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    Chelsea fans wish Ashley Cole was starting in place of current star as legend shows passion while coaching flops

    CHELSEA fans were wishing that Ashley Cole was playing against Real Madrid after footage emerged of him coaching the club’s flops.The Blues have been in abysmal form this season and exited the Champions League after losing to Real Madrid.
    Chelsea fans are wishing Ashley Cole was still playingCredit: TWITTER
    They claim he would be better than the club’s current playersCredit: TWITTER
    The club have brought back Frank Lampard as an interim manager until the end of the season, replacing the axed Graham Potter.
    Cole has also returned to the club to coach the underperforming players.
    And fans wish he was still playing instead of Marc Cucurella after spotting him passionately coaching the summer signing.
    One fan tweeted: “LOVE this intensity and passion from Ashley Cole…”
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    A second commented: “Exactly what we’ve been needing. More passion shown from Ash in these few minutes than the whole club in the whole of the season.”

    A third said: “That’s the type of player that Chelsea are missing.”
    A fourth wrote: “Guy isn’t fit to wear the shirt. Ashley now > > > Cucurella.”
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    While a fifth added: “It’s the bloody players who need the passion and desire not Ashley Cole, didn’t see him on the team sheet.”
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    Another stated: “I think if he played he would still be better than Cucarella.”
    Real Madrid won 2-0 on the night to clinch the tie 4-0 on aggregate.
    Chelsea have now lost all four games since Lampard’s arrival at the club. More

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    Real Madrid legend’s son gets first call-up to Spain’s U15 side – but his dad was an international star for Brazil

    MARCELO’S son has been called up to the Spain U15 team for the first time.Enzo Alves, 13, shared his delight at the news on his Instagram page as he posted images of himself in the Spain shirt.
    Enzo Alves has been called up to the Spain U15sCredit: https://www.instagram.com/enzoalvesv/
    He is the son of former Real Madrid star MarceloCredit: https://www.instagram.com/enzoalvesv/
    Marcelo played 58 times for BrazilCredit: Splash News
    His post was accompanied by the caption: “Start a new challenge. Let’s go for it! ❤️🔥”
    His father Marcelo, 34, commented with an emoji of a sun on the post.
    Stars such as Angel Di Maria and James Rodriguez also sent their congratulations to the youngster.
    He will take part in the Pinatar Supercup 2023 which will take place in Spain, at the end of April.
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    The tournament will pit Spain’s youngsters against Japan, the USA and England.
    Last December the young striker signed a contract with his father’s old team, Real Madrid.
    Enzo has been described as an “excellent scorer”.
    Marcelo left Brazilian side Fluminense in 2007 for Real Madrid and spent 15 incredibly successful seasons with the club.
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    While at the Bernabeu, Marcelo won six LaLigas, five Champions Leagues, two Copa del Reys, four Club World Cups, five Spanish Super Cups, and three UEFA Super Cups.
    He left the club in 2022 after his contract expired and joined Greek giants Olympiacos.
    However, after only playing five league games, his contract was mutually terminated paving the way for his return to Fluminense. More

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    Chelsea fans demand Frank Lampard plays HIMSELF against Real Madrid after they spot training video

    CHELSEA fans have been demanding that Frank Lampard picks himself to play against Real Madrid.The calls came after footage of the club icon juggling a ball during training emerged, showing that he has not lost his touch.

    Chelsea boss Lampard impressed with his juggling skillsCredit: AFP
    And fans asked that he picks himself to play against Real Madrid tonightCredit: AFP
    Now the interim coach of the Blues, Lampard is aiming to help his side overturn a two-goal deficit when they face the LaLiga giants at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League tonight.
    Lampard has been leading training since the firing of Graham Potter, but the club has lost each of the three games that he has been in charge.
    However as he entered training today, Lampard showed off his ability to control the ball as he juggled and balanced it on his foot – all while holding a clipboard.
    This has led to fans calling for the former midfielder to play himself against Real Madrid.
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    One fan tweeted: “He should just put on the jersey and play for us today, maybe we can have some hope.”
    A second wrote: “I think they need him out there !… On the pitch! lol.”
    A third commented: “Let him play as their striker tonight.”
    A fourth said: “Get him in line up player-coach Terry back too and Drogba!!!!”
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    While a fifth declared: “Chelsea’s player of the season.”
    A sixth added: “He’d do a better job than 95% of Chelsea’s current midfield.”
    Another joked: “Probs worth getting the kit on can’t be worse than Havertz up top.”
    Chelsea face Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final in a bid to salvage something from this season.
    They are languishing in eleventh place in the league, ten points off seventh-placed Brighton, who beat them at the weekend. More

