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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘set to be transfer listed as Juventus look to cash-in on £540k-a-week star before contract ends’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will reportedly be put up for sale by Juventus to cash in on the Portuguese superstar before his contract expires.
      Sport reports the Old Lady are considering selling this summer for financial reasons given the state of play during the coronavirus pandemic.

      Cristiano Ronaldo could be sold by Juventus in the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ronaldo reels in £540,000 a week – nearly FOUR times as much as the club’s next highest paid player Matthijs de Ligt.
      The 35-year-old’s contract expires in 2022 and the Bianconeri risk seeing their prolific forward leave for free.
      The report states an extension to his current deal with its huge financial benefits is believed to be unsustainable.
      Ronaldo is not getting any younger and the Serie A giants are hopeful they can recoup some of the £99million they forked out to sign the Portugal captain from Real Madrid in 2018.

      He was signed by Juve chiefs with the aim of helping the Bianconeri dominate in the Champions League but bosses are frustrated after quarter-final and Last 16 exits since his arrival.
      Ronaldo has scored 71 goals in 94 appearances for Juventus, including six strikes in just four games at the start of the current Serie A campaign.
      But the former Red Devil was blasted as ignorant by retired Juventus ace Pasquale Bruno.
      Speaking on Italian football show Tiki Taka, the 58-year-old fumed: “He is ignorant.

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

      “He has been in Italy for two years and has not yet learned to speak our language.
      “He uses Spanish to express himself. He has no respect for his team-mates or for the Italians.”
      But team-mate and former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata came to Ronaldo’s defence after his character was called into question.
      The Spanish striker said Ronaldo was ‘loved by everyone’.

      After their 4-1 Champions League victory over Ferencvaros, in which Morata scored twice, he said: “I don’t have to say who Cristiano is and what he does.
      “He is always available, he makes himself loved by everyone, he is in the group.
      “He is our most important player and we hope he will always take us to the next level.”
      Ronaldo’s human side was also revealed by an Italian chef who described the humble celeb as a ‘decent boy’ after he was forced to wait 40 minutes for a table.
      Turin cook Davide Fiore emphatically denied Ronaldo showed any signs of arrogance despite keeping him and his family waiting before a pre-Christmas dinner in 2018.

      Cristiano Ronaldo shaves off his hair as Georgina Rodriguez reveals his dramatic new look after self-isolating More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘set to be up for transfer by Juventus as they look to cash-in on £540k-a-week star before deal ends’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will reportedly be put up for sale by Juventus to cash in on the Portuguese superstar before his contract runs out.
      Sport reports the Old Lady are considering selling this summer for financial reasons given the state of play during the coronavirus pandemic.

      Cristiano Ronaldo could be sold by Juventus in the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ronaldo reels in £540,000 a week – nearly FOUR times as much as the club’s next highest paid player Matthijs de Ligt.
      The 35-year-old’s contract expires in 2022 and the Bianconeri risk seeing their prolific forward leave for free.
      The report states an extension to his current deal with its huge financial benefits is believed to be unsustainable.
      Ronaldo is not getting any younger and the Serie A giants are hopeful they can recoup some of the £99million they forked out to sign the Portugal captain from Real Madrid in 2018.

      He was signed by Juve chiefs with the aim of helping the Bianconeri dominate in the Champions League but bosses are frustrated after quarter-final and Last 16 exits since his arrival.
      Ronaldo has scored 71 goals in 94 appearances for Juventus, including six strikes in just four games at the start of the current Serie A campaign.
      But the former Red Devil was blasted as ignorant by retired Juventus ace Pasquale Bruno.
      Speaking on Italian football show Tiki Taka, the 58-year-old fumed: “He is ignorant.

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

      “He has been in Italy for two years and has not yet learned to speak our language.
      “He uses Spanish to express himself. He has no respect for his team-mates or for the Italians.”
      But team-mate and former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata came to Ronaldo’s defence after his character was called into question.
      The Spanish striker said Ronaldo was ‘loved by everyone’.

