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      Ilkay Gundogan’s stunning Wag forced to hobble onto pitch in protective boot and crutches as he’s unveiled for Barcelona

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      ILKAY GUNDOGAN’S wife Sara Arfaoui attended the Manchester City legend’s Barcelona unveiling in crutches.Gundogan left City in June shortly after captaining Pep Guardiola’s side to an historic Treble triumph.
      Ilkay Gundogan’s wife Sara Arfaoui attended his unveiling in crutches and a protective bootCredit: Reuters
      Sara is a model, actress and TV personality hosting reality showsCredit: Splash
      Gundogan joined Barcelona after leaving Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      Gundogan rejected a one-year extension at City and left when his contract ran outCredit: AP
      The midfielder decided to move out of the Etihad once his contract expired as he rejected a one-year extension.
      The Germany international has instead put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months at the Catalan giants.
      The 32-year-old was unveiled by the Blaugrana earlier today at the Nou Camp.
      Gundogan was joined by his family but Sara entered the pitch in crutches.
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      The actress, model and TV personality also donned a black protective boot on her left foot.
      The reality show host wore a blue summer dress as she joined her husband on the grass.
      Sara’s injury is currently unknown but Gundogan will be hoping he won’t be following her onto the treatment room any time soon just after joining Barcelona.
      The ex-Borussia Dortmund star’s wife was born in 1995 in France, with her family later moving to Italy.
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      The couple met in 2021 and maintained a level of secrecy regarding their relationship.
      That was until they announced their engagement in December of that year.
      The pair then married at a registry office in Denmark before holding a lavish wedding for friends at Lake Como in Italy in May 2022.
      Gundogan and Sara welcomed the birth of their first child on March 16, 2023, which was the day after City’s Champions League win over RB Leipzig.
      Gundogan and Sara met in 2021 and maintained their relationship secretCredit: Alamy
      Sara and Gundogan announced their engagement in December of 2021Credit: Splash
      The couple married at a registry office in Denmark before holding a lavish weddingCredit: Splash More

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      Burnley will pay England U21 hero James Trafford FIVE TIMES his Man City salary after agreeing fee for keeper

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      BURNLEY will hand keeper James Trafford a stunning £40,000-a-week contract as they bid to buy him from Manchester City.Under-21s hero Trafford has shot to fame and Vincent Kompany has talked his money men into investing. The guaranteed fee is £13million plus extras.
      James Trafford is on the verge of joining BurnleyCredit: Getty
      Carlisle will qualify for a slice of the deal, which could go as high as £1m.
      Burnley have moved for the City goalkeeper after he helped England secure the Under-21 Euros earlier this month.
      Trafford did not concede a single goal during the tournament and saved a stoppage time penalty in the final against Spain.
      As a result, he is expected to seal a move to Turf Moor that will see him play Premier League football next season.
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      The 20-year-old goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons on loan at Bolton Wanderers in League One.
      During his time with the Trotters, Trafford won the EFL Trophy at Wembley Stadium.
      He will be managed by City legend Kompany at Burnley, with the Belgian having taken the Clarets up last term.
      Trafford will also have the chance to make his Premier League debut against his old club.
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      Burnley host City on the opening weekend of the season, with the match kicking off the season on August 11.
      The young keeper will be Burnley’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Dara O’Shea and Lawrence Vigoroux. More

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      England star Kalvin Phillips reveals how he plans to keep dad out of jail as he serves 12 year sentence behind bars

