Retime

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo health and fitness secrets at 36 with diet plan featuring swordfish, chicken and five naps per day

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO is entering the twilight years of his career – but still looks as fit as ever on and off the pitch.And Manchester United fans are already seeing the fruits of his labours in his second spell at Old Trafford, with the superstar scoring 14 goals in 22 games so far.
      Ronaldo’s incredible diet revealed
      CR7 joined the Red Devils from Juventus for £12.8m last summer.
      After a tricky start to his Italian venture, the superstar scored 31 goals in 47 games in all competitions in his debut season.
      He also beat Ali Daei’s international goal record scoring his 111th for Portugal last year.
      But behind the scenes it takes a lot of hard work.
      From his diet, to exercise routine to sleep and rest, Ronaldo leads the most disciplined of lifestyles.
      He can eat up to SIX meals a day, with fish a big part of his diet.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}MOST READ IN FOOTBALL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Fish and salad form an integral part of Cristiano Ronaldo’s dietCredit: Instagram
      Ronaldo describes chicken as his ‘magic food’
      Swordfish, tuna and braised cod are particular favourites.
      He regards chicken as ‘magical’ due to its high protein and low fat content.
      For breakfast Ronaldo will eat ham and cheese and low-fat yoghurt.
      If he doesn’t have it for brekkie, the Manchester United star will wolf down avocado toast for snacks during the day.
      Lunch No1 could consist of chicken and salad, while No2 might be fish – maybe tuna with salad, eggs and olives.
      Dinner will see the football legend fill his boots with meat or fish, maybe breaking them up in two separate sittings.
      The Man Utd striker concentrates on his core fitness that gives him a body of a 20-something year oldCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The legendary footballer is a big fan of swimming, which he will often do with his son Cristiano JrCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      FIVE NAPS PER DAY
      Steak, swordfish or the Lisbon speciality of Bacalao a la Brasa – a mixture of braised cod, onions, thinly sliced potatoes and scrambled eggs should see him through till bedtime.
      Once tucked up, Ronaldo will ensure he has eight hours of sleep each night.
      That’s in addition to FIVE naps he will take during the day.
      Speaking about rest, the Portuguese superstar said: “Proper sleep is really important for getting the most out of training.
      “I go to bed early and get up early, especially before matches. Sleep helps muscles recover which is really important.”
      Clearly the gym and intense exercise is a huge part of Ronaldo’s life – as shown by his incredible muscle definition and speedy recovery from injury.
      The forward follows a Pilates-based routine that focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core.
      Ronaldo insists rest and sleep are essential for leading the healthiest life possibleCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      The Portuguese international may be 36, but is still in the shape of his lifeCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      LOVES SWIMMING
      He is also a big fan of swimming, often taking to the pool with son Cristiano Jr.
      For all his niggles and knocks sustained on the football pitch, Ronaldo invested in a £50,000 Cryotherapy chamber.
      Standing in the chamber for around three minutes, liquid nitrogen freezes Ronaldo to between minus 160 and minus 200 degrees Celsius.
      Cryotherapy beats muscle soreness and reduces swelling, inflammation or sprains.
      But Ronaldo puts mental health alongside physical health as being key to being happy on the pitch as well as off it.
      This involves spending quality time with his family – partner Georgina Rodriguez and his four children Cristiano Jr, twins Mateo and Eva Maria and Alana Martina.
      The superstar said: “Mental strength is just as important as physical strength.
      “Training and physical sessions are most important, but living a relaxed lifestyle helps you to be the best you can be, physically and mentally.
      “I spend my free time with family and friends, which keeps me relaxed and in a positive mindset.”
      And the final secret behind Ronaldo’s supreme physical condition – no alcohol.
      He has been teetotal since at least 2005 – not only because of the adverse affects on his diet, but also because his father’s death when Ronaldo was 20 was alcohol related.
      The Manchester United man leads the most disciplined of life off the pitchCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Cristiano Ronaldo say’s he’s so happy to be home in first interview since dream return to Man Utd More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona’s biggest flops XI of 21st century named by Spanish media, including Ibrahimovic and two ex-Arsenal stars

