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    PSG hit back at Lionel Messi over claims they did not celebrate his World Cup success with Argentina

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    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has hit back at Lionel Messi’s claim that the club did not appropriately celebrate Argentina’s World Cup success.Messi, who left PSG for Inter Miami this summer, said he felt like the only player “who didn’t have recognition in his club” for his nation’s triumph in Qatar.
    Lionel Messi said he felt like the only player ‘who didn’t have recognition in his club’ after winning the World CupCredit: Getty
    Nasser Al-Khelaifi has hit back at the claimsCredit: Getty
    But Al-Khelaifi has refuted that accusation – and pointed out that PSG is French, whom Argentina defeated on penalties in the final.
    The supremo said: “There’s a lot of talk outside, I don’t know what he did or didn’t say. 
    “As everyone saw – we even published a video – we celebrated Messi at training (when he won the World Cup), and we also recognized it privately. 
    “But with respect – we’re a French club. It was sensitive of course to celebrate at the stadium. 
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    “We need to respect the country that he defeated – his French team mates, and our fans too. But he was, and is, an amazing player – we were proud to have him here.”
    Messi’s exit was one of many from PSG this summer, with close pal Neymar also leaving for Saudi outfit Al-Hilal.
    Talisman Kylian Mbappe did end up staying after a turbulent few months where it looked as if he would depart too.
    The France superstar was dropped from the squad and put up for sale at one point, after refusing to sign a new deal with his current terms expiring next summer.
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    But he has since been reintegrated into the team and has eight goals in six games already this term.
    Speaking about the 24-year-old, Al-Khelaifi added: “Any issues we had stay in the family and Kylian is family. 
    “I’m proud of what he – and all the squad – are doing. We have the best player in the world and for me he deserves the Ballon d’Or.”
    PSG have dominated Ligue Un during Al-Khelafi’s tenure but a Champions League triumph still eludes them.
    Luis Enrique, who won the competition with Barcelona, has been brought in to see a rebuild after Neymar and Messi’s exits.
    And Al-Khelaifi insisted Europe’s elite club tournament is no longer the be-all and end-all for him and his club.
    He said: “The Champions League is not at all an obsession – that is over. I said that at the first press conference with Luis Enrique. 
    “We are building a new identity; our own style, our own principles of how to play, an offensive play – and a new culture. 
    “That’s what we want – and then the results will follow. We are building a team that is really playing as a team – we want our players to enjoy playing, our staff to enjoy coaching, and for our fans to enjoy it when you watch.” More

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      Watch moment Celtic star Joe Hart gets completely shut down live on American TV as he takes sly dig at US soccer

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      JOE HART got more than he bargained for when he took a sly dig at US soccer in a live TV interview alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers. The pair of Hoops pals were seated alongside each other as they joined the Morning Footy show for CBS Golazo with host Alexis Guerreros.
      Cameron Carter-Vickers and Joe Hart were appearing live on CBS
      Joe Hart couldn’t find the breakthrough against the USA
      Guerreros asked USA international Carter-Vickers about the kind of questions he gets from fans in the UK about American soccer, saying: “CCV I have a question.
      “What is the No1 question YOU get from these Europeans about playing in America, what is the No1 question about America and Joe Hart do you have any questions about America?”
      Carter Vickers responded: “Obviously we have Alistair Johnston here now so I can direct all of the questions about the MLS to him, he knows a bit more than me.
      “The team is a good group and there is a bit of banter flying about Ted Lasso but in the main it is all good.”

      At that point, Hart chipped in, saying: “When do you dominate?
      “Because obviously the US has such a strong history in sports – athletes, the size of the country, the way the colleges are set up to establish great athletes.
      “It is time, right? Enough money has gone into it, enough energy has gone into it.
      “I see players like Cameron, if he’s not starting, then the standard must be high.”
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      Quick as a flash, Guerreros answered, referencing the 0-0 draw with England during the World Cup, saying: “I think we did a pretty good job against England in the World Cup.”
      Cue hilarity amongst the other panel members, with Hart briefly rendered speechless before replying: “Oh Alexis, that was a good chess move.”
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      Antonio Carbajal dead at 93: Mexico legend who became first footballer to play in FIVE World Cups passes away

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      WORLD CUP legend Antonio Carbajal has died aged 93.The 48-cap Mexico goalkeeper was the first player to feature in five tournaments, having appeared at all of them from Brazil 1950 to England 1966.
      Antonio Carbajal was a record-breaking Mexican goalkeeperCredit: Getty
      Antonio Carbajal (right) is viewed as a legend in MexicoCredit: Reuters
      The goalkeeper held the record for 32 years before Germany hero Lothar Matthaus equalled the feat in 1998.
      In total, five players have now matched his achievement after the 2022 event in Qatar.
      Lionel Messi, Andres Guardado, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Marquez have all played at five World Cups.
      Most of Carbajal’s 18-year playing career was spent at Club Leon in his homeland, where he made 364 appearances, and who he later led to great success as manager in the 1970s.
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      The club are set to open their stadium to supporters so they can pay their respects to the man nicknamed La Tota and El Ciinco Copas – meaning “the whole” and “Five Cups” – due to his longevity.
      Club Leon said in a statement: “Don Antonio, legends never die.
      “We will always follow your hand. It is an honour to be your team.
      “With honour, respect and love, let’s say our last goodbye to the emerald legend.”
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      Fifa president Gianni Infantino added: “It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Antonio Carbajal, the first player to star in five Fifa World Cups.
      “I send our most sincere condolences to his family and to all the Mexican fans who mourn his loss.”
      Fans also wrote touching tributes, one said: “Proper history maker, a name that I absorbed as a kid when starting to become obsessed with the World Cup and its history. RIP.” More

