More stories

  • in

    Inter Milan players should demand board SACK ‘boring’ Antonio Conte despite club storming to Serie A title, says Cassano

    ANTONIO CASSANO reckons Antonio Conte should be SACKED as Inter Milan boss despite being top of Serie A.Ex-Chelsea boss Conte has Inter on course for a first title since 2010 with an 11-point lead at the top of the table.
    Antonio Cassano hit out at Antonio Conte’s ‘boring’ style of playCredit: Alamy
    Ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has Inter on course for a first title since 2010Credit: Rex
    But former Italian striker Cassano called Inter’s play style boring and ‘horrifying’.
    He told Bobo TV: “Inter will win the Scudetto, because the only way to lose it now would be throwing it out the window, but I have to say this with a heavy heart: they play bad football.
    “As for the talk about getting new players in, who would that be? Conte doesn’t want real champions.
    “Ajax played with a three-man defence under Louis van Gaal too, but Conte plays 5-3-2, with everyone behind the ball, sitting there to defend the goal. Park the bus and you do not pass.
    “This kind of football gives me the shivers, it’s horrifying. If I had a coach like this, I’d go to the President and beg him to fire the boss.”
    Conte has been in charge since 2019 after leaving Chelsea the summer before.
    Inter are set to end Juventus’ nine-year Serie A dominance with just eight games left in the campaign.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
    Inter are 11 points clear at the top of Serie ACredit: Rex

    Only Atalanta, with 71, have scored more than Inter’s 69 goals in the Italian league this season while Conte’s men have the joint best defence with 27 conceded.
    Cassano, who played 39 times for Italy, spent just one season at Inter.
    He was better known for his Roma playing days which earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2006.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Conte races onto pitch to celebrate with stars as Darmian goal puts Inter Milan 11 points clear More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘to splash Champions League cash on Cristiano Ronaldo transfer with Paul Pogba heading to Juventus in swap deal’

    MANCHESTER UNITED want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus this summer, according to reports in Italy.And in order to get a deal done, they could let Paul Pogba return to his former club in part-exchange.
    Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Juventus this summer, according to sensational reports in ItalyCredit: AFP
    Paul Pogba produced a stunning performance against Spurs on SundayCredit: EPA
    The Red Devils are set to be feeling flush at the end of the season, with another shot at Champions League football in sight.
    And this could lead them to making a massive move.
    According to Calciomercato, United want to mark Champions League qualification with an ‘important’ signing.
    And Cristiano Ronaldo fits the bill.
    They claim that the Portuguese hasn’t ruled out a return to Old Trafford one day.
    With his wages reportedly crippling Juventus’ finances, the Old Lady may want to cash in with a year remaining on his contract.
    Ronaldo is 36, and has not featured in a single Champions League semi-final during his time in Turin – with Juve also looking likely to surrender their Serie A title for the first time since 2011.
    Ronaldo, 36, played with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old TraffordCredit: AFP
    Pogba, 28, made his name in TurinCredit: Getty – Contributor
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    They also claim that Pogba, 28, could return to Juventus as part of the process.
    Like Ronaldo, the Frenchman will also have just a year remaining on his contract come the summer, with Mino Raiola having infuriated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by admitting his client wants to leave United just 24 hours before a huge clash with RB Leipzig.
    Pogba’s form has recovered since then, however, and he delivered a scintillating performance against Tottenham on Sunday as United ran out 3-1 winners in North London.
    While Man United will want to keep Pogba in his current form, the Italian report reckons that they are set for an ‘important’ chat with Juventus over the futures of the two star players.

    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Cristiano Ronaldo shares video of his glittering career after beating Pele’s goal tally by scoring his 770th More

  • in

    World’s most valuable football clubs revealed with £3.5bn Barcelona top, Man Utd up to 4th and Chelsea slipping to 7th

    BARCELONA are the most valuable football club in the world for the first time – worth a whopping £3.46billion. The Nou Camp giants pipped arch-rivals Real Madrid (£3.45bn) into top spot after five successive second-place finishes.

