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      Mario Balotelli offered £43k-a-week transfer to join Besiktas and end Brescia hell after new club freezes him out

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      MARIO BALOTELLI has been offered a £43,000-a-week transfer to Besiktas, according to reports.
      The maverick ex-Manchester City striker has been frozen out by current club Brescia and he has been given the chance to end his Serie A hell by the Turkish side.

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      Mario Balotelli has been offered the chance to end his Brescia hell by Besiktas
      Balotelli, 29, has still got two years left to run on his deal with his hometown side.
      But in early June, he was effectively “sacked” by the Italian outfit after a monster bust-up with the club’s chief and former Leeds supremo Massimo Cellino.
      However, he has been handed a football lifeline by SuperLig side Besiktas, who are in talks with his agent Mino Raiola, according to Italian transfer guru Nicolo Schira.
      Balotelli fuelled the fire yesterday when he posted heart emojis in response to a Besiktas fan page that tagged him in a message imploring him to join the Turkish side.

      It was recently claimed that Balotelli’s contract with Brescia was set to be terminated at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
      But he was reportedly given his marching orders earlier than planned after missing ten days of training.
      And he was then denied entry to Brescia’s training base and sent packing by security just days later.
      La Gazzetta claimed no legal action was taken as an agreement was reached with Balotelli’s lawyers.

      The Italian returned to join his home town club in August 2019 after stints with Nice and Marseille.
      He racked up five goals in 19 Serie A appearances for Diego Lopez’s side this season.
      But he caused a stir when he started missing training sessions when lockdown restrictions were eased.
      He put his absence down to stomach problems, but reports revealed he had been spotted training alone.
      Balotelli initially put pen to paper on a £160,000-per-week Brescia deal last summer – but Cellino has labelled it a “mistake”.

      Speaking to BBC’s World Football programme, he said: “I think we both made a mistake.
      “I thought that coming to Brescia, which is his town, would commit him very much.
      “At the same time, I think he was handled the wrong way by my previous coach [Eugenio Corini].”

      Chelsea ‘make £20m move’ for John Stones as centre back remains top transfer target for Frank Lampard More

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      Pirlo set to flog SEVEN Juventus stars including Higuain and Man Utd transfer target Douglas Costa in huge overhaul

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      ANDREA PIRLO is showing no mercy as the new Juventus boss by preparing to flog seven stars, according to reports.
      The legendary midfielder, 41, replaced Maurizio Sarri at the Allianz Stadium over the weekend.

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      Gonzalo Higuain could be one of seven stars let go by new Juventus manager Andrea PirloCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      And Pirlo is wasting little time in getting rid of the deadwood he does not want – starting with the likes of ex-Chelsea striker Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester United target Douglas Costa.
      Higuain has been linked with a Juventus departure for months after not coming back from lockdown on time and then falling out with the previous boss.
      At 32, his best days look to be behind him and a move to the MLS or even a shock return to England was reported.
      Costa, meanwhile, was once heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

      And if Jadon Sancho’s record-breaking transfer does not go through, the 29-year-old Brazilian could be a cheaper alternative for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

      In fact, according to Tuttosport, United are one of a number of Premier League sides thought to be tracking Costa this summer.
      The report also adds that Sami Khedira and Blaise Matuidi are also at risk of being let go with both midfielders 33 years old.
      Finally, defenders Mattia De Sciglio, Alex Sandro and Daniele Rugani could be sold as well.

      It is thought two full-backs will be on their way out, which could pave the way for Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham to reignite their interest in Sandro.
      Rugani’s game time has been limited this season due to the form of Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt while Merih Demiral impressed before his injury.

      Arsenal, Chelsea and Wolves have all been linked with a swoop for Rugani as he looks surplus to requirements at the Old Lady.
      Shipping out a number of stars will free up places in the squad and wage budget for new-manager Pirlo to bring in his own signings this summer.
      Juventus, who may face a battle to hold on to Cristiano Ronaldo amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain, may go after Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi and Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik.

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      Time could be up for Douglas Costa at Juventus with Manchester United linked with the Brazilian wingerCredit: Rex Features

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      Andrea Pirlo replaced Maurizio Sarri as the Old Lady’s manager over the weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Andrea Pirlo named Juventus manager after Maurizio Sarri sacked More

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      David Silva posts emotional Man City goodbye with poignant image of legend overlooking Etihad as Lazio transfer nears

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend David Silva has posted a farewell goodbye to the Etihad after he played his final game at the ground on Friday night.
      The 34-year-old – who will leave the club later this month – played nine minutes in the 2-1 win against Real Madrid to keep his Champions League dream alive.

