Aymeric Laporte has opened up on his decision to turn his back on the Saudi Pro League, admitting that life at Al-Nassr did not align with his professional or personal expectations. The Spain international, who completed a fairytale return to Athletic Club last summer, revealed that his desire to return to his roots outweighed lucrative offers from several other European giants, including Marseille.

Manchester United are “leading the way” when it comes to a possible transfer for Scott McTominay, according to reports in Italy, as the Scotland international “dreams” of a return to the Premier League. The 29-year-old has enjoyed a productive spell in Italy with Serie A champions Napoli, but is open to the idea of retracing steps to English football in 2026.

Mohamed Salah will reportedly have the option of following Lionel Messi to the United States or Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League when another transfer window opens this summer. The Liverpool superstar has seen a move to the Middle East speculated on for some time, but Fabrizio Romano claims interest is also being shown from teams in MLS.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has claimed Arsenal forward Eberechi Eze looked "lost" in the 1-1 draw with Brentford as Mikel Arteta's side dropped points in the Premier League title race. With Manchester City applying pressure, the Gunners failed to beat the Bees on Thursday night, seeing their lead at the top cut to four points.

Pep Guardiola has issued an impassioned defence of multiculturalism after Sir Jim Ratcliffe's incendiary comments about immigration in the United Kingdom. Ratcliffe claimed the UK had been "colonised by immigrants" in a BBC Sport interview that sparked outrage across the game and the Manchester City boss has now hit back at the United owner.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been charged with misconduct by the FA for the comments he made about the referee after the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.

Another transfer window and another highly-rated prospect is on their way to Chelsea. The club's youth policy has struck again, with the west Londoners landing 17-year-old full-back Yisa Alao from financially troubled Sheffield Wednesday. Despite his very limited experience at senior level, the teenager provoked a transfer tug-of-war between three Premier League giants, but it is the Blues who have emerged victorious.

Kazakhstan isn't a nation known for its love of football. That doesn't mean it's non-existent, however, and with a new teenage sensation emerging as one of the country's best players already, the nation sandwiched between Europe and Asia could be on the verge of a golden generation.

Darren Fletcher played alongside twin brothers Rafael and Fabio da Silva while at Manchester United, but little did he know that many years later, his own twin sons would be vying for a place in the Red Devils' first team. Fletcher opted against playing either of his sons, Jack or Tyler, during his brief spell as interim coach, perhaps out of fear of accusations of nepotism.

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Modernising the role of a full-back 30 years ago, Roberto Carlos undoubtedly set the benchmark. A tactical genius and a physical specimen, the Real Madrid and Brazil legend won countless trophies at club and international level, contributing bucket loads of goals and assists. No one in the past, present or future can ever claim to be his equal - he was that good.

One of the best midfielders of his era, perhaps the greatest crosser of a football ever and a free-kick taker to rival the best the game has ever produced, David Beckham was a special player to say the least. And yet due to his off-field impact, one of the sport's great champions of the past 30 years is generally forgotten when it comes to referencing the true legends of the game.

Romario moved around the penalty area with the stealthy gait and sly gaze of a panther, ready to suddenly accelerate as soon as the ball came his way, to disorient the opposing defenders with a couple of feints, to pounce on the ball, which inevitably ended up at his feet, as if magnetised, and finish with an unstoppable shot of pure technique or power, or alternatively serve up a perfect assist for one of his team-mates. He was a Hall of Fame striker if ever there was one.

Teddy Sheringham. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "Football, bloody hell!" The 1999 Champions League final is one of the greatest dramas in the history of Bayern Munich. The German giants led for a long time in Barcelona before Manchester United snatched the trophy they thought was theirs in stoppage time. But according to one member of the Bayern team, he actually won that final. "Actually, I'm a Champions League winner," claims the latest member of GOAL's Rebel United, Mario Basler.

In 1969, at the age of 23, George Best wanted to focus solely on the essentials. Just football, just his job. So he turned his back on his two other great passions, alcohol and women. His sobering conclusion: "It was the worst 20 minutes of my life." A Manchester United legend, that quote sums up Bet's rebellious attitude towards football, and life in general.

Rebel United introduces players who prefer to swim against the tide, such as Barcelona and Spain legend Gerard Pique, who has achieved great significance beyond the pitch thanks to his Catalan pride and innovative spirit...

Robin Roefs' story reads like a fairy tale. The 22-year-old goalkeeper is only in his second season as a first-choice shot-stopper, and yet he is already considered one of the better No.1s in the Premier League. A place in the Netherlands' starting line-up at the World Cup is now not out of the question for the latest of GOAL's Hidden Gems.

On September 15, 2018, N'Golo Kante walked off the Stamford Bridge pitch, satisfied. As was often the case, the Frenchman had just covered every blade of grass over the course of the 90 minutes. And, as was so often the case, he was not one of the major speaking points at full-time. Not right away, at least.

Anyone that manages to carve out a career for themselves in professional football is ridiculously talented. The standard at the highest level is just so high that it is simply impossible to 'fake it 'til you make it'. However, not everyone is as prodigiously gifted as Lionel Messi or Lamine Yamal. Your average player will require some time to get to grips with the rigours of the elite game.