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    Kevin De Bruyne tipped for stunning MLS transfer by former Belgium team-mate as Man City ace’s contract runs down

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    KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been tipped for a transfer to the MLS by a former team-mate.The Manchester City midfielder’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season.Kevin De Bruyne has been tipped for a move to the MLS by Christian BentekeCredit: RexBenteke believes his former team-mate would be a good fit for two clubsCredit: AFPCity have yet to extend his deal after putting off talks during his lengthy injury lay-off.De Bruyne missed four months earlier this season with a hamstring injury.He has now been tipped to join either LAFC or LA Galaxy once he leaves the Etihad Stadium.His former Belgium and Genk team-mate Christian Benteke believes De Bruyne would be a good fit for the MLS.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBenteke told the MLS’ Extratime show: “He’s 32 and he’s been around in Europe for many, many years.”I can see him at a team in LA.”De Bruyne has continued to impress since returning from injury for City.The 32-year-old has scored five goals and provided 14 assists in 19 appearances this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Phil Foden has emerged as his creative successor in the City midfield after amassing 14 goals and seven assists in the league.De Bruyne previously played with Benteke for both Belgium and Genk earlier in his career.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanThe striker also spent a decade in England with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace before joining MLS side DC United in 2022.He has since scored 21 goals in 44 league appearances in the USA and has praised the standard of the competition.Speaking about the MLS in general, he added: “I would describe the league as physical and technical.Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
    Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
    And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
    Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
    He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
    “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
    Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
    “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
    Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

    “It’s a mix of both because people think, ‘Oh yeah, MLS is easy. They don’t really care about football or soccer.'”Until you play the game, you understand that you will enjoy yourself. But you better be ready, you better respect the league because it’s not that easy.” More

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      Shock moment Lionel Messi’s bodyguard charges ‘faster than Mbappe’ on to pitch in the middle of Inter Miami clash

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      LIONEL MESSI’S bodyguard left fans stunned after storming onto the field to protect the Argentine from a pitch invader.The Barcelona legend, 36, scored Inter Miami’s second goal in a 3-2 win over Sporting KC in the MLS on Saturday.A pitch invader was swiftly spotted by Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine ChuekoCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe invader managed to hug Messi while wearing a replica Inter Miami shirtCredit: AFPBut Chueko swiftly diffused the situation after furiously storming across the pitchCredit: ReutersBut it was a moment in the first minute of stoppage time that went viral on social media.With the ball over the other side of the pitch, Messi was minding his own business when a fan ran on to have a moment with the iconic footballer.The supporter, wearing a “Messi 10” Inter Miami shirt, managed to hug the South American for a couple of seconds.But he was then swiftly tackled by the Argentina captain’s bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, after he sprinted onto the pitch at lightning speed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt took him less than five seconds to run across two-thirds of the width of the field and diffuse the situation.And fans were quick to comment on the pace of the bodyguard.One said: “Give that man a contract 😂🤣.”Another added: “This man assists Messi more on the pitch than any player during his 2 years at PSG.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third replied: “Draft him in the NFL 😭😂😂.”A fourth responded: “Faster than Mbappe, could honestly see him playing professional football 😭.”‘Messi doesn’t know who this guy is’ fans joke as Inter Miami star meets Patrick Mahomes ahead of MLS clashAnd a fifth said: “I’ve seen enough, put him in the XI 😭😭😭.”Meet the bodyguardChueko is a former soldier of the United States Army and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Navy Seal, according to La Nacion.He was recommended to be Messi’s bodyguard by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.However, he is not the only one with the responsibility to keep the footballer safe.There is reportedly a team of 50 members, led by Chueko, that work around the clock to ensure Messi is kept safe in Miami.During matches, his responsibilities include patrolling the perimeter of the pitch and monitoring Messi’s every movement.READ MORE SUN STORIESInter Miami sit top of the Eastern Conference with four wins, three draws and two defeats from their opening nine games.Messi has scored four goals in five games so far this season, taking his tally since arriving in the US to 18 in 22 matches. More

