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      David Beckham’s Inter Miami at centre of MLS scandal with rivals furious at spot in controversial tournament

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      INTER MIAMI’S addition to the Club World Cup has left Major League Soccer rivals furious with Fifa.Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, announced this week that David Beckham’s MLS franchise will take the America host nation spot for next summer’s controversial tournament.Inter Miami’s Club World Cup qualification has seen Fifa criticisedCredit: APFifa chef Gianni Infantino gave a speech as Inter Miami lifted the Supporters ShieldCredit: ReutersInfantino pointed to Inter Miami winning the Supporters Shield, awarded to the club who perform the best over the regular season, as the reason for their qualification.The actual MLS champion is decided through the play-offs.But with the reason for Miami’s inclusion not given before they lifted the trophy, their rivals have accused Fifa of having no clear qualification criteria.And they claim they have jumped the gun simply to ensure that Lionel Messi is involved in the revamped 32-team tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeattle Sounders are the other team from the US involved and they booked their spot having won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022.Fifa had been in discussions with MLS over criteria this season, before deciding on the Supporters Shield winner at their Council meeting on October 3 – the day after Miami sealed the title.MLS insist all decision-making around the final slot was dealt with by the world governing body.Not only have Beckham’s boys been given the host nation spot, but they will also play in the curtain raiser in Miami on June 15.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOther clubs have always felt that Miami have had special treatment from the league due to their high profile stars – something which has always been denied.Four ex-Barcelona legends are in the squad – Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.Inside David and Victoria Beckham’s stunning new £60m Miami mansion with spa, pool, rooftop bar overlooking Biscayne BayTheir success on the pitch this season, setting a points record for the regular season, gives officials a simple answer when questions are asked.Elite European sides like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all in the Club World Cup. More

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      Messi could face Europe’s elite again as his 11-minute hat-trick fires Beckham’s Inter Miami into Fifa Club World Cup

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      LIONEL MESSI scored a stunning 11-minute hat-trick to book Inter Miami’s spot in the Fifa Club World Cup.The expanded 32-team tournament will take place from June 15 to July 3 in the United States.Inter Miami won the MLS Supporter ShieldCredit: APThey have accumulated the most points in a single season in MLS historyCredit: AFPDavid Beckham’s side have qualified for the Club World CupCredit: ReutersFifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed their spot in the revamped competitionCredit: ReutersElite European sides like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all in the competition.And now Inter Miami have secured their spot in the competition by winning the MLS Supporters Shield.The trophy is given to the team who finish the regular season with the most points in either conference, with the subsequent play-offs deciding the league’s actual champion.Inter Miami secured the Supporters Shield by thrashing New England 6-2.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMessi scored three goals in 11 second-half minutes to take his tally to 22 goals in 22 games.But ex-Premier League and DC United star Christian Benteke is a goal ahead of him at the top of the scoring charts.Inter Miami have finished the season with the highest ever points tally with 74.Messi celebrated the successful season by lifting the trophy on the pitch and was joined by club owner David Beckham, his wife Victoria and daughter Harper, 13.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, his son Cruz, 19, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, watched on from the stands.But Fifa chief Gianni Infantino was on the field and announced their spot in the Club World Cup, saying: “You have shown that in the United States, you are consistently the best club on the field of play.David Beckham imposes strict fashion rule on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami team-mates leaving Rio Ferdinand stunned”Therefore, I am proud to announce that as one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new Club World Cup 2025.”Beckham then took the microphone and delivered a rousing speech, saying: “Firstly, thank you to our coach Gerardo Martino and your staff.”To our incredible team, our players, our captain has led us during times where it has been difficult.”Tonight, we celebrate. But tomorrow we prepare for the play-offs.”This was always about creating history for Miami, this was always about our family, the people in this stadium, the people in this city. “Tonight is about you guys because you supported us in the tough times and now the good times.”Let’s make this a great year and an even better year than it already is because it is already a special club.”Cruz Beckham was seen with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel celebrating the victoryCredit: APThey have been dating for five monthsCredit: APMessi netted a hat-trick against New EnglandCredit: ReutersInter Miami now go into the play-offs as the favouritesCredit: Reuters More

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      Man City ask for Premier League season to be DELAYED as Pep Guardiola escalates fixture pile-up row

