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      Jamie Vardy snubbed lucrative transfer to reunite with former manager after Leicester won Premier League promotion

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      JAMIE VARDY was offered the chance to reunite with Dean Smith this summer.The Leicester legend, 37, scored 18 league goals last season as the Foxes secured promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.Club legend Jamie Vardy has now spent 12 years at LeicesterCredit: AlamyDean Smith offered Vardy the chance to join him at MLS side CharlotteCredit: ReutersShortly after winning the Championship, Leicester lost manager Enzo Maresca and star playmaker Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea.They could have seen Vardy walk out of the exit door too had he accepted Smith’s offer to join him at MLS side Charlotte.Speaking to GiveMeSport, Smith revealed: “I did text him [Vardy] and see if he wanted to come over to America.”I knew that it was going to be hard once he took Leicester back to the Premier League. [I love] his enthusiasm for the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He doesn’t train as much as he used to, and he won’t get as many minutes as he used to, but if he’s used right he’ll be really, really good [this season].”You saw the goals he scored in the Championship last year.”Smith coached Leicester for eight games at the end of the 2022/23 season as they were relegated from the Premier League.He won just two matches in charge and left in June 2023, two months after taking the job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe scored 18 goals in the Championship last seasonAfter six months unemployed, he joined Charlotte in December last year and has won 10 of 27 games, with the club sixth in the Eastern Conference.Meanwhile, Vardy is set to begin his 13TH season with Leicester when they host Tottenham in their Premier League opener on Monday.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsHe has scored 136 goals in 307 Premier League games for the 2016 champions. More

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      Forgotten Man Utd star, 29, joins MLS side in surprise free transfer… but will spend rest of 2024 on loan at West Brom

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      FORMER Manchester United star Paddy McNair has joined MLS side San Diego FC as a free agent – but will be shipped out on loan to West Brom until the end of 2024.The Northern Ireland international, 29, spent five years at Old Trafford after coming through the youth ranks before leaving in 2016.Former United star Paddy McNair has joined San Diego FC in a surprise free transferCredit: Instagram / @sandiegofcMcNair made his Old Trafford debut in 2014Credit: PA:Press AssociationMcNair joined United’s academy at age 14, where he was converted from a midfielder to a defender by youth coach Paul McGuinness.But he was limited to 27 first team appearances before being snapped up by Sunderland, then managed by former United supremo David Moyes. McNair subsequently joined Middlesbrough for £5m in 2018, where he won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2021.But now he has ditched English football to head stateside.READ MORE ON THE OLYMPICSMcNair signed a free three-year deal with San Diego following the end of his contract with Championship side Boro this summer. But he will be flown straight back to England after the MLS outfit agreed a six-month loan with West Brom.Part of the reason behind the short loan is because the club are waiting on the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.McNair said: “Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”When I first heard of San Diego, I had this gut feeling of excitement to play outside of England and have a chance to play in MLS.”It’s going to be very special to be a part of history. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and building a team San Diego can be proud of.”Watch moment rap legend Snoop Dogg dance with Paris Olympics 2024 torch through streets of city before opening ceremonyMcNair is the fifth signing in San Diego’s history, an early group of stars highlighted by former Napoli winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. The club was founded last May by British-Egyptian businessman and former politician Mohamed Mansour.McNair has represented his country at the U-17, U-19, U-21 and senior level and helped them qualify for their first and only Euros in 2016. More

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      Antoine Griezmann ‘edges closer to Atletico Madrid transfer exit’ as tiny release clause in contract emerges

