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    Premier League clubs agree to introduce spending cap but Man Utd one of three clubs to vote against new rule

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have agreed to push ahead with rules that would cap spending for the first time – despite opposition from Manchester United AND Manchester City.A two-hour “shareholder” meeting of the 20 clubs ended with an agreement that new regulations “anchoring” spending to the lowest earning Premier League side should be drafted ahead of the summer Annual General Meeting.Manchester United are one of three clubs to have opposed the changeCredit: GettyMan City and Man Utd were joined by Aston Villa in opposing the move, with Chelsea understood to have abstained.And the players’ union has now publicly voiced its concerns over the impact.The full measures remain to be confirmed by League legal experts.But it is likely that clubs will be restricted to spending between 4.5 and five times the TV revenue of the lowest-paid club from 2025-25 – bottom-placed Southampton bagged £104m last term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClubs agreed to move to a “legal and economic analysis” of the concept – signalling the arguments of some clubs that restricting spending might be illegal.The PFA has also stepped into the issue, with a warning that it would potentially fight the proposals.A spokesman said: “We will obviously wait to see further details of these specific proposals, but we have always been clear that we would oppose any measure that would place a ‘hard’ cap on player wages.“There is an established process in place to ensure that proposals like this, which would directly impact our members, have to be properly consulted on.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChampions City were the Prem’s biggest spenders last term, with a wage bill of £423m in addition to paying agents £51.5m and an “amortisation” sum of annual transfer instalments of £145m.A cap of 4.5 times the bottom club’s income might have imperilled City and Chelsea last term – although until the full determination of what spending is included in the calculations that does NOT mean a breach would have occurred.Erik ten Hag blasts FFP rules after Man Utd were forced to flog 13 players in January – and still couldn’t sign anyoneIf agreed – a formal vote is now likely at the Harrogate AGM in June – the new measures would be introduced in “shadow” form next term, alongside a “squad cost ratio” format that links expenditure on wages and transfers to a maximum of 85 per cent of club revenues.The sides playing in any of Uefa’s three competitions will be restricted to spending 70 per cent of their income from the start of 2025.But the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules – which allow clubs to lose a maximum £105m over three seasons – will remain in force next season.Some clubs urged that the limit – which has seen Everton and Nottingham Forest deducted points and Leicester facing a similar punishment next season –  should be raised for next term but it was not widely supported. More

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    Why Man Utd flop Antony celebrated with photographer after scoring first Premier League goal of the season

    MANCHESTER UNITED big-money flop Antony has been hiring a personal photographer to get pictures of him in ‘action’.The Brazilian winger scored his first Premier League goal for the club this season and celebrated with the photographer behind the goal at Old Trafford.Antony has been hiring a personal photographer to get pictures of him in ‘action’Credit: RexNow it emerges he is regularly on-hand to collate a catalogue of Antony pictures for the player’s own private collection, for social media postings and endorsements or advertising.It is unclear whether the photographer has got through one roll of film this season given the players poor performances although there are apparently plenty of ‘stills’.Fans have grown increasingly angry with the £85million Brazilian winger’s performances this season which have resulted in him being axed from the United starting line-up.But he was in on Saturday for the home game against Burnley due to Marcus Rashford’s absence.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe scored a cracking opener in the 65th minute before The Clarets went on to share the points with a late penalty.Antony celebrated with his teammates and put a spare ball under his shirt.He then went over to his friend the photographer and hugged him before lifting up a Sonic The Hedgehog toy which the snapper had brought along in case his employer scored.The Hedgehog had spent nearly the whole league season in hibernation but was finally brought out as Antony picked it up in celebration.Most read in FootballAntony, 24, said afterwards that the celebration was for his son who loves the Sonic character.The ball under his shirt was a show of affection to his wife who is expecting a daughter.Sky Sports pundit puts head in hand after Man Utd icon Roy Keane makes public U-turn over Erling Haaland live on TVAntony said: “Sonic is my son Lorenzo’s favourite cartoon. He loves. He is growing up and is incredible, a little partner in my life, he makes me happy every day. “And we are also very excited for the arrival of our little Lavinne. A baby who is already very loved by everyone.”God has been very good to our family. I’m happy to score a goal, I was looking for that, to be able to pay homage to them, as they give me motivation to continue my work in the best possible way with the United shirt, which I respect and love so much.”It was his first Premier League goal since April of last season but he has scored twice in the FA Cup this season against Newport and Liverpool.Players having their own personal photographers at games is not unique to Antony with a number of other United players having them present.Stars at other clubs also have them and have gained access to the touchline at Old Trafford when their players visit.Sonic the Hedgehog is an action comedy which could describe United’s season.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir draw with Burnley on Saturday combined with Aston Villa taking a point at home to Chelsea means the Red Devils mathematically have no chance of reaching the top four this season.At best they can get into the Europa League either through staying in the top six or in the unlikely outcome of them beating Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.Antony celebrated with a Sonic The Hedgehog toy in a nod to his sonCredit: Alamy More