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      Lionel Messi fan invades pitch during Inter Miami game as security snatch them away in chaotic MLS scenes

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      SOCCER legend Lionel Messi returned from injury on Saturday and was greeted with a bizarre moment when a young fan ran onto the field for a photo. Messi was back on the pitch for the first time since March 13 for Inter Miami’s match against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday when an overzealous fan dashed towards the international icon.Lionel Messi was surprised by a fan running onto the field during the matchCredit: AP:Associated PressThe fan ran onto the field to get a photo with MessiCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe moment occurred late in the game, with the score tied at 2-2.It’s unclear how the fan made it onto the field, but she was able to run up and approach Messi for a selfie.She got close enough to put her around the soccer star and held her smartphone out to take a photo of the two. The incident was quickly handled with a wave of security intervening and removing the fan from the field.Messi’s security guard and ex-US Navy seal, Yassine Chueko, also assisted in removing the girl. MLS fans swarmed social media with reactions to the fan “risking it” for a photo.”She risked it all but got rewarded lol,” this fan said.Another fan said, “It’s Messi, at the end of the day. That moment will stay with her forever.”Most read in Football”Ahhh people are so lucky,” a third expressedThe eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been out and stepped on the field first time after missing over two weeks with a hamstring injury. His impact was felt instantly as he came off the bench and scored a goal, helping the team force a draw.Messi joined the MLS in July of 2023 after a decorated international career.Football Food Tour: Behind the Scenes of Hospitality at Inter Miami, with incredible foodHowever, since joining, he has had several run-ins with fans invading the pitch. In July 2023, a fan was detained by security after attempting to run onto the field at DRV PNK Stadium to reach Messi after he was subbed off against Atlanta United.Last September, Messi’s bodyguard was in the headlines for taking down a fan.In the middle of the match, a fan donning a Messi Barcelona jersey ran onto the field until he was pulled away.Another incident happened in October when a young fan was seen sprinting onto the field.READ MORE SUN STORIESOnce again, Chueko stopped the kid, but this time, he allowed him to walk up to Messi, who then passed with the kid for a photo and signed his shirt.Messi is currently at Inter Miami, and his contract expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season – but that deal includes an extension option for 2026.The young fan was hyped after she got the photoCredit: APMessi scored in the gameCredit: Reuters More

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      Lionel Messi could become co-owner of Inter Miami with David Beckham thanks to clause LA Galaxy used on Becks

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      LIONEL MESSI could become a co-owner of Inter Miami alongside David Beckham – using a very familiar clause. Messi took his career to America last year after walking out on French champions PSG and snubbing a move to Saudi Arabia. Lionel Messi with Inter Miami co-owner David BeckhamCredit: instagramMessi is earning a huge amount in the USACredit: AFPThe man who convinced the Argentine icon to head Stateside was majority owner of Inter Miami, Jorge Mas, who also appointed Beckham club president. And part of Messi’s package was the option to take part ownership of the club without needing a buy-in exercised. Beckham had a similar clause when moved from Madrid to LA Galaxy in a high-profile transfer in 2007. Per his contract, it allowed him to purchase an MLS franchise for just $25m (£20m) when retiring – paving the way for the launch of Miami. READ MORE ON MESSIMessi’s option instead gives him direct ownership in just Miami. Mas has a net worth of £1.3BILLION having made his fortune in construction and engineering. And his funds have helped in signing Messi’s ex-Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Messi and his wife Antonela along with their three sons have enjoyed the luxury of living in the South of Florida where they stay in an £8.5m mansion. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Messi and his team-mates and close pals have all rubbed shoulders with boss Beckham and their other halves. In a revealing interview with Forbes, Beckham’s business partner Mas claimed Messi is earning a guaranteed sum of £40m-£50m per year. I’m an ex-Premier League star who plays with Lionel Messi – but I’m richer than him at just 23 despite his $650m fortuneBut the 2022 World Cup winner also has potential to bank even MORE through individual revenue sharing deals with Apple and Adidas. Last year – with only half-season – Miami more than doubled its revenue to £94m after Messi’s arrival. The club now expect that to soar past £160m in 2024 thanks to Messi-fueled ticket sales, ads and a massive global pre-season tour. Messi’s influence has also doubled subscriptions for MLS’s Apple TV streaming service, and teams hosting Miami profited from an increase in ticket sales. Forbes estimates that Miami are now the second-most valuable club in MLS at £1bn, with only Will Ferrell’s Los Angeles FC ahead of them. With success off the field, Messi is also inspiring Miami on it with five goals in as many matches to kick off the season. Messi & Co trail Cincinnati by just a point in the Eastern Conference. Messi’s stunning £8.5m mansionCredit: The Mega AgencyLionel Messi and wife Antonela with Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba in HollywoodCredit: Instagram / @sofiavergaraBeckham with Sergio Busquets and Messi alongside MasCredit: INSTAGRAM @davidbeckhamBeckham, Messi and Busquets take their Wags out for dinnerCredit: INSTAGRAM @davidbeckhamMessi with team-mates Suarez and AlbaCredit: Getty More