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      MANCHESTER CITY are on collision course with the Premier League again — after the champs’ plea for a DELAYED start to next season was rejected.City wanted their first two games of the 2025-26 season postponed to help them recover from playing in Fifa’s expanded four-week summer Club World Cup in America.Pep Guardiola weighed on Manchester City’s fixture pile-up row with the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPlayers’ unions are worried about the Club World Cup causing burnoutCredit: ReutersBut City boss Pep Guardiola declared: “In the end, the Premier League has not allowed us to postpone the first two games for our recovery. Thank you so much!”The final of the revamped 32-team tournament, which also features Chelsea, takes place on July 13 — less than a month before the start of the next Prem season.Asked if he felt stars would be exhausted after the tournament, Guardiola added: “It’s going to happen for sure. It depends if we’re in the last stages of the FA Cup.“I don’t know if we will play more games than our Treble year before the States.”Read More on FootballRelations between City and Prem chiefs are already strained after the club were charged with 115 breaches of the League’s financial rules. City deny all the charges.Guardiola added: “For the first and second games, the club asked the Premier League to postpone them one, two or three weeks.“That would be one or two more weeks of holiday after the Club World Cup. But it’s absolutely not allowed.“The Premier League say ‘yes’ to us? Absolutely not.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Prem have yet to comment but sources indicated there were only initial, informal discussions — and no formal request from City.Prem boss Richard Masters is aware of the challenges domestic leagues will face as a result of Fifa’s expanded calendar.Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence Players’ unions, worried about burnout, have taken legal action against Fifa over the Club World Cup.And City’s crocked ace Rodri warned players were ready to strike to protect their welfare.Fifa chief Gianni Infantino insists the tournament will go ahead as planned.Guardiola’s City contract is up next summer, so he may not be around to see it — but he believes it will only become clear then how tired players are.He said: “They won’t postpone these games, so that will be the moment of, ‘Oh, what do we do?’“I don’t have an answer right now. We will see how the players are, the schedule, then we are going to decide.” More

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      Fifa introduce unprecedented THIRD transfer window with major change set to come in next year

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      FIFA have announced a special transfer loophole will be created for next summer’s new Club World Cup.Chelsea and Manchester City will be England’s representatives in the 32-team tournament to be played in the USA.Fifa have announced a new transfer window will be introduced next summerCredit: AFPThe changes will affect clubs competing in the expanded Club World CupCredit: GettyAnd both Prem clubs – and their rivals – will be able to complete some of next season’s transfers early to allow the players to take part in Fifa’s new flagship competition.Under current transfer regulations, the majority of contracts, alongside player registration periods, run until June 30.The new competition will be played from June 15 to July 13 – meaning that players and managers  could theoretically be out of contract half-way through.Current contracts for City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will expire on June 30, as will Pep Guardiola’s, although the manager has indicated he is keen to sign a new deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJadon Sancho’s loan spell at Chelsea is also due to finish on the same date, while Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich have SEVEN senior players out of contract at the end of the season.But at Thursday’s meeting of Fifa’s ruling Council, global chiefs agreed “unanimously” to bring in rules that will only apply to the 32 teams taking part.As long as their national associations, including the FA, agree, competing clubs will be allowed an 10-day “exceptional registration window” from June 1, allowing players joining them to play in the planned £600m prize fund tournament.There will also be a second temporary window lasting six days from June 27 for participating clubs to replace or re-register players who start the tournament on their books but whose contract then lapse mid-competition.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe changes mean Bayern could end up facing Real Madrid target, Canada’s Alphonse Davies, former Etihad winger Leroy Sane, versatile defender and midfielder Joshua Kimmich or keeper Manuel Neuer in the US less than three weeks after they feature for the Bavarians in the Champions League Final in the Allianz Arena.Early registration will only be permitted if both clubs and the players involved approve and nobody will be allowed to play for two teams during the month of action.Premier League joins move to boycott Fifa Club World CupKevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan’s contracts currently expire during the tournamentCredit: AlamyFifa said the “objective” was to “encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation”.In an additional move, Fifa chiefs agreed that any players called up for the Concacaf Gold Cup taking place on the west coast of the USA at the same time will have the choice of whether to represent their club or nation.That mainly applies to Mexican players, with three clubs – Monterrey, Club Leon and Pachuca – having qualified for the Fifa tournament but would also see left-back Davies having to choose between club or country.Fifa President Gianni Infantino said: “The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will kick off a new era for club football across the world, with the top teams competing to be crowned the official FIFA club world champions.“These regulations will ensure that the best possible conditions are in place in order for all 32 participating clubs and the best players in the world to shine at the highest level.”Bayern Munich have seven players out of contract at the end of June 2025Credit: AFP More

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      Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venue