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    Arsenal fans say ‘Maddison hasn’t been seen since’ as ‘naughty’ video of Havertz emerges from win over Tottenham

    ARSENAL fans said “James Maddison hasn’t been seen since” after a “naughty” video of Kai Havertz emerged from Sunday’s win over Tottenham.The two playmakers pulled the strings as their sides played out a thrilling north London derby.Kai Havertz got into a ‘naughty’ altercation with James Maddison in the north London derbyCredit: XArsenal ace Havertz shoved Spurs star Maddison during his side’s 3-2 winCredit: XArsenal stormed into a 3-0 lead as they looked to put the game to bed by half-time.But Tottenham fought back in the second 45 with two goals as they fell short of a completing a sensational comeback.The result means Arsenal remain top of the table while Spurs languish outside the top four.And Gunners fans couldn’t resist commenting on one brutal moment from a memorable match.READ MORE ON ARSENALA clip emerged of Havertz and Maddison battling for the ball at the Tottenham Stadium.Havertz attempted to hoof the ball up the field before his effort was blocked by Maddison’s outstretched leg.But Havertz decided to show off his rough side as the ball went out of play.As Maddison turned around to face him, Havertz brutally shoved the Spurs man with both hands.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe push sent Maddison off the field and out of camera shot.And Arsenal fans joked that the England man was not seen afterwards.’Bravest fan in the world’ spotted in the Tottenham end with an ARSENAL shirt after turning up with wrong ticketOne said: “Maddison hasn’t been seen since.”Another declared: “A bit naughty for a decent team.”One likened Havertz to Man Utd legend and “baby-faced assassin” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, noting: “Kai is such a baby assassin, you’d think he’s soft and there for the taking but he’s got some steel about him too.”Another added: “Might have been my favourite moment from the game.” More

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    Sky Sports pundit puts head in hand after Man Utd icon Roy Keane makes public U-turn over Erling Haaland live on TV

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane claimed Erling Haaland performed like a Championship player during Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.The former midfielder likened Haaland to a League Two player last month.Roy Keane has compared Haaland to a Championship playerCredit: Sky SportErling Haaland came off the bench to score for Man CityCredit: GettyFollowing City’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal, he said: “The levels of his general play is so poor and not just today.”I think laying stuff off, headers, whatever it might be. In terms of in front of goal, he’s the best in the world.”But his general play for such a player is so poor. Not just today, he has to improve.”He’s almost like a League Two player, that’s how I look at him. His general play, it has to improve and it will do over the next few years.”Read More on FootballHowever, Keane changed his mind at the weekend and instead suggested that he was more like a “Championship” player.Speaking on Sky Sports, the United icon said: “He was very much like a Championship player.”He’s improved a lot. In terms of goalscoring, he’s absolutely amazing. He took three or four touches there and the defender is on the back foot.”There is no doubting his quality. You’re looking at players coming off the bench, he’d be frustrated and when he’s coming on he wants to have an impact on the game. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHaaland is currently leading the Premier League Golden Boot race”When the game is stretched like that and you’ve got people like [Kevin] De Bruyne, he’s going to find you.”Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal star Paul Merson was left with his head in his hands after listening to Keane’s claim.Haaland came off the bench to score for Man City in the 71st minute.Roy Keane blasts Erling Haaland as a ‘LEAGUE TWO player’ in his all-round play in scathing rant after Arsenal draw Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win 2-0, piling the pressure on title rivals Arsenal.City now sit second in the Premier League table, one point adrift of the Gunners with a game in hand.Klopp copied Fergie’s ‘biggest mistake’ and it’s derailed his final season, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    JURGEN KLOPP was genuinely surprised to hear it, on the January day when he announced his intention to quit Liverpool at the end of the season.
    It was put to him that Sir Alex Ferguson had told his Manchester United players in the summer of 2001 that the coming season would be his last.
    Ferguson later performed a U-turn and stayed at Old Trafford for another 11 years.
    But the great Scot admitted that revealing his intentions had been the ‘biggest mistake I made’.
    “I think a lot of them put their tools away,” said Ferguson, “They thought, ‘Oh, the manager’s leaving’.”
    It was a part of English footballing history which Klopp knew nothing about and he raised his eyebrows when he was told about it.
    Liverpool were top of the Premier League, having lost only a single domestic match all season – and that a controversial VAR-infested affair at Tottenham.
    But their form has nosedived since, with dreams of a farewell quadruple long gone.
    And Klopp may well now be reflecting on the wisdom of his announcement.
    Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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    How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poet

    IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.Mauricio Pochettino’s side have struggled for any consistency this seasonCredit: AFPThe Argentine may not be aware of the works of RumiCredit: Getty – ContributorIt’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge. Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.And it is with that in mind that an unfortunate hernia issue for one half of the most expensive midfield duo in British football could turn out to be a blessing in disguise that even Rumi wouldn’t have seen coming.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThere is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom.Both players are exceptional individual talents.Caicedo was superb for Brighton last season, prompting Chelsea to splash a potential British record £115million on the Ecuadorian.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFernandez is a World Cup winner aged just 23. A quick look at his YouTube highlights underlines the dazzling skills in his feet.You cannot blame Chelsea for being tempted with both players. Yet put them together and maybe this is part of the reason why the club cannot drive at the opposition, why they cannot press for large chunks of games and why they seem unable to break from defence as quickly as other top teams can.Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ five things in scathing rant after ref changes mind over late Chelsea goalIt is not such about how Chelsea play with the two players treading on each other’s toes as part of the same line-up – it is more about what happens when one is NOT there.Take the recent 6-0 destruction of Everton for example. Fernandez missed the entire game because of his fitness and illness issues according to the head coach.Consequently, Everton were ripped to shreds, with Caicedo partnering Conor Gallagher in midfield – a player who can play as both forward thinking with a ‘safety first’ approach too.As a result, Chelsea went into the following Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City in bubbly mood but with Fernandez back in the side.They created chances but failed to produce the goal which would have surely been enough to see off a leggy City team who dribbled one in with just minutes to go of normal time.Moises Caicedo was given freedom to roam without Enzo Fernandez next to himCaicedo was much more subdued alongside the Argentine against ArsenalFernandez played primarily on the right side of midfield against the GunnersCaicedo was everywhere against Everton in Fernandez’s absenceGallagher started the season as a holding midfielder for Chelsea for the first ten games. He was man of the match in the opener against Liverpool.Carney Chukwuemeka was played as a ‘number ten’ supporting the attack.The midfield was fluid then Pochettino settled on Fernandez and Caicedo as what is known as ‘double sixes’ : leaving Gallagher in no-man’s land.With Fernandez now out until next season, Gallagher can partner Caicedo as a bridge between midfield and the forwards.In particular he can leave the ‘ten’ role to Cole Palmer, infinitely better suited to that than Gallagher as the 20 goals this season underline.Chelsea have five games left this season to discover if this new formation works consistently. If it does then it may store up problems ahead for when Fernandez is fit again.If Pochettino remains in his job until next season, he will find it awkward not playing a £106m World Cup-winning midfielder every week.READ MORE SUN STORIESTry telling your boss the nine-figure footballer he splashed out on is a luxury. That is when the real trouble will start.But Rumi probably already knew that years ago.Moises Caicedo’s role has varied in recent weeksCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez has suffered a season-ending injuryCredit: Getty More

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    Premier League manager features in hit music video as fans say ‘this is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen’

