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    Jose Mourinho ‘so happy’ he snubbed AC Milan as he lashes out at booing fans after Roma’s defeat at San Siro

    WIND-UP merchant Jose Mourinho insisted he is ‘so happy’ he snubbed AC Milan.The Roma chief saw his side well beaten 3-1 by Milan at the San Siro on Thursday.
    Jose Mourinho revealed he rejected AC Milan’s offer to take over as managerCredit: Getty
    Mourinho – who led AC’s rivals Inter to the treble in 2010 – was roundly booed by the home fans throughout the game.
    But despite the defeat, the Special One ensured he got the last dig in – by revealing he turned down the Milan gig.
    Mourinho, 58, said: “I was offered the job three years ago.
    “I thought about it for three days, but I am so happy to have taken that decision.
    “I am a professional, but there is still space for emotion.
    “I am passionate about Roma and I will give everything for this club.”
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    Commenting on the jeers, he added: “Looking to what happened today, I am twice as happy about my decision.”
    Mourinho enjoyed his time at Inter between 2008 and 2010, winning five trophies.
    He is still adored by the Nerazzurri fans – so much so a section of Inter ultras welcomed him upon arrival at the San Siro.
    But on the pitch, things did not go to plan for the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager.
    Tammy Abraham’s handball on six minutes gave ex-Blues team-mate Olivier Giroud the perfect chance to open the scoring from the spot.
    Junior Messias doubled AC’s lead on 17 minutes but Abraham pulled one back with a cheeky backheel before the break – while Mourinho raced on to the pitch to prevent his star striker getting sent off as the two sets of players scuffled.
    But Roma were down to ten men on 74 minutes when Rick Karsdorp saw red before Rafael Leao made it 3-1.
    Gianluca Mancini was also dismissed for the visitors deep into injury time but Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw his penalty saved as Roma finished with nine men and seventh in Serie A, 14 points off leaders Inter.
    RACE ROW
    But the game was marred by racist and abusive chants by Roma fans aimed at Milan duo Ibrahimovic and Franck Kessie.
    Mourinho called on his travelling support to stop, which they did initially, before continuing again after full-time.
    A Roma statement said: “We have zero tolerance for any form of racism.
    “The club has been committed to combating racism and any form of discrimination for years.
    “As an organisation, we continue to do everything we can to change the behaviour of some fans in a positive way.”
    Mourinho rushed on to the pitch to prevent Tammy Abraham getting a second yellowCredit: Getty More

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    Watch Tammy Abraham’s cheeky backheel goal minutes after Jose Mourinho ran onto pitch to save Roma star from red card

    ENGLAND star Tammy Abraham won’t be forgetting Roma’s Thursday evening trip to face AC Milan at San Siro in a hurry. The Roma striker gave away a penalty, scored a goal, and risked being sent off – all within the space of 90 minutes.
    A back-heel finish from Tammy Abraham! 🤩He gets the slightest of touches to pull one back for Roma. All to play for in this one. pic.twitter.com/qeeHKBpDYX— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 6, 2022

    Abraham scored with a neat back-heeled finish to get Roma back into the gameCredit: Getty
    Mourinho ran over to Abraham to make sure he avoided getting tangled up in a confrontationCredit: Getty
    The crunch clash got off to a nightmare start for Abraham, 24, after VAR judged the ex-Chelsea man to have handled the ball inside the area within the first six minutes.
    And it was Abraham’s old Chelsea team-mate, Olivier Giroud, who converted from the spot to put AC Milan ahead after Abraham was booked.
    Junior Messias doubled the advantage nine minutes later, leaving it all to do for Abraham and boss Jose Mourinho.
    The £34million summer signing did give Roma a glimmer of hope when he found the back of the net just before the break.
    A deft back-heeled effort wrong-footed AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to halve the deficit.
    The goal was his 13th in all competitions in what has been an impressive debut season in Serie A.
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    And Mourinho made sure Abraham didn’t pick up an unnecessary second yellow card which would have seen his main goal threat suspended.
    The ex-Manchester United boss rushed onto the pitch and hauled the striker away after a scuffle broke out between the two sets of players.
    He was seen barking at Abraham after his star man got caught up in a confrontation that risked him being given his marching orders.
    Mourinho though could do nothing about Rick Karsdorp from being given his marching orders, which effectively killed the game.
    Rafael Leao made it 3-1 with just under ten minutes to play, clinically finishing off a sweeping counter attack.
    Roma then went down to nine men in the closing stages, as Gianluca Mancini hauled down Leao in the box to hand the home side another penalty.
    This time Zlatan Ibrahimovic stepped up, but he was denied from 12 yards by ex-Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
    That turned out to be almost the last kick of the game as Abraham’s eventful evening finally drew to a close, with zero points to show for it.
    An angry Mourinho dragged Abraham away to ensure he didn’t pick up a second yellow cardCredit: Getty More

