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Fabregas's stunning girlfriend locked in multi-million pound divorce battle with ex-husband
By ANDY JAMES PUBLISHED: 10:49 GMT, 24 April 2013 | UPDATED: 13:10 GMT, 24 April 2013
A bitter battle involving Cesc Fabregas, a London property tycoon and his Lebanese ex-wife has reached the Court of Appeal. Elie Taktouk, 38, objects to having to shell out for a home for Daniella Semaan when her new boyfriend, Barcelona midfielder Fabregas, has millions to lavish on her. Photographs appeared of 38-year-old Miss Semaan on holiday with the former Arsenal hero in Italy emerged months after the couple had divorced.
Court case: Fabregas and his girlfriend Daniella are implicated in a hearing at the Court of Appeal
Court battle: Semaan's former husband Taktouk
She gave birth to Fabregas' baby girl, Lia, while he was on the pitch in a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain two weeks ago. Mr Taktouk claims that, whilst their divorce was going through, Miss Semaan under-stated the financial support she will now get from Fabregas - who is believed to earn £5million-a-year at the Nou Camp. Her evidence led to top judge, Mr Justice Coleridge, ruling that the £7m flat where the former couple lived in Belgravia should be sold. The profit, with a top-up payment from Mr Taktouk, would provide the £1.4m Miss Semaan needs for a new home.
But the case took an 'extraordinary' twist when a company controlled by Fabregas put in a bid for the Grade II-listed Upper Belgrave Street flat, offering about £5.4m, the Court of Appeal has heard. Mr Taktouk says it could mean his ex-wife having her cake and eating it - being allowed to stay in the flat if Fabregas buys it, but with £1.4m in her pocket.His barrister, Stephen Lyon, told the Court of Appeal that Miss Semaan had argued that Fabregas’ obligations were only to their child, and not her.All she received from him were the price of getting to Barcelona from London when she visits and then being looked after by the footballer while there.
'Mr Fabregas, we say, is quite clearly a resource of far greater significance than the wife let on in the course of her evidence,' claimed Mr Lyon. 'We say it is rather extraordinary that, less than three weeks after judgment was handed down, through his company in Barcelona he was offering to purchase (the flat).
Life's a beach: Fabregas and Semaan have been spotted on holiday - including a trip to Sardinia
Pretty in pink: Fabregas and his girlfriend attended the wedding of Barcelona team-mate Iniesta together
'What would happen is she would remain in occupation with £1.4m in the bank, which was not the intention of Mr Justice Coleridge.
'It is quite clear from the judgment that the broad thrust of his assessment was that Mr Fabregas was a wealthy boyfriend who provided her with funds when she was in Barcelona, paid for taxis, flights, and expensive presents. 'He is clearly a resource of far greater significance. Had Mr Justice Coleridge known that, the outcome might well have been a different one.' The court heard that Mr Taktouk had previously claimed that the flat was not theirs, but actually ultimately owned by his wealthy father.
Mr Justice Coleridge said he was convinced that the father had provided substantial financial help to his son in the past and would do so again in the future. However, although Fabregas could be expected to pay to support the baby girl born earlier this month, his long-term support of Miss Semaan could not be guaranteed. Lord Justice Jackson told the Court of Appeal that Mr Taktouk had no arguable grounds on which to argue that Mr Justice Coleridge’s assessment of the wife’s financial position was wrong.
Oh baby! Fabregas performs the thumb-sucking celebration after scoring for Barcelona against Levante
'No doubt he will support the child, but the long-term support of Mr Fabregas for the wife is not something which could be counted on,' he said. 'Even if the company controlled by Mr Fabregas buys the former matrimonial home, this will still not be a property which the wife owns. 'She will live there only by the permission of Mr Fabregas and the fact that his company has made an offer - an insufficient offer, it would seem - does not materially change the facts as they were before Mr Justice Coleridge.'
Mr Taktouk and Miss Semaan married when they were 24 and living in Lebanon. They had two children, a boy and a girl, before their divorce. The World Cup-winning former Arsenal captain transferred to Barcelona in a £25 million move in 2011, taking him back to the club where he began his career.
