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      Lionel Messi, 37, ‘to sign new Inter Miami contract’ which would see Argentina legend lead MLS side in their new stadium

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      LIONEL MESSI is on the cusp of signing a bumper new contract with Inter Miami.The Argentine legend joined the MLS side in 2023 and has since become the face of the league Stateside. Lionel Messi is closing in on a new deal with Inter MiamiCredit: AFPThe forward’s current contract runs out at the end of this yearCredit: GettyInter Miami are due to move into their new £1bn home in 2026Credit: Instagram @intermiamicfMessi, 37, joined as a free agent on a deal that expires at the end of this year. But reports suggest the World Cup winner could be about to extend his stay in the Sunshine State.The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims Messi and Miami are “close to agreement” on a new contract.It would see Messi commit his future to the MLS club, who won the Leagues Cup in 2024 and the Supporters Shield last season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMiami managing owner Jorge Mas has handled the negotiations.He told FDP Radio Miami: “The stars are aligning for something great, for a beautiful future for the club and for Lionel. It’s solely his decision.“I expect that within 60-90 days we’ll have to determine all of this. “My hope has always been – and everything we’re doing – is to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully, that happens.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFounded by David Beckham, the club are preparing to move to the $1billion Miami Freedom Park stadium from the 2026 season. The new 25,000-seat complex is part of a wider 131-acre development.Lionel Messi has sent fans into a frenzy by launching a treasure hunt as superstar footballer launches new drinkMessi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has scored 42 goals in 48 games since joining Miami.He has been credited with helping bring the MLS to new audiences.And he will lead the team at the revamped Club World Cup this summer.Miami have been drawn alongside Brazil’s Palmeiras, Portugal’s Porto and Egypt’s Al-Ahly in Group A. More

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      Lionel Messi and ex-Man Utd flop could BLOCK Kevin De Bruyne from joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami

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      INTER MIAMI will move for Kevin De Bruyne when he leaves Manchester City in the summer.But a deal to MLS could be scuppered by ex-United winger Angel Di Maria – and Lionel Messi.Inter Miami are targeting a move for Kevin De BruyneCredit: GettyStar man Lionel Messi wants David Beckham and Co to sign a different playerCredit: GettyMessi wants the club to go for Angel Di Maria insteadCredit: GettyDavid Beckham’s club want a superstar signing and are interested in talking to free agent KDB, 33.But Messi will try to persuade the owners to sign his Argentina team-mate winger Di Maria, 37, from Benfica.Di Maria, who endured one awful season as a Manchester United player, will become a free agent in the summer.Miami may only be able to afford one of them during the next window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club already have Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez on their books.Belgian midfielder KDB has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and USA.De Bruyne confirmed his exit from Man City last Friday with a heartfelt statement.It read: “Dear Manchester. Seeing this, you’ll probably realise where this is heading.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I’ll get straight to it and let you know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.”Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures “That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you – and to this city.”Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city, this club, these people… gave me EVERYTHING.”I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won EVERYTHING.”Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri Rome, Mason, Michele and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family.”Manchester will forever be home on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.”We cannot thank the city, club staff, team-mates, friends and family enough for this ten-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.”Pep Guardiola revealed that he and the club made the decision not to renew the midfielder’s contract. More

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      Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela stuns in backless dress at David Beckham’s birthday party leaving Victoria in awe

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      ANTONELA ROCCUZZO threatened to steal the show at David Beckham’s 50th birthday party.Beckham invited 100 guests to a special black-tie event at exclusive Italian restaurant Cipriani in Miami, a month before his actual birthday.Antonela Roccuzzo stunned in a green dress at David Beckham’s birthday partyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/She was invited alongside husband Lionel MessiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/Antonela left Victoria Beckham stunned at the lookCredit: https://www.instagram.com/antonelaroccuzzo/David Beckham brought 100 guests to an exclusive black-tie event to celebrate his 50th birthdayCredit: instagramInter Miami – the Major League Soccer franchise owned by Beckham – players, including talisman Lionel Messi, were among the special guests present at the party.Messi was accompanied to the event by his glamorous wife Antonela, who wore a stunning backless emerald green dress for the occasion.Antonela, 37, shared pictures of her dress to Instagram.She was seen sharing the photo lens alongside hubby Messi, who was looking dapper himself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi’s childhood sweetheart captioned her post with a green heart emoji.Beckham’s model wife, Victoria, was among those to gush over the look.Victoria said in the comments: “Love this dress on you x kisses x.”Brazilian singer and songwriter, Giulia, said: “Hermosa,” followed by a heart emoji.Most read in FootballLuis Suarez’s wife, Sofia Balbi, wrote: “Tremendo,” alongside two fire emojis.One fan said: “Obsessed.”Prince William picks Messi vs Ronaldo winner and gives David Beckham a huge boost | Big Shot BattleAnother added: “The Greatest Couple.”Antonela started a relationship with Messi in 2009 and married in 2017. They have three sons together.On the party, Beckham wrote on Instagram: “So I thought I’d start celebrating slightly early, such a special night in Miami.”So lucky to have amazing friends and family to start the 50th celebrations with. Love you.”All of the Beckhams were in attendance aside from eldest son Brooklyn, who was said to be tied up in work commitments in Los Angeles.Messi was joined at the party by Inter-Miami team-mates Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.Other big names in attendance included basketball great Shaquille O’Neal, NFL legend Tom Brady, filmmaker Justin Theroux and actress Cindy Crawford.What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has. More

