More stories

  • in

    Celtic star Odsonne Edouard eyed by Juventus and AC Milan in transfer swoop with looking to strengthen attack

    JUVENTUS and AC Milan have reportedly joined the chase for Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard.
    The French striker, 22, has been linked with a move away from the Scottish champions for months.

    Juventus and AC Milan are chasing Celtic star Odsonne EdouardCredit: Getty

    The Hoops managed to hold on to the hotshot last summer, despite plenty of Premier League interest.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is known to be a fan of the forward.
    And both Aston Villa and ex-Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, now in charge of Leicester, would love to bring him south of the border.
    However, calciomercato.it now state Edouard will soon have two very tempting offers from Serie A.

    Both Juventus and Milan want to strengthen their attack and are believed to be considering making a move.
    Juve boss Antonio Conte remains unconvinced by Alvaro Morata and is considering several targets as a replacement.
    Meanwhile Milan have 39-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading their attack.
    And Edouard is viewed as a potential long-term replacement for the legendary Swede.

    The best available free agents still on the market

    A number of other high profile European clubs are also monitoring Edouard’s position.
    Celtic were desperate to keep the goalscorer at Parkhead for as long as possible but they could be tempted to cash in next month.
    They trail Rangers by 16 points in the race for the title, and a big-money sale would enable them to put that money into a squad overhaul.

    Celtic fans party at Parkhead after club’s quadruple treble win – despite being told the players wouldn’t be there More

  • in

    Andrea Pirlo slams his Juventus squad for ‘having their minds on holidays’ after shock 3-0 loss at home to Fiorentina

    JUVENTUS boss Andrea Pirlo blasted his squad of stars for already ‘having their minds on holidays’ as they were thumped 3-0 by Fiorentina before Christmas.
    The shock home defeat on Tuesday night saw the Serie A champs finish 2020 on a sour note down in sixth place, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo miffed.

    Andrea Pirlo slammed his Juventus side for clocking off earlyCredit: EPA

    Cristiano Ronaldo was left shocked and disappointed by the displayCredit: Alamy Live News

    The Old Lady are ten points behind league leaders AC Milan and conceded after just THREE minutes as Dushan Vlahovic chipped in.
    Chelsea flop Juan Cuadrado was sent off for a late lunge after 18 minutes as a VAR check saw his booking upgraded to a straight red.
    Pirlo was raging after his ten men stumbled to a 3-0 defeat with Alex Sandro’s late own goal and Martin Caceres’ strike against his old side rubbing salt in the wounds.
    He told Sky Sport Italia: “What happened with the red card cannot be used as an alibi.

    “The images for the sending off seem clear to me.
    “There could have been some decisions in our favour, but that’s not something I want to comment on – you can see for yourself
    “The result was not down to Fiorentina’s attitude but the lack of ours.
    “When this is the case you face bad situations like this. In games before Christmas it can happen then you have your mind on the holidays. We were unfocused and could not recover.”

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

    Ronaldo suffered his first defeat of the season after missing the Barcelona loss due to his positive Covid tests and called for better in the New Year on Instagram.
    He wrote: “We know that we have to give more of ourselves, in order to play better and to win in a more consistent way. We are Juventus! And we simply cannot accept anything less than excellence on the pitch!”
    Not only was the defeat Ronaldo’s first of the season, it equalled his heaviest loss since joining Juventus in 2018 – matching a 3-0 Coppa Italia scoreline against Atalanta in January 2015.
    It was also a night to forget for £400,000-a-week ex-Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey.
    He was the player sacrificed by boss Andrea Pirlo after just 19 minutes when Cuadrado’s challenge forced a reshuffle with Danilo coming on to play wing-back.
    The fuming Welshman booted a water bottle before taking his seat back among the subs for the remainder of the league game.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Pirlo seen together for first time as Juventus begin training ahead of new Serie A season More

  • in

    Inter Milan CONFIRM Christian Eriksen has been transfer listed with ex-Tottenham ace ‘not functional to our plans’

    INTER MILAN outcast Christian Eriksen has been placed on the transfer list.
    The former Tottenham playmaker has struggled for form and game time since his £17million move to the San Siro in January 2020.

