Peter McVitie

Scott McTominay has branded Napoli's performance "unacceptable" after the Serie A champions failed to beat 10-man Copenhagen, leaving their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. The Scotland international scored but was left fuming as his side threw away the lead, with manager Antonio Conte warning that the team's level might not be high enough for Europe following a "huge" missed opportunity.

Luis Enrique has launched a furious tirade against the nature of the sport, labelling it "sh*tty football" after watching his Paris Saint-Germain side suffer a 2-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon. The Spanish manager insisted it was the "best away match" of his tenure and claimed the result was a total injustice, leaving the French champions' hopes of a top-eight finish hanging in the balance ahead of a crucial showdown with Newcastle.

Vinicius Junior has issued an emotional plea to Real Madrid fans after starring in a Champions League 6-1 rout of Monaco, admitting that recent jeers at the Santiago Bernabeu have left him hurting. The Brazilian winger, who insisted "I am human too," also addressed speculation surrounding his future and the recent managerial upheaval, insisting he remains calm about a renewal despite having just over a year left on his contract.

Police in Madeira are hunting a vandal who filmed himself setting fire to a bronze statue of Cristiano Ronaldo outside the CR7 Museum in Funchal. The dishevelled individual poured flammable liquid over the sculpture before performing a bizarre dance to rap music. He posted the footage to Instagram with the strange caption: "This is God's last warning." The suspect has been identified but not yet caught.

Birmingham City have reportedly moved into pole position to sign Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jeremy Sarmiento, dealing a significant blow to ambitious rivals Wrexham. The Championship club are closing in on a permanent deal for the Ecuador international, with Blues owner Tom Brady seemingly getting one over on Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in the battle of the high-profile American owners.

Arsenal sensation Ethan Nwaneri is set to join Marseille on loan for the remainder of the season after the two clubs reached a full agreement on terms. The 18-year-old midfielder will link up with Roberto De Zerbi in Ligue 1, a move heavily influenced by Mikel Arteta to aid his development. The deal involves a substantial loan fee which could rise to roughly €4 million depending on playing time.

Monaco defender Caio Henrique has revealed that the squad are frequently left saying "damn" when watching Paul Pogba train, despite the midfielder playing just three brief appearances this season. The Brazilian opened up on the World Cup winner's "phenomenal" impact behind the scenes, insisting the former Manchester United star is ready to reach his "best level" again after his long absence from the game.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has launched a passionate defence of Brahim Diaz following the Real Madrid star's "bizarre" penalty miss in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The Spaniard insisted the forward is "neither an assassin nor a bad person" for attempting a Panenka in stoppage time, while Sergio Ramos has told his former team-mate to keep his head held high after the heartbreaking defeat to Senegal.

Dominik Szoboszlai has revealed he spoke to Mohamed Salah "almost every day" during the Africa Cup of Nations but refused to clarify the forward's future following his explosive interview about Arne Slot. The midfielder insisted the ongoing saga regarding the Egyptian's broken relationship with his head coach is strictly "between the manager and the club," as uncertainty around the star's situation lingers.

Jamie Carragher has delivered a brutal verdict on Michael Carrick’s chances of landing the Manchester United job permanently, claiming the interim boss lacks the "special" quality required to win the Premier League. Despite a recent derby win over City, the Liverpool legend omitted Carrick from his final four-man shortlist, instead tipping a current international manager to take the reins at Old Trafford this summer.

Thomas Frank insists he retains the full backing of the Tottenham board despite fans calling for his head after the West Ham defeat. The Dane revealed he held a "friendly lunch" with club chiefs on Monday, claiming the atmosphere remains normal ahead of a crucial Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund. He faces the Germans with a decimated squad featuring only 11 fit outfield players.

Raheem Sterling is reportedly ready to snub interest from Italian champions Napoli as he pushes for a move to a Premier League rival. The Chelsea outcast, who has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge, is desperate to remain in the capital for personal reasons and has identified Fulham as his preferred destination.

Hansi Flick has been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of Barcelona's critical Champions League trip to Slavia Prague, with Ferran Torres ruled out for approximately 10 days with a hamstring issue. The Spaniard joins the suspended Lamine Yamal on the sidelines, leaving the Catalans short in attack. However, there is positive news for the Blaugrana as Raphinha returns to the squad, providing a timely boost as the club chases a top-eight finish to avoid the dreaded play-off round.

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz has been subjected to a withering attack by Jerome Rothen following his disastrous Panenka penalty in the African Cup Of Nations final. The former Paris Saint-Germain winger accused Diaz of "wanting to humiliate" Senegal and claimed the "scandalous" attempt showed a total lack of respect for the Moroccan people's 50-year wait for silverware.

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has reportedly separated from his wife, Alice Campello, for a second time, marking a sad end to their attempts to salvage their seven-year marriage. The 33-year-old forward has moved out of the family home in Milan just a year after the couple reunited, with reports confirming he is now living in a separate property in an exclusive area of the city.

Manchester United have reportedly contacted Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac as they explore potential long-term successors in the dugout. The 54-year-old, who famously rejected Tottenham Hotspur years ago, is understood to be high on the Red Devils' shortlist. With close links to United executive Christopher Vivell, the Bundesliga manager is said to be open to a future Premier League move.

Former West Ham and England striker Carlton Cole has lifted the lid on a hilarious but painful dressing room prank that left him writhing in agony on a bathroom floor. The cult hero revealed how mischievous international team-mates tricked him into trying 'snus' for the first time, assuring him it would "settle him down" before the nicotine pouch caused a severe physical reaction that had the rest of the squad "laughing their heads off".

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s agent has dropped a stunning transfer bombshell, admitting that the Italy captain would jump at the chance to return to Serie A despite only joining Manchester City six months ago. While Enzo Raiola insists his client is currently finding "serenity" in England, he revealed that they would "seize" the opportunity to head home if a suitable offer arose, putting long-term admirers Juventus and Inter on red alert regarding the goalkeeper's future.