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    Chiellini claims he knows ‘alien’ Cristiano Ronaldo’s secrets and reveals how Man Utd star Pogba stunned him in training

    JUVENTUS captain Giorgio Chiellini claims he has learned Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s secrets on the pitch.Chiellini and Ronaldo spent three years together at Juve until his return to United last summer and claims he is the kind of player that will guarantee you a goal – if he has a team that supports him.
    Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini described Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo as an ‘alien’Credit: Getty
    Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini described Paul Pogba as the ‘LeBron James of football’Credit: Getty
    The defender sang the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s praises and even described him, as well as Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi, as “aliens”.
    Chiellini told The Times: “Cristiano and Messi are aliens. Not from the herd.
    “I was lucky enough to play with Cristiano at Juventus for three years and seeing him day by day, you understand some of his secrets.
    “He works every day to achieve his goals — and finds new goals all the time. In the big moments, when you need him, he is there.
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    “In the end, he’s just a single player. If Cristiano is in a team that supports him and plays better than the other, you can be sure he’ll get the goal.”
    Chiellini also opened up about how impressed he was when he saw United star Paul Pogba training with Juventus for the first time in 2012 after he left Old Trafford.
    The Italy international spent four years playing with Pogba in Turin and described him as the “LeBron James of football”.
    The 37-year-old defender is “sad” with the midfielder’s struggles during his second stint with the Red Devils but insists he was unlucky with injuries.
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    Chiellini added: “Pogba is the LeBron James of football. Really, when I see him growing up it’s fantastic.
    “When I saw him that first week of training I said, ‘What? He is not real!’ He was from Manchester United, so I expected to meet a good player but I also thought if he is not playing for United he cannot be a top one.
    “But he was. He was different from the others and I’m sad that [since rejoining United] he is not showing completely what he is.
    “He has done fantastic in many matches but has not been lucky, with injuries and for other reasons. He has not been able to show, continuously, all his skill.” More

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    Romelu Lukaku ‘is willing to slash his £325k-a-week Chelsea wages to seal Inter Milan transfer return’

    CHELSEA striker Romelu Lukaku is reportedly willing to take a pay cut in order to return to Inter Milan amid the club’s current chaos.The Blues could be forced into selling their key players in the summer following the crippling sanctions imposed on them by the government.
    Romelu Lukaku has been linked with a move away from Chelsea to re-join Inter MilanCredit: PA
    Club owner Roman Abramovich has been banned as a director by the Premier League and has been sanctioned by the UK government due to his ties with Vladimir Putin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    As a result, the 55-year-old oligarch MUST sell the West London club immediately.
    There have even been calls for Abramovich to give Chelsea away for free after the club had their credit cards frozen on Friday.
    One of those players to potentially make way at the end of the season is Lukaku, who is claimed to be on Barcelona’s radar along with Timo Werner.
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    Lukaku only signed for the Champions League holders last summer in a club-record £97.5million deal.
    Just a few months after his switch to Stamford Bridge he announced his intentions to return to the San Siro to play for the Nerrazzuri again.
    And Lukaku, who has scored just five Premier League goals in 18 games this term, could get his wish.
    According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Belgium international is said to be willing to to take a pay cut from his £325,000-a-week wages to link up with Inter.
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    They state that his desire to sign for the Serie A giants has been strengthened following recent events at Chelsea.
    Though they add that this would only be a loan move back to Inter.
    His departure is reportedly dependant on whether Abramovich sells the club or not and if director Marina Granovskaia departs.
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel recently declared how the player is not happy with his role in the side.
    Lukaku has found himself in and out of the starting XI with Kai Havertz often preferred to lead the line. More

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    Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger ‘in transfer talks with Juventus’ as Roman Abramovich sanctions rule out new Blues deal

    ANTONIO RUDIGER is in transfer talks with Juventus as a new deal at Chelsea is off the table. Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK government on Thursday morning, and now players such as Rudiger are negotiating with other clubs, as they cannot sign new contracts with the Blues.
    The German has been one of the best in the world under Thomas Tuchel.Credit: AFP
    Numerous clubs are after the centre back who is available for free this summer.Credit: PA
    According to Calciomercato Juventus sporting director ‘Federico Cherubini has worked with Rudiger’s agent to understand the feasibility of the operation’.
    Rudiger currently earns £100,000-per-week, and will look to double this with any potential move, which is well known by all suitors.
    The Blues cannot sign new players this summer as a result of the sanctions on Roman Abramovich, which could see Levi Colwill from their academy replace the German.
    The centre-back will be an unreal coup for Juventus if they can agree a deal for The Blues man, as he has proved himself to be top class.
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    Rudiger has been one of the world’s best since Tuchel arrived at Chelsea, and played a key part in their Champions League triumph, playing every knockout stage game.
    This season he has also been impeccable, with 25 appearances, 11 clean sheets and two goals.
    Rudiger also possesses a great passing ability, with an average pass success percentage of 88.3 per cent according to WhoScored. This would be crucial to a Juventus side who have always kept a lot of the ball.
    Chelsea could be heading down a slippery slope from here on, as no players can sign new contracts at the club under current rules.
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    While Juventus are keen on Rudiger, they will face competition for his signature.
    Man Utd, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are among those to have been linked.
    Meanwhile reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Andreas Christensen, who is also out of contract, has decided to join Barca.
    Club captain Azpilicueta is the third defender who’s deal is on the verge of expiring and also on the way out. He’s also been strongly tipped to join Barca. More

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    Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette ‘wanted by Juventus to challenge Vlahovic’ with ace out of contract at end of season

    JUVENTUS are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.The 30-year-old is expected to leave North London in the summer when his contract expires.
    Juventus are interested in signing LacazetteCredit: Getty
    Reports have suggested that he is unwilling to extend his current deal.
    And now it’s emerged Juventus are keen to sign the Frenchman.
    According to Calciomercato, Juventus are looking to bring in an experienced striker to compete with Dusan Vlahovic.
    The Italian giants announced the signing of Vlahovic for around £62million in January.
    He has scored four goals since his arrival and is a regular starter in Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
    Lacazette could prove to be the perfect strike partner for the 22-year-old.
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    He would provide a high level of quality alongside the former Fiorentina man, and act as an excellent backup.
    The transfer would also be ideal for Juventus – a free signing would soften the blow of the eye-watering sum that Vlahovic cost, significantly improving the club’s financial situation as well as the strength of the first team.
    However, Mikel Arteta recently confirmed that contract talks will be held at the end of the season.
    The Arsenal manager said: “There is a chance (Lacazette signs a new deal), but we have decisions to make on three or four players in regards to the summer.
    “Starting those conversations right now, I don’t think is the right way.
    “We have spoken to all the players, what to expect, the freedom that they have because the contracts allow them to make any decisions, and with our position there.
    “That’s what we are going to do. At the end of the season, we will sit down and decide what’s the best for all the parties.”
    Lacazette has been linked with a number of different clubs across Europe.
    Lyon are very interested in bringing the Frenchman back to the club and have vowed to do everything possible to make it happen. More

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    Luis Suarez lined up for emotional transfer return to Ajax but Dutch giants face competition from LaLiga and Serie A