      by

      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC and Philippe Coutinho have been named in Barcelona’s “Flop XI” for the 21st Century by the Spanish media.Despite enjoying huge success across the rest of Europe, the pair struggled at the Nou Camp.
      The Barcelona ‘Flop XI’ of the 21st Century, according to Marca
      Two former Arsenal stars also make the XI – but who else makes the flop XI, put together by Marca?DEFENCE
      Richard Dutruel, Martin Caceres, Dmytro Chygrysnkiy, Yerry Mina, Thomas Vermaelen
      FRENCH goalkeeper Dutruel excelled at Celta Vigo, to catch the eye of Barca in 2000 – but he sat behind a young Pepe Reina in the pecking order.
      He left two years later with just 15 LaLiga appearances under his belt.
      In defence, there are two former Premier League stars – with Marca naming four centre-backs, including Everton’s Mina and former Gunners ace Vermaelen.
      Mina lasted just six months at the Nou Camp before heading to Goodison Park, playing a mere two games.
      Incredibly, the Spanish side managed to make a £20million profit on the flop.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Vermaelen on the other hand was hampered by injuries during his five-year star in Barcelona.
      He played just 34 times and was loaned out to Roma before heading to Japan to join Andres Iniesta at Vissel Kobe.
      Chygrysnkiy was brought to the Nou Camp after seven solid years at Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth over £20m.
      But he lasted just one season before heading back to Ukraine after struggling for form.
      Meanwhile, Caceres arrived a hot prospect, but injuries and inconsistent form ensured he never lived up to his potential.
      MIDFIELD
      Alex Song, Andre Gomes
      PREMIER LEAGUE fans will be all-too familiar with this pair.
      Song had all the promise in the world but was hindered by injuries throughout his career.
      Despite struggling to stay fit at Arsenal – and after a loan spell at Charlton – Barcelona took a chance on him in 2012.
      Vermaelen joined Barcelona from Arsenal in 2014 but struggled mightilyCredit: Reuters
      Alex Song failed to make an impact at Barcelona following his move from ArsenalCredit: EFE
      In four years, he managed fewer than 40 LaLiga games having been shipped off to West Ham between 2014 and 2015 and eventually joined Rubin Kazan in 2016.
      Song’s best-remembered moment at Barcelona had nothing to do with football either.
      The midfielder infamously thought Carles Puyol was handing him the LaLiga trophy to celebrate with… but it was, of course, being given to Eric Abidal. Awkward.
      Everton star Gomes joined after enjoying a superb debut LaLiga season with Valencia.
      The classy Portugal midfielder made fewer than 50 appearances across three years and was ultimately sold to Everton after a loan spell at Goodison Park.
      After his first season at the club, he suffered the ignominy of being voted the worst signing in the whole league that year.
      ATTACK
      Ricardo Quaresma, Juan Roman Riquelme, Philippe Coutinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic
      Despite enjoying a superb career spanning 20 years and counting, Quaresma did not have much success at Barcelona.
      The winger was at the Nou Camp for just one season, after joining as a hot prospect aged 19, playing just 22 times – leaving after a rift with boss Frank Rijkaard.
      Riquelme was known as one of the most skilful and classy players in the world, but then-boss Louis van Gaal was not a fan.
      He lasted just three years before moving to Villarreal, where he enjoyed real success.
      Coutinho is the only current player in the team – and has been a real let-down after his mega-money £145m move from Liverpool.
      He headed to Bayern Munich on loan in 2019-20, scoring twice in the 8-2 thumping of Barca on his way to lifting Ol’ Big Ears.
      An odd selection on the list, Ibrahimovic cost Barcelona around £60m in 2009.
      But a row with then-manager Pep Guardiola meant Zlatan was shipped off to AC Milan after just one season.
      Ibrahimovic lasted just one season at Barcelona despite his hot form
      Barcelona star Lionel Messi makes the ‘Stay at home challenge’ look easy after completing 20 kick-ups with toilet paper More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Roman Abramovich refused to have any transfer dealings with Tottenham as Carlton Cole reveals how he blocked move

      by

      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH refused to sell any of his Chelsea stars to rivals Tottenham – and even blocked Carlton Cole’s switch.The former Blues striker revealed the Russian oligarch – who bought the West Londoners in 2003 – would not sanction any deal with Spurs.
      Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich refuses to do business with SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Carlton Cole, second left, in his Chelsea heyday, had agreed a move to Spurs but Blues owner Roman Abramovich rejected itCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Cole, speaking on talkSPORT, said: “I almost joined Spurs. I went and did my medical and everything.
      “Roman Abramovich found out and he said ‘you’ve got to come back, you’re not joining them’.
      “He said ‘you can’t go to Spurs, I don’t do business with them’.”
      The only Chelsea player in the Abramovich era to join Tottenham is Carlo Cudicini, with the reserve keeper allowed to leave on a free transfer in 2009.
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Cole revealed that Abramovich tried to get him to move to Russia instead.
      Cole continued: “‘I’ve got an alternative for you’ [said Abramovich]. I drive back to Stamford Bridge with my uncle and my dad.
      “He had his interpreter with him. Roman Abramovich was there, we were talking. I was saying ‘where am I going?’
      “He said, ‘I will give you a new contract but you’ve got to go to CSKA Moscow. His other team.

