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      Serie A legend looks unrecognisable with grey goatee in Lionel Messi exhibition match after ditching long locks

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      A SERIE A legend looks totally unrecognisable after ditching his iconic long locks.The former player hung up his boots and retired way back in 2005.
      This former footballer looks very different these days after appearing in an exhibition matchCredit: TWITTER @SC_ESPN
      But in those 18 years, he has not lost his magic touch in front of goal.
      He played in a Maxi Rodriguez testimonial alongside Argentine hero Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick on his 36th birthday.
      However, it was the ex-striker who looked completely different as he dispatched a classy penalty into the top corner for the Newell’s Old Boys XI – although the grey goatee could be a giveaway.
      With his side trailing 2-0, he stepped up and delivered from 12 yards before hugging the beaten goalkeeper.
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      Previously, the former footy ace was spotted at tennis’ ATP Cup in Australia.
      A photo, taken back in January 2020, shows the serial goalscorer watching his compatriots Argentina taking on Spain in Perth.
      Look carefully and again you may recognise the goatee beard – a lighter shade of silver these days.
      But the hairstyle is a neater clipped cut – a drastic change from the flowing mane with which he scored 350 career goals, including 219 in Italy’s top flight.
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      The mystery man is, believe it or not, Gabriel Batistuta.
      Batistuta, now 54, started his career at Newell’s Old Boys – the same club as Messi – before a year apiece with rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors.
      But it was in Italy he enjoyed most of his success, spending nine seasons with Fiorentina – returning 203 goals in 331 appearances.
      He joined Roma in 2000 and had a loan spell with Inter Milan in 2002-03 before finishing his club career in Qatar with Al-Arabi.
      Batistuta won one Serie A, a Serie B, the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italianas and was the top scorer in Italy’s top flight in 1994-95.
      The Argentina international managed an impressive 56 goals in 78 caps and lifted the Copa America twice.
      Only Messi, who took his tally to 98 with two in the World Cup final and now is clear on 103, has more strikes for the Albiceleste.

      The mystery footballer looks completely different in his retirementCredit: Getty
      He enjoyed an illustrious career, especially in ItalyCredit: Getty
      Gabriel Batistuta in action for Fiorentina, for whom he scored 203 timesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He made the controversial switch to Roma in 2000Credit: EPA More

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      Man Utd transfer blow as Napoli star Victor Osimhen opens talks over new mega-money contract with Serie A giants

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S pursuit of Victor Osimhen has hit the rocks with the striker opening talks over a new deal with Napoli, it’s been claimed.The Nigeria international spearheaded Napoli’s charge to their first Scudetto in over 30 years last season, scoring 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances.
      Manchester United are interested in signing Napoli Victor OsimhenCredit: REX
      Osimhen has been lined up as an alternative to Spurs’ Harry KaneCredit: GETTY
      But Osimhen’s agent is in talks with Napoli over a new deal at the Diego Armando Maradona StadiumCredit: GETTY
      United are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old and view him as an alternative to Tottenham skipper Harry Kane.
      But they could be forced to turn their attention elsewhere as fresh talks over a bumper new deal for Osimhen, who is said to earn around £95,000-a-week at the moment, are reportedly underway.
      Sky Italia claim Osimhen’s agent recently discussed a new deal with Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis – who doesn’t want to sell the striker on the cheap.
      Osimhen has two years left on his current contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
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      But he recently suggested he could extend his stay in Naples, telling TG5: “‘I’m at a great club and my career is growing constantly.
      “I am already at one of the biggest clubs and I could not ask for more. Forza Napoli always!”
      United’s potential pursuit of Oshimen could, however, be aided by his desire to play in England’s top flight.
      He said: “I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world (Serie A) is an amazing feeling for me.
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      “A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league.
      “But now, I’m in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.
      “I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday.
      “But like I said, it’s a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well.” More

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      Chelsea icon Cesar Azpilicueta ‘seals Inter Milan transfer’ after agreeing two-year deal and return to Champions League