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      KALVIN Phillips has revealed how he plans to keep his dad out of jail as he serves a 12 year sentence behind bars.The Man City star’s dad, Mark, is based at HM Prison Wealstun, which is only a short drive away from Phillips’ previous home in Leeds.
      Kalvin Phillips has spoken of how he wants to help his father once he is out of jailCredit: Getty
      The star won the treble but had a stop-start season at Man CityCredit: Getty
      As a teen, Phillips would often go and see his dad, but those visits to the prison started to become less frequent over the past few years.
      The England ace, 27, said he had driven past the Category C prison every day while at Leeds United.
      He would never visit Mark, incarcerated for a series of crimes, although the pair would speak on the phone.
      But the Prem star recently went in a couple of months ago for around an hour and a half with Phillips describing the meeting “like I’d never been away”.
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      Speaking to MailOnline Phillips said: “I think it was six years since I’d last seen him.
      “It was literally like I’d never been away from him to be honest. He looked a bit older and stuff like that but it was like the last time I saw him. We had a laugh, talked about football, saying how proud he was.”
      Phillips’s father was in and out of prison for much of his son’s childhood.
      He and his three siblings were raised by his hard-working mum Lindsay Crosby and beloved late grandmother Val.
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      But despite his challenging upbringing, Phillips spoke about how he wanted to “look after” and help his dad be “secure” when he is released from prison.
      The Man City ace said: “Obviously I mentioned about looking after him.
      “To make sure he is secure, so he doesn’t go straight back into prison like he has in the past. He could’ve asked me for anything: for a car, a house, anything.
      “He said all he wants is to be able to travel around the world and watch me play football. That’s obviously something I can help with.”
      And Phillips gave a little more insight into the complex relationship between him and his father saying he “doesn’t have a problem with it”.
      The England international said: “He feels like he’s intruding, because he hasn’t been there through our childhood. He doesn’t want to take up our time, but I always say if he needs to ring, just call.
      “My dad’s one of those people who gets something in his head, like if he’s interrupting, or life gets a little bit too much, he’ll back away as if he’s doing something wrong.”
      The Man City star then spoke of how he is longing for the day his dad will be released in two years so he can come and watch him play.
      He continued: “We’d speak and he wouldn’t call for another two or three months. After I visited him, obviously I said to make sure he rings me. He hasn’t called since.
      “That’s just how he feels, that’s what he is like. I’ve never had a problem with the relationship we’ve had. I’d love him to be out and be in a secure house and be able to come and watch. I’ll have to wait.”
      Phillips joined City for over £40million last summer but injuries and fitness issues limited him to just two league starts.
      Although Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble, Phillips played just 21 times across all competitions for a combined 593 minutes.
      He has largely been on the sidelines for City having been unable to dislodge Rodri from a starting spot.
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      Phillips will hope to build on what has been a inconsistent season after an initial struggle to understand Pep Guardiola’s tactics and a number of injuries.
      In December, Guardiola left Phillips out of the Carabao Cup win over Liverpool because he was “overweight” after a post-World Cup holiday with his girlfriend. More

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      What’s next for Benjamin Mendy? Ex Man City star’s 3 transfer options & how he may get £10.4m pay day

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      Benjamin Mendy’s possible next steps can be revealed after the football star was cleared of charges.The ex-Manchester City star, who has been released from the club, was accused of attacking two women during lockdown-busting parties.
      Benjamin Mendy could be looking to rekindle his football career after years outCredit: Getty
      The star was cleared after a retrial at court todayCredit: Getty
      But he wept tears of joy on Friday as he was cleared of raping a woman at his mansion following a retrial.
      Jurors unanimously cleared the 28-year-old of both charges after three hours of deliberation.
      Mendy had denied the charges and said the incidents were consensual encounters.
      But with the star walking free and looking to rekindle his football career, three possible transfer options can be revealed.
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      STAY AT MAN CITY
      Mendy last played for Man City on August 15, 2021, during their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the start of last season.
      But the Premier League champions released him when his contract expired last month.
      However, the Frenchman may feel that his time in the Prem is unfinished business after a tumultuous two years.
      And he may try to convince gaffer Guardiola to take him back on the books.
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      Mendy could also potentially be in line for a bumper pay day from City if he tried to get his back pay after being cleared.
      The treble-winners withdrew his salary in September 2021.
      But with the star earning around £100k a week, his back pay could amount to an eye-watering £10.4million if successful.
      SAUDI PAY DAY
      Saudi Arabia have made real waves in the transfer market in the past few months with a string of big money moves.
      Several European aces have already moved to Saudi including Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Prem stars N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, and Roberto Firmino.
      Jordan Henderson is the latest to be targeted with Al-Ettifaq reportedly prepared to offer him four times his salary in a deal worth £700,000 a week.
      And Mendy could well be tempted by any offer of a big payday after not being paid by City for nearly two years.
      It also would provide him an escape from the limelight in England after his court case.
      With the Frenchman also of Muslim faith, a move to Saudi could make perfect sense as he would settle in with the culture and customs.
      GO HOME TO FRANCE
      City spent a reported £52million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017.
      The transfer fee made him the most expensive defender in football history at the time.
      Mendy could well consider a move back to his home country and more familiar surroundings after a stressful two years.
      The Frenchman arguably played his best football at Monaco and may want to return.
      A World Cup winner with the national side, a warm welcome home may be just what he is looking for.
      DARK HORSES
      Other less realistic options for Mendy include going abroad to play in the MLS.
      Legendary World Cup winner Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets recently rejected Saudi money to make the switch to David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      With a number of ex-European stars playing there such as Lorenzo Insigne and Victor Wanyama, it may be an attractive proposition.
      Mendy could also make a move to the US if he fancied the lifestyle or a new experience.
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      Or he could earn bags of money playing in Qatar, another Muslim country.
      And it should not be ruled out that a European club may take a punt on Mendy later in the window now that he is a free transfer. More

