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    ‘I’m a better man’ – Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on Man Utd exit as he joins Portugal squad after Al Nassr transfer

    CRISTIANO RONALDO says he is a “better man” following his exit from Manchester United.The Portuguese star left the club after his  explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
    Cristiano Ronaldo believes he is a better man since leaving Man UnitedCredit: EPA
    Ronaldo struggled for game time in his final months at UnitedCredit: Rex
    He is now enjoying his football for Al NassrCredit: Getty
    He has joined up with Portugal for their Euro qualification matchesCredit: EPA
    His final months at the club were filled with trouble as he struggled to star under new manager Erik ten Hag.
    Ronaldo even refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham before his appearance on Morgan’s TalkTV show.
    In that he criticised the Dutch manager and the club’s Glazer ownership, leading to his contract being mutually terminated.
    He has since joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on a staggering £173-million-a-year deal.
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    Ronaldo has rediscovered his goalscoring form, netting nine goals in his first eight Saudi Pro League games.
    And he has now claimed that he has moved on from his struggles United.
    During a Portugal press conference ahead of their international fixtures, Ronaldo said of his issues at the Red Devils: “Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side.
    “I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets.
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    “Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth.
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    “When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below.
    “Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important because I had never been through this, like in the last few months.
    “Now I’m a better man.”
    Ronaldo has only addressed his exit from Old Trafford once before as he said “this chapter is closed” when asked about it during the Qatar World Cup.
    For now, he will be focused on helping Portugal in their Euro qualification matches against Luxembourg and Lichtenstein. More

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    Man Utd in huge Harry Kane transfer boost as Tottenham line up Dean Henderson to replace Hugo Lloris

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be boosted in their Harry Kane pursuit by Tottenham’s interest in Dean Henderson, according to reports.Spurs are believed to be eyeing a long-term successor for Huge Lloris, 36.
    Tottenham are interested in signing Dean HendersonCredit: Reuters
    Manchester United’s pursuit of Kane could be boosted by Spurs’ interest in the keeperCredit: Getty
    They were said to be interested in England No1 Jordan Pickford but he penned a new long-term deal with Everton in February.
    Tottenham have targeted Henderson as an alternative this summer if United are willing to let him leave, report ESPN.
    And the report adds Red Devils chiefs could use that to their advantage in negotiations over Kane.
    Kane is believed to be Erik ten Hag’s no1 target this summer but United fear nightmare negotiations with Spurs chief Daniel Levy.
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    The striker is understood to have an asking price of £100million but there is concern shrewd negotiator Levy could drag on talks until late in the window.
    However, Spurs’ interest in Henderson could encourage Levy to be more open to talks involving Kane.
    The shot-stopper could also be keen on a move to North London after joining Nottingham Forest on loan to get more first-team football this season.
    He has impressed at the City Ground and had become a vital member of the Forest’s progress before he picked up a muscular injury.
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    Henderson is expected to make a permanent move away from Old Trafford at the end of the season.
    United are also said to be on the lookout for a new keeper and like the look of Brentford star David Raya, who has also been linked to Chelsea. More

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    Man Utd transfer target Randal Kolo Muani drops biggest hint yet over £105m summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt

    MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Randal Kolo Muani has dropped the biggest hint yet he could move to the club. The French forward has been on United’s radar ahead of a possible summer move.
    Randal Kolo Muani has dropped a big hint he may leave Eintracht Frankfurt in the summerCredit: Getty
    Kolo Muani is enjoying a strong season in the Bundesliga
    The transfer could see the Red Devils fork out £105million to prise him away from Oliver Glasner’s Eintracht Frankfurt.
    And the 24-year-old forward has given the biggest hint yet that he may move in the summer.
    Speaking to French publication L’Equipe, he said: “We talk about it a lot already, but I try to be focused on my club.
    “We continue our performances and we will see this summer. Afterwards, I always dreamed of playing in big clubs.”
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    Kolo Muani has scored 16 goals and added 12 assists for Frankfurt this season, which has followed a 16-goal and assist league season with Nantes in Ligue 1.
    This has also seen him court interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
    On his strong form, Muani said: “I thought I was going to need some time to adapt, maybe a year. But everything exploded. Either way, I’m ready for any challenge.
    “I ask the club to get me my statistics on my matches each time. I share this with my physical trainer to know what to improve.
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    “I do a lot of goals and assists, but it’s not at the level where I should be. I still miss quite a bit. This is only my third (full) season as a pro.”
    His form saw him called up by France for the World Cup in Qatar, a few short months after he made his international debut.
    He made a strong impression in appearances off the bench in the semi-final and final.
    The Frenchman netted a killing blow in the semi-final victory over Morocco, while he picked up an assist in the final against Argentina.
    However, he was denied the chance to win the World Cup when Emiliano Martinez saved his shot in extra time which later saw him subjected to vile racist abuse. More

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    Man Utd set to beat Chelsea in transfer race for England wonderkid with Red Devils in ‘advanced talks’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly set to beat Chelsea in the race for teenage wonderkid Harry Amass. The highly-rated 16-year-old has already managed to attract the interest of England’s biggest clubs while in Watford’s youth academy.
    The youth star has been tracked by some of England’s biggest clubs
    Amass has been developing his skills at Watford but could now be set to move onCredit: Getty
    Amass has shown such promise he was even included in a first-team squad for the Hornets back in January.
    But now he appears set to leave Vicarage Road and head to Man United, according to the Evening Standard.
    Chelsea had been in the hunt for the youngster to bolster their youth ranks and develop the star further.
    But Amass is in advanced talks with the Red Devils over a move.
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    The England U16s star reportedly believes that training with a top-tier academy could help further his development more quickly than staying with Watford.
    Amass has been tracked by the country’s biggest clubs since breaking into the national set up at St George’s Park in 2021.
    He was part of the England U16 side who won silverware for England at a Uefa Development tournament last month.
    At club level the defender plays for Watford’s U18 side who are currently eighth in the Professional Development League.
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    While Chelsea will be licking their wounds over failing to land Amass, they did manage to sign another exciting youth ace earlier this month.
    The Blues beat Newcastle to 17-year-old wonderkid Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards from Phoenix All Stars. More

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    Man Utd target Jude Bellingham sparks transfer rumour as he signs fan of rival club’s top while on England duty

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has sparked transfer rumours after he was snapped signing a Liverpool shirt while on international duty. The 19-year-old is at the centre of an epic fight between the world’s biggest clubs who are all looking to sign him this summer.
    Bellingham is a man in demand and could be on the move this summerCredit: Getty
    Another outstanding season for Dortmund and his dazzling displays for England during the World Cup have only increased his value.
    Fans will hope to see him in action over the coming days as he prepares to don his Three Lions shirt for Euro qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
    But before the action can begin, fans gathered at St George’s Park to watch the England stars train as they prepare for their first international match since leaving Qatar.
    Bellingham was pictured signing a Liverpool shirt as he greeted supporters in what Reds fans will hope is a glimmer of the future.
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    The young supporter, already wearing a Liverpool shirt with Mohamed Salah’s name on the back, holds up another shirt to sign which Bellingham does.
    Anfield is among the destinations where Bellingham could end up, with Jurgen Klopp known to be a big fan of the midfielder.
    Liverpool’s hopes of landing him could rest on whether or not the club can get themselves back in the Champions League next season.
    But several other clubs with big pockets are lining up alongside Liverpool, including Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG.
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    Real Madrid have reportedly launched the bidding war this month with a mega £123m offer lodged.
    While Man United are believed to be ready to smash the Premier League transfer record in order to get their hands on Bellingham.
    The current record is held by Enzo Fernandez who Chelsea signed for £106m in January. More

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    Christian Eriksen hands Man Utd huge fitness boost as he returns to training and ditches protective boot

    CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN could be back for Man United soon after having his protective boot removed.He has been on the sidelines since the club’s win over Reading in the FA Cup in January.
    Christian Eriksen is making progress on his comeback from injuryCredit: Getty
    He posted a picture of himself getting rid of his protective bootCredit: instagram.com/stories/chriseriksen8/3064111786839147795/?hl=en
    And changing it for his football bootsCredit: instagram.com/stories/chriseriksen8/3064111786839147795/?hl=en
    The midfielder has confirmed he is back training for the Red Devils on social media.
    The Dane posted three pictures to his Instagram story confirming the removal of his protective boot.
    The collection of snaps shows Eriksen’s progression from wearing the protective boot to trainers to his football boots.
    Eriksen was not expected back until April, but looks on course to feature again for the club before the end of the season.
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    The 31-year-old last spoke about his injury after the Carabao Cup final victory against Newcastle.
    He told MUTV: “I am feeling well.
    “It is always boring to be in a boot and to be on crutches, but I have left the crutches and am now only in a boot, and next week that should be gone then finally start learning to walk. But it feels good.
    “It’s been nice. Obviously, you want to play.
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    “Watching from the stands is more nerve-racking than actually playing, but I kept my calm, and it is nice to see how happy they are.
    “I am just happy that we won the game.”
    His potential return is a timely boost for Man United as they battle for a spot in the top four as well as in the FA Cup and Europa League. More

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    Frankfurt tell Man Utd how much it will cost to land Randal Kolo Muani transfer.. and it’s close to Harry Kane valuation

