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Tag: Cristiano Ronaldo

  • Ronaldo blames ‘heat of moment’ as he is dropped

    Cristiano Ronaldo says “the heat of the moment” got to him in the incident that led to Manchester United dropping him for Saturday’s game at Chelsea.

    The Portugal forward left Old Trafford before the end of Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham – for which he was an unused substitute.

    “I’ve always tried to set the example myself for the youngsters that grew in all the teams that I’ve represented,” he wrote on Instagram on Thursday.

    “That’s not always possible.”

     

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    A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

    He added: “Sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.

    “I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington [United’s training ground], support my team-mates and be ready for everything in any given game.

    “Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”

    United say the 37-year-old remains an important part of the squad but regard this as a disciplinary matter.

    The game he will miss at Stamford Bridge is a big one, with United just one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

    Several media outlets are reporting he refused to come on as a late sub against Spurs.

    Ronaldo left the bench and walked down the tunnel in the 89th minute, even though United had only made three of their permitted five substitutions. He briefly went into the dressing room before leaving the stadium.

    Manager Erik ten Hag said afterwards that he would “deal with” the issue on Thursday.

    Ronaldo had also showed his displeasure at being substituted during Sunday’s 0-0 home draw with Newcastle.

    Former England striker Gary Lineker said Ronaldo’s behaviour took attention away from United’s impressive performance against Spurs.

    “That is unacceptable – it is so poor,” Lineker said on BBC Match of the Day.

    Ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams said: “It was a great night for Manchester United and here we are again talking about Cristiano Ronaldo – even though he didn’t play.”

    Former England defender Micah Richards said: “For one of the greats of the game to do that when your team are winning, making it about him, is disappointing.”

    Richards said Ronaldo’s behaviour was “disrespectful” and he should be allowed to leave in the January transfer window.

    “His manager had problems with him at the start of the season, during pre-season, and to then carry this on… I just think there is only one way this needs to go now,” Richards told BBC Radio 4.

    “They need to come to an agreement in January and they need to let him go. He is undermining the manager there, so I think it’s best if they just part ways.”

    Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said Ronaldo would have been aware such behaviour would create “headlines”.

    “It’s the first time I can say that I am disappointed with him. Normally I back him; I understand his situation,” Schmeichel told BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “We are in transition. Manchester United are now five managers down the road since Alex Ferguson.

    “We have got Erik ten Hag in now who has very clear ideas about the way he wants to play football. We need understanding and time from everyone.

    “We don’t need distractions like that, and that’s a disappointment, I would say.”

    Source: BBC

  • Ronaldo dropped by Man Utd for Chelsea clash after Spurs walkout

    Cristiano Ronaldo will be omitted from the Manchester United squad to face Chelsea on Saturday following his early walkout during Wednesday’s win over Tottenham.

    The veteran forward, an unused substitute, walked down the tunnel before the final whistle at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag‘s side downed Spurs in a 2-0 win.

    Ten Hag said after the game that he would “deal with” Ronaldo’s behaviour on Thursday, and the Dutchman has followed through on that by sanctioning the 37-year-old.

    The Portugal captain will play no part in his side’s next fixture away to Graham Potter’s Blues.

    “Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea,” read an official club statement.

    “The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture.”

    It is the latest indicator of Ronaldo’s discontent at Old Trafford, with a much-trumpeted homecoming last season having turned sour following a disappointing 2021-22 club campaign.

    Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last term with 24 goals across all competitions, but the Red Devils could only finish sixth in the Premier League.

    That led to speculation suggesting Ronaldo wanted to leave the club, a narrative that ultimately became a distracting sideshow through Ten Hag’s first pre-season in charge.

    Ronaldo did not join United on their pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand.

    When he did eventually feature in a friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford, Ronaldo found himself at the centre of controversy as he left the stadium early after being withdrawn at half-time.

    Ten Hag defended Ronaldo on that occasion, saying it was “not right” for the striker to attract all the criticism when there were several players who left early.

    However, Thursday’s action shows Ten Hag is willing to come down hard on the Portuguese superstar, and the situation will further cloud Ronaldo’s future at the club.

    The arrival of Ten Hag has seen Ronaldo slip down the pecking order, with just two Premier League starts and one goal this season across eight top-flight appearances.

    United travel to Stamford Bridge sitting just one point behind their hosts in fourth.

    Source: Livescore

  • Benzema crowned the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner

    Karim Benzema has been named Ballon d’Or winner for 2022, with the Real Madrid striker enjoying an incredible calendar year.

    WHAT HAPPENED? The France international enjoyed a remarkable 2021-22 campaign at Santiago Bernabeu, with a stunning 44-goal haul helping Los Blancos to La Liga and Champions League titles. The 34-year-old found the target on 27 occasions in the Spanish top flight last season and 15 times in European competition.

    THE BIGGER PICTURE: Benzema has been a revelation for Madrid, helping to fill the void created by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018 while also taking on captaincy duties following Sergio Ramos’ move to Paris Saint-Germain. He has now been recognised as the world’s best by his peers, with competition from the likes of Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski, Sadio Mane, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland seen off to land the prestigious Golden Ball.

    PREVIOUS WINNERS: The Ballon d’Or vote has been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent times, with the Argentine claiming a history-making seven awards, while the Portuguese superstar has five to his name. Other iconic performers to have taken the top prize on multiple occasions include Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldo and Alfredo Di Stefano. Benzema has become the eighth Real Madrid player to land the award – enhancing their record-setting haul.

    WHAT NEXT FOR BENZEMA? The experienced forward has been back among the goals this season, as Real seek to defend their domestic and continental crowns, while he will also be hoping to help France savour World Cup glory again at the 2022 finals in Qatar.

     

  • Fatau Dauda explains why he celebrated after saving Ronaldo’s header during 2014 World Cup

    Former Black Stars goalkeeper, Fatau Dauda, has explained why he celebrated saving Cristiano Ronaldo’s header during the 2014 World Cup.

    He added that he celebrated that because he had trained for it.

    He said replicating what he had learnt in training prior to the game filled him with much joy.

    Speaking to TV3 in an interview, he disclosed that the goalkeeper’s trainer put him through how to stop Ronaldo during set pieces.

    “The reason why I celebrated Ronaldo’s save was before the game, we did some workouts with our goalkeepers’ trainer. We trained on how Portugal play their set pieces because Ronaldo is good at set pieces. We trained on how to save crosses. It was like you learning to write an exam and what you learned, you see the thing happening,” he told TV3.

    Fatau Dauda pulled off a magnificent stop to prevent Ronaldo from breaking the deadlock in the first half after the four-time Ballon d’Or winner connected with a cross from the right.

    Despite making the save and a couple of others, Ronaldo managed to get his name on the scoresheet as Portugal beat Ghana 2-1 in the final group match.

    Ghana crashed out of the group stages of the tournament with just a point.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Ronaldo scores 700th club goal of his career

    Cristiano Ronaldo reached another landmark in his illustrious career by scoring his 700th club goal to give Manchester United the lead at Everton.

    The goal took the Portugal forward’s tally to 144 for United in his two spells at the club.

    He scored five for Sporting, 450 for Real Madrid and 101 for Juventus.

    It is only the second goal of the season for Ronaldo, whose 699th goal came in the Europa League against FC Sheriff.

    More to follow.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ten Hag backs Ronaldo to hit his stride after scoring 700th club goal

    Erik ten Hag is confident Cristiano Ronaldo will hit his stride after scoring his 700th club goal – and his first of the 2022-23 Premier League season – in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Everton.

    Ronaldo had never previously scored a league goal at Goodison Park but he proved decisive after entering the fray in the first half.

    Antony cancelled out Alex Iwobi’s opener before Ronaldo replaced the injured Anthony Martial, and the 37-year-old quickly made his mark by firing a left-footed finish beyond Jordan Pickford.

    That strike was Ronaldo’s 700th in club football and his 144th across two spells at Old Trafford, and ensured United bounced back from last week’s derby thrashing by Manchester City.

    Speaking at a post-match news conference, Ten Hag congratulated Ronaldo on his landmark and backed him to hit a rich vein of form in the coming weeks.

    “That is really impressive, when you score 700 goals,” Ten Hag said. “It’s a huge performance, I’m really happy for him.

    “I congratulate him on that performance and I’m also happy it’s his first goal this season in the Premier League. He had to wait for it and I’m sure there will be more goals.

    “I think every player needs it, even when you are the best in the world, you need it, you need the goals.

    “I worked with many goalscorers, especially them, they need goals in every season to have that feeling, to have the confirmation of their intuition.

    “Once they have some goals, they come in the flow and games go easier. That will happen with him as well.”

    United had lost eight of their previous 10 away league games ahead of their trip to Merseyside – including last Sunday’s dismal loss at the Etihad Stadium, and Ten Hag was pleased with the improvements on display.

    “First of all, criticism is normal when you have a defeat, especially in a big game, in a derby, so we have to deal with that and you learn lessons,” Ten Hag added.

    “In this moment, we collect the points, it’s not looking at the table, we have to win every game – it’s our aim.

    “We have to improve every game, we have to improve the process, we have to prepare every game 100 per cent and we demand from the players that in every game they give their best.

    “You see in this game, the spirit is really good in the squad – it’s not only the 11 players.

    “Again, a sub coming on and scoring a goal, you see Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay and Raphael Varane coming in, so we use more than 11 players and I am happy with that process.”

     

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    A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

    United goalkeeper David De Gea also praised Ronaldo following the win, hailing him for maintaining a professional attitude despite starting just one league game under Ten Hag.

    “He’s never been in this situation before, but the way he works and trains, it’s just unbelievable,” De Gea told BT Sport. “It’s not easy times for him, but he showed he’s a great player.”

    With De Gea’s United contract expiring at the end of the season – although the club has an option for an extra year – the Spaniard also revealed he would like to commit his future to the club.

    “I’m just very focused on the games, helping the team as much as I can,” he added. “Of course, I would like to be here for more years, so let’s see what happens in the future. I’m really, really happy here.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Kylian Mbappe beats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to top Forbes rich list

    Kylian Mbappe has topped the Forbes list for highest-earning footballers – the first time someone other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo has been number one for nine years.