      After their 4-1 Champions League victory over Ferencvaros, in which Morata scored twice, he said: “I don’t have to say who Cristiano is and what he does.
      “He is always available, he makes himself loved by everyone, he is in the group.
      “He is our most important player and we hope he will always take us to the next level.”
      Ronaldo’s human side was also revealed by an Italian chef who described the humble celeb as a ‘decent boy’ after he was forced to wait 40 minutes for a table.
      Turin cook Davide Fiore emphatically denied Ronaldo showed any signs of arrogance despite keeping him and his family waiting before a pre-Christmas dinner in 2018.

      Cristiano Ronaldo shaves off his hair as Georgina Rodriguez reveals his dramatic new look after self-isolating More

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      Paulo Dybala dropped from Argentina squad due to genital problems with Juventus star to miss two World Cup qualifiers

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      JUVENTUS star Paulo Dybala has been left out of his national team – with the Argentine FA revealing his absence is due to genital problems.
      The £72million-rared playmaker came on as a sub in Juve’s 1-1 Serie A draw at Lazio on Sunday.

      Paulo Dybala is dropped from international duty with the Argentine FA blunt about the reasoning. Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      He previously scored in the Turin giants’ 4-1 midweek Champions League win over Hungarians Ferencvaros.
      Dybala had been called into Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.
      But the 26-year-old has now been dropped after team doctors diagnosed problems with his private parts.
      The Argentine FA made no attempts to spare Dybala’s blushes as they released a statement about him and national teammates Marcos Acuna.

      The association said: “Marcos Acuna and Paulo Dybala have been dropped.
      “The Sevilla player has been withdrawn from the squad as a result of the muscle problem he suffered playing for his club on Saturday.
      “Meanwhile Dybala has also been left out after presenting general genito-urinary symptoms.
      “He needs to rest from playing sport, and to have tests.”

      Dybala grabbed his groin after going down in Juventus’ draw with Lazio yesterday, but it is not clear if this moment is directly related Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Angry Argentina fans have since begun speculating as to the cause of Dybala’s problems as the 29-cap ace fails to show for international duty yet again.
      The five-time Serie A winner last played for the AlbiCeleste a year ago, and has since missed out for a host of different reasons.

      Dybala’s South American national bosses have failed to show him the usual discretion players receive when suffering unusual problems.
      Everton declined to fully explain why James Rodriguez was sidelined after a knock against Liverpool last month.
      It took media in the winger’s native Colombia to reveal he had in fact suffered a testicle injury. More

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      Ibrahimovic admits he was ‘trying to irritate people in Sweden’ with Insta post that sparked international return hopes

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has insisted he was simply trying to wind up the people of Sweden when hinting at an international return.
      Not since 2016 has the AC Milan striker pulled on his country’s shirt although some fans hold out hope of a comeback.

      It appeared that the 39-year-old was open to the idea in a recent Instagram post.
      Putting up a picture of himself in a Sweden shirt, he captioned the image: “Long time no see.”
      However, Ibrahimovic has remarked that he was merely out to annoy people with his cryptic post.
      He told Sky Sport Italia on Sunday: “No, I was just trying to irritate people in Sweden.”

      Having hung up his international boots in 2016, there was talk of Sweden’s record goalscorer returning for the 2018 World Cup.
      That did not come to fruition and, with the Scandinavian side qualified for the summer’s Euros, similar rumours are expected to sprout up.

      What does the Swedish media do? They attack me, because they cannot accept that I am Ibrahimovic. This is about racism.
      Zlatan IbrahimovicJanuary 2018

      Although he is not entirely popular back home with fans of ex-club Malmo furious with his decision to buy a stake in rivals Hammarby last year.
      In January 2018, Ibrahimovic, whose parents emigrated from the Balkans, declared that ‘racism’ was behind Swedish media attacks on his character.

      He told Canal+: “What does the Swedish media do? They defend me or do they jump on and attack me? They still attack me, because they cannot accept that I am Ibrahimovic.
      “If another player would do same mistake I do, they would defend him. But when it comes to me, they don’t defend me.
      “This is about racism. This is about racism. I don’t say there is racism but I say there is undercover racism.
      “This exists, I am 100 percent sure. Because I am not Andersson or Svensson. If I would be that, trust me, they would defend me even if I would rob a bank. They would defend me, I tell you.”

      Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on stunning form for AC Milan this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Ibrahimovic, who has 62 goals in 116 appearances for his country, is certainly in good enough nick for the competition.
      The striker’s run of scoring in every Serie A game he has played in continued on the weekend with a 93rd-minute header to rescue a point against Hellas Verona.
      Despite missing a couple of weeks with coronavirus, he has bagged eight goals in the league to help Milan top the table.

      Diletta Leotta and Zlatan Ibrahimovic get hot and bothered in BuddyFit Advertisement More

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      Lazio vs Juventus REACTION: Unhappy Cristiano Ronaldo puts ankle on ice as Juve concede late equaliser in Rome

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      JUVENTUS blew the chance to go one point behind AC Milan at the top of Serie A as Lazio grabbed a last-minute equaliser in Rome.
      Cristiano Ronaldo had given the Old Lady the lead with a tap-in but was hauled off after 70 minutes before Felipe Caicedo bagged a last-minute equaliser.

      FINAL SCORE: Lazio 1-1 Juventus (Caicedo 95/Ronaldo 16)

      Alex TerrellToday, 14:17

      SERIE A TABLE
      So here is the situation in the Italian top flight after that late equaliser.
      Other matches are up and running now, but Juventus had the chance to go second.
      Instead they have to be satisfied with third, behind Sassuolo, while Lazio stay ninth.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:49

      LATE EQUALISER
      Here is how Lazio finally pierced through the Juventus armour to score a leveller.
      Wonderful work by Correa in the build-up.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:43

      RONALDO INJURED?
      There are reports Cristiano Ronaldo has sprained his ankle as he walked off the pitch in the second half.
      The hobble didn’t seem too bad but there was ice on his limb straight away.
      Will he be a doubt for Portugal now as he hunts down the international goals world record?

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:33

      THROWN AWAY
      What a chance Juve tossed away there.
      Lazio barely had a chance inside the box all game, while the champions had plenty.
      Hauling off Ronaldo and Morata seemed to invite pressure on to Juventus, simply because they were causing so many problems at the other end of the field.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:28

      FT: LAZIO 1-1 JUVENTUS

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:27

      Brilliant from Correa, who nutmegs Betancur on the left-hand side.
      He runs inside and finds the Colombian, who has his back to goal.
      Caicedo still has a lot to do but he is allowed to turn on the ball and spin for a shot, which is low and firm, past Szczesny.
      Wonderful stuff.
      What about Dybala though?! He basically has the chance to run the ball down the other end of the pitch and relieve pressure.
      Instead Dybala runs it straight out of play and seconds later the ball is in the back of the net.
      If you’re Bonucci you’d be having a massive go at Dybala right now.
      LAZIO 1-1 Juventus

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:24

      GOOOOOOOAAAAALLLL LAZIO!!!!!
      IT’S CAICEDO!!!!

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:24

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      93. Just seconds left for Lazio.
      Reina hoofs a big high ball forward, which Juve clear but Dybala bizarrely runs it out of play.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:23

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      92. Chance for Lazio now, Pereira has the ball on the edge of the box and delivers it in, a bit overhit though.
      Juventus momentarily clear.
      A ball is hammered in towards Caicedo’s chest, who controls it but is robbed by Bonucci.
      Outstanding defending from the Juventus captain.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:22

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      91. We’re into injury time now and the Juve bench are beside themselves as Dybala goes down under pressure from Milinkovic-Savic as he approaches the Lazio byline.
      Replays show the Argentina star dived and rolled around, causing mass consternation from the Old Lady bench.
      That’s poor gamesmanship from Dybala.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:20

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      88. It’s all long ball from Lazio now.
      Caicedo is backing into Bonucci as a high ball comes in and the Italian defender flops to the floor, winning a foul.
      The Juve defensive maestro has one of those Italian conversations with the Colombian where he shrugs and explains emphatically why it was a foul.
      What a character.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:19

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      87. Once again poor from Andreas Pereira from a free kick.
      He has a set-piece on the right and has Correa outside him, but the Argentine’s ball in is disappointing.
      Milinkovic-Savic throws his arms in the air in exasperation.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:16

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      84. Andreas Pereira has the chance to deliver a ball into the box for Lazio.
      The former Manchester United midfielder winds up, but hits a very poor ball into the box.
      Many an Old Trafford fan will be familiar with his erratic performances and that’s case in point.
      Juventus clear and win a free-kick on half-way.
      Big tension in the air in Rome now.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:14