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      I played against England at World Cup then became David Beckham’s team-mate – now I want to be a Premier League referee

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL never made it to the Premier League as a player – but is eager to get there in retirement.The former LA Galaxy midfielder played alongside David Beckham during his MLS days. Former Port Vale and LA Galaxy midfielder Chris Birchall is training to become a refCredit: Paul TongeThe midfielder played alongside England legend David Beckham in LACredit: GettyBirchall also faced England in the 2006 World Cup for Trinidad and TobagoCredit: GettyAnd now he is retraining as a referee, all thanks to a special PGMOL initiative for former pros.Birchall is part of the ‘Player to Match Official’ programme, a joint venture between the PGMOL and the Players Association. The scheme aims to fast-track ex-players into officiating over a three-year period.Birchall, who played most of his club football for Port Vale, hung up his boots in 2017. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow 40, he believes the scheme is vital to bring through the next generation of referees. Birchall told Sky Sports: “If you were a professional who finished at 32, 33, there wouldn’t be an opportunity because you’d be 45 before you had the chance.”This is why this programme is so exciting because it opens doors to ex-players to come through into the game and use their experience to not be better referees.”But to try and be as good as they individually can, because there are some exceptional referees coming through who haven’t played the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”A lot of people say this is what the game’s been crying out for, but you don’t want to be the person to say ‘ex-players are going to become better refs’. “It’s just another string to the bow of officiating.”Former LA Galaxy star Birchall goes from playing with Beckham to being a refereeEx-pros including Coventry winger Carl Baker and Milwall midfielder Liam Trotter are also enrolled in the course. And Birchall has big ambitions – with a spot in the Premier League within his sights.He continued: “Sometimes, someone will ask you a question like, ‘Where do you want to be in three years?’ “I want to be in the Premier League. I don’t want to come across as arrogant, but the opportunity is there to be in the Premier League. “So, my goal within that three to four years is to be officiating in the Premier League.”What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.Birchall spent much of his early career in England’s lower leagues, playing for Vale, Coventry and Brighton.His world was turned upside down in 2009 when he joined the Galaxy in Los Angeles, replacing Beckham on his debut.Speaking to SunSport last year, Birchall said: “David was great with me.”Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. “He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.”There was banter between us as English guys. “He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’”Before playing with David Beckham, Birchall played against him on the biggest stage of all.Though born in Stafford, he was called up by Trinidad and Tobago by virtue of his mum being born in the country’s capital Port of Spain.Playing with Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke, Birchall would score one of the most famous goals in the country’s history as he scored a long range equaliser in a home play-off against Bahrain.The Soca Warriors would then win 1-0 in the Middle East to earn a spot at the 2006 World Cup.And there, while playing club football for Port Vale, he took on Becks and England’s Golden Generation.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere, the Caribbean Islanders stubbornly held the Three Lions to a goalless stalemate until the 83rd minute where Peter Crouch netted a controversial opening goal.The England striker was seen pulling on defender Brent Sancho’s dreadlocks to head home before Steven Gerrard netted a second in stoppage time. More

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      ‘I talked to the agent’ – MLS club confirm Kevin De Bruyne talks with Man City icon set to leave on free transfer