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      Watch fuming World Cup goalkeeper headbutt his OWN POST as comical error gifts opposition win

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      FORMER Barcelona star and World Cup goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen head-butted his own goalpost in shocking scenes.That’s after his comical error gifted the opposition a dramatic last-gasp winner.
      A Dutch goalie headbutted his own post after an embarrassing late gaffe

      NEC’s Jasper Cillessen was devastated as he conceded an 87th minute winner
      Cillessen, 34, has long been regarded as a trusted shot-stopper after plying his trade for several top teams including Ajax, Valencia and Barca.
      The Dutchman has also earned 65 caps for Holland and was even part of their squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
      But Cillessen’s experience could not prevent him from conceding a horror goal on Saturday.
      The stopper currently stars in the Eredivisie for NEC.
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      And they were level with rivals Heerenveen 2-2 when disaster struck in the 87th minute.
      Visiting sub Antoine Colassin found himself through on goal following a clever pass.
      But he was off-balance and could only manage to get off a delicate shot towards NEC’s net.
      Cillessen clearly didn’t think it represented a danger.
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      Cillessen was too casual as he ignored a shot that slipped through his body
      The Dutch World Cup goalie saw his years of experience evade him
      And he casually stood back as the ball made its way towards the near post.
      However, instead of going wide and out, the ball ended up creeping past Cillessen’s body and into his goal mouth.
      The keeper needed a second to realise what had happened before reacting with fury.
      He shockingly head-butted the post as Heerenveen celebrated their unlikely late winner.
      And fans could not resist reacting quickly on social media.
      One said: “Goalkeeping blunder of the season? Shocking from Cillessen.”
      Another declared: “He is finished and he knows it himself.”
      One noted: “Feel bad for him but football is a tough business, shouldn’t get picked for Holland until he gets better – if he ever will.”
      Another added: “Cillessen is no longer the first keeper of Holland, that’s clear now isn’t it?” More

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      Man Utd boost as Alejandro Garnacho is NOT in Argentina squad for U20 World Cup after club ‘did not give him up’

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO has not been selected to play in the U20 World Cup for Argentina.This is because Manchester United would reportedly not “give him up”.
      Alejandro Garnacho is not going to the U20 World CupCredit: Getty
      Garnacho has been out with an ankle injury for the Red Devils since early March.
      But he recently got his boots back on and stepped up his efforts to return to the squad.
      Manager Erik ten Hag has told him to be ready to be able to make an impact during the club’s run-in if he gets back to full fitness.
      And it appears that this would be why the club have not allowed him to take part in the youth international competition.
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      Garnacho has become a regular in the first team this season and was rewarded with a new contract at the end of April.
      He has managed five goals and six assists in his 32 games this season.
      He is not the only Premier League player to be withheld from Argentina’s youth side.
      Brighton have also kept hold of Facundo Buonanotte as they continue to push for European football.
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      The midfielder netted his first Premier League goal last week against Nottingham Forest.
      However, coach and former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano has been able to rely on Maximo Perrone from Manchester City.
      The squad also boasts Luka Romero from Lazio, Inter Milan’s Matias Soule and Valentin Carboni from Juventus. More

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      Man Utd handed huge Varane boost as Ten Hag confirms defender could return in ten days