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      83. Contain, contain, contain from Juventus.
      They are very deep as Lazio probe but struggle to find a way through.
      Cuadrado fouls Acerbi and is booked.
      Chance for a ball into the box.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:12

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      80. Better from the home side.
      The ball comes in towards Marusic at the far post on the left, but his diving header is straight at Szczesny!
      Good chance, that.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:09

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      78. On comes Pereira, he is on for Alberto for Lazio.
      Akpa Akpro is on for Cataldi, who was booked earlier.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:07

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      75. OFF COMES RONALDO.
      He is being substituted for Paulo Dybala.
      Ronaldo doesn’t look happy about it either, at all.
      Kulusevski is off for American McKennie.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:05

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      74. Is that an unnatural position though? Perhaps not.
      Juve perhaps lucky to get away with that one.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:04

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      73. It’s straight into the wall from SMS’ free kick.
      He argues it’s hand ball and replays show it HAS come off Rabiot’s arm inside the box!

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:04

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      72. Foul on the edge of the Juventus box.
      Milinkovic-Savic and Luiz Alberto are standing over the ball, slightly to the left and suiting a right footer.

      Alex TerrellToday, 13:02

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      70. This game is getting more physical as the game goes on.
      Danilo is fouled by Lazio sub Caicedo in midfield and it’s another chance for Juventus to relieve some pressure.

      Alex TerrellToday, 12:59

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      66. Half chance for Juve, but Ronaldo is a couple of yards offside.
      He gives a thumbs up to Morata for a lovely ball in.

      Alex TerrellToday, 12:57

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      64. CHANCE FOR RONALDO!
      But VERY, very well defended by Luiz Felipe.
      Juve have three on two situation and the Portuguese is looking to wind up for a shot.
      But as he does the Brazilian reads his stride and knocks it behind for a corner, which Lazio defend.

      Alex TerrellToday, 12:52

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      60. Getting a bit spicy between Marusic and Cuadrado on the Juventus right.
      This time the Montenegrin barges into the Juve man’s back.
      That’s a triple foul exchange in less than a minute.

      Alex TerrellToday, 12:51

      LAZIO 0-1 JUVENTUS
      59. Cuadrado is fuming.
      He runs into the box and Marusic looks to be pulling his shirt as he protects the ball.
      But the referee gives a foul against Cuadrado.
      It looks like he was the first offender on replay.

      Load more entries… More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo suffers ankle injury in Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Lazio after becoming Europe’s top scorer in 2020

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO raised serious concerns as he hobbled off the pitch against Lazio.
      The 35-year-old was hauled off in the 76th minute after he appeared to twist his ankle.

      Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be in pain before he left the pitch Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ronaldo scored the opener to give Juventus the lead in the 15th minute.
      His close range strike made him the leading scorer of 2020 in Europe’s top five leagues, with 27.
      Robert Lewandowski is next in line with 26 and Lazio star Ciro Immobile has 22.
      But Ronald was replaced by Paulo Dybala in the second half of the Serie A clash.

      After he left the field, Lazio scored a stoppage time equaliser to snatch a point.
      The Portuguese superstar allegedly informed boss Andrea Pirlo that he had picked up a knock.
      He was seen smiling in the stands as he sat with an ice pack on his ankle.
      Ronaldo has been in incredible form since his return after recovering from coronavirus.

      Cristiano Ronaldo had an ice pack on his ankle while sat on the benchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cristiano Ronaldo hobbled off the pitch in the second halfCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner bagged two goals on his first game back against Spezia.
      He chipped in with an assist against Ferencvaros and added another goal to his tally against Lazio.
      Juve boss Pirlo will be sweating over his fitness ahead of next week’s game against Cagliari.

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez revealed as The Masked Singer Lion More

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      Humble Cristiano Ronaldo waited 40 minutes for table in restaurant and is a ‘decent boy’, reveals impressed chef

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO may be a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the biggest sporting celebrities in the world – but just like the rest of us he sometimes has to wait for a restaurant table.
      The Juventus forward, 35, headed out for a pre-Christmas dinner with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and son Cristiano Jr in December 2018.

