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      Neymar is the biggest flop in the history of football and Brazil ace has made fun of PSG fans, rants French journalist

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      NEYMAR has been dubbed the “biggest flop in football history” by a French journalist.This comes after the Brazil superstar was unable to stop the Parisians from slipping to a second Ligue 1 defeat of 2023 on Sunday.
      Neymar was slammed after his performance in the defeat at RennesCredit: Getty
      Neymar and Co lost 1-0 at Rennes and are suddenly just three points above second-place Lens, who beat them on New Year’s Day.
      The Brazilian ace yet to find the net in three games since returning from the World Cup after once again drawing blank at Roazhon Park.
      But the 30-year-old has still generally been a good servant for PSG since his record move from Barcelona in 2017.
      Neymar has won 12 trophies during his time at the Parc des Princes and has been directly involved 188 goals in 167 games since his £198m switch from the Nou Camp.
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      Regardless, journalist Daniel Riolo has still ripped into the Brazilian superstar.
      Speaking on After Foot on RMC: “He had half a good season because he was preparing for the World Cup, he was just in training.
      “There, it’s over. He starts because Galtier, the great revolutionary with Campos, leaves him on the pitch.
      “Do we realise that Neymar, in terms of recruitment and salary, is the biggest flop in the history of football?
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      “I can’t think of a bigger flop for what it cost, it’s horrible.
      “Let PSG stop. And we are thinking about the idea of ​​extending Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos.
      “But extend Messi for 20 years, give him a box and he will come to the stadium when he is a grandfather.
      “Let’s extend Neymar and give him 15 years of salary at the point where we are.” 
      Next up for Neymar and his PSG team-mates is a clash with a familiar face in Cristiano Ronaldo, who’s set to make his Saudi debut in a friendly for a combined Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal XI, on Thursday. More

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      PSG set to sensationally LEAVE Parc de Princes after row with Paris mayor about sale of stadium

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      PSG could be set to leave their home stadium after a row with the Mayor of Paris.The Parc de Princes has been Paris Saint-Germain’s home since 1974.
      The Parc de Princes has been the stage for many of PSG’s most recent successesCredit: AFP
      The stunning arena, which can hold almost 48,000 fans, is not owned by the club and instead owned by the city of Paris.
      But this has led to conflict with PSG wanting to buy their stadium, which they have pumped money into renovating since their 2011 takeover but they claim is still in need of renovation.
      But Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has publicly rejected any approach for the stadium, sparking a war of words and speculation that PSG could be on the move.
      Quoted by ESPN, Hidalgo reportedly told the Le Parisien newspaper: “We have a very clear position. The Parc des Princes is not for sale, and it will not be sold.
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      “This is a firm and definitive position. It is an exceptional heritage for Parisians.”
      PSG made their feelings clear in a statement responding to the mayor.
      A club spokesperson said: “It is surprising and disappointing to hear that the mayor of Paris is taking a position which, effectively, will force PSG, our fans and communities away from the Parc des Princes while also, quite remarkably, adding tens of millions of Euros to the taxpayer burden to maintain the structure of the building, which is now 50 years old and in need of renovation.”
      The club are reportedly reluctant to invest further in a stadium they don’t own, and they suggested they will now need to look elsewhere.
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      The spokesperson added: “It is regrettable that the Mayor is now suddenly foreclosing – definitively – the sale discussions we’ve been having for a long time, with the club now sadly forced to advance alternative options for our home, which is not the outcome the club or our fans were hoping for.”
      PSG are one of the world’s richest clubs and funding for a new ground is not expected to be a problem for the Qatari ownership.
      PSG have spent the last decade dominating French football at the Parc de Princes and have won eight of the last 10 league titles.
      If they were to win Ligue 1 again this year, it would pull the club one clear of Marseille and Saint-Etienne in terms of overall titles. All three clubs currently have 10 championships to their name. More

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      Lionel Messi’s dad ‘in Riyadh’ for talks with Al-Hilal over stunning £245m-a-year transfer to eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo

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      SAUDI ARABIAN club’s interest in Lionel Messi may not all be smoke and mirrors after reports emerged suggesting the World Cup winner’s father was in the country. It was reported that Al-Halil want to bring Messi to the Middle East following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Lionel Messi’s father is said to be in Saudi Arabia after reports of a mega-money contract offerCredit: Getty
      Messi won the World Cup the last time he was in the Middle EastCredit: Reuters
      A move to the country would see him reignite his rivalry with RonaldoCredit: PA
      Local media have reported that the Argentine’s Dad, Jorge, was spotted in the country’s capital of Riyadh, though outlet The New Arab could not verify this.
      Regardless, the financial power in the region has already been confirmed, after Al Nassr completed the signing of Ronaldo in a record-breaking deal worth £173million a year.
      However, Al Halil – Al Nassr’s rivals – are said to have offered a deal worth EVEN MORE to Messi.
      Al Hilal currently sit third in the Saudi Pro League, three points behind table toppers Al Nassr, with the pair making up the “Riyadh derby.”
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      Indeed, the report indicates Messi would earn a staggering £245m a year, £70m more than ex-Manchester United star Ronaldo.
      Messi’s contract at current club Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season.
      But a verbal agreement is said to have been reached between the two parties over an extension.
      Messi enjoyed himself the last time he was in the Middle East, as he won the World Cup in neighbouring Qatar.
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      And following a break to celebrate his win, Messi scored with a trademark finish on his return to PSG.
      Fresh reports have emerged which alledge former Barcelona board members exchanged abusive messages about Messi.
      The Argentine was labelled a “sewer rat” and “hormonal dwarf” by Barca’s former legal chief Roman Gomez Ponti in a scathing attack.
      In the meantime, Messi has also earned a spot in Fifa’s “The Best” award as one of 14 nominees, though Ronaldo has been snubbed for this. More