    SEAN DYCHE has delighted fans by appearing in Blossoms’ latest music video.The Everton boss, 52, has made no secret of his love for music in the past.Sean Dyche featured in Blossoms’ latest music videoCredit: X / @BlossomsBandDyche, 52, addressed the members of BlossomsCredit: X / @BlossomsBandThe Everton boss bobbed his head to Blossoms’ new tuneCredit: X / @BlossomsBandIn an interview with the BBC last year, Dyche lifted the lid on his taste in music.He said: “I love music. I love house music, I love dance music, I love rave music.”Back in the day, Haçienda and all that wasn’t it. Dropping all the ones and twos.”Dyche has now contributed to the music video for indie rock band Blossoms’ latest track, entitled “What Can I Say (After I’m Sorry)”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe new tune is out on May 1, with Blossoms posting a teaser on their social media page, featuring Toffees boss Dyche.They captioned their post: “Sean Dyche sends the five of us on a mission in our new single What Can I Say (After I’m Sorry) out Wednesday 1st May.”The clip begins with Dyche, wearing a suit with no tie, telling band members: “You’re the specialist group of people to make sure we can pull this job off.”He’s later seen speaking on the phone, saying: “What’s the problem mate? What could possibly get in the way of my impeccable plan?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTowards the end of the 21-second clip, he is also seen bobbing his head to the music.Just last week, Dyche was congratulated by Green Day star Billie Joe Armstrong for masterminding Everton’s 2-0 win over Liverpool.Jamie Carragher brutally trolls Gary Neville with brilliant flashback as pair discuss Sean Dyche’s shock transformationArmstrong, 52, posted a clip gushing over the Toffees’ “fantastic win”.Dyche has been a fan of Green Day since being convinced to watch them live by pal Stuart Pearce.He had recounted the story while appearing on a podcast, urging others to go and see Green Day live.His message eventually found its way to Armstrong, who took to social media to return the favour.After referencing the “unexpected” message, Dyche said: “I was with the lads from the Blossoms recently who are just great, there are so many.”Dyche has plenty of reasons to be cheerful at the moment, having guided Everton away from the Premier League relegation zone.Despite having eight points deducted, Everton are 11 above the relegation zone following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Brentford.Dyche has guided the Toffees away from the relegation zoneCredit: Getty More

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    Jamie Redknapp reveals Robbie Williams came on Liverpool team bus to a match after ‘hiding’ at Sky Sports pundit’s house

    FORMER England midfielder Jamie Redknapp has recalled the time Robbie Williams “hid” at his house.Speaking to Geoff Shreeves on the Football, Music and Me podcast, Redknapp revealed the music icon turned to him after leaving Take That in 1995.Jamie Redknapp discussed the time Robbie Williams joined him at Liverpool trainingCredit: Football Music and MeRobbie Williams turned to Redknapp after leaving Take ThatCredit: The Mega AgencyThe ex-Liverpool star said: “He came and stayed in my house while all this went on, all the chaos, just to almost hide.”Redknapp went on to reveal that Williams would join him at Liverpool training and even travel on the team bus to matches.”He used to come to the training ground with us. He came to Liverpool and Roy Evans would invite him onto the team bus when we played Aston Villa,” he continued.The former England star also recalled the time he and Williams went on a night out.Read More on FootballRedknapp added: “Even in that time when he was out, when he was staying at our house. “So Don Hutchinson and I, we were good mates with him and Phil Babb so we took him into town and we end up in this area where they used to do a lot of karaoke.”So we went along, we’re having a couple of drinks with Rob. Robbie loves karaoke so he said, ‘I’m getting up’.”We said we didn’t think it was a good idea, he’s meant to be incognito. But there was no social media then, you can imagine.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Anyway, he gets up on the karaoke and he’s belting out a great song, not one of his but a beautiful song. He sounds amazing.”This old boy came up to me and went, ‘He’s good, isn’t he. Is he your mate?'”I went, ‘Yeah, he’s got a chance hasn’t he?’ And he went, ‘Yeah, he could go right to the top this lad’.”Jamie Redknapp names the two games that will decide whether Man City, Liverpool or Arsenal will win Premier League titleRedknapp spent 11 years at Liverpool after joining in 1991 and made 308 appearances.He then went on to spend three years at Tottenham and a short spell at Southampton before retiring in 2005.Throughout his time as a player, Redknapp dated Louise Nurding from girl group Eternal.The pair got married in 1998 and had two children before divorcing in 2017.The ex-England star now works as a pundit for Sky Sports.Jamie and Louise were married for 19 yearsCredit: GettyCan you name the famous fathers? More

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    Thiago Silva breaks down in tears as he announces Chelsea exit but plans swift return with both sons still at club

