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      Classy Cristiano Ronaldo put Barcelona rivalry aside and gave glowing endorsement of Real Madrid rivals to Pjanic

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has classily put aside his old Barcelona rivalry and gave a glowing endorsement of the Catalan club.
      Miralem Pjanic revealed Ronaldo’s glowing review before the midfielder’s switch from Juventus to the Nou Camp early in the summer.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo gave a glowing review of former rivals BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Miralem Pjanic spent four years at Juventus before making the switch to SpainCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And instead of rubbishing his former opponents, the ex-Real Madrid legend had nothing but praise for them.
      Ronaldo spent over a decade in Madrid and frequently duelled with Lionel Messi’s Barcelona’s, both domestically and in Europe.
      But ahead of his team-mate’s move, he encouraged him to join the “great” club.
      Pjanic told Mundo Deportivo: “He was disappointed that I was leaving Juventus, but he told me that he thinks I will have a lot of fun in a great team like Barcelona.

      “Cristiano has been very professional at Juventus, he is a player who has shown many things and has been very important in the dressing room, setting an example for everyone.”
      The 30-year-old also said the culture of the club was key to getting him to join.
      He added: “The mentality is the important thing and the one they have is unique.
      “They play for many years at a top level and for that you have to be focused on your work, you have to love football. 

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      Ronaldo had nothing bad to say about old foes Barcelona before Pjanic’s moveCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “They always want to improve in all competitions, they are an example for everyone.”
      Pjanic joined Barcelona for £45.8million, with Arthur Melo going the other way for £66m.
      He’ll join Ronaldo at Juventus, who scored in their opening game of the season in a 3-0 win against Sampdoria.

      The 35-year-old hit 31 Serie A goals last season, just the latest extraordinary achievement to add to his list.
      He won the Champions League four times during his spell at the Bernabeu and recorded 451 goals in 438 games.
      In total, he won 16 trophies and became the club’s all time top goalscorer before departing to Italy.

      Cristiano Ronaldo throws lavish party for girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

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      Sevilla confirm receiving £46m transfer offer for Jules Kounde from ‘English club’ believed to be Man City

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      SEVILLA have rejected a bid topping £46million for Jules Kounde from an unnamed English club.
      Manchester City have been strongly linked with the Frenchman in Pep Guardiola’s hunt for a new centre-back.

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      Jules Kounde impressed many with his first season in Spanish footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      After signing Nathan Ake in the summer, the Premier League side are still in the market with Kalidou Koulibaly and Jose Gimenez also targets.
      Sevilla transfer chief Monchi confirmed earlier in the week that a bid was rejected for Kounde.
      And the Spaniard has told the Telegraph that an English team was behind the offer, worth “more than double” the £23m they spent on the defender a year ago.

      He said: “Jules is an immense professional and I have no doubt about his involvement with our club.
      “It was a great gamble by the sporting management last season that has also grown a lot in 2019-20.
      “An offer from English football has arrived, we have assessed it and rejected it because, although it is more than double the investment we made 12 months ago, we consider it to be insufficient.
      “If more offers arrive, we will assess it and decide, as we always do. We are not afraid to sell, because that is what we have done over the last two decades and that is what has allowed us to grow.

      “It is our model, selling in order to grow. But we want to sell for a significant amount so that we can reinvest those amounts in new players who in turn improve the squad.”

      Kounde, 21, has a £68m release clause after arriving in Andalusia from Bordeaux in 2019, and is capped at France’s Under-21 level.
      Reports in Spain suggest personal terms have already been agreed between the player and City, although he is only one of many centre-backs on their radar.
      Atletico Madrid club president Enrique Cerezo claims to have turned down a £78m bid for Uruguay international Gimenez.
      While Napoli are putting in a staunch defence for Koulibaly, who has starred in Italy for six years and is valued at around £70m.

      Sergio Aguero trains alone as Man City star stays sharp during two-month injury layoff More

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      Barcelona step up striker transfer chase with Memphis Depay and Lautaro Martinez top targets to replace Luis Suarez

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      BARCELONA will reportedly sign a new striker in the coming days to replace Luis Suarez at the Nou Camp.
      The 33-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Ronald Koeman, who allowed him to join rivals Atletico Madrid.

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      Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is reportedly a target for BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Lyon ace Memphis Depay could replace Luis Suarez at the Nou CampCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      And according to AS, the Bluagrana will act fast in their pursuit to bolster their frontline.

      They state that both Lyon star Memphis Depay and Inter Milan marksman Lautaro Martinez are the club’s top two targets.
      Argentine international Martinez is believed to be the No1 priority for Barca, but it is unlikely he will be brought in.

      It has been said that Barca – who face competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign him – cannot afford to match Inter’s £83million asking price.
      Due to this, it has been claimed that a deal for Depay is more likely to happen, with the player available for a cut-price fee as he has just one year on his contract in France.
      SunSport reported earlier this month how Barca have agreed a £22million deal to bring Depay to Catalonia.
      The ex-Manchester United forward has already confirmed the LaLiga side’s interest in him but he remained tight-lipped on his future.