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    Fiorentina set to trigger forgotten Arsenal man Lucas Torreira’s £13m transfer clause in boost to summer plans

    FIORENTINA are set to trigger Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira’s £13million release clause, according to reports.The midfielder was sent on loan to the Serie A side in the summer and they are willing to cough up the cash to make the move permanent.
    Fiorentina are set to trigger Lucas Torreira’s £13million Arsenal release clauseCredit: Rex
    Torreira, 25, has not played for the Gunners since July 2020.
    He went on loan to Atletico that October.
    However, that move didn’t work out so the Gunners offloaded him to Fiorentina soon after.
    But after playing 17 times for La Viola this season – scoring once and providing one assist – the Italians want to sign him permanently, according to Calciomercato.
    The Uruguayan has impressed head coach Vincenzo Italiano.
    And his side are willing to cough up his release clause and offer him a four-year deal.
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    Torreira joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in 2018 and made a total of 89 appearances across all competitions.
    He initially impressed at the Emirates under previous manager Unai Emery but failed to win over Arteta.
    Arteta previously said: “Lucas has a huge heart and puts a lot of effort into everything he does.rte
    “That’s why he’s not one of the players who likes to be on the bench waiting for minutes.
    “He needs to show what he can give on the pitch. He’s encouraged with the game. And that happened at Arsenal.
    “Lucas is honest and wants to leave his soul on the pitch, but that is defined by the coaches and for the current Arsenal manager he didn’t count.”
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    Conte ‘disagrees with Tottenham chief Paratici over Kulusevski transfer and prefers Juventus star’s team-mate’

    TOTTENHAM are tracking a couple of Juventus stars but opinions are divided on which one would be the best signing, according to reports in Italy.Tottenham manager Antonio Conte likes the look of midfielder Weston McKennie but the club’s sporting director Fabio Paratici wants forward Dejan Kulusevski, says Juve news website ilbianconero.com.
    Spurs and derby rivals Arsenal are said to be interested in Juve star KulusevskiCredit: Getty
    But Tottenham boss Conte is reportedly more interested in Juve’s McKennieCredit: Getty
    Both Conte and Paratici are very well versed on the merits of both of the Serie A stars and it remains to be seen whose opinion counts the most on new signings.
    Paratici was previously sporting director at Juventus but ended his 11-year stay in Turin to join Tottenham in June 2021.
    And Conte, who led Inter Milan to the Serie A title last season, succeeded sacked Nuno Espírito Santo as Spurs boss six months later.
    Paratici signed Sweden winger Kulusevski, 21, for Juventus in 2020.
    And he ‘would not disdain replicating the same operation’ again for Spurs, according to ilbianconero.
    It says the Italian giants value him at ‘close to 35 million euros’, which is about £29.5m.
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    Kulusevski has ‘several admirers’ in the Premier League, including Arsenal, according to the report.
    But it adds: “Less enthusiastic seems to be Antonio Conte, the Tottenham coach who, if he were to draw for Juve, would prefer to bet on Weston McKennie , rather than on Kulusevski.”
    Kulusevski joined Juve from Atalanta in 2020 but has struggled for regular game time under boss Massimiliano Allegri this season.
    Versatile United States star McKennie, 23, joined the Old Lady on loan from FC Schalke 04 in 2020 and made the move permanent last year.
    Spurs sporting director Paratici was previously at JuventusCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Conte has had a positive impact at Spurs since becoming their new boss in early November 2021Credit: Reuters
    Jamie O’Hara says that Conte is the best Spurs manager he’s ever seen More

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    Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger ‘in talks over FREE transfer with Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus’

    ANTONIO RUDIGER is in talks with four top European clubs over a free transfer, reports say. The German has just half a year left on his current deal and is yet to extend it, despite efforts from Chelsea.
    Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is entering the last six months of his contractCredit: EPA
    Having entered the last six months of his contract, Rudiger, 28, is now able to negotiate a free transfer abroad.
    And according to Sky Sports, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all opened talks with his representatives.
    It could see him finalise a pre-contract agreement this month and secure a move away from Stamford Bridge.
    But, it is also claimed staying at Chelsea has not yet been ruled out by Rudiger.
    He has started 20 Premier League games this season – the most of any outfield player – and remains hugely valued by the club.
    It is believed the Blues have been unable to strike a financial agreement with the defender, who reportedly earns in the region of £140,000-per-week.
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    The Telegraph had claimed LaLiga giants Real are willing to DOUBLE that salary in order to prize Rudiger over to Spain.
    He is also joined by Cesar Azpilicueta, 32, Andreas Christensen, 25, and Thiago Silva, 37, who are all entering the final stages of their contracts.
    Azpilicueta is understood to be pushing for a two-year extension with the option of a third.
    But Chelsea – who have a policy of offering over 30s only one-year extensions – are expected to counter with a 12-month deal with the option of another year.
    Christensen had appeared close to agreeing terms with Chelsea, but has since changed agents and been linked to Barcelona on a free, Sky in Italy say.
    Silva on the other hand is nearing a one-year extension, which would guarantee him three years at the club.
    Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas ChristensenCredit: Getty More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo says guilty pleasure is pizza as he shares tips on how to stay in shape as ripped Man Utd star over 30

