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    Robinho leaves Santos less than a WEEK after joining following controversy over the ex-Man City striker’s arrival

    ROBINHO has sensationally left Santos – less than a week after he re-signed for his boyhood club.
    The Brazilian club announced his contract had been terminated by mutual consent so that he can “focus exclusively” on gang rape charges made against him in Italy.

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    Robinho spoke of his sadness on Instagram

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    Robinho re-signed for Santos as a free agent last week

    Robinho, 36, was sentenced to nine years in prison by an Italian court after the alleged gang rape of an Albanian woman in 2013.
    The player denies the charges and is appealing the verdict.
    Speaking after the Santos announcement, the striker took to Instagram to admit: “Guys, this is Robinho. 
    “Of course, with a lot of sadness in my heart, I’m here to tell you that I made the decision with the club president to suspend my contract at this troubled time in my life. 

    “My goal has always been to help Santos Football Club and if in any way I’m getting in the way, it’s best I leave and focus on my personal things.”
    With a solemn look on his face, speaking in front of a painting in what appeared to be his home and referring to the club nickname Peixe or Fish in English, he added: “For the Peixe fans, those who like me, I will certainly prove my innocence to you. A hug.”
    The former Man City striker only signed for Santos a week ago.
    So desperate was he to join that he even agreed to a tiny salary of just £200-a-month.

    He was a free agent following his release by Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.
    ANGRY SPONSOR
    The decision to terminate his contract comes days after a leading sponsor pulled out in reaction to his signing.
    Shirt sponsor Orthopride stated that their decision to tear up their contract was down to ‘respect’ for their female customers.
    Chief operating officer Richard Adam told Globo Esporte: “We have enormous respect for Santos’ history. But at this point, we have decided to terminate the sponsorship contract.
    “Our audience is mostly female and, out of respect for the women who buy our products, we had to make that decision.
    “We want to make it clear that we were not previously informed about the signing of Robinho, we were taken by surprise by the news over the weekend.”
    FROM £160,000-A-WEEK TO £52
    Dad-of-two Robinho was Man City’s first big-money signing after their 2008 takeover when they gazumped Chelsea to seal a £32.5million deal, breaking the British transfer record at the time.
    He was earning £160,000-a-week.
    He made a promising start, scoring 14 goals in the 2008-09 season, but only featured in ten games the following season and moved to Santos on loan after a fall-out with Roberto Mancini before signing for AC Milan in 2010.
    Robinho’s latest deal at Santos was to see him paid a symbolic salary of only 1,500 Brazilian reals – the equivalent of just £207.
    But local reports said his basic wage would be topped up with bonuses if he made enough first-team appearances – around £41,000 after ten games and the same fee again after 15.

    Robinho, who signed his first contract with Santos when he was 18 after he was picked by Brazil legend Pele as his heir apparent, said at his signing ceremony a week ago: “This was always my home.
    “My aim is to help on and off the pitch and help Santos FC return to the summit they should never have left.
    “It’s a marvellous feeling being back at the club where I made my name.
    “I grew up here. I always dreamed of being a footballer and Santos FC made this possible.”

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    Robinho during his time at Man City where he was once their record signingCredit: PA:Press Association

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    Robinho, who collected 100 Brazil caps, was once declared Pele’s heir apparentCredit: AFP More

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    Liverpool will run away with Premier League again as Man City and close rivals struggle, predicts Graeme Souness

    LIVERPOOL could run away with the Premier League again after Manchester City’s weekend capitulation, Graeme Souness has predicted.
    Although the season is only three weeks old, pundit Souness can already see a repeat of last season when Jurgen Klopp’s side took an early lead at the top of the table and won it at a canter.

