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Cristiano Ronaldo was 'diagnosed' with a knee condition that might worsen over time in 2014, but the football legend looked to be lucky. Ronaldo has had a successful playing career with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, establishing himself as one of the best players of all time. CR7 - ' Cristiano Ronaldo. ' Getty Images He has won 33 senior championships, including four Champions League crowns, and has won the coveted Ballon d'Or six times. Ronaldo depended on his speed and cleverness in his early years, but as time passed, he developed powerful finishing and heading ability, transforming himself into one of the most complete strikers the game has ever seen. He is also well-known for his amazing work ethic both on and off the field, and the Portugal icon is expected to continue playing professionally into his forties. Interestingly, Ronaldo has had very few injuries during his career, which has contributed to his longevity in the sport. How...

Even while the stakes weren't as high as they were during the group rounds of past years, the competition's new format has already produced a lot of drama. The first Champions League league phase is officially done after five exhausting months and 144 games, including 18 on Wednesday night. ' Liverpool FC. ' Getty Images With 64 goals scored, including five in Liverpool's encounter against PSV in Eindhoven, six in Aston Villa's win over Celtic at home, and seven in Lille's thumping of Feyenoord, the last matchday was undoubtedly entertaining. According to former Rangers striker Ally McCoist, "it was a little bit chaotic at times because there were goals going in everywhere," he said on TNT Sports. "I doubt that I will ever be able to watch just one game at home, on my couch. It was breathtaking. The prior journey was a true drag, but it's hard to dispute with that judgment. The play-off knockout phase is scheduled for mid-Febru...

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are apparently preparing to make a big move for Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic. According to The Sun, Al-Nassr have been closely studying Kovacic in the hopes of adding him to their squad as a headline signing. However, despite their curiosity, no formal contact has been made thus far. One significant impediment to any prospective transfer is City's need to identify a competent replacement before allowing the former Chelsea midfielder to depart. ' C . Ronaldo. ' Getty Images Sport While City are not actively seeking to unload Kovacic, they are searching for midfield reinforcements. The team has expressed interest in Juventus striker Douglas Luiz, but discussions for a loan transfer have halted owing to differences between the sides. Manchester City 's ' Mateo Kovacic. ' Getty Images Sport Initially, Al-Nassr intended to complete Kovacic's signing before the summer transfer window closed, but issue...

Marcus Rashford issued a message to his Manchester United teammates following their win over Fulham and Ruben Amorim's latest dig at the exiled striker. United 's ' Marcus Rashford. ' Getty Images   Not long after United's 1-0 Premier League victory against Fulham, and head coach Amorim criticizing Rashford's mentality with a scathing remark, the 27-year-old praised the players on their three points on Sunday. In an Instagram story, he wrote, "Congratulations on the win," followed by the emoji for rising hands. Rashford has not played for United in six weeks, is increasingly chastised by Amorim, and is linked with a transfer exit. For someone who has spent his whole career with the Red Devils, this is shaping out to be a bad situation for the England international. While Amorim's United prepare to play FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday, Rashford hopes to leave Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on February 3.

Lionel Messi has revealed that the one occasion he attempted to 'humiliate' an opponent throughout his football career was during Argentina's World Cup match against Poland in 2022. The Barcelona great admitted that he intended to disgrace Robert Lewandowski throughout the game. ' Lionel Messi. ' Getty Images Sport Messi was enraged by statements made by his opponent leading up to the 2021 Ballon d'Or presentation, in which Messi won the award for the seventh time in his career. Many, however, believed that Lewandowski should have won the award after scoring a Bundesliga-record 41 goals in just 29 games. And the striker's words after the ceremony assured that there was tension when they met at the World Cup. Lewandowski's Ballon d'or statement 'bothered' Messi: ' I was very angry ' ' Robert Lewandowski. ' Getty Images Sport Messi acknowledged Lewandowski's accomplishments at the Ballon d'Or eve...

The Los Angeles Lakers' fortunes are beginning to improve. After blowing away the Boston Celtics on Thursday, the Lakers shut down Stephen Curry in a Saturday night road win over the Golden State Warriors. Anthony Davis led the squad with 36 points and 13 rebounds, while LeBron James contributed 25 points and 12 assists in the Lakers' 118-108 win. ' Lakers vs. Warriors. ' Tayfun Cokun/Anadolu via Getty Images Curry was limited to 13 points and did not make a single basket in the second half. Through the last two quarters of the Warriors' defeat, he shot 0-for-8 from the floor and 0-for-4 from deep. The Lakers improve to 25-18, with a 9-12 road record and their third consecutive victory. Following consecutive victories against the Washington Wizards, the defending NBA champions, and the Warriors, some supporters believe the Lakers are on course for a good second half after an up-and-down start to the season. Jarred Vanderbilt's first Lakers appearanc...

