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      Cristiano Ronaldo publicly agrees with damning attack on ‘thief’ Lionel Messi after Man Utd ace’s Ballon d’Or heartbreak

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has branded claims made by a fan page that Lionel Messi stole the Ballon d’Or from himself and Robert Lewandowski as ‘facts’.The Paris Saint-Germain star pipped Lewandowski to the award by just 33 points.
      Messi won his seventh Ballon d’Or to move two clear of RonaldoCredit: AFP
      A fan page says Ronaldo’s achievements were better than Messi’s, describing the Argentine’s win as ‘theft’
      Ronaldo replied ‘facts’…. having dinner together might be off the table
      But also conceded the Bayern Munich striker deserved a Golden Ball of his own after his incredible achievements in 2020.
      Ronaldo – who finished sixth – wasn’t in attendance to watch his rival collect his seventh Ballon d’Or.
      He stayed in England, but couldn’t resist having a pop on Instagram.
      A Ronaldo fan page slammed Messi’s achievements from last season, comparing them to CR7’s on Instagram, before saying: “Steal. Dirt. Shame. It’s just unfortunate.
      “Who saw it, saw it. Those who are intelligent enough know who deserve the truth.
      “Receiving awards without deserving it, is false happiness, without pride.

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      “Regardless of those awards, the CR7 will always be the best in history!”
      Ronaldo replied: “Facts.”
      The comment caught traction, receiving over 30,000 likes and 10k-plus comments.
      Ronaldo is evidently upset finishing outside the top three for the award for the first time in 11 YEARS.
      And the 36-year-old even hit out at the awards chief, who he says made false claims about wanting to finish his career with more Ballon d’Ors than Messi.
      The United star wrote: “Today’s outcome explains why Pascal Ferre’s statements last week, when he said that I confided in him that my only ambition was to finish my career with more Ballons d’Or than Lionel Messi.
      “Pascal Ferre lied, he used my name to promote himself and to promote the publication he works for.
      “It is unacceptable that the person responsible for awarding such a prestigious prize could lie in this way, in absolute disrespect for someone who has always respected France Football and the Ballon d’Or.
      “And he lied again today, justifying my absence from the Gala with an alleged quarantine that has no reason to exist.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Watch Messi’s angry reaction as organiser asks Antonela to get out of Ballon d’Or photo More

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      PSG ‘were willing to let Pochettino join Man Utd this month if they had stumped up £17m and Zidane replaced him’

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO would have reportedly been given the green light to leave PSG in the summer if two specific conditions had been met. If Manchester United had paid £17million for Pochettino, and Zinedine Zidane replaced him, PSG bosses were willing to let the Argentine depart.
      Pochettino joined PSG as boss at the start of the yearCredit: Getty
      Zidane has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in the summerCredit: AP
      Pochettino was linked with the Old Trafford job before Ralf Rangnick was appointed as six-month interim boss on Monday.
      And PSG would have sanctioned a deal had their terms been met, according to French outlet Telefoot.
      The ex-Spurs manager is still being linked with a Premier League return in the summer, but he could have been back this month.
      That’s if United has bought Pochettino out of his contract at the Parc des Princes which runs until June 2023.
      From there he still would have only been allowed to leave if Zidane was waiting in the wings to replace him.

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      In the end the club never approached Zizou – who was also linked with the Manchester United job – to take over.
      And United themselves reportedly never contacted PSG in an effort to nab Poch.
      But with Rangnick set to transition into a consultancy role at the end of the campaign, Pochettino remains linked with the managerial position.
      Erik ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers also reportedly remain on the Red Devils’ radar.
      Leicester boss Rodgers has continually stressed his commitment to the Foxes.
      Pochettino too remained coy at the weekend in response to being questioned about his future.
      Pochettino told CBS Sunday: “We are always focused on the football – our games and our work. It is not us, nor the club, who generate these situations. It does not affect us.
      “I am focused on PSG. We are used to rumours arriving. When they do arrive, it is a good sign that there are many of them – it is a sign that we are doing good work. 
      “We are calm and humble. It is not us creating these rumours.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Darren Bent says that Mauricio Pochettino is not an elite manager More

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      in Motorsport

      Fans in hysterics as ‘Daft Punk reunite’ at Ballon d’Or ceremony to deliver Lionel Messi’s seventh trophy to stage

