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      Jose Mourinho ignores Cristiano Ronaldo AND Lionel Messi in GOAT debate and picks Brazilian Ronaldo as the best

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi come second-best to Ronaldo Nazario in Jose Mourinho’s ranking of the best-ever footballers.The Roma boss worked with Ronaldo during his single season at Barcelona, helping Sir Bobby Robson’s side win the Copa del Rey, Cup Winners’ Cup and Supercopa de Espana.
      Mourinho (left) helped coach Ronaldo in his year at BarcelonaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The Spurs boss has also worked with Cristiano Ronaldo, but not MessiCredit: AFP – Getty
      Only 19 when he joined from PSV Eindhoven, the Brazilian forward wowed Mourinho as he hit 47 goals in 49 games for the Catalans – earning him the Ballon d’Or with a season tally he would never better.
      Mourinho told LiveScore, via Corriere dello Sport, that Nazario was: “The best football player that I have ever seen on a pitch.
      “I think injuries killed a career that could have been even more incredible.
      “But that talent this guy had at 19 years old was something incredible.”
      Injuries took their toll on Ronaldo while he was also known for a lavish party lifestyle.
      Knee problems first sprung up in the Netherlands before two consecutive world record transfer deals brought him to Inter Milan.
      In his third season with the Italian club, he severely ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee and he was ruled out for effectively three years.
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      Bouncing back to fire Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldo turned from a speedy dribbler to a deadly poacher and signed for Real Madrid, where he won his second Ballon d’Or.
      Mourinho recognises that the striker lacked the longevity of both Ronaldo and Messi, but believes he was the better natural talent.
      The 59-year-old added: “Not with a career like Cristiano or Messi, 15 years at the top – every day.
      “But a natural talent, incredible.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Real Madrid again as he continues to be linked with shock free transfer after Man Utd exit

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO trained with Real Madrid yet again on Thursday as he continues to be linked with a shock return to the Bernabeu.The Portuguese superstar, 37, saw his Manchester United contract terminated last month after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Real Madrid training again on ThursdayCredit: Twitter / @ElGolazoDeGol
      The free agent rocked up for a second day with the Spanish championsCredit: Twitter / @ElGolazoDeGol
      Ronaldo spent nine hugely successful years at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
      He headed to the World Cup as a free agent and was a part of the Portugal squad that exited the tournament in the quarter-finals following a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
      Now Ronaldo has returned to Europe without a club and is training with former side Real Madrid in a bid to keep his fitness up.
      He first trained with Los Blancos on Wednesday as speculation over a stunning comeback began.
      And those links rumbled on when he arrived in a Mercedes for Real training yet again on Thursday.
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      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted a clip on social media of Ronaldo turning up.
      And he added: “Cristiano Ronaldo had training session at Real Madrid center Valdebebas also today. He’s allowed to train on separate pitch.”
      Ronaldo enjoyed his best years in the Spanish capital, winning two LaLiga crowns and four Champions League titles during his nine-year stay.
      He has never been shy in revealing his fondness for Real and would no doubt happily return.
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      Yet, despite president Florentino Perez’s kind words down the years, it’s believed the club have shut the door to a potential return as they don’t want to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad.
      Since leaving Man Utd, Ronaldo has been linked with a mega-money move to Al Nassr.
      It’s believed the forward will be offered a staggering £173million a year to complete a free move to Saudi Arabia.
      Meanwhile, Ronaldo is NOT expected to retire from international duty after Portugal’s World Cup heartache.
      The ex-Sporting Lisbon star was spotted in tears in the tunnel following the gut-wrenching defeat to Morocco.
      But CM Journal claims Ronaldo has already informed Portugal chiefs he intends to continue playing for his country.
      And that puts him in contention to lead his nation at Euro 2024 in 18 months time.
      Ronaldo found himself on the bench in the latter stages of the World Cup, replaced by Goncalo Ramos – who scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 mauling of Switzerland.
      He was subbed on in both Portugal’s last 16 clash with Switzerland and quarter-final against Morocco – but was unable to end his career-long knockout stage goal drought. More

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      How Real Madrid could line up if Cristiano Ronaldo returns in shock transfer as he starts training with former club