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      Stunning Maria Guardiola leaves fans amazed in see-through corset as they call her ‘Pep’s best creation after Messi’

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      BREW LA LA! Pep Guardiola’s daughter Maria posed in a see-through corset she called “my cup of tea”.But fans topped that greatest of British compliments with the ultimate worldie of a tribute.
      Maria Guardiola whipped up another frenzy online with her Notting Hill frillsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/maria.guardiola/
      Fans thought they had won the cup when they saw Maria’s latest snapsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/maria.guardiola/
      The Spaniard posted this revealing snap earlier in the weekCredit: https://www.instagram.com/maria.guardiola/
      The social media star was described as the Manchester City manager’s “best creation after Messi” as she shared pictures of her cha-rming outfit.
      Maria shook her 7,00,000 Instagram followers to the core with glamorous shots in front of hundreds of apples.
      “Oow woww wowww,” said one fan of the golden delicious photos.
      Guardiola senior famously managed legend Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
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      And an admirer of Maria raved: “Pep’s creations never disappoint” while inevitably another observed: “You are my cup of tea.”
      The influencer, 22, was at an eatery in Notting Hill, London.
      Wearing a black skirt and blue corset, she held sunglasses over her eyes.
      A creamy cake and a hot drink sat in front of the social media star.
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      And adjectives of awe poured in for the Spaniard faster than hot water at a tea party in the desert.
      One enthusiast gushed: “Oh Maria, how I like you, the most beautiful of all.”
      Similar comments included: “You’re fantastic! Outstanding!” … “Perfect” and “Heaven”.
      “Extremely pretty” and “very beautiful” followed – while one busy fan only had time for “Gorge”.
      It came just a day after Maria posted mirror-selfies without a bra.
      But no matter what she wears, fans think the “cute” cuppa lover looks like royal-tea.
      Pep Guardiola helped all-time great Lionel Messi develop his career at Barcelona and now he’s also being praised over his daughter MariaCredit: AFP
      Maria isn’t used to being in the shade as her social media following soarsCredit: Instagram
      Maria’s followers seem as awestruck by her as by the Egyptian pyramidsCredit: Instagram More

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      Kalvin Phillips broke down in tears after ‘rubbish’ game for Man City as he reveals he got pep talk from ex-manager

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS has revealed old boss Marcelo Bielsa saved him when he broke down in tears after a “rubbish” performance for Manchester City.The midfielder then used his Bielsa blub to go from the hell of his bit-part role to the heaven of Treble glory.
      Kalvin Phillips went from a personal low to Man City’s historic highCredit: Sky Sports
      Ex-Leeds chief Bielsa, who is now in charge of Uruguay, helped Man City’s misfiring midfielder Phillips look forwards rather than backCredit: PA
      Having barely played in his debut season for City, Phillips’ emotions flooded out when he failed to impress as a sub against Leicester in April.
      The injury-hit England star, 27, “started crying” afterwards and called ex-Leeds chief Bielsa for help.
      Phiilips described the conversation that followed as “weird” – because his Argentinian mentor used a translator as he spoke in Spanish.
      But Bielsa’s morale-boosting message still got through loud and clear.
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      Phillips told Sky Sports: “Man City played Leicester and I came on for like half an hour, but I was rubbish. I was rubbish!
      “I remember going home and I was just so upset with myself, I started crying.
      “I got on the phone and messaged Bielsa and asked if I could speak to him.
      “It was just good to see him and good to have a chat, and he basically told me that I’ve got the ability, it’s just down to confidence and being positive.
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      “Since that conversation I’ve just been as positive as I can.”
      Phillips suggested City’s Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League was a fair “reward” – despite his bit-part role.
      And his vociferous celebrations afterwards show he’s focusing on the bright side rather than feeling sorry for himself. More

