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    Georgina Rodriguez puts Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi rivalry aside to wish Barcelona star’s son happy birthday

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ put Cristiano Ronaldo’s rivalry with Lionel Messi to one side as she wished the Barcelona star’s son a happy birthday.
    The 26-year-old model responded to a post put up by Thiago Messi’s mum on his eighth birthday.

    Georgina Rodriguez has been dating Cristiano Ronaldo since 2016Credit: Rex Features

    Ronaldo and Messi battled it out for club and personal honours during the Portuguese star’s spell in La Liga from 2009 until 2018.
    But Rodriguez has proved there are no hard feelings off the pitch between her and Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo.
    Alongside a photograph of birthday boy Thiago in a Barcelona shirt, mum-of-three Roccuzzo wrote: “Happy Birthday Thiagui.
    “I don’t have words to say what you mean to us.

    “Always with a smile and that peace you transmit.
    “We love you and I’m going to carry on you smothering you in kisses even though you don’t like it.”
    Sofia Balbi, wife of former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez, responded immediately with her own birthday greeting.
    Former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas’ wife Daniella Seeman, another good friend of Roccuzzo’s, was also quick off the mark and replied: “Happy birthday handsome boy.

    Lionel Messi pictured with stunning wife Antonela RoccuzzoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    “We love you and miss you so much.”
    But Rodriguez showed she wasn’t going to be left out by adding in an Instagram response ‘How quickly they grow. Congratulations’ alongside a heart emoji.
    Fans were quick to show their appreciation of the former Gucci shop worker’s gesture, with one writing: “Respect.”
    Another added: “That’s wonderful. I didn’t know they were friends. That’s the way to go Georgina.”
    Thiago is the eldest of Messi’s three sons and a keen footballer who is playing for the Barcelona FC youth team.
    Ronaldo and Messi are friendly off the pitch and have often been seen chatting at awards ceremonies.
    Messi admitted in an interview last year: “It was nice to have Cristiano in LaLiga for the prestige it brought.”

    The pair were set to lock horns when Juventus faced Barcelona in the Champions League last week.
    But Ronaldo was unable to play after he tested positive for coronavirus for the third time.
    Serie A star Ronaldo was forced to self isolate in a separate part of his house to Rodriguez and their four children.
    But he returned to action – and showed off his ripped physique – as Juventus played Spezia on Sunday.

    Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More

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    Man Utd star Mason Greenwood is fifth most valuable youngster on planet at £104m as top 10 revealed

    FOUR Premier League players from Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City have been named in the top ten Most Valued Young Players list.
    Four of those players included in CIES Football Observatory’s list of players born in the 2000s are England internationals.

    But it is Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies that sits top of the pile after an algorithm was used to determine their value.
    Here SunSport runs you down the top ten list.
    1. Alphonso Davies – £162m
    The Canadian starlet, 20, established himself as a key player for the Bavarian outfit last season as he chipped in with three goals and nine assists in 43 games.
    He helped the club win a famous treble as he starred in the Champions League final victory against Paris Saint-Germain.

    2. Jadon Sancho – £112m
    The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the best right wingers on the planet having scored 36 goals in 107 games for Borussia Dortmund.
    He saw a move to Manchester United fail to materialise in the summer after the Red Devils refused to match his £108m asking price.
    3. Ansu Fati – £110m
    Touted as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne at Barcelona, the 18-year-old scored eight times last season, and already has five strikes to his name this term.
    Not only is he Barca’s youngest-ever goalscorer, but he is also the youngest player to have scored in the Champions League as well as for the Spanish national team.

    Barcelona winger Ansu Fati has already banged in five goals this season
    4. Erling Haaland – £108m
    The BVB striker has scored a whopping 52 goals since the start of the 2019-20 season.
    Real Madrid and Manchester United are understood to be keen on signing him, though it is Liverpool that are leading the race to nab him.
    5. Mason Greenwood – £104m
    The United youngster banged in an incredible 17 goals in all competitions last campaign – with ten coming in the Premier League.
    Still just 19, the forward is looking to be named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the second time.
    6. Ferran Torres – £94m
    Signed by Manchester City in the summer from Valencia, the Spanish winger has already been involved in five goals for the Citizens.
    The 20-year-old has laid on two assists for his team-mates, while he has found the back of the net twice in Europe as well as once in the Carabao Cup.

