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      Distraught fans say ‘the game’s gone’ as iconic stadium to be renamed after mega-money partnership with Riyadh Air

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      FANS are up in arms after Atletico Madrid announced their new stadium sponsor.The Spanish giants moved into the 68,456-capacity Metropolitano Stadium in 2017 after leaving the iconic Vicente Calderon Stadium.Riyadh Air will sponsor the Metropolitano stadiumCredit: AlamyThe state-of-the-art venue hosted the 2019 Champions League final, when Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1.Now Atletico’s stadium will undergo a rebrand after the club agreed a deal with Saudi company Riyadh Air, according to AS via Expansion.The sponsorship means the venue will be renamed the Riyadh Air Metropolitano until at least 2033.The deal is reported to be worth in the region of £210-250million, and will see Riyadh Air increase their involvement in Atletico, having already sponsored their shirts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChinese company Wanda group sponsored the ground for the first five years before Civitas took over in 2022 in a deal worth £7m a year to Atletico.Fans are unhappy at the switch with some declaring the “game has gone”.One supporter reacted to the news saying: “Riyadh Air Metropolitano” not even remotely feels like their home ground name 🤮”Another added: “Woke nonsense.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. A third wrote: “They’re coming for absolutely EVERYTHING.”And another commented: “Atletico and Barcelona are selling their souls for money it’s embarrassing.”Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher already has his own song at Atletico Madrid as he’s serenaded by packed stadium on debut More

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      Real Madrid release statement as Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta retires leaving fans stunned after career-long rivalry

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      REAL MADRID have released a club statement paying tribute to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.The former midfielder, 40, broke down in tears as he confirmed his emotional retirement on Monday.Andres Iniesta was a thorn in Real Madrid’s side for many yearsCredit: Getty – ContributorIniesta battles with Gareth Bale, who last year also retiredCredit: Getty – ContributorIniesta is widely regarded as one of Barcelona’s greatest ever players, appearing 674 times for his boyhood team before leaving in 2018.Following his Barca exit, he spent five years with Japanese side Vissel Kobe.When his game time began to dwindle in Japan, Iniesta spent one final season with UAE side Emirates before hanging up his boots.The former Spain star was part of an all-conquering Barcelona side in his pomp – winning nine LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues, six Copa del Reys and three Club World Cups.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite his incredible contribution to their biggest rivals, Real Madrid took the unusual move to pay tribute to him in a somewhat formal club statement.It read: “Following Andres Iniesta’s announcement that he will retire from professional football, Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors wish to express their recognition, admiration and affection for one of the great legends of Spanish and world football.”Andres Iniesta has contributed to the greatness of the sport with his football and his values, beyond the numerous titles he has won during his career.”His iconic goal in the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will remain forever in the memory of all Spanish fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Real Madrid wishes him and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of his life.”The statement points to Iniesta’s dramatic winner against Germany in the 2010 World Cup final.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersIn total he played 131 times for his country, winning two European Championships in addition to the World Cup.While the bulk of Iniesta’s success came in Europe, he also won a J.League title, Emperor’s Cup and Japanese Super Cup with Vissel Kobe.In an incredible retirement video, Iniesta received praise from his former coaches including Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and Luis Enrique.Guardiola even revealed that during his early days at Barcelona, Iniesta gave him the “boost of energy to keep going” and that he will “always be grateful” to the midfielder.Iniesta this week confirmed his emotional retirementCredit: Reuters More

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      How Liverpool’s Bellingham transfer plan spectacularly backfired with Alexander-Arnold now on verge of Real Madrid move

