Parshva Shah

Vinicius Junior was named on the bench for Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday, with Rodrygo starting in his place on the left wing. After the game, head coach Xabi Alonso made it clear that the squad must get used to his rotational policy and sit out a game every now and then, but reassured that Vinicius remains just as important to the cause.

Renan Lodi has unilaterally terminated his contract with Saudi heavyweights Al-Hilal after he was excluded from the list of players registered for the Saudi Pro League. A legal battle between the two parties is set to ensue, as the former Atletico Madrid left-back has vowed to "assert his rights like any worker" after being deprived of the chance to play regularly.

Years before Cristiano Ronaldo became a global icon and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, he made a striking declaration to then Manchester United team-mate Edwin van der Sar. The Dutch goalkeeper, reflecting on former Real Madrid and Juventus forward's early days at Old Trafford, remembers a hungry individual confidently stating he would become the best player in the world.

Legendary former Real Madrid midfielder Guti dreams of a return to football management five years after he last had a managerial role. After retiring from football, Guti worked in Real Madrid's academy and then was an assistant coach at Besiktas, before coaching Almeria in the second division. The iconic midfielder is hopeful of earning an opportunity like his former team-mate and current Madrid boss Xabi Alonso did.

The mayor of Milan, Beppe Sala, has announced that an agreement has been reached with Inter and AC Milan for the sale of San Siro. However, the mayor has warned the two Milan-based outfits that the new stadium "must be ready by 2031 for the European Championship." Per reports earlier this year, the new stadium will be constructed adjacent to San Siro and will require over €1 billion.

Dani Ceballos reached out to Roberto De Zerbi to explain his decision to reject Marseille's offer as the midfielder opted to stay at Real Madrid. The French side approached the Spaniard late in the transfer window and even reached a deal with Madrid, with De Zerbi eager to make him a key player following Adrien Rabiot's exit.

Xabi Alonso heaped praise on Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal for his "competitive gene" and claimed that he will be a "fundamental" player this season. Those remarks could come as a huge setback for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has started just twice in four La Liga matches this season since joining from Liverpool in the summer window.

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Lothar Matthaus has provided his thoughts ahead of the first matchday of the Champions League. According to the legendary former Germany international, Bayern Munich will be one of the seven favourites to clinch the coveted continental title this season, backing the Bavarians to overcome Club World Cup holders Chelsea in their opener on Wednesday.

Tributes have started to fly in after the tragic death of legendary English boxer Ricky Hatton on Sunday. The 46-year-old was known for his passion for Manchester City, and former club captain Vincent Kompany has paid tribute to Hatton by taking to social media. "We'll miss you," said the Bayern Munich head coach, as the world of sport mourns over the loss of a beloved and iconic figure.

The Spanish football federation has hit back at Barcelona after Hansi Flick accused the national team of ignoring the possibility of Lamine Yamal suffering a potential injury. The teenager will not be available for the game against Valencia, which made Flick furious. However, the Spanish FA has clarified that they conducted all medical checks on Yamal.

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has revealed his first impressions of new goalkeeper Senne Lammens, stating that the youngster "looks really sharp" in the few days he has spent in training since arriving from Royal Antwerp in a move worth £18 million. The left-back also revealed the role he is playing in helping Lammens' adaptation at Old Trafford.

Carlo Ancelotti's club career was believed to be over when he joined Brazil at the end of last season. However, the legendary Italian head coach does not rule out a Real Madrid return for a third spell, claiming that Los Blancos are the only team which would tempt him to prolong his 30-year long career in football management upon ending his international adventure.

Co-owner Ryan Reynolds could only watch on as Wrexham lost again, succumbing to their third loss of the season as Queens Park Rangers beat them 3-1 on Saturday. Phil Parkinson was critical of his side despite pointing out a few positives. Indeed, the head coach lamented the team's disorganisation in defence and believes the backline can do much better than what they have shown so far.

Real Madrid emerged victors with a man down against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta on Saturday, but the club are extremely unhappy with the controversial sending off of Dean Huijsen. In light of the incident, Madrid are believed to be compiling a report which will include all the officiating errors from the current season and the previous one, and this will be submitted to FIFA.

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte was effusive in his praise for Rasmus Hojlund after the Danish forward, signed on a season-long loan from Manchester United, contributed to the team's 3-1 win at Fiorentina by scoring on debut. Conte, who managed Chelsea and Tottenham in the Premier League, joked about his former rivals, the Red Devils, and thanked them for letting Napoli sign Hojlund.

Kobbie Mainoo is in an "uncomfortable" situation at Manchester United at the moment due to his reduced playing time, according to head coach Ruben Amorim. However, the Portuguese manager has absolutely no doubt that the young Englishman can become one of the best midfielders in the world in the near future, drawing comparisons with Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha.

Jorge Valdano recalls why Florentino Perez decided to relieve him of his duties as Real Madrid's general manager in 2011, citing Jose Mourinho as the reason.

Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann is in talks to take over third-division side 1860 Munich, with the goalkeeper aiming to bring glory back at the club.