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      CHELSEA icon Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly sealed a transfer to Inter Milan after agreeing a two-year deal.The move will see the Spaniard make a return to the Champions League, with the Blues not in Europe next season.
      Cesar Azpilicueta is set to join Inter Milan on a free transfer from ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Fabrizio Romano reports that Azpilicueta has agreed personal terms with the Italian giants and will join on a two-year deal.
      He is now set to complete a free transfer, with Chelsea happy to cancel his contract a year early to allow him to leave for the Champions League runners-up.
      It means Azpilicueta’s 11-year stay at Stamford Bridge will come to an end this summer.
      The 33-year-old joined the club from Marseille for £7million in 2012 and has made over 500 appearances in blue.
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      He has also won two league titles and the Champions League amongst nine major honours during that time.
      Azpilicueta had looked set to leave Chelsea last summer after entering talks with Barcelona, only to instead stay and sign a new deal.
      Chelsea are looking to trim their squad in order to make room for new signings as Mauricio Pochettino overhauls his side.
      Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech all look set to depart, with several Saudi Arabian clubs said to be interested.
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      N’Golo Kante has already finalised a move to the Middle East, joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.
      As for incomings, Chelsea confirmed the signing of Christopher Nkunku this week, having signed an agreement for the Frenchman before the end of the season.
      The club also remains in talks to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo. More

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      Champions League giants ‘serious’ about hijacking Prem transfer of Bristol City star dubbed ‘Guernsey Grealish’

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE finalists Inter Milan could hijack a Premier League transfer for Alex Scott. Scott, 19, has impressed over the last two seasons with Bristol City, notching six goals and seven assists across 91 appearances.
      Alex Scott has been linked with a transfer to Inter MilanCredit: Getty
      This form has seen the midfielder catch the eye of a number of Premier League outfits, including Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool.
      However, according to a report from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Inter are now “serious” about bringing him to the Serie A.
      Scott has been estimated to have a value of £25million.
      But the report states Inter could manage to negotiate this fee down to £15.5m.
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      Dubbed the “Guernsey Grealish”, Scott was crowned the Championship’s Young Player of the Season for his efforts last campaign.
      West Ham are thought to be considering the £25m move but will face competition from Wolves and Bournemouth as well as the interest from Spurs and the Reds.
      However, Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson has previously insisted that Scott will not be allowed to leave the club for cheap.
      He told Bristol World: “It’s got to be more than £25m, he shouldn’t go for less than that.
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      Inter star Nicolo Barella has been tipped for a sensational exit from the Nerazzurri.
      With Barella linked with a £69m move to England, Inter’s attention on Scott makes sense with them both playing in the same position. More

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      Tottenham rushing to complete transfer of goalkeeper Vicario with move at risk of being HIJACKED by Italian club

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      TOTTENHAM are hoping to complete the signing of Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario – and keep him out of the clutches of Inter Milan.Vicario, 26, is close to a £16.3milion switch from Serie A side Empoli to North London.
      France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris looks set to leave Tottenham in the coming weeksCredit: EPA
      Spurs have identified Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario as a replacement for LlorisCredit: Getty
      It is widely believed in his homeland that Inter were lining up a move for the stopper should Chelsea target Andre Onana leave this summer – so Spurs have moved quickly.
      Tottenham have been after a new stopper with long-serving captain Hugo Lloris wanting to leave this summer.
      They had targeted Brentford’s David Raya but with the Bees’ asking price of £40million proving prohibitive, they have now turned to Vicario.
      Reports coming out of Italy have suggested Vicario has already agreed a five-year deal with the North Londoners.
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      Vicario has had two stellar seasons helping Empoli retain their Serie A status.
      New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou wants a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and Vicario is understood to have worked on that area considerably of late.
      The stopper has earned plenty of admirers at home and abroad for his displays – including from Champions League finalists Inter.
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      Vicario was born in Udine in North-East Italy and began his career with hometown club Udinese.
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      His route to the Premier League has been far from easy, having to work his way up the Italian lower leagues with the likes of Fontanafredda, Venezia and Perugia.
      He finally reached Italy’s top flight with a move to Cagliari in 2020, but it was only when he joined Empoli on loan a year later that he became a Serie A regular, before turning the move permanent last summer.
      Vicario is yet to earn a senior cap for Italy but was on the bench for the Azzurri for the Nations League finals this month.
      Spurs’ former managing director of football Fabio Paratici, who resigned in April, was understood to be a big fan of Vicario.
      Fans will be hoping Vicario proves far more of a success than the last Italian stopper recommended by Paratici in Pierluigi Gollini, who failed to make an impact when joining on loan from Atalanta the season before last. More

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      Arsenal ‘really pushed’ for Tammy Abraham Chelsea transfer, until Roma boss Jose Mourinho pipped them to deal worth £34m