Chelsea are interested in Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho. While the Red Devils are not actively trying to sell Garnacho, United's management have agreed to listen to any offers for young players Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, since selling either player might assist improve their financial condition in terms of Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR). ' Alejandro Garnacho. ' Getty Images Chelsea are said to be monitoring Garnacho's situation and considering an approach, while Napoli are already widely reported to be interested in the Argentina international. While some reports suggest Chelsea are preparing to make a bid for Garnacho in the final week of the January transfer window, the club has yet to decide whether to proceed. It is estimated that the 20-year-old will cost roughly £60 million. Chelsea are assessing their forward options, as winger Mykhailo Mudryk was temporarily suspended by the Football Association in December after failing a ...

According to Paul Scholes, Manchester United should sell summer newcomers Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee as part of a nine-player deal this month. Paul Scholes , Ruben Amorim. Getty Images (2) Ruben Amorim's arrival in November has failed to provide the results the club need, and after Sunday's home defeat to Brighton, the manager labelled his players the "worst team" in United's history. Scholes appears to agree and believes the time has come for a number of United's so-called stars, including two summer additions who were purchased for about £100 million just months ago. Taking part in a game of 'Keep or Sell' with United's team, Scholes said of De Ligt: "He's done OK of late, but I think I'd sell." On Zirkzee, he was more explicit, responding simply: "Sell." Scholes also cut Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Casemiro. Alejandro Garnacho also has an unclear future,...

This weekend, Fulham will play Manchester United in an extremely late Sunday night Premier League encounter. The Cottagers will undoubtedly like their chances at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva's team should have defeated the Red Devils in the season opener, and nothing about United has intimidated them since. ' Ruben Amorim ' of Man Utd. Getty Images Fulham overcame Leicester 2-0 last time out to climb up to eighth in the Premier League rankings, and three points today might drive them back into the European picture. United, meanwhile, had another eventful week. Following Manchester United's 3-1 loss against Brighton on Sunday, Ruben Amorim labeled his squad as "possibly the worst in Manchester United history." While United defeated Rangers 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night, their performance remains tough to assess. Here's all you need know about the game. Date, kick-off time and venue Fulham vs Manchester United is scheduled for a 7pm G...

Chelsea and spending money are inextricably linked. Todd Boehly and his Clearlake Capital colleagues have not been reluctant to exercise their muscles in the transfer market and spend money to remedy the club's current challenges. While it hasn't yielded the desired results, the American has established a highly generous salary structure at the football club. ' Renato Veiga. ' Getty Images Sport Since their takeover in 2022, the Stamford Bridge outfit has spent over £1 billion on transfer fees alone - and that's not even counting the lofty salaries that many of the stars are on, including some of the Premier League's biggest underperformers in terms of how much they earn each week. The current condition of play in terms of Enzo Maresca's squad's earnings is as follows. Goalkeepers Djordje Petrovic, a Serbian shot-stopper, has left, and former Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has taken his place in goal. The Spaniard, 26, earns a solid £60,0...

Lauryn Goodman is furious with Kyle Walker's "selfish" choice to go to Italy, believing he is abdicating his "responsibilities as a father". Kyle Walker , Lauryn Goodman. Getty Images (2) After a trophy-laden stint with the current English champions, the City full-back is set to make a huge career move to AC Milan. It has been reported that the relocation is intended to restore his relationship with his wife, Annie Kilner. Walker's ex-mistress, Goodman, has voiced dissatisfaction with his choice, claiming that it is "selfish" and that he is abandoning his obligations as a father. Goodman has two children with Walker: four-year-old Kairo and 18-month-old Kinara. She is said to be angry with the defender's choice to go to Italy, believing that Walker's relocation will strain his bond with his children even further. According to a source mentioned by Nogomania, "Lauryn can't believe Kyle is even thinking about moving to It...

Manchester United may move a significant step closer to a Europa League last-16 position tonight against Rangers. This so-called 'Battle of Britain' will be the latest in a long line of meetings between English and Scottish teams in European play, and it may come at the perfect moment for Manchester United. Ruben Amorim 's Manchester United are back at Old Trafford tonight. Getty Images Despite losing four of their past five home games, they have performed significantly better in Europe, defeating PAOK and Bodo/Glimt in the 'Theatre of Dreams' thus far. Another victory would put Ruben Amorim's team on the verge of qualifying for the knockout rounds, albeit playing a Rangers side with the same goal. The Scottish team has previously drawn against Premier League opponents this season, a 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham on matchday six, and they, too, are in good position to go to the knockout stage. Date, kick-off time and venue Manchester United vs Rang...

