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Ivan Rakitic has revealed the "biggest regret of his career" is the decision to pass up the chance to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. The former Croatian midfielder, who enjoyed successful spells with Sevilla and Barcelona during the era when the Portuguese icon was starring for Real Madrid, says Ronaldo personally called him in 2019 in an attempt to lure him to Italy – an offer he ultimately had to decline.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta has shared a striking anecdote about Cristiano Ronaldo’s obsessive attention to detail during his brief time at Juventus. The Portuguese superstar, Marotta revealed, would even analyse bottles of water with club doctors to optimise his performance. His relentless focus on health and intelligence sets him apart, explaining why Ronaldo continues to excel at 40 with Al-Nassr.

Manchester City star John Stones has revealed that he considered announcing his retirement from professional football last season amid his persistent injury problems. Stones appeared in just 11 Premier League matches for the Cityzens in 2024-25, having to remain sidelined for a long period with foot and hamstring problems. He played his last game of the 2024-25 season in February.

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte is delighted with the performances of Rasmus Hojlund, who is spending the 2025-26 season on loan from Manchester United. According to the Italian, the 22-year-old still has "significant room for improvement", but believes that he "has the potential to be a star" and is proving his quality after scoring four goals in his first six games for the Partenopei.

Bayern Munich have stepped up their pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, making contact with his representatives. Reports from Germany claim the 25-year-old is “very interested” in a move, with the Bundesliga champions exploring a potential free transfer next summer amid ongoing uncertainty over their striker options.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has been rewarded for his impressive form with an improved contract. It has been reported that the Spanish international's new deal represents an increase in remuneration from his reported £100,000-per-week wages. He has not agreed to extend his time at the north London club, with the new agreement expiring in 2028.

Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has praised his compatriot, AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric, saying the Croatian’s intelligence puts him a step ahead of everyone else. Rakitic also attributes Modric’s longevity to his unique lifestyle, noting that he approaches football differently from most players and genuinely enjoys the game as he tipped the Rossoneri to challenge for the Serie A title.

Former Real Madrid and England manager Fabio Capello hailed Antonio Conte bringing Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli as a "clever decision" as the Manchester United flop's "desire for redemption" is becoming evident. After being included in Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' in pre-season, the Danish forward completed an initial loan move to the Italian champions late in the transfer window.

Inter president Beppe Marotta believes that Luka Modric thriving in Serie A at the age of 40 is not a bad thing, but in fact a "positive advert" for Italian football. Marotta highlighted the financial disparity between clubs in Serie A and those in leagues like the Premier League and La Liga, pointing to Real Madrid's big-money signing of Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono as a prime example.

GOAL ranks the top three soccer players produced by every state in the South, including Dempsey, Richards and Graham Zusi

Borussia Dortmund are keen to ensure that Nico Schlotterbeck signs a new long-term deal with them as they see the centre-back as their "future captain". However, Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has urged his former club and Dortmund's rivals Bayern Munich to make a move for the German international, stating that he will form a great centre-back partnership with Jonathan Tah.

Inter’s 20-year-old Italian striker Pio Esposito has won widespread praise from fans and pundits for his performances this season. However, his agent, Mario Giuffredi, has tried to temper the hype, urging fans and media to keep expectations realistic while ensuring Esposito stays grounded. Giuffredi also emphasises that Esposito must continue proving himself to secure a spot in the Italian national team.

Wojciech Szczesny has opened up on his challenging start to life at Barcelona, admitting he “didn’t fit” the team's playing style as he came out of retirement to join the Spanish giants. The Polish goalkeeper revealed how adapting to Hansi Flick’s high-risk system required mistakes, ego-checks and relentless effort, culminating in last season's domestic treble.

Harry Kane is “not a player that is really exciting”, Matt Jansen has admitted to GOAL, but the prolific Bayern Munich striker could still end up going down in history as the England GOAT. One of the most consistent forwards on the planet is already the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer and has their appearance record in his sights during the countdown to another World Cup.

Anthony Gordon has compared Nick Woltemade to England "quarterback" Harry Kane and explained how Newcastle's £69 million ($93m) frontman has positively impacted his game. Woltemade has exploded onto the scene at Newcastle with four goals in his first six appearances, three of which came in the span of just seven days against Arsenal, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Nottingham Forest before the international break.