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      I could barely walk and spent 15 months unemployed after boyhood club released me – now I’m thriving at new team

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      FORMER NEWCASTLE whizzkid Matty Longstaff is thriving again after a nightmare 15 months of unemployment where he was barely able to walk.The midfielder had spent most of the last year-and-a-half cheering his brother Sean Longstaff on from the St James’ Park stands after suffering an injury nightmare.Matty Longstaff is now loving life playing for Toronto FC in the MLSCredit: GettyNow the 24-year-old is looking to get back to his best after starting a new life in Canada.However, while he cheered on his younger sibling, it could quite easily have been Matty being the one making headlines after his own dramatic breakthrough into the Newcastle first-team.He says he “lived his dream” playing for his hometown team after bursting on the scene in October 2019 with a debut man of the match display and the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.Matty was earning just £850-a-week and a host of big clubs were soon circling as they chased his signature with Italian sides Inter Milan and Udinese both keen.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnfortunately, things failed to pan out as expected when his development contract expired in 2020 after three goals in 15 appearances during his maiden campaign.He finally agreed to a two-year contract but a big drop in form and injuries restricted his progress.Matty failed to shine in loan spells at Scottish club Aberdeen and in League Two with Mansfield only for things to get worse.Last season he headed to the fourth tier again to try to reignite his career at Colchester United, but he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Boxing Day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Geordie was released by Newcastle in June when his deal expired but Eddie Howe did not turn his back on him and allowed him to use the training ground while undergoing his rehab.However, Matty was handed a career lifeline by fellow Geordie John Herdman after he impressed enough to earn a two-year contract at MLS side Toronto FC.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersLongstaff told ChronicleLive: “I had not played football for 15 months so you don’t know if you’re going to be good or you’re going to be rubbish.“I thought I may as well enjoy it. I might never get another chance.“It is the one you fear the most. I had two surgeries and so many questions run through your head.“One day you feel good; the next day you’re struggling to walk or your knee starts to crack a little bit when you try to walk down the stairs.“You go from having really positive days to negative ones so quickly. You have so many thoughts.”However, he now has four appearances for his new team under his belt and he appears to be loving life in Canada.He said: “You cherish the moments a little bit more knowing what you have gone through.“I look forward to waking up and coming to training every day. When you have days off, you’re a bit disappointed because you’re enjoying it so much.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When we start playing twice a week in a few months’ time, I might say something different! But I’ve absolutely loved it.“I’ve absolutely loved working with the manager and all his staff. There are such great people working in the building that hopefully we can do something special.”The Geordie burst on the scene with his boyhood team Newcastle before his injury hellCredit: Getty More

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      Neymar hangs out with David and Victoria Beckham sparking rumours of Inter Miami transfer

