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      I’m an Arsenal legend and World Cup winner… now I’m planning a record-breaking music festival at F1 track

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      HE’S a former World Cup winner that has played for Arsenal and Bayern Munich.And since leaving the Premier League in 2015 he’s had a jet-setting career that has seen him play in Turkey, Japan and now in Poland at the age of 38.
      The forward played for Arsenal from 2012 until 2015Credit: Getty
      He was part of the squad that broke Wenger’s nine year trophy droughtCredit: The FA – Getty Images
      But the former Arsenal forward, who scored 31 goals in 82 games for the Gunners, has made an unusual job choice as he enters the twilight of his footballing career.
      The former German international is organising a four-day music festival called Glucksgefuhle which translates to Happy Feelings.
      The festival will take place on the legendary F1 track Hockenheim.
      Over 100,000 fans are expected to attend between September 14 and 17.
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      Acts will include top DJs Steve Aoki and Paul van Dyk, as well as ATB – who had a UK No.1 with “9 PM (Till I Come).”
      If the German, Polish and Arsenal links didn’t give it away yet, the answer to the mystery player turned festival organiser is of course… Lukas Podolski.
      The Polish-born German forward helped Arsenal end their nine year trophy drought as part of the squad that won the 2014 FA Cup.
      That summer, he was also part of the Germany squad that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
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      He made 130 appearances for the German national team before retiring in 2017.
      Now 38, he plays in his native Poland for Gornik Zabrze.
      Despite his advancing age he returned six goals and ten assists in 29 appearances this season.
      On organising the massive festival alongside his playing career, Podolski told German outlet Bild: “The last few years have taken a great toll on everyone, and times are still tough.
      “It’s for this reason we want to offer people a bit of time out with this festival.
      “We want to look at lots of happy faces at the Hockenheim circuit.  People should have the chance to switch off for a couple of days.”
      Podolski is a German legendCredit: Reuters
      His 100,000 person capacity festival will take place at HockenheimCredit: Getty
      Not only will Podolski be appearing at the festival, he says he will be taking up a job as a grill master at the event alongside organising it.
      The festival has drawn comparisons with California’s annual Coachella mega-event.
      A host of German music stars are due to perform, and funfairs, football tournaments and yoga classes are also planned to take place. More

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      Man Utd ‘interested in transfer for Champions League finalist’ to aid defensive rebuild but face battle with Real Madrid

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in Inter Milan full-back Federico Dimarco but face competition from Real Madrid, according to reports.Dimarco, 25, had a remarkable season for Inter and was crucial in Inter’s run to the Champions League final.
      Erik ten Hag is a fan of Federico DimarcoCredit: PA
      Dimarco impressed during Inter’s run to the Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      The Independent report that Ten Hag’s interest in the full-back was piqued due to his performances on their run to face Manchester City in Istanbul earlier this month.
      He contributed five assists in his 11 appearances as Inter reached the final, with the Italians keeping clean sheets in eight of those games.
      United are well stocked in the left-back area with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia currently vying for the position.
      However, Ten Hag has been impressed by Dimarco’s versatility and believes he would be able to play in a number of positions for the Red Devils.
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      There is also a belief that Inter need to sell players this summer in order to comply with financial fair play – so United believe they could get him on a cut price deal.
      If United are to move for Dimarco though, they will face competition from Real Madrid.
      Eduardo Camavinga looked to have made the position his own during a string of impressive performances.
      But the Frenchman has always been a midfielder and has made it clear to Carlo Ancelotti he intends to fight for a place alongside new signing Jude Bellingham.
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      Madrid are therefore considering Dimarco as a cheap alternative at left-back having spent a considerable chunk of their budget on Bellingham.
      Inter will be hoping for a bidding war between the two to drive up Dimarco’s price.
      United are operating carefully in the transfer market this summer with limited funds available until the status of their takeover is clear.
      While left-back is not a priority for the Red Devils, they are keen to bolster their defence.
      They do look set to miss out on one of their key targets however.
      United had made contact with Kim Min-Jae ahead of a possible move but the Korean defender now looks to be joining Bayern Munich.
      One contingency could be to move Luke Shaw into centre-back with Dimarco playing at left-back as Shaw played the position a number of times last season. More

