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    Paulo Dybala’s Juventus career ‘over’ after breaking lockdown rules but chiefs fear losing Prem target on free transfer

    PAULO DYBALA is reportedly set to be sold by Juventus following a breach of lockdown rules.Team-mates Arthur Melo and Weston McKennie attended an alleged gathering with the striker after Italy introduced strict coronavirus measures.
    Paulo Dybala could be sold by Juventus in the summerCredit: The Mega Agency
    Media reports suggest police were called to the dinner, which included several people, and the club has reacted furiously.
    The trio are set to be left out of Saturday’s local derby with Torino and have all reportedly been fined.
    According to CalcioMercato, the episode has added further fuel to the fire of Dybala’s exit from the team.
    It is said that Juventus tried to sell the Argentine in January after he rejected their last contract offer.
    And an exit is on the cards once again at the end of the season after the Old Lady’s outrage at the alleged breach.
    Dybala’s role as a senior star and vice-captain, as well as a player who wants the team to be built around him, are described as making the episode all the more sour for Juve.
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    Weston McKennie was also involved in the alleged lockdown breachCredit: AP
    Arthur Melo (right) will also miss Saturday’s Turin derby after the incidentCredit: AFP
    In an apology following the incident, he wrote: “I was wrong to stay out for dinner. It wasn’t a party, but I was wrong anyway and I apologise.”
    The 27-year-old’s partner, Oriana Sabatini, has defended him and insisted reports of the gathering are wide of the mark.
    She claimed: “It wasn’t a secret party.
    “My boyfriend went to a dinner, as happens every Wednesday. Every week there are always the same people, there were not even ten, nor is it true there were 20.
    “I think they want to create controversy for everything that happens in the world of football. I don’t even know how they found out they were together to eat.”
    Juventus are said to be concerned that Dybala may reject a transfer away in the summer.
    With just over a year left to run on his contract, the forward could choose to see out his deal and leave on a free in 2022.
    Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked with a bid.
    Juventus will evaluate every opportunity in the market.Pavel Nedved

    However that is seen as a very expensive option for the Serie A giants and Pavel Nedved recently explained that nothing is off the table.
    The vice-president told DAZN: “We’ve missed Dybala. I think he hasn’t played more than 800 minutes with us this season.
    “He has one year left in his contract and I have nothing to add to what [Fabio] Paratici and [Andrea] Agnelli already said.
    “Juventus will evaluate every opportunity in the market.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Juventus star Paulo Dybala shows off his football skills while wearing a blindfold More

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    New York drug bust sees 50kg of cocaine – worth £1.5m – hidden in Cristiano Ronaldo CR7 branded packages seized

    TWO men have been arrested after police seized packages branded with Cristiano Ronaldo’s logo containing 50kg of cocaine.A United States narcotics investigation found £1.5million worth of the illegal drug stashed in a closet in New York.
    A drug bust in New York found 50kg of cocaine this week
    The packages were disguised with the CR7 logo used by Cristiano Ronaldo
    The cocaine was wrapped in packaging marked with the Juventus star’s ‘CR7’ branding.
    Police officers found materials persistent with drug trafficking inside an apartment in Queens, including a loaded firearm, $10,000 in cash, and money counting machines.
    An investigation led to 43-year-old Christopher Jones being observed as he entered the apartment on Monday afternoon, as confirmed by a US Justice Department statement.
    Jones entered the complex empty handed but left with a suitcase and drove away before being arrested.
    The suitcase was found to contain approximately $200,000 in cash.
    Another man, Wykim Williams, was also arrested and there is no suggestion of a link between the raid and Ronaldo.
    Police officers arrested and charged two men following the raid
    Ronaldo’s CR7 logo is often found on his merchandiseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Jones and Williams have been charged and detained under a six-figure cash bail.
    Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said: “It is shocking to find, in an apartment closet in a large residential development across the street from a public park, a stash of cocaine worth $2million dollars, a handgun and equipment to support large scale narcotics trafficking.”
    Cocaine seizures have risen 200 per cent in New York over the early months of 2021, in comparison to last year.
    Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said: “These defendants allegedly brought a massive amount of cocaine into our community while illegally armed.”

