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    David Beckham and Gary Neville complete Salford takeover as rest of Man Utd Class of 92 relinquish their stakes

    DAVID BECKHAM and Gary Neville have completed a takeover of Salford City.Neville clubbed together with other members of Manchester United’s famous Class of 92 to buy stakes in the club in 2014.Gary Neville and David Beckham have completed a takeover of Salford CityCredit: GettyThe Class of 92 invested in the club in 2014Credit: BBCThe ex-footballers came through the Manchester United academy togetherCredit: GettyBeckham then joined the ownership team in 2019 when he purchased a ten per cent stake from majority shareholder Peter Lim. But now Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes have relinquished their ownership.Lim also departed in 2024, leaving Beckham and his best man Neville to seek fresh investment. And they have found that in the shape of Declan Kelly, founder of US-based advisory firm Consello, and Lord Mervyn Davies, chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association – who will together co-chair Salford’s board of directors.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe new ownership group also includes four further businessmen plus an Indian sports technology company. According to The Athletic, they have invested between £11million and £15m to bolster Salford’s infrastructure and sporting ambitions.But the consortium are understood not to be taking on active daily roles in the club, with Beckham and Neville driving the operation and hoping to appoint a new chief executive.Butt, Giggs, Scholes and Phil Neville, meanwhile, are expected to stay on in other non-stakeholder roles at Moor Lane.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSalford enjoyed four promotions in five years once the ex-United stars initially bought in. The 2024-25 season was their sixth consecutive campaign in League Two.The Ammies finished eighth, missing out on a play-off spot by just one point. It is said the celebrity owners are targeting two promotions to the Championship within the next five years. Beckham, who also owns MLS outfit Inter Miami, told The Athletic: “I will be over every big decision that’s made and every little decision that’s made.”That’s what my commitment is to Gary. It’s what my commitment is to the club.“We’re definitely not doing it for a laugh and it’s also not for the romantic side of things.“Yes, we care about the club — but we’re doing it to win. We want Salford to be successful and we have had success, but then we want it to go on to the next level.“I always dream big so I’m always going to want us to get to the pinnacle of football and be in the Premier League. “But there’s a lot of hard work and a lot of investment to be done up until that point.“The Championship is a league that we want to get in but it’s step by step. We want success very quickly but these things take time.Salford City ownership groupDavid Beckham (ex-England captain, Man Utd legend, Inter Miami owner)Gary Neville (ex-Man Utd and England right-back, Sky Sports pundit) Declan Kelly (founder of US-based advisory firm Consello)Lord Mervyn Davies (chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association)Frank Ryan (co-chair, co-CEO, Americas Chair, DLA Piper)Shravin Mittal (founder of Unbound and managing director of Bharti Global Ltd)Nick Woodhouse (executive vice chairman, Authentic Brands Group)Colin Ryan (chief strategy and corporate development officer, Qualcomm)Dream Sports Group (Indian sports technology company)“There’s a reason why we’re not going to be going up this year. So what is that reason? How do we solve it? And what do we need to put around the team, the manager and the club to ensure we have that success?“But if we can do that, fast forward it and be up in the Championship, that’s what the dream would be.”Beckham also explained why Salford means so much to him personally as it was where he lived when he moved to Manchester aged 15, where he trained at The Cliff, where he bought his first house and where he first lived with wife Victoria. And he revealed he has taken motivation from the likes of fellow A-lister football club owners Tom Brady at Birmingham and Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham, who both enjoyed promotion from League One this season. Beckham added: “We’ve all been inspired by what Ryan Reynolds has been doing at Wrexham and I’m not saying this is why we’re doing it because it’s not.“But I’ve spoken to Ryan about it so many times now and he said the feeling around the city, the feeling around the club, is so exceptional. That’s the kind of thing that we want to create.“Tom Wagner and Tom Brady have done an incredible job with Birmingham. I went to a game a few months back and the atmosphere in the stadium was one of the best I’ve seen for a long time. “That’s what we want to create. We want to create that community, add to the community and fan base we’ve already got — and then lift it.“It’s not only growth on the field, which is what we care most about, but we want success. Because if we’re having success then we’re also having the opportunity to say, ‘Now we we’re going to invest, now we’re going to get a bigger stadium, now we’re going to get a bigger training facility and then it will go on.’ That is what we’re aiming for.Read More on The Sun“We’re not going to turn around and say, ‘Okay, there’s a bunch of money, we have no plan but we have the money and now we’ll go and get the players’. That’s not how we work in business. It has to be sustainable.“It has to be a real plan around the club because we want to be taken seriously on the field, firstly, and then on the business side. We don’t want to look stupid or make the mistakes that others have in the past.”Beckham and Neville have been friends for decades – with the right-back even Becks’ best manCredit: Getty – ContributorBeckham has taken inspiration from Wrexham owner Ryan ReynoldsCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe was impressed by what Tom Brady has done on and off the pitch at BirminghamCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I don’t like your vibe’ – Ian Wright calls out Paul Scholes in heated row over Arsenal