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    Real Madrid ‘want Chelsea quartet and willing to splash out more than £90m on Reece James alone’

    REAL MADRID are reportedly keen on signing four players from Chelsea.And they are ready to spend £90million alone on star man Reece James.
    Real Madrid are ready to spend £90m on Chelsea star Reece JamesCredit: Rex
    Real are also big fans of contract rebel Mason MountCredit: Reuters
    Chelsea and Real face each other tonight in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
    The Spaniards lead the tie 2-0 following last week’s win at the Bernabeu.
    But Real are also looking to beat Chelsea off the pitch as well as on it.
    According to Fijaches, Los Blancos are hoping to sign no less than four players from Stamford Bridge.
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    Top of their list is right-back James, 23, who is regarded as one of the best players in his position.
    The defender only signed a new five-year deal in September.
    Real are in “no hurry” to sign James, but they would like to have him in as a replacement for the ageing Dani Carvajal.
    Next on their list is Mateo Kovacic, who is out of contract in 2024.
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    Real want to re-sign Mateo Kovacic when his contract expires in 2024Credit: Alamy
    Real rate Ruben Loftus-Cheek for his versatilityCredit: Getty
    The 28-year-old spent three years at Real before joining Chelsea in 2018.
    But Los Blancos chiefs are keen on a free transfer return when his deal expires, with the club expecting to lose either Luka Modric or Toni Kroos next year.
    The third player Real want is Mason Mount, also out of contract in 2024.
    Carlo Ancelotti would prefer to make a move this summer as the England man, 24, stalls on signing a new Chelsea deal.
    But Real are also willing to bide their time and land Mount for nothing next year should the Blues play hardball over a fee.
    Finally, the Spaniards are also exploring a move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 27.
    They are big fans of the ace’s versatility as a central midfielder and right-sider.
    Like Mount, he is being targeted this summer but could also end up going on a free transfer in 2024. More

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    Real Madrid set to break 23-year-old Luis Figo Law as they look to pull off transfer raid on Barcelona

    REAL MADRID are preparing a shock transfer raid on rivals Barcelona for the first time in 23 years, reports suggest.That is according to Marca, via El Futbolero, who report that Real are keeping tabs on Barca star Gavi ahead of the summer transfer window.
    Real Madrid are eyeing Barcelona star Gavi ahead of the summer transfer windowCredit: Rex
    That means Los Blancos are planning to break an unwritten transfer rule agreed between the two LaLiga foes back in 2000.
    The two European giants promised they wouldn’t try to sign each other’s players in what is now known as the Luis Figo Law.
    The Merengues signed Figo from Barcelona 23 years ago in a deal that was met with intense rage from the Blaugrana faithful.
    Real splashed a then record £50million for the Portugal great, who enjoyed tremendous success at the Nou Camp with 45 goals and 58 assists in 249 appearances throughout a five-year stint.
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    The legendary winger then turned into persona non grata in Catalonia and was met with immense fury when visiting Barcelona with Real’s colours until 2005 when he left for Inter Milan.
    Figo is the last person to make a direct switch from one rival to another in Spain.
    Real now appear to consider Barcelona as “just another club” and are eyeing Gavi, whose deal runs out in 2026 and he has yet to pen an extension, but have yet to make an official move.
    The Catalan giants have been forced to remove the midfielder from their registration of first-team players due to their ongoing financial issues.
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    Consequently, the 18-year-old may now leave as a free agent in the summer.
    This comes amid Barcelona’s bid to re-sign Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi.
    Barca will therefore have to raise funds to meet Messi’s salary demands.
    Gavi has also been targeted by Chelsea, who are looking for major reinforcement in the summer amid a disastrous Premier League campaign.
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    Real Madrid are looking to break the Luis Figo Law with BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    In fact, the Blues have been in talks with the Spain international’s representatives over a potential deal.
    And the West Londoners’ owner Todd Boehly is willing to make Gavi one of the Prem’s highest earners. More

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    Kante and Benzema’s very different lifestyles, from Chelsea star’s £10k Mini to Real Madrid striker’s £6m car collection