    Forbes estimate Paris St-Germain forward Mbappe, 23, will earn $128m (£115.2m) this season.

    Mbappe’s PSG team-mate Messi is second on $120m (£108m) and Manchester United forward Ronaldo third on $100m (£90m).

    Neymar and Mohamed Salah complete the top five.

    PSG and Brazil striker Neymar will earn an estimated $87m (£78.4m) in 2022-23 and Liverpool forward Salah $53m (£47.7m).

    The last player to top the list other than Ronaldo or Messi was former England captain David Beckham in 2013.

    Mbappe signed a lucrative new three-year contract with PSG in May, which ended speculation about a summer move to Real Madrid.

    The France World Cup winner has lifted 11 trophies at the club, including four Ligue 1 titles, since joining from Monaco initially on loan in 2017.

    Erling Haaland, who has scored 19 goals in 12 games for Manchester City since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund, makes his debut in the top 10 at number six.

    The Norway striker is one of four Premier League players in the top 10 along with Ronaldo, Salah and Manchester City team-mate Kevin de Bruyne.

    Haaland and Mbappe are the only players on the list aged under 30.

    Forbes’ list of highest-paid footballers 2022
    Kylian Mbappe PSG and France $128m (£115.2m)
    Lionel Messi PSG and Argentina $120m (£108m)
    Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United and Portugal $100m (£90m)
    Neymar PSG and Brazil $87m (£78.4m)
    Mohamed Salah Liverpool and Egypt $53m (£47.7m)
    Erling Haaland Manchester City and Norway $39m (£35.1m)
    Robert Lewandowski Barcelona and Poland $35m (31.5m)
    Eden Hazard Real Madrid and Belgium $31m (£27.9m)
    Andres Iniesta Vissel Kobe and Spain $30m (£27m)
    Kevin de Bruyne Manchester City and Belgium $29m (26.1m)

    Source: BBC

  • Ronaldo unhappy at not playing regularly – Ten Hag

    Ronaldo has made eight appearances for Manchester United in all competitions so far this season

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at not playing regularly.

    Ronaldo, 37, has started one Premier League game and two Europa League matches for United so far this season.

    He was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 6-3 defeat by Manchester City, with Ten Hag saying the decision was “out of respect for his big career.”

    “He’s not happy that he wasn’t playing Sunday” said Ten Hag before Thursday’s Europa League game at Omonia Nicosia.

    “Of course, he wants to play and he’s annoyed when he’s not playing. It’s clear.”

    Ten Hag added: “But when I tell you all the players, when you’re here and you’re happy, or satisfied, when you’re on the bench, this is not a club where you have to be, and especially Cristiano.

    “He’s really competitive, as we all know. He’s not happy of course when he’s not playing.

    “But I already said and, I have to repeat, he’s training well, he has a good mood, he’s motivated and he gives his best. That is what we expect.”

    Ten Hag’s decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench as United was criticised with former United captain Roy Keane accusing the club of “showing disrespect” to the player.

    Instead, Anthony Martial was brought on and profited by scoring two late consolation goals.

    Ten Hag accepts the treatment for Ronaldo was specific.

    “I think, when you’re honest, you know there is a difference.

    “Nobody is the same in the team, I will treat everyone with respect but they all have different backgrounds.

    “I have to treat players differently to get the best out of them, but there are general standards and values that count for everyone.”

    ‘Thank you Pep’

    Ten Hag twice said the Manchester City defeat was “a reality check” for his team and a reminder of the standards they need to reach in order to get to the levels he is demanding.

    And for that, he thanks Pep Guardiola, who worked with the Dutchman at Bayern Munich.

    “Now we get a reality check with Manchester City, we know we have to step up,” he said.

    “So thank you for the lesson, Pep and City, we will take that and we have to understand we have to do things much better.”

      Our coverage of Manchester United is bigger and better than ever before – here’s everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a momentEverything United – go straight to all the best content

    Source: bbc.com

  • Schmeichel says Haaland is a combination of Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic

    Erling Haaland shares many of the same qualities as Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to Peter Schmeichel, who has described the Manchester City man as several top strikers “put into one player”.

    Haaland produced an incredible display as City swatted aside Manchester United for a 6-3 derby win on Sunday, scoring a treble and teeing up two goals for fellow hat-trick hero Phil Foden.

    The Norwegian – who has scored 14 goals in his first eight Premier League appearances – has now scored a hat-trick in three successive home league games, becoming the first player to do so in the competition’s history.

    After watching Haaland tear United apart at the Etihad Stadium, Schmeichel picked out similarities between the 22-year-old and several striking legends.

    “The biggest part of a good striker is patience. I played against some of the best strikers, and when they go missing is when you really have to concentrate,” the former United and City goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “The Cristiano Ronaldos, the Filippo Inzaghis of this world – they disappear then all of a sudden they get the chance.

    “When you look at Haaland, you see different players. That Zlatan-like goal, and Ronaldo is in there too. You see top, top strikers in one.

    “That is why he is so dangerous. He has the luxury of seeing many top strikers and they are all put into one player.”

    Haaland’s dominant display on Sunday saw him become just the 25th player to record five goal involvements in a Premier League game – and the youngest to ever do so (22 years, 73 days).

    In Haaland and team-mate Kevin De Bruyne, meanwhile, City have the highest goalscorer and top assist-maker in Europe’s top five leagues this season (in all competitions).

    Haaland has already found the net 17 times this season, with five of those strikes being laid on by De Bruyne, who has a total of 10 assists in 2022-23.

    Source: Livescore

  • Football fans turn heat on social media user for claiming Beyonce is popular than Ronaldo

    A Nigerian Twitter has resurrected the fury of football fans across the world after claiming that American musician Beyonce appeals to more people globally than football great Cristiano Ronaldo.

    The fans are seething that the Twitter user by name ‘Imoteda’ sought to belittle the popularity of Cristiano Ronaldo by comparing Beyonce to him.

    Imoteda found it ‘weird’ that people assume footballers are very popular and that not a single player on the planet can be compared to Beyonce in terms of popularity.

    Imoteda’s post reads “So many people think football players are crazy popular. It’s so weird. Like how can you say a football player is more popular than Beyonce? Then name two football players that even I wouldn’t recognize.”

    The reactions have been outright condemnation of her post as many believe that not only Ronaldo but a host of football stars are more popular than the globally-acclaimed RnB star.

    Some have referenced instances where Ronaldo garnered huge supporters online to back their claim that he is the more popular figure of the two.

     

     

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United forward charged by FA over fan’s phone incident

    Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged by the Football Association over footage which appeared to show him knocking a phone out of a fan’s hand.

    A video was shared on social media alongside comments claiming he smashed the device as he left the pitch after a 1-0 loss at Everton in April.

    Ronaldo, 37, later apologised on social media.

    He was cautioned by police regarding the incident in August.

    “It is alleged that the forward’s conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent,” the FA said in a statement.

    Manchester United said they would support Ronaldo in his response to the charge.

    Source: BBCsports

  • Cristiano Ronaldo charged over fan’s phone incident

    Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged by the Football Association over footage which appeared to show him knocking a phone out of a fan’s hand.

    A video was shared on social media alongside comments claiming he smashed the device as he left the pitch after a 1-0 loss at Everton in April.

    Ronaldo, 37, later apologised on social media. He was cautioned by police regarding the incident in August.

    “It is alleged that the forward’s conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent,” the FA said in a statement.

    Manchester United said they would support Ronaldo in his response to the charge.

    The defeat at Everton dealt a blow to United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. They went on to finish sixth.

    In an Instagram post after the incident, Ronaldo said it was “never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing”.

    He added: “Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.

    “I would like to apologise for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship.

    Source: BBC

  • The highest-rated players on FIFA 23

    FIFA 23 is released next week and the top 10 players on the game have been revealed as excitement hits fever pitch.

    There is a new man at the top of the rankings, while Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all boast two talents among the world’s elite.

    Ahead of the general release on September 30, we take a look at the superstars that gamers will be desperate to see in action when they fire up their consoles.

    10. Manuel Neuer — Goalkeeper, Bayern Munich (90)

    Manuel Neuer’s spot is as consistent as his performances between the sticks as he maintains a respectable 90 overall rating and 10th place in the rankings.

    The towering German, 36, boasts excellent all-round attributes and will be a rock-solid foundation to build a team upon.

    9. Thibaut Courtois — Goalkeeper, Real Madrid (90)

    Real Madrid stopper Thibaut Courtois jumps 10 places after his Champions League heroics helped Los Blancos land a record-extending 14th title.

    The big Belgian, 30, is not as good with his feet as Neuer but makes up for it with incredible shot-stopping ability.

    8. Cristiano Ronaldo — Striker, Manchester United (90)

    Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most lethal finishers on FIFA 23
    Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most lethal finishers on FIFA 23

    Cristiano Ronaldo remains an elite option on FIFA with 93 finishing and shot power, five-star skill moves and a strong weak foot.

    EA Sports have reduced the 37-year-old Manchester United and Portugal star’s pace but if you get the ball to him around the area, he will be impossible to stop.

    7. Virgil van Dijk — Centre-back, Liverpool (90)

    Virgil van Dijk shrugged off his injury woes from the previous campaign to return to his dominant best last season and was rewarded by edging into the 90 overall range.

    The highest-rated defender on the game, the 31-year-old will be a must-own option for any Premier League XI on Ultimate Team.

    6. Mohamed Salah — Right wing, Liverpool (90)

    Van Dijk’s Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah‘s reward for sharing last season’s Premier League Golden Boot is a six-spot jump into the top 10.

    With pace and dribbling stats of 90 and 89 shooting, gamers will enjoy watching the Egyptian, 30, cutting inside on to his formidable left foot.

    5. Lionel Messi — Right wing, Paris Saint-Germain (91)

    Lionel Messi has been dethroned as the king of FIFA
    Lionel Messi has been dethroned as the king of FIFA

    A changing of the guard sees Lionel Messi slide four places from his No1 spot last year thanks to a two-point drop in his overall rating.