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      NEYMAR has been spotted with David and Victoria Beckham amid transfer rumours of the Brazil icon’s move to Inter Miami.The Al Hilal forward has caused quite a stir about a switch to the States as he has been appearing at a number of sporting events in Florida this week.Neymar has been spotted hanging out with David and Victoria BeckhamCredit: Instagram @neymarjrThe Brazil icon has been attending different sporting events in Miami this weekCredit: GettyNeymar was the guest of honour at the Miami Marlins gameCredit: GettyNeymar continues to recover from a torn ACL that has seen him sidelined for most of the current season.And that injury means the 32-year-old is set to miss the forthcoming Copa America with the tournament set to kick off in June.During his time off, Neymar was the guest of honour at the MLB game between the Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates.That came a day after he went out with David Beckham, the Inter Miami co-owner, and his wife Victoria as the ex-Barcelona star shared a snap on his Instagram story.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United legend Beckham even teased fans on social media by appearing to talk down a move, sharing the same picture, captioned: “Welcome to Miami my friend ( only for dinner ) @intermiamicf@neymarjr”Despite that, his presence in Miami has excited fans about a possible Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar (MSN) reunion at the MLS side.As one fan tweeted: “Neymar in Miami with Beckham… Are we getting an MSN reunion soon?Another added: “Wait for it soon Neymar will be playing for inter Miami.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third then put: “Yes, Neymar will join Inter Miami.”While he’s in town, Neymar may reunite with his former Barca team-mates Messi and Suarez who now play in Beckham’s Miami team.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveBack in Spain, the trio were key in the Catalan giants’ glory in the Champions League in 2015.Neymar then moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 where he was reunited with Messi from 2021 who spent two years in the French capital before the latter’s MLS move.Brazil’s all-time top scorer now plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, moving from Paris in 2023. While fans ponder if Neymar will move to Miami he currently has a contract with the Saudi league team until 2025.And given that Neymar is one of the biggest names in the league, he will most likely have an enormous price tag slapped on him if a club decides they want to sign him. More

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      Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Olivier Giroud agrees transfer to join new club aged 37

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      AC MILAN striker Olivier Giroud is set to join MLS side Los Angeles FC in a permanent transfer.The 37-year-old was first linked with the club back in October.Olivier Giroud is set to join LAFCCredit: AFPBut according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement has been reached.Giroud’s proposed contract will be valid until December 2025.The Frenchman is yet to officially sign, but his deal is close to being completed.Giroud has spent the last three years with AC Milan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo far this season he has scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.Prior to joining the Serie A giants he spent three years at Chelsea, where he won the Europa League, Champions League and FA Cup.But arguably his most memorable spell was with Arsenal.Giroud joined the Gunners in a £9.6million transfer from Montpellier in June 2012.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGiroud has impressed for AC Milan this seasonHe went on to make 253 appearances, scoring 105 goals and providing 41 assists.The striker won the coveted Puskas Award during his time in north London after scoring a sensational scorpion kick against Crystal Palace in 2017.Olivier Giroud goes IN GOAL for AC Milan and makes wonder save Giroud has also established himself as a France legend over the years.He became the country’s all-time top goalscorer at the 2022 World Cup after surpassing Thierry Henry’s record.However, in December he admitted that Euro 2024 could be his last major tournament.Giroud told TéléFoot: “I’m not planning beyond the short-term. The most important thing is to be fit and competitive, these Euros are an objective.”We nearly got it in 2016, and it is a trophy that I would love to win with France.”It will maybe, probably, be my last competition, but I can’t tell you what will happen after.”Seven ex-Prem stars now playing in MLS
      1 – Hugo Lloris, LAFC
      Lloris made an emotional exit from Tottenham in December having failed to secure a move away from North London last summer.
      He has since made five MLS appearances.
      2 – Luis Suarez, Inter Miami
      A Liverpool great, Suarez currently plays for David Beckham’s Inter Miami, alongside ex-Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
      The club is even managed by former Barca boss Tata Martino.
      3 – Xherdan Shaqiri, Chicago Fire
      Shaqiri joined Chicago Fire from Lyon back in 2022. He joined in a £5.6m transfer, becoming the club’s most expensive player.
      The midfielder has since made 67 appearances.
      4 – Christian Benteke, D.C. United
      The former Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace striker could be unplayable on his day in the Premier League, but also went through notorious dry spells in front of goal.
      Benteke joined DC United in 2022 when former England captain Wayne Rooney was in charge.
      5 – DeAndre Yedlin, Inter Miami
      The American international right-back has gone from lining-up behind Jeff Hendrick or Ayoze Perez at Steve Bruce’s Newcastle to sharing a flank with Messi in South Florida.
      Quite the rise for the full-back, who also played for Sunderland and, very briefly, Tottenham during his time in England.
      6 – Teemu Pukki, Minnesota United
      The Finnish striker has swapped Norfolk for the Twin Cities on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.
      Pukki joined Minnesota United in June last year after scoring 88 goals in more than 200 appearances for the Canaries in the Premier League and Championship.
      7 – Victor Wanyama, CF Montreal
      The Kenyan midfielder made his name in English football with Southampton and Tottenham before heading to MLS.
      Wanyama, who starred for Celtic before moving to the Premier League, now has more than 100 appearances for Canadian side CF Montreal. More