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      TWO years ago, Liverpool hatched an elaborate plan to bring Jude Bellingham to Anfield.However, the idea could have spectacularly backfired amid rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold could join Real Madrid.Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold have struck up a close friendshipCredit: APThe pair are inseparable off the pitchCredit: GettyAnd the tables have now turned, with Jude possibly trying to lure Trent to Real MadridCredit: GettyWhile at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham had the world’s biggest teams chasing his signature.Liverpool were among them, with the club desperate to overhaul an ageing midfield that featured Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago.The Reds knew they may not be able to match the financial strength and glamour of Real Madrid – but they offered Bellingham the chance to come home to England.They knew they needed to convince the midfielder that the right move was to Merseyside, so the club plotted a sensational plan to get him on side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports claim they told Liverpool and England stars Henderson and Alexander-Arnold to go on the charm offensive while they were together on international duty.Wherever Bellingham went, one of the duo seemed to be nearby as they tried to form a bromance.Fans noticed on social media that Trent had become especially close mates with Jude, only fuelling the conspiracy there was perhaps an ulterior motive.Bellingham chose Real Madrid and signed for the European giants for £115million in the summer of 2023 despite Liverpool’s interest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe then fired Los Blancos to Champions League and La Liga glory last season, scoring 23 goals.And although he chose the Spanish sun over Liverpool, Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold struck up a true friendship.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeThe best mates performed a pre-planned celebration after Jude scored at Euro 2024, relating to the game Werewolf they often play.And the pair even holidayed together in the US over the summer.Now, the tables have spectacularly turned with Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract expiring at the end of the season.Real Madrid are keen to bring him to the Bernabeu and are ready to step up their interest as right-back Dani Carvajal has sustained a long-term ACL injury.The club reportedly also have plans to use him in midfield. In a spectacular U-turn, it is now Bellingham in the ear of Trent, trying to get them to team-up in Spain.The Birmingham-born star even made him a giant birthday card and hid inside it during the current England camp. Jude Bellingham surprised Trent Alexander-Arnold with a huge birthday cardCredit: GettyReal Madrid love to use their power as of one of the world’s biggest clubs to strike bargain transfers.They tell the player they want them but can only do a deal for free.Such is Real’s huge status, stars have been known to run their contract down to force a move to them.Look at Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG in the summer as a prime example.READ MORE SUN STORIESNot forgetting Antonio Rudiger ditching Chelsea and David Alaba running down his contract at Bayern Munich.The ploy has saved Real Madrid millions and perhaps “Agent Bellingham” will prove his worth by getting Alexander-Arnold to be the next in a long line of clever free transfers. More

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      Six-time Champions League winner warned he has just 50 PER CENT chance of recovering from horror injury

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      REAL MADRID legend Dani Carvajal has just a 50 PER CENT chance of recovering from his serious knee injury, according to a top doctor.The Spaniard, 32, won his sixth Champions League last season and also triumphed at the Euros.Dani Carvajal may never return to his top levelCredit: AFPHe was left in tears on the floor after rupturing his cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament and popliteal tendonCredit: RexSix-time Champions League winner Carvajal faces at least 12 months on the sidelineCredit: EPABut his season was ended during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday after he ruptured his cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament and popliteal tendon.Doctor Pablo Gelber, founder and president of the European Knee Society’s Lateral Knee Injuries Committee, has now given his take on Carvajal’s injury – which left the defender in tears.He confirmed it will take a minimum of 12 months to recover and also shockingly revealed the right-back only has between a 50 and 60 per cent chance of getting back to his optimum level.Speaking to Marca, Dr Gelber said: “Of all the factors for returning to sport, the time since surgery is perhaps the least important. It is a necessary factor, but by no means sufficient. In this case, I would not speak of less than 12 months of recovery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And another issue is the return to the same sporting level, which, speaking in cold numbers, is not more than 50 or 60 per cent.”A negative factor is that footballers tend to have varus legs, as we technically call it. It basically refers to having bowed legs, as Rivaldo, for example, had in a very pronounced way.”This fact is a negative factor for the successful recovery of these injuries, because it puts the ligaments that are being reconstructed under a lot of stress, potentially stretching them to levels that make the surgery fail.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.”In normal people, we often correct this deviation of the leg to avoid this potential failure, especially in cases that have been going on for some time since the injury.Most read in Football”But in a professional footballer, this correction of the shape of the legs is totally contraindicated, because it would mean the end of a footballer’s career.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ “On the other hand, the mental state in such serious injuries is of vital importance, because frustration, fears and negative thoughts can undermine optimal recovery.”Real Madrid made the classy decision to extend Carvajal’s contract until 2026 following the injury that is set to keep him out for the rest of the campaign.He has been with Los Blancos since 2002 when he was 10 years old and competed across all of their youth teams.After a year playing at Bayer Leverkusen, the defender joined Real’s senior team in 2013 and went on to win all major honours, including four LaLiga titles and six Champions Leagues.He also won Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer, defeating England in the final. More

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      Ronaldinho’s son, 19, moves to England with influencer girlfriend as he follows in Barcelona legend’s footsteps