    Barcelona lost El Clasico on Saturday but were eventually crowned the most valuable club in the worldCredit: Getty
    Both clubs recorded 2020 revenues of £576m and debt values at six per cent.
    European kings Bayern Munich (£3.07bn) move up one place to third from last year’s rankings while there is also a jump for Manchester United.
    The Red Devils, worth £2.77bn in 2020, leap from sixth to fourth and are now worth £3.06bn, according to Forbes’ latest figures.
    In the previous 16 years, Real Madrid and United had dominated the title as the world’s most valuable club with 11 and five years in first place respectively.
    United lead a quintet of English clubs between fourth and eighth in the table – and nine overall in 2021’s top 20.
    Liverpool are worth £2.98bn which sees them sneak above Manchester City (£2.91bn) – who announced £126m losses last week – after wrestling the Premier League title from them last year.
    The Anfield giants were valued £1.59bn in the June 2020 edition, meaning the club’s assets have almost doubled in the past ten months.
    Chelsea, third overall last time, claim the London bragging rights at £2.33bn, £290m ahead of Arsenal and £660m clear of Spurs.
    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

    The White Hart Lane club are tenth on the list, with Champions League runners-up Paris Saint-Germain breaking up the Premier League ‘Big Six’ in ninth at £1.82bn.
    European heavyweights Juventus (£1.42bn) and Borussia Dortmund (£1.38bn) are the last teams to break the £1bn barrier.
    Atletico Madrid come in next, a fair way back at £728m, to ensure the top 13 clubs on the list remain the same from 2020.
    Everton (£479m) are sandwiched between the two Milan clubs – Inter are worth £541m while San Siro rivals AC sit back on £407m with fellow Italians Roma next at £399m.
    West Ham pip Leicester for the second time in as many days following Sunday’s 3-2 win at the London Stadium – the Hammers weigh in at £370m, £39m ahead of Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes who also ranked in 19th in 2018.
    Ajax (£300m) complete the top 20 as just the fourth team in the list owned by club members, alongside podium-sitters Barca, Real and Bayern.
    Roma have the highest debt value at a massive 56 per cent with Tottenham next on 39 per cent – the Serie A side also had the worst operating income with -£79m while United topped that category at £121m.
    Real Madrid boast the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deal with their five-year, £300m agreement with Emirates worth £50 per season.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Manchester United jumped from sixth to fourth to claim the highest English placingCredit: Getty
    West Ham got the better of Leicester by one place – after beating the Foxes 3-2 on SundayCredit: EPA

    Son close to tears as devastated Tottenham star says he’s ‘really down’ after Man Utd loss and ‘not bothered’ about goal More

  • in

    Man Utd dealt Paulo Dybala transfer blow with Juventus boss Pirlo claiming he WILL sign new contract and stay at club

    ANDREA PIRLO has warned Manchester United off Paulo Dybala by claiming the superstar WILL be at Juventus next season.Dybala, 27, has been linked with a big-money move this summer as he approaches the final year of his Bianconeri deal.
    Andrea Pirlo is adamant Man Utd target Paulo Dybala will be at Juventus next seasonCredit: Getty

    Juventus are also thought to be in dire financial straits due to the coronavirus crisis.
    And reports in Italy claim they need to raise around £85million this summer alone to balance the books.
    Dybala, regarded by many as one of Europe’s top attacking playmakers, is thought to be valued around that figure.
    It’s led to reported interest from Manchester United, who have long been fans of the mercurial Argentina ace.
    However, Turin tactician Pirlo insists Dybala will not be going anywhere this summer.
    And he hopes one of his most ‘important’ players will eventually commit his future on a new long-term deal.
    Pirlo declared: “I’ve always said Dybala is an important player and unfortunately I haven’t had him at my disposal very much this season.
    “Let’s look at the present, because that is more important than the future.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    “He still has a year left on his contract, so we will have him here next season.
    “Dybala is a player who makes the difference. I hope hope to be able to use Cristiano Ronaldo, Alvaro Morata and Dybala together at some point.
    “With Dybala, it’s the club who are in charge of making the decisions. I’m fortunate to coach winners like him.
    “The final decisions are made by the directors.”

