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Lionel Messi sends heartfelt message to Sergio Busquets after he announced his Barcelona exit

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi sent a heartfelt message to his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets after the midfielder announced he was leaving the Catalan club.

The Spanish midfielder, who has been in Barcelona since 2007, announced that he would call up his time in Camp Nou when his contract with the club expires this summer.

Messi shared an incredible bond with Busquets during his stint with Barca. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner played a whooping 567 matches alongside Busquets in a Barcelona jersey – more than any other player in his career.

They won three Champions League trophies, eight La Liga titles and seven Copa del Rey titles together before Messi left for Paris.

But despite representing PSG, Messi and Busquets remained friends, and the duo, along with Jordi Alba, was spotted having dinner in Barcelona in April.

But now Busquets has indicated his time at Barca is up after making over 700 appearances.

Shortly after the announcement, Messi took to Instagram to congratulate Busquets, hailing him “as a perfect 10.”

“On the pitch, always a five but in reality, as a player and as a person, you are a 10, Busi,” Messi said.

“I wish you the best in your new stage and always, both you and your family. Thank you for on and off the pitch. There were so many moments we spent together, many good and some also complicated…They will stay forever! Big hug, @5sergiob.”

Meanwhile, Busquets might reunite with Messi in the next stage of his career. According to El Chiringuito, the Spaniard will agree to a two-year contract in the Middle East. Meanwhile, AFP have reported that Lionel Messi has already agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after his contract ends with PSG in the summer.

Bayern back under-fire Thomas Tuchel as Oliver Kahn blames players for Mainz loss

Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has defended under-fire manager Thomas Tuchel after his side’s shocking defeat to Mainz on Saturday.

The Bavarians suffered their third defeat under Tuchel at the weekend, as his team were beaten 3-1 by Mainz.

The result means that Bayern have gone four games without a win in all competitions, while they have recorded just two wins in seven games under Tuchel.

However, despite the poor results, Kahn has backed the former Chelsea boss. According to the German legend, the coach’s job is safe, and the players should take the blame for the loss at Mainz.

“Thomas Tuchel is the last person we need to talk about now,” Khan said.

“He is doing everything he can to help the boys progress.

“There are 11 men on the pitch who have to work hard to achieve the goals of this club. What the team showed on the pitch is not enough.”

The Bayern chief was particularly critical of Bayern’s second-half showing, with the Bavarian giants conceding three goals in 14 minutes as Mainz came from 1-0 down to secure all three points.

“We played a catastrophic second half,” he added. “Who was the team that wants to become champions? It will be very difficult to become champions with such performances.”

Bayern’s recent defeat means Borussia Dortmund has the upper hand in the title race. Edin Terzic’s side moved to the top of the table, one point ahead of Bayern, thanks to a 4-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt 4-0 in their weekend game. Both sides now have just five games left to play.

Juventus 15-point deduction temporarily REVOKED

Juventus have successfully appealed their 15-point deduction in Serie A, as the penalty have not been revoked.

The Old Lady were slapped with a 15-point dediti9in February following allegations of financial rascality and mismanagement by the club over some seasons.

They were charged for false corporate communications, false communications to the stock market and obstruction of watchdog agencies. This led to the club’s offices being raided by CONSOB – the finance regulator responsible for monitoring club dealings on the stock exchange – in November 2021 to seize documents relating to the transfers under scrutiny.

An investigation was opened on the club, and the entire Juventus board – including Andrea Agnelli and Pavel Nedved – resigned late last year.

Early this year, they were handed a point deduction due to the charges, taking them out of the top four race.

But that has been revoked, meaning Massimiliano Allegri’s side now have a great chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

With 15 points added back, the Italian giants move up to third with 59 points.

Meanwhile. AC Milan and Inter drop down to fifth and sixth in the Serie A table.

Meanwhile, the number one spot is off the table, with Napoli expected to secure the title imminently. Still, the Bianconeri could steal the second spot from Lazio with a good run of form.