Quitting Barcelona was never an option, insists Vilanova
The 44-year-old claims he never considered resigning from his post due to his battles against ill-health, but says he would have understood a decision by the club to replace him
Malaga will only settle for Champions League qualification, says Camacho
The 23-year-old insists his side would consider Europa League qualification something of a disappointment following their exploits in Europe's top tournament this season
Laudrup rules out Swansea move for Sevilla striker Negredo
The Capital One Cup winners are looking to strengthen their strikeforce this summer but their coach has claimed they have been priced out of a deal for the 27-year-old
Song targets title win against Athletic
The Cameroon international is hoping for all three points at San Mames and a favour from Atletico Madrid in the derby as he looks to claim his first Liga crown
Santa Cruz in talks over permanent Malaga switch
The Paraguay international is in negotiations with the Spanish club over making his loan switch permanent when his contract expires with Manchester City this summer
Muniain vows to delay Barcelona title celebrations
The Spain starlet is targeting all three points against the Catalans on Saturday, thereby denying Tito Vilanova's side the Liga crown for the time being
Del Bosque to step down after World Cup 2014
The current Spain boss has announced he is looking to take on more of an ambassadorial role for the country's football federation following the tournament in Brazil
Niang: I want to be better than Messi
The highly-rated AC Milan starlet has set his sights on eclipsing the efforts of the Argentine sensation while securing the Ballon d'Or in future
Herrera: I hope Messi stays at Barcelona for years to come
The Athletic Bilbao midfielder is preparing to face the Blaugrana on Saturday, and insists the Catalans' era of dominance is not yet over despite their Champions League humbling
Vilanova unsure of Abidal & Valdes futures
The Barcelona boss says a decision has yet to be taken over a new deal for the Frenchman and says he would have no objections to the goalkeeper staying another year
Vilanova: Who wouldn't depend on Messi?
The 44-year-old Blaugrana coach believes any side would be reliant on a player as good as the Argentine and says he does not care when his men win La Liga
Heynckes plays down Madrid rumours
The 67-year-old says he will not reveal his next move until the expiration of his contract this summer amid reports of a return to the Bernabeu
Casillas: I will fight for my place
The Spain international has once more stated he will give his all to displace Diego Lopez as Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper again
I won't replace Mourinho at Real Madrid, says Villas-Boas
The 35-year-old admits he is flattered by reports linking him with a move to the Spanish capital but insists he is focused on staying at Tottenham for another season
Iniesta: Barcelona deserve more respect
The creative midfielder is hurting from what he believes is disrespect towards his side following everything they have achieved in the past few seasons
Marquinhos plays down Barcelona link
The 18-year-old Roma centre-half said "you can never say never" in response to reports linking him with a summer move to Camp Nou but says he is happy in Italy
'Malaga were wronged by Uefa'
The Qatari billionaire has called upon the RFEF to protect his side after they suffered a "moral and psychological" injustice against Borussia Dortmund
Casillas: Madrid must be willing to die against Dortmund
The currently-benched Blancos skipper says that Tuesday's second leg is more important than this weekend's Spanish derby with city rivals Atletico Madrid
Moratti: No Barcelona bid for Handanovic
The Blaugrana are rumoured to have offered €30 million for the Slovenia international, who they reportedly view as the ideal replacement for outgoing shot-stopper Victor Valdes
Iniesta: Bundesliga not better than La Liga
The Spain international believes it would be a mistake to read too much into the significance of the Blaugrana's beating in Bavaria and Dortmund's mauling of Madrid
Barcelona will sign four or five players, says vice-president
The Camp Nou side are keen to add some fresh blood to their squad this summer and intend to hold on to current head coach Tito Vilanova
Gimenez completes move to Atletico Madrid
The Danubio young talented centre-back will join the Copa del Rey finalists in the summer on a five-year deal
Simeone: I want to be above them all
The ambitious Argentine coach is determined for Atletico to be the best in Spain after significant improvement in the Spanish Primera Division this year
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid go head to head this weekend with both pride and second place in La Liga at stake for the victors.
Atletico have performed above all expectations this season and spent a large part of the campaign ahead of their city rivals in the league table.
Real were able to climb back into second position behind Barcelona but a win for the home side in this fixture would move them level on points.