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      FIFA have confirmed the 12 stadiums that will host games for the new-look Club World Cup set to begin this season.The tournament, scheduled to begin on June 15, will take place in the USA and has already sparked controversy over its format.Fifa have confirmed the 12 stadiums that will be used for the Club World CupCredit: GettyThe Atlanta’s Falcon’s £1.2bn home – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – will be one arena used for the tournamentCredit: ReutersDC United’s Audi Field will host matches despite holding just 20,000 fansCredit: ReutersThe US, who will also be hosting the World Cup proper in 2026 alongside Mexico and Canada, will offer up 12 incredible stadiums for the tournament. Some 32 teams will compete in 63 matches across the 12 arenas to earn the title of Club World Cup champions.The chosen grounds range from capacities of 20,000 to a whopping 88,500.The matches will stretch from coast to coast with games played in iconic US cities like Los Angeles, Nashville and Washington D.C.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe smallest stadium set to be used is Audi Field in Washington D.C. Home of MLS side DC United, the 20,000 seater stadium is one of few purpose built football grounds in the lineup.Just three other MLS-only grounds are being used for the tournament, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati; Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee; Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.While six NFL stadiums will be commandeered by the footballing world this summer – including TWO £1.2BILLION super stadiums.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEvery Club World Cup stadiumHere’s a look at every stadium being used for the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup in the USA…Mercedes-Benz StadiumLocation: Atlanta, GACapacity: 75,000Bank of America StadiumLocation: Charlotte, NCCapacity: 75,000TQL StadiumLocation: Cincinnati, OHCapacity: 26,000Rose Bowl StadiumLocation: Los Angeles, CACapacity: 88,500Hard Rock StadiumLocation: Miami, FLCapacity: 65,000GEODIS ParkLocation: Nashville, TNCapacity: 30,000MetLife StadiumLocation: New York New JerseyCapacity: 82,500Camping World StadiumLocation: Orlando, FLCapacity: 65,000Inter&Co StadiumLocation: Orlando, FLCapacity: 25,000Lincoln Financial FieldLocation: Philadelphia, PACapacity: 69,000Lumen FieldLocation: Seattle, WACapacity: 69,000Audi FieldLocation: Washington, D.C.Capacity: 20,000Both the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, and the MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Giants, will host matches for the controversial tournament. The largest stadium announced as a host ground is the iconic Rose Bowl in California.Premier League joins move to boycott Fifa Club World CupThe former Olympic stadium will boast a capacity of 88,500 for the upcoming tournament and has held a record 106,869 fans in the past.The incredible colosseum-like arena is recognised as a National Historic Landmark in the US and is best known for its use as a venue for college level American football in the States. Fifa announced the 12-strong list on Saturday in New York City as they continue to hype up their new-look tournament.Despite a new model that will see 32 teams from six continental confederations face off against each other, there has been huge backlash against the fast-approaching tournament.Players have expressed their concerns over hectic calendars leaving them with no time for recovery this summer.While Fifpro, the players’ international federation, claimed that the scheduling “will undercut the rest and recovery time of these players at the end of the 2024-25 season”.Adding that they believe that Fifa’s new plan “demonstrates a lack of consideration for the mental and physical health of participating players, as well as a disregard for their personal and family lives.”The Premier League has also threatened a boycott of the competition with PFA boss Maheta Molango telling SunSport: “Football is killing its own product.”Those who run the game need to listen. If they don’t, then as unions we have a responsibility to the players to take action — and the legal route is the next step.”At the moment Chelsea and Manchester City are the only two Premier League clubs set to participate in the competition next year.Despite the tournament being just around the corner, Fifa are yet to announce any broadcast agreements for the Club World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESFootball’s governing body claim that this summer’s tournament will “crown the ultimate global champion”.While some clubs have been disappointed to be left out of contention with the tournament understood to be offering up some £600m in prize money.Teams competing in the Club World CupHere’s a look at which teams will play in next summer’s Club World Cup…Europe: Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto, Real Madrid, Red Bull SalzburgSouth America: Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Fluminense, Palameiras, River PlateNorth and Central America and Caribbean: León, Monterrey, Pachuca, Seattle SoundersAfrica: Al Ahly, Espérance, Mamelodi Sundowns, WaydadAsia: Al-Hilal, Al Ain, Ulsan, UrawaOceania: Auckland CityThe iconic Rose Bowl will host a number of gamesCredit: GettyLincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, will also host matchesCredit: ReutersThe Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is one of the host groundsCredit: GettyOrlando City’s Inter & Co Stadium is one of few custom-built MLS stadiums to be used for the tournamentCredit: ReutersMetLife Stadium is another £1.2bn arena that will host matchesCredit: Getty More

