More stories

  • in

    Pele says Cristiano Ronaldo is best in the world in Messi snub… but insists HE is greatest player ever

    BRAZILIAN legend Pele has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi… but not without also insisting that HE is still the greatest footballer of all time.
    The 79-year-old, who holds Guinness World Record as top scorer of all time, doesn’t think that these young whippersnappers quite live up to his greatness.

    Pele and Ronaldo are both at the forefront of the ‘greatest of all time’ debate

    And although quite a few of his 1,281 recorded goals were scored in unofficial friendlies, the three-time World Cup winner rightly remains at the forefront of any GOAT debate.
    But on the current crop, Pele’s view is firm – telling YouTube channel Pilhado earlier this year: “Today the best player in the world is Cristiano Ronaldo.
    “I think he’s the best, because he’s more consistent. You can’t forget about [Lionel] Messi, of course, but he’s not a striker.”
    Ronaldo, 35, has scored an astonishing 725 goals in 1000 total games over the course of his glittering career.

    But Messi, two years his junior, also boasts an amazing record, having bagged 697 goals in 856 games, despite – as Pele points out – not being a centre-forward.
    The legendary former Santos star named a host of other contenders to his self-appointed title as the sport’s greatest ever… but with one glaring omission.
    He continued: “It is a question that is difficult to answer. We cannot forget about Zico, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo (Nazario).
    “And in Europe, Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff.

    Unlike Maradona, Messi at least got a mention from the Brazilian legendCredit: AFP – Getty

    “Now, it’s not my fault, but I think Pele was better than them all.”
    In the days before the seemingly endless Messi-Ronaldo debate, there was Pele versus a certain Diego Armando Maradona – which, at least between the pair themselves, got heated at times.
    While things seemed to have calmed down following their public disagreement over who was the best, there seems to still be no love lost – with Pele omitting the Argentine.

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

  • in

    Juventus vs Verona FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Serie A match

    JUVENTUS host Hellas Verona as they look to move into the mix for a tenth straight Serie A title.
    But there will be no Cristiano Ronaldo as he has yet to produce a negative Coronavirus test.

    Paulo Dybala will be expected to lead by example with Cristiano Ronaldo outCredit: Alamy Live News

    Juve go into this game four points behind pacesetters AC Milan, having been held to draws by Roma and minnows Crotone.
    Hellas Verona meanwhile have had an encouraging start and sit just one point behind their opponents.
    What time does Juventus vs Verona kick off?
    Juventus take on Verona on Sunday, October 25.
    The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time – 8.45pm in Italy.
    The Allianz Stadium in Turin will host the match.
    What TV channel is Juventus vs Verona on and can I live stream it?
    Juventus vs Verona is live on FreeSports.
    Coverage commences at 7.40pm – five minutes before kick-off.
    To stream the game live, head to the FreeSports Player.
    You can also stream the game on the LiveScore app.

    How do I watch Juventus vs Verona for free?
    As the name suggests, FreeSports is FREE for UK viewers.
    The LiveScore app is also available to download free of charge.
    Team News
    As well as Cristiano Ronaldo, Weston McKennie will miss out due to coronavirus quarantine.
    But Paulo Dybala is set to start after recovering fully from illness.

    Mert Cetin, Andrea Danzi and Marco Benassi are out injured for Verona, while Koray Gunter and midfielder Antonin Barak are still self-isolating.
    Latest odds
    Juventus 4/11
    Draw 15/4
    Hellas Verona 15/2 More

  • in

    Chelsea flop Emerson Palmieri set for January transfer back to Italy with Inter Milan, Roma and Napoli keen

    CHELSEA flop Emerson is attracting interest from Italy, according to reports.
    The outcast left-back looks set for a January departure with Inter Milan, Roma and Napoli said to be keen to bring the Italian back to his homeland.

    Emerson is attracting interest from ItalyCredit: PA:Empics Sport

    Frank Lampard is not a fan of the 26-year-old and worked hard to replace him over the summer.
    And with Ben Chilwell arriving for £50million, the Italy international’s Chelsea career looks to be over.
    West Ham were rumoured to be keen on his signature last month.

    But Serie A now looks the most likely destination, according to Sky Sports Italia.

