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      Fans spot Rudiger’s wild celebration with Ancelotti and say ‘Pep would have benched him for the season for this’

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER celebrated wildly with boss Carlo Ancelotti after Real Madrid’s victory over Bayern Munich.Joselu’s late double saw the Spanish giants come back to beat Bayern 2-1, cancelling out Alphonso Davies’ brilliant opener.Antonio Rudiger appeared to grab his boss Carlo AncelottiCredit: https://twitter.com/Modric_D_MadridThe German, 31, then seemed to shake the 64-year-oldCredit: https://twitter.com/Modric_D_MadridFans joked that Rudiger’s wild celebration would see him droppedCredit: https://twitter.com/Modric_D_MadridAncelotti has built an amazing relationship with his playersCredit: GettyThe final whistle sparked incredible scenes at the newly-revamped Santiago Bernabeu.In footage that emerged after the game, Rudiger went wild when he saw Ancelotti.The former Chelsea star, 31, grabbed the seemingly unsuspecting 64-year-old before appearing shake him with glee.After seeing the joyous moment, one fan joked on social media: “Pep could’ve benched him for the rest of the season for doing this.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a second similarly quipped: “Rudiger is definitely getting benched at the next game.”A third swooned: “I love his energy.”And another added: “This is amazing.”Following Joselu’s second, Rudiger ran to the corner of the stadium where Rio Ferdinand and Laura Woods were standing pitchside.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRudiger grabbed a chair and brought it onto the pitchCredit: GettyThe defender also appeared to kiss the VAR monitorCredit: XWhen it was pointed out that the goal had initially been flagged for offside, Rudiger turned to run back onto the pitch, leaving Ferdinand looking sheepish.With the goal eventually being given, there was bedlam at the Bernabeu.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichRudiger ran onto the pitch with a chair after the game, something he also did when he won the Club World Cup with Chelsea in 2022.The German then gleefully kissed the VAR monitor in the moments after his side’s win.Veteran boss Ancelotti has won the Champions League more than any other coach, having lifted the famous trophy four times.’IT’S MAGICAL’After the game, he said: “It’s happened again. Something that has happened time after time, which is inexplicable, has happened again.”A set of fans who drive us, a stadium that supports us, a stunning atmosphere and a group of players who believe. It’s magical.”We played well, I think it was a tough game but we had control, we didn’t lose our heads when they scored and we got back into it.”I’d like to the fans, the club and above all, the players, they’ve delivered a season nobody expected, myself included. I didn’t imagine that this squad would be capable of what they’ve achieved.”Making the final… we’re going to have a great time with the fans because we’re going to celebrate LaLiga in the coming days, I want a time to celebrate, to go to Cibeles.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a happiness which is contagious for the players.”Real Madrid will now take on Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley on June 1.Rudiger appeared to be overwhelmed with joy after the matchCredit: Rex More

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      Darwin Nunez ‘dreaming of joining Barcelona this summer’ as LaLiga giants target Liverpool star to replace Lewandowski

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      LIVERPOOL striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly “dreaming” of a summer move to Barcelona.Nunez, 24, joined the Reds in a club-record £85million transfer from Benfica in 2022 but has struggled to meet expectations.Darwin Nunez is reportedly eager to join BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe striker has scored 11 Premier League goals this season, leaving him 16th in the Golden Boot race.Some fans have been heavily critical of him as a result, with club legend Jamie Carragher even questioning his role in the team.Speaking on Sky Sports, the former defender said: “You want him to do well because he gives everything, he causes trouble, he gets the odd goal.”But after two years, when Liverpool are going for the title or in big games, you need your man to score at Old Trafford or at Goodison Park. This is the business end. He’s ground to a halt.Read More in Football”After two years there’s going to be no improvement in him. This is what he is. He can cause trouble but he’s erratic with his finishing – it’s not enough to win you trophies so there’s a big decision to be made on him.”With Nunez’s future at the club now in doubt, he could be set for a move away.According to Mundo Deportivo, the Uruguay international is now “looking for a way out” of Anfield.And he is “dreaming” of a move to Barcelona ahead of the 2024-25 season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSunSport recently revealed the striker has emerged as a top target for Xavi’s side.The La Liga giants could attempt to sign him if Robert Lewandowski leaves this summer.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at LiverpoolBarcelona’s salary cap has been cut to just over £174million by La Liga, meaning they will have to offload their highest earners – including Lewandowski – to pursue a planned rebuild.Nunez currently earns around a quarter of what the Poland international does, putting him in Barca’s price range.The Liverpool man fuelled speculation about his future earlier this week by appearing to delete every Reds-related picture from his Instagram.Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Jude Bellingham stars in new position for Real Madrid – and it could unlock a mouthwatering new England XI for Euro 2024