Arsenal and Man United target Julián Brandt sign new Dortmund deal

Borussia Dortmund have announced that Julian Brandt has signed a new contract that will keep him at Signal-Iduna Park until 2026.

The midfielder’s previous deal was set to expire next summer, but the Bundesliga giants have successfully negotiated an extension after several weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiation over new terms.

The new deal comes as a blow for clubs interested in Brandt, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United all interested in the player, while Italian clubs Inter and Napoli were also keeping a watchful eye on negotiations.

BVB confirmed on Tuesday that Brandt has committed his future to the club.

Brandt said in a club statement: “Even after four years, I still have a lot of fun every single day being part of this very team, standing on the pitch with these guys and playing football for this highly emotional club with its extraordinary fans.

“To be honest, the feeling of being in the right place at the right time has always been the most important point in my sporting life.

“And that won’t change either. I’m looking forward to the next few years in black and yellow. And I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to celebrate something big together.”

Having sealed a deal for Brandt, Dortmund might attempt to tie down the highly sought-after Jude Bellingham to a new contract. The English midfielder is wanted by Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid but could stay back at Signal Iduna Park beyond this summer after Liverpool pulled out of the race due to his price tag.

Meanwhile, Dortmund are still in the Bundesliga title fight and could still pip Bayern Munich to the title this season, given the Bavarians’ struggles.

Should they win the title, it will help them in future negotiations and could persuade Bellingham to stay.

Joao Cancelo insists Bayern career has been ‘positive’ despite a disappointing start

Bayern Munich full-back Joao Cancelo has insisted that “his heart is in the right place” and is not worried, claiming that his Bayern career has been “positive” despite struggling to get minutes.

The Portuguese international sealed a move to the Allianz Arena in a short-term loan deal in January. The agreement includes a permanent purchase option after the first six months.

However, things have not gone as planned for Cancelo, who has struggled to find his feet in his new surroundings and fell down the pecking order under former manager Julian Nagelsmann.

A change in management did not immediately transform his fortunes as new boss Thomas Tuchel benched him in his first game in charge against Borussia Dortmund in Bundesliga. However, despite his struggles in Germany, Cancelo has stated that he is putting everything in training to turn around his fortunes and can “always be counted upon”.

“I see my start at Bayern as positive. There’s always a certain adjustment period for footballers. That’s why I tried to integrate myself into the team as quickly as possible, to get to know the teammates & the system,’ he told the official club website.

“Sometimes it is said that I may not have a very simple personality. But my heart is in the right place,” he added.

“And you can always count on me. Everyone and everything at FC Bayern is focused on absolute success. Here you work really hard in every single training session – I really like this mentality. I’m happy to be here and to play for this great team.”

Despite not getting enough minutes in Germany, Bayern rate Cancelo highly, and the club’s director Hasan Salihamidzic has insisted that “Cancelo is a top player” and “will get his games.”

Man United make decision of Marcel Sabitzer

Manchester United have reportedly decided to make Marcel Sabitzer’s loan move from Bayern Munich permanent in the summer.

According to a report by 90min, Erik ten Hag is a fan of the Austrian midfielder and wants United to sign him permanently when his loan deal at the club expires this June.

Sabitzer joined United on loan from Bayern on deadline day in January and has made eleven appearances in all competitions. He has enjoyed his time at Old Trafford since Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were sidelined due to injury and suspension.

Ten Hag is keen to boost the quality of United’s midfield ahead of next season, and the club considers Sabitzer a potential bargain to do so on a permanent deal.

It remains to be seen if Bayern Munich, under new coach Thomas Tuchl will want to sell the player. Sabitzer had been out of favour at Bayern under former boss Julian Nagelsmann.

But as per the report, the situation has stayed the same under new coach Tuchel, and Bayern will not stand in the player’s way of a permanent exit. They are prepared to sell for a sum similar to what they initially paid RB Leipzig in August 2021 – around €16m (£13.7m).

Apart from Man United, other European sides are interested in Sabitzer. But he is understood to be happy at United, having settled well since arriving. So United are the player’s first choice.