History is not on Atletico's side as they have not beaten Real since 1999, have lost their last nine meetings and manager Diego Simeone has never tasted victory in the league since taking charge.
However, there was some positive news for Simeone ahead of the game when striker Diego Costa's yellow card from last weekend was overturned on appeal, meaning he will not have to serve a suspension and will be able to play.
Real have not been focusing on the league campaign in recent weeks due to Barcelona's lead at the top and the possibility of a 10th European Cup title, and following their defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their semi-final first leg boss Jose Mourinho may field a weakened side to enable them to prepare for a crucial second leg.
That means the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Mesut Ozil could be rested so they are fresh for next week's return match with Dortmund as Mourinho plots a way back into the tie.
Barcelona will look to put their Champions League disappointment behind them this weekend when they face Athletic Bilbao.
The Catalans travel to the Basque country knowing that victory combined with a win for Atletico in the Madrid derby will see them crowned as champions for the fourth time in five seasons.
It will be the last time Barca will play at the San Mames before Bilbao move to their new stadium next season, and they will be keen to record a final victory on a ground that they have not lost at since 2006.
Midfielder Andres Iniesta knows exactly what to expect from Marcelo Bielsa's side and is eager for the game to come around quickly so they can wrap-up the title.
"After the Champions League match we need to change the team around a bit and our mentality," he told reporters.
"We will travel to Bilbao with a winning mentality and with the intention of closing in on the league title.
"They like to play the ball a lot and it is going to be a tough game like it usually is against them, but there's no choice but to lift ourselves after the match the other day and close in on the league title - which we are very close to doing - and the sooner we do that the better."
Bilbao will be hoping to arrest their recent slump in form so that they don't continue to drop back down towards the bottom of the table.
Bielsa's side have not won any of their last three La Liga matches and were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid in their last home fixture.
Real Vallecano's bid for European football took a hit after they were held to a 2-2 draw by La Liga strugglers Osasuna on Friday.
Montenegrin striker Andrija Delibasic scored the opening goal for Vallecano inside seven minutes, heading past goalkeeper Andres Fernandez.
However, Vallecano's lead last just a minute after Raoul Cedric Loe restored parity for the visiting side.
Osasuna found themselves in front five minutes later, when Alejandro Arribas took full advantage of some slack defending.
Vallecano dominated possession after the interval and deservedly equalised in the 57th-minute through captain Piti, who netted his 15th league goal of the season.
The hosts continued in search of a third goal but couldn't find a match-winner.
Vallecano - who are without a win at home in three matches - remain in eighth position, four points shy of the final Europa League spot with five minutes remaining, while Osasuna move five points clear of the relegation zone.
Blancos assistant coach Aitor Karanka has confirmed that the Portuguese will miss his side's clash with Atletico after picking up a minor knock against Dortmund
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in Saturday's derby clash with Atletico due to a minor leg injury picked up in Wednesday's match against Borussia Dortmund, the Champions League semi-finalists have revealed.
Reports had circulated across Spain that the Portuguese star would not feature for los Blancos against their city rivals and assistant coach Aitor Karanka confirmed his absence.
"Cristiano Ronaldo will not be in the squad for tomorrow," he stated at a press conference on Friday.
"With the exception of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo and [Alvaro] Arbeloa, the rest are well and tomorrow our best team will go out to win."
Karanka went on to say that every member of the capital club's squad must give their all against Diego Simeone's side as they look warm up for their Champions League clash with Dortmund on Tuesday.
"Tomorrow we have to be at 120 per cent and go out with the maximum level of intensity," he continued.
"There are still big games left and the team is going to be at that level. We have to go out tomorrow with a winning mentality and increase the points lead [over Atleti].
"The best way to present yourself for Tuesday at the Bernabeu is winning. It's the best way to get motivated."
Barcelona prepare title celebrations ahead of Madrid derby
Apr 27, 2013 9:00:00 AM
The Catalans need to beat Athletic Bilbao in their last visit to the old San Mames stadium and hope Real lose out to Atletico in the capital clash for the first time since 1999
By Ben Hayward
Barcelona will win La Liga on Saturday if they can beat Athletic Bilbao at San Mames and rivals Real Madrid lose in their derby clash against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.