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      Luis Suarez ‘tells Gremio he wants to retire from football’ as he battles persistent knee pain

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      LUIS SUAREZ has told Gremio he wants to retire from football as he battles persistent knee pain.The 36-year-old striker only joined the Brazilian club in January, signing a contract until the end of 2024.
      Luis Suarez has told Gremio he wants to retireCredit: Getty
      Luis Suarez is set to end his career due to serious knee painCredit: Reuters
      However, he is now set to retire from professional football and end his 18-year career.
      That is according to reports in Brazil, via Mundo Deportivo, which claim he has been suffering with pain in his right knee.
      He is said to have informed the club of his plans to hang up his boots after playing through the issue this year.
      Suarez joined Gremio in January, arriving following a six-month spell with boyhood club Nacional in his native Uruguay.
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      The former Liverpool star turned down offers from the MLS and Saudi Arabia to complete the move.
      He has since scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 25 appearances for the club, despite his injury pain.
      Knee injuries have been a problem for Suarez during his career, especially in his time at Barcelona.
      Although, he has not been sidelined with a knee problem since 2021.
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      Talk of Suarez’s retirement comes less than a month after he shut down links with a move to the MLS.
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      Inter Miami had reportedly been targeting a move for the forward in a bid to reunite him with his pal Lionel Messi.
      Suarez has scored 456 club career goals in 740 appearances across spells in Uruguay, the Netherlands, England, Spain and Brazil.
      He scored 69 goals in 110 Premier League appearances for Liverpool between 2011 and 2014.
      The Uruguayan then went on to win the Champions League, Club World Cup and four league titles with Barcelona. More

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      Ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez called Maxi Rodriguez a ‘son of a b****’ after he told white lie to get transfer

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      MAXI RODRIGUEZ has revealed he risked incurring the wrath of Rafael Benitez on day one of his Liverpool career.The Argentine winger signed for the Merseysiders in January 2010 following a useful stint at Atletico Madrid.
      Rodriguez was unveiled in January 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      But in a desperate bid to seal a move to Anfield, Rodriguez told former Kop chief Benitez a little lie.
      The Liverpool manager asked the former Argentina international if he could speak English, as he wanted assurances that his potential new player would be able to slot straight into the dressing room at Melwood.
      Rodriguez immediately told him that he could.
      Although to say he was bending the truth would be somewhat of an understatement.
      Speaking during an Instagram Live, the now 42-year-old revealed: “Rafa told me it was very important for everyone to speak English.
      “When he asked if I could I said, ‘Yes, of course, don’t worry.’
      “I didn’t want negotiations to fall through so I told a little lie.
      “But when I arrived there was a press conference.
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      “Rafa told me he’d speak first and then I would take over.
      “That’s when I grabbed him and told [him], ‘Look, Rafa, the only thing I know how to say is hello.’
      “Rafa said, ‘You’re a son of a b****.’
      “But we were both laughing about it and after that, I learned how to speak English.”
      Rodriguez went on to make 73 appearances over two-and-a-half years at Anfield, notching 17 goals along the way.
      He was let go when Brendan Rodgers arrived in 2012, but not before he had lifted silverware in the shape of the 2012 League Cup.
      At 40, he still played for top-flight side Newell’s Old Boys in his native Argentina until 2021.
      Newell’s have an illustrious history, having previously been represented by the likes of Diego Maradona, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and as a boy by Lionel Messi.
      Rodriguez’s international career came to an end in 2014 following 51 appearances and 15 goals.
      Rodriguez went on to make 73 appearances for LiverpoolCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Thomas Tuchel ‘wants surprise transfer for Chelsea stalwart’ as he eyes reunion at Bayern Munich