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM took up a new role during Real Madrid’s thrilling Champions League win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday.The 20-year-old has firmly put himself in Ballon d’Or contention since joining Los Blancos in a £115million transfer last summer.Jude Bellingham played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s semi-final win over Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe midfielder moved out to the left throughout the game while Real Madrid were out of possessionIn 39 appearances across all competitions this season Bellingham has scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists, making him one of the most in-form players in Europe.On most occasions, the England star has been pulling the strings in the centre of midfield – making his goalscoring exploits all the more impressive.However, during Wednesday’s crucial second-leg clash with Bayern Munich he appeared to shift over to the left.While Real Madrid were out of possession, he would move out to the left in a 4-4-2 formation with Vinicius Jr cutting inside to play as a second striker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd when Los Blancos were in possession, the midfielder would return to the centre.The change evidently worked as Carlo Ancelotti’s side went on to win 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.But Bellingham’s new role could be a penny for Gareth Southgate’s thoughts ahead of Euro 2024.The England boss could decide to play him on the left when the Three Lions take to Germany this summer.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow England could line up if Bellingham plays on the left in a more advanced positionAlternatively, Southgate could experiment with a 4-4-2 which could see Bellingham move to left midfield and Ollie Watkins alongside Harry KaneThat could open up a spot in midfield for either Cole Palmer or Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom have been breakthrough stars in the Premier League this season.It could also present an opportunity for Southgate to start a second striker should he decide to try a 4-4-2 formation, meaning Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney could be given a chance alongside captain Harry Kane.England footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native NetherlandsAlternatively, the England boss could play it safe by sticking with what he knows – keeping the Madrid magician in the centre of midfield alongside Arsenal ace Declan Rice.That could see Phil Foden line up in the No10 position or on the left wing, with Kane and Bukayo Saka completing the attack.Speaking after Real Madrid’s win over Bayern, Bellingham told TNT Spors: “There have been a lot of times we have looked dead and buried, but we have that mentality of never say die.”Or the England boss could go for a 4-1-2-1-2 More

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      Fans claim Champions League is ‘FIXED’ as Real Madrid vs Bayern ends in major controversy with Germans denied goal

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      FANS fumed that the Champions League is “FIXED” after Bayern Munich were denied a late leveller against Real Madrid in bizarre circumstances.Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel raged that the “disaster” decision was “against the rules”.Fans fumed after this was given offside without a VAR checkMatthijs de Ligt thought he scored a late levellerHarry Kane & Co were left fumingFans took to social media to voice ‘fix’ and ‘rigged’ allegationsThe Bundesliga giants looked to be on the way to an all-German final at Wembley after Alphonso Davies had made it 1-0 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate. But a late double from super-sub Joselu turned the tie on its head in the space of three minutes. But the drama did not end there as Bayern launched one last attack in the 12th MINUTE of added time and found the back of the net.A ball was launched into the Madrid box and headed down to centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut just before the Dutchman hammered home, the whistle was blown after the offside flag had been raised.Bayern players on the pitch and dugout fumed at the officials, in disbelief that play had not been allowed to continue before being reviewed.Harry Kane was among those raging over the rapid whistle blowing with the England captain seen screaming at officials.And replays revealed it would have been a super-tight offside decision had it gone to VAR.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel said after the game: “We scored one and there was a disastrous decision from the linesman and the referee. It feels like a betrayal in the end.”The linesman says sorry but that does not help. To raise the flag in a moment like this… The referee sees we get the second ball and we get the shot – it’s a very, very bad decision. Moment riot cop hits fan with baton as police and supporters clash in Madrid ahead of Real’s clash with Bayern Munich”It’s against the rules. It’s a disaster. It’s hard to swallow but that’s the way it is.”Disappointed De Ligt told Movistar: “I don’t want to say that Real Madrid always has the referees with them but that made the difference today.“Real, when you think they are dead, have a last breath… that is why they have 14 Champions Leagues.”He later added: “The linesman told me: sorry, I made a mistake.”Fans reactIt was not only the Bayern staff that were unhappy as fans let their anger out online with one saying: “Champions league is fixed.”Another added: “That was onside!!! Why would a ref raise his flag that quickly when you have VAR? Another UCL rigged for Madrid to win.”One fumed: “How wasn’t that a goal for Bayern at the end? Ridiculous! They will rightly be outraged.”READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester United legend Paul Scholes believed the officials were too quick to call offside. He said: “I’m not sure he’s offside. So the linesman is too hasty. He’s got to wait. Those are the rules.” De Ligt and Kane look on in shock after the gameCredit: Reuters More