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’s guilty pleasure is a pizza shared with his son.The football star is renowned for his impeccable condition that has seen him rule as one of the most physically dominant players in the world.
    Cristiano Ronaldo revealed his guilty pleasure is a pizza shared with his sonCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The Man Utd star shows off his physique with Cristiano JrCredit: The Mega Agency
    He was spotted out enjoying a reasonably priced meal with his proud mum Dolores Aveiro in September after she travelled to England to watch his second debut for Manchester United.
    But Ronaldo has admitted in the past that even he is a sucker for a cheat meal, with the Portugal legend opting for a pizza to avoid a ‘boring’ life.
    He told YouTube channel ChrisMD: “The key is to take care of your body, train, do your recovery and eat properly.
    “Although sometimes I do eat pizza with my son, otherwise it would be boring.”
    CR7 claimed in 2018 that he has a ‘biological age of 23′ – and wants to continue playing into his 40s.
    Apart from the occasional treat with his boy, Cristiano Jr, Ronaldo sticks to a strict diet and has implemented Pilates-based routines that focus on resistance work to strengthen his core.
    Post-match exercise has also become a huge part of his regime, as the Portugal skipper heads straight to the swimming pool after a game.
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    But when Ronaldo first came to England, signing for Manchester United for the first time in 2003, he arrived with motivation having been called “too skinny” earlier in his career.
    He revealed: “It’s true, I was skinny. I had no muscle.
    “So I made a decision at 11 years old, I knew I had a lot of talent, but I decided that I was going to work harder than everybody.
    “I started sneaking out of the dormitory at night to go work out. I got bigger and faster.
    “I would walk onto the field, and the people who used to whisper, ‘Yeah, but he’s so skinny,’ now they would be looking at me like it was the end of the world.”
    Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford at the end of the summer transfer window, 12 years after leaving for Real Madrid.
    Ronaldo’s top tips

    Hard work: Motivation to be the best is key – which Ronaldo’s five Ballons d’Or prove.
    The world is your gym: Don’t limit yourself to exercising in one place. Complete your routine at home in the morning or at night.
    Booze ban: No more wild nights out if you want to stay so sculpted.
    You are what you eat: Balanced diet with plenty of protein to fuel your workouts is best. Sugary foods are worst.
    Ronnie says relax: Downtime at home with family and friends is a must, as well as plenty of sleep.

    And as one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, he can afford luxuries like a Cryotherapy chamber – for muscle regeneration to help him continue at the top of his game.
    The £50,000, walk-in piece of kit works miracles on the body, with Ronaldo having one installed in 2013 after hearing it had worked well for ex-Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.
    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 – allowing the Red Devils forward to be ready for the next match or training session sooner.
    It helps him recover from his five high-intensity workouts a week, which includes a lot of sprinting.
    Though the Portuguese poster-boy insists all you need is a bedroom and spare time to get in shape.
    He said: “We do a lot of sprinting drills in training and they can be incorporated into your workout whether you are in the gym or outdoors.
    “Try and add it to every workout you do. Fit in exercise wherever you can.
    Here’s what Cristiano Ronaldo eats on a daily basis
    “You can do an abs workout in your bedroom when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed.
    “If you get into a routine then it makes it easier as it will become a habit.”
    Ronaldo is not a vegetarian and he does not eat a plant-based diet, but does limit his meat intake because of the higher fat content.
    Fish is a key part of his diet with Lisbon speciality Bacalhau a Braz – a mixture of braised cod, onions, thinly sliced potatoes and scrambled eggs – one of his favourites.
    Ronaldo has said: “I eat a high protein diet, with lots of whole grain carbs, fruit and vegetables, and avoid sugary food.
    “Eat regularly. If you train regularly it’s important to keep energy levels high to fuel your body for better performance.
    “I sometimes eat up to six smaller meals a day to make sure I have enough energy to perform each session at top level.”
    It’s a far cry from the skinny teenager he once was, pictured here with Portugal U21s in 2003Credit: AFP
    Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United in 2004 without the muscle-bound frame we see todayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo had bulked up towards the end of his first spell with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s favourite food is Lisbon dish Bacalhau a Braz – a mixture of cod, onions, thinly sliced potatoes and scrambled eggsCredit: Instagram, @cristiano
    Cristiano Ronaldo, with Cristiano Jr, says downtime with the family is crucialCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Juventus training ground after ‘saying goodbye to team-mates’ ahead of Man City transfer More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo reveals iconic ‘Sii’ celebration began against Chelsea during a pre-season friendly in the USA

