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    Gorgeous Italian football host Floriana Messina is the fans’ favourite to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day

    FOOTBALL fans are calling on Gary Lineker to be replaced by his stunning Italian counterpart Floriana Messina.The raven-haired beauty hosts a Match of the Day-style show in her homeland.
    Football fans want stunning Italian football presenter Floriana Messina to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    But Premier League fans have been quick to spot how different the pair are.
    Former England and Tottenham striker Lineker has hosted MOTD for 21 years and has 1million Instagram followers
    The 60-year-old Leicester fan – a double divorcee and dad-of-four – has often come under-fire for his £1.75million-a-year BBC salary, although in 2019 agreed to take a pay cut.
    Reports claim ex-Tottenham and Newcastle star and MOTD pundit Jermaine Jenas is being lined up to replace him.
    But it appears viewers would rather see stunning Floriana run the rule over the week’s action instead.
    Floriana, 31, is almost half Lineker’s age and presents Tutti in Campo on Canale 9 in Italy, reporting on the Serie A.
    Floriana Messina is almost half Gary Lineker’s ageCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Floriana Messina often shares sexy selfies on her Instagram accountCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Floriana Messina has nearly 500,000 Instagram followersCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Gary Lineker hosted MOTD in just his pants after Leicester won the Premier LeagueCredit: handout
    The half-Italian, half-Colombian sports presenter is famed for low cut tops on air, supports Napoli and has appeared in Big Brother.
    She has 500,000 followers on Instagram, where she regularly treats her fans to sexy, bikini shots.
    While Floriana often leaves little to the imagination online, viewers also got an eyeful when Lineker presented MOTD in just his PANTS after Leicester won the Premier League.
    Fan Tommy Potts said: “I’ve always liked Italian football, honest.”
    Frank Doran said: “Yeah but at least we can concentrate on the footy.”
    Rattman Ratten added: “I bet she doesn’t present it in her boxers like Gary did.”
    Tom Simpson joked: “She’s no Kamara though.”
    James Morton said: “Absolutely stunning.”
    David Johnson went with: “Beautiful yes but has she got the timing, wittiness or that twinkle in the eye of a Lineker or a Jeff Stelling doubtful.”
    Floriana Messina shared a screengrab of the plea on her Instagram story
    Fans want Floriana Messina to replace Gary Lineker on MOTDCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Floriana Messina is half-Italian and half-ColombianCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Floriana Messina is a massive Napoli fan and often posts about her teamCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Draggan Kacanski gave a staunch defence of the former Barcelona player and wrote: “Gary Lineker was the best English striker in the World Cups.
    “She has nothing to do with football. I rather watch and listen to Lineker when I’m watching games than her.”
    A photo of her was put on The Away Fans group on Facebook: “Italy sports presenter Floriana Messina.
    “We get Gary f***ing Lineker.”
    Floriana saw the funny side and shared a screengrab of the post on her Instagram story.

    She even wrote: “We are everywhere. Thank you.”
    Twitter account Fanatics of Football shared a photo of Floriana before writing: “Meanwhile in England we get Tony Adams & Michael Owen.”
    But Facebook group The Football Community also taunted Lineker in a post about Floriana – which received over a thousand comments and shares.
    England legend Gary Lineker is the current host of Match of the DayCredit: PA:Press Association
    Jermaine Jenas has been tipped to replace Gary Lineker as MOTD hostCredit: BBC
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    Aaron Ramsey’s agent rules out Arsenal transfer after Wales star was linked with sensational Gunners return