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    Graeme Souness, who both played for and managed Liverpool, has been having his say on a topsy-turvy start to the seasonCredit: Corbis – Getty

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    Jurgen Klopp is looking to build another early lead but faces his most difficult game yet tonight against Arsenal Credit: PA:Press Association

    His comments come after a string of dodgy results for many of the top sides in the opening weeks of the season.
    Manchester City were thrashed by Leicester yesterday in a huge blow to last season’s runners-up.
    But their defeat was just the latest early-season hiccup for the division’s traditional big boys and Liverpool legend Souness can see the Reds taking full advantage.
    The 67-year-old told Sky Sports: “Liverpool won by 18 points (last season). Liverpool in my opinion have strengthened big time.

    “I look at City now whether Ruben Dias comes in, it’ll have to be more than Dias to take City from 18 points behind Liverpool to getting in front of them.
    “Liverpool are stronger today than they were 12 months ago. That’s a marker, when you look at what City have shown.
    “After all the teams we’ve seen that can challenge, it’s Leicester after today but we’re three games in.
    “Some players need five or six (games) to get up to speed. But right now, I think Liverpool could run away with it.”

    DIRE DEFENCE
    Ruben Dias is set to be confirmed today as Man City’s second defensive recruitment after Nathan Ake.
    It could open the door for Eric Garcia to leave after he was run ragged by Jamie Vardy in the Leicester loss.
    The 33-year-old hit a hat-trick and terrorised Man City’s defence throughout the second half.

    Other Premier League heavyweights have also found themselves stunned already this season.
    Chelsea went 3-0 down to newly promoted West Brom in half an hour and had to rally to draw themselves level with a late goal.
    Manchester United were comfortably beaten by Crystal Palace and needed some luck to squeeze past Brighton on the weekend.
    And Spurs have failed to win either of their first two home games and were outplayed by Everton on the opening weekend in a 1-0 defeat.
    It has left the Premier League with only Everton and Leicester on 100 per cent starts after three games – while Liverpool and Arsenal have a chance to match that feat when they meet at Anfield tonight.

    The Reds won their first eight games at the beginning of last season before being held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
    They did not lose until a shock defeat at Watford in February.
    It allowed them to quickly open a gap on Guardiola’s City and the lead soon became insurmountable.

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    Jamie Vardy tore through the Man City defence and left pundits questioning Pep Guardiola’s and his team’s title credentialsCredit: Reuters

    Graeme Souness turns into Jeremy Paxman asking Gary Neville same question over and over again More

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    Man City confident of landing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in £64m transfer… then will let Garcia quit for Barcelona

    MANCHESTER CITY are confident of landing target Jules Kounde in a £64million swoop – and only then will let Eric Garcia go.
    Etihad chiefs are looking to kill two birds with one stone and end their pursuit of the Sevilla defender along with allowing wantaway Garcia to flock to Barcelona.

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    Jules Kounde appears to be edging closer to a move to Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    The fate of Garcia reportedly rests on the outcome of City’s Kounde pursuitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Kounde is seen as a solution to Man City’s perceived defensive problems and would follow Nathan Ake into the club to help patch up the back four.
    In a boost for Pep Guardiola, reports say the 21-year-old is “ready” to come to Manchester.
    Journalist Fabrizio Romano says the Frenchman is now just waiting on the two clubs to reach a deal, having already made up his mind.
    He added that City are “convinced” the player will join the club.

    Reports have long linked Kounde to the Premier League runners-up and it is believed his role in helping Sevilla to the Europa League crown impressed scouts.
    City’s move has also coincided with their pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly being halted over a disagreement with Napoli over the asking price.
    If the club can secure Kounde, that opens the door for Garcia to leave.
    The defender has so far refused to sign a new contract at the Etihad and instead intends to remain at the club during the final year of his deal.

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    The £41m Nathan Ake may not even be Man City’s most expensive defensive signing this summer. Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    He would then depart for Barca on a free next summer, reports suggest.
    This is despite claims that City have weighed up a take it or leave it £14million offer to force the Spanish club’s hand.
    Now, it is reported that the two clubs have agreed a deal worth £18million – but it will only come in place once Kounde is secured.

    The defensive reshuffle comes after the £41million signing of Ake last month.
    The defender was relegated with Bournemouth in July but was seen as a step up on City’s current crop of defenders.
    Guardiola has been a centre-back short since club legend Vincent Kompany left to join Anderlecht.

