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    Casemiro breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man Utd axe as he backs former team-mate

    CASEMIRO has given his total backing to Cristiano Ronaldo for the stunning outburst which finally ended his Manchester United career.Ronaldo’s Old Trafford contract was dramatically cancelled last week, after he put the boot into United in an interview with Piers Morgan.
    Brazil star Casemiro has credited Ronaldo with helping him settle at Old Trafford and believes the whole of Manchester will be ‘sad’ to see him goCredit: Getty
    Casemiro is supporting ousted Old Trafford legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who he was also team-mates with at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Yet while it enraged his bosses to such an extent that they acted swiftly to cancel his contract, there is no such fall-out with his team-mates.
    And Casemiro took a break from preparing for Brazil’s World Cup clash with Switzerland tomorrow to back his now former colleague.
    He revealed: “I haven’t exchanged any messages with him, but Cristiano is a really experienced guy and knows what’s good for his career.
    “Of course we’re sad, especially in Manchester, because you’re talking about one of the best players in history.
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    “But Cristiano is a grown up and knows what’s best for him.
    As friends we just wish him all the best in the world and football wise hope everything goes well – except when he’s playing against us.”
    Midfield anchorman Casemiro has previously singled out ex-Real Madrid pal Ron for helping him and former Ajax winger Antony settle at Old Trafford.
    The midfield anchorman told United’s website last month: “First of all, Cris is a great friend of ours.
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    “He’s always helped us from the moment we arrived.
    “He’s an exceptional person, I already knew him from Real Madrid. We’ve worked together for a long time.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘takes Portugal squad for dinner and picks up the bill’ after Man Utd axe drama

    UNEMPLOYED Cristiano Ronaldo took the Portugal squad out for dinner and reportedly picked up the bill.The legendary 37-year-old is available on a free transfer after Manchester United ripped up his contract before Portugal’s first World Cup group match against Ghana.
    Ronaldo – sat at the back next to ex-United team-mate Diogo Dalot – reportedly picked up the bill at a team dinnerCredit: FPF
    Ronaldo scored in Portugal’s group opening win against GhanaCredit: AP
    United’s decision to get rid of Ronaldo came after his explosive sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo accused Man Utd of betrayal, and slammed the lack of investment in the club’s infrastructure.
    Present United figures such as boss Erik ten Hag were in the firing line, with Ronaldo admitting he does not respect the Dutchman.
    And former team-mates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were also slammed for their criticism.
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    Portugal went on to win their opening game 3-2 against Ghana, with Ronaldo scoring from the penalty spot.
    And to keep spirits high, according to  El Espanol, Ronaldo took his team-mates out for dinner at the recently opened Tatel de Doha restaurant on Al Maha Island.
    Ronaldo, as well as Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, are among partners at Mabel Hospitality, who own the restaurant.
    He is said to have picked up the bill and the Portugal team were all smiles as they posed for a group photo.
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    The most expensive starter on the menu is Fresh Avocado “Al Ajillo” & Carabinero, which would set you back £34.
    The meat isn’t cheap either, with a Australian T-bone Steak costing £224.
    Ronaldo only drinks on special occasions, but should the Portugal team have decided to sip some champagne, the most expensive bottle comes in at £2662.
    The Portugal team were out until 11.30pm before the national team picked up the players on their own bus.  
    Portugal’s next Group H game is against Uruguay on Monday.
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    Man Utd transfer boost in Cristiano Ronaldo replacement hunt as Joao Felix ‘demands Atletico Madrid exit in January’

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Joao Felix has demanded to leave Atletico Madrid in January, according to reports.Felix, 23, joined Diego Simeone’s side for £113million back in 2019.
    Joao Felix could replace Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Man UnitedCredit: Getty
    But despite his huge fee, the Portuguese star has started only five of Atletico’s 14 LaLiga games so far this term.
    According to Marca, Felix has asked agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new club mid-season.
    The Red Devils are believed to be a realistic contender – given their long-term interest and current need for a forward.
    After terminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract by mutual consent, United boss Erik ten Hag has been left with only Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford up top.
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    The Red Devils could look to prise Felix away from Wanda Metropolitano at a cut-price – with Atletico in need of funds following an early Champions League exit.
    Felix has made 129 appearances for Atleti since joining from Benfica – scoring 33 times and laying on 18 assists – while he also scored in his country’s 3-2 win over Ghana at the World Cup this week.
    Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also claimed to be in the mix for his signature.
    Should Felix get his move, it could open the door for compatriot Ronaldo to replace him at Atleti.
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    The club’s fans protested against a move for the former Real Madrid talisman last summer.
    But that hasn’t deterred boss Diego Simeone from potentially making a move.
    The Argentine is said to be enamoured with the idea of signing Ronaldo – believing that he still possesses the leadership and mentality to help guide his team to success.
    While Atletico could make a move for the 37-year-old, a number of other clubs have signalled that they won’t try to sign him.
    They include Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and even boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.
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    Man Utd have ‘hardly any chance’ to sign Jude Bellingham leaving Liverpool & Man City in straight fight for England ace

    MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly have “hardly any chance” of signing Jude Bellingham.And now it is rivals Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid leading the chase for the teenage sensation.
    Man Utd have allegedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
    The England World Cup star is arguably the hottest commodity in Europe after his displays for club and country.
    Bellingham has been enjoying a stunning season at Dortmund with seven goals and two assists in 20 appearances.
    And he followed that up by bagging his first goal for the Three Lions in a stunning display in the 6-2 victory over Iran on Monday.
    The 19-year-old is subject to a five-way bidding war between the continent’s elite clubs.
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    However, now it seems that United and Premier League rivals Chelsea are out of the running.
    And it is now a “triple fight” for Bellingham’s signature between Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid.
    That is according to Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenberg.
    He tweeted an update on the situation that said: “X News #Bellingham: Been told that #MUFC hardly has a chance anymore. Triple fight: Liverpool, City, Real!”
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    He added: “#LFC & Klopp pushing! But not at any price due to FFP. Price: Up to €150m! JB is LFCs top target for central midfield – next to 2 players from South America.”
    Bellingham’s goal against Iran further strengthened his growing reputation on the world stage. 
    But the ex-Birmingham City ace and his England teammates failed to shine again on Friday in the drab goalless World Cup draw with USA.
    Even the WAGs were yawning during the game as the toothless Three Lions failed to mount any serious threat to the Americans.
    That result left England still top of the group on four points, a point ahead of second-placed Iran.
    The USA, who take on Iran on Tuesday, are third on two points after consecutive draws.
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    And Wales, who England face in their final Group B match, are bottom on one point.
    That means the Three Lions will qualify for the knockouts if they avoid a defeat by four goals to the Welsh. More

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    Flamengo ‘target shock Cristiano Ronaldo free transfer in time for Club World Cup’ after Man Utd contract termination

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is being lined up for a shock move outside Europe.That’s because Brazilian giants Flamengo are reportedly lining up a swoop.
    Brazilian side Flamengo are lining up a deal for Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty
    And they want a deal done in time for Ronaldo to play at the Club World Cup – and a potential clash with former club Real Madrid.
    The Portugal legend is a free agent after leaving Manchester United.
    And Veja claims Flamengo chiefs are already talking with sponsors over how to finance a potential deal.
    It’s reckoned the samba side want to offer Ronaldo a three-month contract.
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    That would allow the ace to play for them at the Club World Cup in February.
    And Ronaldo could then either sign on for the rest of 2023 or choose somewhere else to ply his trade.
    It remains to be seen if the 37-year-old fancies a move to South America though.
    Ronaldo has been strongly linked with a move to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.
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    And there could even be an offer from Saudi Arabia coming his way.
    Australian A-League chiefs also want to join the bidding war.
    But after pocketing mammoth wages at United, Ronaldo may have to lower his demands to continue playing at the top level. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ‘could face each other in 2023 as Saudi government target audacious double transfer’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi could sensationally face each other once again in 2023.That’s because Saudi Arabia’s government are targeting an audacious double transfer for the superstars.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is being lined up for a move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Rex
    Lionel Messi is also being lined up for a Saudi switchCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo, 37, is without a club after leaving Manchester United this week.
    The veteran striker is currently starring for Portugal at the World Cup.
    But as soon as the Qatar showpiece is over he will then be on the lookout for a new club in the January transfer window.
    After rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, Ronaldo could now be tempted by a switch to the Middle East.
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    The Mirror claims Saudi government are quietly confident the legendary forward will be playing in their country soon.
    And they also reckon they can add old rival Messi to their growing stable of superstars.
    The Argentine is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain next summer, with the French side fearing he will move on.
    Messi is thought to be tempted by a money-spinning move outside of Europe, with the MLS an option.
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    But he is already an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s tourist board.
    And that could help solidify a deal for Messi to eventually play in the kingdom.
    However, it’s reckoned the Barcelona icon would play for a different team to Ronaldo’s.
    And that would see them resume their epic rivalry last seen in their El Clasico days. More