    Mason Greenwood is a key player in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United sideCredit: Rex Features
    7. Bukayo Saka – £84m
    The versatile 19-year-old was rewarded with a long-term deal by Arsenal in July after cementing his place in the starting XI under Mikel Arteta.
    Saka – who made his Three Lions debut in the 3-0 win against Wales in October – has already featured nine times for the Gunners this season.
    8. Dejan Kulusevski – £68m
    The Juventus star, 20, already has two goals to his name this term in his first season in Turin.
    After ten goals in 39 games for Parma last campaign, the Swedish international truly looks like the real deal.
    9. Phil Foden – £63m
    The successor to David Silva at the Etihad, the City playmaker hasn’t disappointed this season.
    Foden has chipped in with three goals and two assists in nine games, with Pep Guardiola putting huge trust in the 20-year-old.

    10. Rodrygo – £62.9m
    The Brazilian winger has been in the shadow of compatriot Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid.
    Despite not being a regular in the starting XI, the 19-year-old still managed to score seven goals in 26 games last term.

    Premier League WILL continue despite second lockdown but fans now unlikely to set foot in grounds until 2021 More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo declares ‘I’m back, that’s what’s important’ after Juventus double as Serie A Golden Boot race hots up

    CRISTIANO RONALDO exclaimed ‘I’m back, that’s what’s important’ after a double for Juventus put him back in the race for the Serie A Golden Boot.
    Ronaldo, 35, made a triumphant return for the Old Lady after shaking off Covid-19 as he bagged a second-half brace off the bench in the 4-1 win over Spezia on Sunday.

    Cristiano Ronaldo beamed as he announced his return

    Ronaldo spoke after scoring two goals for Juventus off the bench

    Ronado’s brace took his tally to five goals for Juventus in Serie A this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The former Real Madrid man turned super sub for Andrea Pirlo’s side after storming off the sidelines to net his first goal just 126 seconds after entering the fray in the 56th minute.
    His second, a cheeky panenka spot-kick in the 76th minute, helped seal the three points for Juve who moved into third place in the league.
    And after the game, via Tuttosport, a grinning Ronaldo told Sky Sport in Italy: “I have been standing still for a long time despite having no symptoms and feeling fine.
    “Today I went back to doing what I like, playing football.

    “The Serie A is a competitive league. There is AC Milan doing a great job, Lazio, Napoli…
    “We have to work hard, but we are growing.
    “The controversy over the swab test? Cristiano is back. This is the important thing.”
    Ronaldo had previously slammed the PCR testing as ‘bulls***’ in a quickly-deleted furious Instagram comment after he tested positive for a THIRD time.

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

    Former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata – who had a hat-trick of goals disallowed for offside against Barca – had opened the scoring while Adrien Rabiot completed the rout.
    The Portuguese superstar’s two goals took his tally for the league season up to five.
    But it was only enough to go into joint third on the Golden Boot ladder.  
    Another golden oldie in Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 39, is leading the way with the AC Milan forward having notched seven goals in just four matches.

    Ex-Manchester United forward Zlatan has played one more game than Ronaldo – whose five goals have come in three appearances.
    Ibrahimovic’s latest strike was a stunning bicycle kick winner against Udinese which cemented the Rossoneri’s place at the top of the table.
    Last season’s Lazio goal machine and European Golden Boot winner Ciro Immobile is languishing down in 15th on the list of Italy’s top scorers after only mustering three goals in his five appearances.

    Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More

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    Ibrahimovic nets stunning bicycle kick as 39-year-old continues incredible scoring run to keep AC Milan top of Serie A

    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC defied his 39 years, as well as gravity, to bag an incredible late winner for AC Milan.
    The Rossoneri went four points clear atop Serie A with a 2-1 win over Udinese on Sunday.