      Cole left Chelsea in 2006 to join West Ham, where he scored 68 goals in 293 gamesCredit: Getty
      “I was trying to get into the England team. Those days you could not go abroad. If you go abroad you don’t get in the England team.
      “So I said to him, ‘I ain’t going to CSKA Moscow, pal.”
      Spurs and Chelsea have had a bitter rivalry on and off the pitch.
      Feelings escalated on the pitch, resulting in the Battle of the Bridge in 2016 when several players from both sides clashed.
      Abramovich was close to buying Spurs before he took over at the Blues.
      He was thought to have picked Chelsea only when they qualified for the Champions League in the 2002-03 season under Claudio Ranieri.
      It started an obsession with the English Premier League which nearly two decades later has resulted in multiple top-flight crowns and two Champions League titles.

      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}latest chelsea news.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}

      Cole, who came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, eventually left the club in 2006 to join West Ham.
      He has previously revealed he left after a lack of first-team opportunities at Chelsea.
      The ex-Celtic centre-forward retired in 2018, with Cole now working as a technical academy coach at West Ham.
      Mauro Icardi’s model wife Wanda looks amazing as she takes part in some seriously sexy shoots More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Marina Granovskaia is the most powerful woman in football and runs Chelsea for absent owner Roman Abramovich

      by

      WHEN Frank Lampard inked his three-year deal with Chelsea in July 2019, the presence of Marina Granovskaia alongside him at his unveiling was fitting.After all, she has become the most powerful woman in football and the figure who Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich relies upon to get things done at the club.
      Marina Granovskaia welcomed Frank Lampard to Chelsea last July on a three-year dealCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Lampard met Abramovich on his yacht in St Tropez the month before his appointment – but it was Granovskaia who rubber-stamped a £5.5m-per-year deal for the Chelsea legend to compete his fairytale return to West London.
      And it was Granovskaia who realised the importance of Lampard to the Chelsea fans, as well as his potential ability in management.
      Over the years, she’s been centre stage at every contract renewal or new signing unveiling. Her importance in the Blues hierarchy can never be underestimated.
      ROMAN’S MILLIONS
      It’s with Roman’s money where Granovskaia is trusted the most.
      From Kevin De Bruyne to Mohamed Salah, the Chelsea owner rarely came off best when it came to selling his players, getting pitiful amounts for players that went on to become superstars.
      That was until the Russian deputised to the woman who makes all the big decisions at the club, now.
      Her sale of star-man Eden Hazard to Real Madrid was so incredible she was hailed by the Stamford Bridge faithful.
      The LaLiga giants will end up paying £143million for the Belgium international who had just one year left on his Blues’ deal.
      On top of that, she received plenty of support for recouping a tidy £175m by shipping out a variety of flops from David Luiz to Alvaro Morata to Oscar.
      Just like Abramovich, Marina Granovskaia opts for privacy over publicity.
      Her only projection is through the heavily-restricted portal of the Chelsea club website.
      But Granovskaia has been a key part of Abramovich’s real inner circle for the best part of two decades, through his entire Chelsea reign.
      Marina Granovskaia is the deal-maker who negotiated Eden Hazard’s sale to Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor
      THE MOUSE WHO ROARED
      Initially as an assistant at Sibneft, the oil conglomerate which helped turned Abramovich into an oligarch and one of the world’s wealthiest men.
      Then, following the 2003 purchase of Chelsea, as the head of his London office, although initially unconnected to the club.
      But over time, that changed.
      The schoolgirl “grey mouse”, as described by a former teacher, has made herself one of the big beasts of the footballing jungle.
      Granovskaia, now 47 and who has both Russian and Canadian nationality, might have come to London as a fixer for Abramovich, looking after the owner and his guests.
      Her ability to network, though, was clear.
      Owner Roman Abramovich has not been seen at Chelsea since April last yearCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Abramovich has trusted Granovskaia to tell him the truth
      SHE WENT BACK FOR MOURINHO
      Her opinion began to count, too.
      Granovskaia might not have had a football background, but Abramovich trusted her to tell him the truth and backed her judgement.
      So it was that Granovskaia persuaded Abramovich not to ditch Didier Drogba after he blew a gasket during the 2009 Champions League semi-final defeat to Barcelona, when many in the club felt they had to get rid of the Ivorian.
