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Chris Burton Author Image

Chris Burton

Senior News Writer

Bio: If you can’t make a living from playing the game, then make one writing about it. I did my best to tick the first of those boxes, but it was not to be. I have been working hard at the latter for the best part of two decades and joined the collection of international stars that make up team GOAL in 2016. I am now Senior Staff Writer, which means my days are spent covering everything that the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of football has to offer. I have always been a fan of mercurial talents and love an underdog story, which goes some way to explaining why - alongside my East Midlands roots - Nottingham Forest are (for better or worse) my team of choice.

My Football Story: From the local playing field with friends, all through school, representing teams at various levels and facing a number of future professionals, to endless hours spent at the City Ground, a university degree and professional employment that has taken me to iconic venues across the country, football has always been the thread that ties my past, present and future together. I wouldn’t have it any other way and consider myself fortunate that I have been able to pass my passion for the game down to my son, who now finds himself heading down a similar path.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Nottingham Forest Football Club - with there always a lot going on there
  • News sourcing and writing - identifying what real fans want to talk about
  • Interviews - don’t believe those that say you shouldn’t interact with your heroes
  • Analysis & insight - not just explaining what happened, but how and why

Favourite Footballing Memory: I was too young to have witnessed Nottingham Forest’s European glory years and not yet old enough to have seen them add a third star to that famous Garibaldi shirt, being at Wembley as a 23-year wait for Premier League football came to a close will always be a special experience. I don’t remember much about the game itself, given the nerve-shredding nature of play-off finals, but the celebrations afterwards made enough memories to last several lifetimes.

Articles by Chris Burton
  1. Can Carrick achieve Utd first since Fergie? Longevity prediction

    Michael Carrick has become the latest manager to take on the challenge of rekindling former glories at Manchester United, but can he achieve a first since Sir Alex Ferguson? The Red Devils have failed to capture the Premier League title after bidding farewell to the iconic Scot, and have also found stability in the dugout hard to come by. Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL that the next man up is capable of enjoying a rare form of longevity.

  2. Mbappe at Arsenal? ‘Best platform’ transfer claim

    A Premier League transfer for Kylian Mbappe in future windows cannot be ruled out, Mikael Silvestre has admitted to GOAL, with the France international being advised to find the “best platform” on which major silverware can be chased down. Mbappe thought he had found that when becoming a ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid, but the biggest of honours are proving difficult to secure.

  3. Sesko set Utd goal target that should be ‘written in contract’

    Benjamin Sesko has been set a goal target for the 2026-27 campaign that should be “written in his contract” at Manchester United, with Dwight Yorke explaining to GOAL why the Slovenian striker can “fly” for the Red Devils. Michael Carrick needs his leading marksman to do just that if a return to Premier League title contention is to be enjoyed at Old Trafford.

  4. ‘If Jones can become an actor!’ - Ronaldo backed for Hollywood

    Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to make the move into Hollywood movies once his playing career comes to a close, with Mikael Silvestre telling GOAL that CR7 should have no problem cracking that industry “if Vinnie Jones can become an actor”. There is no indication that the Portuguese GOAT is ready to head for Los Angeles just yet, but a new challenge will be sought at some point in the not too distant future.

  5. Olise sent ‘another year’ transfer message amid Real links

    Michael Olise is being heavily linked with a transfer from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid, potentially with a record-breaking fee changing hands, but Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL that the France international should spend “another year” in Germany before considering a change of scenery. The classy winger needs to learn how to handle the added weight of expectation that is being lumped onto his shoulders.

  6. Is Fernandes a Man Utd great? Gerrard forms part of discussion

    Steven Gerrard has been used as an example of why Premier League title triumphs are not a definition of greatness, but Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL that Bruno Fernandes will require a major trophy of some description in order to be remembered as a Manchester United legend. The Portuguese playmaker remains determined to savour domestic or Champions League glory before the day comes to leave Old Trafford.

  7. Will Messi or Ronaldo grace 2030 World Cup? Future prediction

    Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have taken in their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats featured at the 2026 event, as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.

  1. Kroupi warned Arsenal are ‘different fish’ amid transfer talk

    Eli Junior Kroupi is said to be registering on Arsenal’s transfer radar, but Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL why the Gunners would be “different fish” for his fellow Frenchman if a big-money move away from Bournemouth were to be made. The talented 20-year-old is considered to be the hottest of prospects, with further progress domestically and internationally expected in 2026-27.

  2. ‘Not a secret’ - Jesus transfer prediction amid Alvarez links

    Arsenal are expected to see movement on the striker front this summer, with Jeremie Aliadiere admitting to GOAL that it is “not a secret” that Gabriel Jesus is likely to depart. If the Brazil international is offloaded, then funds and squad space will be freed up for reinforcements. The Gunners continue to be heavily linked with Argentine forward Julian Alvarez.

  3. EPL or UCL? Top 26-27 trophy pick from Arsenal ‘Invincible’

    Arsenal have ended their long wait for Premier League title glory, with ‘Invincibles’ squad member Jeremie Aliadiere telling GOAL that Champions League success will now become more of a priority for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta’s side reached the final of that competition last season, but north London is still waiting on a historic first European Cup triumph.

  4. ‘Devastated & fuming’ - Mbappe desperate to emulate Ronaldo

    Kylian Mbappe will have been left “devastated” and “fuming” at his trophy failings with Real Madrid and France, Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL, with the ‘Galactico’ forward desperate to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League-winning department. That prestigious European prize has remained elusive to a man who is now the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history.

  5. ‘No conversations about MLS’ - Grealish’s future plan revealed

    Questions continue to be asked of what the future holds for Jack Grealish, but Joleon Lescott has told GOAL that “no conversations” have taken place regarding a move to MLS. For now, the Manchester City-owned forward is looking to enjoy a fresh start at the Etihad Stadium or build on a productive loan spell with Everton - as a permanent transfer could still be agreed there.