    Nathan Ake post emotional video to Bournemouth fans after completing move to Man City More

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    Gabriel Jesus gets retro Crash Bandicoot tattoos to complete amazing leg sleeve during summer holidays

    MANCHESTER CITY star Gabriel Jesus has completed his leg sleeve with retro Crash Bandicoot tattoos.
    The 23-year-old striker showed off his new body art in City’s 3-1 win over Wolves on Monday night.

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    Gabriel Jesus showed off his new Crash Bandicoot leg tattoos

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    Manchester City’s No9 showed off his leg sleeve

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    Jesus has an impressive array of tats on his leg

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    Jesus’ new tats proved to be a good luck charm as he bagged Manchester City’s third goal against Wolves

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    Video game character Crash Bandicoot

    The retro video game was first released in 1996 before Jesus was even born.
    But the popular franchise is still releasing versions now, with the game providing the inspiration for Jesus’ latest ink.
    And his new tats – inked during the break between seasons – seemed to provide City’s striker with a good luck omen.
    He got his name on the scoresheet in the dying seconds of City’s opening game of the 2020-21 Premier League season.

    Jesus’ strike in the 95th minute helped seal three points for Pep Guardiola’s side after Kevin De Bruyne and England bad boy Phil Foden also found the net.
    Raul Jimenez had pulled it back to 2-1 for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men before Jesus’ decisive finish.

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    The first Crash Bandicoot game was released in 1996 and they are still being made today

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    Jesus’ left leg is covered in body art

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    Brazilian striker Jesus has tats all over his bodyCredit: Instagram

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    Jesus’ calf sports a large feature piece of body art

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    Gabriel Jesus shows off his tattoo of aces and dice on his left wrist

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    Jesus frequently pops into the tattoo parlour

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    The Brazilian international is no stranger to getting inked, and has a variety of unique tattoos
    Jesus also had four aces inked onto his wrist in 2017.
    And he previously revealed the motivation behind some of his other tattoos and said: “I have four and all of them represent me a little bit.

    “One is for faith, the other ones are one of Jardim Peri, where I was born and grew up with the dream of being a football player.
    “The other completes the image of the neighbour of my childhood. The last one is the quote of my mom.
    “I intend to have more tattoos about my career in the future.”

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    Gabriel Jesus boasts a huge portrait of his mother on his arm in dedication to her

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    This tattoo is in homage to Brazilian neighbourhood Jardim Peri in Sao PauloCredit: Reuters

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    The Citizens star has an array of tattoos all over his body

    Man City star Gabriel Jesus keeps fit as he works out at home due to coronavirus More

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    David Alaba ‘wants to quit Bayern Munich this summer’ putting Man City on transfer alert despite £260k-a-week offer

    DAVID Alaba wants to quit Bayern Munich this summer and Manchester City are ready to pounce, according to reports.
    The 28-year-old reportedly wants the Champions League winners to sell him this window so they can make some cash – or he’ll walk out for free next summer.

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    David Alaba is believed to want a move – but would prefer the club cash in on him rather than let him walk on a freeCredit: Handout – Getty
    Reports from German newspaper Bild say the club and player are at a standstill on agreeing an extension on his contract which only has a year to run.
    Alaba has spent his entire senior career at the German giants and made 40 appearances for them last season.
    That ended with their 1-0 win against PSG in the Champions League final, giving him his second winners’ medal in Europe’s elite competition.

    But with ex-boss Pep Guardiola and City linked to the left-back, his continued stay at the club looks far from guaranteed.
    Sky Germany reported last month that Alaba’s advisers had held contract talks in Lisbon with Bayern bosses, but an offer of £260,000 a week, or £13.5m a year, was rejected.
    It is believed Alaba wants wages closer to the club’s biggest earners of sharpshooter Robert Lewandowski and team veteran Thomas Muller.
    The versatile defender has played along the back line, in midfield and on the wing.

    It is no surprise that he has been linked to Manchester United and Chelsea before – and would tempt several big European clubs now.