    AARON RAMSEY’S agent has shot down talk of a return to Arsenal this summer.The Wales and Juventus playmaker, who left the Emirates in 2019 when his contract expired, has been linked with a second Gunners stint after two injury-hit seasons in Italy.
    Aaron Ramsey is not going back to Arsenal according to representative David Baldwin
    But Ramsey’s representative David Baldwin cooled talk of the 30-year-old midfielder making a Premier League comeback to North London or beyond.
    Responding to a tweet from an Arsenal fan account, Baldwin tweeted: “I’m sorry but can you stop making things up please. There is not a shred of truth in your tweet.”
    Ramsey, who has started all three of Wales’ Euro 2020 games, stated on the eve of the tournament he plans to make a fresh start under new Juventus boss Max Allegri after the finals.
    When asked if Ramsey is staying put in Turin, he replied: “Yes, I’m a Juventus player.”
    Ramsey still has two years left to run on his current deal with the Old Lady.
    He has impressed for Wales at Euro 2020 so far, scoring a goal against Turkey that was valuable to the team’s progression from Group A.
    And Allegri is likely keeping a close eye on Ramsey and his fellow Juventus players at the tournament ahead of his return to Turin.

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    The news Arsenal are not chasing Ramsey means they may instead be focusing on other transfer targets.
    Brighton’s Yves Bissouma has been heavily linked with a move to The Emirates this summer.
    And Portugal and Wolves star Ruben Neves is another who has attracted interest from The Gunners.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Juventus make seven-man transfer shortlist to replace Cristiano Ronaldo including Man City striker Gabriel Jesus

    JUVENTUS have drawn-up a seven-man shortlist of potential replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portuguese superstar looks set to depart the Turin giants this summer after they failed to win the title.
    Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to leave Juventus this summerCredit: Getty
    Man City star Gabriel Jesus has been touted as a possible replacementCredit: Reuters
    Ronaldo has one year left on his current Juve contract and finished the season with 36 goals in 44 appearances.
    But it was a disastrous campaign for the Italian giants, who for the first time in TEN YEARS failed to win the Serie A title.
    Now Juventus are plotting a major overhaul of their squad after axing Andrea Pirlo and replacing him with former manager Max Allegri.
    According to Il BiancoNero, Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, 24, is one of stars they are looking at to fill the potential void left by Ronaldo.
    Barcelona’s French ace Ousmane Dembele, 24, is on their radar as is another former City hero in 35-year-old Edin Dzeko – who is now at Roma.
    And they are all in good company.
    Napoli’s Andrea Petagna, Arkadiusz Milik of Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauro Icardi are also on the shortlist.
    Fiorentina’s 21-year-old hotshot Dusan Vlahovic is another name allegedly being targeted.
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    Meanwhile, PSG are one of the clubs believed to be keen on Ronaldo.
    The 36-year-old was asked about his future recently while on international duty with Portugal.
    He said: “I’m 36. Whatever comes, it will be the best solution. Whether it’s staying with Juve or a transfer.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Hakan Calhanoglu confirms he has agreed to join Inter Milan in controversial free transfer from bitter rivals AC Milan

    AC MILAN star Hakan Calhanoglu has confirmed he’s agreed to join Inter Milan in a controversial free transfer.The Turkey international will leave his existing employer for their bitter rivals this summer after months of speculation.
    Hakan Calhanoglu, 27, is set to leave AC Milan for Inter MilanCredit: AP
    Talking to Turkish TV channel TRT Spor, Calhanoglu said: “I agreed with Inter. I’m going to Milan.
    “I will sign a contract tomorrow.”
    Reports suggest the 27-year-old has agreed a three-year deal with the reigning Serie A champions and will earn €5million per year – around £82,500 a week.
    The contract is also believed to include a €1m bonus each season – around £860,000.
    Speculation surrounding Calhanoglu’s future has dominated transfer headlines for months.
    The player’s existing Milan contract expires this summer and he’d been linked with Premier League giants Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

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    The Gunners were believed to be particularity interested in Calhanoglu as they sought to replace loanee Martin Odegaard, who’s returned to parent club Real Madrid.
    Italian giants Juventus were also thought to be keen on signing the creative midfielder.
    Calhanoglu struggled at Euro 2020, failing to score as Turkey finished bottom of Group A with three defeats.
    But he did enjoy a good season at the San Siro before the tournament, making 33 Serie A appearances and winning the league’s MVP award in December 2020.
    Calhanoglu has played 172 times in all competitions for Milan since joining the seven-time European champions from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2017.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Heartwarming moment Gianluigi Buffon sends video message to brave Crewe Alexandra Under-12s keeper suffering from cancer