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      Real Madrid 2 Bayern Munich 1 (4-3 on aggregate): Stoke flop Joselu the hero with two stunning late goals to KO Kane

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM will be joining the world’s most illustrious team on a grubby industrial estate in North West London in a bid to achieve a footballing dream.Bellingham is on his way to Wembley to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1 in the hope of capping an already memorable year by lifting the biggest prize in club football.Joselu came off the bench to fire Real Madrid to the Champions League finalCredit: GettyHe equalised in the 88th minute before grabbing the winner moments laterCredit: AFPBayern’s Alphonso Davies thought he had secured victory for them with a rocketCredit: APJude Bellingham got the better of his England pal Harry KaneCredit: GettyThe 20-year-old must be thinking he is in dreamland already though for the way the 14 times winners of this competition clawed their way back into a game with two goals in three minutes in a pulsating end of the game.They were heading out after Bayern Munich sub Alphonso Davies put the Germans ahead with 22 minutes to go and looked set for heartbreak only to pull yet another stunning victory on home turf out of the bag.A horrendous slip from Munich keeper Manuel Neuer let Madrid sub Joselu in to pounce and level in the 88th minute.And a nerve-wracking VAR check a minute into nine of added at the end eventually ruled his second goal onside when it was initially disallowed. Former Stoke City man Joselu got that as well.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Bellingham won’t care if his team scraped it. He is on his way to London on June 1 and just 90 minutes away from becoming a complete Galactico at the end of a sensational first season in Spain.Suffering the pain of defeat will be Harry Kane, Bellingham’s national team captain for England.His superb pass had put the Germans ahead and looked to be heading to the second Champions League final.Kane had been Bayern’s biggest threat on Madrid’s goal all night but then turned provider with 22 minutes left by sending a sublime diagonal pass to Davies who promptly cut into the box and rifled home a cracking shot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMadrid thought they had levelled just three minutes later when centre back Nacho headed in but after a VAR check, it was ruled out for a foul by the same player.The 14 times European champions were considered lucky to have got past Manchester City on penalties in the last round and needed every trick in the book to get through last night.Rio Ferdinand shows Real Madrid ultimate respect with classy act as Man Utd legend soaks up ‘best stadium in the world’The roof was closed to maximise the atmosphere even though from walking up to the ground in closed streets amid plumes of smoke, it didn’t seem like it would need any help.Madrid hadn’t lost a home game all season prior to this game. In fact they had only lost one anywhere – at city rivals Atletico.With the Spanish title already in the bag, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was free to focus on the Champions League. For Bayern, Europe was a much-needed distraction from letting the Bundesliga slip from their grasp after a decade of domination.With the game so delicately poised at two apiece and with no away goals rule now, it was going one of two ways. Either delicate and cautious or straight for the jugular, which is how it panned out.Madrid went close within the first five minutes when Dani Carvajal’s low cross sailed across the Bayern box.Munich replied in similar fashion when Serge Gnabry slid a diagonal across the face of Madrid’s goal. An inch or two further back and Kane would have met it to toe poke it home.Then came a let off when Vinicius Jnr hit the post in the 13th minute. It was adrenaline fuelled stuff from the off.The good thing about the roof being on at this new and impressive stadium is that the atmosphere was incessant. The bad news for the players is that it trapped the heat from a warm day in the Spanish capital.Nobody expected either team to be able to play at their opening tempo for the full match but by the 25th minute the pace settled down.Even so, Kane went close again for the Germans when he volleyed from the edge of the box, winning a corner just before the half hour mark.In the tussle between the two England heavyweights Kane enjoyed the upper hand over Bellingham in the first half at least.Kane was just beaten to the ball by Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin on the stroke of half time while for Bellingham, his input was largely restricted to defensive work.Two great tackles and some clever footwork on the hoof, but not much in the way of offensive play to put the frighteners on Bayern in the way that he can.Eight minutes into the second half, Madrid and Bellginham were fading. Kane was growing stronger and went close for a third time with a shot on the end of a bullying run into the box.Even so, had Kane’s old Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier not been alert to the sudden threat of danger, Madrid would have taken the lead against the run of play when Rodrygo pounced upon a particularly cutting pass from Vinicius Jnr.Bayern were under the cosh again but broke free and when Kane picked up the ball in his own half, he spotted Alphonso on the run and delivered the best pass of the match for his team-mate to run through and score.All Bayern had to do was hold on for 11 minutes but an uncharacteristic slip by Neuer triggered a devastating end to their hopes.The keeper failed to hold a routine shot from Vinicius and Joselu cashed in.And then again in added time to turn a wild game on its head.The result means that this is the first season since 2011/12 that Bayern Munich have not won a major trophy, while £104m summer signing Kane is still waiting to get his hands on a piece of silverware.Bayern Munich were left devastated after their late collapseCredit: GettyJude Bellingham was dancing for joy after the incredible finishCredit: ReutersHowever, Bellingham is dreaming of lifting the cup with the big ears and defeating his old club.He told TNT Sports: “There have been a lot of times we have looked dead and buried, but we have that mentality of never say die.“Joselu deserves it all, he has been an amazing squad member this season.“There is a reason we turn around so many games, it’s because of these lot [the fans].READ MORE SUN STORIES“They give you an energy you can’t get from anything else.“When I was seven years old in Birmingham, I was dreaming of nights like this.”Harry Kane is still waiting for his first piece of silverwareCredit: Getty More

