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      Juventus will be EXPELLED from Serie A if they don’t quit European Super League, warns Italian Football Federation chief

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      JUVENTUS have been warned they will be kicked out of Serie A if they do not quit the European Super League.The Italian giants plus Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona last week defended their plans for a breakaway in the face of what they call ‘threats’ from Uefa.
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus could be kicked out of Serie ACredit: Rex
      Italian FA president Gabriele Gravina has issued the chilling threat over the ESL fiascoCredit: Getty
      The trio are the only teams left from the initial 12 yet to withdraw from the proposed ESL and are all looking at potential disciplinary action from the governing body.
      But Juventus now face another threat from much closer to home after Italian FA president, Gabriele Gravina, issued them a chilling threat.
      He said: “The rules are clear. If a club is still part of the Super League project, they can’t play in Serie A.
      “It would be sad for the fans, but the rules are the same for everyone.”
      Speaking to RAI’s Radio Anch’io Sport, he added: “Those who don’t respect the principles to which they must be inspired.
      “They are simple principles, affirmed by the Olympic Charter and then reported by the statutes of national and international federations.
      “They are clear principles, in which the exclusivity of sport management is established. I hope that this dispute can be resolved as soon as possible.
      “We are all a bit tired of this tug-of-war between Uefa and these three clubs. I hope to be able to mediate between Juventus and Uefa.
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      “It’s not good for international football, Italian football, Juventus. We have already said that the football association respects the rules.
      “The rules foresee the non-participation in our championship if the principles established by the federation and Uefa are not accepted.”
      Juve, Madrid and Barca have all blasted the ‘intolerable’ pressure and threats to abandon the ESL project over the weekend.
      And all three have vowed to ‘persevere’ with the plan despite its considerable rejection.
      They issued a joint statement on Saturday that defended their desire for the ESL’s formation and expressed ‘regret’ at seeing the other nine teams drop out and recommit to Uefa.
      Uefa have vowed to take ‘appropriate action’ against the trio over their role in the fiasco, which was instantly condemned by the rest of the footballing world.
      However, Juve, Madrid and Barcelona all warned Uefa to back off as they expressed their hopes to be able to discuss solutions to the ‘systemic crisis in the football sector’.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori wanted by AC Milan in £25m permanent transfer as Stefano Pioli CONFIRMS end of season offer

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      AC MILAN want to complete the permanent transfer of Fikayo Tomori for £25million this summer.The Chelsea and England defender, 23, is enjoying himself on loan at the San Siro this season.
      AC Milan boss Stefano Piolo confirmed his side intent to make Fikayo Tomori’s loan from Chelsea permanentCredit: AFP

      Part of the contract signed in January included the option for Milan to buy him at the end of the six-month agreement.
      And manager Stefano Piolo confirmed his side intend to activate the clause to keep Tomori.
      He said: “We want to buy Tomori on a permanent deal from Chelsea.
      “Our intention is clear and also Fikayo’s decision [staying at Milan].
      “We’ll see what happens at the end of the season.”
      Journalist Fabrizio Romano adds a final decision will be made at the end of the campaign with AC Milan intent on securing a deal.
      Brainbox Tomori has been a mainstay in the AC defence since arriving in Italy with 19 appearances including four clean sheets.
      And he was particularly impressive on Sunday night as Milan thumped Juventus 3-0 at the Allianz Stadium.
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      First goal for AC Milan in a very important victory🤩🔴⚫️. LETS GO!! All praise to God🙌🏾.Primo goal con l’AC Milan in un’importante vittoria🤩🔴⚫️. ANDIAMOOO!!! Grazie Dio🙏🏾. pic.twitter.com/hUJsKdNMyJ— Fikayo Tomori (@fikayotomori_) May 9, 2021

      Not only did the Chelsea academy graduate keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet for the 90 minutes, but he also thumped in a header to complete the scoring.
      It was his first goal in Italian football and, following stunners from Brahim Diaz and Ante Rebic, put the Rossoneri on course to secure Champions League qualification.
      AC Milan made their intentions clear as early as March they want to keep Tomori beyond this season by activating the clause.
      Milan’s vice-president Franco Baressi told Gazzetta dello Sport: “We will do everything possible to sign him on a permanent deal.”