Both Barca and Madrid are reeling from their disappointing defeats at Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, respectively, in the Champions League this week, but the Catalans can cheer up their frustrated fans by clinching the Primera Division title tonight.
However, it is not solely in their hands. Barca must beat Athletic in what will be the Blaugrana's last-ever game at the old San Mames stadium, but also hope Atletico can defeat Real in the Madrid derby - and that hasn't happened since 1999.
Many of Barcelona's players would rather win La Liga in front of their own fans. "Last time we won it away from home [at Levante in 2010-11] and this year it would be nice to win it at home so we can celebrate with our supporters," Adriano said just last week.
Atletico vs Real Madrid However, a title triumph on Saturday would represent a big boost after the 4-0 defeat at Bayern on Tuesday and coach Tito Vilanova (who on Friday gave his first press conference since returning from cancer treatment in New York last month) says he hopes to win it sooner rather than later. "This a league we are fighting for against Real Madrid and I want to win it as soon as possible," he revealed. It would also be his first trophy as Barca boss after taking over from Pep Guardiola in the summer.
Barcelona will need to better last season's 2-2 draw at San Mames to have any chance of claiming the title, but must wait to see how Madrid get on in the capital clash at Atletico before the celebrations can begin.
By the end of that match, Barcelona will already be on the plane back to the Catalan capital, although they will be kept informed of events at the Calderon by the captain and the cabin crew.
Atletico have failed to beat Madrid in a competitive match since 1999, but Diego Simeone's side may have their best chance for some time as Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out with a muscle injury and Jose Mourinho will have more than one eye on Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final second leg at home to Dortmund (after the first match was won 4-1 by the Germans on Wednesday).
Nevertheless, assistant Aitor Karanka claimed on Friday that Real would work hard to preserve their amazing derby record. "[Atletico] are a team who haven't beaten us for many years, but they are strong at home, we are fighting them for second place and it is the city's derby - we will have to play with great intensity," he told the media.
Atletico celebrated their 110th birthday on Friday and the capital club will hope to mark that anniversary with a first derby success this millennium. Simeone's side are currently third, six points behind Mourinho's men. "Let's hope we can finish second," Koke said on Friday, while captain Gabi added: "We have been waiting for 14 years to win the derby - it is a very special game and we are desperate to win it."
Atletico also meet Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey at the Santiago Bernabeu next month.
If Barcelona beat Athletic and Madrid win or draw at Atletico, the Catalans will have to wait until next weekend's game at home to Betis for their next chance to be crowned champions. Vilanova's side currently lead Madrid by 13 points with six rounds of La Liga remaining, but Madrid edge out the Blaugrana on the head-to-head record (if the sides are level) after claiming a win and a draw from this season's two Clasico clashes in the Primera Division.
Athletic Bilbao scored a dramatic last-minute equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw against Barcelona on Saturday.
Goals from Markel Susaeta and Ander Herrera eased Bilbao's relegation fears, as they took advantage of another poor performance from the Catalan side.
Tito Vilanova opted to rest Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta following their UEFA Champions League exploits, handing Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song starts instead.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa fielded an attacking line-up, with his side hoping to move up the table with a win against potentially leggy opponents.
It was Athletic who started the brighter of the two sides, as Barcelona failed to settle after their embarrassing defeat to Bayern Munich in midweek.
Despite that, the Catalan outfit had the first real chance of the game, as a Xavi free-kick was headed over by Gerard Pique after Dani Alves had been fouled.
Alexis Sanchez then hit the post immediately after with a right-footed drive which left the goalkeeper stranded.
Bilbao soon replied, with Mikel San Jose getting a header on target but failing to truly test Victor Valdes due to a lack of power.
But Athletic followed up that missed opportunity by taking the lead through Susaeta, with Aritz Aduriz cutting in from the left and drilling the ball across the box for his team-mate to tap home.
Buoyed by their goal, Athletic soon carved out a great chance to double their advantage, only for Aduriz to head over from six yards as the hosts went in 1-0 up at the break.
Adriano was introduced at half-time as Vilanova went with a more attacking formation but it was still Athletic who looked more likely to score.
Susaeta nearly doubled his tally and Athletic’s lead with a free-kick from the edge of the box but his dipping effort rattled the crossbar with Valdes stranded before Aduriz also struck the woodwork from the rebound.