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has revealed that his iconic “Sii” celebration was born against former Premier League rivals Chelsea.The Portuguese superstar, now 36, is now renowned for his trademark jump in the air and swivel move – accompanied by him shouting “Sii” – whenever he scores a goal.
    Cristiano Ronaldo has explained the origins of his iconic ‘Sii’ celebrationCredit: AP:Associated Press
    The Portuguese star revealed that he first did the trademark pose in a match against ChelseaCredit: Corbis – Getty
    He regularly performs the unique celebration now, but it was fans in America who first witnessed the pose.
    Speaking to the YouTube channel Soccer.com, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed he whipped out the now-classic move while playing for Real Madrid in a friendly against Chelsea.
    Ronaldo recalled: “Well, I was in the US and we played against Chelsea and I don’t know where it came from. I just scored and I went, ‘sii!’
    “But it was natural, to be honest.
    “After that, I started doing it and I feel like the fans, when they see me they’re like ‘sii’ and I was like, ‘wow, people remember Cristiano because of the sii,’ so I continued like that.”
    I feel like the fans, when they see me they’re like ‘sii’ and I was like, ‘wow, people remember Cristiano because of the sii,’Cristiano Ronaldo
    On that day in 2013, Ronaldo actually scored twice for Los Blancos as they beat Chelsea 3-1 to claim the International Champions Cup.
    The Manchester United star – who told former team-mate Nani he will finish his career in the MLS – crashed home an arrowing 25-yard free-kick after goals from Marcelo and Ramires for the first of his two strikes.
    But it was his second finish, a bullet close-range header that Ronaldo pulled out the first version of his ‘Sii’ celebration, minus the swivel.
    The winger made headlines for screaming the chant, which simply means ‘yes’ in Spanish, when he picked up the Ballon d’Or in 2015.
    In the same interview, Ronaldo also admitted that Portugal legend Eusebio would be the one player who he wanted to play alongside in his career.
    Ronaldo revealed fan love is the reason he continues to do the celebrationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Juventus star has since added a swivel into the iconic poseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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    He added: “In my mind, I have many players I wish to play with, but I’ll mention one from my country who died a few years ago – Eusebio.
    “He’s one of the sons of Portugal and I wish to play with him because he’s Portuguese.
    “He was an unbelievable person and I wish I could play with him in the national team.”
    Ronaldo whips out the celebration after every goalCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Cristiano Ronaldo told Nani he will ‘probably’ play in MLS with David Beckham’s Inter Miami desperate for transfer More

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    Arsenal in talks with Roma over Ainsley Maitland-Niles loan transfer in January as Jose Mourinho targets midfielder

    AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES could be set for a January loan move to Roma after ‘contact’ has reportedly been made with Arsenal. A move to Everton in the summer failed to materialise after he angrily took to social media expressing his intentions to play regular football.
    Roma have ‘made contact’ with Arsenal over a move for Maitland-NilesCredit: Getty
    And after limited opportunities during the first half of the season, ESPN report that Roma are keen on a January move for the 24-year-old.
    Club sporting director Tiago Pinto is claimed to favour an initial six-month loan deal, with the option of making it a permanent transfer.
    A four-year contract has been touted, although negotiations for a future permanent fee are yet to progress.
    A move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma would make him the second Englishman, after Tammy Abraham, to swap London for the Italian capital.
    Everton though are still thought to maintain their interest, and could rival Roma for Maitland-Niles’ signature.
    He has not played for Arsenal since November 20 and is said to be open to a move in order to pursue his career elsewhere.
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    He’s started just twice in the Premier League so far this campaign, and twice in the Carabao Cup.
    In total he’s played 132 times for the club since joining the academy at the age of just six.
    Gunners boss Mikel Arteta praised Maitland-Niles earlier this season after clear-the-air talks saw the five-cap England international stay at the club.
    Maitland-Niles was forced to train on his own after writing on Instagram: “All I wanna do is go where I’m wanted and where I’m gonna play @arsenal.” 
    But matters were calmed, and Arteta gushed: “I see a different player in terms of his urgency, his commitment and the clarity in his play and purpose.
    “Since we made the decision I was clear with what I was seeing, I wanted him to stay because he was going to be useful.
    “He has a huge talent which is he is versatile enough to adapt to any position on the pitch.”
    Now though his time with the North Londoners could be coming to an end.
    ⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs More