Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni admitted to holding a private meeting with Lionel Messi, where the duo reportedly discussed World Cup plans. The Albiceleste are busy piecing together plans for their World Cup title defence. All-time great Messi is expected to form part of that trophy bid amid talk that he might retire from international duty before the tournament.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly rejected a loan bid from Roma for centre-back Radu Dragusin, who recently returned from nearly a year out with an ACL injury and had been targeted for a return to Serie A. The 23-year-old has been included in Thomas Frank's last six matchday squads despite coming off the bench just once, and the club may decide to keep him around this January after knocking back Roma's approach.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly ready to abandon his “dream” retirement villa, despite spending around £30 million ($40m) on the stunning property. The mansion features eight bedrooms and an infinity pool, but could soon be on the market. It may form part of Ronaldo’s lavish wedding to long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez, but they will not be making it their permanent base.
Ruben Amorim returned to his native Portugal on Saturday just five days after his sacking as Manchester United head coach, with the 40-year-old spotted grinning after touching down in his homeland. United parted ways with the former Sporting CP boss on Monday after 14 months in charge at Old Trafford, with Darren Fletcher taking over as interim head coach and Amorim's future path very much undecided.
Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United team-mates 'fear' the Portuguese has had enough of the turmoil going on at Old Trafford and will quit the Red Devils for pastures new after the World Cup this summer. The 31-year-old previously claimed he was "hurt" and "sad" that the club were willing to sell him last year and team-mates reportedly would not blame him if he were to move on at the end of the season.
Jorrel Hato has praised new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, after the Blues thumped Charlton 5-1 in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. The young Dutchman opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time as he powered home a bouncing ball on the edge of the Addicks' area with a fierce left-footed strike. Speaking after the game, the left back said he felt Rosenior's style "suits" this Chelsea squad.
U.S. men's national team striker Ricardo Pepi suffered a broken arm in his first game back for PSV after the Eredivisie's winter break. The injury came as Pepi scored a goal, extending a recent hot streak that will now be put on hold with the striker eyeing a two-month absence.
Micky van de Ven defended Tottenham and Aston Villa's fracas at the end of their FA Cup third round tie, but sent a blunt warning to his Spurs team-mates that they cannot only show "this passion" when they are losing, having gone into half-time 2-0 down.
Pep Guardiola has defended the passing skills of his goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Manchester City boss praised the Italian's composure, control and short passing game, saying the 26-year-old is "much, much better than people think", with the ball at his feet. However, the Spaniard admitted that the ex-PSG man's long passing could not compare to City's former keeper Ederson.
Antoine Semenyo left a lasting impression on his new Manchester City teammates with his man of the match performance in the Sky Blues 10-1 win over Exeter City in the third round of the FA Cup. The former Bournemouth man grabbed a goal and an assist, prompting Rico Lewis to say the Ghanaian international made a "seamless transition" into Pep Guardiola's side.
Tottenham Hotspur saw their injury crisis worsen after Brazil international Richarlison limped out of their FA Cup third-round tie with Aston Villa on Saturday evening. The north Londoners are now sweating on the fitness of the 28-year-old striker, who had to be replaced midway through the first half after picking up a suspected hamstring problem.
Former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has been condemned by viewers for describing Wilfried Nancy's managerial tenure at Celtic as "an absolute Holocaust", while working for the BBC as a pundit. The 49-year-old made the comments during the broadcast of Final Score earlier on Saturday. Presenter Jason Mohammed issued an on-air apology later in the show.
Marc Guehi could be the beneficiary of an FA rule change on player eligibility in cup competitions. The Crystal Palace captain was part of the Eagles embarrassing 2-1 loss at minnows Macclesfield in defence of their FA Cup crown, but could continue in the competition if he completes a switch to Manchester City or Arsenal in the January transfer window.
Marc Guehi was spotted approaching angry Crystal Palace fans in the aftermath of his side’s historic FA Cup defeat against sixth-tier Macclesfield FC on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles captain came face-to-face with the travelling supporters following a seismic loss which manager Oliver Glasner said he had “no explanation” for after the full-time whistle.
Macclesfield made history on Saturday, as the first non-league club to knock out the reigning FA Cup winners since 1909 thanks to their 2-1 win over Premier League outfit Crystal Palace. A phoenix club established in 2020 after the winding up of Macclesfield Town FC, their achievement is truly remarkable. Here's all you need to know about the Silkmen.
Macclesfield FC captain Paul Dawson dedicated his side’s incredible FA Cup victory over holders Crystal Palace to late team-mate Ethan McLeod, who died in a car crash at the age of just 21 last month. The Silkmen produced one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history as they defeated Oliver Glasner’s Eagles at Moss Rose Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Al-Ittihad director Ramon Planes believes the club's captain and star striker Karim Benzema will extend his stay in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old's contract is set to expire in June 2026. Speculation over the five-time Champions League winners future intensified towards the end of last year, when he gave a cryptic answer to questions over his intentions to extend his stay in the Middle East.
Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany insists he has not spoken to Lennart Karl over his recent transfer remarks regarding Real Madrid after reiterating that the teen sensation has apologised for his “communication mistake”. The Bavarians' head coach has come to the aid of the 17-year-old, who raised eyebrows earlier this month by revealing it is his “dream” to play for the Spanish giants.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen could close his Barcelona chapter this month as the German goalkeeper looks to secure a move away from the La Liga's leaders. The player has fallen out of favour at the club under the management of fellow countryman Hansi Flick and is below Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny in the pecking order between the sticks, yet could find a way to kickstart his career elsewhere in Spain.
Lionesses star Georgia Stanway has confirmed that she will leave Bayern Munich this summer, paving the way for a potential return to England and the Women's Super League. The midfielder's next destination has not been officially revealed just yet but Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the two-time European Championship winner, who previously spent seven years at Manchester City.
New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has insisted he will be in charge at the Blues and is content with the board’s involvement in the club. The former Strasbourg coach has worked with the BlueCo hierarchy before in France and his appointment has been viewed cynically as a coach happy to bow down to the whims and wishes of those in the boardroom above him.
Two Manchester United players faced off in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Friday, with Noussair Mazraoui's Morocco knocking out Bryan Mbeumo's Cameroon 2-0. Despite the disappointment for the former Brentford forward, Cameroon's elimination provides a timely boost for the Red Devils, who will be pleased to once again be able to call on Mbeumo's services.
Manchester City opened up their FA Cup campaign with a barely believable 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the third round on Saturday. Antoine Semenyo scored and assisted on his debut for the Cityzens, while youngster Max Alleyne also netted his first goal for the club, as Pep Guardiola's side swept aside their League One opponents at the Etihad Stadium.
Wrexham’s Hollywood co-owner Rob Mac has described his side’s performance in their FA Cup third-round victory over Nottingham Forest as ‘incredible’. The Red Dragons produced a sublime showing to knock out their Premier League opposition on penalties, producing the first shock of the round. After the game, McElhenney was unable to hide his delight.
Wayne Rooney was reduced to tears on punditry duty for the BBC as he watched his brother John produce the greatest shock result in FA Cup history. Non-league side Macclesfield FC ran out 2-1 winners over cup holders Crystal Palace to progress to the fourth round and shock the footballing world with a late Yeremy Pino consolation not enough to save the Eagles’ blushes.
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