    Christian Eriksen has been transfer listed by Inter MilanCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta confirmed the newsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And the Italian giants are looking to get shot of the 28-year-old just 12 months later, according to their CEO Giuseppe Marotta.
    Eriksen has fallen out of favour under Antonio Conte and has managed just 275 minutes of Serie A football this season – appearing in just eight of Inter’s 13 games.
    Marotta reportedly told Sky Italia: “Yes, I can confirm that Christian Eriksen is on the transfer list.
    “He’s going to leave in January.

    “He’s not functional to our plans and he had difficulty here at Inter.
    “I think it’s right that Christian goes away to find more space.”
    Manchester United and Arsenal have both been linked with moves for the Denmark international.
    And Inter slapped a £27million price tag on his head last month.

    ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

    Eriksen’s availability has been made aware to Premier League clubs, and one of them is the Gunners.
    Arsenal have been told the Dane will consider moving to the red side of North London despite seven years in Spurs white.
    Inter have previously admitted they will not stand in Eriksen’s way if he wants to leave.
    And SunSport explored how Arsenal could line-up with the former Tottenham man in the team.
    Paris Saint-Germain were also said to be keeping tabs on the Dane.
    The ex-Ajax ace has been watched by the French giants on a number of occasions over the past few seasons, and they tried to sign him from Spurs.
    Sporting director Leonardo is a huge fan of his ability, and there has been rumours over a possible swap deal involving Leandro Paredes.
    But it is believed the Nerazzurri would NOT be interested in sending Eriksen out on loan with an option to buy.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Paul Pogba could make shock Man Utd U-turn and stay if club wins trophies as Solskjaer praises his ‘very good attitude’ More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo in shock as Juventus are smashed 3-0 at home to Fiorentina as Ramsey is subbed after just 19 minutes

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S shock was clear to see as his Juventus side were smashed 3-0 at home by Fiorentina on Tuesday night – then vowed to come back stronger in the New Year.
    The Serie A champions endured a nightmare start and were behind after three minutes then had a man sent off with 18 played.

    Cristiano Ronaldo could not contain his shock as Juventus lost 3-0 at home to FiorentinaCredit: AFP or licensors

    The Portuguese forward did not have an enjoyable evening as he missed a good chance and had a goal chalked off by VARCredit: Reuters

    Ronaldo had a header ruled out by VAR and squandered a glorious chance to equalise for the Old Lady when he was thwarted by Fiorentina keeper Bartlomiej Dragowski.
    And two late goals secured Ronaldo’s first defeat of the season – he missed the first Barcelona Champions League game due to his positive coronavirus tests.
    Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, he wrote: “Yesterday, with a poor performance and a result far from acceptable, we closed our scheduled games for 2020, a special year in many particular ways.
    “Empty stadiums, Covid protocols, postponed games, long stoppages and a very tight calendar. But this is no excuse for anything.

    “We know that we have to give more of ourselves, in order to play better and to win in a more consistent way. We are Juventus! And we simply cannot accept anything less than excellence on the pitch!
    “I hope this short stoppage may help us to come back stronger and more united than ever because the season is still far from over and in the end we believe that we will, once again, celebrate with our tiffosi.
    “Believe in us, trust our team as much as we trust you, and we will deliver! Fino Alla Fine [Until The End]!”
    The Italian press focused in on the pictures of Ronaldo in disbelief as the events unfolded at the Allianz Stadium.

    Corriere dello Sport went with the headline: “Juve, that slaps.”
    Not only was the defeat Ronaldo’s first of the season, it equalled his heaviest loss since joining Juventus in 2018 – matching a 3-0 Coppa Italia scoreline against Atalanta in January 2015.
    In fact, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has not suffered a heavier defeat since a 4-0 El Clasico humbling by Barcelona in November 2015.
    It was also a night to forget for £400,000-a-week man Aaron Ramsey.
    He was the man sacrificed by boss Andrea Pirlo after just 19 minutes when Juan Cuadrado’s challenge was upgraded from a yellow card to red after a VAR review.
    The fuming Welshman booted a water bottle before taking his seat back among the subs for the remainder of the league game.
    Dusan Vlahovic’s exquisite early chip, an Alex Sandro own goal and Martin Caceres’ strike condemned Juve to defeat and left them seven points adrift of Serie A leaders AC Milan.

