Aryan Suraj Chadha

Former Brazil goalkeeper and coach Emerson Leao has launched a scathing critique of Carlo Ancelotti's start as Selecao boss, warning the job is "much more difficult" than managing Spanish giants Real Madrid. Leao claims the Brazil national team is getting "worse and worse" and expressed his disappointment with the state of Brazilian coaching as the World Cup approaches.

Premier League and Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy could finally be set for his full Serie A debut after joining Cremonese this summer. Head coach Davide Nicola has praised the 38-year-old's "great determination" and suggested that Monday's clash with Udinese may be "the right time" to hand the striker his first start in the top-tier Italian league.

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has joked his post-playing career path back to the club is "already mapped out" after comments from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The 36-year-old, who is starring in the MLS for Vancouver Whitecaps, remains non-committal on a specific role but admits his connection to the club of his life, Bayern, remains "very, very good."

Former Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann has urged the Bundesliga champions to reconsider a reported early contract extension for Harry Kane, labelling the idea "madness" despite the star striker's incredible form. The club legend warned that Kane's age and defensive workload pose a risk, and he fears Bayern could suffer a mid-season collapse.

Former Borussia Dortmund keeper Jens Lehmann has heavily criticised coach Niko Kovac, claiming he 'doesn't understand football's complexity' after a 2-1 defeat to arch rivals Bayern Munich. Lehmann slammed the team's "anxious" and "fearful" five-man defence as the loss leaves Dortmund seven points adrift in the title race as they stand fourth on the table.

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri fired back at pundit Christian Vieri over his tactical decisions in the 2-1 win against Fiorentina. Allegri defended his choice to start the Portuguese winger Rafael Leao over Santi Gimenez and clarified the penalty-taking order as the Rossoneri went top of Serie A for the first time in over a year, enjoying a one-point lead.

Rafael Leao has detailed the supportive welcome he received from new teammate Luka Modric after his match-winning brace sent AC Milan to the top of Serie A. The Portuguese star, who ended a long goal drought at the San Siro against Fiorentina, is eager to learn from the former Real Madrid icon and propel the Rossoneri forward to make the most out of his career.

Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will no longer sign free autographs for fans as he prepares to enter a lucrative partnership to sell his signature on merchandise. The move, common among sports figures in the United States, reflects his soaring global brand value but comes at a time of intense scrutiny for the 18-year-old star.

RB Leipzig have placed a mammoth €100 million valuation on teenage winger Yan Diomande, just months after signing him for €20m. The Bundesliga club have no release clause in his deal and are sending a clear message to Europe's elite teams in the market, who are already circling the Ivorian sensation following his explosive start to the season in the Bundesliga.

Roma legend Francesco Totti has made a stunning confession, revealing his infamous red card kick on prime notorious Mario Balotelli was a premeditated act against an "arrogant and presumptuous" player. The Roma legend also opened up on his bitter feud with Luciano Spalletti and the emotional trauma of being forced to retire from his boyhood club.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has denied reports of a disciplinary issue with Lamine Yamal, saying that claims he wanted to drop the teenager from the starting XI are false. It had been reported that the German wanted to punish the winger ahead of the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, but sporting director Deco intervened.

Ilkay Gundogan, who starred for both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, has delivered his final verdict on the two legendary managers. Despite describing his bond with the ex-Liverpool manager as like "father and son," the German midfielder explained in an "honest" answer why Guardiola's tactical clarity and possession game ultimately aligns more with his own view of football.

Former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo has opened up on the "damned story" of AC Milan's Champions League final loss in Istanbul to Liverpool in 2005. Despite scoring twice in a 3-0 first-half lead, the Milan, Inter, Lazio and Parma legend admits the specific defeat is a major career regret and one that he still finds difficult to discuss.

Poland coach Jan Urban has expressed his surprise at Barcelona's anger after star forward Robert Lewandowski picked up an injury on international duty. The Polish striker is now set to miss the crucial La Liga Clasico against arch rivals Real Madrid, but the national team boss insists they would never have risked the health of their "big star" at any cost.

Real Oviedo captain Santi Cazorla has been forced to defend his reputation following the sacking of coach Veljko Paunovic. Amid social media accusations, the ex-Arsenal star strongly denies any involvement in the decision, revealing the squad was shocked by the news as the club struggles at the bottom of La Liga and turns to a controversial replacement.

A bombshell report reveals Barcelona's own technical experts rated Camp Nou constructors Limak as the worst option for the job. Club management overruled the 'non-binding' report, prioritising a deadline that has since been missed, with significant delays now hitting the iconic stadium's reopening and contractual penalties going unenforced.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to clarify comments made about Northern Ireland's style of play. While apologising for any offence caused, Nagelsmann has issued a stark warning to his team about the dangers of their "tough" opponents heading into a crucial World Cup qualifier, with both teams level on points at the top of their group.

With zero minutes under his belt this season, Real Madrid's wonderkid Endrick is a shock January target for Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report. The French giants are plotting a move for the out-of-favour striker, but face stiff competition from West Ham, Juventus and Real Sociedad, who are all ready to pounce on a loan deal for the frustrated Brazilian teenager.