Bayern Munich are nearing a contract extension with Dayot Upamecano, but a dispute over the signing bonus has put talks on hold. The French defender reportedly wants a bonus similar to the package Alphonso Davies received when he last extended his deal, while Bayern hesitate due to recent big-money renewals. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring developments closely.

Piers Morgan, who has always been a loyal Cristiano Ronaldo supporter, has revealed the identity of the one sportsperson that he ranks higher than CR7. That honour goes to Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, with Morgan of the opinion that Ronaldo “would understand” having to play second fiddle to an iconic bowler that liked to make headlines on and off the field.

England star Anthony Gordon has shockingly admitted that he's only performed at "50 per cent" on the international stage, despite featuring in all of Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squads so far. The Newcastle United winger, who dazzled during last month’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying demolition of Serbia, has been one of the standout names in England’s recent squads. But while giving a brutally honest assessment of his form, Gordon insisted there’s “much more to come” from him in an England shirt.

Lionel Messi’s nephew and godson, Tomas, admits that his family has “suffered a lot” down the years as a result of the Inter Miami superstar’s global celebrity status. After bursting onto the scene at Barcelona, it did not take Messi long to take up a standing alongside the greats. He is now an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and the most decorated player of all-time, with many highs and lows being experienced over the course of a remarkable career.

German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in Koln winger Said El Mala, but have been told they will have to stump up a fair price as the Bundesliga side will only let him leave only for a club-record fee. The teenager, tied to the club until 2030, has already been the subject of a €20 million offer from Brighton during the summer transfer window.

Chelsea sensation Estevao Willian has been told how to become a Ballon d'Or contender like Lamine Yamal after his game-changing display against Liverpool. The 17-year-old Brazilian, affectionately dubbed “Messinho” in his homeland, has taken to English football like a natural, blending flair, courage and creativity in a way few foreign youngsters ever manage. Signed for €34 million (£30m) from Palmeiras plus a hefty €23m (£20m) in add-ons, Estevao is already looking like a bargain for the Blues.

Arsenal could be making a shock move to Wembley Stadium, much like north London rivals Tottenham once did, with brief relocation to the home of English football being considered as part of plans to upgrade Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are looking to expand their current base, with overall capacity being pushed beyond 70,000 and back above old adversaries Spurs.

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes that Chelsea should launch a sensational transfer swoop for Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane. The Englishman's current deal at Allianz Arena includes a £57 million ($76m) release clause, which is reportedly set to come into effect at the end of the 2025-26 season. While the ex-Tottenham star is “extremely happy” in Munich, he has not ruled out returning to the Premier League at some stage.

Nemanja Matic has opened up on his turbulent spell at Roma, accusing the club of breaking promises and lacking respect. The former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder revealed he felt “constantly on trial” despite committing to the Giallorossi for Jose Mourinho and the fans. Now at Sassuolo, Matic reflects on the decisions that shaped his recent two-year journey across Europe.

Viktor Gyokeres has been defended from critics that “don’t have a clue about football”, with Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson of the opinion that his star striker remains in decent form. That is despite the prolific forward enduring a barren run at Arsenal on the back of his big-money move from Sporting over the summer. Gyokeres has failed to find the target through his last six appearances for the Gunners.

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Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly interested in 22-year-old Newcastle United forward William Osula. The club had attempted to sign the striker on deadline day during the summer transfer window but were turned down by Newcastle. Frankfurt now plan to renew their pursuit in the winter window with personal terms have already agreed with Osula.

Bayern Munich’s blistering start of the season under Vincent Kompany has stunned the Bundesliga, with club legend Philipp Lahm crediting the Belgian coach for restoring “calm” and balance to the club. The Bavarians’ dominant run has left rivals like Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig far behind, as Lahm insists Harry Kane and Co. are simply too strong to be challenged for the title this season.

Paul Scholes believes Ruben Amorim is "getting too much time" at Manchester United and has predicted another defeat for his former club in their crunch clash with Liverpool. With just 50 games in charge, Amorim has faced relentless scrutiny as United search for stability under his leadership. The Red Devils secured a 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break, temporarily lifting spirits, but Scholes insists the problems run deeper.