      I was suddenly out of the squad and I don’t really know why… it was so frustratingFikayo Tomori on being frozen out at Chelsea
      But as revealed by SunSport in April, Milan may try and negotiate a lower transfer fee for Tomori amid their financial struggles following the coronavirus pandemic.
      The centre-back opened up on going from ‘100 to zero’ under previous Blues boss Frank Lampard and suddenly finding himself frozen out.
      Tomori told The Telegraph: “I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities he gave me.
      “Maybe because of our history he thought I would accept it, but from my perspective, with that history, it felt more personal and harder to understand.
      “I don’t know what happened, it wasn’t really explained to me. I was suddenly out of the squad and I don’t really know why. It was so frustrating.”
      The defender kept Cristiano Ronaldo quiet and then popped up at the other end to score AC Milan’s third at JuventusCredit: AP

      Fikayo Tomori’s impossible angle goal in Chelsea training session More

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      Juventus reject transfer approaches from Chelsea and Barcelona for defender Matthijs de Ligt and refuse to sell Dutchman

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      JUVENTUS have turned down offers from Barcelona and Chelsea for star defender Matthijs de Ligt ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.De Ligt has been among Juve’s most impressive players amid a rather turbulent season under manager Andrea Pirlo, which could even see them missing out on Champions League qualification.
      Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt was targeted by Barcelona and ChelseaCredit: Getty
      A report from Tuttosport claims Chelsea were the first to show an interest for the centre-back, whose consistent performances have seen the Bianconeri conceding a mere 31 goals in 34 Serie A matches.
      Barca also made an approach for the Netherlands international after their failed bid in 2019, which is when he moved to Turin from Ajax.
      However, both transfer requests have been turned down by Juventus, who just recently conceded the Serie A crown to Inter Milan.
      Barcelona have been courting De Ligt for two years now, ever since he and other young Dutch talents, like Frenkie de Jong and Donny van de Beek, burst onto the scene for Ajax.
      The three of them shone bright under manager Erik ten Hag and led the Amsterdam giants to a domestic double as well as the Champions League semi-finals.
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      Barca had been hoping to bring back the old glory days by investing in some of Holland’s greatest talents like they did in the past with Johan Cruyff, Ronald Koeman, Patrick Kluivert and more.
      The Blaugrana successfully landed De Jong but came up short with De Ligt, who opted for Juventus.
      Barcelona have reportedly formed a bond with Juve, following the recent swap that saw Miralem Pjanic moving to Catalonia and Arthur going the other way.
      However, that hasn’t been enough to force a deal between the European Super League partners over De Ligt.
      The 21-year-old has amassed a total of 70 appearances at Juventus where he has also registered five goals and two assists.
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      Matthijs de Ligt shows what he is made of at Juventus training session More

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      Inter Miami set to make shock Ashley Young free transfer swoop if he quits Inter Milan as he mulls over next move

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      INTER MIAMI are ready to rival Watford for Ashley Young should he exit Inter Milan.Ex-England star Young, 35, won Serie A with the Italian giants this season but his current contract expires this summer.
      Inter Milan star Ashley Young is being chased by both Inter Miami and former club WatfordCredit: Getty
      SunSport exclusively revealed that Watford are keen on bringing back their former academy product.
      It would be an emotional homecoming ahead of their return to the Premier League.
      But David Beckham’s MLS franchise Miami also fancy signing the versatile veteran, who won the Premier League in 2013 with Manchester United.
      Ambitious Miami are building an exciting squad having lured a number of high-profile players in recent windows, including boss Phil Neville.
      Their squad includes World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, ex-Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, former Stoke hardman Ryan Shawcross.
      But they know they have a battle on their hands with the Hornets in the race to secure Young’s services.
      Young featured in 110 games for the Hornets between 2003-2007, scoring 22 goals including 15 strikes in the 2005-06 season.
      And he has made no secret of his desire to retire at his former stomping ground.
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      Speaking on Watford’s ‘Golden Tales’ podcast in October, he said: “If I could go back and play there [at Watford] again, I would walk from Italy right now.
      “Because it’s what I know, it’s where I come from and it’s what allowed me to be who I am and get where I am.
      “For me, at my age now, and you can ask my family, you can ask my agent, if I had the opportunity to go back and finish my career at Watford, I would jump at the chance.”
      Before adding: “I know what started my career. It was Watford.
      “I always say and I will always say it’s my home.”
      Ashley Young eyeing stunning Watford transfer return as he mulls over Inter Milan contract extension More

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      How Roma could line up under Jose Mourinho with De Gea, Lamela and Matic available for ex-Man Utd and Spurs boss

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      JOSE MOURINHO could call upon some old friends to help build his new Roma team into Serie A title contenders.Having only left Tottenham just over two weeks ago, the Portuguese coach has completed a whirlwind move to the Italian capital for next season.