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been told Randal Kolo Muani’s price tag, according to reports.The Eintracht Frankfurt forward, 24, has been linked with a £105million move to Old Trafford in the summer.
    Randal Kolo Muani has been sensational for Eintracht Frankfurt this seasonCredit: Getty
    It comes during a stellar campaign for the French international – who has racked up 16 goals and 14 assists in 35 appearances.
    His sensational club form saw him selected in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the World Cup.
    And he went on to score in the semi-final victory over Morocco, before Emi Martinez denied him a dramatic winner in the final as Argentina lifted the trophy.
    Kolo Muani’s rapid rise has caught the attention of Man Utd as Erik ten Hag prepares to bolster his forward line in the summer.
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    Chelsea, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move for him.
    According to Get Football News Germany, a bid in excess of £88m would secure his services – less than the £100m being mooted for fellow Man Utd target Harry Kane.
    He has a contract with Frankfurt until 2027.
    The Bundesliga side are wanting to reinvest in their squad as they fear Daichi Kamada, Evan Ndicka, Tuta, Jesper Lindstrom and Djibril Sow could all leave at the end of the season.
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    Frankfurt have been linked with a host of summer signings including Houssem Aouar, Dennis Geiger and Christopher Baumgartner.
    Meanwhile, Man Utd are expected to offload Anthony Martial as he continues to struggle with injury.
    Anthony Elanga has also been linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford.
    Harry Kane could finally depart Tottenham this summerCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd target Victor Osimhen at centre of investigation into Napoli after joining in bizarre swap transfer

    NAPLES hosts its first senior Italy international for ten years when England visit for a Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday.But Estadio Diego Armando Maradona’s atmosphere will be nothing compared to a few weeks’ time if Napoli win a first Serie A title since 1990.
    Victor Osimhen has been Napoli’s main man this seasonCredit: REX
    But their acquisition of the Nigeria international is set to be investigatedCredit: REX
    Napoli are 19 points clear but there are nerves off the pitch over star Victor Osimhen .
    It is no surprise that both Chelsea and Manchester United want to sign the Nigerian, 24, who has 25 goals this term.
    There is concern the move which brought Osimhen from Lille in a £70.1million deal in 2020 could give the club a major problem.
    Juventus suffered a 15-point penalty for false accounting to inflate player transfer values and falsify FFP.
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    It looks as though Napoli may have done something similar. The Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office has asked for a six-month extension to an investigation into the transfer and will make a decision in the summer.
    And it is because £17.5m of that Osimhen transfer was made up of four players who went the other way to Lille.
    These were keeper Orestis Karnezis and three youth-team players, Luigi Liguori, Claudio Manzi and Ciro Palmieri.
    None of those four players, including Karnezis, who was 35 at the time, ever played for Lille. 
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    Some of them have never been to the French city as their deals were soon cancelled and the younger players are in non-league.
    It seems obvious that the actual deal was about Osimhen and a way of spending money on young players which are not included in FFP rules.
    Napoli could be in trouble. But by the time they are dealt with, Osimhen may be in the Premier League.
    The Nigerian recently aid of his future at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium: “When you are doing so well, top clubs around the world are watching, mostly in the top five leagues.
    “And to be able to be attract interest from these top clubs shows that I am doing great and it gives me the motivation to do even more for myself and my team.
    “But I am focused on Napoli right now and they have the final say. I just want to help my team to win matches and win trophies.
    “At the end of the season, we will see what is going to happen, but that is not up to me. It is for the club to decide.”

    CELTIC are known for their incredible support when playing in friendlies south of the border.
    But even by their own high standards, Celtic’s away following at Anfield on Saturday is ridiculous.
    The Hoops sold out their 3,000 allocation and another 2,000 are expected for a charity legends match between Liverpool and Celtic in aid of the LFC Foundation. It’s £27 a ticket, which gets you an executive box at some Scottish grounds…

    TOTTENHAM’S superb training-ground complex is now the official London home of the England senior team.
    While the squad met up at St George’s Park for tomorrow’s game against Italy, they will return to London to train — and also sleep — at Spurs’ practice facilities in Enfield.
    England first used Spurs’ complex in 2017 as Arsenal, the previous hosts, were revamping their pitches at London Colney.
    Gareth Southgate and his players still stayed at the Grove Hotel, near Watford, and commuted to Hotspur Way.
    But these days the FA are hiring both the training pitches and the hotel accommodation.

    COMO against Parma in Serie B at the weekend was a golden one for us oldies.
    Skippering Como to a 2-0 win was 35-year-old Cesc Fabregas — while his opposing captain was Gianluigi Buffon, 45.
    The keeper made his first Parma debut 28 years ago.
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    ROY HODGSON has returned to Crystal Palace aged 75 — although there was a 68-year-old who wanted the job.
    Sam Allardyce loved his spell at Selhurst Park in the 2016-17 season but his reappointment would have really given Palace’s supporters something to moan about. More