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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes ‘asks Juventus to extend star’s contract until 2023’ despite transfer speculation

    JUVENTUS star Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent has asked his current employers to extend his contract, according to reports.The 36-year-old has been linked with a move after the Italian giants failed to retain their Serie A crown last term.
    Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, reportedly wants to stay at JuventusCredit: Getty
    According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo’s representative Jorge Mendes has asked Juve to extend his existing deal to 2023.
    Ronaldo’s contract is currently due to expire next summer but if the alleged request is accepted, he will remain in Turin beyond his 38th birthday.
    Renewal talks between the player and Juventus are not believed to have started yet.
    Reports also claim both Paris Saint-German and Manchester United are not interested in signing Ronaldo.
    The French club have been linked with the Portugal captain and his former Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos in recent weeks.
    Premier League giants United are also believed to have been exploring the possibility of bringing the club legend back to Old Trafford.

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    But it is now understood that neither club will make a move for Ronaldo, despite rumours suggesting Juve will sell him for just £25million.
    Even though he’s in the twilight of his professional career, the five-time Champions League winner remains one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
    Ronaldo scored 29 goals in 33 Serie A appearances last term and is on course to win the top scorer award at Euro 2020 after five goals and one assist.
    He joined Juventus from Real in July 2018 for a reported £88m and has since won two league titles and one Italian Cup.
    Ronaldo is also one of the most marketable athletes on the planet, topping the 2021 Instagram rich list ahead of WWE legend The Rock.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Cristiano Ronaldo first to console De Bruyne after Belgium star’s injury as Portugal legend shows caring side again More

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    Inter Milan ‘confident’ Chelsea transfer target Romelu Lukaku WILL STAY after Belgium’s painful Euro 2020 exit

    CHELSEA have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku as the striker is set to stay at Inter Milan, according to reports.Inter Milan were expected to sell players this summer due to financial fair play concerns but the imminent sale of Achraf Hakimi to PSG has reportedly resolved that issue.
    Romelu Lukaku exited Euro 2020 as Belgium lost to Italy on Friday
    And according to Fabrizio Romano, Inter do not need to sell another big name.
    He told his Twitch stream: “Lukaku is so happy with Inter. I think he is staying. The feeling at Inter is that Lukaku’s staying.
    “After selling Hakimi I don’t see Inter selling another star this summer, unless there is a crazy bid.”
    Lukaku has previously committed his future to the Serie A champions, at least verbally.
    He responded he was “happy at Inter” when Trevor Sinclair asked if he fancied a move to Manchester City in June.
    And after Simone Inzaghi was appointed as Antonio Conte’s replacement Lukaku said: “I am staying at Inter. I’ve already had contact with new manager Inzaghi.
    “Maybe I shouldn’t say that yet… but it was a very positive conversation. There’s also the challenge of doing it again [winning the league].”

    Chelsea are believed to be keen on signing a striker this summer and have also targeted Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
    And the Norwegian is said to be expecting a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
    But first Thomas Tuchel could make former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey his first signing as Blues boss.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Liverpool and Tottenham in Domenico Berardi transfer fight with Sassuolo winger impressing for Italy at Euro 2020

    LIVERPOOL and Tottenham are keeping tabs on Sassuolo star Domenico Berardi, reports suggest.Berardi enjoyed an impressive campaign in Serie A, which saw the Neroverdi finishing eighth in the table.
    Sassuolo star Domenico Berardi has been linked with Liverpool and TottenhamCredit: Getty
    The talented winger has also shone bright at Euro 2020, helping Italy advance to the competition’s semi-finals.
    According to Goal, the 26-year-old’s stunning displays have led to intense interest from Liverpool and Tottenham during the summer transfer window.
    Sassuolo understand that it will be difficult to hold on to the Italy international ahead of this coming season.
    But the Serie A outfit hope to maintain Berardi, whom they describe as their “symbol”.

    Sassuolo chief executive Giovanni Carnevali told Radio 24:”Berardi is our symbol, we have a deep bond with him.
    “He is doing extraordinary things. He has shown his values and the decisions over the years where he gave up on big clubs were not bad choices.
    “We hope to keep him. It is not easy to do, even with him.”