    The Argentine attacker, 35, has seen significant reductions to his pace and shooting ability but thankfully had plenty to spare.

    4. Kevin De Bruyne — Central midfield, Manchester City (91)

    Kevin De Bruyne, 31, keeps hold of fourth position thanks to another superb season with Premier League champions Manchester City.

    The Belgian’s outrageous 93 passing score makes him the best midfielder on the game and his shooting and dribbling stats are not bad either.

    3. Kylian Mbappe — Striker, Paris Saint-Germain (91)

    Kylian Mbappe leaps above team-mate Messi into the top three despite seeing his overall rating stay at 91.

    The fearsome Frenchman, 23, will be the most in-demand player on the game thanks to his 97 acceleration and sprint speed.

    2. Robert Lewandowski — Striker, Barcelona (91)

    Robert Lewandowski’s stunning start to life at Barcelona was not enough for him to beat last year’s No2 ranking.

    The prolific Pole, 34, has been downgraded to 75 pace but with 94 ratings for positioning and finishing, will find a way to score regardless.

    1. Karim Benzema — Striker, Real Madrid (91)

    Karim Benzema has been named as the best player on FIFA 23 by EA Sports
    Karim Benzema has been named as the best player on FIFA 23 by EA Sports

    EA Sports have crowned Karim Benzema the best player in the world after he fired Real Madrid to the Champions League last season.

    Source: Live score

  • Bayern Munich coach under fire for signing Sadio Mane instead of Haaland

    Bayern Munich have come under heavy criticism from a cross-section of fans after forward Sadio Mane failed to score in their 1-0 Bundesliga defeat against Augsburg on Saturday.

    The 30-year-old Senegal international started in the fixture at Augsburg Arena but he could not help the Bavarians as they suffered their first defeat of the season courtesy of Mergim Berisha’s well-taken effort in the 59th minute.

    Mane, who moved to Bayern from Liverpool, cut a frustrated figure throughout the match, and was booked in the 39th minute for a tripping challenge before he was withdrawn for Cameroon international Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the 78th minute.

    The Lion of Teranga has now gone for seven matches in all competitions without finding the back of the net. He last scored a brace in the 7-0 win against Bochum on August 21 while his first of the campaign came against Eintracht Frankfurt in a 6-1 victory.

    Supporters have now descended social media to blame manager Julian Nagelsmann for Mane’s “dry spell”, insisting the forward is being played out of position while one particular fan wondered why they could not sign Erling Haaland, if their target was to bring a number nine.

    “Sadio Mane isn’t a striker. Bayern is pretending he is one. Why didn’t they sign Haaland?,” Kwabena opened the debate on Twitter while Swot posed a question: “Who plays Sadio Mane as a lone striker? Who on earth makes such a blunder?”

    Benhito Bankz wrote: “Sadio Mane is not a striker so, Bayern stop playing him as false number nine,” he said, adding: “If you need a proper goal scorer go for Cristiano Ronaldo.”

    Vincent Brian stressed the point home: “Sadio Mane is never a striker, allow Thomas Muller to do the job and let Mane be a free man from the wings.”

    The Trivela Effect defended Mane, insisting he will turn things around soon. “It makes me sad how quickly people have turned on Sadio Mane,” he said, adding: “I believe he, Nagelsmann, and Bayern as a whole will figure things out. Let’s give it time.”

    His sentiments were echoed by Tunde Westside, who said: “I don’t know why people are acting surprise about Sadio Mane form, we Liverpool are already used to it.”

    Westside added: “He normally plays rubbish at the start of the season then pick his form towards the end of the season.”

    Last season, Mane appeared in 34 games for Liverpool in the Premier League, scored 16 goals and provided two assists.

    In total, he made 196 league appearances for the Reds, scoring 90 goals and providing 29 assists.

    Source: goal.com

  • Manchester United against Southampton: Asamoah Gyan defends Cristiano Ronaldo over performance

    Former captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan backed Cristiano Ronaldo when he received criticism for a lackluster cameo appearance in Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Southampton on August 27, 2022.

    Ronaldo, who came on for the final 22 minutes, was unable to make much of an impact on the team’s attack, leading some fans to believe the wantaway 37-year-old has nothing to offer the club.

    While some Man United fans and rival fans criticized the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Gyan pointed out reasons why Ronaldo struggled in the game.

    “Massa Massa he came on in the difficult moment of the game. He when winning the air duels for the team. He should have done better in the last counter-attack but he fought today to make sure day secure the winner. U just want to talk about him cos u have to comment,” Gyan tweeted.

    Nonetheless, Manchester United managed to pick up the scrappy win, which was their second of the season as they continue to build their momentum.

     

  • Manchester United agree £80m deal for Ajax winger – Antony

    With Ajax, Manchester United has reached an agreement to acquire Brazilian winger Antony.

    United will reportedly pay an initial fee of £80.75 million plus a further £4.25 million in add-ons.

    Within the next 48 hours, the 22-year-old is expected to travel to Manchester to get a medical.

    Antony would become Manchester United’s joint-second most expensive signing alongside defender Harry Maguire – the £89m paid for Paul Pogba remains the club’s record.

    Antony scored 25 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax, having joined the Dutch side from Sao Paulo in 2020 and played under current United boss Erik ten Hag.

    He made his international debut for Brazil in October 2021 and has two goals in nine appearances.

    Antony, who contributed to seven goals in his 11 Champions League appearances for Ajax, would also become the joint-fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history.

    Only Pogba’s move to United, Chelsea’s signing of Romelu Lukaku, and Manchester City’s deal for Jack Grealish would be more costly.

    United travel to Leicester City in their next Premier League fixture on Thursday, 1 September, but Antony would need to receive a work permit before making an appearance.

    The attacker would become United’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of his former Ajax team-mate, defender Lisandro Martinez, midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid, full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, and playmaker Christian Eriksen on a free transfer.

    Speculation also remains as to whether Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at the club following concerns about how the 37-year-old’s mood is affecting morale in the camp.

  • Inzaghi hails Lukaku displays and backs Inter striker to hit top form ahead of Lazio trip

    Simone Inzaghi praised Romelu Lukaku’s contribution since he returned to Inter on loan from Chelsea, as he backed the Belgian striker to hit top form sooner rather than later ahead of their trip to Lazio.

    Inter have made a perfect start to their Serie A title bid, following up a last-gasp win at Lecce on the opening day by beating Spezia 3-0 last time out.

    Lukaku, who fired the Nerazzurri to the Scudetto in 2020-21 with 24 league goals before heading to Chelsea, needed just 82 seconds to find the net when making his second Inter debut at Lecce.

    While the Belgian then failed to score in Inter’s routine win at San Siro last weekend, Inzaghi was content with his display and believes it will not be long until he is scoring regularly once more.

    “I think he did the first two games in the best way. It is not a matter that concerns only Romelu, but the whole team,” Inzaghi said at a pre-match press conference.

    “We know that the condition is improving, we know we have players with important physicality and therefore we knew we needed some important games.

    “We started quite well, we want to continue trying to improve all our players, including Lukaku.

    “We also want to recover [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan, who will be very important, there will be 19 games in a row before a stop [for the World Cup]. We will have to try to have all the players available. Tomorrow everyone travels except Henrikh.”

    Lukaku scored 47 goals in 72 Serie A appearances in his first spell at Inter. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (60 goals in 66 appearances) and Ciro Immobile (56 in 72 games) outscored him in the competition during that time.

    Lukaku’s return has raised hopes that Inter could reclaim the Serie A title this season, but holding onto defender Milan Skriniar, who was strongly linked with Paris Saint-Germain, could prove just as important.

    While Skriniar struggled with a muscle injury during pre-season, Inzaghi is pleased with the Slovakia international’s progress, adding: “I see him very well, concentrated, attentive.

    “There was a problem at the beginning of the preparation, it came from an injury with the national team, something new for him because he had never skipped a training session in the last years.

    “Instead, this time he slowed down for 40 or 45 days and his condition is growing.”

    Inzaghi suffered his first league defeat as Inter boss when visiting former club Lazio in October last year, with Immobile on the scoresheet.

    And while Inzaghi still enjoys a close bond with last season’s Serie A top goalscorer, he is not enthused by the prospect of facing the Italy international on Friday.

    “A great affection binds me to him, he made very important seasons with me, he did it again last year with [Maurizio] Sarri,” he added.

    “I know it’s a special game for everyone, we all care about it. I hope Ciro always scores, but maybe tomorrow he rests!”

    Source:livescore.com

  • Eriksen tells Man Utd stars to keep on running

    After beating Liverpool at Old Trafford, Christian Eriksen thinks Manchester United proved they have what it takes to compete against the best in the Premier League.

    The 2-1 victory on Monday at Old Trafford will mean little if United loses to Southampton on Saturday, but following losses to Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion, the Red Devils produced a strong showing to demolish their formidable opponents and boost morale.

    Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford’s goals gave United three points, Erik ten Hag’s first league victory as United manager, but Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo were benched.

    United had only 29.6 per cent of possession and their passing accuracy was a fairly dismal 65.93 per cent.

    That was the worst accuracy United have had in any Premier League game since posting 65.73 per cent in a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in December 2018.

    Yet they were still the better side for large parts of the game, with their energy and enthusiasm so markedly different from the game prior, the 4-0 thumping at Brentford.

    Assessing the difference between the Brentford and Liverpool games, Eriksen hit on the big change against the Reds, saying: “I think our intensity compared to the Brentford game [was the biggest difference].

    “Obviously, we made a few mistakes against them that gave them the advantage and [against Liverpool] we started on the front foot and were the better team in the first half.”

    Captain Maguire would have been frustrated to be relegated to the bench, but the England defender reacted on Tuesday morning by posting a picture on Instagram of Rashford and Bruno Fernandes celebrating, adding the caption: “Things you love to see.”

    United’s running caught the eye, as they covered 113 kilometres as a group, with Liverpool clocking up just under 110km.

    Rashford ended a run of 997 minutes without a goal in all competitions for United and almost added another, thrashing a fierce shot just over the crossbar.

    Eriksen said that for United it was a case of getting “back to basics”.