    This incident is not the first time drug smugglers have used superstar Ronaldo’s likeness to attempt to bypass the law.
    In November last year, a Nicaraguan bust uncovered 340 packages of cocaine marked with the CR7 logo.
    And a picture of Ronaldo emblazoned £3,500 worth of cannabis blocks seized from a suspected dealer in France in December 2018.
    A year earlier, Peruvian authorities busted a haul of cocaine with a street value of £73m in packages which featured Lionel Messi’s face.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Romelu Lukaku ‘available for £102m’ as Chelsea, Man City and Barcelona eye transfer for Inter Milan star

    INTER MILAN value Romelu Lukaku at £102million, with Barcelona considering him as an alternative to Erling Haaland, reports say. Lukaku, who arrived from Manchester United for £73million in 2019, has scored 19 goals in 26 league games this season, as Inter top Serie A.
    Inter Milan value Romelu Lukaku at £102m, reports sayCredit: Getty
    Corriere dello Sport says Romelu Lukaku is valued at £102m
    But behind the scenes, the club are battling financial losses, which could force the them into transfer sales in the summer.
    According to Corriere dello Sport, Lukaku has been handed a £102m price tag, should he be sold.
    Feloow forward Lautaro Martinez, 23, is another with an uncertain future, as Inter look to balance their books.
    Barca, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all been linked with Lukaku and Borussia Dortmund star Haaland.
    But Lukaku, 27, is a far more affordable options, with Haaland, 20, valued at £150m.
    The Norwegian’s release clause in 2022 allows him to leave for only £65m, but it does not guarantee he will stay.
    If Barca – also facing debts of £1BILLION – cannot afford Haaland this summer or miss out, Lukaku is their second choice.
    Current manager Ronald Koeman worked with the Belgian at Everton, and would like to bring him to the Nou Camp, Mundo Deportivo report.
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    City are also on the hunt for a new striker, following the news club legend Sergio Aguero, 32, will leave at the end of the season.
    And Chelsea – where Lukaku was signed to from 2011–2014 – are also rumoured to be looking for another goal scorer.
    But Italian press suggest Lukaku would opt against moving back to the Premier League.
    It comes following speculation Haaland is also favouring Barca or Real Madrid over England’s elite.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum Dolores in tears as she reveals Cristiano Jr, 10, begged her not to die after stroke

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S mum has revealed her ten-year-old grandson Cristiano Jr begged her: “Grandma don’t die.”Dolores Aveiro also confessed she was so unsure she’d pull through after her stroke the first thing she did when she woke up was telling her eldest daughter Elma the code for the safe where she kept her valuables.
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s son begged his grandma not to die when she had her stroke last yearCredit: Instagram
    Dolores Aveiro opened up on her experiences during a TV interview in PortugalCredit: Dois às 10
    The 66-year-old, who was rushed to hospital in her native island of Madeira on last spring, said in an emotional TV interview in which she broke down in tears: “I got up to go to the bathroom and fainted and fell.
    “When I came round I tried to get up but realised the left side of my body was paralysed.
    “I called my partner Jose Andrade and told him I wasn’t feeling well and asked him to dial 999.
    “I don’t remember getting to the hospital.”
    The mum-of-four, who has also battled breast cancer, told interviewer Maria Botelho Moniz on Portuguese TV station TVI: “My children gave me a lot of strength.
    “It was hard and I thought it was the end for me.
    “When I saw my eldest grandson Cristianinho come into my room to visit me, it was a huge shock for me.
    “I begged God not to take me, I want to see my grandchildren grow up and that’s what happened. There was a lot of faith there, but it was hard.”

    She added: “I saw all my children cry, although they didn’t want to worry me.
    “I’ve been operated on both breasts and that was never as hard as this has been.
    “When Cristianinho saw me cry so much, he told me, ‘Grandma don’t die.’
    “It moved me. When he phones he always asks me if I’m better. I live for my family, especially my grandchildren.”
    Dolores was rushed to Madeira’s Nelio Mendonca Hospital on March 3 last year after suffering an ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain.
    She was later transferred to a private hospital on the island.
    Ronaldo flew from his home in Italy to be by her side.
    Revealing her memory was not affected by her health scare but she was worried she would not not survive, Dolores admitted: “When I opened my eyes and saw my eldest daughter by her side, I didn’t know what might happen to me and and said, ‘Elma, I haven’t given you the code for my safe.’
    Life is taking one day at a timeDolores Aveiro
    “I gave her the number, just like that, despite her telling me: ‘Mum, I don’t want to know the number.’
    “When she tried it, the safe opened and that made me sure my memory was as good as ever.”
    Dolores, who is still recovering, stressed the importance of an early diagnosis for health problems.
    And she also gave credit to her superstar son and Juventus forward Cristiano for helping.
    She added: “It’s so important to alert people who feel something’s wrong to get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
    “In my case it was five minutes. Cristiano phoned the doctor from Italy, then I was operated on, thanks God. Many people don’t have the same luck as me.
    “My recovery is gradual. I have physiotherapy, I walk, I had a few months of discomfort.
    “I left hospital walking but I was affected on my left side, my mouth, my leg, my speech.

