Fan stories

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.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has explained why the club moved for Roony Bardghji despite the winger’s recovery from a serious injury. The 19-year-old, dubbed the ‘Swedish Messi’, was signed to provide depth behind Lamine Yamal, with Deco comparing the pair’s profiles while stressing the deal was a long-monitored opportunity.

Real Madrid’s 5-0 Champions League win at Kairat Almaty has been overshadowed by Federico Valverde’s emotional statement addressing reports that he had refused to play. The Uruguayan vice-captain strongly denied suggestions of a rift with Xabi Alonso, insisting he has always given “everything and more” for the club, even while playing through injuries.

Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona future remains uncertain as Deco hailed the striker as “a phenomenon at every level” while insisting his contract situation should not be debated publicly. The Poland international, who scored two match-winners last week and is now eyeing Wednesday's Paris Saint-Germain challenge, is reportedly being monitored by AC Milan as his deal runs down, but Barca remain patient over renewal talks.

Barcelona’s long-awaited return to the Spotify Camp Nou may face further delays, with November’s clash against Athletic Club now emerging as the likeliest homecoming date. Despite nearing approval for an early-October reopening, the club are weighing financial, logistical and sporting factors that could push Flick’s side to stay at Montjuic a little longer.

Victor Osimhen fired Galatasaray to a stunning 1-0 Champions League win over Liverpool and declared the Turkish giants “the best team in the world” after the final whistle. The Nigeria striker’s first-half penalty settled a raucous contest in Istanbul, piling pressure on Arne Slot after back-to-back defeats for the Premier League champions.

Inter chairman Giuseppe Marotta has cast a bleak verdict on Serie A’s pulling power, admitting that Kylian Mbappe is out of reach for Italian clubs and hailing Luka Modric as the league’s only “champion” at 40 years old. Speaking right before Inter’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague, Marotta praised his club’s progress but underlined the financial gulf separating Serie A from Europe’s elite.

Nicolas Jackson opened his Bayern Munich account in style, scoring and assisting in a 5-1 Champions League win over Pafos. The Chelsea loanee called it a “new start” after a difficult spell on the sidelines and says he’s “slowly” getting back to his best. With Harry Kane continuing his prolific run, Bayern look unstoppable ahead of their Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning hat-trick as Real Madrid cruised to a 5-0 Champions League win over Kairat Almaty, bouncing back from their derby defeat to Atletico. Xabi Alonso hailed the Frenchman as “decisive in every game” while stressing that Vinicius Jr. and Arda Guler are still “catching up” to his rare pace as Madrid’s new front line begins to click at European level.

Former Italy star Antonio Cassano has hailed Juventus boss Igor Tudor as the “real phenomenon” of Serie A, insisting his work in Turin is more impressive than Massimiliano Allegri’s rise with AC Milan. The outspoken former striker argued Tudor’s ability to keep Juve unbeaten and competitive despite setbacks makes him stand out among Italy’s top coaches.

Nick Woltemade’s massive £69 million move to Newcastle continues to divide opinion in Germany, with Julian Nagelsmann praising the striker’s start while warning he still has “steps to take.” The national coach’s remarks arrive amid fierce criticism from Bayern legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who labelled Newcastle “idiots” for meeting Stuttgart’s lofty asking price.

Barcelona star Joan Garcia has come under fire on social media after his costly mistake was instantly punished by Alberto Reina's stunning 40-yard strike for lowly Real Oviedo. The goalkeeper was drawn out of his box by a long ball over the top and just when it looked like he had dealt with the danger, his wayward pass was pounced upon by the Oviedo midfielder to give them a 1-0 lead.

Hugo Ekitike has been slammed for his "dumb" red card in Liverpool's 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The France striker, who was already on a yellow card, came off the bench to score a late winner for the Reds but picked up a second booking for taking his shirt off in celebration. Now, the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt man has been torn apart on social media.

Chelsea fans have urged the club to sign a new goalkeeper after Robert Sanchez's early red card against Manchester United. The Spaniard brought down the through-on-goal Bryan Mbeumo and was dismissed in the fifth minute at a sodden Old Trafford. That prompted Blues fans to tear into the ex-Brighton stopper, saying he is a "walking, talking liability" for Enzo Maresca's side.

Erling Haaland turned World Cup qualifying into his personal showcase on Tuesday night, scoring five times in Norway's 11-1 demolition of Moldova in Oslo. The Manchester City striker was unplayable, ensuring Stale Solbakken's side maintained their flawless start to the campaign and stayed firmly perched at the top of Group I with 15 points from five matches.

Andre Onana has been torn apart on social media after the Manchester United flop cheaply gave away a goal in Cameroon's 1-0 loss to Cape Verde.

Alejandro Garnacho has been branded a “stupid boy” and stands accused of using AI to generate his Manchester United exit statement.