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    Fans are only just realising one of the world’s most iconic football stadiums is named after a person

    FANS are only just realising that the Santiago Bernabeu is named after someone.The Real Madrid stadium is one of the most iconic in the world and has hosted the club since 1947.The Santiago Bernabeu has been home to Real Madrid since 1947Credit: GettyIt was named after former president Santiago BernabeuCredit: GettyReal have played in the stadium for the last 76 years and enjoyed monumental success.The club has won 34 LaLiga titles, 12 Copa del Reys and 14 Champions League titles since moving in.Many fans never questioned the origin of the name of the stadium.They are now just realising that it was given the name of Santiago Bernabeu as a way of honouring a former president.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne posted: “Santiago Bernabeu is a person???”A second wrote: “I thought the same thing.”A third commented: “Wait WHAT?”A fourth said: “I was today years old.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Bro I was shocked.”Bernabeu played for the club between 1911 and 1920 as a striker before leaving for a year and joining Atletico Madrid.Inside Real Madrid’s £500m Santiago Bernabeu stadium redevelopment which will actually reduce capacity by one He then returned to Real in 1921 for the last five years of his playing days.After retiring he then managed the club for a season before having roles as a director and assistant manager until 1935.In September 1943, he was appointed as the club president and continued to serve until his death on June 2, 1978.He was only just surpassed by Florentino Perez as the president to have won the most titles while in charge of the club.Real won the 34th title under Perez by sealing the LaLiga after Barcelona lost to Girona.The stadium has recently been renovated to be able to house a capacity of 85,000.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is now a retractable pitch, which is maintained when not in use.However, fans did compare the renovated ground to an AIR FRYER when the roof was closed.Top 10 biggest football stadiums in the worldHere is a list of the biggest football stadiums in the world

    Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, North Korea (114,000)
    Camp Nou, Spain (99,354)
    FNB Stadium, South Africa (94,736)
    New Administrative Capital Stadium, Egypt (93,940)
    Wembley Stadium, England (90,000)
    Lusail Stadium, Qatar (88,966)
    Estadio Azteca, Mexico (87,525)
    Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia (87,411)
    Borg El-Arab Stadium, Egypt (86,000)
    Santiago Bernabeu, Spain (85,000) More

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    ‘I was nowhere near that level’ – Gary Neville reveals how three La Liga bosses left him humiliated at Valencia

    GARY NEVILLE has admitted he was “nowhere near” the level of three La Liga bosses during his time as Valencia manager.The former Manchester United defender spent four underwhelming months with Los Ches during the 2015/16 season.Gary Neville felt ‘nowhere near’ the level of his fellow La Liga managers at ValenciaCredit: Getty Images – GettyIt remains his only managerial role, alongside coaching jobs with United and England since he retired.Neville has now revealed he felt inferior to the other managers in La Liga during his time in Spain.He singled out his struggles against Ernesto Valverde, Diego Simeone and Luis Enrique as well as highlighting his interactions with Rafa Benitez.Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, he explained: “After a couple months into the job at Valencia, I remember looking at myself in the mirror one morning and thinking that I looked ill.READ MORE ON GARY NEVILLE”I remember we played three times against Athletic Bilbao, in the Europa League quarter-final and in a league game, and Ernesto Valverde was the coach – he played a different system that I thought he would and then he changed during the game, and I remember thinking that I was nowhere near that level.”I felt massively inferior to him because I struggled to manage and watch the game from pitch level, especially compared to how I see the game in the gantry.”You put yourself on the touchline and you’re watching a game where all you can see is legs, and how you think of the game tactically or how managers spot things, I have no idea because I remember thinking that I had no idea what was going on. “Seeing Valverde was the first time that I felt that I was miles off and then I coached against Diego Simeone, and on that day, I felt like he was beating me up in every way – with his tactics, his intimidation, and his mannerisms.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The other one was Luis Enrique, when Barcelona beat us 7-0 in the Copa del Rey, when they were winning 5-0, he didn’t substitute Neymar, Lionel Messi, or Luis Suarez, and at the end of the game, he walked straight past me and didn’t shake my hand, which I felt that he was sending me a message that I didn’t belong.”Rafa Benitez was good to me during my time at Valencia.Gary Neville feels ‘disconnected’ as Man Utd’s Class of ’92’s dream of taking Salford to Premier League implodes”We played Real Madrid, and he was under pressure at the time but after the game he came over to me and shook my hand, and he was actually very good with me.”Neville took charge of 28 matches during his Valencia tenure, winning 10, drawing seven and losing 11.However, he had to wait until his 10th La Liga match for a league victory as the side dropped from eighth to 14th before he was dismissed.I coached against Diego Simeone and, on that day, I felt like he was beating me up in every way – with his tactics, his intimidation, and his mannerisms.Gary NevilleValencia also dropped out of the Champions League into the Europa League, where they were knocked out by Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao.Meanwhile, Enrique oversaw a 7-0 demolition of Neville’s side in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at the Camp Nou.Although the second leg ended 1-1 at home, Valencia were dumped out 8-1 on aggregate by Barcelona.Gary Neville’s coaching experience