With 30 minutes remaining and things looking desperate, Vilanova had little option but to call on talisman Messi from the bench.
Almost inevitably, the Argentine then brought the Catalans level, taking on four defenders before sliding the ball past the keeper from just inside the box.
Barcelona then added a quick second, as Messi's header fell to Sanchez who volleyed it in from six yards.
Vilanova's side could in fact have added a third late on when a Messi free-kick went wide of the post, but it was Bilbao who had the last word as Herrera powered home a shot from 12 yards to provide a dramatic ending.
The result means that Barcelona will have to wait another week to wrap up the title, while Bilbao are now nine points clear of relegation with five games to play.
Real Madrid kept their faint title hopes alive with a 2-1 win over local rivals Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday.
An own goal from Juanfran and a second-half strike from Angel di Maria were enough to cancel out Radamel Falcao’s early opener, and claim the points for the visitors.
Real Madrid made nine changes from the side that lost to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, with Cristiano Ronaldo being the most notable absentee due to a minor leg injury.
Meanwhile, Diego Costa earned place in the home team’s line-up after having had his yellow card against Sevilla overturned.
Jose Mourinho’s side would have been looking for a positive response on the back of their 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Dortmund in midweek.
But it was Atletico who raced out of the blocks, and were ahead after just four minutes when Falcao took advantage of some sloppy defending to head home a Diego Godin cross at the far post.
Real Madrid struggled to assert themselves on the game early on, with Atletico seeing plenty of the ball in midfield during the opening minutes.
But Real managed to put themselves back on level terms just before the 15-minute mark, when an Angel di Maria free-kick eluded everyone before deflecting off Juanfran to creep past Atletico keeper Thibault Courtois.
Courtois was involved again just before half-time, producing an impressive one-on-one save to deny Karim Benzema inside the box.
The match was a predictably fiery affair during the first period, with a total of six yellow cards shown.
Atletico began the second half with a similar level of urgency, Falcao inches away from connecting with a flashed Lopez cross within a minute of the restart.
Indeed it was the hosts who were seemingly asking all the questions as the second half wore on, with Gabi and Luis Garcia both missing good opportunities.
But it was the visitors who took the lead just after the hour mark, after a swift counter-attack resulted in Di Maria breaking away from the Atletico defence to slot home.
Atletico responded well, and felt they should have had a penalty just a few minutes later, when Falcao was brought down in the box by Michael Essien, who was drafted in at right-back for the evening.
Adrian Lopez replaced Luis Garcia, as the hosts searched for a way back in to the game within the last 20 minutes, but the hosts struggled to find a way through the visitors’ back line.
But when Filipe Luis did manage to find some space in the box in the last few minutes, he could only hit the side netting.
In the end Real held out for their tenth consecutive derby victory, and closed the gap to leaders Barcelona to 11 points with four games remaining. Atletico stay in third.
Deportivo La Coruna have moved out of La Liga's relegation zone with a vital 1-1 draw away to seventh-placed Real Betis.
While Betis denied Deportivo victory when Jorge Molina equalised after half-time, the point was still enough for the visitors to rise above Celta de Vigo to 17th position, just above the drop zone in Spain's top tier of football.
The draw extended Deportivo's unbeaten run to six matches, which has seen them rise from bottom of the table on April 5 to be on the verge of safety.
Spanish striker Riki stunned the home crowd in the seventh minute when he collected Bruno Gama's pass before going on a mazy run, which bamboozled Nacho, and held off Antonio Amaya to fire the ball over Betis goalkeeper Adrian.
While the visitors had more shots on target than Betis (6-4), the Seville-based hosts peppered Deportivo's goal with 16 more shots off target.
That attacking focus paid off in the 49th minute when Molina finished from a tight angle but neither side could find a winner in the remaining 41 minutes.
The draw leaves Betis three points ahead of eight-placed Rayo Vallecano in the race for a Europa League berth, while Deportivo moved a point above Celta.
Jordi Alba: I must control my temper
The former Valencia star was booked against Bayern after an act of frustration and will consequently miss Wednesday's return fixture
Ballon d'Or race will be blown wide open by Ronaldo & Messi Champions League exits
Failing to reach the final will raise the chances of neither the Real Madrid nor Barcelona star winning the award for the first time since Kaka's 2007 triumph
Cuenca wants another year at Ajax with De Boer
The on-loan midfielder has set his sights on staying at the Amsterdam Arena next season, after an injury-blighted stay in the Netherlands
Juventus admire Robben & Alexis, says Marotta
The Turin powerhouse's general director is full of praise for both attackers but fears a summer transfer for either player could prove problematic
Wenger admits interest in Kondogbia
The Arsenal manager refused to rule out a move for the highly-regarded 20-year-old anchorman, who could fill a void left by the injured Abou Diaby
Montanier coy on Real Sociedad's Champions League prospects
The Basque club are now five points clear in fourth place with just five games remaining but their French boss is keeping his feet on the ground
Barcelona's Valdes denies refusing to wear captain's armband
The Spain international, who is set to leave Camp Nou this summer, appeared to refuse to take on the responsibility following Xavi's substitution at San Mames
Kondogbia 'dreams' of Real Madrid move
The 20-year-old has attracted plenty of interest from across Europe, but concedes if the Spanish champions came calling he could not turn them down
Simeone laments 'missed opportunity' against Real Madrid
The Argentine believes that his side played admirably against their cross-city rivals but regrets their failure to take their chances in front of goal
Bielsa thrilled with Athletic refusal to accept 'dignified' defeat
The 57-year-old was confident in the tactics he set out against the Blaugrana and was delighted to see his side reap the fruits of their labour
Derby success vital in race for second, says Karanka
The Spaniard was pleased at extending Atletico's barren run in the derby and their own advantage ahead of their city rivals, but is refusing to relax just yet
Messi shows why he's world's best, claims Roura
The Argentine forward came off the bench to score one goal and assist another on Saturday - reinforcing his status as the planet's finest player according to the Blaugrana No.2
'This Barcelona is not dead' - Luis Fernandez
The former France international believes that despite a hammering at the hands of Bayern Munich, the current Blaugrana crop can still go on to enjoy much success
Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo denies 'cheating on girlfriend with Brazilian model known as Miss BumBum'
Andressa Urach said striker slept with her just 48 hours before key match
Ronaldo's team lost the match 4-1 to German side Borussia Dortmund
He says although he was at hotel, everything else is 'fiction and forgery'
Real Madrid player, 28, is dating 27-year-old Russian beauty Irina Shayk
By LEON WATSON PUBLISHED: 00:54 GMT, 28 April 2013 | UPDATED: 10:10 GMT, 29 April 2013
Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo last night denied cheating on his girlfriend with a Brazilian model who won the title 'Miss BumBum' in a catwalk competition. Andressa Urach had claimed the Real Madrid striker slept with her in a hotel just 48 hours before a key Champions League semi final which his team lost 4-1 to German side Borussia Dortmund.The 27-year-old told The Sun: 'I have always thought Cristiano is one of the most gorgeous men in the world, so I couldn't believe it when he got in touch with me.
Miss BumBum: Brazillian model Andressa Urach said Ronaldo, 28, slept with her in a hotel just 48 hours before a key Champions League semi final
The day after: Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the Champions League semi final
'He said he was very excited by my pictures online and one of the first things he asked me was if I really was a Miss Butt Brazil model.'But Ronaldo said in a statement on Twitter last night: ‘I was informed that The Sun, faithful to its editorial line, will publish an article where is given voice to a so called Andressa - someone seeking the limelight on my account. ‘And I wonder why this happens one day before a very important game for my team. Deeply outraged by a situation intended, in vain, to affect my personal life. ‘I just want to clarify I was in fact at the Hotel Villa Magna on April 22 giving an interview to Manu Sainz, something the reporter himself is able to corroborate. Everything else is pure fiction and forgery.'
The woman had told The Sun it happened a day after the £80million former Manchester United forward was pictured leaving a restaurant in Madrid with his girlfriend Irina Shayk. Miss Shayt, 27, had her arms crossed and wore a downcast face.Speaking about their tryst, she said: 'It was incredible, his body's perfect, like a Greek god. He went on for hours and would not stop talking about my butt.'Miss Urach claimed Ronaldo told her he had dreamed about her behind and called her his 'little horse' before asking her to come to Madrid and meet up. Miss Urach told how the pair linked up at the city's £12,500-a-night Villa Magna hotel after she took a taxi there and waited for him in the lobby.
Cristiano Ronaldo and girlfriend Irina Shayak seen going for dinner at a restaurant in Madrid before the Champions league semi final against Borussia Dortmund
The day before: Ronaldo was snapped leaving the restaurant with his girlfriend the day before the alleged tryst. She looked furious
He arrived in a grey Audi R3 and parked in an underground car park before taking a private lift to his room, from where he texted her his room number, The Sun reported.Ronaldo is dating Russian beauty Miss Shayk, who is known as one of the world's top swimwear and lingerie models. On Thursday she was in the UK attending the launch of the new Eleven Paris store in London.The couple started dating three years ago - just weeks before Ronaldo announced he had become a father to a baby son with an unnamed American mother. Although the Real Madrid player announced he had 'exclusive guardianship' of the tot Cristiano Jnr, his mother Dolores is helping to raise the child in Portugal. Over the past few years, Irina seemed to have embraced the role as surrogate stepmother to the child and has been seen doting over the little boy on frequent occasions. However, since they started dating in May 2010, the couple regularly go for weeks or sometimes months without seeing each other. Irina is based in New York for her modelling work, but travels all over the world, while Ronaldo splits his time between Madrid and his native Portugal.
Reports in England suggest that Barcelona and Cesc Fabregas may be preparing for the player’s return to Arsenal this summer.
FootballEspana – Mon, Apr 29, 2013 12:21 BST
The Daily Star allege that the 25-year-old, who moved from Arsenal to Barca in 2011 in a €34m deal, is open to a return to his former side.
The publication say that the player’s alleged interest in buying a flat in London is matched by his and his girlfriend’s desire to raise their newborn daughter in the English capital.
It is also believed that Barcelona are open to his sale in a bid to raise funds for other planned transfer activity this summer, whilst a source from the club is quoted: “If an important offer for Cesc arrives we will study the situation.”
Vice-President Josep Maria Bartomeu commented last week of a possible four-five signings to ‘shake up’ the squad.
Read the original article on Football Espana - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Spanish football
Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini’s agent has been reported as in Madrid meeting with Manchester City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain.
FootballEspana – 16 hours ago
Manuel Pellegrini (Reuters)
Speculation has been in recent weeks that Pellegrini could be set to leave the Anchovies in the summer, with Chelsea and City both rumoured to be possible destinations for the Chilean.
Reports in Spain on Monday evening suggest that City have taken the lead, with their sporting director Begiristain apparently spotted in the Spanish capital with Pellegrini’s agent Jesus Martinez.
Begiristain is known to be an admirer of Pellegrini’s from when he reportedly tried to sign the then Villarreal coach when he was acting as Barcelona’s sporting director.
Pellegrini, who took Malaga to the Champions League quarter-finals in their competition debut this season, is understood to have a buyout clause in his contract of £3.3million.
Zidane: Bale price tag won't deter bidders
The Real Madrid director of football believes that suitors will be willing to pay £60 million for the Welshman, whom he feels can make the difference between glory and failure
Cruyff the man behind Barcelona's success, says Guardiola
The former Blaugrana boss has nothing but praise for the iconic Dutchman and believes the Catalans would not be where they are now without him
'Madrid fought until the end' - Butragueno proud of Madrid despite defeat
The Blancos director and club legend was proud of the side's efforts, despite a failure to reach the Champions League final for the 11th year in a row
Neymar can be Barcelona’s new Ronaldinho, says Edmilson
The defender says the Santos forward can contribute to the Catalan club’s cause in the same way his compatriot did during his stay at Camp Nou
I want to remain at Real Madrid - Kaka
The Brazil international admits his time at the Spanish giants has left him frustrated, but he is undeterred in his desire to still prove himself with los Blancos
Ronaldo's future at Real Madrid uncertain, admits Jorge Mendes
The Portuguese star's agent has sparked rumours that his client might depart the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, claiming he is unsure whether he wants to remain
Kaka should quit Madrid for Flamengo - Zico
The Selecao legend believes the Real Madrid star ought to quit the Santiago Bernabeu and return to Brazil in order to return to his best
We've moved on from Champions League humiliation - Adriano
The Brazilian has admitted his side were embarrassed after suffering an ignominious 7-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern, but he is determined to bounce back and win La Liga
Messi is the greatest defender in the world - Guardiola
The ex-Barca boss believes the Argentina captain and Blaugrana star is not only a great goalscorer, but, defensively no one else comes near him either
Fabregas: Only I know where my future lies
The Spain international has been linked with a return to Arsenal but has refused to comment on whether he is set to leave Barcelona after just two years
Ter Stegen not ready for Barcelona yet, says Illgner
The 46-year-old has voiced his opinion that a move to Spain could hurt his compatriot's career at this stage and has advised them to pursue Thibaut Courtois instead
Ancelotti: It would be hard to reject Real Madrid
The 53-year-old is happy at Paris Saint-Germain but could be tempted to make the move to the Santiago Bernabeu side if the opportunity arises
Valverde unsure of future at club
The 49-year-old, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, admits the direction of los Che will be huge factor in whether he will stay at the Mestalla
Simeone: Extra rest days will not help Real Madrid
The Atletico Madrid boss is unfazed by limited preparation time ahead of the Copa del Rey final, pointing to his side's Super Cup win over Chelsea as proof that it will not matter
Guardiola: My time at Barcelona is over
The 42-year-old says he is proud to have worked at Camp Nou as both player and coach but insists that chapter of his life has ended
Benat: My dream is to play for Athletic Bilbao
The Betis midfielder has been heavily linked with the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich this season, but wants to represent the Basques
Higuain will leave Madrid this summer - Sanchez
The club's general manager has revealed the forward will likely move on before next season, with two strikers to be signed to complement Karim Benzema
'My future is at Real Madrid' - Casillas
The 31-year-old has stressed he has no intention of quitting the club and has urged his side to salvage their season by lifting the Copa del Rey
Lucas Piazon open to Chelsea exit
The 19-year-old Brazilian speaks fondly of his time in London, but would not mind leaving Stamford Bridge if the club decide they no longer want him at the end of the season
Mourinho gave me belief to be a manager, says Rodgers
The Northern Irishman was brought to Chelsea as a youth and reserve coach during the Portuguese boss' Stamford Bridge reign, before going on to launch his career with Watford
Barcelona will look to bounce back from their UEFA Champions League elimination by securing their 22nd La Liga title this weekend.
Tito Vilanova's side were eliminated from Europe's top competition after falling to a 7-0 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich. However, they can restore smiles to the faces of their fans if they beat Real Betis and Real Madrid fail to overcome Real Valladolid.
However neither Barca or Real have lost a home game all season, and it therefore seems likely that the Catalan club will have to wait at least another week before they are officially crowned champions of Spain.
Elsewhere the battle to avoid relegation gathers pace, Celta Vigo take on Athletic Bilbao in a game which could have massive implications for both sides. Paco Herrera's team can move out of the bottom three if they take maximum points, while Marcelo Bielsa's men will virtually secure their place in the top flight with a win.
Osasuna and Granada are two teams who are also in the mire at the wrong end of the table, and both face difficult outings against teams chasing a place in European competition.
Granada welome fifth placed and UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists Malaga, while Basque outfit Osasuna travel to Valencia hoping to improve their disappointing away record against a side that have only lost three times at the Mestalla so far this campaign.
Deportivo La Coruna have boosted their hopes of survival in recent times with a six-game unbeaten run under Fernando Vasquez, who is the Riazor club's third manager of the season. That run will be severely tested on Saturday however as they take on third-placed Atletico Madrid.
Mallorca can move off the bottom with a win over Levante despite falling to defeat against Real Zaragoza last weekend, while Sevilla welcome Espanyol in a fight between two midtable sides.
Zaragoza earned their first win of 2013 with the dramatic 3-2 over Mallorca and they will look to move out of the bottom three as they face a Rayo Vallecano team who still have half a chance of reaching the UEFA Europa League.
Getafe meet Real Sociedad in the final game of the round on Monday, with the visitors knowing they can tighten their grip on the final UEFA Champions League spot with a victory.