      To go all-in to land Fernando Torres from Liverpool two years later, smashing the British record with a £50m fee.
      And to leave the past in the past and rehire Jose Mourinho, six years after the relationship between the club hierarchy and the “Special One” had broken down.
      CHELSEA DITCH ‘SOFT TOUCH’ TAG
      By then, Granovskaia had been elevated to a place in the club’s elite, a member of both the Chelsea plc and football club boards, with special responsibility for transfers, contracts, loans and the academy.
      That appointment brought a change in club strategy, a marked one from the early days of Abramovich’s reign when an asking price for a player seemed nothing more than a number, with Chelsea viewed by their rivals as something of an easy touch.
      Michael Emenalo’s 2017 departure saw Granovskaia absorb his role as wellCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Instead, Granovskaia brought in the same financial approach that Abramovich would have demanded from his other businesses.
      Soft touch no more. Instead, utterly determined to pay the right price, or simply walk away from the table.
      Now, as far as Chelsea is concerned, with Abramovich an absentee landlord and even more so since the departure of sporting director Michael Emenalo in 2017, she is the power, and the glory.SHE STILL SWEARS IN RUSSIAN
      The woman who runs the club. The most powerful woman in world football.
      And, considering her role and responsibilities, almost anonymous. A face, frequently in the background, not a voice. At least in public.
      It is different behind the scenes, where it matters.
      Granovskaia was a foreign languages graduate from Moscow State UniversityCredit: AFP or licensors
      The foreign languages graduate from Moscow State University has become fluent in the lingo that counts in football – cash and cachet.
      No key decisions take place at the club without her consent.
      Yet very little is known about her.
      Yes, she is fluent in English and other languages, although it is claimed that, if she loses her temper, she chooses to swear in her native tongue.
      Apparently, too, her favourite restaurant is Knightsbridge eaterie Sumosan Twiga, the brand founded by former Benetton [later Renault F1] Formula One team principal Flavio Briatore.
      Granovskaia’s favourite eaterie is Knightsbridge’s Sumosan Twiga
      Sumosan Twiga supply Chelsea’s VIP executive boxes with food and head chef Bubker Belhit described her as an “amazing person”, adding: “She’s on top of any small things to the biggest thing.”
      Even so, Granovskaia prefers to stay in the background.
      BUT SHE RARELY SPEAKS IN PRIVATE
      In October 2018, when Chelsea launched their campaign against anti-Semitism at the Westminster apartment of then-Commons Speaker John Bercow, Granovskaia let Bruce Buck take the lead for the club and did not speak publicly.
      Instead, she smiled and greeted the invited guests, but made nothing more than polite small-talk.
      It is the way that Chelsea’s true elite have done business since 2003.
      They only talk, seriously, to the people they want to talk to.
      Granovskaia has shown that by adopting a hardline approach to negotiations.
      And that goes for her employees, too.
      CONTE MADE THE FALL-GUY
      When Antonio Conte began to use his press conferences to publicly absolve himself of responsibility for the club’s decline in his second season, it was Granovskaia who made it clear to the Italian he would be the fall-guy.
      Chelsea’s summer of equivocation over who would replace Conte was a rare occasion when it seemed Granovskaia was less than sure-footed.
      But Maurizo Sarri knew he was being judged by her the moment he arrived at the Bridge.
      And who would be his executioner if his head was required. Marina, now, is the one who wields the knife.
      And in the end, she negotiated another excellent deal on Chelsea’s behalf as Sarri joined Juventus.
      Initially, Granovskaia wanted the Italian giants to pay around £5.3m for their manager’s services.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST CHELSEA NEWS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      That then dropped to £4m, before finally all parties agreed on a deal somewhere lower than that.
      Surely that saved Chelsea millions in compensation should they have sacked Sarri, a man who fans wanted out, in the close season? Miraculously, Granovskaia made money instead.
      Abramovich might be the money behind the operation, but Granovskaia is certainly the business brains.
      Granovskaia convinced Abramovich to forget the past when rehiring Jose MourinhoCredit: EPA
      Granovskaia greets Mourinho at the 2018 FA Cup finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chelsea in Eden Hazard transfer funds boost with Marina Granovskaia brokering better deal worth £143m with Real Madrid More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech ‘would have run’ to join Roma and only completed transfer after Serie A club refused to pay up