    Corriere dello Sport went with the headline ‘Juve, that slaps’

    La Gazzetta dello Sport described Tuesday as a horror day for Juve as their title chances took another hit

    Tuttosport also went with a picture of Ronaldo with his hands on his head

    The result matched Ronaldo’s worst defeat as a Juventus player, matching the 3-0 loss to Atalanta in January 2019Credit: AP:Associated Press

    His header into the back of the net was wiped off as his unbeaten start to the season came to an endCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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

    Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo trains with boxer Gennady Golovkin More

  • in

    Aaron Ramsey boots water bottle in anger after being taken off 19 minutes into Juventus defeat to Fiorentina

    AARON RAMSEY booted a water bottle in frustration after being hooked just 19 minutes into Juventus’ match against Fiorentina.
    The Welsh midfielder, 29, was hauled off before the halfway mark in the first period after Juan Cuadrado’s red card.

    Aaron Ramsey fumed as he was hauled off early by Andrea PirloCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The former Arsenal star was sacrificed by boss Andrea Pirlo in a reshuffle of his ten men.
    Colombian winger Cuadrado was given his marching orders just 18 minutes into the Serie A tie at the Allianz Stadium.
    He had initially been shown a yellow card by referee Federico La Penna.
    But after a VAR review the ref decided his reckless late lunge on Gaetano Castrovilli was worthy of being upgraded to a straight red.

    It meant things had gone from bad to worse for Cristiano Ronaldo and Co after they had conceded just THREE minutes in.
    Dusan Vlahovic’s exquisite early chip over another former Gunner in Wojciech Szczesny gave Franck Ribery’s Fiorentina a flying start away at the reigning champions.
    Cuadrado’s dismissal came on the night he was celebrating his 200th appearance for the Bianconeri but the Chelsea flop marked the occasion by trudging off for an early shower.
    The Bianconeri have now received the joint most reds in Europe’s big five leagues this term with Cuadrado’s their fifth already.

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

    And soon Ramsey was following him off the pitch, looking visibly disappointed at the call to bring on Danilo to play at wing-back.
    He kicked a water bottle in disgust on the way up to the Juve bench before sitting down to watch the rest of the game alongside his team-mates.
    Pirlo’s men went in at half-time 1-0 down as Ronaldo had a chance to level up the game, only to be thwarted by Fiorentina keeper Bartlomiej Dragowski.
    Things only got worse after the break – with an Alex Sandro own goal and Martin Caceres strike sending Juve to a 3-0 defeat.
    The result leaves Andrea Pirlo’s side SEVEN points off Serie A leaders AC Milan.

    Watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Aaron Ramsey score as Serie A kings prepare for another assault on Europe More

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd and Arsenal flop Henrikh Mkhitaryan the best midfielder in Europe’s Big Five Leagues this season, say stats

    EX-MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan is the best midfielder in Europe, according to the stats.
    The Roma winger topped the table for most goal involvements after he scored against Torino on Thursday.

    Stats show Henrikh Mkhitaryan was the best midfielder in Europe after his goal against Torino on ThursdayCredit: AFP or licensors

    Mkhitaryan, 31, rifled home the opener in the 3-1 victory, which put him on seven goals and five assists from 12 Serie A appearances.
    That total of 12 goal involvements has the Armenian top of the list of Europe’s most prolific midfielders, just ahead of Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Marseille’s Florian Thauvin.
    The United star has seven goals and four assists putting him on 11 total while Thauvin has five goals and six assists.
    Jack Grealish and Gael Kakuta complete the top five – both with ten total involvements.

    Mkhitaryan had a disappointing spell at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018.
    He managed just 13 goals and 11 assists in his two seasons in Manchester.
    The wideman left for the Gunners where his return was equally underwhelming – managing just nine goals and 13 assists from 59 games.
    ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

    12 – Henrikh #Mkhitaryan is the midfielder to have been involved in the most goals (12) in the current season in the Top-5 European Leagues (seven goals and five assists). Star.#RomaTorino #SerieA
    — OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 17, 2020

    Since leaving for Roma – first on loan in September 2019 and then permanently at the end of last season – Mkhitaryan has upped his efficiency in front of goal.
    The ex-Borussia Dortmund man has notched 17 goals and 14 assists from just 45 matches.
    He hit headlines earlier this month when he was PUNCHED by Young Boys’ Ali Camara in the Europa League.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Marcus Rashford says he feels like he started life at a disadvantage and that is why it is so important for him to help people More

  • in

    Barcelona icon Xavi keen to manage five Premier League teams, including Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea

    BARCELONA legend Xavi has left Liverpool off a list of Premier League giants he would like to manage, preferring rivals such as Manchester United instead.
    And the Spanish World Cup winner, boss of Qatari side Al Sadd after retiring as a player in 2019, rates Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola as the world’s ‘best coach’.