      But even though he still may feature for City again this season with Pep Guardiola’s men to face Lyon on Saturday, he will not feature again at the Etihad.
      That is because the remaining Champions League fixtures will all take place in Lisbon with the quarter-finals and semi-finals a one-legged affair.
      The European Cup has alluded Silva in his ten years spent at the club after arriving from Valencia in 2010.
      After helping his team-mates earn a 4-2 aggregate win against Los Blancos, Silva took to social media, where he posted a picture of himself standing inside City’s stadium looking out at the pitch and the stands.

      Silva – who has won four Premier League titles and two FA Cups with the Citizens – is reportedly set to join Lazio on a free transfer.
      It has been claimed that the Spanish playmaker has been offered £52,000-a-week by the Rome outfit, as well as a private jet and a luxury pad.
      His father revealed last week how he hopes his son signs for Lazio, as he said: “One day he tells me one thing and the next he tells me another.
      “Personally I would like him to remain in Europe and until the transfer window shuts, I can’t rule out anything.

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      David Silva will leave Manchester City after ten years later this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I can confirm that he likes the Italian league and would really enjoy playing in Italy. He told me he could play there until he’s 40 years old.
      “At the moment, there are many offers and he has to decide, but I’d love it if he signed for Lazio, because even if Rome is quite far away, it’d be a huge opportunity for him.
      “I know it’s unlikely he’ll come back to Spain, as he always tells me to rule out the idea of a return to Valencia.”

      David Silva offered £52k a week, private jet and ‘elegant house’ by Lazio as Man City legend weighs up transfer More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo closes in on Pele’s goal record with Juventus ace just 30 shy of Brazilian’s world record 767 strikes

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO lives for history, and after another record-breaking season is just 30 goals short of the all-time milestone he most craves: Pele’s 767 strikes.
      Ron went to 737 when his double in Friday’s 2-1 win over Lyon failed to save Juventus from a shock away goals exit in the Champions League.

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      Similar smiles and similar goal records: Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele

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      Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his double against Lyon, taking him to 737 goals overall, but Juve were still KO’dCredit: EPA

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      Pele holds the official world record for goals at 767 goals, and if you include unofficial games he netted 1286 times in 1363 games Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Pele famously netted 1286 times in 1363 matches, making him the stand-out man in the Guinness Book of Records.

      But 519 of those goals were in friendlies so do not count for the official crown.
      That means Portugal superstar Ronaldo, 35, will surely soar to the top within two years – although his 33-year-old great rival Lionel Messi is a menacing fifth on the list with 717.

      Former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker Ron has suggested he could play until he is 40.
      RON BUCKS TREND
      And even if that hope proves optimistic, many will expect him to eventually pass the 800 mark.
      The Sporting Lisbon product has cruised to more landmark figures in his second campaign for Juventus.
      His 37 goals in all competitions was the Old Lady’s highest ever in a season.

      And he needed just 61 matches to become the fastest man ever to 50 Serie A goals.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo slots a penalty leveller for Juventus in their 2-1 win over Lyon as they exited the Champions League on away goalsCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Lionel Messi is in fifth place overall on 717 after netting in Barcelona’s 3-1 defeat of Napoli on SaturdayCredit: AP:Associated Press
      At 6ft 2ins, rangy Ronaldo bucks the trend in a top-13 list of scorers full of pocket-sized poachers and weaving wizards with low centres of gravity.
      Pele is 5ft 8ins and third-placed Romario on 734 goals is 5ft 6ins.
      Next come German predator Gerd Mueller on 720, Barcelona great Messi and Hungarian frontman of folklore Ferenc Puskas.

      After opening with a five-goal spell for Sporting, Ronaldo joined United aged 18, netting 118 times in six years.
      Real then profited from his 450 strikes, while he is one off a century for Portugal and has 65 in total for Juventus.
      But what price Ronaldo passing Pele, then seeing Messi master him? … for goals at least.