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      Every Premier League squad’s value revealed with Arsenal biggest winners and Man Utd’s transfer failures highlighted

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      ARSENAL have increased the value of their squad more than any other Premier League club.Mikel Arteta’s side narrowly missed out on the title last season, falling away towards the end of the campaign as Manchester City clinched a fifth crown in six years.
      Mikel Arteta has significantly boosted the value of his Arsenal squadCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s squad has decreased significantly in value since the players were signedCredit: Reuters
      But it should not go unnoticed how much the Spaniard has improved his Gunners side – who finished fifth in 2021/22.
      And that has been shown through stats provided by Transfermarkt.
      Arsenal’s squad has cost £572million to assemble, with their current market value standing at £915m.
      That is an increase of £343m – £100m more than any other side in the division.
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      How each Premier League team’s squad has changed in value
      Liverpool and Man City have also seen their squads improve in value since they purchased their players – by £154m and £150m respectively – with Pep Guardiola the only head coach boasting a set of players valued in excess of £1bn.
      Tottenham can also say they have marginally increased their squad’s worth by £43m.
      But at the other end of the scale come Chelsea and Manchester United.
      Todd Boehly’s £600m cash splash since arriving at Stamford Bridge 12 months ago has done little to improve the squad.
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      And it has seen them drop to the bottom of the table when it comes to the value of their players compared to how much they arrived for.
      The West London club have spent £880m on their star-studded roster – more than any other team – with their value standing at £756m.
      That sees them pip Man Utd to the unwanted 20th place with a net loss of £-124m.
      Erik ten Hag’s men also hold a negative value of their squad at £-115m.
      Chelsea and United are two of just four clubs with a negative transfer value – along with Sheffield United and Wolves.
      Meanwhile, the other big winners from the list are Brighton – who hold a £243m squad value increase having developed the likes of Evan Ferguson, Moises Caicedo, Julio Enciso, Pervis Estupinan, Kaoru Mitoma and Solly March.
      Brentford, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have also increased their squad’s value by between £81m and £179m. More

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      Manchester City executive who stole £100,000 from club to pay for gifts and her wedding only has to pay back £2,500

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      A FORMER Manchester City executive who stole more than £104,000 from the club to pay for her wedding only has to pay back £2,550.Fiona Barclay, 34, worked as a business development manager within the Premier League champions’ hospitality department, earning up to £30,000 a year.
      Football exec Fiona Barclay was jailed following a trial at Manchester crown courtCredit: MEN Media
      The mum-of-one was jailed in November last year for fraud after swindling huge sums from Manchester City to fund her big day and buy lavish gifts for her husband and family.
      Yet she has now been ordered to pay back just £2,500 at a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing.
      She was told the news when appearing via video-link from her native Falkirk in Scotland.
      The hearing began with Barclay being asked whether she was alone, before telling the judge she had her seven-week-old baby beside her.
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      Judge Timothy Smith ruled: “In light of everything uploaded, the benefit figure is £104,934.16, arising out of general criminal conduct. The available amount is £2,550.
      “This must be paid back by October 6.”
      When she was jailed, Manchester crown court heard how Barclay was first rumbled in March last year after accountants flagged a suspicious £25,000 refund.
      When questioned by bosses she claimed she’d transferred £15,000 of the sum into her own bank account “in error”.
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      But following an investigation, the club discovered Barclay had been stealing from them since June 2019 – more than £104,000 overall.
      She pleaded guilty to an offence of fraud by abuse of position and was sacked by the Etihad Stadium side in March 2021.
      Her barrister Patrick Buckley described Barclay as “utterly disgusted with herself”, adding: “There is nothing in terms of reason or logical reason why she did what she did.”
      She spent less than half of her 18-month sentence in prison, with the rest to be served on licence.
      The latest court hearing was told she had found a new job with a travel firm and informed them about her conviction, while also trying in vain to arrange with City for repayment of the money owed.
      When jailing her for 18 months, Manchester crown court recorder Ciaran Rankin had said: “This is a tragedy – you have thrown so much away because of your dishonesty and, I’m afraid, pure greed.”
      On the pitch, City won an historic treble this past season – claiming the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.
      Mum-of-one Barclay was sentenced tp 18 months in prisonCredit: MEN Media
      Barclay was condemned by the trial judge for her ‘dishonesty’ and ‘pure greed’Credit: MEN Media More