    ARSENAL legend Ian Wright collided with Manchester United icon Paul Scholes, who insisted Mikel Arteta’s men “bottled” the Champions League game with Paris Saint-Germain.The two Premier League heroes locked horns on the latest edition of The Overlap – brought to you by Sky Bet – before Wednesday’s semi-final second leg with PSG at Parc des Princes.Manchester United legend Paul Scholes insists Arsenal ‘bottled’ it against Paris Saint-GermainArsenal legend Ian Wright would have none of Scholes’ heavy criticismWright, 61, and Scholes, 50, joined Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Jill Scott to analyse the Gunners’ 1-0 loss in the first leg last week at the Emirates.And the Man Utd legend insisted the North Londoners ruined their chances of winning their first ever European title.Neville asked his former team-mate if he thought Arsenal bottled it, to which Scholes confidently responded: “Yeah.”Wright, though, took great exception to that heavy criticism as he immediatey fired back: “Bottled what? No, we didn’t bottle it. If you bottle it you lose two and three. Seriously Scholesey…”Read More on ArsenalScholes responded: “No, you just lose…”Wright insisted Arsenal were still alive as there was a second leg to play with a manageable aggregate: “No, we haven’t lost, though. it’s half-time, Scholesey. See how we play tonight!”Scholes, though, went even further as he stated Arsenal have proven to be prone of bottling must-win situations, such as last season’s goalless draw at Manchester City that effectively cost them the Prem.The former midfielder explained: “I thought you had to win that. Alright the away goal rule doesn’t count anymore, does it? I think they’ve bottled it in a few big games.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesWright asked: “When?”Scholes said: “I’ll go back to City last season, City away. When you had the chance to win the league.”Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowWright stated: “Yeah, but that’s last season.”Scholes said: “But I’m just saying, it’s the same group of players really. Same manager.”And that was when Wright had enough of all the negativity and lashed out: “I don’t like your vibe Scholesey.”Scholes didn’t budge as his experience has taught him a team needs to go above and beyond to win the big matches.And the United legend suggested Arsenal gave too much value on their two triumphs against Real Madrid as they forget that is something that took place in the quarter-finals.Scholes insists the big games don’t really start until the semi-finals, which means the home matches must be won: “The big occasion. Last big game you won was probably Real Madrid.”Real Madrid criticismWright responded: “Yeah.”And Schoels continued: “Is it that big?”Wright replied: “Massive!”Scholes asked: “Quarter-final?”Wright insisted: “It’s f****** massive!”Scholes stood his ground: “It’s not massive, is it? It’s not that big.”Read More on The SunWright insisted: “It’s not over yet, I told you we have to do this in the next couple of weeks and then you can give me this vibe.”Unfortunately, Wright’s confidence didn’t pay off as Arsenal were eliminated from the Champions League after losing 2-1 in the return leg at PSG. More

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    Rio Ferdinand to miss Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao clash with sickness bug with TNT Sports pundit’s family also affected