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      Kevin De Bruyne could leave Man City midway through tournament with Real Madrid also facing contract chaos

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      KEVIN DE BRYUNE is one of a number of top stars who could leave their clubs next summer in the MIDDLE of the new Club World Cup.The newly expanded tournament will feature 32 teams – the Premier League’s representatives are Manchester City and Chelsea – playing in the United States across June and July.Kevin De Bruyne is among the stars whose contracts are expiring in the middle of the Club World Cup next summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid’s Luka Modric is another star with this problemCredit: AlamyHowever, Fifa has yet to secure a TV deal for the tournament and confirm venues the games will be played at before the July 13 final.It has been heavily criticised for adding more fixtures to an already packed calendar.And these are not the only headaches looming over the tournament.According to The Telegraph, players competing in the tournament have begun seeing clarity over their contract situations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is because the dates of the competition overlap June 30, which is the year-end for registrations globally recognised by Fifa.Several top stars will see their contract expire on the date next summer, meaning in theory that players could start playing the tournament for one team and end it with another.Belgium international De Bruyne is one of these.The report states many more players from the 12 Uefa clubs in the tournament have also asked for clarity over whether they would be allowed to compete due to their contracts being up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne source said: “If this had been held last summer, Kylian Mbappe would have started the Club World Cup playing for PSG and ended it at Real Madrid.”Real Madrid have three major stars who come under this bracket, with Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez all out of contract next summer. Man City vs Arsenal WagsMeanwhile, Bayern Munich have six players affected by the issue, with Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Eric Dier, Sven Ulreich and Alphonso Davies all out of contract next summer. Davies is a long-term transfer target of Madrid, so may have his future acutely impacted.Football’s governing body have created a never-before-seen dilemma with competitive club football not usually played at that time of year, which is when contract decisions are made en masse.Numerous legal issues surrounding said contracts may also unfold, with factors such as agent fees, salary and insurance all surrounding free agents. Fifa are expected to announce the venues for the tournament in the coming weeks, with much of it set to be played in the eastern USA.The expected venues are the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; Washington DC’s FedEx Field; Philadelphia’s Subaru Park; Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium; Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium and Seattle’s Lumen Field.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa president Gianni Infantino also faces problems such as audience interest in the States and a potential player revolution before it comes about.Man City star Rodri has hinted it may be a possibility for players to ensure they are heard, after persistent complaints that they are not listened to over concerns of match load.Alphonso Davies could switch from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid in the middle of the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      New Champions League format is tiring enough to follow let alone play in – it’s time to listen to the players

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      SUPPORTERS are bound to like more top-class football.But the players? Not so much.Karren Brady insists Uefa chiefs need to listen to the playersCredit: GettyThe new Champions League format has added even more fixturesCredit: EPAA number of them are so tired at the thought of an expanded football programme in Europe and to an extension of the Club World Cup next summer that they are threatening to strike.The people who pay to watch ask: Why?Premier League stars are millionaires and the demand for additional Continental matches means greater fame and bigger earnings.Players understand this reaction but as Aston Villa captain John McGinn pointed out after the win over Young Boys in a freshly minted Champions League: “At times, the mental side of things you need to switch off.Read More on Football“It is hard to churn them out when you are playing 70-plus games a season and then internationals. There’s not a lot of time to rest.”Uefa have added two extra fixtures — it could be four for some — to a competition which had been a straightforward formula of sorting out the better teams from leagues of four clubs.The new arrangement opens with a league of 36 clubs — a magical confusion of ties in four sections each between clubs of similar standards before knockout matches begin with play-offs just to get into the Last 16.I don’t know about player fatigue, my own mental side is pretty tired at that lot.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYou might also wonder about the reason behind this restructuring.Cynics are even suggesting extra profits will appease the Super League rebel crew and circumnavigate any possible future revolution. Uefa and Fifa made the decision that the plot should be altered.Rodri sensationally claims players are close to STRIKING over schedule after Alisson says ‘our opinion does not matter’Next summer the refashioned Club World Cup will take its bow and among the clubs competing are Chelsea and Manchester City.City are going to have a busy summer. No wonder midfielder Rodri talked in strike terms, adding that 40 to 50 matches should be about maximum for a season.He  played 63 competitive games for club and country last season, and featured for 5,598 minutes between July 2023 and July 2024, including pre-season friendlies.If Rodri is feeling the effects, spare a thought for team-mate Phil Foden, who played 69 competitive games last term and 72 in all.Some will say City are victims of their own success but that success is becoming a punishment for the players.And it’s only going to get worse. It’s expected with Prem games, domestic cup competitions, Europe, internationals and the Club World Cup, City’s players could play up to 85 times this season.No wonder the players are concerned about their own well-being. No one else seems to be giving it a thought.Players need to be heardWhilst the men in suits and white trainers sit in Switzerland and extend the football calendar, no one even bothered to seek the opinion of the players.Liverpool No 1 Alisson said: “Nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games, so maybe our opinion doesn’t matter.”That’s woeful, as it should matter the most.As the PFA pointed out: “Players and their unions have asked to be listened to. “When they are ignored, the natural consequence is that players will begin to consider all options.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Players are repeatedly saying  enough is enough and this must  act as a serious wake-up call to  authorities.”I don’t expect a strike but it is reasonable for the men in shorts to ask the men in suits to listen to them. More