      Depay – who played under Koeman for the Holland national team – said: “We have to wait to see what happens.

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      “I know about the interest from Barcelona, but I can’t say any more right now.
      “I’ll speak with Lyon soon and we’ll see.
      “I haven’t even spoken much about this with my agent.”

      Suarez breaks down in tears in Barcelona as he gives a fond farewell to the club More

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      Everton launch transfer bid for Jean-Clair Todibo as Carlo Ancelotti looks to grab Barcelona defender for £13.75m

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      EVERTON have launched a transfer bid for Jean-Clair Todibo but are refusing to meet Barcelona’s £13.75million asking price, reports say.
      The Toffees’ defence has yet to be addressed in this transfer window but Carlo Ancelotti is now reportedly keen on Todibo joining his back four.

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      Everton and Rennes are prepared to battle it out over Todibo Credit: Getty – Contributor

      The club faces a battle to secure his signature, however, as French club Rennes are also in the mix take him away from the Nou Camp.
      The 20-year-old spent last year on loan at Schalke and it appears Ronald Koeman does not see a way back for him into the first team.
      He joined the club in January 2019 for free but the Frenchman has failed to make a major impression so far.
      The Mail Online report that the Spanish club have set his price tag at £13.75m – and it is now left to Everton to stump up the cash.

      Both the Merseyside club and Rennes want Barca to lower their demands, according to Mundo Deportivo, leaving negotiations at a standstill.
      Barcelona are reportedly looking to raise money so they can pursue Ajax full-back Sergino Dest.
      Ancelotti has confirmed he wants Everton to add a defender to the squad before the transfer window slams shut on October 5.
      The club have been linked with Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori for weeks, but reports also suggest they first have to slim down the squad before bringing him in.

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      An Everton deal for Fikayo Tomori has been rumoured for many weeksCredit: Getty – Contributor

      It is an immediate problem for Ancelotti with his team having only two fit centre-backs for their win at Fleetwood in the EFL cup last night.
      A toe injury is keeping Mason Holgate on the sidelines while teenager Jarrad Brathwaite will be out for around a month after tearing ligaments in his left ankle.
      That leaves Yerry Mina and Michael Keane as the only senior defenders at Goodison Park.
      Most of Everton’s transfer activity has so far focused on bolstering the midfield – and it has won much praise from neutrals.
      James Rodriguez has wowed fans with two outstanding performances since he joined on a free transfer.
      Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan have also impressed since they signed for the club.

      How Everton could line-up this season with James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure in Ancelotti’s new-look side More

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      Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger wanted by Barcelona in shock transfer if they fail to land Man City’s Eric Garcia

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      BARCELONA are reportedly lining up a surprise swoop for Chelsea outcast Antonio Rudiger.
      The defender is said to be unhappy at Stamford Bridge having failed to make an appearance in the early weeks of the season.

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      Frank Lampard has cast doubt over Antonio Rudiger’s futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And, with Frank Lampard admitting the player could soon leave, reports have emerged of a possible destination.
      German publication Kicker and Spanish newspaper Sport both believe Barcelona have Rudiger in their sights.
      The centre-back, 27, is seen as an alternative to Manchester City starlet Eric Garcia, who wants to return to Spain.
      First on Barcelona’s wish list is Garcia, 19, who is reportedly available for around £16million.

      But, with his contract up next summer, he could stay in Manchester and leave for free in June.
      That has prompted Barcelona to consider their options, although an alternative purchase will only be completed if Samuel Umtiti leaves.
      However, Mundo Deportivo have claimed there is no interest in Rudiger coming out of the Camp Nou.
      It is becoming increasingly apparent that Rudiger can leave Chelsea for the right price.

      Left out of the squad for the Blues’ Premier League openers and the Carabao Cup thrashing of Barnsley, the Germany international’s career in West London appears to be all-but over.
      Fikayo Tomori appeared in the defeat to Liverpool before starting alongside new signing Thiago Silva last night.
      Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma have started both Premier League matches while Malang Sarr and Ethan Ampadu are hopeful of first-team action in the coming years.
      After the Barnsley win, manager Lampard admitted Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could leave the club.
      He said: “The situation with both is that they weren’t in the squad.
      “I had a similar answer from the other day, they just weren’t in the squad. That is just a choice at the moment.

      “Again with the centre-halves I can’t have them all in the squad. I keep getting asked about the size of the squad.
      “There might be movement, we know that, but nothing is concrete so don’t read too much into those selections at the minute.
      “It will have to be things which are right for the club and individuals and me and in terms of what happens in the next couple of weeks.”

      Antonio Rudiger shows off his football skills in Chelsea training More

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      Man City confident of landing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in £64m transfer… then will let Garcia quit for Barcelona

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      MANCHESTER CITY are confident of landing target Jules Kounde in a £64million swoop – and only then will let Eric Garcia go.
      Etihad chiefs are looking to kill two birds with one stone and end their pursuit of the Sevilla defender along with allowing wantaway Garcia to flock to Barcelona.