      Cristiano Ronaldo and his family showed their humility after waiting patiently for a table at a restaurant in TurinCredit: Instagram / @georginagio

      But after receiving the call and accepting the booking for three at Casa Fiore in Turin, the boss knew he was already rammed for the night.
      Chef Davide Fiore offered the trio a table at 9.30pm, banking on others to leave in time – only for Ronaldo & Co to arrive 90 minutes early.
      But they did not make a fuss at all as Fiore described the humble superstar as a “decent boy”.
      And his excellent hospitality means Ronaldo has become a regular at the Piedmontese restaurant – which serves Italian and Mediterranean dishes – ever since.

      Fiore told Tuttosport: “It is impossible to forget, it felt like being in a movie. While I was at home preparing for the evening service I get a call that I never expected.
      “A person calls me to book a table of three for Cristiano Ronaldo, for 9.30pm.
      “Obviously I immediately say yes, but then I think, ‘And now how do I do it?’ I knew the place was already full, but given the time I was counting on the fact that a 7.30pm reservation would finish in time for 9.30pm.
      “To be safe, I borrowed a table from a nearby restaurant and set it up in a corner.

      Davide Fiore, left, was full of praise for the humble five-time Ballon d’Or winner – who is now a regularCredit: Instagram / Ristorante CASA FIORE Torino

      “Cristiano, Georgina and their eldest son, Cristiano Jr, arrived at 8pm. And there I said to myself, ‘What now?’
      “The customers were left speechless, no one spoke anymore. And above all, no one wanted to get up anymore, they were captured by CR7.
      “So I made Cristiano sit in the emergency table, but time passed and nobody got up. Cristiano did not bat an eyelid and Georgina and her son like him.
      “At that juncture I realised that Ronaldo, despite being a world star and the best player in the world, is first and foremost a decent boy.
      “I can assure you that I have seen people far less famous than him leave after five minutes, and with arrogance, in such situations.
      “He, on the other hand, waited for his table for almost forty minutes.

      “Four days later he was back with me and from that moment on he started coming on average once a week. Even with Jorge Mendes, his agent.”
      Ronaldo was forced to spent more than two weeks in self-isolation in October after testing positive for coronavirus.
      But after making his return for Juventus with two goals at the weekend, he will no doubt be hoping to dine out at Casa Fiore again before long.
      Fiore added: “I expect a visit from them this week, maybe after the Champions League.
      “Obviously it will depend on the limitations of the government. The closing in the evening made us reverse the hours, now we only have lunch.
      “We have always respected the protocols, but unfortunately we pay for those who have not done so in recent months.”

      Ronaldo returned to action after his self-isolation period with two goals against SpeziaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez stuns in Louis Vuitton outfit for Paris fashion show More

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      Mario Balotelli trains with semi-pro Sporting Franciacorta in Italy’s fourth tier as he searches for new club

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      MARIO BALOTELLI has seen his career plumb new depths… by linking up with a FOURTH DIVISION club.
      The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker, 30, has not kicked a ball since March.

      Mario Balotelli is training with Sporting Franciacorta to keep his fitness levels upCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Brescia released Italy international Balo following their relegation from Serie A during the summer.
      He has since failed to find any takers for his services, despite being linked to a series of clubs.
      Genoa, Serie C Como, Brazilian giants Flamengo and Romanians CFR Cluj have all been credited with interest in the 30-year-old.
      But Balotelli has now joined Sporting Franciacorta as he attempts to keep up his fitness.

      The amateur Serie D club is based a stone’s throw from his Brescia home.
      Franciacorta director of football Eugenio Bianchini, a pal of Balotelli’s brother Enock, invited the controversial player to train with them.
      Their striker Alessandro Bertazzoli is also a friend of former Inter, AC Milan, Nice and Marseille ace Balotelli.
      Lombardy-based Franciacorta is better known for its wine industry than its football.

      And the club’s little-known players could be forgiven for thinking they’d drunk too much local produce when fallen superstar Balo rolled up at training earlier this week.
      Balotelli was also linked with a move back to the Premier League before the transfer window closed.
      Watford were reportedly interested in signing the controversial Italian star.

      Mario Balotelli scores Italian football’s first goal of the decade for second time in career with strike vs Lazio for Brescia More