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      Wolves in talks over Pablo Sarabia transfer with PSG star only having 18 months left on contract

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      WOLVES are in talks to sign Pablo Sarabia from Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.The Molineux club are keen to strengthen their ranks, having endured a poor first half of the campaign.
      Pablo Sarabia has made 98 appearances for Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty
      Former boss Bruno Lage was sacked in early October, with Steve Davis subsequently taking charge of eight matches as caretaker.
      After weeks of trying Wolves finally got their man, as they appointed Lopetegui just prior to the World Cup.
      And the former Spain and Real Madrid coach is already using his vast network of contacts and experience to attract fresh talent to Wolves.
      According to The Athletic, Lopetegui’s side have entered negotiations to sign Sarabia this month.
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      It’s not yet known whether they are hunting a permanent deal, or merely a loan with possible obligation to buy.
      Sarabia, 30, has just 18 months remaining on his contract at Parc des Princes.
      Therefore, PSG are not expected to demand a large fee.
      Lopetegui, 56, picked Sarabia as his captain as he coached Spain to Under-19 Euros glory in 2011.
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      He was also at the helm of Sevilla when Sarabia was granted his move to PSG in 2019.
      Winger Sarabia has gone on to make 98 appearances for the French giants, scoring 22 times and laying on 12 assists.
      Following the arrival of Lionel Messi in the summer of 2021, however, he was deemed surplus to requirements, being loaned to Sporting Lisbon.
      Following 21 goals and silverware with the Portuguese side he returned to the fold at PSG this season, making 19 appearances under Christophe Galtier.
      But he could quit for more regular playing time at Molineux.
      Lopetegui has quickly moved to bolster his front line, signing Matheus Cunha on loan from Atletico Madrid on Christmas Day.
      And his side are also claimed to be in talks with Nice to sign former Southampton and Fulham midfielder Mario Lemina.
      Julen Lopetegui is keen to further bolster his Wolves squadCredit: Getty More

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      Southampton launch Jeremy Doku transfer bid as talks begin with Rennes over signing 20-year-old Belgian winger

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      SOUTHAMPTON will reportedly launch a bid for winger Jeremy Doku as they bid to fight their way out of relegation. The highly-rated winger is currently at Rennes after a £23m move in 2020.
      Doku came from Anderlecht’s academy and emerged a major young talentCredit: AFP
      While injuries have hampered his progress in France, Doku has demonstrated flashes of quality and goal-threat.
      Foot Mercato report that the Saints are bidding to bring him to St Mary’s to give their struggling side a boost.
      The Premier League side are believed to be enquiring about his availability.
      Southampton will be hoping he can bring some additional sharpness to their goal-shy forward line.
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      But the report adds that Rennes will be unwilling to let him go easily.
      Doku scored his first goal for more than a year in the French Cup over the weekend as Rennes won 2-1 away at 10-man Bordeaux.
      But he is yet to register a goal or assist in the league in 10 appearances this season.
      Despite his misfiring, Rennes are enjoying another solid season in Ligue 1.
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      They are currently fourth, two points behind Marseille who occupy the final Champions League spot.
      While they aim for Europe, Southampton are toiling in the Premier League.
      The south-coast sit bottom of their league, three points away from safety, having lost their last six games in the division.
      Nathan Jones was brought in to replace Ralph Hassenhuttl in November but has failed to turn things around, losing all four of his league games.
      But a surprise FA Cup win at Crystal Palace will provide hope to fans that a great escape is still possible.
      Southampton have already been busy in the window and have reportedly signed Argentine midfielder Carlos Alcaraz. More

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      Nice SACK boss Lucien Favre after French side featuring host of ex-Prem stars lose to third tier Le Puy-en-Velay in cup