    It is unknown what fee Bayern Munich would accept for the Austrian.
    But Thiago Alcantara, who also has a year left on his contract, is believed to be available for a cut-price £27 million.
    Manchester United and Liverpool are both said to be after the Spaniard, who has admitted he wants a new challenge after helping Bayern conquer Europe.

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    Thiago is also rumoured to be on his way from Bayern this summer with only a year left on his contract More

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    Man City’s ‘Lionel Messi transfer bid LEAKED’ with Barcelona offered £181m over 12 months and extra £18m in bonuses

    MANCHESTER CITY allegedly offered Barcelona £181million for Lionel Messi, according to a leaked document in Swiss magazine L’Illustre.
    City and Pep Guardiola were established as favourites for the Argentine’s signature when it looked as though he would be leaving the Nou Camp this summer.

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    A ‘leaked’ transfer bid suggests City offered Barcelona £181million for Messi
    According to the image shared by L’Illustre, City would have paid Barcelona an eye-watering £181million over 12 months, plus an extra £18million if Messi helped City win the Champions League.
    Sent on August 26 and signed by City director of football Txiki Begiristain, the alleged offer included £90.5million this summer and a further £90.5million in August 2021.
    The report also states City had lined up a three-year deal for Messi, 33, worth £40million per season.
    L’Illustre says the bid was “bluntly declined” by the Barca hierarchy.

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    Messi announced his desire to leave the Camp Nou following Barca’s 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in last season’s Champions League quarter-finals.
    The Argentine believed the clause in his contract allowing him to leave Barcelona for free, which expired on June 10, was valid until the end of the prolonged 2019-20 season.
    Barcelona and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu held firm, making it clear to the six-time Ballon D’Or winner he would not be leaving for anything less than his £624million buyout clause.
    Unwilling to take “the club of his life” to court over the matter, the Argentine announced last week he would stay at Barcelona for the final year of his contract.

    But the leaked document suggests City did make a cash offer to Barcelona for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner after accepting the clause was not valid.
    In his interview with Goal, Messi also explained how his sons had wept at the thought of him leaving Barcelona.

    He said: “When I communicated my wish to leave to my wife and children, it was a brutal drama.
    “The whole family began crying, my children did not want to leave Barcelona, nor did they want to change schools.”
    Messi trained yesterday for the first time since his stay was confirmed but is currently prohibited from joining his teammates and new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman as he has not yet taken a Covid-19 test.

    Inside Lionel Messi’s amazing Barcelona £5.5m mansion More

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    Shamed England star Phil Foden snapped showing his bum to girls he and Mason Greenwood smuggled into team hotel

    SHAMED England football star Phil Foden was snapped showing his bum to two girls smuggled into the team’s Icelandic hotel.
    Foden, 20, and team-mate Mason Greenwood, 18, were sent home in disgrace yesterday after breaching Covid rules.

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    Man City ace Foden is snapped showing his bum to girls smuggled into the England team’s hotel

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    Iceland Miss Universe contender Nadia Gunnarsdottir, 20, was one of the women invited back

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    Her cousin Lara Clausen, 19, was also brought back by Foden and Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood

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    Mason Greenwood arrived back in Manchester on Monday night after being sent home from England duty

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    Man City’s Phil Foden arrived home after issuing a grovelling apology

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    The pair take a selfie in the England hotel
    They secretly hooked up with Iceland Miss Universe contender Nadia Gunnarsdottir, 20, and her cousin Lara Clausen, 19, hours after making their England debuts.
    Foden asked what a pair of Icelandic girls planned to do at their hotel to which Mason Greenwood replied: “What do you think?”
    The team-mates smuggled the two women in hours after England’s 1-0 win.
    Icelandic authorities were furious at the breach of its strict Covid-19 guidelines while the pair also broke the “bubble” rules designed to protect them and the England squad.