    Appointed as England assistant coach in May 2012.
    Euros in 2012 where they were knocked out by Italy in the quarter-final.
    World Cup in 2014 where England were knocked out in the group stages for first time since 1958.
    Appointed head coach of Valencia in December 2015 but was sacked three months later with a win rate of 35%.
    Rejoined England as head coach for Euro 2016 where they were knocked out in the last 16 by Iceland.
    Left England coaching role with a 59% win rate, partially due to the poor standard of opposition. More

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    Jude Bellingham leads Real Madrid to LaLiga title in sensational first season after Barcelona lose at Girona

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has been crowned a LaLiga champion with Real Madrid for the first time after Barcelona fell to defeat against Girona.Carlo Ancelotti’s side put one hand on the trophy earlier today after a 3-0 win over Cadiz thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz, Bellingham and Joselu.Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid have won the LaLiga titleCredit: GettyBellingham scored again in a 3-0 win over Cadiz which put one hand on the trophy for MadridCredit: AlamyBarcelona had to beat Girona today to stay in the race but lost 4-2Credit: GettyThat then piled the pressure on bitter rivals Barca, who travelled to third-place Girona knowing they had to win to stay in the race.However, the City Group-owned minnows – who have defied the odds to mount a top four charge this season – proved to be too big a hurdle to climb for Xavi’s side. Barcelona got off the perfect start with a goal from former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen after just three minutes. But division top scorer Artem Dovbyk answered with a goal of his own for Girona only a minute later. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Blaugrana took the lead once again on the stroke of half-time through Robert Lewandowski.Girona though did not fancy being beaten at home for just the second time this season – their sole defeat at the Estadi Montilivi coming against Real Madrid – and surged back into the lead.Two goals from super sub Portu and a strike from Miguel Gutiérrez saw Girona take a 4-2 lead. And with Barcelona then unable to comeback, it saw Madrid crowned champions for a record 36th time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellingham has been an impressive figure for the champions this seasonIn the case of Bellingham, 20, he is the first Englishman since Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid) in 2021 to win the Spanish league title.Bellingham also become the first Englishman since David Beckham to be crowned champion with Real Madrid since 2007.England footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native NetherlandsThe former Borussia Dortmund star may even be eyeing another Beckham accolade with the club’s Player of the Year award – achieved by Becks in 2006.Bellingham has netted 22 goals in all competitions this season, including 18 in the league which also featured two late in matches against Barcelona.His other four have come in the Champions League, though he is yet to score in the knockout stages. However, Bellingham and his team-mates have been banned from partying tonight by boss Ancelotti.Bellingham took to social media to celebrate his first career league titleThe legendary coach confirmed following the win over Cadiz that his Madrid players would not be going to the Cibeles fountain in the city center regardless of the result in the Barca game.Ancelotti said: “Tomorrow there’s training and everyone does what they want tonight, like this afternoon. But there’s nothing organized. We have to think about Wednesday.”Ancelotti was reminded of a similar situation from two seasons ago when Madrid won the title, saying: “It’s a different situation.”Two years ago it was in our hands, because with beating Espanyol we were champions. But today we are not, and it’s not worth the wait.”If we have to celebrate, we’ll do it next Sunday – something that the fans understand perfectly. “We haven’t won yet, so we can’t come up with scenarios like ‘if Barcelona wins’… READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s nothing [to do]. [Go] home, [with] peace of mind and thinking about Bayern.”Last time out Ancelotti got fans love when he was seen enjoying a cigar in the celebrations, and it is easy to imagine something similar could occur again this time around.Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon Boon
    LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.
    The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
    Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
    From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
    Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.
    She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
    It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
    Find out more about Laura.
    Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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    Little-known rule could see Man Utd sign Barcelona striker target on free transfer in huge boost to Ten Hag