    “We have some very quick players and how we played today, and how Liverpool play, suited us as well,” the Denmark midfielder said. “It’s great to play with players who want to play football and run.”

    Eriksen believes the jolt of the Brighton and Brentford defeats has set United up for the rest of the season, but time will tell on that score. Two wretched performances followed by a big improvement for one game leaves them with some convincing still to do.

    Former Tottenham and Inter playmaker Eriksen senses growing unity, however. Quoted on United’s official website, he said: “I think it started after losing two games.

    “This has been about coming together and getting back to the basics. We needed to show that we were better doing the basics and I think we did that.”

    Source:livescore.com

  • Ronaldo slammed by Ten Hag for ‘unacceptable’ behaviour

    Manchester United head coach, Erik ten Hag has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle in the game against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend.

    The international media reports that Erik ten Hag said the player’s behaviour was “unacceptable”.
    “Certainly not, that is unacceptable. For everyone. I told them that it’s unacceptable. That we are a team, a squad, and that you should stay until the end,” he told Viaplay Sport.

    Ronaldo, pictured leaving the stadium is said to have been joined by Diogo Dalot and a number of other players.

    At the start of July, Ronaldo had informed the board of his desire to leave the club in order to continue playing Champions League football.

    The likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all since been linked with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but his future remains very much up in the air heading into the Red Devils’ Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday.

    Ronaldo returned to the Red Devils’ starting XI for the clash at Old Trafford after an extended summer break, playing the first 45 minutes before being substituted for Amad Diallo.

    But the club and Ten Hag have publicly insisted Ronaldo is not for sale, however speculation over a potential transfer remains ongoing and a return to Sporting CP is now being mooted.

     

    Ten Hag urged to “engage” with Ronaldo

    Ten Hag has been given advice on how to handle Ronaldo by former Man Utd assistant coach Chris Armas, who served under interim boss Ralf Rangnick in the second half of the 2021-22 season.

    The veteran forward scored 12 goals in 19 Premier League games while Armas was a member of the backroom staff, and the American believes one-on-one communication is the best way to bring the best out of him.

    “It’s a hands-on approach, speaking with him, bringing him into the office, asking him questions, so he’s part of the solutions and part of the success,” Armas told Sky Sports.

    “It was my job to work out how to get all that fire, experience and talent and challenge him as much as I could. I think the most important thing is to engage with Cristiano.

    “He’s got so much to give, his commitment to winning and scoring, each guy has their different type of leadership. He can be a leader in his way, and my goal like everyone in the squad was to say how can I get the most out of Cristiano.

    “When you talk about, at the highest level, seeing a professional and what winning means to Ronaldo, what scoring goals mean to him – he’s on the team, a big part of the team and he’s a guy who produced.”

     

  • Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford before full-time in game against Rayo Vallecano

    Cristiano Ronaldo stayed true to his words and played in the game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

    However, the 37-year-old did not play full-time. He played the first half of the game and was then substituted for Amad Diallo.

    The striker was then seen leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle, and per reports it is  whether or not his departure was sanctioned by head coach Ten Hag.

    Ronaldo made Erik ten Hag’s lineup despite not featuring in any of the Red Devils’ previous five pre-season fixtures.

    Ronaldo to play in friendly against Rayo Vallecano

    What has Ten Hag said about Ronaldo?

    Ten Hag initially confirmed that Ronaldo would be in his squad for the Rayo friendly clash after United’s 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in Spain on Saturday.

    The Dutchman admitted that the veteran forward is still a long way behind the rest of his senior team-mates in terms of fitness, however, having only just seen him return from an extended break.

    “We’ll see how long he can play,” Ten Hag told Viaplay. “I cannot tell in this moment (how fit he is). He is not on the level of the rest of the squad because he missed a lot of weeks. But he needs games and he needs training, a lot.”

    Who else made Ten Hag’s starting XI?

    Ronaldo shared the spotlight with £46.5 million ($57m) summer signing Lisandro Martinez, with the former Ajax handed a centre-back berth alongside Raphael Varane.

    Christian Eriksen made Ten Hag’s line-up after a cameo showing against Atletico, while Argentine youngster Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek were also included.

  • Ronaldo to play in friendly against Rayo Vallecano

    Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated he will be involved in Manchester United’s friendly with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday.

    The Portugal forward wants United to let him leave this summer and missed the club’s pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia due to personal reasons.

    Ronaldo, 37, was also left out of United’s squad for Saturday’s friendly with Atletico Madrid in Oslo.

    But he suggested on Instagram he will face La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.

    Commenting on a post by a Ronaldo fan page about him missing the game in Norway, he wrote: “Domingo o rei joga” which translates as “Sunday the king plays”.

    United said players not in the 21-man travelling squad for the Atletico game – which includes new signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen – “will take part in Sunday’s game against Rayo Vallecano, while others are ill or injured.”

    Ronaldo responding to a post on Instagram

    Ronaldo met with United manager Erik ten Hag on Tuesday and is understood to have reiterated his desire to leave the Old Trafford outfit. He also missed Wednesday’s match against Wrexham that was held behind closed doors.

    Ten Hag has previously said Ronaldo is “not for sale” and “in our plans”.

    Ronaldo returned to United last season after spells with Real Madrid and Juventus.

    While he finished as the club’s top scorer, United endured a disappointing season, missing out on Champions League qualification after finishing sixth in the Premier League.

    That means Ronaldo, who has a year left on his United contract plus an optional year, faces playing in the Europa League for the first time.

    It is not something he is viewing with relish and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels there could be more attractive options available to him at this stage in his career.

    Chelsea ended their interest in the player earlier this month, while he has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.

    Atletico fans have urged their club not to get involved in discussions around signing Ronaldo.

    United open their 2022-23 Premier League season at home to Brighton on Sunday, 7 August.

    Source: BBC

  • Cristiano Ronaldo set to meet Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to discuss his future

    Cristiano Ronaldo is due to meet Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on Tuesday to discuss his future at the club.

    The Portugal forward, 37, wants the club to let him leave this summer and he missed United’s pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia because of personal reasons.

    He has yet to train with the squad but has now flown back to Manchester.

    Ten Hag has previously said Ronaldo is “not for sale” and “in our plans.”

    Ten Hag said he spoke to Ronaldo before the tour, explaining: “I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me. What I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”

    Ronaldo’s absence from the tour fuelled speculation over his future, coming after he also missed the club’s return to pre-season training at Carrington.

    He instead trained at the Portuguese national team’s headquarters.

    Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last season – and third in the Premier League – but the club’s overall campaign was seen as a big disappointment.

    United finished sixth in the Premier League so missed out on Champions League qualification, meaning Ronaldo, who has a year left on his United contract plus an optional year, faces playing in the Europa League for the first time.

    It is not something he is viewing with relish and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels there could be more attractive options available to him at this stage in his career.

    Chelsea ended their interest in the player earlier this month, while he has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.

    It is understood United do not regard Ronaldo as a player who is for sale.

    United play Atletico Madrid in Norway on Saturday before their final pre-season game at Old Trafford against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

    Their first game of the new season is at home to Brighton on Sunday 7 August.

    Sources: bbc.com

  • Bruno Fernandes fires back-handed jibe at want away Cristiano Ronaldo suggesting Man Utd are better

    Bruno Fernandes appeared to take a swipe at wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo – by suggesting Manchester United are BETTER without him in the team.

    The 37-year-old icon has missed the pre-season tour to Australia due to “personal reasons”.

    Bruno Fernandes was full of praise for Anthony Martial

    Bruno Fernandes was full of praise for Anthony MartialCredit: AFP

    His comments also appeared a dig at absent team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo

    His comments also appeared a dig at absent team-mate Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AP

    And that has paved the way for Anthony Martial to take his chance at a United revival.

    He scored and assisted in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

    Fernandes hailed the Frenchman for his work without the ball – hinting he, and therefore the team, is more effective compared to when Ronaldo plays.

    The playmaker, 27, said: “The three guys up front [Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Martial] are really aggressive in the press.

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    “When they press they make the last line squeeze, and makes the midfield come a little bit higher.”

    And Red Devils fans on social media were full of praise for Martial, who now has three goals in three games

    One said: “Martial is on fire. Who needs Ronaldo?”

    Another joked: “Cristiano Ronaldo can leave now….Martial is back.”

    Source:thesun.co.uk

  • ‘Ronaldo is a legend!’ – Varane rejects idea Man Utd would be stronger without veteran striker

    Raphael Varane has rejected the notion that Manchester United would be stronger without Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the veteran striker as “a legend”. Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions during his homecoming season at Old Trafford, but was still subjected to intense criticism as the Red Devils recorded their lowest-ever points tally in the Premier League.

    GOAL understands that Ronaldo is pushing for a transfer after United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, but Varane still hopes to continue playing alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

    What has Varane said about Maguire?

    Ronaldo’s perceived reluctance to press high up the pitch was seen as a major contributor to United’s struggles in 2021-22, and it has been suggested that Erik ten Hag’s new regime would run more smoothly if the 37-year-old does indeed move on this summer.

    Varane has never had any doubts about Ronaldo’s role in the squad, however, as he told BBC Sport amid the club’s pre-season tour of the United States: “That debate was outside of the dressing room.

    “We know his quality. And we know he’s very famous. So we know a lot of people will speak about the performance of the team and his performance.

    “Cristiano is a great competitor. He’s a legend and he always helps the team, so obviously it’s very good to play with him.”

    Club captain Harry Maguire also came under scrutiny for his displays last term, but despite speculation Ronaldo could be made a stand-in skipper, Ten Hag has confirmed that the defender will retain the armband for now.

     

     

    Maguire was booed in United’s last pre-season outing against Crystal Palace, but Varane remains fully behind his centre-back partner.

    “Competition is good for the team,” he said. “Harry is a very important player for us. He’s the captain and obviously he has a lot of good qualities.

    “The team will always be better with this competition. Every great club is like this. If everyone wants to fight for the team, that’s a good thing.”

    Varane left Real Madrid after 10 trophy-laden seasons to join United last summer – a decision which ultimately saw him miss out on the chance to win a fifth Champions League winners’ medal.