    THIAGO SILVA broke down in tears as he confirmed he is quitting Chelsea at the end of this season.But the veteran Brazilian is already talking up his dream to return to the club one day in a new role.Thiago Silva has announced he will be leaving Chelsea this summerSilva broke down in tears as he reflected on his four-year staySilva won the Champions League during his first season at ChelseaCredit: GettySilva, 39, is out of contract at the end of the season and has found first team games harder to come by.But he hopes his legacy will continue through his sons, who both play for Chelsea’s academy.And Silva is also eyeing a stunning return to Stamford Bridge once he hangs up his boots.But there are fears he has already played his last game for Chelsea as he awaits the results of a scan after hurting his groin in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSilva said: “I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.“My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.“In everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end. “I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSilva was signed by former boss Frank Lampard and went on to win the Champions League with Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.He is a firm favourite with the fans but his outspoken wife Isabelle has given current head coach Mauricio Pochettino a hard time in recent months with her criticism of the team and the tactics.Thiago Silva’s son, 14, plays for Chelsea youth team as fans rave ‘he’s better than Cucurella and Koulibaly already’Silva hopes to return to Chelsea one day with his two sons still at the club’s academyBelle Silva’s most controversial momentsAll the chaos from her time at Stamford Bridge:
    MAURICIO POCHETTINO
    Belle went after Poch when he axed Silva for Chelsea’s 4-2 defeat to Wolves earlier this year.
    She said:  “It’s time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late.”
    Belle later apologised after Silva was summoned to a meeting with his boss.
    But she was at it again this month after the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, posting emojis to signify “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.”
    TIMO WERNER
    Belle Silva slammed Werner’s poor finishing after he fluffed his lines in Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final win over Real Madrid in 2021.
    Belle said: “This is karma, guys. Every team I go to there is a striker who keeps missing goals… this Werner, what is his name?”
    In another video she added: “We need a goal, we need to win this match but my attackers don’t want to score, I don’t know why they don’t score.”
    GRAHAM POTTER
    Belle once liked a tweet labelling Potter a “deadbeat coach” during his ill-fated reign last season.
    And after he dropped Silva from Chelsea’s XI, she wrote on social media: “I just think that going back or looking for solutions when you take a hasty and totally wrong attitude is not wrong #goblues.”
    STAMFORD BRIDGE
    Belle let rip at Chelsea’s décor team when they failed to put up a photo of Silva after redecorating the ground.
    She said: “Today I went to Stamford Bridge, and I noticed that the photos changed around the stadium. But I don’t see a photo of @tsilva3 anywhere. Why @ChelseaFC?”
    COMMENTATORS
    Belle went on the offensive after a commentator criticised Silva’s lack of effort in one match.
    She roared: “I’m here in my box at Stamford Bridge. I just listened right now to the commentator, who said that Thiago Silva is not attacking enough.
    “Respect Thiago Silva because Thiago Silva arrived yesterday, Thiago Silva played for Brazil, Thiago Silva is very tired, Thiago Silva is 37 years old, he plays like he is 20 years old.
    “So respect him, he’s not a machine. He needs to relax, alright?
    “Very difficult to see what I see on TV. At home the situation worsens because I don’t know how to help, what to say. Very sad @tsilva3 you aren’t alone.”
    ANDY ROBERTSON
    Belle took aim at the Liverpool star after he appeared to gloat over a tackle made on Jorginho.
    She wrote: “Chilwell is better than u dude you even lost to Southampton.”

    Silva said: “When I started here, it was during the pandemic so there wasn’t any fans in the stadium. “But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here.“The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it, having arrived as the new guy. “It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.“Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world.“Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day.”Thiago Silva’s career statsThose numbers in full:

    RS Futebol, 2002-2003: 25 games, 2 goals

    Juventude, 2004: 36 games, 3 goals

    Porto B, 2004-2005: 14 games, 0 goals

    Dynamo Moscow, 2005: 0 games, 0 goals

    Fluminense, 2006-2008: 143 games, 14 goals

    AC Milan, 2009-2012: 119 games, 6 goals

    PSG, 2012-2020: 315 games, 17 goals

    Chelsea, 2020-2024: 151 games, 9 goals

    Brazil, 2008-2022: 113 games, 7 goals

    Trophies: Brazilian Cup (Fluminense); Serie A, Italian Super Cup (AC Milan); Ligue 1 x7, French Cup x5, League Cup x6, Champions Trophy x5 (PSG); Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup (Chelsea); Copa America, Confederations Cup (Brazil) More