    “Now I’m feeling good and bit by bit I’ll get back to being 100 per cent.
    “I have to be careful about what I eat and I can’t wear high heels. I use simpler clothes, things without buttons.
    “Life is taking one day at a time.”
    Dolores spoke on the anniversary of her near-death experience and stressed the magnitude of the scare.
    She said: “A year ago today I saw my life almost running between my fingers.
    “And luckily I managed to hold on to a light, a light that pulled me up, a light that stubbornly insisted that it was just another obstacle to be overcome and another story of overcoming to tell.
    “I never spoke openly about what actually happened, just because I recovered to almost 100 per cent people think that nothing happened or that the scare I gave my children and those who really love me was small.”
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s beloved mum Dolores rushed to hospital after suffering suspected stroke at 5am More

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    Maurizio Sarri set for managerial return with Roma as ex-Chelsea boss ‘holds talks to replace Paulo Fonseca’

    ROMA could be about to hand Maurizio Sarri a return to management following reports of talks between the two parties.Paulo Fonseca is set to leave the Serie A club following a disappointing season, and discussions with Sarri began some time ago.
    Maurizio Sarri has reportedly rebuffed an approach from Serie A side FiorentinaCredit: Getty
    According to Leggo, the 62-year-old was contacted by Roma earlier this year and talks have since accelerated.
    Negotiations are described as going well with the ex-Chelsea and Juventus boss said to like the prospect of coaching the Giallorossi.
    He reportedly sees Roma as a good fit for his 4-3-3 formation with the potential to build the team into a real force over the medium-term.
    Alternative offers to coach in Turkey, France, and with Fiorentina are thought to be of less interest to Sarri.
    However, the Friedkin Group in charge at Roma may yet be tempted by Massimiliano Allegri if he throws his hat into the ring.
    With four defeats and a draw in their last eight league games, the club’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s Champions League are fading.
    Former Shakhtar Donetsk coach Fonseca guided the side to fifth in Serie A last season while falling early in both cup competitions.
    A humiliating Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Spezia almost led to his sacking in January and even a strong run in the Europa League, with Ajax up in the quarter-finals, will reportedly not be enough to save his job.
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    Fellow former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is also wanted by RomaCredit: EPA

    Sarri has been out of work since leaving Juventus last summer, despite winning the club’s ninth consecutive Scudetto.
    He had previously won the Europa League in a single season at Chelsea.
    Should the Italian make the move to Roma, there is every chance he will be linked with a return to Stamford Bridge to sign long-time midfield general Jorginho.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Inside Juventus’ title celebrations as Sarri smokes a cigarette and swigs magnum of champagne while Ronaldo and Co party More

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    Juventus trio Arthur, Dybala and McKennie fined by police over illegal lockdown party at US star’s house

    JUVENTUS stars Weston McKennie, Paulo Dybala and Arthur are reportedly in hot water for breaking Covid rules and attending a party.The trio are all set to be fined by the club after American McKennie, 22, defied restrictions to hold the bash at his home last night.
    Juventus star Weston McKennie reportedly held a party at his house last night and defied Covid liesCredit: Getty
    Paulo Dybala has been fined after he was amongst the revellersCredit: Getty
    That is according to La Stampa, who report that the former Schalke midfielder partied with his team-mates and around 17 other pals.
    The news comes as the club confirmed Leonardo Bonucci is isolating at home after he tested positive for Covid-19 upon returning from international duty with Italy.
    Under current coronavirus rules put in place in Italy, private parties have been forbidden.
    Police were called to the scene when neighbours noticed a party was going on inside McKennie’s home.
    However, when cops arrived around 11.30pm, nobody answered the door at his home.
    There is a nationwide curfew in Italy from 10pm until 5am.
    After trying to get access into the property for over an hour, police were finally allowed in, and that is when they discovered Dybala and Arthur amongst the revellers.
    However, Il Corriere di Torino reports the attendees did not prevent officers from entering the property.
    Fellow Juve star Arthur was also allegedly in attendance at the bashCredit: Alamy

    Fortunately for the Juventus threesome they did escape a charge for resisting police.
    But they have been fined £340 each under the country’s current law along with the rest of those in attendance.
    And the players are set to be hit in the pocket even further.
    Juventus, who have so far not commented on the reports, are also due to fine all three footballers when they return to training.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum Dolores breaks down in tears and reveals Cristiano Jr, 10, begged her not to die after stroke