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      Lyon keeper Anthony Lopes fails to stop Cristiano Ronaldo from completing a double as he reaches 737 goals altogetherCredit: AFP or licensors

      Cristiano Ronaldo swipes at Cuadrado’s ankles in training after Juventus ace taunts him with his own celebration More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes to meet with PSG sporting director as transfer bid talk ramps up in French media

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S agent is set to meet with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential stunning transfer, according to sensational reports in France.
      Despite the impact of coronavirus, the French giants are thought to be desperate to strengthen across the pitch.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly in talks with PSG over a stunning transferCredit: Reuters
      That has reportedly led to plenty of conversations between agent Jorge Mendes and PSG sporting director Leonardo.
      Mendes – who also represents PSG-target James Rodriguez – would of course be keen to make a deal happen.
      And Le10 Sport believe the pair are in talks to discuss a mammoth transfer of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner from Juventus.
      The report adds that they will take advantage of the Champions League festival in Lisbon to meet up with Ronaldo on the agenda.

      Ronaldo, 35, joined Juventus two years ago and still has two seasons left to run on his contract in Turin.

      Despite a record-breaking campaign in front of goal and another Serie A title, this season ultimately ended in disappointment.
      Defeats in the Suppercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia final were compounded by crashing out of the Champions League to Lyon on Friday, costing Maurizio Sarri his job.
      And now Ronaldo is thought to be considering his future as he soaks up the sun on holiday with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.

      In a cryptic Instagram post on Saturday, the Portuguese hero said: “The 2019/20 season is over for us, much later than usual but yet sooner than we expected.
      “Now it’s time for reflection, time to analyse the ups and downs because critical thinking is the only way to improve.”May this short vacation break allow us all to make the best decisions for the future and come back stronger and more committed than ever.”

      Reports last week suggested Ronaldo was “unhappy” at Juventus and even came close to agreeing a transfer to PSG before the lockdown hit.
      He has a strong bond with Neymar and admires Kylian Mbappe massively so could form one of the deadliest attacks in world football should he join the Ligue 1 champions.
      Paris also holds special memories for Ronaldo because it is the city where he won the European Championships with Portugal in 2016.

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      Ronaldo’s second season with Juventus ended in disappointment as the club were dumped out of the Champions LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      PSG sporting director Leonardo is determined to make improvements to his team this summer despite the impacts of coronavirusCredit: AFP or licensors

      Inside Juventus’ title celebrations as Sarri smokes a cigarette and swigs magnum of champagne while Ronaldo and Co party More

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      Andrea Pirlo named Juventus manager as Serie A champions appear to snub Pochettino and Guardiola after Sarri sacked

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      ANDREA PIRLO has been named the new Juventus manager after being selected by club president Andrea Agnelli.
      The retired legend replaces Maurizio Sarri, who was axed following Juve’s Champions League exit on Friday night

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      Andrea Pirlo has been named the new Juventus managerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Maurizio Sarri was axed following Juve’s Champions League exit on Friday nightCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
      Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and current Manchester City Pep Guardiola were among those linked with the role.
      But the Serie A kings have internally decided to hand the job to managerial novice Pirlo
      The World Cup winner signs on a two-year contract.
      A club statement read: “Today, begins a new chapter of his career in the world of football, as it was said almost a week ago: from Maestro to Mister.

      “From today he will be THE coach for people of Juventus, as the club has decided to entrust him with the technical leadership of the First Team, after having already selected him for Juventus Under 23.
      “Today’s choice is based on the belief that Pirlo has what it takes to lead from his debut on the bench, an expert and talented squad to pursue new successes.”

      The 41-year-old spent four years in Turin after arriving from AC Milan in 2011.
      After winning the league every season with Juve, he moved to New York City but retired after two seasons.

      He has since embarked on a coaching career and was named the Old Lady’s Under-23 manager just nine days ago.
      Without taking charge of a single game, he received an immediate promotion to first-team boss.
      He will succeed Sarri who, despite steering the Italian’s to a ninth successive title, was fired as they crashed out of Europe against Lyon.

      The sacked former Chelsea boss could now be in line to receive up to £27million in compensation.
      Sarri penned a three-year deal when he took over last summer, worth a basic figure of around £5m per season, and Juve are obliged to pay out the remainder of his contract.
      Agnelli could shell out between £18m and £27m to cover the compensation package depending on whether he gets another job within the next two years.