Kyle Walker is set to join AC Milan on a 12-month loan agreement from Manchester City, with Marcus Rashford's one Manchester United departure option barred. ' Kyle Walker ', ' Marcus Rashford. ' Getty Images According to The Sun, the England full-back is on the approach of signing a 12-month loan deal from City to AC Milan and will be introduced as a Rossoneri player in the coming days. Walker did explore transferring to Inter, but negotiations broke down over his salary. AC Milan has now agreed to hire the 34-year-old and will cover the majority of his £150,000 weekly salary. A source told The Sun that the English defender's transfer had been completed. Kyle wants to travel to Italy as soon as possible for the legalities. He is eager about the future and can't wait to put on the iconic jersey. "He is now an AC Milan player." AC Milan had expressed interest in signing Manchester United misfit Marcus Rashford earlier this month, but with...

Manchester United have received a lot of criticism over the years for wasting money on players who aren't good enough. For the most period, the team has failed to regain the form they shown under Sir Alex Ferguson, and they are frequently vying for a spot in the top four rather than a league title. ' Marcus Rashford. ' Getty Images Sport After a strong first season in command, Erik ten Hag appeared to be the man to assist the team return to the Premier League's top flight. He spent a lot of money during the summer and has made significant investments in the present squad. However, after falling far short of expectations last season, the new-look leadership gave the Dutchman one final opportunity before giving him his P45 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham United. Ruben Amorim, 39, has subsequently established himself in the Old Trafford dugout, and with the January trading period approaching, he may try to make sweeping changes to accommodate his 3-4-3 system....

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United's manager, admitted that the win over Southampton made his post-match meetings with Sir Jim Ratcliffe easier. ' Sir Jim Ratcliffe ,' ' Ruben Amorim. ' Getty Images (2) Manchester United's challenging and uneven performances have continued under Amorim, who took charge at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag left in October. However, the results have been clear but difficult to come by, with the Red Devils winning over Manchester City and Arsenal and drawing against Liverpool in the previous month. Nonetheless, the football industry's brutality has left Amorim's position in jeopardy, with rumors circulating that INEOS and co-owner Sir Ratcliffe are dissatisfied with Amorim's performance at Manchester United. The former Sporting coach has disclosed that he had the opportunity to speak with Ratcliffe following the dramatic win over Southampton, which came down to Amad Diallo's late 12-minute hat-trick after Man...

Arsenal are set to sign long-term target Martin Zubimendi, beating Liverpool and Manchester City to the Real Sociedad player's signature. According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are in advanced discussions with Real Sociedad to sign star midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with the deal being 'nearly completed'. Arsenal had hoped to sign the Spaniard in January, but Real Sociedad is keen to keep him until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. ' Martin Zubimendi. ' Getty Images Sport Jorginho and Thomas Partey, two of Arsenal's current central midfielders, will depart the club at the conclusion of the current season when their contracts expire. As a result, the English team went all out to sign Zubimendi. The Spain international has a €60 million release clause (£51 million/$61.5 million) that Arsenal is willing to activate. Liverpool and Manchester City were both interested in signing the Real Sociedad star. Despite receiving a refusal from Zubimendi in the su...

Chelsea vs Bournemouth LIVE! Chelsea return to Premier League action tonight at Stamford Bridge, seeking to halt a recent downturn and revive their dim title aspirations. After a brilliant first few months under Enzo Maresca, the Blues seemed to be solidly in the title race, but they have faltered recently, failing to win any of their past four top-flight games. ' Chelsea FC. ' Getty Images  Chelsea, who are attempting to sign Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel, are in risk of facing a true battle simply to make the top four, with a number of clubs close behind, including next opponents Bournemouth. Maresca's side have Reece James and Romeo Lavia back and received a confidence boost from Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup victory over League Two strugglers Morecambe, but today will be a far stiffer challenge. The Cherries have been soaring under Andoni Iraola, going undefeated in eight to climb up to seventh place and only three points behind Chelsea, having won three of t...