      by

      CHELSEA star Hakim Ziyech was keen to move to Roma before sealing his Stamford Bridge switch last summer, it has been revealed.Morocco team-mate Medhi Benatia claimed that the attacker ‘would have run’ to the Italian capital when a move was discussed in 2019.
      Hakim Ziyech may never have ended up at Chelsea if Roma had coughed up the cash for himCredit: AFP
      At the time, Ziyech was off the back of a stunning run to the Champions League semi-finals with an Ajax team being poached by Europe’s biggest clubs.
      He ended up remaining in Amsterdam for another 12 months before a £36.5million move to Chelsea.
      The 28-year-old star made 62 appearances since signing for the West London side, finding the 11 times.
      Although things could have worked out very different had then-Roma president James Pallotta agreed to fork out for the playmaker, according to Benatia.
      The former Roma defender, now with Al-Duhail, told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I had tried to get him to come to Roma, and he would have run to join this club.
      “I spoke to Francesco Totti and Edin Dzeko, telling them that this is the man they want.
      “As a director, Francesco did everything he could to get the deal concluded, but Pallotta said it would be ‘an excessive expense’ and nothing ever came of it.”
      Club legend Totti would famously quit the Stadio Olimpico later in the same summer, citing a lack of influence on transfers.

      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      He famously complained upon leaving: “They knew of my desire to offer a lot to this squad but they never wanted it.
      “They kept me out of everything. It’s a day that I hoped never would have come.”
      Unpopular owner Pallotta eventually sold up to fellow American businessman Dan Friedkin last year after almost a decade in charge of Roma.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Ex-Roma defender Medhi Benatia says he recommended his international colleague to the GiallorossiCredit: Getty
      New Chelsea signing Hakim Ziyech says he idolised current manager Frank Lampard growing up in first interview since transfer from Ajax More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      British footballers who had a crack at Serie A including Beckham, Gascoigne, Souness, Smalling, Ramsey and Abraham