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      I was a paramedic before falling into football while backpacking – now I’m about to face ex-Chelsea star Hernan Crespo

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      ALBERT RIERA left his job as a paramedic in Catalonia to go travelling for a year in New Zealand.While most twenty-somethings who leave Europe for travel end up sightseeing, maybe getting a bar job to pay the bills, Riera wound up winning the Champions League.Albert Riera left Spain for New Zealand in 2010Credit: GettyThe diminutive 5ft 8in midfielder, not to be confused with the ex-Manchester City and Liverpool star of the same name, had balanced his ambulance work with being a part-time footballer in Spain’s fourth tier.But after landing a one-year visa to head to New Zealand, he had no intention of playing football Down Under.After his dad pointed him in the direction of Auckland City’s Catalan coach Ramon Tribulietx, however, he ended up somewhat reluctantly sending over footage of his games.Tribulietx liked what he saw enough to offer him a trial, and Riera never looked back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I thought that would be it,” Riera, now 40, admitted while chatting to The National. “But after one week he said that he wanted to sign me for the rest of the season – two months.”My friends said, ‘We’ve come to travel, not to play football’. I said, ‘Look, in two months I’ll finish and then we’ll hire a van and travel’. In the meantime, we won the Oceanic Champions League and I travelled to New Caledonia, to Tahiti for free. Football was letting me travel.”At the end of the season, we still hired the van and goofed around New Zealand where you work for people in return for accommodation.”We were in a hippy community in the bush and we were gardening, cleaning, chopping wood, making buildings. We were also packing kiwi fruits – you soon get sick of them.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRiera went on to earn a contract at Auckland CityCredit: Getty”We’d work night shifts for 10 hours per night just to save more money to travel again.”The idea was six months in New Zealand and six months travelling back to Spain via Asia – Tibet and places like that.”Watch bizarre moment cup clash is interrupted by wheelchair streaker leaving fans in hystericsHaving doubted that he’d even be good enough to make Auckland’s squad, Riera found himself being offered an opportunity to stay for the following season.And after thriving for part-timers Auckland, Riera was incredibly handed the opportunity to turn professional at the age of 29.The Spaniard turned professional with Wellington Phoenix aged 29Credit: GettyThe midfielder played against Juventus in the 2014 A-League All-Star GameCredit: AFP’I THOUGHT IT WOULD GO NOWHERE’After impressing in a pre-season friendly against Wellington Phoenix, Riera was offered a trial by the A-League outfit.His intention to move back to Spain was flipped on its head, when Scottish coach Ernie Merrick told him after just one day that he’d be offering him a contract.During his subsequent time in the A-League he was called up to their All-Star team, which enabled him the opportunity to play against Juventus – swapping shirts with legendary Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo.Who are these famous footballers?Following three years with Wellington, Riera decided that the brutal travel schedule had become too much for him – and opted to rejoin Auckland.After hanging up his boots in 2021, by this point a New Zealand citizen, Riera became manager of Auckland.Having won three OFC Champions Leagues as a player, he subsequently added two more as a coach.This week he has taken his side to Abu Dhabi, where they will face Asian champions Al-Ain in the first round of the Club World Cup on Sunday.The match will see him pit his managerial wits against former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo, who has been coaching the Emirati side for just under a year.Last year they fell 3-0 at this stage to Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad, who boasted the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho among their ranks.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’re realistic, but I’ll tell my players to compete as well as we can, Riera said of this year’s task. “I remember Crespo as a player, one of the great Argentina strikers. He was a busy No9 running behind all the time, full of energy. I’m happy for my team to be playing his.”On the dreams that could lie ahead, Riera said: “It’s way harder now, but we’re only three games away from playing Real Madrid to become world champions. You never know in football!”Riera will take on former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo this weekendCredit: Getty More