    Dybala joined Juve in 2015 from Palermo for around £30m and has gone to score 99 goals in 245 games.
    He also has five Serie A titles to his name, but looks set to miss out on this season’s trophy with Inter Milan top of the pile.
    Some may attribute Juve’s league failings to Dybala’s injury problems, which have limited him to just 12 appearances this term.
    And Pirlo will have to be wary of rushing him back into action too soon, with Juve also already out of the Champions League.
    But Dybala will be hoping to play a part in May’s Coppa Italia final against Atalanta, with league games against Inter and AC Milan also still to come.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Solskjaer insists he will never settle for second with Man Utd More

  • in

    Man Utd’s Jesse Lingard ‘wanted by Real Madrid, PSG and Inter Milan’ after reviving career on loan transfer at West Ham

    JESSE LINGARD’S remarkable resurgence could earn the midfielder a move to Real Madrid, according to reports.The LaLiga giants are named as one of several clubs keeping an eye on the England international’s stunning form for West Ham.
    Jesse Lingard is catching the eye of Europe’s biggest clubs at West HamCredit: AFP
    Since joining the Hammers on loan in January, he has tallied eight goals and four assists – losing just one of his nine games.
    That has elevated him to the radars of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, as reported by ESPN.
    Champions League football is said to be Lingard’s desire for next season.
    United surprised many when extending his contract until June 2022 in December.
    But it means the club will hold sway over a potentially lucrative sale this summer, or award the academy product a fresh run in the side.
    A permanent move to West Ham is also an option, but the 28-year-old reportedly has no interest in being used as a makeweight in a deal for skipper Declan Rice.
    The Hammers are hoping to offer Champions League football next season having returned to the top-four and beaten third-placed Leicester in the past week.
    Talks over a transfer are yet to take place with SunSport revealing Arsenal are also among those keen on the England international.
    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

    Lingard has earned huge praise for his form while Manchester United contemplate their next move.
    Gary Neville believes it is a win-win scenario for the club and former Red, Andy Cole, reckons cashing in is the right move.
    Ex-defender Neville told his Sky Sports podcast: “We know he’s a good player.
    “United have a big decision to make. Do they cash in and get good money for him, and then replenish the squad in an area they want to, and bring in extra quality?
    “Or do they think he’s part of a good 23-man squad? He can’t lose with the decision, [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer.
    “Lingard’s value has gone up, Jesse is enjoying himself, so he either comes back to United and plays a big part in a title challenge, or he gets a good move, United get the money for him, and they can use that money to spend elsewhere.
    What I give Jesse credit for is he’s turned up without much football at United.Roy Keane
    “I don’t think United or Lingard can lose, it’s a win-win for both parties.”
    While Cole told talkSPORT: “I think if I was Manchester United, I would move him on.
    “And if I was Jesse I would want to go and play games. Definitely.”
    Roy Keane credited Lingard with staying in top condition despite a lack of playing time at Old Trafford.

    The Irishman said on the weekend: “He’s been outstanding.
    “What I give Jesse credit for is he’s turned up without much football at United.
    “He obviously kept himself in good shape which is the sign of a good pro. He maybe took his eye off the ball off the field, but he always had that talent and it’s great to see it.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Trevor Sinclair says Jesse Lingard should stay at West Ham More

  • in

    Topless Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez work out together in gym as he lets off steam after Juventus rage

    CRISTIANO RONALDO showed off his impeccable abs with a topless workout snap alongside Georgina Rodriguez.Only a day earlier, the Juventus winger had got into trouble with his supporters after appearing to throw his shirt away after a win over Genoa.
    Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo posed for a photo after working out togetherCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    The football superstar had dropped his shirt for one pic in a collage post by GeorginaCredit: Instagram @georginagio
    After that controversy had been explained away, the 36-year-old got back to business in the gym.
    Ronaldo flexed his muscles and gave a thumbs-up while cuddling up to girlfriend Georgina for an Instagram photo in the weights room.
    For one pic, the Portuguese superstar threw aside his orange gym top to reveal his considerable pectorals.
    Posting the photo online, he captioned the snap: “Work done!”
    While Rodriguez, 27, told her 24 million followers: “Today I have trained with the best company.”
    She recently hit 1.8 million likes while modelling for an Italian beachwear company, as she posed in a bikini.
    Rodriguez and Ronaldo have one child together, daughter Alana
    The model is followed by 24 million accounts on InstagramCredit: The Mega Agency

    During Sunday’s game between Juventus and Genoa, she ‘explored the world’ in an Insta post alongside kids Eva, Mateo and Alana.
    Ronaldo upset fans when appearing to throw his shirt away after the 3-1 win, frustrated at failing to score in the game.
    However it quickly emerged that he had tossed it to the ground for a ball boy to collect as a momento.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Firefighters auction off Cristiano Ronaldo’s captain’s armband to raise cash for sick Serbian child More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘punches wall’ and angers fans by throwing Juventus shirt away after Genoa win putting future in doubt