    England vs Ukraine betting special

    Berardi is not the only Sassuolo star who is standing out in Euro 2020 and has attracted interest from Europe’s top bidders.
    Manuel Locatelli has been a revelation for Italy and Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on the talented midfielder.
    Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is determined to sign a top player to link up with Thomas Partey in the middle of the park.
    However, the north Londoners are facing the prospect of an intense bidding war with Juventus, who are reportedly leading the race for the 23-year-old.

    Italy storm into Euro 2020 semi-final to play Spain after stunning 2-1 win over Belgium More

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    Andriy Shevchenko is the Ukraine national hero planning England’s downfall who loves golf and has son in Chelsea academy

    THROUGHOUT his career and beyond, Andriy Shevchenko has had an eye for more than just football.Upon his ill-fated arrival at Chelsea in 2006, he was dubbed “The Assassin” and rightly so.
    Andriy Shevchenko has made himself a Ukrainian national treasureCredit: EPA
    Shevchenko has appeared in modelling shoots with wife Kristen PazikCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
    The 175 goals in 322 games during eight years in two spells at AC Milan will tell you that.
    But just as he was absorbed by goals and success on the pitch, off it the Ukrainian kept busy too.
    Fashion became a huge part of his life. He met his American model wife Kristen Pazik in 2002 at a Giorgio Armani party, and has since regularly modelled for the designer tycoon, as well as opening two branches with him.
    Days after retiring, like compatriot and ex-boxer Vitali Klitschko, he ventured into politics as he stood for election to represent the Ukrainian Social Democratic Party.
    His love for golf is well known, he owns a house near Wentworth and is often seen playing a few rounds with old Blues pals John Terry and Gianfranco Zola.
    Even during his time at Milan — where he won the Champions League in 2003 and Ballon d’Or the following year — he formed lasting relationships that attracted media attention.
    Controversial ex-Milan owner and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is the godfather to his first-born son and the pair remain in close contact.
    The same can be said for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, with Shevchenko’s move to West London helped by the fact his wife Kristen was pals with Roman’s now ex-wife Irina.

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    Shevchenko’s American wife Kristen Pazik (pictured in 2003) is the daughter of former baseball star Mike PazikCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
    That unlikely Russian-Ukrainian bond still exists to this day as Shevchenko was sat with Abramovich in the stands to watch Chelsea win the Champions League in Porto.
    But for all his connections and hobbies, there was always an inner yearning to push those things aside and return his full focus back to football.
    In particular, football back home, where he is revered as a god. A national hero. An icon.
    That happened after becoming boss of Ukraine in 2016 in his first managerial stint.
    In a way, he has returned to his roots, away from the glitz and the glamour and the golf.
    And now, ahead of an historic first-ever Euros quarter-final against England, Shevchenko’s focus is clearer than ever.
    First and foremost, the 44-year-old — six years younger than Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate –— is a motivator and an inspirational leader.
    Having scored their first ever Euros goal in 2012 and leading them to a World Cup quarter-final in 2006 as captain, Ukraine’s greatest ever player is known to be incredibly demanding of his currently overperforming side.
    After winning just one game in the group stages at Euro 2020 and scraping through in third place, he told the media they did NOT deserve to qualify and needed to wake up.
    They have now and, tactically, Shevchenko is proving to be astute too, switching to a back-three for the first time to beat Sweden 2-1 in the last 16.
    The former striker’s playing career stumbled at ChelseaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    While he accepts England’s superiority, he will ensure Ukraine turn up knowing what they need to do to pull off an incredible upset.
    He will never admit it, but his time in England at Chelsea left his ego bruised and reputation shattered.
    There were mutterings and rumours over his overly-close relationship with Abramovich, with accusations of being the ‘teacher’s pet’.
    Then-boss Jose Mourinho failed to get the Ukrainian superstar firing on all cylinders.
    He ended up making only 48 Premier League appearances over three years, scoring just nine times.
    Some even suggest that it was against another English opponent that he first showed signs of losing his golden touch a few months before joining Chelsea.
    Shevchenko was part of the infamous Milan side that blew a 3-0 half-time lead to Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final.
    He had the chance to win it in extra time but was denied by a wonder save from Jerzy Dudek, although many claim it was an unforgivable miss.
    And in the penalty shootout, his miss handed the Reds the crown, as he headed to West London with his tail between his legs.
    But despite his Stamford Bridge flop from 2006 to 2009, Shevchenko is fond of London, and has lived there for the past 13 years with his children all attending English schools.
    Shevchenko lifted the Ballon d’Or and three major trophies at AC MilanCredit: AFP
    But he missed against Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final shootoutCredit: AP:Associated Press