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      Fans fume Champions League is ‘RIGGED’ for Real Madrid after glaring error against Bayern goes unnoticed by referee

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      FANS were left confused when Real Madrid nearly scored after taking a throw-in with a ball already on the pitch.The controversial incident occurred during the 13th minute of Madrid’s incredible victory at the death against Bayern Munich to seal their place in the Champions League final.Antonio Rudiger collected the initial ballCredit: TNT SportsMeanwhile, the German’s team-mates got on with things at the other endCredit: TNT SportsPlay had gotten back underway with two balls on the pitchThe flashpoint began when Eric Dier cleared the ball down the touchline with his left foot.It appeared to go out of play, before arcing back in.With the original ball at Antonio Rudiger’s feet, Real Madrid were allowed to quickly get on with things at the other end of the pitch.Where it had originally gone out they took a throw-in with another ball and launched an attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRudiger quickly poked the original ball out of play, with his team-mates coming a whisker away from opening the scoring.Dani Carvajal found Vinicius Jr with a slide rule pass, and the Brazilian subsequently struck the post after a great save by Manuel Neuer.The rebound fell to Rodrygo, who could only hit it straight at the impressive Neuer.While Real did not manage to score, opposing fans online were still unhappy with the incident.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote: “Real Madrid playing their dirty tactics.”While a second moaned: “It’s rigged for Madrid as usual.”Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller accuses Real Madrid star of ‘listening for the tactics’ in cheeky live TV interview A third whined: “These guys can’t stop cheating.”And another added: “The ref was sleeping.”The two teams went into tonight’s second leg level at 2-2 after the first contest in Munich last week.On that occasion it was Vinicius Jr who gave his side the lead, before goals by Leroy Sane and Harry Kane swung the tie in Bayern’s favour.Vinicius Jr levelled from the penalty spot, leaving the tie perfectly poised ahead of tonight’s second leg.Bayern then looked to be going through after a rocket from Alphonso Davies put them ahead with just 22 minutes to go tonight.They looked to be comfortable heading towards full time and holding Madrid at bay until disaster struck.Real sub Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser after latching on to a mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen seconds later the ex-Stoke City and Newcastle flop finished from six yards to win it 2-1.The mouthwatering clash saw England team-mates Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane meetCredit: PA More

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      Rio Ferdinand shows Real Madrid ultimate respect with classy act as Man Utd legend soaks up ‘best stadium in the world’