    Magic from Zlatan Ibrahimović! 🙌Just when his team needed it, he came up with an acrobatic finish which will likely seal the win for Milan 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oNPtU0KCdo
    — Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) November 1, 2020

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled off a spectacular winner for AC MilanCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Rodrigo De Paul’s penalty looked to have earned the hosts a point after Franck Kessie was teed up by Ibrahimovic to slam home Milan’s opener.
    But an 83rd-minute overhead kick maintained the Swede’s stunning form in trademark fashion.
    A bouncing cross was sent high into the air by Udinese defender Sebastien De Maio.
    Ibrahimovic immediately spotted the opening and placed himself between the ball’s destination and goalkeeper Juan Musso.

    An acrobatic bicycle kick flicked the ball past the diving keeper to snatch the win.
    Jubilant Milan players mobbed the 39-year-old, who ran in celebration with his arms outstretched.

    The 39-year-old showed off his athleticism with the strikerCredit: AFP or licensors

    Milan pushed four points clear at the top of Serie A with the winCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The finish sent the striker’s tally for the season to eight goals – not bad given he missed four matches with coronavirus.
    Ibrahimovic has now scored in six consecutive league games for Milan on two occasions, having also done so in 2012.

    Only Andriy Shevchenko had achieved the same feat for the club in the past 25 years.
    Five wins in six have catapulted Stefano Pioli’s side to the top of Serie A.
    The Italian was eyed for the sack towards the end of last season before a stirring run of form saved his job.
    Speaking after the win, Pioli told reporters: “We are still at the beginning, last year we finished sixth and our project is still in the early stages.

    We believe we can win Serie A, then in the end we will see how it goes. It is still a long road.
    Zlatan IbrahimovicOctober 17

    “We can try to go as far as possible in Europe because we are ambitious and have the qualities to do it.
    “Zlatan can say what he wants, he is fundamental for this team. He highlights everyone else with his qualities, but we have to think game by game.
    “I feel that the team has the right spirit, they know they will have to go through difficult moments.”

    Watch Zlatan Ibrahimovic turn and laugh at Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring penalty that sparked amazing comeback vs Juventus More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo to make Juventus return on bench against Spezia after negative coronavirus test

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is set to make his Juventus return on the bench against Spezia following his coronavirus ordeal.
    The superstar, 35, has finally returned two negative tests for Covid-19 and is preparing to return to the fold.

    Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to go after returning multiple negative Covid testsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/cristiano/

    The star became frustrated as he was forced into self-isolation with the virus

    Ronaldo’s season was halted when he was found to have the virus while on international duty with Portugal.
    While it is reported he suffered from no symptoms, the Juventus ace could not shake the virus in time for the Champions League clash against Barcelona – and did not hide his frustration.
    But now his manager says multiple negative tests mean he is ready to come back.
    Andrea Pirlo is quoted in France24 saying: “The negative result of the second swab has arrived, so today Cristiano Ronaldo will be called up to the team.

    “He is fine and has been training individually this morning. I don’t think he will start from the beginning, we will see how it goes tomorrow.”
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has missed four games for the Old Lady following his initial positive test.
    His absence was felt as a meek Juventus fell to defeat against Barcelona in Europe this week.
    The Portuguese legend returns in time to give Pirlo’s team a shot in the arm.

    The Serie A champions are currently 6th after dropping a handful of points in their opening five games.
    While they are still unbeaten, they have drawn games against Verona and were reduced to ten men in both of their other draws against Roma and Crotone.
    Pirlo called the match against Spezia ‘must win’, with his side trailing AC Milan by three points in the early table.

    Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More

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    Pirlo hints Cristiano Ronaldo will NOT start against Spezia after Juventus star’s return from coronavirus quarantine

    JUVENTUS boss Andrea Pirlo has hinted Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to start against Spezia on Sunday following his negative coronavirus test.
    The 35-year-old – who hasn’t featured for the Old Lady since September 27 after contracting Covid-19 on international duty – is free to return to first team action.

    Cristiano Ronaldo is set to feature for Juventus against Spezia on Sunday

    After 17 days spent in self-isolation, Ronaldo was ruled coronavirus-free on Friday, and he will now likely be involved in the match at Stadio Dino Manuzzi.
    Speaking ahead of the encounter, Pirlo declared the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be in the matchday squad.
    He told reporters: “He arrived negative on the second swab and this morning he trained individually.
    “He will be with the team. I don’t believe he will play from the beginning.