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S mum revealed her ten-year-old grandson Cristiano Jr begged her: “Grandma don’t die.”Dolores Aveiro also confessed she was so unsure she would pull through after her stroke the first thing she did when she woke up was telling her eldest daughter Elma the code for the safe where she kept her valuables.
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s son begged his grandma not to die when she had her stroke last yearCredit: Instagram
    Dolores Aveiro opened up on her experiences during a TV interview in PortugalCredit: Dois às 10
    The 66-year-old, who was rushed to hospital in her native island of Madeira on last spring, said in an emotional TV interview in which she broke down in tears: “I got up to go to the bathroom and fainted and fell.
    “When I came round I tried to get up but realised the left side of my body was paralysed.
    “I called my partner Jose Andrade and told him I wasn’t feeling well and asked him to dial 999.
    “I don’t remember getting to the hospital.”
    The mum-of-four, who has also battled breast cancer, told interviewer Maria Botelho Moniz on Portuguese TV station TVI: “My children gave me a lot of strength.
    “It was hard and I thought it was the end for me.
    “When I saw my eldest grandson Cristianinho come into my room to visit me, it was a huge shock for me.
    “I begged God not to take me, I want to see my grandchildren grow up and that’s what happened. There was a lot of faith there, but it was hard.”

    She added: “I saw all my children cry, although they didn’t want to worry me.
    “I’ve been operated on both breasts and that was never as hard as this has been.
    “When Cristianinho saw me cry so much, he told me, ‘Grandma don’t die.’
    “It moved me. When he phones he always asks me if I’m better. I live for my family, especially my grandchildren.”
    Dolores was rushed to Madeira’s Nelio Mendonca Hospital on March 3 last year after suffering an ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain.
    She was later transferred to a private hospital on the island.
    Ronaldo flew from his home in Italy to be by her side.
    Revealing her memory was not affected by her health scare but she was worried she would not not survive, Dolores admitted: “When I opened my eyes and saw my eldest daughter by her side, I didn’t know what might happen to me and and said, ‘Elma, I haven’t given you the code for my safe.’
    Life is taking one day at a timeDolores Aveiro
    “I gave her the number, just like that, despite her telling me: ‘Mum, I don’t want to know the number.’
    “When she tried it, the safe opened and that made me sure my memory was as good as ever.”
    Dolores, who is still recovering, stressed the importance of an early diagnosis for health problems.
    And she also gave credit to her superstar son and Juventus forward Cristiano for helping.
    She added: “It’s so important to alert people who feel something’s wrong to get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
    “In my case it was five minutes. Cristiano phoned the doctor from Italy, then I was operated on, thanks God. Many people don’t have the same luck as me.
    “My recovery is gradual. I have physiotherapy, I walk, I had a few months of discomfort.
    “I left hospital walking but I was affected on my left side, my mouth, my leg, my speech.

    “Now I’m feeling good and bit by bit I’ll get back to being 100 per cent.
    “I have to be careful about what I eat and I can’t wear high heels. I use simpler clothes, things without buttons.
    “Life is taking one day at a time.”
    Dolores spoke on the anniversary of her near-death experience and stressed the magnitude of the scare.
    She said: “A year ago today I saw my life almost running between my fingers.
    “And luckily I managed to hold on to a light, a light that pulled me up, a light that stubbornly insisted that it was just another obstacle to be overcome and another story of overcoming to tell.
    “I never spoke openly about what actually happened, just because I recovered to almost 100 per cent people think that nothing happened or that the scare I gave my children and those who really love me was small.”
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s beloved mum Dolores rushed to hospital after suffering suspected stroke at 5am More

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    Arsenal transfer boost with Duvan Zapata open to Prem move from Atalanta after becoming boyhood fan back in Colombia

    ARSENAL fans may be able to dream of the club landing Duvan Zapata after the striker opened the door to a Premier League move.The Atalanta star, 30, has been a Serie A mainstay since signing for Napoli in 2013.
    Duvan Zapata (left) has refused to rule out a Premier League transferCredit: Getty
    But a move to England could be on the cards after he revealed his love for watching Prem matches while growing up in Colombia.
    And Arsenal’s interest may well be piqued by his past Gooner tendencies.
    When asked by La Gazzetta dello Sport about a switch to England, Zapata replied: “In football, never say never.
    “As a boy in Colombia, the Premier League was shown the most.
    “I supported Arsenal and woke up early on the weekend to watch their games on TV.”
    Zapata has hit 14 goals for Atalanta this season as the Bergamo club continue their impressive assault on the Champions League.

    Knocked out in the last-16 by Real Madrid, La Dea sit fourth in Serie A and will contest the Coppa Italia final in May.
    Inter Milan are ten points ahead and six clear of second-placed AC Milan, with a game in hand.
    And Zapata fired a barb at the Nerazzurri, insisting that their dominant form has been a result of their early exit from European competition.
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    Asked whether Inter are the best team in Italy, he noted: “Honestly, not for me.
    “They won but they suffered against us, like all the times they have faced us. Results do not always reflect each team’s merits.
    “I believe that Inter are first because they have had more time to work on the fine details, after being eliminated in Europe.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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