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      Jules Kounde appears to be edging closer to a move to Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The fate of Garcia reportedly rests on the outcome of City’s Kounde pursuitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kounde is seen as a solution to Man City’s perceived defensive problems and would follow Nathan Ake into the club to help patch up the back four.
      In a boost for Pep Guardiola, reports say the 21-year-old is “ready” to come to Manchester.
      Journalist Fabrizio Romano says the Frenchman is now just waiting on the two clubs to reach a deal, having already made up his mind.
      He added that City are “convinced” the player will join the club.

      Reports have long linked Kounde to the Premier League runners-up and it is believed his role in helping Sevilla to the Europa League crown impressed scouts.
      City’s move has also coincided with their pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly being halted over a disagreement with Napoli over the asking price.
      If the club can secure Kounde, that opens the door for Garcia to leave.
      The defender has so far refused to sign a new contract at the Etihad and instead intends to remain at the club during the final year of his deal.

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      The £41m Nathan Ake may not even be Man City’s most expensive defensive signing this summer. Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      He would then depart for Barca on a free next summer, reports suggest.
      This is despite claims that City have weighed up a take it or leave it £14million offer to force the Spanish club’s hand.
      Now, it is reported that the two clubs have agreed a deal worth £18million – but it will only come in place once Kounde is secured.

      The defensive reshuffle comes after the £41million signing of Ake last month.
      The defender was relegated with Bournemouth in July but was seen as a step up on City’s current crop of defenders.
      Guardiola has been a centre-back short since club legend Vincent Kompany left to join Anderlecht.

      Nathan Ake post emotional video to Bournemouth fans after completing move to Man City More

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      Suarez breaks down in tears in Barcelona farewell and says ‘it’s not just a player who leaves but a human with feelings’

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      LUIS SUAREZ broke down in tears while bidding farewell to Barcelona “as a human being” on Thursday.
      Atletico Madrid have signed the striker who spent six years at the Camp Nou, winning 13 trophies.

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      Luis Suarez spoke to reporters as a Barcelona player for the final time on ThursdayCredit: Barcelona FC

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      The striker was visibly moved as he bid farewell to the BlaugranaCredit: Barcelona FC

      After his transfer was confirmed, Suarez said his goodbyes in a press conference where he appeared visibly upset to be leaving.
      The 33-year-old stopped to calm himself a number of times as he spoke, and started by thanking Barcelona for their faith in him from day one.
      Arriving under a four-month suspension for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, Suarez was taken aback by the way his new colleagues accepted him.

      He stated: “This is such a surprise, I didn’t really have anything prepared.
      “I just want to say the club has always had so much confidence in me since 2014 when they signed me.
      “In the conditions that I came here, surrounding me from the mistake that I made with the confidence they had in me, it wasn’t easy to accept.
      “The coaches and my team-mates, the way they accepted me when I came, it was amazing.”

      Speculation over Suarez’s future has been rampant since new coach Ronald Koeman told him he was no longer needed in Barcelona.

      Barcelona sell Suarez amid their attempts to cut their mammoth wage bill
      The Uruguayan was reportedly angry over the nature of his exit and insisted that there is a “human being” behind every transfer story.
      He continued: “I am very proud of this ending.
      “I take friends with me and that leaves me happy. It is not just a player who leaves, but a human being who has feelings.”
      He added: “It has been crazy. Things have been leaked, things have been invented – it angers you, but you have to try to stay away from everything.”
      Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi is one of the close pals Suarez leaves behind in Catalonia.
      The pair were close neighbours and took their families on holiday together, but are now competitors for the LaLiga title.

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      Suarez leaves behind close friend Lionel Messi at the Camp NouCredit: EPA

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      The Uruguay international won several major honours in BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Suarez insists it will not be a problem for them to go face-to-face.
      The ex-Liverpool star added: “We know each other well, he knows what I think and we are old enough to give each other advice.
      “We will see what happens in the future.
      “I have already played against him with Argentina, facing each other will not change the feelings we have.”
      Suarez said that he expected Koeman’s decision to move him on and that he bears no grudges against the club.
      He noted: “I expected it, it had already been suggested it before he told me.

      It sounds ironic … but when Barcelona put me on the market there were many calls, many offers.

      “I had no problem taking a step to the side, but I wanted to continue training while looking for a solution. Koeman agreed with that.
      “Sometimes the club needs changes and the coach did not count on me.
      “I leave feeling that I have fulfilled [my role], being the third top scorer of the club is not easy.”
      Suarez leaves Barcelona for an Atletico side with ambitions of finally securing a Champions League crown, as well as formulating another LaLiga title push.

      With 21 goals to his name last season, the forward is far from a spent force and he hopes to continue collecting silverware in Madrid.
      He said: “It sounds ironic but when Barcelona put me on the market there were many calls, many offers.
      “I wanted a team where I could compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
      “I am looking forward to a very competitive team that always goes to the end, fighting for the league. I want to help the team continue to grow and achieve something important.”

      Luis Suarez breaks down in tears while leaving Barcelona training for ‘last time’ as Atletico transfer ‘confirmed’ More