    They were waiting to hear if they would be fined by local officials last night before flying home.
    Footage shows the two Icelandic cousins nervously making their way to the hotel in the early hours of Sunday, with Lara saying she felt “like an escort”.
    They successfully made their way in, and a photo taken by them and obtained by The Sun shows dad-of-one Foden in his pants with his backside visible.
    Nadia and Lara also posted a snap of them “chillin with Mason Greenwood & Phil Foden”.

    The two girls are believed to have spent several hours at the hotel then left before breakfast.
    Last night England boss Gareth Southgate branded his young players “naive” and said they had “no alternative” but to axe them from the squad.
    City slammed Foden’s behaviour as “totally inappropriate” while United were “disappointed” in Greenwood.
    Both are expected to face disciplinary action.
    Local sources told The Sun: “Football players have been given a great privilege to play. This is so disrespectful to our country’s efforts to control the virus. It seems these two big stars think the rules we are all governed by do not apply to them.”
    Nadia, a Miss Universe Iceland 2019 finalist, met Greenwood via social media several weeks ago.
    They are said to have been in contact in the days ahead of England’s arrival in Reykjavik for their Nations League game against Iceland.
    Lara posted a video of her and Nadia heading to England’s Radisson Blu Saga Hotel hours after Saturday’s match.
    Video footage also showed a third girl calling Foden on her phone. She giggles: “We can come to the hotel, but I don’t know how you’re going to sneak us in?”
    A surprised Foden replies: “What are you coming to the hotel for?” Stunned Greenwood tells him: “What do you think?!” The girl laughs as she replied: “Yeah — what do you think, bro!”
    Meanwhile, Lara told her followers Nadia was initially going to meet Greenwood alone but was asked if she had a “girlfriend”.
    She said on Instagram: “He is playing for Manchester and I’m joining her and staying in the hotel. How do you feel?”
    Nadia replies: “I’m nervous. I’m f***ing nervous!”
    Lara tells her: “I’ve never experienced anything as f***ed up. I was just leaving and thought Nadia was just going to be with this guy (Greenwood). He is there with his friend and he asked Nadia if she had a girlfriend. Nadia said yes, called me and yelled, ‘Come over, Come over!’”
    She went on: “I’m not sure, I feel like an escort.
    “But I’m not doing anything, I’m just coming over as company, nothing more than that.” The footage then cuts to the lobby, where Lara responds to some of the messages she is getting from her followers.
    She says: “Who is it again? I don’t remember his name?”
    Nadia replies: “Mason Greenwood.” Lara adds: “And I’m with Phil….What is his name?”
    Nadia says: “Phil….wait (looking it up)…Phil Foden.”
    Lara jokes: “Isn’t this just a casual Sunday?”
    Nadia replies: “OK, f***.”
    It is claimed Foden and Greenwood had booked them two rooms on a separate floor from the rest of the squad.
    One picture shows the girls together in one room but sources claim the players later entertained each separately.
    A source said: “The girls spent several hours at the hotel before leaving before breakfast.”
    Foden became a dad aged 18 with childhood sweetheart Rebecca Cooke. He recently told how being a young father “brings the best out of me”.
    But last night he issued an apology, saying: “I made a poor decision and my behaviour didn’t meet standards expected of me.”
    Lara defended them last night, saying: “They were just young. We were all young and stupid and we all make mistakes.
    “They treated us really well. They were such gentlemen.”
    Nadia added: “I was talking to Mason for a couple of days before they came to Iceland.
    “They did know that they had to quarantine, but we figured that since they were playing Iceland, they had been tested before and it would be OK.”
    It is the latest scandal to rock England after defender Harry Maguire’s assault arrest in Greece last month.
    Southgate, preparing for the game with Denmark tomorrow night, said: “Unfortunately this morning it was brought to my attention that two boys have broken Covid guidelines in terms of our secure bubble. We had to decide very quickly that they couldn’t have any interaction with the team.
    “They wouldn’t be able to travel to training. Given the protocols they have to follow they have to travel back to England separately.”
    Manchester City added: “It is clear that Phil’s actions were totally inappropriate. His behaviour not only directly contravenes strict guidelines related to Covid-19, but also falls well below the standard expected of a Manchester City player and England international.”
    Manchester United said they were “liaising with the Football Association and are disappointed with the actions of Mason Greenwood”.