    RIO FERDINAND is set to miss Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao after being struck down with illness.Ferdinand, 46, took to social media on Wednesday with a selfie from his hospital bed.Rio Ferdinand is set to miss Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao due to his illnessCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Other members of Ferdinand’s family have been affectedCredit: SplashHe was due to be in Paris to cover PSG vs Arsenal’s second leg in the Champions League. But Ferdinand could not make the trip due to his health.And PA now report that the sickness bug will also wipe him out of tonight’s Old Trafford clash.It is understood the bug has also affected other members of Ferdinand’s family. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 81-cap former England star is married to Kate Wright.They have two children together – son Cree, four, and daughter Shae, one. Ferdinand also had three kids – Lorenz, Tate, and Tia – with his first wife Rebecca Ellison, who tragically passed away in 2015.Ferdinand tweeted on Wednesday just two hours before kick-off at the Parc des Princes with his thumbs-up photo in hospital. Most read in FootballThe United hero wrote: “Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!!”Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”TNT Sports were among the many to send their best wishes and a speedy recovery. Ferdinand later tweeted “horrendous decision” when PSG were awarded a controversial penalty for handball.He then replied “brooooo” to Patrice Evra’s bizarre videos – in which he compared Arsenal’s failure to win a trophy to interrupted sex. Ferdinand was set to be on commentary duties for United’s second leg against Athletic tonight. United lead 3-0 from the first leg in Spain last week thanks to a first-half blitz from Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. Should Ruben Amorim’s side avoid a spectacular home collapse against an Athletic side missing both Nico and Inaki Williams, they will book their spot in the final in Bilbao on May 21. In the previous round, Ferdinand and fellow co-commentator Robbie Savage could not contain their excitement when Harry Maguire completed an unbelievable turnaround to beat Lyon. Ferdinand was set to be at Old Trafford for the Europa League semi-finalCredit: Getty More

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    Arsene Wenger disagrees with Mikel Arteta’s bold claim after Arsenal are knocked out of Champions League by PSG

    ARSENE Wenger has rejected claims from Mikel Arteta that Arsenal were better than Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League semi-final tie.The Arsenal manager backed his side to be the best team in the competition just minutes after his side lost 2-1 in Paris, 3-1 on aggregate. Arsene Wenger did not agree with Arteta’s assessment of Arsenal’s performanceCredit: GettyHe said to TNT Sports: “We were very close and for long periods of both games we were much better than them but we are not there and that has to hurt.”I don’t think there’s been a better team [than Arsenal] in the competition from what I have seen, but we are out.”Wenger had a hugely contrasting view of the two-legged tie.The former Arsenal manager told Qatari channel beIN SPORTS: “Overall, in the two games, I would say [PSG] were better than Arsenal, had more chances and were never really in danger, so congratulations to [them].READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I would say tonight that we’ve seen a different Paris Saint-Germain – not guided by possession and brilliant football, but guided by refusing to concede goals and taking advantage on the counter-attack and on set-pieces is what gave them success tonight. “On the other hand, with Arsenal, we saw the recurrence of being unable to score goals.”This was not the only controversial Arteta post-match comment as PSG boss Luis Enrique denied his claims that his bench said that Arsenal were “much better than them”.Enrique said in his own post-match press conference: “I don’t agree at all. Mikel Arteta is a great friend but I don’t agree at all.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEnrique complimented Arsenal’s “clever” approach to the match but concluded that his team deserved their place in the final.He said: “In the two legs we scored more goals than them and that is the most important thing in football.”Arsenal entered the second leg at PSG’s Parc des Princes needing to overturn a one-goal deficit.Mikel Arteta thought Arsenal were the better team over two legsCredit: ReutersDeclan Rice and Mikel Merino look dejected at the final whistleCredit: GettyThe Gunners started brightly and enjoyed a spell of dominance before being muted by a stunning Fabian Ruiz strike from the edge of the box, just before the half hour mark.Achraf Hakimi doubled PSG’s lead with only 18 minutes left of the 90, meaning Bukayo Saka’s goal four minutes later was not enough to bring Arsenal level. The North London side could not take their chances and will look towards their Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday as PSG progress to the final in Munich.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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    Roman Fury vs Josip Pehar: Tyson Fury’s other brother steps into the ring for the fifth time in his career in Hungary