      Old favourites such as Nemanja Matic could be Mourinho’s first additionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Giallorossi have been keen to highlight the 58-year-old’s ‘long term’ commitment to the project and a dramatic summer spree is unlikely.
      Owner Dan Friedkin may be worth north of £3billion but heavy club debt and Financial Fair Play will keep a cap on their immediate ambition.
      Therefore Mourinho will be expected to invest his time into the crop of youthful stars currently making their name in the Eternal City.
      Nicolo Zaniolo, 21, Lorenzo Pellegrini, 24, Marash Kumbulla, 21, and Amadou Diawara, 23, are set to form the core of the team for years to come.
      More young signings are likely to come through the door but some cash may be set aside for relatively cheap, reliable veterans to help push the side back into the Champions League.
      Mourinho could pick up some old favourites with Nemanja Matic available for his third stint under the coach for the right price.
      And one signing that would really make people stand up and take notice is if the Special One managed to bring in Matic’s team-mate at Manchester United David De Gea.
      Dean Henderson is looking likely to take the No1 spot for next season.

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      Real Madrid fans were not happy seeing their player Eden Hazard doing this after the team were beaten by Chelsea

      He could also make moves for Spurs stars Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Eric Dier.
      Real Madrid centre-half Raphael Varane is yet to agree a new deal at the Bernabeu, and should the Spanish giants opt to get some money for him, Mourinho could make his move.
      And judging by the feeling among Los Blancos fans towards Eden Hazard after he was spotted laughing and joking with his old Chelsea team-mates after Real were knocked out of the Champions League, he could be a stunning option too.
      David Luiz is another who fits the bill when his Arsenal contract expires although Roma are already well-stocked in central defence.
      Chris Smalling was a regular under the manager at Manchester United and is the experienced head alongside emerging talents Kumbulla, Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez.
      It is in attack where the new manager may seek to focus his energies amid Edin Dzeko’s continually rumoured move to Inter Milan.

      The Bosnian’s exit could lead to Borja Mayoral being made the focal point of the frontline alongside Zaniolo and a new signing.
      Henrikh Mkhitaryan was once a favourite of Mourinho’s but is out of contract in the summer, while ex-Chelsea star Pedro’s deal runs for another year to keep him as a reasonable squad player.
      A right-back may also be sought to provide competition for the impressive Rick Karsdorp although Alessandro Florenzi may be back from a loan spell at Paris Saint-Germain if his purchase option is not enacted.
      Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj is set to become a free agent and has been linked with the club.
      Getting shot of well-paid fringe players will also be a priority with Federico Fazio, Javier Pastore and Juan Jesus potentially on their way out.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Tottenham will still pay Jose Mourinho £10MILLION next season… twice as much as new club Roma More

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      Antonio Conte refuses to commit future to Inter Milan and confirms showdown talks over deal in summer after title win

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      INTER MILAN boss Antonio Conte has refused to commit his future to the club after guiding the Nerazzurri to the Serie A title.The Italian gaffer has led his side to their first Scudetto since 2010, with Inter 13 points clear at the top of the table with four games to play.
      Antonio Conte has guided Inter Milan to their first Serie A title since 2010Credit: Reuters
      Since being appointed in 2019, the 51-year-old has won 61 out of his 98 matches in charge in all competitions, losing on just 14 occasions.
      But his position remains uncertain, with the former Chelsea manager having just one year left on his contract at the San Siro.
      And Conte has failed to state whether he will extend his stay in Milan when speaking on Italian show Le Iene.
      Asked about his future, he said: “I’ll be staying or leaving Inter?
      “Now we enjoy the celebrations, then we’ll meet and decide.
      “We will choose the best destiny for Inter.”
      Conte also commented on Jose Mourinho’s shock appointment at Roma, with the Special One to take over the Rome outfit in the summer.
      The pair clashed during Conte’s time in England with the Blues, but the ex-Juventus boss has insisted he has no problem with Mourinho.
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      Inter Milan’s top earners according to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport
      He remarked: “It’s great news for everybody, I wish him the best, except when he plays against Inter.
      “For sure, there is great respect between us.”
      Explaining why he decided to return to Italy with Roma, Mourinho said: “After meetings with the ownership and Tiago Pinto, I immediately understood the full extent of their ambitions for AS Roma.
      “It is the same ambition and drive that has always motivated me and together we want to build a winning project over the upcoming years.
      “The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season.”
      Fans celebrate Inter Milan winning the title Serie A football championship More

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      Former Arsenal hero Aaron Ramsey opens up on Juventus injury hell as he prepares for Euro 2020 with Wales