    MANCHESTER UNITED could reportedly sign Vitor Roque on a free transfer due to a little-known rule.The Brazilian star has impressed since arriving at Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense.Vitor Roque could leave Barcelona on a free transferCredit: GettyRoque, 19, has scored twice for the LaLiga giants in his 13 appearances and is expected to get even better.However, he could be set for a quick exit from Barcelona due to registration rules.MundoDeportivo have claimed that Roque could be loaned next season if Barcelona can not register him.This has sparked the interest of Sevilla, Real Betis, Napoli and Nice as well as Man United.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe report suggests that the clubs have contacted Roque’s representatives about the situation.Roque cost Barcelona £35million in 2023 and signed a contract that will run until 2031.His deal has a release clause worth £430m.The report does suggest that there is an extreme situation that could see Roque leave the club permentantly.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis would be that if he is not registered he could be considered as a free agent.It would be similar to the cases of Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan.Erik Ten Hag Press Conference ahead of Crystal Palace clashThe two stars had to wait until Barcelona trimmed their wage bill to be able to afford and register them. Therefore there is a chance that the Red Devils could swoop and sign Roque for nothing.However, it is claimed that Roque wants to remain at Barcelona and would only consider going out on loan. More

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    Premier League clubs on red alert as Jan Oblak is ‘put on sale by Atletico Madrid and desperate for transfer to England’

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have been put on alert after Jan Oblak was reportedly put up for sale.The Atletico Madrid stopper is widely considered one of the best in the world in his position.Jan Oblak could leave Atletico Madrid this summerCredit: AlamyOblak, 31, has been at the LaLiga outfit since 2014 and has made 441 appearances in all competitions.However, the Slovenian’s spot at the club has changed as he is now no longer considered “nontransferable”.Spanish outlet AS has claimed that Oblak will be put “on the market” this summer.This is due to Atletico wanting to make changes to its squad after a disappointing LaLiga campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club currently sits 4th in the table, 20 points behind leaders Real Madrid.It is suggested that Atletico want to trim the wage budget with Oblack one of the highest earners.The goalkeeper is reportedly earning £8.56million per year, which works out to £165,000-per-week.The report claims that Oblak has a release clause of £102m but a market value of closer to £30m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOblak has been a target for Premier League clubs for multiple years.Manchester United were tipped with a move before they signed Andre Onana last summer.Atletico Madrid’s wonder goalkeeper Jan Oblak shows off his skills in training It is said that he would prefer a move to England, having rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia last summer.However, the report has added that Oblak would prioritise staying at the Metropolitano Stadium.His options in the Premier League could be limited as Man United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool all have cemented first-choice goalkeepers.Chelsea could be one option as Robert Sanchez has failed to impress since his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer.Dorde Petrović has done well when filling in for the Spaniard but the Blues could look for an upgrade on the 24-year-old. More

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    Chelsea set to make £47m transfer bid for Brazil teen dubbed ‘Messinho’ who came through same academy as Endrick

    CHELSEA look set to launch a huge bid for Brazilian 17-year-old Estevao Willian, according to reports in Brazil.The club are prepared to pay £25.5million for the wonderkid initially, with a further £21m in potential add-ons.Willian has made 12 appearances for PalmeirasCredit: AFPWillian’s prodigious talent has seen the Palmeiras youngster earn the nickname ‘Messinho’ – after Lionel Messi.He plays on the wing but that hasn’t stopped people calling him Messinho rather than his actual name.Brazillian outlet UOL report that Chelsea are “strongly” in the race for Willian but Palmeiras are braced for offers from several top clubs.The report also claims that Chelsea have failed in two prior attempts to sign Willian.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA product of Palmeiras’ academy, Willian is a team-mate of soon-to-be Real Madrid player Endrick.Endrick agreed to join Madrid in December 2022 when he was just 16 with a transfer fee that could rise to as much as £50m.Willian appears to be the latest off the Palmeiras production line and his hype is matching that of Madrid’s latest golden boy.Given that, it appears that even Chelsea’s latest offer of up to £47m may not be enough to convince Palmeiras to sell, as they may wait for a bidding war to ensue.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDue to employment laws Willian would not be able to move until next summer when he turns 18.It’s the same situation that Real Madrid dealt with for their transfer of Endrick, with them having to wait until this summer for him to join the club.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumWillian has played 12 senior games for Palmeiras so far, with much of his reputation having been built in the club’s academy.Todd Boehly’s strategy since taking over Chelsea has seen him aggressively sign young talent, with the American businessman spending over £1billion on transfer fees since he took over the club.The Blues currently have young talents Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo on their books but only Washington has made an appearance for Chelsea so far. More