    Asked if he regrets swapping the Santiago Bernabeu for Old Trafford, the Frenchman replied: “No, absolutely not.

    “In football, you have to challenge yourself and try to improve. I wanted to live another experience after 10 years in the same place.

    “The Premier League is absolutely fantastic and Manchester United are a great club. There was no doubt about my decision.”

    Varane added on the optimism that is growing within the United ranks under Ten Hag, who has delivered three wins out of three in pre-season: “It’s a new season. A new start.

    “Confidence is important and we lost confidence when we lost some games. But I think we have great potential.

    “The new manager is very positive. He wants this energy and to press high up the pitch, with more space behind our backs. That is maybe more offensive but it is football we really enjoy, so that is a good start.”

    Source: Goal.com

  • Messi is a better player than Ronaldo, says Ghana legend Mohammed Polo

    Ghana football legend Mohammed Polo has settled on Lionel Messi as a better player compared to Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the football world for the past decade, having won the Balon d’or a combined 12 times.

    Asked about his opinion on the matter, Polo, who has often been compared to the duo, picked Messi as the superior footballer.

    The 65-year-old believes although both players have different styles, Messi is superior because he has more to his game.

    “There shouldn’t be a debate on this. These are different qualities of players. Ronaldo’s style is different from that of Messi. What makes football interesting is entertainment,” the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] winner said as quoted by Ghanaweb.

    “The dribbling and stuff are where you see the art of football. This is what I want to introduce because for Ghana’s brand of football there should be skills, flair, artistry, creativity, and confidence.

    “When you have these four the Ghanaian brand of football is complete. For Ronaldo, if he does not score, he contributes nothing. But Messi, if he doesn’t score he will create a goal, and then the art side will show. He has the artistry of football which will make people will pay to watch him.”

    He added: “Of course [Messi is better], but you cannot take anything away from Ronaldo because he makes football interesting as well. Comparatively, I don’t see why they should be compared.” he added.

    Source: ModernGhana

  • Cristiano Ronaldo: Chelsea end interest in Man Utd forward after signing Raheem Sterling

    Chelsea have ended their interest in signing Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

    The Portuguese international, 37, wants to leave the club and has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

    But after signing former Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling on Wednesday, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said his “focus is on defence”.

    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has also said Ronaldo is “in our plans” and “not for sale”.

    The forward has yet to join Manchester United’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia because of what Ten Hag called “personal issues”.

    When BBC Sport asked Tuchel about interest in Ronaldo on Wednesday, he said: “Ronaldo’s career speaks for himself. I know there are rumours out there but I will not start speaking about other top clubs’ top players.”

    Chelsea’s new owners are understood to be delighted with the recruitment of England international Sterling and consider him to be a marquee signing.

    Sterling has linked up with the Chelsea squad in Los Angeles for pre-season.

    Tuchel said he hoped Sterling could help “shape” his team and provide leadership to a young attack following the departure of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan.

    The German coach said Chelsea needed to “work smart and fast” in the transfer market to catch their rivals following sanctions on the club, with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly set to sign a four-year deal and talks held with Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake.

    There have also been links with Paris St-Germain and France centre-back Presnel Kimpembe, who played under Tuchel when he was manager of the French club between 2018 and 2020.

    Source: BBC

  • Cristiano Ronaldo: Erik ten Hag says Ronaldo is ‘in our plans’ for season

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is “in our plans” for the new season and is “not for sale”.

    The 37-year-old will miss the first part of United’s pre-season tour to Thailand and wants to leave the club.

    He returned to United last season after playing for Real Madrid and Juventus.

    “He is not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season. That is it,” said former Ajax manager Ten Hag.

    “I am looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans. We want success together.”

    The Portugal forward’s absence on the tour fuelled speculation over his future after he also missed the club’s return to pre-season training at Carrington.

    Ronaldo instead trained at the Portuguese national team’s headquarters.

    The Old Trafford side play Liverpool in Thailand on Tuesday before flying to Australia and Ten Hag said he does not yet know whether Ronaldo will join later in the tour.

    The Dutchman added that he spoke to Ronaldo before the tour, explaining: “I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me, what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”

    Ten Hag also addressed the captaincy, which became an issue as a result of Harry Maguire’s struggle for form last season.

    “Harry Maguire will be captain,” he said. “He has been captain for more than a year. He has achieved a lot of success. I have no doubts about this issue.”

    United’s only signing this summer is full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. They look set to sign free agent midfielder Christian Eriksen and are close to an agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong.

    Ten Hag emphasised United will only recruit players if he believes they will fit into his intended style of play.

    “We want to add the right players. We have a really good squad, we are working to develop our way of playing and the opportunity is there and we will strike,” he added.

    Source: BBC

  • Manchester United: Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave club this summer

    Cristiano Ronaldo wants Manchester United to let him leave the club if they receive an appropriate offer for him this summer.

    The Portugal forward, 37, returned to Old Trafford from Juventus last summer.

    However, while he was United’s top scorer last season – and third in the Premier League – the overall campaign was seen as a big disappointment.

    United finished sixth in the Premier League so missed out on Champions League qualification.

    That means Ronaldo, who has a year left on his United contract plus an optional year, faces playing in the Europa League for the first time.

    It is not something he is viewing with relish and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels there could be more attractive options available to him at this stage in his career.

    The former Real Madrid forward is anxious to stress he respects United but as he enters the final stages of his career, he wants to compete for the biggest prizes.

    It is understood United do not regard Ronaldo as a player who is for sale.

    While it would be a blow to United’s prestige if they were to lose one of the greatest players they have ever had, it would also solve a few issues for new manager Erik ten Hag.

    Ronaldo clashed with Harry Maguire over the United captaincy last season, while interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s desire to implement a pressing game was thwarted by Ronaldo’s refusal to fit in with such a system.

    Although Ten Hag has said how much he is looking forward to linking up with Ronaldo, it is not clear how the forward’s playing style would fit in with the Dutchman.

    In addition, Ronaldo is the highest paid player in the Premier League and his exit would create more scope within United’s summer transfer budget.

    Ronaldo is due to return to the club for pre-season training this week. It is anticipated he will be on their pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia.

    Source: BBC

  • Ronaldo double as Portugal trash Switzerland

    Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal thrashed Switzerland to move top of their Nations League group.

    William Carvalho opened the scoring when he pounced after Ronaldo’s free-kick was only parried by Gregor Kobel.

    Ronaldo smashed in from 12 yards after being teed up by Diogo Jota, who then played a part in the third as his shot was saved and Ronaldo reacted quickest.

    Joao Cancelo completed the rout when he scored from 20 yards after Kobel raced out and failed to clear a through ball.

    A late equaliser for Spain, who snatched a 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic,means Portugal go to the top of Group A2, above the Czechs on goal difference.

    Those two sides meet in Portugal on Thursday, with the hosts having drawn 1-1 with Spain in their opening fixture.

    Portugal were the winners of the inaugural Nations League in 2019 and will be hopeful of repeating that feat after making such a strong start to this season’s competition.

    Messi scores five to overtake Puskas tally

    While this was a memorable night for Ronaldo, it was also an eventful evening for his fierce rival Lionel Messi, who scored five times for Argentina in a 5-0 friendly win over Estonia.

    That takes Messi’s tally to 86 international goals – 31 behind Ronaldo’s record of 117.

    Source: BBC

  • Cristiano Ronaldo makes nonsense of gravity once again as he scores stunning header [VIDEO]

    35-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has proven once again why he should be considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) as he scored what now seems a signature header to help Juventus secure a point against AS Roma.

    Juventus were well on their way to a first Serie A defeat of the 2020-2021 season as Roma opened the scoring through Jordan Veretout in the first half.

    Ronaldo pulled Juventus back in the game with a penalty but Veretout grabbed his second goal of the night before half-time.

    Things got complicated for the Turin-based club as Adrien Rabiot got dismissed from the game on the 62nd-minute.

    However, the Portuguese international had a rescue plan mapped out for the Old Ladies as he produced yet another stunning header.

    The billion-worthy sports icon leapt highest as he connected with his head a cross from Danilo to save Juventus from a defeat in Rome.

    https://twitter.com/GreatWhite_9/status/1310318262417154048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1310318262417154048%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcitisportsonline.com%2F2020%2F09%2F28%2Fcristiano-ronaldo-makes-nonsense-of-gravity-once-again-as-he-scores-stunning-header-video%2F

    Source: citisportsonline

  • Ciro Immobile – “Cristiano Ronaldo congratulated me for the amazing season and said keep going

    Currently we all know that Ronaldo has made it for winning his second serie A in his second season. After beating Lazio it is finally clear that Juventus has won the league.

    I always love the hard working of Ronaldo he is always ready for a new a challenge and he always prove his self beyond doubt that he is the greatest player ever.

    He is the first player in history to score 50 Goals plus at the premier league, LA liga and Series A no player has ever achieve this before that’s why he is the greatest player of all time because he is always ready for a new challenge.

    He also thank dybala for giving him such a great pass to score his second goal after the penalty. That’s shows how a team should work and operate for the success of the team.

    Nothing is impossible for Ronaldo he would win his fifth golden boot this season.

    Source: opera.com

  • “Ronaldo is not the first player to score 50 goals in 3 leagues”, This is the first player

    Last night, Juventus strengthen their grab on their ninth successive scuddeto title after defeating challenger Lazio by two goals to one, with striker Cristiano Ronaldo scoring both goals – one via penalty spot, two a tap in from Dybala pass. Ciro Immobile scored the lone goal for Lazio via another penalty. Making both forward level on 30 goals each on Serie A scoring chart.

    Anyways that’s not the news, the news is to set some facts and figures straight about the news ongoing throughout the world concerning Ronaldo’s new record. He broke many records last night but his 50 goals in three different leagues is what’s trending.

    Last night, Juventus strengthen their grab on their ninth successive scuddeto title after defeating challenger Lazio by two goals to one, with striker Cristiano Ronaldo scoring both goals – one via penalty spot, two a tap in from Dybala pass. Ciro Immobile scored the lone goal for Lazio via another penalty. Making both forward level on 30 goals each on Serie A scoring chart.