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE has spoken to San Diego as he weighs up his future.The Manchester City captain, 33, is out of contract in the summer and unlikely to agree new terms with the eight-time Premier League champions.Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract at Man City in three monthsCredit: RexDe Bruyne has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia but is thought to prefer a move to Major League Soccer.San Diego, the newest MLS club, still have a designated player slot available.While talks have been held with De Bruyne and his representative, San Diego insist nothing is imminent.That’s because they reckon the Belgian international’s wage demands would be too much for their budget.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTyler Heaps, San Diego’s sporting director, said: “Those rumours, I don’t know where they come from. I talked to the agent.“The agent has many players, obviously.”Every time I see it, I say, ‘Are you the one that is saying all this stuff?’“He’s a fantastic footballer and he loves this area.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“He goes on holidays here every single year, but I’m not sure where that rumour keeps coming from.“I’ve had conversations with him, but I’ll tell you what, those wages won’t fit our budget at the moment in terms of what his expectations are.”New £34m Man City star Abdukodir Khusanov looks emotional as he’s gifted £135k Mercedes on return to Uzbekistan San Diego are MLS’ latest club, having played their first ever game in February.They are yet to lose a game and sit second in the MLS Western Conference. More

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      ‘Just gotta make this clear’ – Wilfried Zaha demands fans stop calling him a ‘streets will never forget baller’

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      WILFRIED ZAHA has demanded that fans stop calling him a “streets will never forget baller.”The former Crystal Palace star took to social media with a strongly-worded post making his feelings clear on the statement.Former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has made a demand to fansCredit: GettyZaha, 32, played 458 times for the Eagles across two spells.He even had a brief stint at Manchester United in 2013 and has also turned out for Cardiff, Galatasaray and Lyon.Zaha is now plying his trade in the MLS with Charlotte FC.But most football fans remember him for his time in the Premier League with Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has earned Zaha the tag of a “baller” who the “streets will never forget.”The phrase is a well-meaning one usually dished out to top footballers who, for one reason or another, never managed to establish themselves at a perceived ‘top’ club.However, Zaha has demanded he is no longer put in that category after lashing out on social media.He said: “Just gotta make this clear… just because you haven’t been fortunate to play for top clubs doesn’t mean you’re not a top player.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets“So please, I’m just a baller and will always be… So don’t put me in ‘streets will never forget baller’.“I may not have won much in football but that doesn’t define my talent and real ballers know ballers (are) not the badge you wear.”Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redZaha made his feelings clear about being called ‘streets will never forget baller’Zaha is now looking to make his way in America with Charlotte FC.And after being named Man of the Match on his debut last month, he was gifted a crown and throne by supporters.Reflecting on his move to the States, Zaha said: “It doesn’t stop my journey. I’ve left Palace and I left Palace in a good way. I’ve played for a childhood club, I’ve left there with a mural.”All I can do is just keep my head down and just keep on working. I was in Turkey, it didn’t work out with Gala.“It didn’t work out with Lyon. It doesn’t stop me. I’m still thinking I’m still the player that I am and if I get the opportunity, I’m going to show it every time.“I have come in here to score goals and try to win stuff. I set myself incredibly high standards.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So when I do speak, people will actually listen because I show you an example by what I do.”Going into the season, I want to try to score as many goals as I can. That’s what I mean by my own history here.” More

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      ‘Sorry for working you so hard today’ – MotoGP rider apologises to Lionel Messi after spotting him in his pit crew

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      A MOTOGP star has apologised to Lionel Messi after spotting him in his pit crew.Moto3 rider Valentin Perrone, 17, was pictured in the pit with a mechanic who was focused on his job.Valentin Perrone joked that his mechanic has a striking likeness to Lionel MessiThe mechanic had a remarkable resemblance to the footballerCredit: ReutersThe mechanic had a striking resemblance to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.The likeness was picked up on by the Argentine racer as he posted on Instagram account.He shared a snap of the two of them and made a quip about the 2022 World Cup winner.The Red Bull KTM Tech3 joked: “Sorry Leo Messi for making you work so hard.”READ MORE ON SPORTThe picture has been shared on social media and fans can also see the resemblance between the mechanic and Messi.One posted: “Valentin Perrone’s mechanic looks more like Messi than Messi himself.”A second wrote: “God is identical.”A third commented: “He is so identical it is crazy.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fourth said: “Perrone has him working for Leo Messi.”Another added: “Messi is on Perrone’s bench.”BREAKING- MotoGP star rushed to hospital by air ambulance after terrifying crash with rival as 120mph collision is investigatedJose Antonio Rueda was the winner of the raceCredit: EPARace results – Top 10Here is a look at the top 10…Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo)Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), +7.276Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), +7.341Stefano Nepa (SIC58 Squadra Corse), +7.590Matteo Bertelle (LEVELUP-MTA), +10.242Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), +11.644David Almansa (Leopard Racing), +12.068Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team), +13.138Joel Esteban (Red Bull KTM Tech3), +21.956Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), +22.031Perrone retired from the race in Buri Ram, Thailand, which Jose Antonio Rueda eventually won at the Chang International Circuit.He was mostly unchallenged during the race as he rode into first place under the chequered flag 7.276s ahead of anyone else.Meanwhile, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is enjoying his twilight years in the MLS.Messi, 37, signed for Inter Miami in 2023 and has been one of the top performers in the league.He has scored 36 goals and assisted 20 more in just 42 appearances for the club.However, he was an absentee from Miami’s clash against the Houston Dynamo.This led to a bizarre moment as the Dynamo apologised to their fans who would miss out on the chance of seeing the star play against their team.Messi has been fined by the MLS after he violated a little-known rule along with Luis Suarez.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey were both hit with an undisclosed fine for their actions during a 2-2 draw with New York City FC on Saturday.The duo were punished after they grabbed the back of the neck of a coach and player during the evening action.Messi is enjoying his time at Inter MiamiCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘No place in our sport’ – San Diego announcer threatens to SUSPEND historic MLS game over disgusting homophobic chants