    ROMAN FURY is set to take to the ring in Hungary, as his brother Tommy Fury main events against Kenan Hanjalic.Tyson Fury’s brother will return to in-ring action on the undercard of his other brother Tommy Fury’s fight card.Roman Fury returns to the ring with a record of 4-0-0Credit: GettyTyson Fury has been ringside for Roman Fury’s previous fightsCredit: GettyHe faces off against Croatian Josip Pehar in the penultimate fight of the night. Pehar comes into the fight having fought 12 times before, with a record of 7-5-0. Fury comes into the clash with four professional fights in his career, having won all four, most recently picking up a decision on points against Martin Svarc in March 2024.SunSport has everything you need to know before Roman Fury’s HUGE clash.Read more Tommy FuryWhen is Roman Fury vs Josip Pehar?Roman Fury vs Josip Pehar takes place on Friday, May 9.The fight is taking place at the MTK Arena in Budapest, Hungary.Fury vs Pehar is the penultimate fight of the event.The card starts at 7pm, with Roman Fury and Josip Pehar expected to make their ring walks at about 9pm.Is Roman Fury vs Josip Pehar on TV and can I live stream it?Having not had a broadcaster when the fight was announced, the event has now been picked up by DAZN.That means it will be aired on DAZN TV and can be live streamed via their website or downloadable app.DAZN costs £119.99 for an annual pass (or £14.99 monthly), while a flexible pass – which can be cancelled at any time – is £24.99 per month.Alternatively, SunSport will have a live blog of all the action as it happens from Hungary. Full cardTommy Fury vs Kenan Hanjalic – cruiserweightRoman Fury vs Josip Pehar – heavyweightShokhjakhon Abdullaev vs Irakli Alanidze – cruiserweightValentin Koloszar vs Alexandru Ionita – featherweight More

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    Man Utd legend Patrice Evra compares Arsenal failure to interrupted sex in bizarre video after PSG defeat

    PATRICE EVRA bizarrely compared Arsenal’s failure to interrupted sex in his latest bonkers video.The former Manchester United star, 43, posted on X last night just minutes after the full-time whistle in Paris.Arsenal suffered Champions League heartbreak in ParisCredit: GettyPatrice Evra took to X with a bizarre video comparing the exit to interrupted sexCredit: INSTAGRAMPSG beat Arsenal 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate to book their spot in the Champions League final.It means Mikel Arteta’s wait for his next trophy as Gunners boss will extend beyond five years since the 2020 FA Cup. And Evra went on another rogue monologue.The Frenchman expressed his sympathy for the Gunners manager and players before bringing up his ‘Netflix’ jibe again – that Arsenal fans always have to wait for the next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut then he made his graphic and tasteless metaphor. Evra said in the video: “I feel sorry for Arsenal, I think people are being really hard on them.”I love Arteta anyway, he is a good friend.”I think people have no problem with Arsenal players. People have a problem with their fans – they believe anything.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I would even say I’m not sure I would do business with an Arsenal fan because they will promise you lots of things but it will never actually [deliver].”We talk about Netflix – Netflix season 21 is on its way I think they started recording. ‘Upset’ Mikel Arteta claims there ‘hasn’t been a better team’ than Arsenal in the Champions League in blunt interview”It’s banter – I love Arsenal. “You can’t hate your babies, it’s impossible.”I think I would give the example… imagine you have a good time with your wife or your girlfriend or your fiancée and you enjoy it… mmm oh la la.”And the moment you are about to put some seed, someone grabs you.”It’s really painful and you get really frustrated because you want to make a Premier League or a Champions League baby but it’s always the same story.”So I’m sorry. I’m not trying to create the buzz with you guys but I love you.”Let’s get ready for the next season and I hope for you that United, Tottenham or Chelsea doesn’t win a trophy this year because this is going to be terrible.”MMA hopeful Evra then signed off his post – captioned “only love and banter” – by shouting his trademark: “I love this game.”The video racked up 1.9million views within 12 hours of being posted.And it prompted a wave of replies, including from Evra’s old United team-mate Rio Ferdinand. Ferdinand missed covering the game in Paris for TNT Sports as he was admitted to hospital.But he was well enough to comment on the video, typing: “Broooooo,” followed by two laughing emojis. Various other rival supporters also relished in Arsenal’s European heartbreak – with plenty of cruel memes posted mocking their exit. Arsenal started well in the second leg but were constantly denied by a red-hot Gianluigi Donnarumma in the PSG goal. Fabian Ruiz’s sweet strike made it 2-0 on aggregate before David Raya saved a penalty.But Achraf Hakimi’s finish put the game to bed – even despite Bukayo Saka’s consolation. Saka then squandered a glorious chance over the bar which could have set up a grandstand finish. Arteta, though, was proud of his side’s efforts last night and throughout the competition – even claiming the Gunners were the best team in this season’s Champions League. The Spaniard said: “I’m upset. We were very close for long periods of both games. We were much better than them.”The assessment, I will make it when I’m a little bit cooler, but the feedback that I got is straight away from their bench is that we were much better than them.”When you look at the two games, who’s been their best player on the pitch, the goalkeeper. He’s made a difference for them in the tie.”I don’t think there has been a better team in the competition so far.Read More on The Sun”But we are out tonight and we deserve much more in both games.”But this competition is about the boxes, the strikers and a goalkeeper, who was their best player in both games.”Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris. More