    Anyways that’s not the news, the news is to set some facts and figures straight about the news ongoing throughout the world concerning Ronaldo’s new record. He broke many records last night but his 50 goals in three different leagues is what’s trending.

    Ronaldo did his in the English Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, while Edin Dzeko scored his own in the Bundesliga, English Premier League and Serie A. That is to say, Ronaldo only equalled the Bosnian record.

    1) Edin Dzeko Goals Breakdown

    * VfL Wolfsburg – 142 games (85 goals – 35 assists)

    * Manchester City – 189 games (72 goals – 39 assists)

    * AS Roma – 219 games (105 goals – 48 assists)

    2) Cristiano Ronaldo Goals Breakdown

    * Manchester United – 169 games (128 goals and 47 assists)

    * Real Madrid – 292 games (311 goals and 85 assists)

    * Juventus – 61 games (51 goals and 15 assists).

    Comment, like and share this article. Thanks.

    Source: opera.com

  • Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ultimate XI: No team can withstand them

    ​Portugal and Juventus talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, if not the greatest with the striker winning numerous professional and personal honours, including five Ballon d’Or awards.

    The 35-year-old has played with a number of legends throughout his time at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

    The legendary Iker Casillas starts in goal as the Spaniard played alongside Portugal on 228 occasions, with the keeper starting ahead of the likes of United legend, Edwin van der Sar, who made 167 appearances with Ronaldo in the same side.

    In front of Casillas, Ronaldo’s players in defence consist of Sergio Ramos and Marcelo as the full-backs while his fellow countryman, Kepler Lima Pepe and former England international, Rio Ferdinand slot in as the centre-backs, with no place for Raphael Varane in the side.

    Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric and Ryan Giggs make up an incredible midfield lineup, with the three of them boasting of a staggering 822 combined appearances alongside the Portugese hitman.

    The strikers in the squad are without doubt three of the best of their generation as Wayne Rooney, Paulo Dybala and Karim Benzema would not only score goals but also help the midfielders with their hold-up play.

    Surprisingly, 25 years old Paulo Dybala make the squad because of his ability to always drop to the midfield to help the midfielders with their hold-up play. He would also create opportunities for his fellow striker and never be stingy.

    We’ve seen teams in football, but no team in football history can match this squad.

    Source: opera.com

  • Cristiano Ronaldo breaks Serie A record in Juventus victory

    Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo overtook Rui Costa to become the leading Portuguese scorer in Serie A history on Monday.

    Ronaldo slotted the first-half penalty down the middle in Juve’s 2-0 win over Bologna, a result that saw the Bianconeri move four points clear at the top of the table.

    The goal was Ronaldo’s 22nd in Serie A this season, one more than the 21 he managed in his debut campaign in Turin following his move from Real Madrid in 2018.

    In reaching 43 goals, the 35-year-old also moved beyond Rui Costa as the Portuguese player with the most goals in Italy’s top flight.

    Rui Costa spent eight years in Serie A, playing for Fiorentina and then Milan between 1994 and 2006.

    Former Manchester United star Ronaldo remains the top Portuguese scorer in Premier League history having scored 84 times in 196 appearances.

    He is the also the leading Portuguese scorer in La Liga history having registered 311 goals in 292 appearances for Real Madrid, where he is the all-time leading scorer.

    Only Ronaldo’s great personal rival Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has scored more La Liga goals.

    Ronaldo has been criticised recently after missing a penalty against Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final and struggling to have an impact in the final versus Napoli.

    Former Italy international Luca Toni described Ronaldo’s performance in the last four of the Coppa Italia as ‘average’.

    “I saw the whole Juventus team in difficulty, even Cristiano Ronaldo, who looked like an average player in what was a very slow match,” Toni told Rai Sport after the Milan clash.

    “You expect a big performance from him but he looked like he was experiencing physical difficulties he couldn’t even dribble past a man.”

    Ronaldo’s sister took to Instagram after the match to stick up for her brother, stating that he can’t always be expected to win matches on his own.

    She said: “What else can you do? It is what it is and my darling can’t work miracles alone. I can’t understand how they played like that. Anyway, keep your head up. You can’t do more, my king.”

    The Coppa Italia final loss marks the only time in Ronaldo’s career that he has lost two successive finals, having been defeated by Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana at the tail end of 2019.

    Source: goal.com

  • I was star-struck when I met Cristiano Ronaldo Eric Ayiah

    Former Ghana U-17 captain, Eric Ayiah has said that he was left star-struck when he came face-to-face with Portuguese legend, Cristiano Ronaldo through his agent Jorge Mendez who also handles the affairs of the Juventus star.

    Ayiah currently plies his trade for French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco after signing a five-year deal.

    The former Charity Stars striker after joining Monaco is yet to break into the senior team as he hopes his output with the second team will convince the technical handlers to give him a shot.

    Ayiah sharing how he felt after meeting Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time said, “I was left star-struck when I met him. It was a dream come true when I got the opportunity to meet Ronaldo, I never imagined meeting him in my life”

    “It was a Champions League game between Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain that my agent Jorge Mendez told me he will be taking me to see Ronaldo”

    “So after the game we went to see him and he advised me. I also got the opportunity to meet Marcelo” he told Wontumi FM.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Chelsea linked with sensational €120 million move for Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo

    Chelsea have been linked with a sensational summer move for Cristiano Ronaldo.

    The Blues have already looked impressive in the transfer window – and it hasn’t even opened yet!

    Frank Lampard’s side have already agreed a €40 million deal for Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech, who will arrive at Stamford Bridge on July 1.

    Timo Werner is also expected to move to London, with Chelsea reportedly activating his release clause – which actually expires today (Tuesday).

    While The Blues are trying to get that deal across the line, it seems they also have their eyes on an even bigger transfer – one for Juventus superstar Ronaldo.

    According to Marca, who cite the global press, Chelsea are prepared to part with €120 million to secure the forward’s signature.

    Ronaldo only arrived at Juventus in 2018 – costing the Italian champions €117m and although he’s been an integral part of the team, he has looked off the pace recently.

    But could we really see him return to the Premier League with Chelsea? It’s hard to imagine.

    It's unlikely we'll see Ronaldo at Chelsea

    Yes, Roman Abramovich appears to be splashing the cash this summer. But he’s building Lampard a project for the future and Ronaldo doesn’t exactly fit that philosophy.

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is 35-years-old now and although he’s still undoubtedly one of the world’s best players, he doesn’t have too much time left at the very top.

    When you look at the other players Chelsea have been linked with signing – 24-year-old Werner and Ben Chilwell (23) – it seems unlikely Abramovich will spend over 100 euros on a 35-year-old.

    Werner is on his way to Chelsea

    Ronaldo to Chelsea? Sorry, we just can’t see it happening. We may have already found the craziest transfer rumour of the summer – and the window hasn’t even opened yet!

  • Michael Essien speaks on Ronaldo and Messi GOAT debate

    Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien was quite diplomatic when speaking about the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate on who is the greatest player of all-time.

    Ronaldo and Messi have ruled football for more than decade with the two winning 11 of the last 12 Ballon d’Or awards – with the Argentina ace winning six of them.

    When asked who he thinks has been the better player, Essien refused to commit to an answer, indicating that both are at the same level.

    “I won’t pick one and leave the other because they’re both top players. They’re both exceptional in whatever they’re doing,” Essien said on ConvosWithCarol.

    “It’s hard to pick one because I’ve played with Ronaldo and played against Messi and I can tell you they are both excellent players. It’s hard to pick to be honest because they both possess different characteristics.”

    Essien made 21 appearances and scored twice for Real Madrid during the 2012/13 season, playing alongside Ronaldo as the Whites lost the Spanish Copa Del Rey 2-1 to city rivals Atletico Madrid.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Cristiano Ronaldo, family return to Italy with huge convoy of cars

    Cristiano Ronaldo finally made it back to Turin with a convoy of cars in tow, but will spend 14 days in quarantine before he can join up with his Juventus team-mates for training.

    The forward was accompanied by members of his family and a huge security presence on Monday evening as he made his much awaited return to Italy.

    The Portuguese star had planned to return a day earlier but his £30million private jet was unable to take off in Spain due travel restrictions put in place because of coronavirus.

     

    Source: dailymail.co.uk  

  • Ramsey first back at Juve training, Ronaldo in quarantine

    Welsh international Aaron Ramsey was the first Juventus player to return to individual training at the team’s sports centre in Turin on Tuesday as Cristiano Ronaldo began two weeks’ quarantine after returning to Italy.

    Ronaldo flew back to northern Italy by private jet on Monday night after almost two months in coronavirus lockdown in his native Portugal.

    Midfielder Ramsey joined Juventus this season after 11 years with Arsenal, and scored his fourth goal in their last game against Inter Milan behind closed doors before the championship was suspended on March 10.

    Champions Juventus are leading Serie A, one point ahead of Lazio, as they target a ninth consecutive Scudetto.

    Captain Giorgio Chiellini followed shortly after Ramsey, with fellow Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci, wearing a black face mask, arriving later in the afternoon.

    Italy’s interior ministry has given the go-ahead for players to return to club training facilities two weeks ahead of schedule, offering a glimmer of hope that the 2019-20 season might yet be saved.

    But sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora warned that training in groups must wait until May 18, and it remains uncertain whether matches can restart as the country battles a pandemic which has killed over 29,000.

    “A realistic prediction can be made in mid-May,” Spadafora said in an interview with Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, denying that he wanted to call a halt to the season.

    “It would be surreal for a sports minister to demonise football,” he said.

    “The majority of Italians do not welcome the resumption of the championship.

    “But I’m not looking at polls at the moment. Football is an important world in this country, I know it well compared to those who want to give a different message.

    “I hope to start again, but the government will decide. We will rely on scientific elements, which are not available today.

    “There is no opposition of mine, but the desire to evaluate the restart only if the health of the people within the team group is safeguarded.

    “If the government is forced, I hope not, to establish that there are no conditions (to resume), my effort will be twofold — limit the financial damage to clubs and support the whole world of sport.