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      RONALDINHO’S son has moved to England and is set to play for Burnley.Joao Mendes, 19, has made a permanent move to the UK with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 24.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has moved to England with his girlfriendCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is following in his father Ronaldinho’s footsteps in footballCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes is set to play for Burnley in the ChampionshipCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes has moved to the UK with his influencer girlfriend Giovanna BuscacioCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna has over 131,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes was pictured with a Clarets shirt in August after reportedly signing with the Championship outfit.Reports now suggest the winger, who could start out in Burnley’s Under-21 side, has now moved to Manchester.The Brazilian has reportedly been living in Manchester since September with his influencer girlfriend with whom he’s been with for two years.Giovanna has over 131,000 followers on Instagram and has been sharing several snaps on social media showing their new life in England.Read More on FootballMendes has been following in his father’s footsteps since the age of 13 when he started playing club football in Brazil.The led the forward to Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy where he played until June.Mendes’ contract with Burnley will reportedly run for the next two years.Ronaldinho, 44, burst onto the scene in the 2002 World Cup when he helped Brazil lift the trophy by beating Germany in the final.Most read in ChampionshipThat led to a lucrative move to Barcelona in 2003 where he amassed a staggering total of 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 appearances.The star forward also won two LaLiga titles, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2006 Champions League during his five-year stint with Barca.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe Brazil legend rolled credits on his 17-year career, which also saw him playing for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, in 2015 with 33 goals in 97 caps.Giovanna has already started sharing snaps from their new life in EnglandCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is set to start playing for Burnley’s Under-21 sideCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna shares a series of glam pics on social mediaCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashGiovanna will be rooting for Mendes from the standsCredit: @giobuscacio/Newsflash More

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      Forgotten former Premier League goalkeeper saves three penalties from three different players in same game

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      HIS three Premier League spells are difficult to recall.But his THREE penalty saves from three different players in the same LaLiga match will never be forgotten.Alex Berenguer was first to be foiled by Paulo GazzanigaCredit: X / PremSportsTVGazzaniga then kept out a poor penalty from Inaki WilliamsCredit: X / PremSportsTVEx-Prem stopper Gazzaniga promptly guessed correctly for a third time to block Ander Herrera, following a re-take of Williams’ kickCredit: X / PremSportsTVPaulo Gazzaniga was something of a triple flop in the Prem.But his treble stop for Girona in a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao was a feat any goalkeeper can only dream of.Incredibly, the home side went on to sneak their win with a 99th-minute SPOT-KICK of their own – straight after Athletic defender Aitor Paredes saw red for two quickfire bookings.Gazzaniga, 32, won a single cap with Argentina six years ago.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut after launching his career with Gillingham, he failed to break through in five years with Southampton.His spells at Tottenham from 2017-2021 and Fulham in the following two years largely went the same way.And after a season on loan with Girona, he moved to Spain permanently in June 2023.Gazzaniga was solid enough last term – but surely nothing will match his spectacular achievement against Athletic.Most read in FootballFans were bowled over by the display of GazzanigaCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe dived full length low to his left to keep out Alex Berenguer’s sidefooted penalty on 28 minutes.Yaser Asprilla fired Girona in front but Oihan Sancet pounced from close range to level for Athletic before the break.I didn’t like Sir Alex Ferguson – but what legendary Man Utd boss did after I quit football will never leave meGazzaniga then produced two more spot-kick blocks just before the hour mark.First he foiled a mediocre effort slotted to his right by Inaki Williams.And although the penalty had to be retaken as Gazzaniga’s feet were off the line, he promptly conjured an almost identical save from ex-Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera.So three times in all he guessed correctly to complete a rarely-seen trio of penalty blocks.Athletic were seething six minutes into added time when VAR ruled Paredes pulled Czech midfielder Ladislav Krejci back inside the box.Paredes went off for two yellows in a minute, for the foul and dissent.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in went the penalty from Girona skipper Cristhian Stuani – showing Athletic how to do it as he tucked the ball confidently into the bottom right corner.But once the THIRTEEN extra minutes had finished it was Gazzaniga, not Stuani, who dominated the plaudits. More

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      Real Madrid trigger Dani Carvajal contract clause in classy move after defender carried off in tears and out for season