    One of his sons Kristian, 14, is in the Chelsea youth academy, and could one day play for England through his residency status.
    Yet any warmth towards England will be put to one side on Saturday in Rome’s footballing colosseum.
    Italy is where his greatest triumphs as a player took place. As a manager, he is eyeing yet another.

    Ahead of it, he said: “England are a great team, they have a deep bench, an outstanding coaching staff and we are fully aware how tough this game is going to be,” the Ukraine boss told reporters after the Sweden win.
    “I saw all their three group matches, not today’s win over Germany because we had to prepare for our own game with Sweden.
    “They are incredibly difficult to score against but their strength shouldn’t scare us.
    “It should motivate us because everything is possible in football as in life and we will play our hearts out to give our fans even more to cheer about.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Shevchenko and Andersson have ugly touchline row as Sweden manager accuses Ukraine stars of diving in Euro 2020 game More

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    Man Utd ‘prepared to pay Marcelo Brozovic transfer asking price of £26m to Inter Milan but face battle with Barcelona’

    MAN UNITED are gearing up to splash the cash on Serie A midfield gem Marcelo Brozovic following their stunning £72 million deal for Jadon Sancho. But the Red Devils may have to fight with Barcelona for the services of the Croatia international according to La Repubblica and the Daily Star. 
    Man United are reportedly ready to make a move for Marcelo Brozovic but face competition from BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    Alongside skipper Luka Modric, Brozovic was one of the shining lights for his national side at the Euros putting in impressive performances in the competition’s group stages and last 16. 
    The Zagreb-born Inter Milan star, 28, helped Croatia dominate possession during their crucial 3-1 group game win against Scotland. 
    And he was arguably one of their most dynamic performers against Spain, who they pushed all the way before falling to a dramatic 5-3 last 16 defeat after extra time. 

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    United’s rivals Liverpool are thought to have made a move for the 5ft 11in midfielder who is admired for the quality of his passing range and vision in Serie A. 
    However the Merseyside giants decided to go for the choice of bringing Thiago Alcantara to Anfield from Bayern Munich instead. 
    Brozovic, who moved to Inter in 2015 after a three-year spell with Dinamo Zagreb, is reported to have just one year left on his current contract with the San Siro giants. 
    The player, who helped the club clinch their 19th Serie A title last term, netted six goals and provided two assists in 33 top-flight appearances in Italy. 
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are thought to be serious about testing the resolve of the Serie A champions by offering £26million for the player. 
    And some reports claim the midfielder is being eyed as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba should the France star leave Old Trafford this summer. 
    Barcelona target Brozovic, 28, was one of Croatia’s shining lights at the EurosCredit: Getty

    But United could face a tug-of-war with Ronald Koeman and his Barca colleagues who are reportedly keen on bringing the player to the Nou Camp.
    Brozovic began his senior playing career at 19 at Croatian club Hrvatski Dragovoljac in 2010 before switching to Lokomotiva in 2011
    The player would move to Dinamo Zagreb in 2012 before heading to his current employers Inter in 2015.
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    Cristiano Ronaldo tops Instagram rich list for first time and beats Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson by earning £1.2m EACH POST

    FOOTBALL superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has topped the Instagram rich list for the first time after dethroning wrestling legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.It is believed the Juventus forward can charge up to £1.2million PER POST on the social media platform, more than any other celeb.

    Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, is the biggest name on InstagramCredit: The Mega Agency
    According to social media marketing firm Hopper HQ, Ronaldo can charge advertisers $1.6m – around £1.2m – for a post on his account.
    The former Real Madrid star has more than 308MILLION followers on the social media platform, more than any other individual on the planet.
    It’s the first time Ronaldo has topped the Insta money list ahead of former WWE star and movie icon Johnson, which began in 2017.
    Here, SunSport takes a look at the top ten list – which includes another football legend.
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    Cristiano Ronaldo – £1.16M per post
    Ronaldo, 36, tops the list thanks to his huge following on Instagram.
    Reports claim the ex-Manchester United forward’s estimated cost for an Insta post has increased from around £646k to move up two places on the list.
    Ronaldo has recently done social media adverts with Clear, LiveScore and Insparya – but definitely not Coca-Cola.

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson – £1.1M
    WWE legend ‘The Rock’ can reportedly command $1.52m – around £1.1m – for a sponsored Instagram post.
    The 49-year-old has more than 250m followers and previously topped the rich list in 2020.
    Since quitting Vince McMahon’s company, he’s starred in several major films – including the Fast & Furious and Jumanji franchises.

    Ariana Grande – £1.1M
    It is believed singer Ariana Grande can charge advertisers $1.51m – around £1.1m – for an Insta post.
    The 28-year-old has more than 248m followers, making her the most followed singer on the social media platform.
    She’s best known for hit singles ‘Problem’, ‘One Last Time’ and ‘Thank U, Next’.

    Kylie Jenner – £1.08M
    Fourth on the list is reality star Kylie Jenner, who can reportedly command $1.49m – around £1.08m – for a sponsored Insta post.
    The 23-year-old is one of the most followed celebs on the planet, boasting 245m on Instagram.
    She achieved international fame by starring in Keeping Up with the Kardashians, a reality TV show that aired between 2007 and 2021.
    Kylie Jenner is the biggest reality TV star on InstagramCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Selena Gomez – £1.08M
    It is believed singer and actress Selena Gomez can receive $1.46m – around £1.06m – for a sponsored Insta post.
    An advert on the 28-year-old’s account is displayed to her 241m followers.
    She rose to fame as a Disney star in her teenage years before starring in several notable movies, including Spring Breakers, Getaway and The Fundamentals of Caring.

    Kim Kardashian – £1.02M
    Kim Kardashian can reportedly get $1.41m – around £1.02m – for a sponsored Instagram post.
    The 40-year-old has more than 232m followers on the social media platform, just behind her younger sister Kylie Jenner.
    She is best known for starring in Keeping Up with the Kardashians and is married to rapper Kanye West, although the couple separated earlier this year.

    Lionel Messi – £840K
    Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is the only other footballer on the rich list, with reports suggesting he can charge advertisers $1.16m – around £840k – for an Insta post.
    The 34-year-old, who is currently without a club following the expiration of his Barcelona contract, has 224m followers on Instagram.
    He’s won ten LaLiga titles, four Champions Leagues and the Ballon d’Or a record six times during his illustrious career.
    Lionel Messi is currently without a clubCredit: Getty
    Beyonce – £830K
    Music icon Beyonce can reportedly command $1.14m – around £830k – for a sponsored Instagram post.
    The 39-year-old is the third-most followed singer on the social media platform, with more than 190m watching her feed.
    She gained international fame as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child before achieving solo success with the hit singles ‘Crazy in Love’, ‘Irreplaceable’ and ‘Single Ladies’.

    Justin Bieber – £810K
    Singer Justin Bieber is said to receive $1.11m – around £810k – for a sponsored Insta post.
    The 27-year-old has more than 180m followers on Instagram, making him the most followed male singer on the planet.
    He became a teen idol with the release of ‘Baby’ in 2010, followed by hit singles ‘What Do You Mean?’ and ‘Sorry’.

    Kendall Jenner – £760K
    Tenth on the Instagram rich list is celeb Kendall Jenner, who can command $1.05m – around £760k – for a sponsored post.
    The 25-year-old has more than 172m followers on the platform, making her the third-most followed reality star.
    Like her aforementioned sisters, she achieved international fame by appearing in Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Cristiano Ronaldo first to console De Bruyne after Belgium star’s injury as Portugal legend shows caring side again More

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    Jose Mourinho lands in Rome to hero’s welcome after Roma owner personally flies him to Italy in private jet