    “Between ordinary and extraordinary resources, we will invest about one billion euros for the sector as a whole.”

    Source: france24.com

  • Ronaldo has a plan to overtake Pele’s record and be best of all-time – Neville

    Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo “has a plan” to overtake Pele’s goal record and become the “greatest of all time”, according to Gary Neville.

    Ronaldo has enjoyed a hugely successful career at the highest level spanning 18 years, during which time he has established himself as one of the top performers of his generation.

    The 35-year-old has won three Premier League titles, two La Liga crowns, one Scudetto and five European Cups during spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juve, while also picking up five Ballon d’Or awards.

    He left Madrid in 2018 as the club’s all-time top goalscorer, and has also found the net more than any other player in Portugal’s history, with the 2016 European Championship rounding off his impressive trophy haul.

    Lionel Messi is widely considered to be the most talented player of the last two decades, but Ronaldo is seen as the ultimate marksman, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down despite his advancing years.

    Neville says he was in awe of how hard the Portuguese worked behind the scenes to hone his craft at Old Trafford, and believes that his former colleague is now focused on emulating Brazilian legend Pele.

    It is believed that the World Cup winner holds the outright record for career goals with over 1000 to his name, but Neville thinks Ronaldo will stop at nothing to overhaul a legendary figure’s tally.

    “His drive to become the best in the world was out of this world,” Neville told Sky Sports.

    “He was one of the few players that I’ve played with that would publicly announce that individual trophies were important to him.

    “He just wanted to be the very best and what he’s done over the years has been absolutely exceptional. His achievements have been amazing and he’s worked hard for it.

    “It’s an obsession with scoring goals and applying himself every day, being the fittest he can possibly be. I think he’s lifted his professionalism every single year and progressed.

    “I think he has a plan to go on and take over Pele’s record. He wants to be the greatest of all time and that is his sole purpose.

    “Understanding that along the way if he is the greatest of all time, the teams that he plays for will win trophies and be successful.”

    Source: goal.com

  • Ronaldo has a plan to overtake Pele’s record and be best of all-time – Neville

    Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo “has a plan” to overtake Pele’s goal record and become the “greatest of all time”, according to Gary Neville.

    Ronaldo has enjoyed a hugely successful career at the highest level spanning 18 years, during which time he has established himself as one of the top performers of his generation.

    The 35-year-old has won three Premier League titles, two La Liga crowns, one Scudetto and five European Cups during spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juve, while also picking up five Ballon d’Or awards.

    He left Madrid in 2018 as the club’s all-time top goalscorer, and has also found the net more than any other player in Portugal’s history, with the 2016 European Championship rounding off his impressive trophy haul.

    Lionel Messi is widely considered to be the most talented player of the last two decades, but Ronaldo is seen as the ultimate marksman, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down despite his advancing years.

    Neville says he was in awe of how hard the Portuguese worked behind the scenes to hone his craft at Old Trafford, and believes that his former colleague is now focused on emulating Brazilian legend Pele.

    It is believed that the World Cup winner holds the outright record for career goals with over 1000 to his name, but Neville thinks Ronaldo will stop at nothing to overhaul a legendary figure’s tally.

    “His drive to become the best in the world was out of this world,” Neville told Sky Sports.

    “He was one of the few players that I’ve played with that would publicly announce that individual trophies were important to him.

    “He just wanted to be the very best and what he’s done over the years has been absolutely exceptional. His achievements have been amazing and he’s worked hard for it.

    “It’s an obsession with scoring goals and applying himself every day, being the fittest he can possibly be. I think he’s lifted his professionalism every single year and progressed.

    “I think he has a plan to go on and take over Pele’s record. He wants to be the greatest of all time and that is his sole purpose.

    “Understanding that along the way if he is the greatest of all time, the teams that he plays for will win trophies and be successful.”

    Source: goal.com

  • Kaka selects Messi ahead of Ronaldo

    Kaka labelled Lionel Messi a “genius” as he picked the Barcelona superstar over Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo despite playing with the Portuguese attacker at Real Madrid.

    Messi winner of a record six Ballons d’Or and Ronaldo are regarded as two of the greatest ever players, with debate often centred on who stands alone atop the all-time list.

    Kaka played alongside Ronaldo at the Bernabeu between 2009-13, but the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner selected Messi as his preferred choice.

    “I played with Cristiano and he’s really amazing, but I’ll go with Messi,” Kaka said when asked who he would pick out of Messi or Ronaldo during an Instagram Live Q&A for FIFA’s channel.

    “He’s a genius, a pure talent. The way he plays is incredible.”

    But on five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, Kaka added: “Cristiano is a machine. It’s not just the way he’s strong, powerful and fast; he’s strong mentally.

    “He always wants to win and play. To be the best. For me, that’s the most incredible thing he has.

    “In the history of sport, they [Messi and Cristiano] are definitely in the top five. We are very lucky to have been able to see both of them.”

    Messi has been in the headlines recently after he and his Barcelona team-mates agreed to have 70 per cent of their wages slashed to help protect the jobs of the club’s staff with coronavirus halting football worldwide for an indefinite period.

    He also claimed figures within the club were putting pressures on the players to act, however there was always a plan within the first-team squad to make a gesture in solidarity with their fellow employees.

    “Much has been written and said about the Barcelona team in regards to the salaries of the players during this state of emergency,” a statement from Messi said.

    “We want to clarify that our will has always been to take a cut in the salary we receive, because we fully understand that this is an exceptional situation and we are always the first ones to help the club when asked.

    “Therefore, it does not surprise us that from within the club there were those who tried to put us under pressure to do something we always knew we would do.

    “The agreement has been delayed for a few days because we were looking for a formula to help the club and its workers during these difficult times.

    “Apart from the reduction of 70 per cent from our salary, we will also make contributions so that club employees can collect 100 per cent of their salary while this situation lasts.

    “We do not want to say goodbye without sending an affectionate greeting and a lot of strength to all those having a hard time in these very difficult times, as well as to all those who patiently await the end of this crisis in their homes.

    “Very soon we are going to get out of this and we will all do it together.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Coronavirus casts potential cloud over Euro 2020 with 100 days to go

    This Wednesday marks 100 days to go until the start of Euro 2020, but as preparations are fine-tuned for the first European Championship to be played across the continent, the coronavirus outbreak could pose a potentially serious threat to the tournament itself.

    The decision to stage the second 24-team Euros in 12 different cities in 12 different nations, from as far apart as Baku to Dublin and Glasgow to Rome, was certainly an ambitious move.

    UEFA say all venues and transport links are ready, that demand for tickets is through the roof, and there are no obvious security worries. Except for the coronavirus outbreak, with its unknown potential consequences, which could cast a shadow over the entire event.

    Most matches in Italy’s Serie A were called off at the weekend with the country the hardest hit by the outbreak in Europe, with 52 deaths and more than 2,000 cases as of Monday.

    Meanwhile, neighbouring Switzerland — with 24 confirmed cases — on Monday announced the postponement of all games in its top two divisions until the end of March.

    “The health of persons is much more important than any football game,” insisted FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the weekend.

    “I think we all hope that this can be contained, but of course we will take advice, but it’s got to be health first, sport second,” Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford told the UK’s Press Association. Wales are due to play Italy in Rome at the Euros.

    The coronavirus crisis was raised at an executive committee meeting of European football’s governing body in Amsterdam on Monday, but UEFA is remaining calm over the possible repercussions for Euro 2020.

    “UEFA is in touch with the relevant international and local authorities regarding the Coronavirus and its development,” it told AFP.

    “For the moment, there is no need to change anything in the planned timetable. The issue will be kept under constant scrutiny.”

    The opening match is due to take place in Rome on Friday, June 12, with Italy facing Turkey.

    UEFA says it has received more than 28 million requests for match tickets, a figure it says is more than double the number for Euro 2016.

    However, if the outbreak continues to spread, some fans may think twice about travelling to games, even if everything is ready to welcome them.

    Of the 12 venues, only the Puskas Arena in Budapest has been newly built, the stadium in the Hungarian capital officially opening in November. Wembley in London will be the venue for the semi-finals and final.

    – How the favourites are shaping up –

    On the field, the carrot of playing in the final on home turf is dangling over England, with Gareth Southgate’s side among the tournament favourites.

    They were hugely impressive in qualifying, but since then injuries and a loss of form to key players have raised some doubts.

    Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford could miss the rest of the season with their clubs due to long-term hamstring and back injuries respectively, while Raheem Sterling has yet to score in 2020.

    Southgate, who will attend the draw for the next UEFA Nations League in Amsterdam on Tuesday, also has a big call to make in goal with Everton’s Jordan Pickford struggling for form.

    One of the few leading nations who will not host matches, World Cup holders France also have problems, with Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante’s season notably ravaged by injuries.

    France are in the same group as Germany, who are hoping to bounce back from their 2018 World Cup disaster with a squad that has been considerably freshened up.

    While Spain look to rediscover the form that allowed them to win back to back Euros in 2008 and 2012, holders Portugal will hope to get one last song out of the 35-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Meanwhile, Belgium and a rejuvenated Netherlands — who will play group games in Amsterdam — may fancy their chances of going all the way.

    Of the 24 qualifying spots, the last four will be decided by the Nations League play-offs later this month.

    Source: France24

  • Ronaldo is a predatory striker and it’s only normal when he scores – Messi

    Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi isn’t surprised by Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent Serie A scoring streak for Juventus as he praised the striker’s ability to find the back of the net.

    Ronaldo has scored in 11 straight league games for his Italian club despite turning 35 this month and has an impressive 24 goals to his name this season.

    Messi, meanwhile, has gone four matches without a goal but has contributed six assists in his three most recent appearances for the Catalans.

    Though both players have always been prolific in front of goal, Messi believes Ronaldo has made scoring his obsession and isn’t surprised to see the Portuguese star continue to fire in the final third.

    “It’s normal that he continues to score, he is a predatory striker, he loves to score, any day he plays he will score,” Messi told Mundo Deportivo when asked about Ronaldo’s recent performances.

    “He has many good attributes as a forward and at the minimum he converts.”

    Messi himself has struck 14 times across just 19 La Liga games this season for Barcelona as he also shows he still has an eye for goal at the age of 32.