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      LIONEL MESSI thought he was up all night to Get Lucky.When it was One More Time to deliver the Argentine’s seventh Ballon d’Or trophy to the stage last night, it appeared that Daft Punk had reunited to do the honours.
      Two men brought the trophies to the stage looking like Daft Punk at the Ballon D’Or award ceremonyCredit: AFP
      French musical duo Daft Punk split up in February after 28 years working togetherCredit: Getty
      Two men walked to the stage wearing dapper suits – but kept their identities under wraps by wearing helmets similar to those worn by the iconic French dance music duo.
      It turned out the mystery delivery men were none other than F1 superstars Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon.
      The Alpine drivers delivered the Men’s and Women’s awards on stage wearing their F1 helmets.
      Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi won the coveted trophy for a record seventh time, proving yet again he was Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.
      Barcelona skipper Alexia Putellas scooped the female award.
      And while Messi pipping Robert Lewandowski to the individual honour proved to be a talking point, fans were also left in stitches by Alonso and Ocon’s appearance.
      Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon were the men in the helmetsCredit: Reuters

      The pair arrived on stage wearing grey suits and helmets to cover their faces, before being prompted by hosts Didier Drogba and Sandy Heribert to reveal their identities.
      They were greeted to a roar of applause after being unmasked, with the likes of Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Luis Suarez seen smiling in the audience.
      Twitter users joked they thought Daft Punk had got back together following their split in February after 28 years together.
      One messaged: “I thought they reunited Daft Punk for this lol.”
      Another quipped: “Gonna tell my kids this was Daft Punk.”
      A third added: “So… Ocon and Alonso gone in Daft Punk’s Cosplay, delivering the Ballon D’or? Or Daft Punk were Alonso and Ocon all this time??”
      Meanwhile one commented: “Disappointed because I thought Daft Punk had reunited for a moment.”
      One simply stated: “Tears I thought Daft Punk reunited for a second ffs.”
      Another tweeted: “I think the greatest part about the Ballon D’Or Ceremony was the fact that Alonso and Ocon are Daft Punk.”
      During Messi’s winner speech, the Blaugrana legend called on the Ballon d’Or to award Lewandowski the award for 2020.
      The trophy was not given out last year after Covid restrictions forced organisers to cancel the annual event.
      Lionel Messi beat Robert Lewandowski by 33 votes to win his seventh Ballon d’Or award
      Messi remarked: “I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it’s been a real honour to compete with you.
      “Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year.
      “I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or – you deserve it and you should have it at home.”
      Lionel Messi’s sons dress up like PSG star dad as Ballon d’Or winner is honoured with dazzling Eiffel Tower show More

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      in Soccer

      Neymar leaves St Etienne on crutches with foot in protective boot after PSG star suffers horror injury

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      NEYMAR was spotted using crutches after Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 clash with St Etienne on Sunday.The striker was carried off the pitch on a stretcher in the closing stages of PSG’s 3-1 win at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium following a nasty tackle from Yvann Macon.

      Neymar was on the receiving end of a nasty tackle from Saint-Etienne’s Yvann Macon
      And the PSG hitman had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcherCredit: Reuters
      Macon’s poor tackle trapped Neymar’s left ankle and left him writing in agony.
      Thankfully for the former Barcelona man, his injury didn’t require a trip to the hospital.
      But he did have to make use of a protective boot as well as crutches as he made his way to the team bus.
      French champions PSG are currently unsure of the severity of Neymar’s latest injury.
      Manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “We will have to see this tomorrow but from the images.
      “I hope that it’s not a big deal and that he will be back with the squad quickly.
      “But the action is not good.”

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      The world’s most expensive player will undergo scans on his ankle on Monday to find out the severity of the damage.
      Pochettino later said of the injury: “There is nothing more to say for the moment.
      “It is the pain he felt in the leg with his ankle that turned.
      “We will have the exams tomorrow and we will see.”
      Neymar took to Instagram shortly after the match, vowing to ‘come back better and stronger’.

      He said: “Let’s recover, unfortunately, these setbacks are part of an athlete’s life.
      “Now that’s what you have, lift your head and let’s go. I’ll come back better and stronger.”
      Paris Saint-Germain will be back in action on Wednesday night, welcoming Nice to the Parc des Princes.