    AS personalities go, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante could not be more different.The Ballon d’Or winner, 35, is believed to earn £278,000-per-week at Real Madrid, and lives a life of luxury.
    Karim Benzema leads a glam life away from footballCredit: Instagram / @karimbenzema
    Modest N’Golo Kante prefers a more pared down existenceCredit: Getty
    While World Cup winner Kante, 32, prefers the simple life, despite pocketing £290,000-per-week.
    Before the pair face off against one another when Chelsea take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, SunSport compares their very different lifestyles.
    From the humble Kante to the free-spending Benzema, here’s what they like to splash their cash on.
    Cars
    When it comes to motors, serial Champions League winner Benzema boasts an epic fleet of supercars worth around £6million.
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    Most recently he has been seen driving a £160,000 Lamborghini Urus, but his prized possession is a £2.5million Bugatti Chiron he bought in 2021.
    The forward also has a very rare Bugatti Veyron, which cost £1.5million – but now being a collector’s item is worth much more than that.
    Then there’s a £200,000 Ferrari 458 Spyder and a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren that is appreciating in value and could be worth up to £400,000 in today’s market – all sitting comfortably in Benzema’s garage.
    Least we forget a Lamborghini Gallardo £220,000 and a £250,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith.
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    Kante does things a little bit different. It is believed his second-hand Mini Cooper, which costs around £20k brand new, is still his ride.
    He reportedly bought it when he signed for Leicester City in 2015, and has refused to part with it ever since.
    Former team-mate Antonio Rudiger told The Players’ Tribune: “Everything with NG [Kante] is authentic. Even the Mini Cooper — people laugh about it, but there is a real story behind it.
    “It was a dream for NG to make it to the Premier League, coming from where he came from, and the Mini was the first car that he bought when he got to England.
    “So for him, it is not just a car. It has a deep meaning.”
    Most recently, Benzema has been spotted driving a Lamborghini Urus worth £160,000Credit: Instagram / @karimbenzema
    Benzema boasts a £2.5million Bugatti Chiron in his garageCredit: Instagram / @karimbenzema
    Benzema’s car collection is said to be worth £6million
    Kante seen driving his Mini Cooper S back in 2016Credit: iCelebTV
    Fashion & shopping
    When it comes to fashion, you can forget about Kante spending money on designer clothes.
    Often spotted in leisure wear and trainers, the midfield general turned up to the 2018 wedding party of Cesc Fabregas and Daniella Semaan in Ibiza wearing a white spotted shirt with navy shorts.

    Benzema is a totally different animal.
    On his crowning glory at last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, he wore a fitted black tuxedo over a banded collar shirt in a nod to a famous outfit worn by Tupac Shakur at the 1996 American Music Awards.
    Matched with expensive Jean Paul Gaultier frames and a Cartier bracelet and Richard Mille watch, he was a picture of elegance.
    In 2019, he modelled a Fendi collection, while he’s often front row at Paris Fashion Week.
    His go-to designer is Balenciaga, who he is often spotted wearing.
    Benzema was a picture of elegance at the Ballon d’Or awards in 2022Credit: Rex
    Expensive designer threads are important to Benzema

    Kante appeared at the wedding of Cesc Fabregas and Daniella Semaan wearing shortsCredit: Getty
    Casual Kante prefers to dress in relaxed leisure wearCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Kante was once spotted by a fan shopping in AsdaCredit: Twitter / @Sarfraz_A10
    Kante’s food shop tells you everything you need to know.
    He was once spotted by a fan at budget supermarket Asda.
    Speaking on Twitter, fellow shopper Sarfaz Ahmed said: “Went out for some casual grocery shopping at Asda and look who I bumped in to.
    “@nglkante what a player and what a human being! Very kindly took a picture with me and was so polite.
    “Listened patiently to what I had to say, so humble for a player of such class!”
    Mobile phones
    According to Blues team-mate Kai Havertz, Kante has had the same phone for ten years.
    He said: “There’s an image of footballers, all fancy and diamonds and this and that.
    According to his team-mate Kai Havertz, Kante has had the same phone for 10 yearsCredit: AFP
    Benzema splashed around £3,000 on his customised 24k gold iPhone
    “I have met players who spend so much on things where you think: ‘Why do you do this? There are players who don’t care but others do. It’s not always about saying: ‘I did this.’ That’s sometimes a bit fake.
    “N’Golo Kante is another. He’s had the same phone for 10 years, doesn’t care about cars, doesn’t care about clothes.”
    On the other hand, Benzema commissioned iPhone Gold to make him a customised 24k gold iPhone costing somewhere in the region of £3,000.
    Holidays
    When the season ends, Benzema takes himself on a well-deserved holiday.
    He will travel in luxury, seen taking a private jet to glam destinations including Ibiza and Los Angeles.
    Often, he will share his travels to his 69million followers on Instagram – who are wowed by the lifestyle he leads, which includes renting luxury yachts or going on safari.
    However, homebody Kante doesn’t care for a break away much.
    Benzema favours taking a private jet to glam destinationsCredit: Instagram / @karimbenzema
    Travel is important to BenzemaCredit: Instagram / @karimbenzema
    No expense is spared when Benzema enjoys his downtimeCredit: Instagram / @karimbenzema
    Kante is a self-confessed homebodyCredit: Getty
    Amusingly, when filming for Chelsea’s kit sponsors Trivago, Kante revealed in the video that his perfect summer holiday would be if he didn’t go anywhere at all!
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    He said: “Sometimes I just stay at home only and I’m happy.”
    How Trivago might have wished they had the chance to ask Benzema that question. More