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      ARSENAL gave it their best shot when trying to sign Tammy Abraham from Chelsea before Roma boss Jose Mourinho came along.The Gunners were in pole position to sign the 25-year-old but the transfer was hijacked at the last minute by old foe and ex-Blues boss Mourinho, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Roma boss Jose Mourinho hijacked Arsenal’s Tammy Abraham pursuit at the last minuteCredit: Getty
      It seemed like a match made in heaven as Abraham reportedly wanted to stay in the Premier League rather than move abroad.
      But Arsenal were trying to stall the striker so they could get rid of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, Romano claims.
      He told the Here We Go podcast, reported by the Express: “They were trying to convince the player and to take his time before joining Roma.
      “Because they were looking to sell maybe Lacazette or maybe Eddie Nketiah to have a free slot for a new striker with Tammy Abraham.
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      “They were really interested, in talks with the agent, but they were prepared to make a proposal.
      “But they were needing to sell a striker before signing Tammy Abraham.
      “They were really, really pushing and pushing, they were trying in every possible way.”
      Arsenal had even tried to derail Roma’s interest in Abraham by offering them Lacazette on loan.
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      But the deal never materialised and Mourinho pressed ahead in his pursuit of Abraham, who was the Blues joint-top scorer in 2020-21.
      In the end, Abraham couldn’t wait any longer and completed his switch to join Mourinho’s Roma revolution for £34million.
      And Abraham’s career at the club got off to a flying start as he provided two assists on his debut, much to the delight of the Roma fans who gave him a standing ovation for his contribution.
      The striker scored 28 goals in all competitions in his debut season and helped Roma with the inaugural Europa Conference League.
      But last season he struggled for form, only registering nine goals. More

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      Edin Dzeko returns to Turkey just days after Champions League final heartbreak for transfer after leaving Inter Milan

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      EDIN DZEKO has agreed to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a two-year deal.The 37-year-old started in Inter Milan’s Champions League final clash with Manchester City in Istanbul but was unable to guide the Serie A side to victory.
      The striker has left Inter Milan after Champions League heartbreakCredit: Rex
      Edin Dzeko has returned to Turkey to sign for FenerbahceCredit: Fenerbache
      Dzeko’s contract was left to expire after he rejected Inter’s offer of a one-year extension.
      The Bosnian striker arrived back in Istanbul overnight, where he will sign his contract with Fenerbahce.
      Dzeko scored 31 goals in 101 appearances for Inter over the past two seasons.
      He scored 14 goals in 52 appearances last term as Inter won the Italian cup and reached the final of the Champions League under Simone Inzaghi.
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      The former Manchester City frontman will earn around £3.5m plus add-ons, and a substantial signing-on bonus.
      Inter have already drawn up a list of replacements which reportedly includes Arsenal ace Folarin Balogun.
      Romelu Lukaku is one potential option having returned to Chelsea following the conclusion of his loan spell at Inter.
      But bitter rivals AC Milan are also reportedly preparing a shock move to sign the Belgian ace.
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      Across Dkezo’s four seasons at City he won five trophies, scoring 72 goals between 2011 and 2015.
      The striker played an essential role in City’s first Premier League triumph, scoring the stoppage-time equaliser that made the victory over QPR possible on the final day. More

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      Super League ‘could be brought back by Saudi Arabia with Barcelona and Juventus among clubs considering link up’

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      THE Super League could be brought back by Saudi Arabia with Barcelona and Juventus interested, according to reports.Two years ago, 12 founding clubs proposed a breakaway from European football but the plan quickly fell apart after huge backlash.
      Juventus could join Saudi Arabia’s version of the Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      Bareclona are also reportedly keenCredit: Getty
      But the idea of a Super League could return via Saudi Arabia.
      Chiefs in the Middle East are looking to grow their division following the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema amongst other stars.
      And to help their sides become more attractive, they want to compete with teams from Europe and rival the Champions League.
      The Saudis supposedly plan to convince Barca and Juve to be part of the new competition.
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      Tuttosport claim they are both interested amid ongoing issues at both clubs.
      Barca are struggling financially and could also be hit with a ban from Uefa competitions over the Negreira case.
      The governing body are investigating claims that the Catalan giants allegedly paid £6.5million to former refereeing chief Jose Mara Enriquez Negreira.
      Meanwhile, Juventus are under scrutiny for potential FFP breaches, having already been slapped with a ten-point deduction for a false accounting scandal.
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      Both the Serie A side and Barcelona were original European Super League members.
      Saudi Arabian clubs would also reportedly welcome other big teams that fail to qualify for the Champions League.
      Uefa are supposedly concerned by the plan. More