    JOSE MOURINHO touched down in Rome today and was greeted by hoards of supporters at the airport.The Portuguese coach was taken from Lisbon to the Italian capital in a private plane piloted by Roma’s owner Dan Friedkin.
    Jose Mourinho received a stunning welcome in Rome todayCredit: EPA
    His arrival comes just hours before England land there for their clash with UkraineCredit: EPA
    A huge group of fans were at the airport to greet his arrivalCredit: AFP
    Mourinho arrived on a private jet flown by Roma’s ownerCredit: EPA
    The former Tottenham boss was greeted like a hero on the tarmacCredit: EPA
    His arrival comes just hours before England land there for their Euro 2020 last eight clash with Ukraine.
    But the former Tottenham manager will not be watching the Three Lions in action – instead he will begin his new job at Roma.
    The 58-year-old was sacked by Spurs in April just days before the Carabao Cup Final.
    He soon agreed to take charge of the Serie A outfit at the end of the campaign and in the meantime has been working as SunSport’s exclusive Euro 2020 expert.
    Now the ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss is in Italy and shared a snap of himself arriving at Fiumicino ahead of pre-season training.
    Roma also shared a video of Mourinho ahead of his departure, in which he told supporters: “AS Roma fans, I am about to pack my bags. See you soon.”
    There were plenty of fans there to welcome him after he was flown there by Roma chief and qualified pilot Friedkin.
    Mourinho was all smiles as he left Ciampino Airport and then recorded the scenes from the motor waiting to take him to his new home.
    The Giallorossi moved for the Special One after a disappointing seventh-placed finish under Paulo Fonseca.
    Roma fans lit flares as they gathered to get a glimpse of MourinhoCredit: EPA
    The Portuguese boss touched down to begin his latest job at RomaCredit: Twitter @FabrizioRomano
    Mourinho shared his car journey from the airport on InstagramCredit: Instagram @josemourinho

    Friedkin is a film director and producer, the owner of a distribution company, as well as several other businesses that have earned him a £3billion fortune.
    And he spent some of that wealth on a massive collection of vintage warplanes.
    Back in August, Friedkin, 55, agreed to buy the faltering team – who haven’t won a league title since 2001 – off a fellow American.
    James Pallotta had failed to deliver the good times he promised, and was tempted into a sale.
    Roma owner Dan Friedkin personally flew Jose Mourinho to RomeCredit: Getty
    The Special One waves to the crowd as he makes his way from the airportCredit: Instagram @josemourinho
    The deal was made for around £512million, and Friedkin described how it felt to finalise all the paperwork.
    The first serious decision Friedkin had to make was relieving Fonseca from his duties.
    And he wasted no time in appointing Mourinho who is now tasked with winning Roma their first title since 2001.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Cristiano Ronaldo has NOT asked to leave with Juventus declaring they’re ‘happy’ to have him in blow to PSG and Man Utd

    JUVENTUS insist Cristiano Ronaldo has not asked to leave this summer, dealing a blow to Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.Ronaldo, 36, has been strongly linked with a Turin exit three years after joining from Real Madrid.
    Juventus insist Cristiano Ronaldo has not asked to leave and are ‘happy’ for him to stayCredit: AP
    The Italian giants finally lost their grip on the Serie A title to Juventus.
    And with Ronnie having worked under three different bosses in as many years, it’s reckoned he is looking for a fresh start.
    Former club Man United have been linked with a stunning transfer this summer.
    That’s despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer splashing out £73million on Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho today.
    French outfit PSG are also thought to be interested as they look to reclaim their Ligue 1 crown from Lille.
    And it’s believed Ronaldo is available for just £25m should there be any serious bids.
    However. Juventus chief Federico Cherubini claims he is ‘happy’ with Ronnie’s presence at the club.
    And Cherubini adds that the Portugal captain hasn’t even requested a transfer exit, meaning he’s likely to see out the final year of his contract in Italy.

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    Cherubini said: “We’ve currently received no signal from Ronaldo to leave the club this summer.
    “Same from our side. We’re happy to have Cristiano back with us once the new season will start.”
    Ronaldo has scored 101 goals in just 133 games for Juventus.
    Should he stay put, Ronnie will be reunited with former boss Max Allegri, who is back at Juve as Andrea Pirlo’s replacement despite being sacked in 2019 for falling short in Europe.
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