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    Pique reveals he and Lionel Messi were lined up for double transfer to Premier League giants before Man Utd swooped

    BARCELONA legend Gerard Pique has revealed Arsenal once attempted to sign both him and Lionel Messi.The two players joined Barcelona’s world renowned La Masia academy at a young age before turning professional.Gerard Pique revealed Arsenal tried to sign him before he joined Man UtdCredit: ReutersArsenal also pushed to sign Lionel MessiCredit: AFPPrior to signing his first pro deal, Pique received interest from two Premier League clubs – Arsenal and Manchester United.The Gunners had already signed Cesc Fabregas from the Spanish side, but tried to seal a deal for Pique as well.However, Man Utd swooped in to hijack the move.Speaking to BBC Five Live, Pique revealed: “The first one was Cesc [Fabregas] the summer before I left to go to Manchester United.Read More on Football”Then Arsene [Wenger] came to sign me. At that time Arsenal didn’t want to get into a big fight with Barcelona because they already took Cesc.”So they were trying to arrive to a deal with Barcelona and it took more time than we wanted to so Manchester United arrived and said, ‘Listen, we want you, lets make a decision right now,’ and I decided to go there.”Pique then went on to reveal that ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also attempted an audacious swoop for Messi.He continued: “And it’s true that later on I think Arsene also tried to sign Messi – but he didn’t have a chance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So then the good part of that is all of us went back to Barcelona, we played together again for the first team of Barcelona.”Pique and Messi spent 13 years together at Barcelona and won eight La Liga titles and three Champions League titles.Arsenal’s top targets in the summer transfer windowThe Spanish defender retired from professional football in 2022.Meanwhile, Messi is now playing for Inter Miami in the MLS.He joined the club on a free transfer last summer after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired. More

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    Real Madrid legend’s son handed ‘maximum’ deal by Spanish giants after shattering goal records for academy

    THE SON of the most-decorated player in Real Madrid’s history has been handed the “maximum” contract allowed by the club.The 14-year-old Enzo Alves is the hottest property in the club’s academy.Real Madrid legend Marcelo’s son Enzo has penned a new Real Madrid contractCredit: Instagram @enzoalvesvThe Brazilian’s son has already represented Spain at international levelCredit: Instagram @enzoalvesvThe hotshot was already tied down to the LaLiga giants until the summer of 2026.However, his exploits have now persuaded them to extend that deal until 2027 – which is the longest limit allowed for under-age players.Enzo is the son of legendary Real Madrid left-back Marcelo.The 35-year-old arrived at the Bernabeu from Fluminense in 2007 and went on to win 25 trophies during his 15 years at the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Brazilian international departed the Spanish capital in 2022 after lifting the Champions League for a fifth time.He joined Greek side  Olympiacos but left after just five months and returned to his homeland and boyhood team Fluminense.Marcelo helped them to win the Campeonato Carioca before then playing a key role in their Copa Libertadores success.But while he has been back adding more accolades to his CV in Brazil, his boy has been doing his best to continue the family legacy in Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlves is top scorer for Real’s Cadet B team this term on 17 as they battle it out with neighbours Atletico Madrid, who are tied on 71 points with them, for the title.The forward was born in Spain in September 2009 as Marcelo was just beginning his third campaign at Madrid.Real Madrid star Marcelo’s wild celebrations after his son Enzo scores and nails Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘siu’Alves, who has been spotted performing his dad’s old team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark SIU celebration, has also shone on the international stage.Even though his father has been capped 58 times for Brazil, his son has opted to pledge his allegiance to Spain so far at youth level. He is now a regular for the Spanish U15 team and recently scored in a 3-1 victory over Scotland in the Pinatar Super Cup.Can you name the famous fathers?
    Now he is celebrating his new contract extension and was joined by his father, mum Clarice Alves and his brother Liam after putting pen to paper.The teenage ace shared several snaps of the family together at the Ciudad, Real Madrid’s training complex, after committing his future to the club.And he captioned it with: “Happy to be able to continue in the best club in the world. Hala Madrid.”Marcelo is the most-decorated player in Real Madrid’s historyCredit: Rex Features More