    JUVENTUS legend Gianluigi Buffon invited a Crewe academy player to watch a match with him as he undergoes treatment for cancer.Ashton Hulme was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in January.
    Ashton Hulme received a video message from Gianluigi BuffonCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
    The youngster, who has a form of bone cancer, received a signed shirtCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
    Buffon invited Ashton to a Juventus game once he is able to travelCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
    The family of the Under-12s goalkeeper are raising money for his treatment and Italian hero Buffon – who has just completed a free transfer back to boyhood club Parma – has leant a helping hand.
    The 43-year-old sent in a video message of support to young Ashton and offered him a trip to Juventus when possible.
    He said: “Hi Ashton, I’m Gigi Buffon and I want to send you a big hug.
    “And I want to tell you that when this ugly pandemic is over, Juventus and I will invite you to Juventus Stadium to watch a match togther.
    “And remember, I cheer for you. Ciao ciao!”
    Ashton, who began chemotherapy in January, was shown Buffon’s message in a clip posted on Crewe’s social media pages.
    The youngster appeared taken aback at the video and later posed with a signed shirt of the goalkeeper’s.
    At the announcement of Ashton’s diagnosis in January, Crewe academy manager Aidan Callan said: “This news about Ashton has completely devastated everyone here at the club.

    “Ashton is not only a talented young goalkeeper, but more importantly a brilliant young lad full of personality, energy, politeness and is extremely well liked by everyone here at the Academy.
    “Ashton has the support of an amazing family, great friends and I know from the messages received this week, everyone is behind him.
    “We will be there for him every step of the way, doing anything we can. The football family is really pulling together for Ashton and his family.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Barcelona ‘plan’ to unite Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in sensational transfer for Real Madrid legend

    BARCELONA are planning a sensational move for Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports from Spain.It is believed the Spanish giants want to unite the Juvenus star with Lionel Messi, who is yet to commit his future to the club.
    Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have never played together on the pitchCredit: AFP
    According to Spanish newspaper AS, club captain Messi is on the verge of signing a new contract to keep him at the Nou Camp beyond this summer.
    The Argentine forward is said to have a good relationship with returning president Joan Laporta and his father, Jorge, is in Barcelona to complete the deal.
    And with Messi’s contract all but signed, Laporta has reportedly switched his focus to hiring Ronaldo.
    Rumours suggest the administrator dreams about uniting the two greats of modern football – and is willing to give Ronaldo’s current side two players in a swap deal.
    It is believed Laporta will offer Juventus two of Antoine Griezmann, Sergi Roberto and Philippe Coutinho.
    Wages are not thought to be a problem, with the Portugal skipper reportedly receiving the combined salary of the two departing players.
    If the transfer was to proceed, it would not go down well with Ronaldo’s former employers and Barcelona’s biggest rivals.
    He is arguably Real’s greatest ever player, scoring a record 450 goals for the Spanish club between 2009 and 2018.
    The ex-Manchester United star won two LaLigas, four Champions Leagues and four Ballon d’Ors during his time at the Bernabeu.

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    Ronaldo forged a famous rivalry with Barcelona icon Messi, who won six LaLigas, two Champions Leagues and four Ballon d’Ors during the same time frame.
    The two players are widely regarded as the finest of the modern era, with football fans across the globe split on who is the greatest.
    Ronaldo fans will highlight his five Champions League titles – one more than the Argentine’s tally of four – and his 781 senior goals.
    Messi supporters, meanwhile, will focus on his six Ballor d’Ors – one more than the Portuguese’s tally of five – and his ten league titles.
    Speaking about Messi in 2019, Ronaldo said: “I really admire the career he has had so far.
    “And, for his part, he has already said that he had trouble when I left the Spanish league because it is a rivalry that he appreciates.