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been boosted by the news of Raphael Varane’s imminent return to match fitness.The Red Devils feared their World Cup-winning defender would be out for the rest of the season after he hobbled off in their 2-2 draw with Sevilla last month.
      Raphael Varane has been crocked since United’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla last monthCredit: AP
      But manager Erik ten Hag has revealed the Frenchman will be back in action in ten days’ timeCredit: AP
      But the injury is not as bad as first feared and manager Erik ten Hag will have the Frenchman back at his disposal in just over a week and a half’s time.
      The Dutchman said: “The prognosis: I think Rafa is close at this moment as is Scott McTominay.
      “But still, the coming two games, he’s not available.”
      Ten Hag revealed late last month that he was optimistic about France international’s chances of making a faster-than-expected recovery.
      The former Ajax boss told talkSPORT: “I think so, yeah. Varane, for the cup final, he can return.”
      United booked their place in the FA Cup final with a shootout victory over high-flying Brighton – who they travel to on Thursday night.
      And Ten Hag fully expects Roberto De Zerbi’s troops to be out for revenge at The Amex.
      He said: “It’s a normal reaction.
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      ” I think everyone involved in top sport, if you get beaten, you want to have revenge and that is normal.
      “They have a huge motivation to beat us, but we have to match that and do more, show more hunger than them, to win this game – willingness is the word for tomorrow.
      “We want to win every game, we want to win every competition.
      “We want to be in the Champions League, that is the competition we are now fighting for and that is the only thing in this moment to focus on.
      “The FA Cup final is after the season.
      Erik ten Hag expects Brighton to be out for revenge against United on ThursdayCredit: EPA
      “I never want to talk during the season of pride or satisfaction. You know my statement – satisfaction leads to laziness.
      “We have six games to go and every game we want to win, therefore you need full focus, full energy, full preparation and tomorrow is definitely going to be a fight.
      “We have to be ready for that fight and the points available.
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      “I don’t think about away or home, we have to win every game, so we have to win tomorrow as well.”
      United travel to The Amex on the back of a 1-0 win over Aston Villa – which saw them narrow the gap between themselves and third-placed Newcastle to two points. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Angel Di Maria ‘withdraws from squad in suspicious circumstances’ after being left out of starting XI

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      ANGEL DI MARIA allegedly withdrew from the Juventus squad against Bologna after being told he was only going to be named on the bench.The 35-year-old Argentine hit the headlines last night as his club were held to a 1-1 draw in the Serie A clash.
      Mystery reportedly surrounds Angel Di Maria’s absence for Juventus last nightCredit: Getty
      The World Cup winner was left out of Massimiliano Allegri’s 23-man squad for the trip with the Italian side claiming that it was due to an ankle injury.
      However, Tuttosport is reporting that Di Maria has reportedly clashed with Allegri before the game after being told that he was due to start as substitute.
      He then pulled out of the squad in “suspicious circumstances”.
      Di Maria allegedly informed the Juventus boss he was suffering from the problem before withdrawing from the squad.
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      The former Real Madrid and Manchester United winger has endured a difficult campaign with the Bianconeri.
      He penned a one-year deal with the Turin giants after leaving Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.
      Di Maria struggled to impress before the World Cup in November but his form has improved since the tournament in Qatar.

      He has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 32 appearances this season for Juventus.
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      However, over recent weeks, his displays have come under criticism again from supporters.
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      And he has not contributed to a goal in his last nine outings for the club.
      Juventus are currently third in the top-flight and battling for a top four finish.
      They are three points ahead of fifth-placed Milan in the chase to secure Champions League football. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo hits major new milestone after joining Saudi side Al-Nassr

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo has gained almost 170 million social media followers in a year, figures reveal.It cemented the former Man United ace’s position as the most followed footballer in the world.
      Ronaldo has gained almost 170 million social media followers in a year, figures revealCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo, 38, now with Saudi side Al-Nassr, has 855 million followers across all his accounts.
      Argentinian World Cup winner Lionel Messi, 35, has the next biggest presence, gaining 147 million users in a year to take his total to 579 million.
      Brazil star Neymar is third with 403 million followers, then France’s Kylian Mbappé with 132.5 million.
      Brazilian Vinícius Jr is fifth on 62.6 million, according to data website Football Benchmark.
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      A spokesman for SafeBettingSites.com, which collated the data, said of Portuguese Ronaldo: “His dwindling football career hasn’t impacted his social media popularity.”
      Meanwhile, former Manchester United midfielder Gordon Strachan recently revealed that his teammates gave Ronaldo a blunt warning when he arrived at Old Trafford.
      And he was brutally told: “We are not here to see you play.”
      Ronaldo joined the Red Devils for the first time in 2003.
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      “When Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United for the first time, there were people in the team who told him the truth,” Strachan said.
      “Sorry, we don’t want you dancing around with the ball when you can cross earlier.
      “Use your skills in areas where you can produce something useful.
      “We’re not here to see you play.” More

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      England ace Raheem Sterling says he ‘beat himself up’ over £300k burglary at his new home

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      ENGLAND ace Raheem Sterling says he “beat himself up” over a £300,000 burglary at his new home.The star, 28, flew home from the World Cup in Qatar after thieves broke in last December.
      England ace Raheem Sterling says he ‘beat himself up’ over a £300,000 burglary at his new homeCredit: Rex
      He said he had only just moved in and “was in the process of getting security” at the property in Oxshott, Surrey.
      Sterling, who joined Chelsea last July from Man City, said: “I beat myself up that I didn’t keep my family secure.
      “It’s one thing I said I would always do, so it wasn’t a nice feeling.”
      The dad of three added: “I couldn’t live with myself if anything had come to pass from it.”
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      “It was something I meant to do before going to the World Cup and I didn’t so I was beating myself up about it.
      “It’s the most scary thing to know with the age of the people living in my house. It’s not a nice feeling.”
      Nobody was home.
      Two men were arrested but no charges brought.
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