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    A video of the phone conversation between two Icelandic girls and Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden has emerged Credit: Twitter

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    The girls posted a snap of them ‘chillin with Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden’

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    They posted pics and footage of the stars on Snapchat

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    Model Nadia has revealed how she had been chatting with Greenwood before his trip to Iceland

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    She and her 19-year-old cousin Lara Clausen visited the hotel on Sunday

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    Nadia, pictured, and Lara are believed to have spent several hours at the hotel and left before breakfast

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    Lara, pictured, posted a video of her and Nadia heading to England’s Radisson Blue Saga HotelWHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

    FA STATEMENT

    “Whilst in Iceland, both Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood spent time outside of our private team area, which was a breach of our Covid-19 rules.

    “While they did not leave the team hotel, it was an unacceptable breach of our protocol. They have both apologised for their serious lack of judgement.
    “The FA will be launching a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to this breach. We have spoken to the Football Association of Iceland to offer our apologies for this incident and to ensure them we are taking the appropriate steps.
    “We have also assured the Danish Football Union that all other players and staff members have been isolated within our group throughout this period.
    “Our immediate priority now is preparing the team for the match against Denmark tomorrow.”

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    The pair will not travel with the England to Denmark and will instead return to ManchesterCredit: PA:Press Association

    Since August all travellers to Iceland from countries ruled high risk have to quarantine for 14 days.
    But England hatched a deal to allow the tie to take place.
    The side had to isolate in their hotel, only leaving to train and play the match.

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    Phil Foden is still in a relationship with long-term girlfriend Rebecca Cooke

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    Gareth Southgate confirmed today both players had been kicked out of his squadCredit: PA:Press Association

    Giggling girls ask how England stars Greenwood and Foden will sneak them into Iceland hotel More

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    Lautaro Martinez’s girlfriend Agustina wows in bikini on holiday as Man City fight Barcelona for transfer of Inter star

    LAUTARO MARTINEZ’s girlfriend Agustina is not letting her boyfriend’s uncertain future affect her mood as she relaxes in a bikini on holiday.
    The Inter Milan striker is a target for Manchester City and Barcelona.

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    Lautaro Martinez’s girlfriend Agustina posted snaps of the couple’s luxurious holiday on her Instagram

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    The Inter striker is a target for Man City and Barcelona
    But he appears pretty chilled in glamorous beach shots posted by his partner Agustina Gandolfo.
    The couple are on holiday on the stunning Italian island of Caprera.
    And Gandolfo shared snaps of their luxurious trip with her 687,000 Instagram followers.

    One picture shows the loved-up couple gazing into each other’s eyes on the edge of a yacht.

    She captioned it: “Hola Bonbon.”
    And another shows the model in a blue and black bikini kneeling on a paddle board.
    The post received more than 159,000 likes.
    ‘CITY TARGET’
    Martinez is Pep Guardiola’s No1 target at City.

    Guardiola is desperate to sign a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane has been his first choice.
    But City know it would be impossible to land the Spurs and England striker this year so they are now focusing on Martinez, 23, who featured in Inter’s Europa League final defeat against Sevilla.
    Martinez has scored 20 times this season.
    He has a release clause of £81million which City will be able to match although they are keen to offload some players to help fund more buying.

    The Premier League opening day fixtures for 2020-21 have been revealed
    Barcelona have also been keen on bringing the hotshot to the Nou Camp.
    But they admitted defeat in their pursuit of the ace last week.
    Inter signed Martinez from Racing Club in Argentina for £20m two years ago.

    He has represented Argentina on 17 occasions, scoring nine times – including a hat-trick against Mexico last September.
    The Nerazzuri are keen for him to remain at the club.
    But Guardiola, who has signed defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for £41million, wants to buy both a new central striker and a No10.

    Distraught Neymar has to be persuaded to receive runners-up medal as Ferdinand slams PSG star for lack of respect More