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been linked with a sensational return to Real Madrid.That is after Ronaldo, 37, was spotted training at Real’s Valdebebas base following Portugal’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals to Morocco.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been training at Real Madrid after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo would still make Real Madrid’s starting line-up
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking for his next club after being axed by Manchester United following an explosive interview that saw him slam them from top to bottom.
      The star forward is currently training away from the Los Blancos’ first-team.
      It’s claimed the Spanish champions were more than happy to accommodate Ronaldo, with the relationship between club and player still strong.
      The United legend has never been shy in revealing his fondness for Real and would happily return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
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      But despite president Florentino Perez’s kind words throughout the years, it’s believed the club have shut the door to a potential return as they don’t want to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad.
      But Ronaldo would still be able to make Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 formation if he completed an emotional return.
      Ex-Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois would start in goal with Dani Carvajal at right-back and Ferland Mendy on the other side, while Eder Militao and David Alaba would team up at centre-back.
      Luke Modric, Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni could then link up in midfield.
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      And Ronaldo would spearhead the attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema.
      CR7 would cover the right flank of the front three with Vinicius on the other side. More

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      Frenkie de Jong ‘set to snub Man Utd and Chelsea again with Barcelona star prepared to agree transfer to Euro giant’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong could snub a move to England in favour of joining Bayern Munich, according to reports.The Dutchman was heavily linked with the Prem duo in the recent window although he ended up staying with Barcelona.
      Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona is still uncertainCredit: AP
      But he was said to be unhappy with Barca for trying to force him to leave.
      As a result, De Jong found himself out of the team following a summer of uncertainty, starting just one of Barca’s first four La Liga games.
      He’s since won his place back and has established himself as a regular once again.
      But his future still remains in doubt.
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      According to Spanish outlet Sport, the midfielder wants to stay at the Nou Camp.
      However, Bayern Munich, another who were interested in the summer, are hoping to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial mess.
      And the report claims the ex-Ajax star would be “tempted” by a switch to the Bundesliga.
      Meanwhile, Bayern are “convinced” that Barcelona might be forced to sell next summer, with another year off his contract likely to make for a more reasonable price.
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      On the pitch, De Jong enjoyed an impressive World Cup, helping Holland reach the quarter-finals before they suffered penalty heartache against Argentina.
      The 25-year-old played all-but four minutes, chipping in with one goal and one assist. More

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      Sacked Spain boss Luis Enrique ‘on Atletico Madrid’s shortlist’ to replace Diego Simeone in summer

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      SACKED Spain boss Luis Enrique is reportedly being lined up as a potential replacement for Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.Enrique left his post as the national coach after his side were dumped out of the World Cup in the round of 16 by Morocco.
      Luis Enrique is on the hunt for his next job in football managementCredit: EPA
      Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has struggled for success this seasonCredit: AFP
      Spain dominated the possession in the match but failed to create many dangerous opportunities before losing the tie on penalties.
      Now Enrique is on the lookout for his next job, with AS reporting that he could have two options.
      One option would be Atletico, who are believed to have placed the former Barcelona manager on their shortlist to replace Simeone.
      The Argentine could leave the capital club within months as this season so far has not gone to plan.
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      The Colchoneros have already been knocked out of the Champions League and are struggling in LaLiga, 13 points behind league leaders Barcelona.
      Simeone has been in charge at the club since 2011 and led them to two LaLiga titles, two Europa League titles and one Copa del Rey.
      Another potential option touted for Enrique has been Manchester United should Erik ten Hag’s reign start to sour.
      The Dutch manager has had a mixed start to life at Old Trafford, but doubts over him could arise should the club fail to challenge for a Champions League spot.
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      Enrique’s impressive club career as a manager would make him a good option for United.
      The Spaniard won two LaLiga titles, three Copa del Reys and a Champions League during his three years as Barcelona manager. More

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      Former Arsenal star Bellerin shows off dramatic new look and leaves Barcelona team-mates shocked on return to training