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      REAL MADRID have extended Dani Carvajal’s contract until 2026 after his shocking injury that is expected to sideline him for the rest of the season.Carvajal, 32, suffered a horrific clash with Villarreal ace Yeremy Pino during Saturday’s 2-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu that caused his leg to bend unnaturally. Real Madrid have extended Dani Carvajal’s contract until 2026Credit: RexCarvajal’s leg was bent backwards in the challengeThe Real Madrid star screams in agonyCarvajal suffered a horrific injury against Villarreal and was stretchered off in tearsCredit: EPAHe was then seen in tears before being stretchered offReal ace Carvajal is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyCarvajal’s selfie from inside the ambulanceThe right-back was in such agony that he was immediately stretchered off in tears before boarding an ambulance to undergo tests at a nearby hospital.The defender posted a selfie from inside the ambulance.He later wrote on Instagram: “Serious cruciate ligament injury confirmed, I’ll have to go through surgery and be off the pitch for a few months.”Already looking forward to starting recovery and coming back like a beast. Thank you so much for your messages, I feel very loved.”Read More on FootballReal confirmed the Spain international sustained a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a rupture of the external collateral ligament and a rupture of the popliteus tendon in his right leg.The full-back is now set to undergo surgery with initial reports in Spain claiming he will be sidelined for the rest of the campaign.In a statement, Real Madrid said: “Following tests carried out on Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, the player has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a ruptured external collateral ligament and a ruptured popliteus tendon in his right leg. He will undergo surgery in the coming days.”The club, though, rallied behind Carvajal at this difficult time with a classy move as they extended his deal, which was running out in June.Most read in FootballThe Spaniard has been with Los Blancos since 2002 when he was 10 years old and competed across all of their youth teams.After a year playing at Bayer Leverkusen, the defender joined Real’s senior team in 2013 and went on to win all major honours, including a staggering six Champions League trophies.Carvajal’s wife Daphne paid tribute to her husband and thanked the club for their support.She posted on Instagram: “It still feels like a bad dream. “To see how you were so sad and going through so much pain… and you tried to make me smile. I love and admire you immensely.”Your path back to where you are the happiest starts today. Stronger. Because you always give your all. You still have a lot to win, my life.Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal involved in furious spat with Barcelona boss Xavi during heated Copa del Rey El Clasico”Thank you for so many messages. And to our Real Madrid family, we felt so loved yesterday, I have no words.”This comes amid rumours suggesting Real are looking to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.However, Carvajal’s new deal may have poured cold water on the speculation involving the star right-back. More

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      Former Stoke flop and two-time Champions League winner makes shock transfer to 10th club of his career

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      STOKE flop and two-time Champions League winner Jese Rodriguez has signed for his 10th club to add to his nomadic career.Rodriguez, 31, has been a free agent since January after being released by Brazilian club Coritiba FC.Former Stoke flop Jese Rodriguez has signed for the 10th club of his careerCredit: AFP – GettyJese Rodriguez has signed for Malaysian champions Johor Southern TigersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorThe two-time champions league winner was teased by the club on social mediaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorHe was shrouded as a silhouette ahead of an eye-popping backgroundCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorHe was later revealed in the club’s red and blue kitCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorThe Spanish forward has previously starred for Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.He has also turned out for Real Betis, Sporting Lisbon, Sampdoria and Las Palmas among others.However, his latest club has taken him to all the way to Asia, after being announced as a new signing for Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim, otherwise known as JDT or Southern Tigers.Taking to social media, the club unveiled Rodriguez with a dramatic video.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 45-second clip featured a clip of the ace scoring for Real Madrid before transitioning into teasing him wearing the club’s kit.It showed him showing off the blue and red strip before revealing he would wear shirt number 33.Rodriguez was also seen in a black shirt and tie, before ending with him staring down the lens of the camera as it zoomed in on him.JDT are the reigning champions of the Malaysia Super League and sit top of the table this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey play at the 40,000 capacity stadium, Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, in the south of the country.They are the 10th club of his career.Transfer fees could be SCRAPPED forever after Lassana Diarra wins landmark court case against FifaEnglish football fans will best remember Rodriguez from his time on loan at Stoke.While in England he managed just one goal and one assist in 13 games. His accolades include winning the Champions League twice with Real Madrid, the Club World Cup, La Liga, Uefa Super Cup and French League Cup and Super Cup.He has made five appearances for the Spanish national team, scoring twice.During his time unemployed, Rodriguez celebrated his wedding anniversary with stunning wife Aurah Ruiz, who got married in 2022.Taking to Instagram in one post where he shared a picture of their wedding day, he said: “Happy anniversary my baby!READ MORE SUN STORIES”Thank you for giving me happiness and most of all the meaning of knowing and feeling true love.”I love you very much and do not doubt that we will continue to enjoy all this that we have formed so beautifully for the rest of our lives.”Rodriguez played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real MadridCredit: Getty More