    Xavi wants to boss a top European club once he has learnt his trade with Al SaddCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Xavi was part of a golden generation even for Barcelona standards – alongside Lionel Messi and under Pep GuardiolaCredit: EPA

    Xavi, 40, dreams of managing old club Barca but hailed the Premier League’s ‘atmosphere, packed stadiums’ and players as an exciting alternative.
    The ex-midfielder told Sky Sports: “Obviously if I had to choose, I would choose a big team, City or United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Tottenham.
    “Also, [Jurgen] Klopp and [Mauricio] Pochettino and Unai Emery, many people who have gone there are doing an extraordinary job.”
    The 133-cap icon said of his former Nou Camp chief: “Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world and I am a novice.

    “The comparison happened as a player but now we can’t be compared. I am in love with Pep Guardiola’s football.
    “You can win playing football in different ways but I like the one of City and Guardiola the most. I follow the Premier League a lot and I like it.
    “He is a brilliant, demanding, passionate, obsessive person, that’s why he’s doing so well.
    “It transmits a lot to the footballer. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time at his side.”

    Xavi won four Champions League titles and La Liga eight times with Barcelona.
    And he readily admits the Spanish giants would be his first choice once he has served his managerial apprenticeship.
    He said: “I don’t hide it, my goal is to return to Europe and return to Barca.
    “It is my challenge ahead, but I’m still learning in this project and I’m also enjoying it.”
    Xavi recently led Al Sadd to their 17th Amir of Qatar Cup and has previously snubbed the chance to take over at Barca, suggesting it’s too soon.
    But after getting his current team playing tiki-taka football like his playing days in Spain, it might not be too long until he’s back at the Nou Camp…

    ‘Drunk’ linesman allowed to continue refereeing Czech football match – despite not being able to run or stop falling over More

  • in

    Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player in 59 YEARS to score 33 Serie A goals in calendar year in Parma win

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has become just the fourth player in Serie A history to reach 33 goals in a calendar year after bagging a brace against Parma.
    The Portuguese has been in stunning goalscoring form yet again this season for Andrea Pirlo’s side.

    Ronaldo produced a stunning leap and headerCredit: AFP or licensors

    CR7 doubled his tally with an accurate low driveCredit: EPA

    Ronaldo, 35, has shown no signs of slowing down, netting Serie A strikes number 11 and 12 of the season yesterday in just his ninth outing of the campaign.
    The brace took him to 33 league goals for 2020, becoming the first player to reach that tally in the competition since 1961.
    On that occasion it was fellow Old Lady star Omar Sivori that reached the landmark, following in the footsteps of Gunnar Nordahl in 1950 and Felice Borel in 1933.
    Ronaldo could yet add to his tally when Juve host Fiorentina on Tuesday night in their final league match of the year.

    CR7’s nearest competitor in 2020 has been Lazio’s Ciro Immobile, who has managed an admirable 26.
    While Ronaldo has remained imperious, Juve have gotten off to a somewhat underwhelming start in the league under Pirlo.
    While the former midfield maestro is unbeaten in Serie A, his side sit third, having drawn six of their opening 13 matches.
    Dejan Kulusevski slotted them into a 23rd minute lead against Parma yesterday.

    [embedded content]

    And it was the Ronaldo show from then on, as he first produced a trademark leap and header to double their lead just three minutes later.
    He then made the points safe after the break with a low left-footed drive.
    Alvaro Morata capped off the 4-0 triumph with an accurate header five minutes from time.
    Third placed Juve are now three points behind Inter and four off leaders AC Milan the Serie A title race.

    Cristiano Ronaldo looks frustrated as the winner of the 2020 Fifa Best Men’s Player is announced More