    LUIS SUAREZ is in line for a sensational return to Ajax this summer.The 35-year-old’s contract with Atletico Madrid is up in June and his current employers are yet to offer him a new deal.
    Suarez could make a sensational return to Ajax this summer as Atletico are yet to offer the Uruguayan a new contractCredit: EPA
    And according to Marca, the La Liga Champions’ lack of communication with Suarez over a contract extension has riled the Uruguayan.
    Both club and player have had an indifferent season – and it’s likely that Atletico’s boss Diego Simeone will decide whether they still require Suarez’s services at the end of the campaign.
    The Rojiblancos are languishing in fourth spot in the La Liga and still need to get past Manchester United to earn a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
    And Suarez – who’s missed parts of the campaign due to injury – hasn’t been much of a help – despite scoring nine goals in 25 La Liga games.
    Atletico are already said to be exploring new attacking options for next season in the form of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, whose contract runs out in June next year.
    However, Suarez has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet – and demands regular playing time to cement his place in Uruguay’s squad for the Qatar World Cup this winter.
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    And his old club Ajax – where he made his name before heading to Liverpool in 2011 – are reportedly interested in bringing him back to Holland.
    The Dutch giants have already made enquires about the disgruntled forward, Marca claim.
    But they’ll have to fend off interest from Inter Milan and Sevilla who are also monitoring Suarez’s situation.
    There’s interest from the Premier League too with Aston Villa adding him to their wishlist this summer.
    And Suarez may be tempted to return to the Prem to reunite with Villa boss and ex-Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard, alongside Philippe Coutinho who’s also at Villa Park on loan. More

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    Napoli 0 AC Milan 1 LIVE RESULT: Giroud scores winner and sends Rossoneri to the top of Serie A table

    OLIVIER GIROUD led AC Milan to a 1-0 victory against Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Davide Calabria attempted a shot from the edge of the box and Giroud got a touch that caught David Ospina off guard and the ball ended up in the back of the net on 49 minutes.
    Milan have climbed up to the top of the Serie A table ahead of rivals Inter Milan.

    Napoli team: 25 Ospina, 22 Di Lorenzo, 13 Rrahmani, 26 Koulibaly, 6 Mario Rui, 8 Fabian, 68 Lobotka, 21 Politano, 20 Zielinski, 24 Insigne, 9 Osimhen.
    AC Milan team: 16 Maignan, 2 Calabria, 23 Tomori, 20 Kalulu, 19 Tonali, 4 Bennacer, 30 Messias, 79 Kessie, 17 Leao, 9 Giroud.
    Both sides can go top of Serie A with a win.

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    Stay up to date with all the action from this Serie A table topper in our live blog…
    That’s all from Naples!
    AC Milan defeated Napoli 1-0 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium and moved up to the top of the Serie A table.
    Milan protested for a penalty after just five minutes when Ismael Bennacer went down inside the box following a challenge with Kalidou Koulibaly.
    The Rossoneri also called out for a red card on Koulibaly after a rough foul on Olivier Giroud.
    Giroud tried to show his wounds to the referee but the official and VAR weren’t moved.
    It didn’t matter, however, as the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace broke the deadlock in the second half on 49 minutes.
    Davide Calabria attempted a shot from the edge of the box and Giroud got a touch that caught David Ospina by surprise and sent the ball to the back of the net.
    That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
    GETTY IMAGES
    Updated table
    AC Milan have climbed up to the top of the Serie A table after beating Napoli.
    Milan are now two points ahead of second-placed rivals Inter Milan, who have a game in hand.
    The Partenopei, on the other hand, are third with three points away from the top.
    More below:

    Stats
    Napoli dominated 61 per cent of possession throughout the encounter at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
    The Partenopei registered a total of nine shots but only two of them were on target.
    AC Milan, on the other hand, recorded a total of 12 shots of which seven were on target.
    Both teams recorded four yellow cards during the intense Serie A encounter
    FT: Napoli 0-1 Milan
    AC Milan beat Napoli 1-0 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium and moved up to the top of the Serie A table.
    Milan protested for a penalty after just five minutes when Ismael Bennacer went down inside the area following a tangle with Kalidou Koulibaly.
    The Rossoneri also called for a red card on Koulibaly after a rough foul on Olivier Giroud.
    Giroud tried to show his gashes to the referee but the official and VAR weren’t moved.
    But it didn’t matter as the former Arsenal and Chelsea star broke the deadlock in the second half on 49 minutes.
    Davide Calabria tried a shot from the edge of the box and Giroud got a touch that caught David Ospina by surprise and sent the ball to the back of the net
    GETTY IMAGES
    FT: Napoli 0-1 Milan
    PEEP!
    That full-time in Naples
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    90+5 CHANCE!
    Milan almost seal the victory with a beautiful shot by Saelemaekers but his effort is blocked perfectly by Ospina
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    90+3 YELLOW CARD
    Milan ace Florenzi gets booked immediately after as we approach full time
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    90+2 YELLOW CARD
    Napoli ace Ounass gets booked for blocking a counter attack with a tactical foul on Rebic
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    90 Five more minutes of added time to go.
    Napoli are given a significant lifeline to equalise!
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    89 SUBSTITUTION
    And Milan manager Pioli brings on the returning Ibrahimovic, who replaces Leao
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    86 CHANCE
    Milan respond immediately as Hernandez runs down the left and tries a shot of his own from a tight angle that Ospina blocks
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    86 CHANCE
    Napoli star Osimhen breaks down the right but is under pressure and his shot from a tight angle is blocked by Maignan
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    83 YELLOW CARD
    Milan goalkeeper Maignan gets booked for time wasting
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    82 SUBSTITUTION
    And Napoli manager Spalletti responds with another double switch of his own.
    Zambo Anguissa and Lozano replace Zielinski and Lobotka
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    80 SUBSTITUTION
    Another double change for Pioli as Saelemaekers and Florenzi come on for Messias and Calabria
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    78 Ounas has sparked some extra explosiveness down Napoli’s right flank.
    The hosts are finally finding some open spaces now
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    76 CHANCE!
    Napoli finally show some teeth as Ounas delivers a shot from the right and just misses Maignan’s right corner
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    76 SUBSTITUTION
    Napoli manager Spaletti throws in Mertens, who replaces Ruiz
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    75 Milan continue to hold as Napoli are lacking that final pass.
    Osimhen can’t get the better of Tomori and Kalulu
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    72 Giroud put together a strong shift against Napoli before his injury.
    In fact, the Milan star appeared to have already been dealing with a knock before opening the scoring
    GETTY IMAGES
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    70 Napoli manager Spaletti added a lot of quality as well as technique to his side.
    Wonder if Ibrahimovic will come on for this after Rebic’s introduction
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    68 SUBSTITUTION
    Milan manager Pioli makes a double switch of his own.
    Krunic replaces Tonalli and Rebic finally comes on for Giroud, who can’t continue because of injury
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    67 SUBSTITUTION
    And here’s the double switch we were talking about earlier:
    Napoli manager Spaletti brings on Ounas and Elmas who replace Politano and Insigne respectively
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    67 Giroud is back on the ground with a problem on his foot.
    Looks like he may have twisted his ankle a few seconds earlier
    Napoli 0-1 Milan
    65 Napoli are preparing a double change.
    Manager Spaletti understands he needs to shake things up as the hosts are creating no danger so far
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    Why does Victor Osimhen wear a mask?

    VICTOR OSIMHEN is one of the hottest properties in European football.The Napoli striker has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season.
    Victor Osimhen has worn a protective mask since his return from facial surgery in JanuaryCredit: Rex
    But he would probably have had more goals if he had been fit all season.
    The Nigerian missed nine games at the end of 2021 due to a nasty injury.
    Why does Victor Osimhen wear a mask?
    Osimhen, 23, fractured his eye socket during Napoli’s 3-2 defeat at Inter Milan on November 24.
    That was one of many facial fractures he suffered after a clash of heads with Milan Skriniar at the San Siro.
    He had 18 metal screws and six plaques inserted to stabilise his facial features following the horror injury.
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    Osimhen returned to action for Napoli’s 2-0 win at Bologna in Serie A on January 17 and was wearing a carbon fibre mask.
    He originally found the mask irritating but has slowly become used to the protective item. More