    Former teammate Carles Puyol recently backed the Argentina attacker to play on until he’s 38, with Messi himself admitting he’s feeling good despite his advancing age.

    “The reality is that one is turning years old and does not know, but I feel very good, better than in previous years, and that I am not making goals, but on a physical level and legs I feel very good,” he said.

    Asked if he could play on until he’s 40, Messi replied: “We will see, we will see.”

    Barcelona are currently one point shy of Real Madrid in the race for the La Liga title this season and Messi believes the battle for first will go down to the wire.

    “It is true that it is a year that in the league both Madrid and we are being very irregular, where we lost many points and in that sense I think we will be fighting until the end and that the league does not end after El Classico, whatever happens,” Messi said.

    “There will be important matches. We have hard outings and they do too.

    “Afterwards, it is true that if we want to qualify for the Champions League we have to continue growing a lot, because I think that today it is not enough for us to fight for the Champions League.”

  • Erling Haaland: I am a footballer thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo

    Norwegian wonder-kid, Erling Haaland, has disclosed that he would always have Cristiano Ronaldo to thank for his incredible goal-scoring run, saying the Portuguese super footie is ” a model for me.”

    Haaland singlehandedly put French champions PSG on the dagger with two wonderful goals that eased the Germans past their visitors on Tuesday, February 18, at Signal Iduna Park.

    The Norweigian was unstoppable with his two-goal obligation in the second half, striking in the 67th and 79th minute to leave PSG on the brink of Champions League exit.

    The sensational forward has now carved himself an idol in ‘king of Champions League’ himself Ronaldo, saying the Portuguese star deserves the glory for his killer instinct.

    “I would like to meet Cristiano Ronaldo one day,” the 19-year-old said in a post-game interview.

    “I would like to talk to him and tell him that I am a footballer thanks to him. That he has always been a model for me.”

    Haaland has scored 39 goals in 29 matches between Salzburg and Dortmund which he joined during the January transfer window.

    And with 10 UCL goals in 7 games in his debut season, the young football genius is creating his own legacy thanks to the Juventus star who he shared so much with in terms of physical qualities, speed and goal-scoring.

    Haaland is 194 cm tall and is physically structured just like the image of Ronaldo, making it possible for the former Red Bull forward to create his own Ronaldo fantasy.

    The young prodigy took a new leap on his football career by breaking bonds with Red Bull after scoring 16 goals in 14 games fo the Austrian giants.

    Haaland moved to Germany for just €20 million despite interest from European powerhouses including Premier League outfits Man United.

  • Top 10 most followed celebs on Instagram

    1. Cristiano Ronaldo

    The 34-year-old Juventus player has over 200 million followers and can demand up to $1 million (GHC 5,335,003.01) to post sponsored content, according to Forbes. He makes over $47.8 million on Instagram annually.

     

    2. Ariana Grande

    Popular singer Ariana Grande follows close behind him with 173 million followers. The singer has a wide reach on both Instagram and Twitter due to her fan interaction.

    3. Dwayne Johnson

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has 170 million followers. The famous actor is extremely popular, with fans from both his wrestling days and his blockbuster movies.

    4. Selena Gomez

    The former Disney star previously topped the list but has now been booted to fourth position with 167 million followers.

    5. Kylie Jenner

    The billionaire reality star has surpassed her sister and reached 160 million followers. She posts often and keeps her young followers on their toes – or in this case, fingertips.

    6. Kim Kardashian

    Mrs Kanye West has always been a social media guru, from her steamy thirst traps to wholesome family content. She currently has 159 million followers.

    7. Lionel Messi

    There is always beef between Ronaldo and Messi about who is the best. It seems Ronaldo beat him on this one as Messi comes seventh with 142 million followers.

    8. Beyoncé

    Queen Bey comes in at number eight with 140 million followers – which is a huge number for a celeb who barely interacts with fans.

    9. Neymar Da Silva Santos Jnr

    The young soccer player has a huge following in both the football world and world of drooling teenage girls. He has 133 million followers.

    10. Justin Bieber

    The popular singer sits at 127 million followers. So why aren’t they streaming his new single Yummy? Awkward…

     

     

  • Rakitic keen to play with Ronaldo but declares Messi best of all time

    Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic admits he would like to play with Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as doubts remain over his future at Camp Nou.

    Rakitic was heavily linked to Serie A duo Juventus and Inter before the transfer window closed, while Premier League giants Manchester United were also reportedly interested.

    It came as Rakitic was reportedly offered to Ligue 1’s Paris Saint-Germain as part of a deal to prise Neymar back to Camp Nou at the start of the season.

    Rakitic continues to be linked with Italian champions Juve and when asked if he would like to play alongside five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, the 31-year-old told Bleacher Report Football he’s very much open to the prospect.

    “Of course I would. He is also one of the greatest players in history,” Rakitic replied. “You enjoy watching him play and he’s doing well at Juventus.”

    Rakitic is currently team-mates with Barca captain and six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, who he declared is the greatest of all time.

    “It’s amazing to play with him – he’s special. There have been great players in every era, but I’m sure he’s been the best in the last 15 years,” Rakitic said.

    “In my opinion, I think he’s the best of all time. Being with him for six years has been incredible.”

    Rakitic previously vented his frustration with how head coach Ernesto Valverde and his staff were treated upon their sacking in January, admitting he considered leaving Barcelona.

    “It’s a part of football,” Rakitic said. “You have to understand that and be ready [to potentially leave] in January.

    “You have to be happy, you have to think about your family, and if I play for Barcelona I am happy.”

    The Croatia star was also asked to weigh in on the future of Neymar and admitted he’d welcome the Brazilian back to Camp Nou with open arms.

    “First of all I would like to have Neymar in my team for sure, he needs to decide what’s best for him as he’s my big friend,” he said.

    “I want to see him happy and for sure when he is happy he is one of the best players in the world.”

    Source: Goal.com

  • Ronaldo is first Juve player to score in nine straight league games for 15 years

    Cristiano Ronaldo scored two penalties to take his tally to 10 goals in his last six games as Juventus beat Fiorentina 3-0.

    The hosts were first awarded a spot kick for handball in the first half and Ronaldo swept home the penalty.

    Rodrigo Bentancur was fouled inside the box towards the end of the second half and Ronaldo again converted.

    Matthijs de Ligt then headed in a third in injury time.

    Ronaldo has now scored in nine successive Serie A games for Juventus, becoming the first player to do so since David Trezeguet in December 2005.

    He has also scored 50 goals in just 70 appearances since joining the Italian giants in 2018.

    The win strengthens Juventus’ place at the top of the table, with 54 points from 22 games – six clear of Inter Milan.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Juventus go six points clear with Ronaldo’s double penalty

    Cristiano Ronaldo stretched his scoring streak to nine consecutive league games with a penalty double on Sunday as Juventus bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Napoli with a 3-0 win over Fiorentina.

    The Portuguese striker slotted in both his goals from the spot in either half in Turin with Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt heading in a third in injury time.

    Maurizio Sarri’s side open up a six-point lead on top of the Serie A table on second-placed Inter Milan, who travel to lowly Udinese later on Sunday.

    Juventus had fallen to just their second defeat of the season last weekend at Sarri’s former club Napoli, despite Ronaldo scoring.

    Fiorentina, in 14th position, have had a resurgence in form since Giuseppe Iachini took over on December 24, and had been unbeaten in the league this year.

    They tested Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny early with the Pole getting his hand to deny Federicio Chiesa’s back-heel kick and a Pol Lirola effort.

    Fellow Pole Bart?omiej Dragowski denied Rodrigo Bentancur at the other end before a VAR viewing confirmed Fiorentina’s German Pezzella had handled the ball in the area.

    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo made no mistake, slotting in five minutes before the break.

    His second came ten minutes from time after Federico Ceccherini brought down Rodrigo Bentancur.

    Ronaldo made it 14 goals in nine games to bring his tally to 19 this season, including seven penalties.

    The former Real Madrid player has now scored 50 goals in 70 games since moving to Juventus in 2018.

    The 34-year-old also becomes the first Juventus player to achieve a run of goals in nine consecutive league games since David Trezeguet in December 2005.

    De Ligt nodded in a Paulo Dybala cross after 91 minutes to hand Iachini his first league defeat with the Tuscany side.

    Third-placed Lazio will try to close the gap on Juventus against struggling SPAL later on Sunday.

    Roma’s fourth position however is now at risk after losing 4-2 to Sassuolo on Saturday.

    Atalanta are just a point behind in fifth before they play relegation-candidates Genoa looking to move into the final Champions League berth.

    Source: France24

  • Ronaldo scores treble to take international goals to 98

    Cristiano Ronaldo took his tally to 98 international goals as his hat-trick against Lithuania moved Portugal to within one win of a place at Euro 2020.

    The 34-year-old Juventus forward could become only the second man to reach 100 international goals if he scores twice against Luxembourg on Sunday.

    The Portugal captain scored an early penalty before curling in a second.

    Read:Best FIFA XI of all-time: Lionel Messi misses out, Cristiano Ronaldo makes the cut

    Pizzi, Goncalo Paciencia and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva scored before the latter set up Ronaldo for his third.

    Ronaldo’s ninth Portugal hat-trick – with seven of those coming since his 30th birthday – takes him to within 11 goals of Iran legend Ali Daei’s world-record 109.

    This is his joint most goals in a calendar year for Portugal, with 13 – coming in his past seven caps – matching his 2016 total.

    Read:The Ronaldo Effect: What Cristiano has done for the Juventus brand

    Ronaldo had been substituted in his last two Juventus games, with manager Maurizio Sarri saying he had a knee problem.

    But Portugal boss Fernando Santos said: “I never had any doubts about his condition, it was other people who had them. Nothing surprises me about Cristiano.”

    Defending champions Portugal will qualify for next summer’s European Championship if they beat Luxembourg on Sunday.

    Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Serbia beat Luxembourg 3-2 to ensure the race for the second qualifying spot in Group B goes down to the final game. Ukraine have already reached Euro 2020 as group winners.

    Source: bbc.com