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    Real Madrid fuming as ‘disaster’ ref Luka Modric called ‘one of worst ever’ will be in charge of crunch Chelsea showdown

    A REFEREE Luka Modric has labelled a “disaster” has been put in charge of Real Madrid’s second-leg clash against Chelsea. Daniele Orsato will be the official at Stamford Bridge tomorrow for the huge Champions League quarter-final game.
    Daniele Orsato has refereed many high-profile matches at club and international levelCredit: Rex
    Luca Modric has been outspoken on his views on Orsato previouslyCredit: Rex
    Madrid hold a two goal lead after beating Chelsea at the Bernabeu and will be looking to get the job done.
    But the Mail report there is “panic” from Madrid at the decision to appoint Orsato to the role given club grievances with him before.
    Modric has been the most critical of the Italian ref after taking issue with his officiating in last year’s World Cup semi-final between Croatia and Argentina.
    The Croatian midfielder felt that his country should have been given a corner shortly before Argentina went up the other end and won a penalty which Modric also thought was unjust.
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    The Real Madrid star, 37, said: “It’s a key moment in the game, he doesn’t give us a corner and he whistles a penalty, which wasn’t for me, because he shoots and collides with our goalkeeper.
    “I can’t believe he whistled that penalty. That changes the game.

    “I never talk about referees, but today it’s impossible not to talk. He’s one of the worst I know.
    “Not only because of today’s game. He’s whistled me many times and I never have a good memory of him. He’s a disaster.”
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    Orsato also wound up Real Madrid when he officiated their first-leg last 16 Champions League defeat in 2020.
    Sergio Ramos was sent off late on for dragging back Gabriel Jesus and City won a penalty when Dani Carvajal took down Sergio Ramos.
    But Orsato was also in charge of Real Madrid’s dramatic extra-time win over Manchester City in last year’s Champions League’s semi-finals and awarded them a penalty.
    In total the ref has officiated seven Madrid games with Los Blancos winning three and losing four.
    The Spanish club will be favourites for the game regardless of the referee with struggling Chelsea without a win in six. More

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    Real Madrid star Toni Kroos set to stay and sign new one-year deal and Aurelien Tchouameni will NOT be allowed to leave

    TONI KROOS is set to sign a new one year contract at Real Madrid whilst Aurelien Tchouameni will not be allowed to leave the club, according to reports. Kroos, 33, joined the Spanish giants from Bayern Munich back in 2014 for a fee of £20million.
    Kroos and Tchouameni are both set to remain at the Bernabeu next seasonCredit: Getty
    The German international has made 265 appearances to date for Los Blancos scoring 21 goals.
    Speculation had been rife around Kroos’s future with his current deal expiring at the end of the season but he is set to extend his stay in the Spanish capital.
    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that the German will put pen to paper on a new one year deal until June 2024.
    Romano added that Kroos didn’t negotiate with any other clubs and it was either retirement or staying at Madrid.
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    The German international has won three La Liga titles and the Champions League four times during his time with Madrid.
    Meanwhile Kroos’s team-mate and fellow midfielder Tchouameni won’t be allowed to leave the club this summer according to Spanish publication AS.
    The Frenchman was a big money signing in the summer from AS Monaco and having made a promising start his Madrid career has stagnated since the World Cup.
    AS report that within the club they are putting it down to adapting to a new way of playing, a new country and a club which is notoriously difficult to adapt to as was the case with Luka Modric and Eder Militao.
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    The report adds that Madrid won’t listen to any offers for the 23-year-old and they believe he will become the player that did so well at Bordeaux and Monaco.
    Tchouameni has made 24 appearances for Los Blancos in LaLiga this season and has yet to find the back of the net for his new team.
    He was part of the Madrid side that won the Club World Cup in February. More