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      Neymar unveils daring new look after getting blonde dreadlock-style plaits in four-hour procedure More

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      in Soccer

      Fulham line up £18m transfer bid for Angelo Fulgini as Angers striker has heart set on playing in England

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      FULHAM are making a big push for Angers No 10 Angelo Fulgini and could meet the £18million price.The Cottagers know they will be losing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to either Napoli or even Crystal Palace at the end of the season.
      Angers midfielder Angelo Fulgini is being chased by Championship side FulhamCredit: Getty
      Eagles boss Patrick Vieira is a huge fan of the Cameroon international, who has been starring during his loan spell for the Napes outfit.
      With the 26-year-old having just a year left on his contract at Craven Cottage, Fulham will be forced into selling the player to avoid losing him on a free.
      And they will turn their attention to Angers ace Fulgini.
      Ivory Coast-born Fulgini has shone for Angers, but they will sell and the player is desperate to come to England.
      The 25-year-old has impressed for the Ligue 1 outfit this term, who sit sixth in the table – just two points off the Champions League spots.
      Fulgini has been a key player for Gerald Baticle’s side – chipping in with two goals and as many assists from 14 games.

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      SunSport exclusively revealed last month how his performances have caught the eye of Premier League clubs.
      Officials from Angers were even sent to England to discuss his future.
      Fulgini joined The Black and Whites from Valenciennes in 2017, having come through the Ligue 2 club’s academy.
      He appeared 84 times, netting nine goals before making the switch four years ago.
      The former France youth international was also the subject of reported interest from Feyenoord over the summer.
      But the two clubs couldn’t agree a fee.
      Mitrovic waves and blows kiss to abusive Millwall fans as he boards Fulham team bus after scoring in win at The Den More

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      in Soccer

      PSG to ‘rival Man Utd for Vinicius Jr transfer to replace Mbappe and will offer star £275k-a-week to quit Real Madrid’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.The French giants are trying to tempt the Brazil superstar with a £14.4million-a year wage offer, according to Spanish media outlet ABC.
      Vinicius Jr is in the form of his life at Real MadridCredit: Rex
      PSG star Mbappe is thought to be a target for Real MadridCredit: Getty
      That works out at a staggering £275,000-a-week.
      Their report explains how Real still hope to convince the 21-year-old to extend his current contract from 2024 to 2027 with an improved deal.
      The Spanish giants are said to be offering Vini Jr an annual wage increase from £2.8m to £6.7m with a number of big performance-related bonuses.
      But PSG are trying to secure him as a possible replacement for Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe should he move to the Bernabeu, the report adds.
      The Red Devils hierarchy are likely to be keeping a close eye on developments as they are also reported to be preparing a ‘major offer’ for the star.
      The Brazilian has been in red-hot form for the LaLiga giants with ten goals and seven assists in 18 appearances already this season.

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      And it seems the interest from both European powerhouses is likely to improve Vini Jr’s negotiating power when it comes to thrashing out a new deal in Spain.
      Real signed Vini Jr from Brazilian side Flamengo in 2018 for about £40m.
      Club president Florentino Perez has made it a priority to tie him down to a longer deal, with plans to team him up with Mbappe and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland in the future.
      And any player signings at Old Trafford are going to be of keen interest to Ralf Rangnick, who is reportedly ready to sign on as United’s interim boss for the remainder of the season.
      Owen tips Pochettino to become next Man Utd manager and claims he can do more with players than he can with PSG More

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      PSG chief owner’s brother announces Zinedine Zidane as incoming manager in boost to Man Utd’s Pochettino chase

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      THE pieces appear to be falling into place in Manchester United’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.A well-connected member of the Qatari royal family has announced Zinedine Zidane WILL take over at the Parc des Princes.
      Zinedine Zidane was previously in charge at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      Mauricio Pochettino is still wanted at Old TraffordCredit: AFP
      That would free up Pochettino to head to Old Trafford on a long-term appointment following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al-Thani has links to the Qatari sovereign wealth fund that bankrolls PSG.
      He is also reported to be the brother of the French giants’ principal owner and has previously spoken out over Kylian Mbappe’s future at the club.
      And the royal figure took to Twitter to confirm ex-Real Madrid boss Zidane has accepted an offer from the Ligue 1 leaders.
      He tweeted: “Things are settled. It will be announced soon. Welcome Zezo.”
      Zidane has been mooted as a possible replacement for Pochettino in the French capital, with the Argentinian reported to want a move to United.