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      ANTOINE GRIEZMANN is edging closer to a move away from Atletico Madrid, according to reports.The French forward, 33, is into the final year of his contract at the La Liga side.Antoine Griezmann is attracting interest from MLS side Los Angeles FC this summerCredit: GettyThe French forward has an £8.5million release clause in his Atletico Madrid contractCredit: AlamyGriezmann re-joined Atletico permanently last summer following a two-year loan from Barcelona.Across his two spells with the club, he has scored 181 goals in 389 appearances as well as winning three major trophies.However, Griezmann could now be set to leave the Spanish capital once again.According to L’Equipe, MLS club Los Angeles FC are interested in a move for Griezmann.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLAFC are said to be weighing up signing the forward for free next summer or triggering his release clause.The report adds that Griezmann has a clause worth just £8.5million in his Atletico contract.Griezmann had previously planned to head to the MLS after the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA.As a result, he will seek assurances over his international future in talks with France boss Didier Deschamps before making a decision on a potential move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe former Barca star has scored 44 goals in 135 caps for France and was part of their World Cup-winning side in 2018.Meanwhile, he appeared in all six of Les Bleus’ matches at this summer’s Euros.Antoine Griezmann walks out of France press conference after firing subtle dig at Didier Deschamps LAFC already have a strong French contingent at the BMO Stadium after bringing in two of Griezmann’s former international team-mates.Hugo Lloris has made 25 appearances since signing from Tottenham in January.Olivier Giroud also joined the club earlier this summer following his exit from AC Milan.LAFC are currently second in the MLS Western Conference, two points behind city rivals LA Galaxy with two games in hand. More

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      Watch MLS star score ‘craziest winner you’ll ever see’ in 97th minute but fans fume at ‘illegal’ goal

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      FOOTBALL fans were treated to a rare type of goal in Major League Soccer in the game between Atlanta United and Toronto.Headlines would have normally been made about the stoppage time winner alone, but it was the nature of how it came about which had fans calling it “crazy”.Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiare became hide and seek champion as he snuck up behind Toronto’s goalkeeperCredit: Atlanta UnitedThiare pounced as the goalkeeper put the ball down to playCredit: APThiare then dribbled the ball around the goalkeeper after pinching itCredit: APHe shot the ball into an empty net for a stunning match winnerCredit: ReutersIn the 97th minute with the score tied at 1-1, Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran had the ball in his arms as he attempted to run down the clock.However, unbeknownst to Gavran, Atlanta forward Jamal Thiare had sneakily gone off the pitch behind him to grab some water before quietly ambling back on to the field of play behind the Canadian.As both attackers and defenders moved down the pitch expecting 24-year-old Gavran to boot it long, Thiare waited behind him in case he dropped the ball.And in a stunning twist of fate, Gavran duly obliged as he dropped the ball ready to play the ball with his feet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSenegal ace Thiare then pounced on the loose ball before dribbling it around the keeper and shooting the ball into the back of the net for an astonishing winner.Fans couldn’t believe what they had just seen, with one saying: “You see a goal like this maybe once every five years.”A goal like this to win the game seven minutes into stoppage? Never seen anything like it. Not even in MLS.”A second said: “The craziest game winner you will ever see and a team like Atlanta… they deserved a break like this.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe official club account shared a video of 31-year-old Thiare, proclaiming him: “Hide and seek champion.”Interim head coach Rob Valentino added: “I would say I’m on the younger side of coaching and the younger side of being in the game, but I have never seen anything like that.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlines”I made the joke to Dax [McCarty], after I ridiculously went sprinting down the sideline, that he has played 20 years now and I bet he has never seen a finish like that. “It was incredible, bizarre, but I’m glad we’re on this side of it.”Similar goals have occurred in England, with Danny Rose scoring a cheeky goal for Stevenage in 2022.One of the most famous versions came when Robbie Keane scored against Birmingham for Tottenham in 2003.However, many fans were left fuming at an apparent breach of rules from Thiare for stepping off the pitch, and believed referee Serhiy Boyko should have overturned the goal.One fan said: “Illegal, he steps off the field of his own accord, pretty bad reffing that this didn’t get VAR’d.”A second said: “He left the pitch to get a drink of water. Did the referee wave him back onto the pitch or am I missing something?”A third said: “The goal scorer leaves the field of play and re-enters without permission. That’s a yellow card, no goal.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnder Ifab’s law 12.3 it says a player should be cautioned when “entering, re-entering or deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission”.Ifab’s law 13.2 also states: “Free kicks for offences involving a player entering, re-entering or leaving the field of play without permission are taken from the position of the ball when play was stopped.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Premier League cult hero looks unrecognisable as he resurfaces in Euro 2024 pundit role