      by

      AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES is the last British footballer to have a crack at Serie A.The Arsenal midfielder joined Roma on-loan until the end of the season this month, and is the second English star to line-up for Jose Mourinho’s side – with Tammy Abraham joining from Chelsea last summer in a £34million move.
      Ainsley Maitland-Niles has gone to Serie A on loan at RomaCredit: Getty
      Tammy Abraham signed for Roma in a £34m move from Chelsea last summer
      The England international is believed to be on £80,000 a week for five years – the same as he was on at Chelsea.
      And it is understood Chelsea inserted a £68m buy-back clause into the deal – which can be triggered in two years’ time.
      Here SunSport examines the British players who have have walked the path before Abraham by trying to boss Serie A.
      FIKAYO TOMORI
      Tomori joined AC Milan on loan in January as he looked for more regular football having been frozen out by Chelsea.
      Milan made the deal permanent in June – paying the Blues £24m for the centre-back.
      The 23-year-old impressed in his first five months at the San Siro, where he made 22 appearances and even scored a goal.
      His early-season form in 2021-22 earned him a recall to the England senior squad, too.
      Fikayo Tomori has been with AC Milan since January and made the move permanent in June
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}MOST READ IN FOOTBALL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      AARON RAMSEY
      Ramsey’s Italian job could be over.
      The former Arsenal midfielder, who joined Juventus in 2019, is being linked with a moved back to the Premier League – with the likes of  Newcastle, Wolves and Tottenham said to be in the hunt for the Wales star’s services.
      He hasn’t quite hit the heights in Serie A as he did with the Gunners on our shores, and he’s certainly not the first British footballer to try and crack Italian football.
      Aaron Ramsey has failed to light up Serie ACredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ASHLEY YOUNG
      In January 2020, Young left Manchester United for Inter Milan, in what seemed quite a strange move.
      In the twilight years of his career (he’s now 36) the winger turned full-back didn’t appear to have much left to offer.
      However, he enjoyed a renaissance in Milan under Antonio Conte – helping end the club’s long wait for the Serie A title.
      He moved back to Aston Villa in the summer of 2021.
      Ashley Young’s Inter Milan won the 20-21 Serie A titleCredit: Getty
      CHRIS SMALLING
      Smalling, 31, enjoyed a successful loan at Roma in the 2019-20 season, so the club decided they had to retain his services.
      They even paid Manchester United a whopping £14m to secure a deal for the centre-back.
      However, last season his fitness was called into question.
      He suffered with knee and thigh injuries and even had food poisoning, which saw him play just 21 games.
      And this season things are not much better, missing much of the season with a hamstring problem.
      Chris Smalling has had mixed fortunes at RomaCredit: EPA
      RAY WILKINS
      To consider Butch’s success, you need only look back to 2018.
      His premature death, at the age of 61, saw former clubs Chelsea and Man Utd go into mourning and pay tribute to their former midfielder – and AC Milan were no different.
      Team-mate Franco Baresi held up a Milan shirt with Wilkins’ name on the back and laid a wreath while the players wore black armbands at the San Siro.
      Wilkins spent three years in Milan and set a British record when he moved from Old Trafford in 1984 for £1.5m.
      Former Chelsea and Man United midfielder Ray Wilkins was a huge success at AC MilanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “It was an immense time for me,” Wilkins recalled.
      “The game was played more like an international than a league game, like a game of chess where you had to pit your wits against the best.”
      Despite not winning a trophy in his three years at the club, Wilkins was one of the big success stories of British exports to Italy.
      Milan’s website remembers him as ‘a serious and meticulous professional’ known for his ‘exemplary correctness’ and ‘extraordinary tactical intelligence’.
      Franco Baresi paid tribute to Wilkins at the Milan derby after his death in AprilCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PAUL INCE
      The Guv’nor spent two years on the blue and black side of Milan.
      Like Wilkins, Ince is remembered as a success for his time at the San Siro after making a £7.5m move from United in 1995.
      But Ince’s start in Italy wasn’t quite so smooth as there were rumours of a return to the Premier League just five months after arriving.
      Ince, who lived by the picturesque Lake Como, later revealed that he may well have gone back to England had Roy Hodgson not taken charge.
      The England international brought energy to the Inter midfield alongside Nicola Berti as the two men dominated the centre of the park.
      Paul Ince had a difficult start at Inter but is still adored by fansCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Ince is remembered as a hero by the Inter fans, especially after helping the club reach the Uefa Cup final in 1996.
      Sadly for the England man, it ended with the all-too-familiar feeling of defeat in a penalty shoot-out.DAVID PLATT
      If it wasn’t for that stunning volley in extra time of England’s Italia 90 quarter-final, Platt may have never made the move.
      The following year he was signed by Bari from Aston Villa in a deal worth £5.5m and immediately immersed himself in the Italian culture.
      “I wanted to become an Italian, speak like an Italian, to live and eat like an Italian,” Platt once said.
      It took just a few months for him to be fluent in the language.
      Despite Bari being relegated, Platt was a success in the side and earned a move to Juventus.
      His stay in Turin wasn’t so fruitful and he ended up joining Sven Goran Eriksson at Sampdoria where he enjoyed his best period, with 17 goals in 55 appearances.
      Platt was so highly regarded, he ended up returning to be the club’s manager in 1998, but that didn’t work out quite so well.
      David Platt immersed himself in Italian culture after joining Bari in 1991Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Platt played for three Italian clubs and his biggest success came at SampdoriaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      PAUL GASCOIGNE