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      The Red Devils have just installed Ralf Rangnick as interim manager to lead them to the end of the season.
      That followed the sacking of club legend Solskjaer, with his assistant Michael Carrick given the reins as caretaker for Tuesday’s victory over Villarreal.
      Rangnick, 63, is set to sign on for six months as manager and he is in talks over a long-term director role at the club.
      But the deal will not be struck in time for the blockbuster trip to Chelsea on Sunday, meaning Carrick will lead the team in the Premier League for the first time.
      Pochettino is then favourite to take over in the summer with Rangnick moving upstairs.
      The 49-year-old is highly-rated by legend Sir Alex Ferguson and is thought to favour a return to England, having managed Tottenham from 2014 to 2019.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Man Utd’s training intensifies ahead of Chelsea clash More

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      Pochettino has most pressurised job in football at PSG because club has ‘no history’ of top honours, says Djorkaeff

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      FRANCE legend Youri Djorkaeff thinks managing under pressure at PSG is intense – because the club have ‘no history’ of top honours.Boss Mauricio Pochettino goes into a match against Manchester City with the heat turned up to the max.
      Mauricio Pochettino guided PSG to French Cup glory last seasonCredit: AFP
      But the Argentine is under pressure to guide the club to Champions League gloryCredit: Rex
      And Youri Djorkaeff believes the pressure on Pochettino’s shoulders stems from the club’s lack of historyCredit: AP
      The eyes on him do not just come from the expectation of highly-ambitious billionaire owners and fans – but now from the fans across Manchester.
      PSG were only formed in 1970 and despite early success, battled relegations and financial woes in the 80s and 90s.
      The Qatar Sports INvestment group took the club into a new era in 2011 and now with Nasser Al-Khelaifi at the top, the Champions League is the only target.
      France ‘98 World Cup winner Djorkaeff, who played for PSG in the 90s, told SunSport: “PSG is a new franchise, a new club where players want to be. It has become the new place to be.
      “I know Ligue 1 isn’t the Premier League, but PSG have become very successful. Maybe not in terms of titles at the moment but it’s globally a very important club.”
      Poch has been strongly linked with the vacant Manchester United job in recent days, although he insists he is ‘very happy’ in Paris.

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      But should the Argentine leave, he will do so with unfinished business, according to Djorkaeff, after failing to land PSG their first Champions League.
      And ahead of the Group A crunch against City tonight, he knows failure is not an option.
      Former Bolton, Inter Milan and Monaco playmaker Djorkaeff added: “You can imagine how high the expectations are at PSG. You need to win, the quickest way is the best.
      “The club has such a strong appetite for titles, which puts the coach under pressure. And it’s always difficult to be at a club with no history.”
      Djorkaeff, now 53, says the domestic Ligue 1 title must also be taken seriously, as any league defeat may knock their confidence ahead of the crunch Champions League fixtures.
      PSG are top of Ligue 1, 11 points clear but Djorkaeff warned of any complacency for him and the motivation of the players.
      The Frenchman, who won the Cup Winners Cup with PSG in 1996, said: “Pochettino’s biggest challenge is to not make two different competitions from Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
      “If he splits them, he will face problems when he plays in Ligue 1. And if you underperform in Ligue 1 during the week it will have an impact on the Champions League.
      Mauricio Pochettino is in the running to take charge of Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      “Every game and small detail is important. Preparing a game against Man City is very easy but when you face a small team in Ligue 1 you have to prepare that game in the same way and put the same amount of effort in it as if you were facing City.”
      Djorkaeff is convinced PSG and City are evenly matched in terms of stature and success.
      But he thinks Lionel Messi’s staggering arrival could change the landscape in the French club’s favour once and for all.
      The two mega-rich clubs, who lock horns at the Etihad tonight, have run away with multiple league titles and been the dominant forces in their countries since 2012.
      Yet, despite gobsmacking investment since their respective Middle Eastern takeovers more than a decade ago, neither side has managed to get their hands on the coveted Champions League trophy.
      Speaking to SunSport before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, Djorkraeff said: “I am not saying that PSG are winning the Champions League because I know how difficult it is, but they are ready.
      “PSG and City are in the same position. In terms of image and ranking for me Man City aren’t better than PSG.
      “Last year PSG were in the semi-final and two years ago in the final. It’s not easy to win it but with Messi, PSG have a great chance.
      “Messi is the greatest ever and brings something to the team which only he can. He has the ability to score from any position, against any team in any circumstance.”
      Djorkaeff believes PSG’s trio of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi needs workCredit: GETTY
      Djorkaeff thinks the flamboyant attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Messi still needs work to build an understanding and improve their cohesion on the pitch.
      He added: “Mbappe isn’t Messi and Neymar isn’t Mbappe.
      “It’s often simple to play with great players like that but they have to find their positions, adjust and understand the best way to move together, to move at three and not just for yourself.
      “I think PSG ushered in a new era with Mbappe and Neymar [in 2017] and, yes, now Messi can propel this club to even bigger heights.”

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      Man Utd target Mauricio Pochettino insists he is ‘very happy at PSG’ but doesn’t rule himself out of the running More