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      A FORMER Premier League star has swapped the pitch for punditry to cover Euro 2024 this summer.The ex-player in question made 17 top-flight appearances in England for Everton.Football fans were stunned after spotting an ex-Prem star on their screensHe joined the Toffees on loan from LA Galaxy in 2010 and 2012, scoring two goals and providing nine assists in 22 outings.The striker, now 42, also played for Bayer Leverkusen, San Jose Earthquakes, Bayern Munich and Mexican side Leon.And he made a staggering 157 appearances for the United States national team, making him the second most capped player in the country’s history.Five years on from his retirement, he is now a broadcaster for US TV company Fox Sports.Read More on Euro 2024If you haven’t already guessed, the player in question is, of course, LA Galaxy icon Landon Donovan.Fans were stunned after turning on the channel to find the ex-forward covering Austria’s Euro 2024 group stage clash with France.And many were quick to comment on his unique hairstyle.One person wrote: “Have to respect the defiance from Landon Donovan.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLandon Donovan spent two loan spells with EvertonCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe is arguably best known for his time at LA GalaxyCredit: APAnother commented: “Landon Donovan? Wow.”While a third said: “Landon Donovan’s barber went ROGUE.”Watch as German TV broadcast is interrupted by footie legend at Euro 2024 as he apologises for what he did 18 years agoAfter retiring from professional football, Donovan founded and became a co-owner of San Diego Loyal SC, which dissolved last year.He also became a strategic advisor for League One side Lincoln City in 2021.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Inside Lionel Messi’s brutal training regime with Inter Miami star ‘first in and last out’ every single day

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      INTER MIAMI’S fitness coach has lifted the lid on Lionel Messi’s training habits.Ben Young, 37, moved to David Beckham’s MLS franchise in January 2023 after stints with England’s men’s and women’s teams.Lionel Messi is still going strong at 36Credit: GettyBen Young joined Inter Miami in January 2023Credit: LinkedinMessi, 36, left European football behind last summer when he ditched Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami.But if any fans think that the Argentine superstar has taken his foot off the pedal, Miami insider Young begs to differ.Discussing the 2022 World Cup winner with the Mirror, he said: “Messi is first in, last out, a true professional.”He does his own individual activation and strength sessions, he will even be in training the next day after being away in an international camp in Argentina.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He’s in his rhythm, his routine and that is why he’s at the top and has stayed there.”He ticks all the boxes, he pushes himself but also does all his recovery work.‌”We always want to make sure that the players can thrive in the most intense parts of the game and you do that by the training we expose them to.‌”We systematically expose the players to various training stimuli that mimic the demand of the game and when appropriate we exceed the game demands to ensure they are completely prepared for the toughest of moments.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS‌”To offset this work we are also continually educating the players on the importance of recovery, nutrition and make sure your recovery is good and sleep in that process to make sure they can keep training and playing at that intensity.‌”Messi is getting individual treatment, massage and recovery which shows the importance of having people close to you who you can rely on.”Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiHaving studied Sports Science at the University of Gloucestershire, Young began his career at Saracens under Eddie Jones.He then landed a gig with the Lionesses, assisting them at two World Cups.After heading to Qatar with the Three Lions’ men’s team, he moved on to work with Inter Miami.Six months after Young’s arrival Stateside, Inter managed to land Messi.The likes of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez have since followed.Messi has been a resounding success since moving to MLS.He has scored 25 goals in 29 games for Inter Miami – including 12 in 12 MLS appearances this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESTata Martino’s side are top of the Eastern Conference after 18 games.Messi also led his side to Leagues Cup glory last year – scoring in the final against Nashville last August.Messi has been joined in Miami by former Barca pals Luis Suarez and Sergio BusquetsCredit: AFP More

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      Lionel Messi takes just 12 games to shatter MLS record previously held by Arsenal flop