    CRISTIANO RONALDO endured a difficult day at the office despite Juventus’ win over Genoa.The Bianconeri maintained third position in the Serie A table with the 3-1 victory, in which Ronaldo failed to score.
    Some Juventus fans were unhappy after seeing Cristiano Ronaldo throw his shirt awayCredit: Getty
    The winger had tossed his shirt to the ground for a ball boy to pick upCredit: Getty
    That disappointment was used to explain his somewhat controversial reaction at the final whistle.
    Pictures of the winger, 36, tossing his Juve shirt to the ground were noticed by a number of fans, who reacted angrily.
    But, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it was clear to those present that he had heard a ball boy call out for the shirt.
    And Ronaldo dropped it to the ground before the youngster gleefully gathered it up.
    The Portuguese star nevertheless let his frustration show in the dressing room, where he reportedly punched a wall.
    A tight contest at Allianz Stadium saw his best chance go begging in the first-half as he hit the post with the goal gaping, albeit from a tight angle.

    Alvaro Morata duly buried the rebound but Ronaldo appeared to be angry with a few of his team-mates for some slack passing elsewhere in the game.
    He also clashed with Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin over a late penalty appeal, with the Italian reportedly branding his rival a ‘liar’ afterwards.
    Juventus shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny also felt the forward’s ire after throwing the ball out with a Genoa player down injured, leading to Ronaldo being quoted as yelling: “There are ten of them, we have to attack.”
    Speaking after the game, Old Lady boss Andrea Pirlo defended his talisman for the full-time reaction and insisted he will not be punished.
    The ex-midfielder said: “He was angry because he didn’t manage to score.
    “It’s normal that somebody like him always wants to improve.”
    We all have to do our duty, Ronaldo cannot be the only who scores. Dejan Kulusevski
    It was not an ideal day at the office for Ronaldo on SundayCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo, who memorably tossed away his Portugal captain’s armband in a recent World Cup qualifier, has scored 32 goals for Juve this season but will have to go without a Scudetto or Champions League crown.
    The scenes after Sunday’s game led to further doubt over his future in Turin.
    Both club and player are set for talks at the end of the season ahead of the final year of his contract.
    Team-mate Dujan Kulusevski was glad to see the load taken off Ronaldo on the weekend, having scored along with Morata and Weston McKennie.
    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

    He said: “Today it was important to get to 3-1.
    “We all have to do our duty, Ronaldo cannot be the only who scores.
    “Today he didn’t score but he gave the team a hand, as always. He is a champion, we must help him out so that he can score as well.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Firefighters auction off Cristiano Ronaldo’s captain’s armband to raise cash for sick Serbian child More

  • in

    Chelsea transfer boost over Gianluigi Donnarumma as contract talks stall AGAIN and can leave for free in two months

    AC MILAN are reportedly struggling to make progress on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s contract situation – opening the door for Chelsea.The 22-year-old goalkeeper’s deal expires in the summer and negotiations are said to be moving slowly.
    Gianluigi Donnarumma could become a free agent in the summerCredit: Getty
    A pay increase from his net salary of £100,000-a-week to a £133,000-a-week wage is on the table but no deal has been signed.
    And while Milan have spoken calmly about the situation in previous months, technical director Paolo Maldini was described as frustrated when referring to the situation in the week.
    He said: “These are choices everyone has to make.
    “I am not here to judge, I am here to do what is best for the club.
    “I also know that you need two parties to be happy in order to strike a deal.”
    La Gazzetta dello Sport note that little progress has been made over a renewal with the club and player far apart in their ideal terms.

    Potentially key to getting Donnarumma to stay is Milan’s chase of Champions League football.
    After the Rossoneri’s title bid faded, they remain second in Serie A but only four points clear of those outside the top-four.
    Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are both reportedly monitoring the situation.
    Thomas Tuchel’s predecessor, Frank Lampard, was behind the deal to sign Edouard Mendy last September to replace struggling record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
    CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

    And the opportunity to snap up one of the globe’s top shot-stopping talents on the cheap could prove a tempting option.
    Meanwhile, Milan are determined to do a deal with the Blues for loan star Fikayo Tomori.
    The centre-back can permanently sign for £25million but SunSport have revealed their intent to lower that fee.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea were very hungry with the ball after Crystal Palace win More