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    Brazil in another World Cup blow as Man Utd star Antony misses training through illness amid Neymar injury fears

    BRAZIL have been dealt another blow after Antony missed training through illness.The five-time winners are already sweating on the fitness of Neymar, who limped off against Serbia on Thursday after injuring his ankle.
    Antony came on in the second half of Brazil’s win against SerbiaCredit: Getty
    The PSG star was reduced to tears after being on the recieving end of a poor tackle from Nikola Milenkovic.
    According to Brazilian journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos, Neymar won’t miss the rest of the World Cup, but might not play again in the groups.
    He said: “His participation in the World Cup is not in danger, although he may not return until the round of 16. Good news.”
    But the South Americans have been handed another blow after a malaise forced Manchester United winger Antony to sit out training on Friday.
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    According to Isabelle Costa, Antony was one of four absent players.
    Along with Neymar, West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta and Liverpool star Alisson Becker also missed out.
    Antony’s setback comes less than 24 hours after making his World Cup debut in the Serbia win.
    Strangely, it was the ex-Ajax star who replaced Neymar late in the game.
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    Brazil don’t play again until Monday, but they’ll need Antony available, especially with Neymar potentially missing out against Switzerland and Cameroon.
    Regardless, Tito still has an abundance of wide options, with the likes of Rodrygo, Gabriell Martinelli and Flamengo’s Pedro all waiting in the wings. More

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    Man Utd were right to axe Cristiano Ronaldo and Chelsea should NOT sign 37-year-old Portuguese star, says Danny Murphy

    MANCHESTER UNITED made the right decision to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract as it “suits both parties”.That is according to Liverpool hero Danny Murphy, who admits it’s a “shame” Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford came to an end on such a sad note.
    Manchester United were right to axe Cristiano Ronaldo, claims Danny MurphyCredit: Getty
    United tore up the star forward’s £500,000-a-week deal after his recent bombshell interview in which he slammed the club from top to bottom.
    But Murphy claims the five-time Ballon d’Or winner can now find a new challenge that will allow him to continue playing regularly while the Red Devils can move on.
    The 37-year-old’s next destination is unknown as he is currently focused on Portugal and the World Cup, but Chelsea have been linked with a bid.
    However, Murphy insists the Blues should steer clear as they would inherit the same problems as United.
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    The former midfielder claims Ronaldo wouldn’t suit Chelsea manager Graham Potter’s philosophy as he likes to rotate and thus wouldn’t start him on a regular basis.
    Speaking to Lord Ping, Murphy said: “I think that it’s a shame that it ended this way. We’re talking about one of the greatest players that’s ever lived, a guy that has been an inspiration to kids and footballers around the world by demonstrating what you can achieve through hard work mixed with talent.
    “He has done remarkable things in the game, and I don’t like the fact that he is leaving a club that he has had such an affinity with, in a negative way.
    “Hopefully, over time, he’ll be remembered for all of the good things that he did there and I think that will be the case. It is a shame for both him and the club. I think that it’s a decision that suits both parties. Sometimes things come to an end, and, when things end because of a breakdown, it’s very rare they end nicely.
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    “I think it’s the right decision. He needs a new challenge and will want to finish his last year or two in the game playing regularly. Good luck to him. In an ideal world these things wouldn’t happen and would be dealt with behind closed doors.
    “I think over time it will die down. I don’t think it will be forgotten, but his success, goals and triumphs will be remembered as the overriding memory, not this incident.
    “For United, they can move forward now and put this to bed. They can concentrate on improving the young players they have and can bring in some new ones.
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    Danny Murphy insists Chelsea shouldn’t sign Cristiano Ronaldo after his Manchester United exitCredit: The Sun
    “In terms of moving to Chelsea, I can’t see it. I think Graham Potter would inherit the same problems if he doesn’t play him every week, and Graham Potter likes to rotate.
    “In fact, he is a manager that never plays the same team every week. I don’t think Ronaldo would be too engaged with his rotation policy. I really can’t see it happening. I’d be gobsmacked if it did.” More