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      LIONEL MESSI has become the fastest player in MLS history to bag 25 goal contributions in a single season.The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Inter Miami shortly after his 2022 World Cup victory with Argentina in Qatar.Lionel Messi continues to break records after he became the fastest player in MLS history to provide 25 goal contributions in a seasonCredit: AFPMessi celebrates with midfielder Robert Taylor after notching his 12th goal of this campaignCredit: APThe record was previously held by former Arsenal star Carlos VelaCredit: PA:Press AssociationMiami missed out on the playoffs in Messi’s first campaign but he is now making up for lost time, with his side sitting top of the Eastern Conference.Messi, 36, has scored 12 goals and assisted a further 13 in 12 appearances this campaign, the quickest time to reach such a tally.This feat shattered the previous record set by Arsenal flop Carlos Vela in 2019, who took 16 games to hit 25 goal contributions.Many believed Vela would become one of the world’s best when Arsenal won the race to sign him for £125,000 in 2005.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Mexican striker failed to reach his full potential, after only notching three goals in 29 Premier League appearances for Arsenal.Vela was then sent out on loan to five different clubs, before signing for Real Sociedad in 2012 for an undisclosed fee.Meanwhile Messi’s achievement comes after he scored Inter Miami’s first goal in their 3-3 draw against St Louis City on Saturday night.This season’s success has been driven by some strong additions made to the squad during the transfer window.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIncluding, the arrival of his former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.Suarez and Alba were also both on the scoresheet during Saturday’s clash. GRAPHIC-VID_LIONEL_MESSIHowever, Messi’s attention will now turn towards Argentina and their Copa America campaign this summer, which kicks off on June 21.The joint-record 15 time winners and reigning champions face Peru in the opening match of the tournament in Atlanta, Georgia.Argentina also play Chile and Canada in their other Group A games as they eye a top spot finish to advance to the quarter-finals.Messi, who has 180 caps for Argentina, has scored 13 goals and assisted another 17 in 34 Copa America appearances.Vela won the MLS Golden boot and the player of the season award in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorSergio Busquets joined Messi at Inter Miami this seasonCredit: AFPCheck out these amazing collections More

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      ‘World’s most famous napkin’ used by Barcelona to complete Lionel Messi transfer aged 13 sells for £760,000 at auction

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      THE napkin that Lionel Messi signed to promise he would join Barcelona has been sold at auction.Messi, 36, was famously signed by the Spanish giants after club chiefs put pen to napkin on a deal to sign the then 13-year-old.The napkin used to sign Lionel Messi for Barcelona has sold for nearly $1millionCredit: GettyThe napkin was signed in December 2000 to bring Messi to SpainCredit: ReutersBonhams Auctions said it had sold for a massive fee on FridayCredit: ReutersIt was signed in December 2000 by former Barca sporting director Carles Rexach, transfer advisor Josep Minguella and Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli over lunch at a tennis club.Messi then joined the Spanish side’s youth set up from Newell’s Old Boys before going on to make his debut in 2004.From there the attacker went on to become the club’s best ever player with a record 672 goals scored as well as more than 30 trophies. On his journey with Barcelona he also won six Ballon d’Or titles, before landing a seventh while with Paris Saint-Germain and an eighth with Inter Miami after winning the World Cup in 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi’s exploits have made the napkin story famous, and it was finally given a financial figure for its worth when it was sold.Auction house Bonhams said on Friday that the napkin had been sold for a staggering £762,4000 or $969,000.Ian Ehling,the head of fine books and manuscripts at Bonhams New York said: “Yes, it’s a paper napkin, but it’s the famous napkin that was at the inception of Lionel Messi’s career.”It changed the life of Messi, the future of FC Barcelona, and was instrumental in giving some of the most glorious moments of football to billions of fans around the globe.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMessi had a tearful exit from the Blaugrana in 2021.He would spend two playing in Paris before moving to David Beckham’s Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.Football Food Tour: Behind the Scenes of Hospitality at Inter Miami, with incredible foodMessi career stats

      Barcelona: 778 games. 672 goals. 303 assists.
      10x LaLiga titles. 4x Champions League titles. 3x Club World Cup. 7x Spanish Cup winner. 3x Uefa Supercup winner. 8x Spanish Supercup winner.
      PSG: 75 games. 32 goals. 35 assists.
      2x Ligue 1 titles. 1x French Supercup winner.
      Inter Miami: 26 games. 23 goals. 16 assists.
      1x Leagues Cup winner.
      Argentina: 180 games. 106 goals. 56 assists.
      1x World Cup winner. 1x Copa America winner. 1x 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist.
      Individual: 8x Ballon d’Or wins. 8x The Best Fifa Men’s Player wins. 3x Uefa Best Player in Europe. 10x Player of the Year.

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