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      AARON RAMSEY has opened up on his injury frustration at Juventus.The Wales midfielder has started just 19 of Juve’s 47 games in all competitions this season due to several injury setbacks.
      Aaton Ramsey has opened up on his injury hell at JuventusCredit: Rex
      Ramsey joined the Serie A giants on a free transfer from Arsenal in 2019 but the 30-year-old has failed to hit the heights in Italy.
      The lack of fitness and form has raised speculation that Rambo could return to the Premier League, with Everton linked as a potential summer target. 
      Ramsey said: “It’s been a pretty frustrating couple of years for me, picking up little injuries and not being able to get back to full fitness.
      “It’s been a strange time in general, which hasn’t helped – arriving at Juventus with an injury, trying to get my fitness back, then you’re hit by a pandemic and we had to start again.
      “It’s been difficult to get any consistency going, and that’s had an effect on me playing for Wales.”
      Ramsey has only turned out once for Wales in their last 11 internationals – prompting a section of Dragons fans to question his commitment of playing for his country.
      But the 61-cap ace says he is desperate to be fit, firing and available to star for Robert Page’s side at Euro 2020.
      Ramsey told FourFourTwo magazine’s Euro special: “I’m very proud to play for Wales and want to play for them as much as I can, but it’s been limited in the last few years. 
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      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club
      “The aim is to get back into decent shape and show what I’m capable of again.
      “I still feel like I have many years ahead of me, and it’s just about getting my body back into a decent place where it can perform regularly again. I’m confident that I can do that.
      “It was so great to be part of that camp where we had to beat Azerbaijan away and did, then took it to the last game and won.
      “To grab a couple of goals that night to send us into another finals was just perfect, a proud moment. I’d missed a lot of games in that campaign, so for me to feel like I contributed and helped the team was important.”

      Ramsey was named in the team of the tournament at Euro 2016 when Wales reached the semi-finals under Chris Coleman.
      So what can the Dragons achieve this time, with group games against Switzerland, Turkey and Italy to come?
      Ramsey joked: “The final this time!”
      He added: “No, we’ve got a completely different team now, a young team, but who knows what can happen? We’ve proven that when we’re together, we can give anyone a game. We want to get out of the group and see how far we can go.
      “Wales got to the semi-finals last time and nobody would have imagined that. As long as you’re on the same page and heading in the right direction, then stranger things have happened.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England boast the most-valuable squad of all Euro 2020 nations
      Aaron Ramsey scores for Juventus in training ground match More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo next club: Five transfer options for CR7 with Man Utd, Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon return on cards

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is unhappy at Juventus, and could be on the move this summer.The Portuguese legend has become ‘nervous and irritable’ at Juve – and has ‘given up’.
      Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Juventus this summerCredit: Rex
      CR7 still possesses a year on his bumper contract in Turin.
      But, given his current unhappiness, he could seek to cut his time in Italy short a year early.
      And it wouldn’t necessarily be a huge blow for Juve, who are reportedly being financially crippled by Ronaldo’s contract in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
      But where could the 36-year-old end up? SunSport examines five options at the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star’s disposal in the coming months.
      SPORTING LISBON
      Ronaldo could return to where it all started, especially if his mother Dolores, and Nike, have anything to do with it.
      CR7 scored five goals in 31 games for Sporting as a teenager, before being snapped up by Man United in 2003.
      With his sponsor Nike replacing Macron as the Portuguese side’s official kit supplier next season, and Dolores being a die-hard fan, Ronaldo could complete an emotional return to see out his career in his home country.
      CR7 started his career with SportingCredit: Reuters
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      MAN UNITED
      On the subject of returns, perhaps Ronaldo could finally make his way back to Old Trafford, arguably the ground where he is most loved in the entire world.
      CR7 left the Theatre of Dreams for £80million in 2009, and received an incredible reception upon his first return with Real Madrid in 2013.
      And with centre-forward Edinson Cavani looking set to leave this summer, a spot upfront will be vacant – as well as Ronaldo’s iconic old No7 shirt.
      Ronaldo became a superstar at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      REAL MADRID
      Club president Florentino Perez recently rubbished reports that Real Madrid are trying to bring Cristiano back to Santiago Bernabeu.
      But if they miss out on top targets Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland… stranger things have happened.
      Ronaldo scored an incredible, barely believable 450 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid, winning four Champions Leagues along the way – with the club having failed to win another since his departure.
      The forward won his fifth Champions League crown in 2018Credit: AP
      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
      Not many teams have the financial clout to be able to afford Ronaldo – but PSG do.
      The French champions could be in a spot of bother this summer, with the prospect of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar both signing new deals looking questionable.
      Should they lose one or even both, the Qatar-backed club will be desperate to make a big statement in the transfer window, and Ronaldo could fit the bill.
      PSG could replace one superstar with anotherCredit: AFP
      INTER MIAMI
      Maybe it’s a little early for Ronaldo to head stateside, having still been prolific in Italy this term.
      But David Beckham doesn’t believe selling the project to CR7 would be too tricky.
      Becks, 46, recently told ESPN: “To be honest, it’s not a difficult pitch. You just say ‘Miami’ and they’re like, ‘okay!’”
      David Beckham thinks he could attract Ronaldo to MiamiCredit: Getty – Contributor
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      A young Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Lisbon More