    “The important thing is having him. He trained at home, it’s very important that we take him with us.”
    Ronaldo – who has scored three Serie A goals from his two matches this term – has missed five games for Juve.
    In that time, the Italian giants have won just once from three top-flight contests, with their last two fixtures ending in 1-1 draws.
    Pirlo has also commented on the fitness of Paulo Dybala – who has been involved in just three matches this campaign.

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

    Speaking of the Real Madrid target, he said: “It’s only a physical question.
    “I always said he wasn’t at 100 per cent. The first time you come back you do well, the second game is more exhausting.
    “He just needs time to train and recover his full fitness.
    “He has to find his rhythm, to not think about the voices around his renewal but only to do well.”

    Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More

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    Lazio’s match with Torino in danger of being called off after entire squad isolates following coronavirus outbreak

    LAZIO’S match against Torino in Italy is in danger of being called off after the entire squad is forced to isolate following a coronavirus outbreak.
    The club had to field a depleted side in the Champions League clash with Club Brugge in midweek after several players had to self-isolate.

    Lazio had to take a weakened squad to Belgium after some players were forced to self-isolateCredit: Reuters

    Star striker Ciro Immobile is one of the many first team players who has gone into quarantineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    But now their Serie A game tomorrow looks likely of being completely abandoned after positive tests forced the entire squad into quarantine.
    If the game does go ahead, Lazio would likely be left to field a team of youngsters against Torino.
    But the club said the players will be tested again today to try and see who comes back with negative results
    The Italian side have not yet named which players tested positive.

    Lazio said in a press release: “The SS Lazio announces that from the tests yesterday, Friday 30/10, some members of the team group tested positive for molecular swabs.
    “Based on these results, the entire team will repeat the checks today in order to identify the players that can be used in tomorrow’s match between Turin and Lazio.
    “The subjects tested positive were placed in home isolation while the team will observe a period of quarantine under active surveillance by the medical staff.”

    Star striker Ciro Immobile and former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, along with Luis Alberto, Manuel Lazzari and Djavan Anderson, were left at home before a 1-1 draw in Europe against Belgian side Club Brugge.

    A coronavirus scare meant precautions were taken, and the understrength team managed to take the lead after 14 minutes thanks to Joaquin Correa.
    But Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken equalised from the penalty spot before half-time. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo tests NEGATIVE for Covid-19 and can return to Juventus training after 17 days in self-isolation

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has tested negative for coronavirus and can return to Juventus training after 17 days in self-isolation.
    The Portuguese star, 35, contracted the virus and tested positive while on international duty in his homeland.

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest coronavirus test result has come back negativeCredit: EPA

    He is now free to return to training with his Juventus team-matesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    He travelled back to Turin but continued to quarantine at home.
    Now, after two further positive tests forced him to miss the Champions League defeat against Barcelona, his latest check has come back clear.
    And Juventus confirmed he is therefore no longer obliged to stay at home.
    That could mean he is available to play in the Serie A clash away at Spezia on Sunday afternoon.

    Ronaldo last played on October 11 in the 0-0 Nations League draw with France.
    But two days later he was forced to quarantine after testing positive – despite being asymptomatic.
    The forward watched on from his hotel room as the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva trained before he got a private jet back to Italy – with the Italian sports minister believing he had broken protocol by flying home.
    Being locked up inside again took its toll on Ronaldo – especially as he was unable to face Lionel Messi’s Barcelona in the Champions League this week.

    Feeling fully fit, he continued to train at his home gym and blasted the PCB swab test as ‘bulls***’ after his third positive result returned as frustrations started to grow.
    Most alarmingly of all, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – who does not exactly lack self-confidence when it comes to his body and appearance – opted to shave his head in a radical new hairstyle.

    Ronaldo was forced to stay inside for 17 days after his first positive testCredit: instagram.com/cristiano

    He made the most of his extra free time to top up the sun tanCredit: Twitter / @Cristiano

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner opted for a new look as well, deciding to shave his head

    Ronaldo made sure he did not lose any of his fitness by working out in his home gym

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

    Watch Cristiano Ronaldo keep up fitness with run in coronavirus quarantine as Juventus star pulls off ‘Siu’ celebration More