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      MANAGER Lucien Favre has been sacked by Ligue 1 club Nice following defeat to third-tier Le Puy-en-Velay in the Coupe de France.Nice, and its host of former Premier League stars, were beaten after Mohamed Ben Fredj’s 3rd-minute goal proved to be enough for the French minnows to claim victory.
      Nice have sacked manager Lucien FavreCredit: AFP
      Former Everton and Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley is one of many ex-Premier League players at NiceCredit: Reuters
      Like Barkley, Aaron Ramsey also joined Nice on a free transferCredit: Getty
      Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe joined Nice on loan last summerCredit: AFP
      Leicester City’s Premier League-winning goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel also made the switchCredit: Reuters
      The Ligue 1 side announced the decision to part ways with the Swiss manager along with the statement: “Lucien Favre is no longer OGC Nice manager, as his time in charge of the first team comes to an end.
      “As the two parties now go their separate ways, everyone at the club would like to show him the utmost respect.”
      Favre leaves the club 11th in the table, having only managed to pick up five wins in their 17 games in the league this season.
      The job will be taken over in the short term by Didier Digard, and he will have to find the best way to use the former Premier League players in the best way possible.
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      Last summer, Nice signed Aaron Ramsey, Ross Barkley, Kasper Schmeichel, Nicolas Pepe, Joe Bryan and Mads Bech Sorensen.
      They added to the two pre-existing English top-flight players in former Southampton midfielders Mario Lemina and Morgan Schneiderlin.
      Nice’s owner is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is worth a staggering £15 billion.
      He has also been interested in buying Premier League giants Manchester United, which was put for sale in November last year.
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      Ratcliffe was a Red Devils fans in his childhood and would be up for becoming involved in the club.
      At the time, a spokesperson said: “If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.
      “If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.
      “This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent. Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal and Man Utd star Alexis Sanchez shows off new look after growing moustache – and fans love it

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      FOOTBALL fans are LOVING Alexis Sanchez’s new facial hair after the Chilean debuted his moustache over the weekend.The former Arsenal and Manchester United forward, 34, left Inter Milan to join Marseille over the summer.
      Alexis Sanchez showed off his new moustache in Marseille’s game on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      English football fans will know him with a clean-shaven lookCredit: PA:Press Association
      But now he is rocking a rather questionable tash while playing in France
      He scored an audacious Panenka penalty on Saturday to give the French side the lead in a 2-0 victory over Hyeres in the Coupe de France.
      Yet despite the delightful spot kick, it was Sanchez’s tash that caught the attention of those on social media.
      Journalist Tom Williams shared the image of the former Barcelona man and added: “Just come across this photo of Alexis Sanchez scoring a Panenka for Marseille yesterday and this might be the best Panenka face I’ve ever seen.
      “The concentration, the moustache, the faint air of disdain.
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      “Looks like he’s playing quoits in an English country garden c. 1921.”
      And fans responded in their droves as they poked fun at the Chilean’s new facial hair.

      One person said: “This makes it look like he’s about to enter the ring in one of those massive outdoor boxing fights from back in the day, superb.”
      Another added: “Haha, genuinely looks like it could have been the winning goal in the 1930 World Cup final.”
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      A third said: “More like a French detective vibe. Detective Laurent Bonjour.”
      And a fourth added: “When you have a match at 4pm but gotta attend a mafia meeting at 7.”
      Sanchez enjoyed a sensational four years at Arsenal, contributing 80 goals and 45 assists in 166 appearances.
      He then joined Man Utd as his career took a downward turn, managing just five goals and nine assists in 45 games.
      Three years at Inter Milan followed in which he helped them win their first Serie A title in more than a decade.
      Then in August, he joined Marseille on a two-year deal after his Inter contract was terminated.
      And he has scored eight goals in 20 matches for the Ligue 1 side so far this season, with the club currently sitting third in the table.
      Sanchez has also enjoyed a sensational 16-year career at international level with Chile, netting 50 goals in 152 games.
      He is his country’s all-time top scorer. More

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      Modeste M’Bami dead aged 40: Ex-PSG and Cameroon star dies of heart attack with Fifa chief Infantino leading tributes

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      FORMER Paris Saint-Germain and Cameroon star Modeste M’Bami has tragically passed away from a heart attack, aged 40.The midfielder was capped 39 times by his country between 2000 and 2009.
      Modeste M’Bami spent three years with PSGCredit: Getty
      M’bami, left, also featured for Marseille for three seasonsCredit: Getty
      And he claimed a gold medal with Cameroon at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
      He won the Coupe de France on two occasions with PSG before joining Marseille in 2006.
      M’Bami then had trials at Premier League clubs in 2009 but ultimately ended up joining Almeria in Spain.
      He went on to play in China, Saudi Arabia and Colombia, before returning to France to finish his career at Le Havre.
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      He hung up his boots in 2016.
      PSG paid tribute to their former player on Sunday morning, with an emotional club statement reading: “Paris Saint-Germain is in mourning.
      “Modeste M’Bami has passed away at the age of 40 after suffering a heart attack.
      “Paris Saint-Germain offers heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
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      Ex-Marseille team-mate Toifilou Maoulida gave an emotional tribute, tweeting: “I just heard the sad news 😢😔.
      “He was more than a teammate, a wonderful friend always smiling… All my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones 🖤
      “Rest in peace Modeste M’Bami 🙏🏽🕊️🕯️.”
      And Fifa president Gianni Infantino also offered his condolences following M’Bami’s passing.
      Sharing a photo of the former player on Instagram, he added: “Such sad news. RIP Modeste M’Bami.”
      Another of M’Bami’s former clubs, Saudi side Ittihad, also posted a message on social media which read: “Farewell Modeste M’bami. You were a great football player.”
      He won the Coupe de France on two occasions with PSGCredit: AFP More