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      RIO FERDINAND showed “respect” as he avoided stepping on Real Madrid’s badge.The former Manchester United star, 45, was at the Santiago Bernabeu to watch Madrid snatch an incredible victory at the death against Bayern Munich to seal their place in the Champions League final.Rio Ferdinand walked towards the Real Madrid badgeCredit: TNT SportsHe then made a point of stepping around itCredit: TNT SportsFerdinand, 45, was on punditry duty for TNT SportsCredit: GettyAhead of his punditry duties for TNT Sports, Ferdinand walked out of the tunnel to get a look at the pitch.As he did so, he took extra care not to stomp all over Real’s badge, which sat pitchside.He subsequently posted a clip to social media, writing: “Respect the badge.”Ferdinand then giddily added: “Ps best stadium in the world right now!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSome sections of the iconic Bernabeu remain closed as they continue their huge renovation.Real Madrid spent the 2020-21 season playing at their Valdebebas training facility while initial work was done.The completed ground was due to be opened five months ago, but has now been pushed back to the summer.Real’s renovation work will see their Santiago Bernabeu home house a capacity of 85,000 fans, up from 81,000.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal Madrid’s stunning home has undergone a makeoverCredit: AlamyThe Bernabeu has been under renovation for yearsCredit: AFPIt will also boast new restaurants, bars and a space dedicated for e-sports.And among the latest features are a retractable roof and pitch as well as a new 450-space car park underneath.Inside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venueWhile Real Madrid chiefs initially claimed the total cost of the renovation would be just over £860million, Spanish economist Hector Mohedano has worked out that it will actually come to around £1.5bn.Ferdinand and his fellow TNT Sports pundits will have gone into tonight’s game hoping to see a great show from the likes of Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane.The two sides went into tonight’s second leg locked at 2-2 from the first contest in Germany a week ago.Bayern looked to be going through after a rocket from Alphonso Davies put them ahead with just 22 minutes to go tonight.They looked to be comfortable heading towards full time and holding Madrid at bay until disaster struck.Real sub Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser after latching on to a mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Then seconds later the ex-Stoke City and Newcastle flop finished from six yards to win it 2-1.Top 10 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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      Kylian Mbappe tipped for shock transfer to ‘different continent’ before joining Real Madrid after turning 26

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      MARCEL DESAILLY has suggested that Kylian Mbappe swerves his proposed move to Real Madrid… For now.The 1998 French World Cup winner has said Mbappe should move to the Saudi league for a year before joining Madrid in a mega-deal.Marcel Desailly has recommended that Mbappe join the Saudi leagueCredit: AFPMbappe turned down the chance to join a Saudi side last yearCredit: GettyThe opinion is based on a Saudi approach for Mbappe last summer when he looked nailed on to leave Paris.PSG accepted a £259million bid from the Saudi league but Mbappe ultimately turned down the offer.The deal would have seen him play in Saudi for a season before joining Madrid this summer.And it was reported that the Saudi league would have offered Mbappe £11.6m-a-week to essentially spend the year on loan there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite that deal looking dead in the water, and Mbappe pretty much nailed-on to join Madrid this summer, Desailly thinks he should still find a way to experience the Saudi League.Speaking to beIN Sports, Desailly said: “I’ve said it already, I would move to a different continent. For him, I’m not sure Madrid is the perfect place for him to be.“We have Vinicius on the left side, a player showing the quality like Bellingham so he’s not going to be the full number one that he wants.“He’s not announcing where he’s going and even though he wants to keep it and announce it like a star there must be something behind it, a surprise.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“If you think about the business of football, for £350million I would go to Saudi for a year, then come back next season – the year of the World Cup – aged 26 and a half, cash out and play football because what does Mbappe want? He wants to play football.”Asked about his prediction of Mbappe moving to Saudi Arabia, Desailly added: “This is what I feel and what I think as a businessman and looking at the business side of things.Mbappe laughs and brutally shuts down thought of joining Arsenal“It’s still competitive in Saudi… broadcasters are coming in to show the matches around the world.“They are doing what Qatar did in 2004 or 2005 and I went there to promote and expose the country.“It is a business on both sides and I do believe that this could be an opportunity for him to make more business and play more football after the Euros.”Desailly alluded to the fact that he was a trailblazer for today’s generation of footballers that now ply their trade in the Middle East.Following a successful career that saw him play for the likes of Marseille, AC Milan and Chelsea, he left to join Qatari side Al Gharafa in 2005. He would go on to end his career at Qatar SC in 2006. More