      Mainstream English interest in Serie A began with Gazza.
      His £5.5m move from Spurs to Lazio saw millions of English people follow the Italian game and led to coverage on Channel 4.
      Gazzetta Football Italia was born out of the England man’s move.
      Gascoigne is remembered fondly in Italy and his iconic celebration, with arms outstretched after scoring an 89th-minute equaliser against rivals Roma, will never be forgotten.
      But Gazza’s time in Serie A saw him struggle with injury problems.
      In three seasons at Lazio, he managed to play in only 47 games and score just six goals.
      Failing to learn the language saw Gazza struggle to settle and he ended up moving to Rangers in 1995.
      Recently, however, he kept a host of young Italian fans riveted by his antics in their version of I’m a Celebrity.
      Paul Gascoigne made Italian football popular among the English but his time in Serie A was plighted by injuriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DAVID BECKHAM
      Becks loved Milan so much he went there twice.
      Two years after leaving Real Madrid for LA Galaxy, the former England captain headed on loan to the San Siro and was a hit in the red and black of AC Milan.
      Beckham was back on the continent and competing at the top again but his sojourn was seen as a money-maker in Milan.
      Then vice-president Adriano Galliani said: “Football today is about full stadiums and sponsors, and superstars like Beckham fill them up. With him, Kaka and Ronaldinho, it will be a dream team.”
      It was a star-studded squad but they won nothing.
      Beckham scored twice in 18 appearances in his first season but played just 11 games the following campaign.
      David Beckham was on loan at AC Milan twiceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      ASHLEY COLE
      A contender for the Premier League’s greatest left-back, it didn’t quite work out for Cole in Rome.
      The former Arsenal and Chelsea man’s most memorable moment from two years at Roma was actually off the pitch.
      A team photo appeared to show Cole physically separate from his team-mates, with subsequent stories of how he was isolated.
      In an interview with Soccer AM, Cole explained the snap: “I’m on the end [of the line] and my friend next to me Urby Emanuelson was stood next to me – but he leaned forward.
      “I’m so hot and tired and stood there like this [Cole slumps]… I had friends there, I had great friends.”
      Cole’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico was terminated by mutual consent in 2016 after just 16 appearances for the club.
      Ashley Cole’s time at Roma is memorable for this incredible team photo
      Ashley Cole’s contract at Roma was terminated by mutual consent in 2016Credit: Reuters
      JOE HART
      It was meant to be his revival.
      After being dropped by new Man City boss Pep Guardiola, England’s former No1 headed to Torino on loan to revive his career.
      But the move didn’t go so well.
      In Hart’s first game he was blamed for Atalanta’s equaliser when his punch from a corner fell to an opponent who scored.
      And it all ended in acrimony when Torino’s president criticised the keeper for his performances and mentality.
      Urbano Cairo told Tuttosport: “There’s too much being said about Hart.
      “Since this has been happening, his performance levels have dropped. This is already the third time we concede a goal this way and that’s a bit too much.”
      Joe Hart tried to revive his career with a loan move to TorinoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      GRAEME SOUNESS
      Rewind three decades and Graeme Souness’ move to Sampdoria saw the club rise to a greater status in Italy.
      The Scot marshalled the midfield and dominated each game in his two years at Samp in the mid-80s.
      Unlike many of the Brits abroad, Souness lifted the Coppa Italia in his first season at the club with a win over AC Milan after he’d scored in the first leg.
      Souness remembered Samp as a welcoming club.
      He told Football Italia: “We had a great President in Paolo Mantovani and he treated everyone like his own son. It’s a lovely club in beautiful city.
      “I was lucky enough to be there and I can honestly say it was one of the best times in my career.”
      Graeme Souness thrived in Italy and won the Coppa Italia in his first year at SampdoriaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      LEE SHARPE
      After struggling with injuries, Leeds boss David O’Leary loaned Sharpe out to Sampdoria.
      The former Man Utd midfielder was joining David Platt – the club’s boss – and looking to revive his career.
      But an issue with Platt’s coaching badges meant he was replaced by Luciano Spalletti, and Sharpe’s opportunities nose-dived.
      “I’d had a while out with a cruciate knee injury,” Sharpe said.
      “I wasn’t properly match-fit. So they put me on a training programme and in matches I was getting half an hour here and an hour there.
      “But after four or five weeks Platty ran into difficulty because he didn’t have his coaching badges and it all fell away really.”
      Lee Sharpe’s loan move from Leeds didn’t work out after a change of managementCredit: Reuters
      IAN RUSH
      Did he say it or didn’t he?
      The prolific Welsh striker’s two years at Juventus are remembered for a controversial quote that Rush denies ever saying.
      “I couldn’t settle in Italy, it was like living in a foreign country,” he was claimed to have said.
      Speaking to FourFourTwo in 2016, Rush said: “I didn’t actually say Italy was ‘like living in a foreign country’.
      Ian Rush’s time in Italy is remembered for a controversial quote he claims he never saidCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “No one has ever seen a direct quote from me saying that. I’m blaming Kenny Dalglish.
      “When he re-signed me, a reporter asked me, ‘Why have you come back?’ Kenny quipped: ‘He said it was like playing in a foreign country.’ He’s got a lot to answer for!”
      Rush was welcomed to Turin by 5,000 adoring fans but went on to score just seven goals in 29 appearances.
      He remembered the Old Lady as ‘the right club at the wrong time’.
      Tammy Abraham talks about joining new club Roma in £34m transfer from Chelsea More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Six biggest Cristiano Ronaldo strops as Man Utd star reacts furiously to being subbed by Ralf Rangnick at Brentford