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      Pirlo won four league titles during his time as a player for Juve Credit: AFP – Getty

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      Pirlo named Juve U23 boss just nine days ago – and is yet to take charge of a matchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Inside Juventus’ title celebrations as Sarri smokes a cigarette and swigs magnum of champagne while Ronaldo and Co party More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Elma slams his Juventus team-mates in Instagram post after Champions League exit

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S sister blasted the Portuguese superstar’s Juventus team-mates after their Champions League exit.
      Juventus beat Lyon 2-1 on Friday night but crashed out on away goals in the last-16 of Europe’s premier competition.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Elma backed him on Instagram while digging out his Juventus colleagues

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      Ronaldo could not believe his side’s failure to go through
      Former Real Madrid man Ronaldo bagged both the Old Lady’s goals but they came up agonisingly short.
      The Bianconeri failed to overturn the 1-0 deficit they had coming into the game after defeat in the first leg in France.
      A soft early penalty converted by Memphis Depay’s panenka proved to be the decisive away goal as Ronaldo’s brace – including his own goal from the spot – went in vain.
      Ronaldo was seen in tears at the final whistle and his sister Elma had a pop at his colleagues on Instagram, while defending her bro.

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      Ronaldo and his supportive sister Elma

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      She wrote: “You did better than anyone! I am proud to see you play.
      “And to see your dedication but unfortunately alone you cannot do everything moreover it is impossible!!!!!!
      “You know football is like that, but you also have to think you did your best and you’re still the best.”
      It is not the first time one of Ronaldo’s sisters has hit out at footballers.

      The star’s sibling Katia slammed Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk for a tongue-in-cheek comment he made about Ronaldo’s absence from the Ballon d’Or ceremony in December.

      The Champions League failure proved to be the final straw for boss Maurizio Sarri as he was unceremoniously given the boot after just one season in Turin.
      The former Chelsea manager led Juventus to their ninth consecutive Serie A title but incredibly it was not enough to hang onto his job.
      World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo is Sarri’s shock replacement – the Italian legend taking the job just nine days after he was put in charge of the Under-23s.

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      Juventus to pay Sarri up to £27m after sacking ex-Chelsea boss as Pochettino front-runner to replace him

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      JUVENTUS could pay Maurizio Sarri up to £27million in compensation after sacking the Italian.
      And now Mauricio Pochettino is the early favourite to replace Sarri in the dugout at the Allianz Stadium.

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      Andrea Agnelli will need to shell out around £10m to pay off the rest of Maurizio Sarri’s Juventus contract which had two years left to runCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Old Lady decided to give Sarri the boot on Saturday, not even 24 hours after his side crashed out of the Champions League.
      But because Sarri penned a three-year deal when he took over last summer, worth a basic figure of around £5m per season, Juve are obliged to pay out the remainder of his contract.
      But reports suggest Juventus president Andrea Agnelli must shell out between £18m and £27m to cover the compensation package depending on whether he gets another job within the next two years.
      The former Chelsea boss lost the Supercoppa Italiana in December to Lazio and then the Coppa Italia final on penalties to his old side Napoli in June.

      And despite winning the Serie A title, pipping Inter Milan by just one point after losing seven league matches, success in Europe was a necessity.

      Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie with Lyon but it was not enough as the Ligue 1 side progressed on away goals.
      Juve said: “Juventus Football Club announces that Maurizio Sarri has been relieved of his post as coach of the First Team.
      “The club would like to thank the coach for having written a new page in Juventus’ history with the victory of the ninth-consecutive championship, the culmination of a personal journey that led him to climb all the divisions of Italian football.”

      The Old Lady want Pochettino to take over and have reportedly already made contact with him.
      The former Tottenham boss is currently without a club following his sacking at White Hart Lane last November.

      Agnelli’s No1 choice to replace Sarri would be club legend Zinedine Zidane, who also crashed out of the Champions League on Friday night.
      Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi’s name has also been mentioned but with neither man expected to quit their current clubs this summer, the available Poch is the more likely option.
      That is despite the fact he would demand around double the wages Sarri was on.

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      Sarri cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as his Juve side crashed out of the Champions League to LyonCredit: EPA

      Inside Juventus’ title celebrations as Sarri smokes a cigarette and swigs magnum of champagne while Ronaldo and Co party More