Premier League clubs battling for Genk’s Mike Tresor

At least five Premier League clubs are reportedly fighting for the services of emerging Genk winger Mike Tresor.

The Belgian is one of Europe’s leading assist makers this season, making 18 assists in 30 league appearances for Genk while scoring seven times.

Only Swift Hesperange’s Rayan Philippe, with 20 assists, has recorded more assists than Tresor in Europe, and the 23-year-old’s contributions have catapulted Genk to the top of the Belgium Pro League table.

His form and numbers has alerted Europe’s leading clubs of his availability. And according to 90min, at least six clubs in England are after him.

The five Premier League clubs interested in his services are Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Brentford, Brighton and Wolves. These sides are among teams who have sent scouts to watch Tresor in recent months.

Championship leaders Burnley, managed by former Belgium international Vincent Kompany, are also keen on the player. The Clarets tried to bring Tresor to England in January but failed, as Genk was not interested in selling their star mid-season. However, Burnley are expected to return for the 23-year-old in the summer as they attempt to build a squad that will compete favourably in the Premier League.

Tresor began his career with Anderlecht before spells in Holland with NEC and Willem II before joining Genk. He has also attracted interest from clubs in Germany and Spain.

The 23-year-old is still waiting to make his international debut, having yet to be selected by former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez or current coach Domenico Tedesco for their most-recent international games.

Rabiot is accessing his Juventus future

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has revealed that he is weighing his options ahead of the summer.

The French midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season in Turin but has yet to enter contract talks with Juventus, stating that “there’s still time to do that.”

Rabiot has been at Juventus since 2019 after joining on a Bosman deal from Paris Saint-Germain. He was a transfer target of Manchester United last summer but eventually stayed in Turin, where he is a key player under Maximilliano Allegri.

With Juventus currently struggling to make the top four because of a 15-point deduction, it is becoming increasingly likely that Rabio will seek a new challenge elsewhere. When asked about his future, the 27-year-old mentioned wanting to play Champions League football next season.

“I want to play Champions League. It will be a crucial point to make a decision on my future,” Rabiot conceded.

“There are no recent talks [for a new deal with Juventus], but we’ve time to do that. There’s no news at this stage.”

Liverpool given a huge boost in Mason Mount chase

Liverpool have been given a huge boost in their quest to land Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Red are ahead of every other club in the race to sign Mount. The Chelsea midfielder is angling for a move away from Stamford Bridge next summer after growing dissatisfied at the club.

He is a big admirer of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and will rather sign for Liverpool than Manchester United and Juventus, who are also interested in his services.

The Merseyside club have tracked the 24-year-old England midfielder’s situation at Stamford Bridge for some time and are expected to launch an offensive during the next transfer window.

Arsenal and Chelsea are on high alert for ‘free agent’ Zaha

Wilfried Zaha is set to leave Crystal Palace when his contract expires at the end of the season.

According to talkSPORT, the Ivorian will not renew his contract in London and will be free to join a new club for free, having rejected multiple contract offers.

Despite struggling with injuries, the 30-year-old has scored six goals and provided three assists in 20 games this season. He will have no shortage of suitors if he decides on a new adventure, with Arsenal and Chelsea the top two suitors for his services. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia are also thought to be in the picture if he decides to go abroad.

According to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, the winger is admired by both Mikel Arteta and Chelsea.

Speaking on Drive, Crook said: “It seems that Wilf Zaha’s stellar career at Crystal Palace could be coming to an end.

“His contract is up at the end of the season – no imminent sign that he is willing to extend.

“And if he is to go and achieve his ambitions of playing for a top club, it’s now or never really isn’t it?

“When you look at his age, the fact that he’s available as a free agent, he either commits his future to Crystal Palace and then probably sees out his top-flight career there.

“Or he goes off and tests himself, I think there will be suitors, I know Mikel Arteta is a fan, I know that Chelsea have certainly taken a look at him in the past as well.

“And I think there are big clubs in Europe who would be interested in a player of Wilf Zaha’s quality.”

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