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is eyeing a surprise return for one of his Chelsea stalwarts after missing out on Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.Reports suggested that talks between Bayern and City were at an advanced stage over a deal for Walker, 33.
      Tuchel oversaw a Bundesliga title victory amid a fraught atmosphere at BayernCredit: AFP
      The manager is reportedly keen on Azpilicueta after missing out on a deal for WalkerCredit: Getty
      But Sky Sports report that City are unwilling to let the defender go this summer despite him only having a year remaining on his deal.
      And as a result, Tuchel will look to reunite with Cesar Azpilicueta, 33, according to German outlet Bild.
      The two worked together during Tuchel’s spell in charge of Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022.
      Under Tuchel’s reign Azpilicueta captained Chelsea to Champions League victory in 2021 as well as the Club World Cup later that year.
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      The two still have a good relationship according to the German outlet and remain in touch.
      The Spaniard still has a year left on his contract at the Bridge but an offer from Bayern could see the Blues cash-in as they trim their bloated squad.
      Azpilicueta would be following Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and N’golo Kante out the door if he were to bring his 11 year spell at Chelsea to an end this summer.
      It has been a frustrating window for Bayern so far as Tuchel looks to mould the squad to his needs.
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      The German took over in March when he replaced Julian Nagelsmann but endured a tough start to his tenure in charge.
      The Bavarian side were knocked out of the DFB Pokal in Tuchel’s second game and were beaten convincingly by Manchester City in the quarter-final of the Champions League.
      And while they finished the season as Bundesliga champions it was achieved amid a fraught squad atmosphere.
      The Bavarian club have so far missed out on targets Declan Rice and look set to fail in their pursuit of Walker.
      Tuchel is rumoured to approve of the sale of a number of players including: Benjamin Pavard, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Sadio Mane as he looks to put his stamp on things. More

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      Germany’s top newspaper Bild begs Jurgen Klopp to QUIT Liverpool and take over national side as Hansi Flick slammed

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      GERMANY’S top newspaper have called on Jurgen Klopp to QUIT Liverpool.Because they want him to take over from Hansi Flick as the German national team boss.
      Bild want Jurgen Klopp to take over as Germany national team bossCredit: PA
      Flick is feeling the heat from the country’s public, fans and media following a torrid run of form.
      Since getting dumped out of the World Cup in the group stages, Germany have won just ONE of their five matches.
      That was a 2-0 win over Peru in March followed by a 3-2 defeat to Belgium.
      During the recent international fixtures, they drew 3-3 with Ukraine then lost 1-0 to Poland and 2-0 to Colombia.
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      That took Flick’s dire record to three wins in his last 11 and 12 in 24 overall since replacing his World Cup-winning predecessor Joachim Low.
      And it prompted Bild’s sports editor to put out an emergency call for Klopp to rescue the DFB-Team – a year before they host Euro 2024.
      Matthias Bruegelmann begged sporting director Rodi Voller to ensure ex-Bayern boss Flick is replaced before the next international break in September.
      He said: “The DFB must immediately deal with national coach alternatives – anything else would be negligent!
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      “The premium solution: Jurgen Klopp!
      “The DFB has to fight for him with all its might. Klopp would put Germany in Euros euphoria from now on.
      “His popularity would help create a mood swing.”
      The newspaper suggests Klopp was proposed as an option after the Qatar 2022 debacle but he “felt it was his duty” to help Liverpool through their struggling campaign.
      The German, 56, is the longest-serving manager in the Premier League, taking over at Anfield way back in October 2015.
      In his seven-and-a-half seasons, Klopp has won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
      But after a disappointing campaign last season, Bild believe now is the chance to land him – Klopp himself admitted “it’s not out of the question” – and get Flick out to prevent an embarrassment in their home Euros.
      Bruegelmann added in a blistering attack: “Bankruptcies against Belgium, Poland and Colombia followed. The trend is as clear as it is frightening and would have already cost the club coach of a top team their job.
      Flick mostly does the opposite of the logicalMatthias Bruegelmann, Bild
      “They have only won four of the last 16 games and only kept two clean sheets. Against Oman and Peru – our footballing par in 2023.
      “Totally puzzling what’s going on in Flick’s head. There is no discernible plan.
      “Apparently, he thinks he knows everything better because he won six historic titles with Bayern in his first season – incidentally only the championship in his second season.
      “He mostly does the opposite of the logical.
      “EVERYBODY sees we need a No9. EVERYONE sees that we need filling jugs. Just not Flick.
      “EVERYBODY sees that we can’t back three. Just not Flick.
      “EVERYONE sees that the team needs security and that an eleven has to get used to it. Just not Flick.
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      “Instead, experiments, experiments, experiments that we can’t even afford! It’s unbelievable how we’re driving the Euro 2024 at full throttle against the wall.
      “If the coach doesn’t take the games seriously, the fans should at least get free entry.”
      Hansi Flick is feeling the heat ahead of hosting Euro 2024Credit: EPA More