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO hit the headlines last night with his latest tantrum against Brentford.The superstar, now aged 36, was warned after his return to Old Trafford last summer that he cannot expect to play every game.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was fuming after he was subbed off against BrentfordCredit: AP
      Ralf Rangnick got the cold shoulder as the Portuguese star threw a tantrum in West LondonCredit: AFP
      But that did not stop him from storming off and throwing his coat to the floor after Ralf Rangnick hauled him off in the 3-1 win at Brentford.
      Ronaldo put his hands on his hips and trudged away after being replaced with 20 minutes to play on Wednesday night – just moments after he produced a stunning piece of skill for United’s second goal.
      Ronaldo was furious when he was the victim of a double change from interim boss Rangnick – despite it being his first game after injury.
      The German boss tried to hug the Portugal legend as he went off but Ron had his arms wide open by his side and looked straight ahead as he took a seat on the steps near the dugout rather than the bench.
      Rangnick later went over for a word and that eventually appeared to cool down as he watched United see out a comfortable victory.
      CR7 does not like missing minutes, particularly when he feels there are goals for him to score.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Here are five other times Ronaldo has thrown a strop at being denied from playing a full 90 minutes…
      Levante 2 Real Madrid 2, February 2018
      With Real Madrid leading 2-1 Zinedine Zidane felt the game was safe enough to take Ronaldo off.
      But the decision backfired as Real drew and Ronaldo kicked off.
      He was visibly upset at being withdrawn and he only got angrier as a cameraman zoomed in on his pain while sat on the bench.
      The Portuguese hit out, telling the camerman: “There is no reason (to focus on him). Look at the game, aim the camera on the game.”
      Ronaldo looked despondent after being taken off in Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw against Levante
      Las Palmas 2 Real Madrid 2, September 2016
      The Levante match was not the first time Ronaldo’s relationship with Zidane was showing signs of strain.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sun Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Likewise, on this occasion Zidane substituted Ronaldo and the forward responded by walking past his manager without even looking at him.
      Ronaldo then proceeded to sulk on the bench as he watched Las Palmas equalise to draw the match.
      Ronaldo barely acknowledged Zinedine Zidane while walking off in the 2-2 draw with Las Palmas
      Juventus 1 AC Milan 0, November 2019
      Zidane is not the only manager who has been subject to Ronaldo’s rage.
      During his first season at Juventus, Ronaldo responded to being taken off against AC Milan by heading straight down the tunnel after exchanging tense words with Maurizio Sarri.
      The forward was perhaps surprised at being subbed as early as the 55th minute – being replaced by Paulo Dybala, who grabbed the winner.
      Despite that, Ronaldo’s mood did not change and he reportedly left the stadium before the game had even finished.
      CR7 headed down the tunnel in response to being subbed off as Juventus beat AC Milan 1-0
      Inter Milan 1 Juventus 2, February 2021
      Sarri’s successor at Juventus, Andrea Pirlo, also received similar treatment from Ronaldo.
      His was arguably more deserved however as he did something Ronaldo likely considers a deadly sin – subbing him off when he was on a hat-trick.
      Juventus had fallen behind in a key title clash with Ronaldo striking twice to give his team the lead and ultimately three points.
      So when Pirlo hauled him off in favour of Alvaro Morata, Ronaldo cut a bemused figure.
      He trudged off the pitch shaking his head before firing a few choice words at his manager.

      Juventus 1 Roma 3, August 2020
      This was a rare game where Ronaldo missed out altogether, and he was clearly fuming as he watched on from the stands.
      He had no reason to be either, as he collected his second Serie A medal once the match was completed.
      His chances of winning the golden boot were practically impossible by that stage too, as Ciro Immobile scored twice on the final day to finish on 36 goals – five more than Ronaldo.
      CR7 clearly doesn’t like missing out on such prestigious matches – or any for that fact – as Rangnick has now found out.
      Ronaldo cut a desolate figure as he watched Juventus lose their final game of the 2019-20 league season to Roma
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More