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      BARCELONA star Hector Bellerin has left his team-mates and fans in shock as he showed off his new look. The former Arsenal star returned to club training yesterday having not been selected in the Spain squad for the World Cup and returned looking like a different man.
      Barcelona’s Hector Bellerin has shaved off his long-hairCredit: EPA
      Hector Bellerin’s transformation has left many in shockCredit: Twitter
      Prior to the mid-season break Bellerin had long wavy hair pushed back behind his ears which was similar to a mullet.
      But the always trendy Spaniard has taken a trip to the barbers and gone for a buzz cut.
      The 27-year-old looked unrecognisable with his new short haircut.
      The moustache that Bellerin has grown since leaving North London, initially on loan to Real Betis, has stayed.
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      Fans have had mixed responses to the makeover, one said on Twitter: “Bring back the mullet please.”
      Some supporters even thought he now resembles Freddie Mercury.
      Bellerin has had a tough start to life at Barca following his summer move, only playing five matches so far.
      His contract at the Nou Camp expires at the end of this season and the likes of Roma are reportedly interested.
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      There have been claims that Barca could be willing to sell him in January to avoid losing him for free.
      It’s a fall from grace for Bellerin as last season he played for boyhood club Betis and cried on the pitch alongside his father during his final game on loan there.
      He won the Copa del Rey with them, the club’s first trophy in 17 years, but they could not afford to keep him with team-mate Borja Iglesias suggesting a crowdfunding page should’ve started to raise money. More

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      Robert Lewandowski handed three-match ban for referee gesture one day after Poland World Cup loss to France

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has been slapped with a three-match ban just one day after being knocked out of the World Cup.The striker was in action for Poland as they were beaten 3-1 by France in the round of 16.
      Robert Lewandowski protests to referee Jesus Gil ManzanoCredit: Reuters
      The Pole was shown a second yellow card for this challenge on David GarciaCredit: Reuters
      Lewandowski, 34, grabbed his second goal of the tournament with virtually the last kick of the game – beating Hugo Lloris at the second attempt with a retaken penalty.
      The goal will be his last action on a football pitch for a while, after he was handed a three-match ban by LaLiga.
      The former Bayern Munich star was red carded during a 2-1 victory over Osasuna in his final club match before the World Cup.
      Lewandowski was given his marching orders with just half an hour on the clock, receiving a second yellow for clattering into defender David Garcia.
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      As he departed the field of play he touched his chin – a gesture interpreted to have been derogatory towards the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano.
      The Pole subsequently denied this, however, instead claiming it had been directed at his manager, Xavi.
      He said: “If you ask me about that gesture, it’s a bit funny because last week I was talking with Xavi, with the coach, and we talked that if these things happened in the future, if I saw a yellow card I had to be careful, because I could go out.
      “After that the gesture was for Xavi, not for the referee.”
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      LaLiga haven’t bought Lewandowski’s explanation, however, and have slapped an extra two games onto his initial one-match ban after turning down an appeal.
      Not willing to accept the outcome, it’s claimed by Marca that Barca could take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      As it stands, Lewandowski is set to miss his side’s Catalan derby clash with Espanyol, as well as subsequent games against Atletico Madrid and Getafe.
      Barcelona could turn to forward Memphis Depay in their regular No9’s absence, with the Dutchman having returned to action at the World Cup following a two-month injury lay-off.
      Depay, 28, has played just 131 minutes of action for his club this season.
      Memphis Depay has been back in action for his countryCredit: Rex More

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      Marcelo’s son Enzo, 13, signs first Real Madrid contract as he looks to follow in legendary dad’s footsteps

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      MARCELO’S son Enzo Alves Vieira has signed a professional contract with Real Madrid.Enzo is following in the footsteps of his father, who is Real’s all-time most decorated player with 25 honours under his name.
      Marcelo’s son Enzo Alves Vieira has signed his first contract with Real MadridCredit: Real Madrid
      According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 13-year-old put pen to paper on his first contract with Los Blancos on Saturday.
      He was accompanied by his dad and mother as he posed in front of the camera penning his inaugural deal.
      Romano tweeted: “Marcelo’s son Enzo Alves has signed his first Real Madrid contract today.
      “Fair to remember that Marcelo is the most decorated Real Madrid player of all-time with 25 titles.”
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      Enzo has stood out in Real’s academy where unlike his famous dad, who plays as a left-back, he has been performing as a striker.
      Marcelo’s son is absolutely buzzing with his achievement as he took to social media to express his excitement for tying his future with the “best club in the world”.
      Enzo posted on Instagram: “My first contract with the best club in the world. Very happy.”
      The talented teenager has been recognised for his powerful physique, technique and scoring instinct.
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      Enzo Alves Vieira is looking to follow in the footsteps of Real Madrid legend MarceloCredit: Real Madrid
      Enzo was also recently called up to Real’s Under-14 team after his impressive performances.
      His father Marcelo left the Santiago Bernabeu last summer after 15 glittering years in Madrid.
      The former Brazil international currently plays for Olympiacos with rumours suggesting he was approached by Real to return and take up the role of global ambassador. More