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      Man Utd have improved Mason Mount offer REJECTED by Chelsea as Blues reveal transfer stance on wantaway star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly submitted an improved £50million bid for Chelsea star Mason Mount.Last week, the Red Devils saw a £40m offer rejected by the Blues – with Mount’s price tag understood to be around £70m.
      Mason Mount is being heavily linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      But now David Ornstein is reporting that Erik ten Hag’s men have upped their bid by tabling £45m plus £5m in add-ons.
      Chelsea have countered with a proposal of £60m plus £5m in add-ons.
      It means there is still no agreement between the two clubs – with Man Utd adamant they do have a limit to the amount they will pay.
      However, they will take confidence from claims Chelsea are “trying to comply with Mount’s wishes”.
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      The England international, 24, who has been capped 36 times by his country, has just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
      Attempts to tie him down to a longer-term deal collapsed earlier this season.
      Mount came through Chelsea’s youth system and won the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.
      He has contributed 33 goals and 37 assists in 195 appearances for the West London outfit.
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      But he struggled during the 2022/23 campaign, registering just three goals and six assists in 35 games.
      Mount’s potential departure comes amid a mass exodus at Stamford Bridge.

      N’Golo Kante has departed to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad in a four-year deal worth £86m.
      And a host of other Chelsea stars are the subject of interest from Saudi including Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      Manchester City have also reportedly agreed a £30m deal for Blues midfielder Mateo Kovacic. More

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      Fulham set eye-watering price for Palhinha transfer with West Ham wanting him to replace Arsenal-bound Declan Rice

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      FULHAM have set their price for star man Joao Palhinha amid interest from West Ham.The Hammers are reportedly exploring the idea of signing Palhinha with Declan Rice looking increasingly likely to leave for Arsenal.
      Joao Palhinha had a stunning first season for Fulham and is of interest to West Ham
      West Ham are looking to replace captain Declan Rice who is being chased by Arsenal
      But it won’t be an easy task to sign the Portuguese star with Fulham slapping a massive price tag on their prized midfielder.
      According to the Mail Online, Fulham will demand a whopping £90million.
      It’s suggested that West Ham are not willing to splash that much cash on the Portugal international, but could test Fulham’s resolve with an offer around £50million.
      Palhinha, 27, only signed for The Cottagers last summer, but has impressed since his £20million transfer from Sporting Lisbon.
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      He made 40 appearances for Fulham in his debut season, scoring four times and racking up more yellow cards in the Premier League than any other player.
      Palhinha was widely considered one of the top players in the league last season and was vital to Fulham’s success.
      It is reported that Fulham have used West Ham’s £100million valuation of Rice as the benchmark for Palhinha’s price.
      Rice has been the subject of two bids from Arsenal over the past week, but both have been rejected by The Hammers.
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      The latest offer, which was understood to be £90million package, still fell short of West Ham’s valuation of their star man.
      The Gunners are rumoured to be lining up a third bid for Rice, but could face competition from Manchester City who are also said to be interested in the England star. More