like Camavinga, the winning bidder could be whoever convinces the player that they are best set for success – given the relatively small fee involved.
      In signing a new three-year deal with Leipzig this summer, the centre-back, 21, reportedly lowered his release clause.

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      Dayot Upamecano scored his first France goal in the weekCredit: Reuters

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      Eduardo Camavinga also appeared for Les Bleus after a rapid rise at RennesCredit: Reuters

      The new £41.5m buyout is widely considered a snip for one of the globe’s top young defenders.
      Should Madrid fail to land Upamecano, Benoit Badiashile is named as their back-up option with the Monaco defender also interesting Manchester United.
      Indeed, the old rivals may be due for another face-off in the market in years to come.
      Red Devils target Erling Haaland is reportedly the big name Zinedine Zidane is desperate to land in 2022.

      Gareth Bale pleads with Real Madrid to let him leave after club made transfer exit ‘very difficult’ More

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      Eden Hazard turns up to Real Madrid pre-season overweight AGAIN with Los Blancos chiefs fuming with ex-Chelsea star

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      EDEN HAZARD has infuriated Real Madrid bosses by reportedly turning up to pre-season overweight AGAIN.
      The Belgian does not appear to have learned from his mistakes after he started last season “five kilos” heavier than normal.

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      Eden Hazard has seen his weight fluctuate throughout his career Credit: AFP – Getty

      According to Sport, Real Madrid are “concerned” the 29-year-old is out of shape again.
      His professionalism and commitment to the club has been called into question.
      It is understood Hazard will need “two or three weeks” to get match fit.
      But the Spanish giants have just nine days until their opening LaLiga game against Real Sociedad.

      Fans have urged the club to use 20-year-old Vinicius Junior in the absence of Hazard.
      Madrid bosses are furious that Hazard was called up for international duty with Belgium while injured.
      The club would have preferred him to spend his time working alongside fitness coach Gregory Dupont ahead of the 2020-21 camapign.

      Hazard did not play a single minute for Belgium as Roberto Martinez said he “wasn’t fit enough”.

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      Eden Hazard has infuriated the Reall Madrid bossesCredit: AFP – Getty

      This is the second year running that the Madrid forward has arrived to pre-season training overweight.
      Last year, he admitted he piled on the bounds while on “vacation”.
      He told L’Equipe: “It’s true. I’m not going to hide it, but when I’m on vacation, I’m on vacation.
      “I had put on five kilos. I’m the type to put on quickly and lose so quickly if I’m careful.
      “When I was 18 in Lille, I was 72 or 73kg. Muscle mass was 75kg, on a bad day, 77kg.
      “I was 80kg this summer, I lost it in 10 days.”
      Hazard, who joined from Chelsea for £88m in 2019, failed to impress last term.
      He even described it as the worst season of his career after scoring just once in 22 games.

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      Eden Hazard has failed to impress since arriving at the Bernabeu Credit: Reuters

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      Eden Hazard will reportedly need three weeks to get back in shapeCredit: AFP – Getty
      The Belgian star also suffered with hamstring, foot and ankle injuries.
      Arsene Wenger insisted Hazard is struggling at Madrid due to his weight – and likened him to an overweight race horse.
      And when he was at Chelsea his team-mates trolled him for having a big belly.

      Real Madrid star Eden Hazard takes the Nissan Leaf Nismo Electric Race Car for a spin with Formula E driver Oliver Rowland More