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      SAN DIEGO’s first ever MLS match almost ended in disgrace as the announcer threatened to SUSPEND the game over homophobic chantsThe California-based side took on St. Louis City FC in its inaugural league match on Saturday.Homophobic chants were heard from the San Diego FC fans against St. Louis FCCredit: GettyThe chants were made whenever Roman Burki took a goal kickCredit: GettyThe word ‘puto’ could be heard whenever a goal kick would happenCredit: GettyA message was displayed to fans in the Snapdragon StadiumCredit: X @SanDiego_FutbolThe clash ended in a goalless draw as the drama occurred off the pitch.Chants of “puto” could be heard coming from the home support when other Roman Burki, 34, took a goalkick.The word is a slur for male prostitute and in Mexican Spanish translates to “f*****”.It is often used in a way to criticise a person’s masculinity. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Times of San Diego claimed that the announcer at the Snapdragon Stadium addressed fans over the PA system.They warned that the match would be suspended if the homophobic chants continued.The club also displayed a message on the big screen in the stadium, requesting fans to stop.It read: “Discrimination has no place in our sport and in our stadiums and will not be tolerated.Most read in Football”The fan chant that was just used is offensive and we ask that fans do not continue to use this chant. Thank you.”The usage of the slur has occurred during Mexico international fixtures.Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures San Diego FC head coach Mikey Varas slammed the chants post-matchCredit: AlamyIt was San Diego’s first ever match in the MLSCredit: ReutersThe game ended in a 0-0 drawCredit: GettyThe match against Brazil in June 2024 was halted in the 59th minute as a severe warning was displayed to the crowd.Speaking after the match, San Diego FC coach Mikey Varas hit out at the chants and labelled them as “unacceptable”.He said: “The chant that was heard tonight is unacceptable”It’s outside of our value system. “It doesn’t represent the players, myself or the club, and it certainly doesn’t represent San Diego or Baja California.”It’s not a reflection of who we are.”We’re a community full of love, of support, and we believe in the power of diversity.”Veras did insist that the chant did not come from the club’s main supporter group, La Frontera.He added: “This came from more the general population in the seats, and it wasn’t everybody.”I understand that, but it was enough people, and I just want to make very clear that it has no place here.”If they’re going to continue to come to the game and make that chant, it’s better that they don’t come here.”Sporting director Tyler Heaps also hit out at the usage of the slur and promised that it would not continue.He said: “It’s totally against our values as a club, but also who we are as people,’ Heaps said about the chants at San Diego FC’s first ever MLS home game. “One of our core values is to be a good person, and I think that´s what we’ll continue to stand behind.”It´s totally unacceptable, and obviously us as a club, we’ll make sure it does not continue into the future.”The one-word slur is usually made when a goalkeeper is taking a goalkick.Burki joined St. Louis City back in 2022 after a seven-year spell at Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.During his time in Germany he won the DFL-Pokal twice and the DFL-Supercup.Since moving to the USA, he won the Western Conference regular season in 2023.San Diego has added some familiar names to the squad ahead of its entrance to the MLS.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis includes former Napoli star Hirving Lozano, Manchester United prospect Paddy McNair and Nottingham Forest winger Alex Mighten. Back in September 2024, McNair insisted his move to the States was not for a holiday as hopes for a “good experience”.Mexican attacker Hirving Lozano is one of the stars of San Diego FCCredit: APFormer Manchester United youngster Paddy McNair is also at the clubCredit: Getty More