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    Man Utd to wear new kit for West Ham clash as they ditch usual shirts for powerful show of support

    MANCHESTER UNITED will not wear their usual home kit against West Ham at Old Trafford.The Red Devils host the Hammers in the Premier League on Sunday in the battle to avoid finishing 17th. Manchester United will wear special edition home shirts this weekendCredit: GettyThe Snapdragon branding will be replaced with the (Red) charity logoCredit: Manchester United / Snapdragon / REDBut United’s red home shirt is being changed for the match.Rather than the logo of sponsors Snapdragon on the front of the jersey, the symbol for (Red) will feature instead. The special edition changed tops will also be used for Manchester United Women’s WSL clash with Arsenal on Saturday. The one-off shirts from the matches will then be sold off on online auction site MatchWornShirt to raise funds, with net proceeds going to (Red)’s campaign against health injustice. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe agreement for the one-off edit is part of Qualcomm Technologies’ £60million-a-year deal with United. (Red) is a charity that tackles health inequality and provides life-saving programmes in vulnerable communities.It was set up by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to help fight Aids.The organisation has teamed up with a host of major global brands including Apple, Beats, Nike, AmEx, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Louis Vuitton, Panasonic, Fiat and more.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIn total, (Red) has raised more than £587million for the Global Fund, helping 320m people worldwide. After announcing the deal with United and MatchWornShirt, (Red) president and COO Jennifer Lotito said: “We believe in the power of collaboration to drive change, and this collaboration is a great example of that mission in action. “These incredibly special shirts represent more than just match-worn memorabilia.”They are a powerful way to engage fans and raise funds to drive more impact where it is needed the most.”United are not the only team to wear a different kit for charity reasons.Arsenal have worn a completely white kit for FA Cup third-round matches in recent years as part of the club’s stand against knife crime and youth violence. And The FA rules state clubs can get permission to change their kit to represent a registered charity up to three times in a season.Clubs will often use the opportunity to place their own foundation on the front of their shirts in place of the regular sponsor’s logo. The FA guidance reads: “The officially designated name, logo or emblem of a registered charity may appear as one single area on shirts, provided that such name, logo or emblem does not exceedan area of 100 square centimetres. “Alternatively, such a charity name, logo or emblem may appear on shirts in the space reserved for the main club sponsor, eitheralone or in combination with a club sponsor logo, provided that a total area of 250 square centimetres is not exceeded. Read More on The Sun”Before any such charity name, logo or emblem is used on shirts, permission must be granted from the Competition in which the shirts are to be worn. “Such permission may only be granted for a maximum of three charities for use by any one club in any one season.”Arsenal have worn totally white kits in the FA Cup in recent yearsCredit: GettyTottenham used a Philippines-based breast cancer charity on their shirts against Luton last seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Pep Guardiola and wife Cristina Serra ‘still estranged and will remain so’ despite reports they were rekindling marriage

    MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra “are still estranged” and “will remain so” unless anything dramatic occurs, reports in Spain say.It was claimed last month the couple were trying to give their marriage a second chance after Guardiola and his fashion entrepreneur wife spent three days together at their former Barcelona marital home over Easter.Pep Guardiola and his wife, Cristina Serra, remain estranged following their splitCredit: AlamyThings will remain the same unless something dramatic occursCredit: GettyIt was the second time since news of their shock split became public in January that the former Barcelona footballer had travelled to the Catalan capital and spent time with Cristina.Barcelona-based newspaper El Nacional said after the second reunion they were prepared to “give each another chance” and claimed “all was not lost in their marriage.”But the journalists who broke the story of their shock split last night shot down the chances of a fresh start for Pep and Cristina after their decision to call time on their 30-year relationship.Lorena Vasquez, one of a duo of well-respected Spanish showbiz reporters who call themselves the Mamarazzis, went on a Spanish TV show in February to say they had launched divorce proceedings which were “amicable” because they were using the same lawyer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe also linked the split again to the Man City manager’s unexpected decision last November to renew his contract with the Premier League club until 2027.Overnight, shooting down possibilities of a reunion, Lorena’s colleague Laura Fa said on the Mamarrazis podcast: “It’s been speculated recently that there could exist a possibility of a reconciliation because Pep Guardiola had been seen at his house in Barcelona with the woman who is still his wife and their youngest daughter.“We had already explained that despite separating they would continue to see each other as a family.“That’s why after separating Pep and Cristina went to the theatre with their daughter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“As the talk of conciliation was so strong we have continued to investigate.”Lorena added: “A lot of this has come about one of the visits Pep made to Barcelona when a photographer managed to get a photo of him.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback “We were able to confirm Pep Guardiola spent three days in the city and slept for at least two nights in the house in Barcelona he bought with Cristina where their daughter still lives.“What we know is that the separation is continuing its course and there’s no reconciliation and as far as Cristina is concerned there’s no attempt at reconciliation.“She was the one who sparked the split and gave Pep a sort of ultimatum and he could still be trying to come to terms with the situation.”Laura said: “The house Pep spends time in when he is in Barcelona is still the family home and will be the place he comes to when he returns to the city to see his children or when there are family events here.“Pep and Cristina continue to have a good relationship.“We don’t have many more details about the couple’s intimacy but we can confirm that they are still separated and there is no reconciliation on the horizon.“The thing is that when there’s a good relationship between a couple who have split, it can sometimes cause confusion.”Lorena Vazquez claimed on Spanish TV ‘Y Ahora Sonsoles’ on Antena 3 channel in February: “The divorce is being prepared conscientiously and they have left it in the hands of people they really trust.“What surprises me the most is that both of them have the same lawyer who is arranging the whole thing.“They want it to be amicable for the sake of their children.”She added: “As you can imagine money is not going to be an issue and they are now agreeing on the initial terms to make sure this separation is the most cordial possible.”She went on to say, when asked why she thought Pep was still wearing his wedding ring: “It’s surprising he’s still wearing his wedding ring and I wouldn’t be able to tell you if it’s a symbol he wants to carry on wearing as a homage to his marriage or as an open door to reconciliation, because what we’re being told is that he would perhaps be more open to that than his wife.“What I’m also being told is that Cristina is suffering with the fact her name has come to the fore.Guardiola’s split from his wife was announced earlier this yearCredit: Getty“She has been a person who has always been in the background who never wanted to be known or recognised as the partner of Pep Guardiola although she is very proud to be married to him.“But seeing herself in glossy magazines and seeing herself as the object of the tabloid press is something she doesn’t like at all.“But we know they are very happy that the news has finally come out, or rather than happy I would say relieved.“We had little information when we first came out with the news but we knew it was true, so much so that they themselves have now transmitted the news to all their close friends because initially they wanted to keep information back about the details of the separation.“They are still keeping that information back but they are confirming to anyone that asks them that they are separated.“Although they don’t like being protagonists in anything, there is certain relief on their part that finally their split has come out, there are no third people involved, and that it’s down to Pep’s contract renovation with Manchester City that became very burdensome and was also a surprise for Cristina.Cristina insisted she was “feeling great” in her first comments since news of their split emerged in January as she was pictured shopping alone in Barcelona.She opted for silence when she was subsequently asked by a Spanish reporter about the cause of their break-up and has refused to comment whenever she has been approached since.The couple’s eldest daughter Maria opened up on her parents’ lessons about love after becoming the first family member to speak since the shock news of their split.The pretty influencer and fashionista said in a Spanish magazine interview published around the same time her dad’s break-up with Cristina emerged: “My parents have always advised me to find what I am passionate about.“They encourage me to try new things, to accept failure and to keep searching until I find my calling, because when I do, full dedication will come naturally.“They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.”Read More on The SunThe 24-year-old London-based beauty went on to tell Vanity Fair Spain: “In the end it all comes down to feeling loved.“Even in situations where we feel out of place, they tell me to listen carefully to others, there is always something valuable to learn from each person we meet.” More