    “It is a good rivalry that exists in football, but this is no exception.
    “Michael Jordan had rivals in basketball, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were great rivals in Formula One…
    “The only common point between all the big rivalries in the sport is that they are healthy.”
    When asked a similar question, Messi revealed: “Today, there are very good players.
    “Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Luis Suarez, Eden Hazard… any of them could be the best in the world.
    “But I took Cristiano out of that group and put him with me.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Cristiano Ronaldo is paid a staggering £147m by Nike, according to leaked details about Manchester United legend

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is one of the most marketable people in the world.And it is for that reason Nike pay him a staggering £147million to represent the brand, according to leaked contract details.
    Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly paid £147m to be sponsored by sportswear giant NikeCredit: Instagram
    The Portugal star, 36, has been wearing Nike sportswear since his Manchester United days and is often used in commercials to promote new products or campaigns.
    But it comes at a cost of around £14.7m per year after the Juventus forward signed a ten-year deal in September 2016, in an agreement between Nike and Polaris Sports Limited which owns Ronaldo’s worldwide marketing rights.
    But as revealed by Der Spiegel’s latest Football Leaks, that is just the basic rate – add on bonuses such as winning the Ballon d’Or and his earnings from Nike rocket even higher.
    It is understood he was paid a whopping £18.3m in 2016 and 2017, including a cool £3.6m top-up for being the best player in the world.
    Ronaldo is thought to be Nike’s highest paid athlete – ahead of the likes of Neymar, LeBron James, Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal.
    Nike’s major rivals, especially in football are Adidas.
    The German company have Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba and Dustin Johnson on their books as well as tournaments such as the World Cup and Olympics.
    Adidas also have artists such as Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Stormzy and Kylie and Kendall Jenner.

    Add in Ronaldo’s other commercial deals – such as the airport named after him in Madeira and his CR7 fashion brand – and his earnings become pretty eye-watering.
    And that is without taking into account his wages for doing his job – just playing football.
    Ronaldo – who pulled off a stunning ‘no’look’ skill during Portugal’s Euro 2020 defeat to Germany – is believed to earn £850,000-A-WEEK at Juventus, which works out at approximately £44m-per-year.
    Polaris Sports Limited did not respond to Der Spiegel’s request for comment, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes and his agency Gestifute did not comment and Nike said: “We do not comment on contracts with athletes.”

    The Juventus and Portugal star signed a lucrative ten-year deal in September 2016Credit: Instagram
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    Rui Patricio ‘agrees Roma contract’ as Jose Mourinho closes in on transfer for Wolves and Portugal keeper

    JOSE MOURINHO is closing in on his first signing as Roma manager after Rui Patricio reportedly agreed a contract with the Serie A club.The Portuguese boss has been keen on his compatriot for much of the summer.
    Rui Patricio could leave Wolves after three years at the club
    Jose Mourinho is plotting moves for multiple Premier League players
    The pair share the same agent, Jorge Mendes, which is perhaps why personal terms have been agreed without the clubs agreeing a fee.
    Roma will now negotiate a price with Wolves to seal the move, though a £6.8million bid has already been rejected.
    Wolves are looking for £10.3m-£12.8m for the goalkeeper, according to Sky Italia.
    And if Patricio is sold, Wolves will reportedly attempt to sign Olympiacos shot stopper Jose Sa, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    Patricio, 33, is currently at Euro 2020 with Portugal, but is seemingly ready to depart Wolves after three years in the Premier League.
    Meanwhile, Mourinho is also believed to be keen on signing Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.
    The Gunners have knocked back a £13m offer from Roma for the Switzerland international.

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    And if Xhaka does join Roma that could pave the way for Arsenal to make a bid for Ruben Neves.
    Wolves are believed to be keen on a move for Spanish forward Diego Costa this summer.
    Roma, meanwhile, could sell Edin Dzeko to raise funds for Mourinho’s transfer ambitions.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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