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Brilliant Bellingham

Gary Lineker has backed "real leader" Jude Bellingham to be a huge success at Real Madrid.

The England midfielder, 19, completed an £88.5million move to the Spanish giants from Borussia Dortmund last week.

It sees the former Birmingham youngster continue his meteoric rise to stardom and ex-Barcelona striker Lineker believes his English compatriot has all the tools to be a success at the Bernabeu.

Lineker, 62, said: "It's a fabulous move for Jude Bellingham. He is clearly incredibly mature, captaining a club like Dortmund in his teens. 

"I think this is a good step for him — you look at the players they've got there and some of the youngsters that will come through alongside Jude Bellingham, who is a real leader. I think it's going to be really interesting to follow."

On LaLiga's pulling power to attract star names, Lineker added: "I think in the world's big three football clubs, it's probably Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United in terms of stature. 

"We all know Real Madrid is a proper football club. 

"I'm biased towards Barcelona, we don't love Real Madrid in Barcelona to put it mildly, but they are a sensational football club and an incredibly successful football club that play brilliant football."

Watch LaLiga on Viaplay, available in the UK on Sky, Virgin TV, Amazon Prime Video and via streaming. 

Hazard rules out retirement

Eden Hazard has ruled out the prospect of retirement after ending his miserable spell at Real Madrid.

The 32-year-old left Real by mutual consent after his contract was terminated a year early following an injury-hit four seasons in Spain's capital.

Former Belgium captain Hazard retired from international duty after last year's World Cup but says he still has enough energy left in the tank to prolong his club career.

He made just six LaLiga appearances in 2022-23, failing to score a single goal.

He told Belgium's RTBF: "I still feel capable of being a professional footballer, my body can take it.

"I've been resting for two or three years, so I still have a bit of energy!"

Spain's bright future

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente hopes their Nations League triumph on Sunday can spark a new winning era for La Roja.

De la Fuente's men beat Croatia 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw after extra-time to lift their first trophy since winning the European Championship in 2012.

The Spain boss, who was a surprise appointment to replace Luis Enrique in December, has spent a large period of his coaching career in youth football with the Spanish federation.

After Sunday's triumph, the 61-year-old said: "I know these generations very well. Obviously, winning gives you more shine, and I expect more joy to come in the future. 

"All projects are better constructed on a base of victory and this gives us more strength, confidence, calm. 

"Usually this sequence repeats itself in the future, we get used to winning."

Rodri, who was named Nations League Player of the Tournament, had similar sentiments towards this talented crop of Spanish youngsters.

The Manchester City midfielder added: "We're so happy, it was a really tough game and this is so difficult to do.

"This generation promises a lot. We were very strong mentally. There are things to improve, but winning is always good — we have to celebrate."

The Real deal

Real Madrid have confirmed the loan signing of Joselu from Espanyol, with the option to purchase the striker permanently next summer.

Joselu, 33, played for Real as a youngster between 2009 and 2012 and returns after an impressive season for Los Periquitos.

The former Newcastle and Stoke forward scored 17 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions and earned his first Spain call-up in March, netting three times across his four caps this season.

Joselu will be officially unveiled as a Los Blancos player at 11am tomorrow.

Folarin's future

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun says he "definitely won't go on loan again" after helping the United States win the CONCACAF Nations League.

The 21-year-old striker, who recently switched allegiance from England to USA, scored on his second cap as the Stars and Stripes beat Canada 2-0 on Sunday.

Balogun enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season on loan at Reims in 2022-23, where he scored 21 goals for the Ligue 1 side.

It has led to speculation over his Gunners future amid fierce competition for a place up front at his parent club.

The New York-born ace said: "I'm not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place.

"I'm not sure what's going to happen. But I'm just committed to now — I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family.

"What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again."

Nigeria seal AFCON spot

Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho scored a stoppage-time winner as Nigeria beat Sierra Leone 3-2 to seal qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles were one of four teams to book a place in next January's tournament alongside Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde and Mali.

They join hosts Ivory Coast, holders Senegal, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia whose spots are already secured.