Cristiano Ronaldo’s glittering career has rarely faced criticism for effort, but a surprising revelation from Andrea Pirlo’s former assistant suggests otherwise. Alparslan Erdem, who worked with Pirlo in Turkey, explained that the coach's tactical system clashed with Ronaldo’s style, leading the Italian to secretly prefer Alvaro Morata during his time at the helm in Turin.

In another world, James Trafford would be making an emotional and triumphant return on Saturday to Manchester City with Burnley as the Clarets' shot-stopping extraordinaire. But instead he will be watching his former side take on City from the bench, watching the recently crowned Yashin trophy winner Gianluigi Donnarumma keep goal instead.

Alvaro Morata's hope for a reunion with Cesc Fabregas could fall apart if Galatasaray don’t make a transfer decision by Wednesday.

Alvaro Morata is stuck in no man's land as Como wait on AC Milan and Galatasaray to strike a deak before the forward can join Cesc Fabregas' team.

Alvaro Morata aims to join a top-level league to keep his hopes alive for a place in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad, despite considering retirement.