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      David Beckham’s outrageous profit from buying Inter Miami revealed as ‘one of the best sports business deals ever’

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      THE incredible profit David Beckham is making from Inter Miami has been revealed.Beckham, 48, transformed football in the United States when he signed for LA Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007.David Beckham has made huge profit via Inter MiamiCredit: ReutersThe club’s value was massively increased after the signing of Lionel MessiCredit: GettyAs part of the deal that saw him move to the MLS, he took a pay cut from a reported £16.6million down to £5.4m per year.However, the transfer saw him given the opportunity to start his own team when he retired that would be handed a place in the league for just £19.7m.The only rule was that he could not found his new club in New York.Beckham therefore opted to launch Inter Miami in 2018.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe popularity of the club is continuously growing with star man Lionel Messi helping the eyes of the football world turn to them.There has been “Messi mania” in the US and the overall value of the club is up 74 per cent from last year following the signing.The additions of ex-Barcelona stars Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez have also helped make the club a fortune.Sportico report that Inter Miami is worth around £803m in the current market.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe club have climbed up seven places in the MLS value richlist.Only Los Angeles FC and Atlanta United are worth more.David Beckham is BOOED by 40,000 angry fans who demand refund after Lionel Messi no-show And Inter Miami is reportedly worth £16m more than LA Galaxy.On the pitch, they finished 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference last season but managed to lift their first ever trophy via the League Cup.And Beckham’s men have started the 2024 campaign promisingly and they are joint-top after five matches. More

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      Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Olivier Giroud ‘in advanced talks to complete shock transfer to MLS giants’

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      OLIVIER GIROUD could be heading stateside.The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker is reportedly in advanced talks to complete a transfer to the MLS after three seasons with AC Milan.Olivier Giroud is reportedly in advance talks to head to the MLSCredit: GettyGiroud, who signed for Milan in 2021, is set to see his current contract with the Serie A outfit expire in the summer.And according to The Athletic, the 37-year-old is discussing a potential move to Los Angeles FC on the expiration of his deal.It is said that talks are “advanced” between the two parties, but no agreement is understood to be “imminent” despite the negotiations.Giroud reportedly has a number of options for his future should he fail to agree a deal with LAFC.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe French all-time top scorer could head to the Middle East to join the mass exodus of players heading to the Saudi Pro League or may even remain in Europe.Milan could yet be keen to renew Giroud’s contract with the target-man enjoying his best season yet with the Rossoneri.The Frenchman has scored 12 goals and registered eight assists in just 26 league appearances this term.LAFC have reportedly made their intentions clear by placing the World Cup winner on their ‘MLS Discovery List’, meaning they have priority over all other MLS clubs to sign Giroud.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe California outfit already have a number of high-profile stars in their ranks including former Tottenham shot-stopper Hugo Lloris.And they have cemented themselves as one of the best teams in the league after their MLS Cup success back in 2022.Olivier Giroud in hysterics as Carragher spectacularly fails to pronounce his name and Kate Abdo does it flawlessly More