Chelsea have notified Bayern Munich that they want about £65 million for Christopher Nkunku. Nkunku might leave Chelsea this month, and the club is considering signing 19-year-old Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel to replace him. Bayern are interested in signing Nkunku, who is facing an unclear future at Stamford Bridge after being assigned a smaller role under Enzo Maresca. ' Christopher Nkunku. ' Chelsea FC via Getty Images Chelsea paid an initial amount of £52 million to sign Nkunku from RB Leipzig in 2023, and they think his worth has grown since then. The 27-year-old has 13 goals for Chelsea this season, but he has had few opportunities in recent weeks and has struggled to put pressure on Nicolas Jackson, despite his quiet period. Nkunku was poor when handed a rare start in a 2-0 loss at Ipswich in December, and he missed a penalty at 0-0 at Morecambe on Saturday. Maresca has made it obvious that he favors classic wingers in his system. There has been no planne...

Tyson Fury, former world heavyweight champion, has announced his retirement from boxing. Fury last fought in December, losing a rematch with WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk. The 36-year-old Fury had previously proclaimed his retirement after beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022, but returned six months later. Tyson Fury press conference after second Oleksandr Usyk defeat. Getty Images The Briton has been heavyweight champion twice and has a record of 34 wins, two losses, and one draw. "Hi everybody, I'm going to make this short and sweet," Fury said. "I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing, it has been a blast, I've loved every single minute of it and I'm going to end with this; Dick Turpin wore a mask." In 2015, the Briton stunned long-time world champion Wladimir Klitschko by winning the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles. After more than two and a half years out from the ring to deal w...

Cristiano Ronaldo has become accustomed to the best things in life, as seen by his recent purchase of a new €75 million (£61 million) private plane. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has made it clear that he would continue to travel in elegance when he leaves the Middle East, where he presently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. The 39-year-old had owned a $24 million (£20 million) Gulfstream G200. ' Cristiano Ronaldo ', Gulftsream G650. Getty; X According to Turkish news agency Daily Sabah, Ronaldo has switched from that form of transportation to the Gulfstream G650. The plane has a high price tag and can supposedly reach speeds of up to 610mph. The jet in question can hold up to 19 passengers, allowing Ronaldo's partner Georgina Rodriguez and their children to accompany him on his journey. There are sleeping facilities on board for up to ten passengers. It also has Wi-Fi, a telephone, an electric oven, microwave, a multimedia system, and a refrigera...

Manchester United are on the cusp of making their first signing of the Ruben Amorim era, as INEOS' transfer strategy takes form. Diego Leon, a 17-year-old Paraguayan left back, has arrived in Manchester for his medical. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club would then publicly announce its first signing during Amorim's stint at Old Trafford. The teenage left-back will come from Paraguay's top league club Cerro Porteno. United have agreed to pay a £3.2 million ($4 million) transfer fee, with add-ons of up to £3.6 million ($4.5 million). Manchester United boss ' Ruben Amorim. ' Getty Images   After completing these procedures in Manchester, the adolescent will depart to Paraguay and will not return to England until July 2025 to join the first squad. Leon's arrival shapes INEOS' long-term transfer strategy, as the club prepares to restructure following the surprise departure of sports director Dan Ashworth, who joined from Newcastle just months ea...

Barcelona's staff have reportedly warned club president Joan Laporta not to buy AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. According to Sport, Laporta is keen on signing Milan winger Leao this summer. However, a club scouting report deemed the Portugal international does not have much of a "defensive work-rate" and there are doubts about his ability when facing "packed defences" - something Barcelona often have to deal with. ' Rafael Leao. ' Getty Images The report adds that Leao is likely to cost at least €90 million (£76m/$92m). At a time when Laporta's Barca have been desperately trying to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the second half of the season amid their ongoing financial issues, splashing that sort of cash on Leao may be regarded as reckless. The 25-year-old Leao, whose contract at Milan runs until 2028 after signing a five-year deal in 2023, has scored 64 goals and bagged 56 assists in 233 appearances for the Italian giants. Barca, wh...

Wayne Rooney is expected to return to Manchester United and become Rasmus Hojlund's striking coach. Teddy Sheringham, a former United striker, believes that returning to Old Trafford would be an ideal option for Rooney, who lost his job as manager of Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Eve. Sheringham believes the 39-year-old will be an ideal striking coach for the Red Devils, able to strengthen the club's existing forwards, including Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund. ' Rasmus Hojlund. ' Getty Images Sheringham asked by BoyleSports, which provides the most recent Premier League odds, if Wayne Rooney would make a good striking coach: "Without a question. I believe it is an increasingly crucial position. There are set-piece coaches, back four coaches, and striker coaches, and Wayne has been one of the best players in the nation. "Could he aid Rasmus Hojlund? Of course. He's a seasoned player who has played for his country 100 times and scored a...