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      Max Allegri rejected Arsenal and Chelsea manager jobs due to family problems, reveals ex-Juventus boss’ pal

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      MAX ALLEGRI rejected the managerial jobs at Arsenal and Chelsea due to family problems, a friend revealed.
      The former Juventus boss also turned down approaches from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

      Max Allegri turned down Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and PSG as he dealt with family issuesCredit: Reuters

      Allegri, 53, has been out of work since May 2019 when he left Juventus after securing a fifth Serie A title in a row.
      And the Italian’s mentor Giovanni Galeone told Radio Kiss Kiss why he remains without a job – but revealed Allegri is now ready to get back into the game.
      Galeone – whose own managerial career spanned 32 years and 16 teams – said: “The reason is simple: due to some serious family problems with his mother, he had to say no to major clubs. 
      “Max has said no to Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid. Now he wants to go back and he wants a first-class club. He also rejected PSG.

      “He rejected Real because he had previously declined the clubs already mentioned. I said to him: ‘But how can you reject such an important club?’
      “Max’s response surprised me: ‘I’m not a clown. If I said no to other clubs, I can’t accept another offer after only ten days, I’m not a clown.’
      “Allegri is an honest man, a gentleman and a great professional.”
      Chelsea were looking for Maurizio Sarri’s replacement in the summer of 2019 – with the Italian taking over from Allegri at Juventus – before appointing Frank Lampard while Mikel Arteta came in following Unai Emery’s dismissal at Arsenal at the end of the year.

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      Real Madrid brought Zinedine Zidane back in March 2019 and the Frenchman remains in the Bernabeu dugout.
      PSG had Thomas Tuchel in charge between August 2018 and his sacking in December with Mauricio Pochettino now at the club.
      Now that Allegri is apparently itching to get back in the hot seat, speculation will no doubt rise surrounding his next club.
      The former AC Milan boss will no doubt want a major European side while Napoli could be looking for a new boss if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and axe under-pressure Gennaro Gattuso.
      Galeone added: “President Aurelio De Laurentiis loves Max very much and I know for sure there is mutual respect.
      “It would be a great idea to have [ex-Napoli boss Rafa] Benitez as technical or general manager.
      “The Napoli bench is an important bench and Max wants to return only to an important bench.”

      The Gunners appointed Mikel Arteta as boss following Frank Lampard’s return to Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Massimiliano Allegri shows off amazing skill on the touchline as Juventus beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League More

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      Juventus chief says Cristiano Ronaldo contract renewal is ‘not a priority’ despite fears over star’s future

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      JUVENTUS do not see contract talks with Cristiano Ronaldo as a ‘priority’, sparking fresh doubts over the superstar’s future.
      The Portuguese winger has a year left on his £560,000-a-week deal in Turin, but the club has been bitten hard by the pandemic financial crisis.

      Cristiano Ronaldo suffered a rare bad night in the Champions League versus PortoCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Reports of a potential sale have persisted in recent months and may come to a head in the summer.
      Juventus managing director Fabio Paratici discussed the 36-year-old’s future following the team’s shock exit from the Champions League.
      He told reporters: “Fortunately, there is still a year on Ronaldo’s contract, so we have time to talk to him.
      “That’s not a priority right now.”

      Cuts are reportedly set to start in the coming months and Ronaldo has been described as more dispensable than younger stars such as Matthijs de Ligt.
      Tuesday’s exit at the hands of Porto meant the forward has once again failed to land the Champions League in Italy.

      THIS IS TRULY INCREDIBLE!!!!Sérgio Oliveira scores for 10-man Porto and the visitors are on the brink of going through!WHAT. A. GAME! pic.twitter.com/PkUAlrfxd5
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 9, 2021

      Ronaldo was a bystander for much of the game, sensationally turning his back on Sergio Oliveira’s free-kick that beat the wall and sent the Portuguese side into the quarter-finals.
      His performance was a far cry from the typically decisive star usually seen at this stage of the competition.

      But, over the season as a whole, he has remained very much in the goals.
      A tally of 27 strikes in 32 appearances actually represents his best goals-per-games ratio of his three seasons with Juventus.
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      Yet the Bianconeri have now suffered their second last-16 exit in a row and hold a ten-point disadvantage in the Serie A title race.
      Speaking after the 4-4 away goals defeat, coach Andrea Pirlo said: “When [Ronaldo] plays he usually gives us a 1-0 headstart.
      “But it also happens that a player like him fails to score. It also happens to champions.
      “He gave his contribution by doing what he had to do. It is a pity that we didn’t manage to qualify.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club

      Cristiano Ronaldo shows off shredded abs and impressive ball control behind the scenes of the CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Game On fragrance campaign More

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      Man Utd transfer boost with Bayern Munich NOT in Kalidou Koulibaly transfer race as Napoli ‘slash fee to just £39m’

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      BAYERN MUNICH have cleared the way for Manchester United to sign Kalidou Koulibaly by reportedly pulling out of the transfer race.
      The Napoli star has long been linked with the two teams, as well as Manchester City and other top clubs.

      Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly not heading to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In previous years, the Serie A outfit have demanded a fee in the region of £90million, successfully deterring a sale of the star player.
      However, earlier this month reports in Italy suggested a deal could be cut at around £39m.
      Interest could be sparked by Napoli’s apparent desire to cash in and cut their wage bill, with Bayern once again linked initially.
      Yet, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga giants are not working on a deal.

      Munich have already signed up RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano for next season.
      But Premier League side United remain on the hunt for defensive reinforcements.
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      Koulibaly is among those to have been linked and was recently said to favour a move to Old Trafford.

      MEN yesterday named Pau Torres as another talent being eyed, with Manchester City providing competition for the Villarreal ace.
      Raphael Varane remains a frequent fixture in gossip columns, ahead of a crucial summer of contract discussions with Real Madrid.
      And Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is reportedly wanted by the Red Devils, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, for a fee of around £60m.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Inter Milan offered £20m new shirt sponsorship deal by porn company Stripchat with 30-year Pirelli contract ending

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      INTER MILAN have been offered a £20million new shirt sponsorship deal by porn company Stripchat with their 30-year Pirelli contract ending.
      The Italian giants have enjoyed an iconic partnership with the tyre company, earning around £10m-a-year from the deal.

      Inter Milan’s 30-year Pirelli contract is coming to an endCredit: Rex Features

      Inter Milan have been offered a £20m new shirt sponsorship deal by porn company StripchatCredit: Stripchat

      But in early March it was revealed the deal will not be extended beyond the current season.
      It brings to an end one of the most recognidable partnerships in football – dating back to the 1995-96 season.
      The famous black and blue stripes with the Pirelli logo has been worn by the likes of Adriano, Javier Zanetti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic over the years.
      Jose Mourinho’s 2010 Champions League winners had the famous sponsorship.

      Now, adult webcam company Stripchat are looking to become the Serie A leaders’ new sponsor.
      They sent a proposal to Inter, who are currently facing financial woes.
      The Italian giants are reportedly chasing a £146m cash injection to ensure they can compete next season.
      A raft of expensive transfers and the coronavirus pandemic have combined to create a financial black hole at the Italian club.

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      According to the Financial Times, majority shareholders Suning Holdings have so far unsuccessfully negotiated a possible investment with a number of firms.
      Suning owned Chinese Super League champions Jiangsu FC ‘ceased operations’ this week after failing to find new buyers.
      Suning have reportedly discussed either selling a portion of their stake in Inter, potentially at a loss, or a full takeover with a number of firms.
      The Serie A side are thought to be valued at around £785m by the group with BC Partners leaning closer to £650m.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness leaves Juventus star Danilo stunned as he says 36-year-old can play on ‘as long as he wants’

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      JUVENTUS defender Danilo has declared Cristiano Ronaldo can play on ‘as long as he wants’ as he waxed lyrical over his team-mates fitness levels.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 36, revealed last year that he plans to carry on competing at the highest level until the age of 40.

      Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shine at the age of 36Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was a statement echoed by Portugal boss Fernando Santos who confirmed they are his intentions as he too insisted the forward will call time on his career when he wants.
      Ronaldo continues to show no signs of slowing down having fired in 27 goals in 31 games in all competitions this term.
      And Danilo – who also played alongside the ex-Manchester United ace at Real Madrid – has stated it is an honour to be part of the same dressing room as him.
      He told Marca: “I played with Cristiano Ronaldo for two years at Real Madrid and now at Juventus.

      “Many follow him from a distance and I am honoured to be part of his story.
      “Seeing him work every day scoring goals and his ambition to win is incredible.”
      Commenting on what is the limit for Ronaldo, Danilo added: “He makes the limits.
      “As long as he continues with this motivation, I can’t see any limits for him. You can go on as long as you want.

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      Danilo has praised the fitness levels of Ronaldo after declaring he can play on for as long as he wantsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Physically he is incredible, he is 36-years-old and plays every game.
      “He does not rest and doesn’t want to either, he is unique.”
      Ronaldo reportedly faces being put up for sale by the Old Lady in the summer in their attempt to raise funds after being hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
      He has failed to help Juve win a first Champions League since 1996, with the club in danger of crashing out at the hands of Porto.
      The Portuguese side take a 2-1 lead going into the Round of 16 second leg in Turin on Tuesday after shocking the Italian outfit last month.

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      Man Utd ‘in shock Matthijs de Ligt transfer swoop’ with Juventus defender eyed to partner Harry Maguire next season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly set to make a summer move for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.
      The Red Devils were keen on signing the centre-back before his £67.5million move from Ajax in July 2019.

      Manchester United have reportedly renewed their interest in Juventus’ Matthijs de LigtCredit: ALAMY

      Manchester United were interested in signing Matthijs de Ligt when he was at AjaxCredit: Reuters

      And according to reports, they’re set to renew their interest in the 21-year-old in the summer.
      Spanish outlet Todofichajes claim the Old Trafford club have made signing the centre-half their ‘top priority’.
      It’s said the United brass have opted to pursue De Ligt’s signature after deciding against moves for Real Madrid duo Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
      United’s long-term pursuit of the Netherlands international could be aided by Juventus’ need to balance their books.

      Like many clubs across the globe, the Italian champions have suffered massive financial losses during the coronavirus pandemic.
      And offloading their coveted centre-back could be one way for them to begin offsetting their losses.
      However, calciomercato.com recently reported that Juventus would rather sell alternative star assets than De Ligt.
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      De Ligt has made 60 appearances for the Old Lady since his move from Amsterdam.
      The youngster has been further learning his trade alongside veteran centre-backs Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
      De Ligt is thoroughly enjoying life in Turin and taking in the veteran defenders’ wealth of knowledge and experience.
      He told The Telegraph: “I’m where I want to be and where I can learn as much as possible.

      Matthijs de Ligt joined Juventus in the summer of 2019 and has made 60 appearances for the Old LadyCredit: Gett

      Matthijs de Light is enjoying learning from the likes of Leonardo BonucciCredit: EPA

      “There are experienced guys – [Giorgio] Chiellini, Bonucci – but also a goalkeeper like Buffon and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “We all have our different characteristics and I do not try and copy them but I look at Ronaldo and see what he does, how he stays fit all the time.
      “I ask for tips, for advice. What I have also learnt is that I need to do things that are good for me. In the end you find your own rhythm.”
      De Ligt and his Juve team-mates will be back in action this evening, welcoming Portuguese giants Porto to the Allianz Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd re-enter Matthijs de Ligt transfer hunt after Juventus defender failed to settle in Italy More

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      Man Utd, Liverpool and Tottenham in three-way transfer fight for Nikola Milenkovic with Fiorentina defender set for exit

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      MANCHESTER UNITED, Liverpool and Tottenham are in a three-way transfer battle for Nikola Milenkovic, according to reports.
      The Fiorentina defender, 23, is expected to leave the Serie A club after deciding against signing a new contract.

      Nikola Milenkovic is a summer transfer target for Manchester United, Liverpool and SpursCredit: EPA

      His current deal expires in 2022 but the Premier League trio – who will all be chasing a new centre-back in the summer – are set to swoop when the market reopens.
      Calciomercato reckon United are in the best position and have already been weighing up the finances of a deal.
      Meanwhile, Spurs and Liverpool have both made contact with the player’s agent.
      The report adds Fiorentina retain some slim hope of convincing Milenkovic to perform a U-turn and sign a contract extension.

      However, knowing they have a valuable asset on their books, the club will be unwilling to risk allowing him to enter the final 12 months of his deal then leave for free next year.
      It is thought Fiorentina quoted AC Milan £34million for the 26-cap Serbia international in October.
      However, that figure is likely to drop to around £26m by the summer.
      Milan do retain some interest in the 6ft 5ins star but their priority would be securing Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori on a permanent deal once his loan move expires.

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      Their San Siro and Serie A rivals Inter Milan were also linked.
      Milenkovic is thought to be high on Antonio Conte’s wish list for the league leaders.
      The defender followed in Aleksandar Mitrovic’s boots by coming through at Belgrade-based FK Belgrade before joining Fiorentina in 2017 for a reported £4.3m.
      Since then he has racked up 114 appearances for La Viola, scoring 15 goals including his third of this season in Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Parma.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Juventus face putting Ronaldo or Dybala on transfer list but refuse to let De Ligt leave after financial black hole

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      JUVENTUS could be forced into transfer listing Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala as the coronavirus crisis cripples the club, according to reports.
      But the Italian champions will refuse to sell Matthijs de Ligt this summer.

      Cristiano Ronaldo could be sold by Juventus to help cut their massive lossesCredit: AFP or licensors

      According to calciomercato.com via Football Italia, the Old Lady need to salvage some funds when the transfer market reopens.
      The club reportedly posted losses of £97.5million earlier this season.
      And they are therefore bracing themselves to lose some of their biggest names.
      That could see Ronaldo, under contract at the Allianz Stadium until 2022, allowed to leave a year early from his £540,000-a-week deal.

      The 35-year-old superstar is undoubtedly still one of the best players in world football.
      His 27 goals in 31 appearances this season are testament to that – including 20 in the league for the 13th season running.
      And Juventus are still desperately hopeful he can help fire the club to their first Champions League success since 1996.
      Dybala, 27, is another player who could be allowed to leave this summer after just two league goals – but his MCL knee injury continues to keep him out of action.

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      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club

      The Argentine seems to be linked with a transfer in most windows – with Manchester United and Tottenham both interested in the past.
      There were reports Juventus could be forced into selling De Ligt because Ronaldo wants an extra year added to his deal – meaning the club are unable to afford both for another season.
      However, the calciomercato.com report states Juve have told the Dutchman’s agent Mino Raiola his client is going nowhere.
      De Ligt, 21, arrived from Ajax in 2019 for £67.5m but has been heavily linked with Barcelona.
      Juventus, however, appear set on keeping the £140,000-a-week star – who is Serie A’s second-highest earner only behind Ronaldo.
      They know they not only have a quality young defender on their hands but, as he proved in that Ajax run to the Champions League semi-finals two years ago, a leader around whom the side can be built for the next decade.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Paulo Dybala is another Juventus star who could be on his way out the club this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Reports suggest Matthijs de Ligt is the one player who will not be allowed to leaveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Juventus star Paulo Dybala shows off his football skills while wearing a blindfold More