    Juventus are another team said to be considering a move.
    But it would appear Inter is Palmieri’s most likely destination with 34-year-old ex-Manchester City ace Aleksandr Kolarov the only recognised left-back on their books.
    Emerson admitted things are not going as he would like at Stamford Bridge when away on international duty earlier this month.

    He said: “When I arrive here [Italy’s training camp] I change my head, I feel important and part of the group.

    “At Chelsea, things are not going as I wish in this part of the season. I just have to work.”
    The defender has played 55 times for Chelsea since a 2018 move from Roma – but has not featured at all this season.

    Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy reveals he nearly quit football while on dole and living with pregnant girlfriend More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo tests positive for coronavirus for second time and will MISS Juventus clash with Barcelona

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has tested positive for coronavirus for a second time, according to reports.
    The Juventus star had already been diagnosed with the illness while on Portugal duty earlier in the month.

    Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to shake off Covid-19Credit: Reuters

    But nine days after that positive test, Ronaldo is still infectious.
    According to Portuguese newspaper Correio de Manha, the 35-year-old’s latest results came back on Thursday.
    And this second diagnosis will rule Ronaldo out of Juve’s Champions League clash with Barcelona next week.

    Andrea Pirlo’s side were without the forward as they dropped points away to Crotone on the weekend before beating Dynamo Kyiv.
    On Sunday, they host Hellas Verona ahead of welcoming Barcelona to Turin three days later.
    Self-isolation guidelines confirm Ronaldo’s absence for that clash, with Uefa demanding a negative test well in advance of the game.
    The former Manchester United star is holed up in Turin while he overcomes the illness.

    On Wednesday, he posted an Instagram video of himself working out on an exercise bike – while sporting a new shaved head look.

    Fans were anticipating a Champions League meeting between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel MessiCredit: AFP
    He captioned the post: “Success in life is not measured by what you achieve, but by the obstacles you overcome.”
    Ronaldo’s first positive test, confirmed on October 13, meant he sat out Portugal’s Nations League win over Sweden.
    The night before his diagnosis, the forward attended a dinner with the entire squad where social distancing did not appear to be observed.
    An air ambulance flew Ronaldo back to Italy last week.

    Last week, he was said to be ‘doing well’ with no symptoms of the deadly disease.
    Ronaldo’s mother Dolores Aveiro stated: “He’s doing well, thank God.
    “Unfortunately I can’t be with him but I’m supporting him from a distance.”

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

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo buys £8.5m limited edition Bugatti Centodieci’ – one of just ten that exist in the world

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly splurged £8.5million on a limited edition Bugatti – of which only 10 have ever been made.
    The Juventus superstar ordered the luxury Bugatti Centodieci earlier this year, reported Bild.

    Ronaldo is believed to be one of 10 people lucky enough to buy the incredible new Bugatti Centodieci, which costs £8.5m

    The amazing new Bugatti will be delivered to customers next yearCredit: Bugatti

    The French car manufacturer is keeping tight-lipped on whether or not Ronaldo is one of the lucky buyersCredit: Bugatti

    The supercar has a top speed of 236mphCredit: Bugatti

    Five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who recently contracted Covid-19,  already owns a Bugatti Chiron and a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse as part of his huge collection.
    He has ‘CR7’ embroidered on the headrests of his other two Bugattis.
    This new model is believed to be a tribute to the legendary Bugatti EB110 – Centodieci is Italian for 110.
    The Centodieci boasts an 8 litre W16 engine, with special models having 1600hp – some 100hp more than the Chiron and, overall, three times the price of that model.

    It can do 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph.
    Bild contacted Bugatti directly and they did not deny that Ronaldo was a buyer, while offering no official comment on the rumour.

    Ronaldo poses outside his former Madrid home on his £1.7m Bugatti VeyronCredit: Instagram @cristiano

    Ronaldo has a matte-black Lamborghini Aventador worth over £200kCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    Unfortunately we will have to wait to find out if he did really buy one because the vehicles will not be delivered to owners until next year.
    Bugatti’s official website describes the Centodiece as “breathtaking”.

    It says: “Inspired by the historical model, the Centodieci pushes all boundaries of imagination with its breathtaking performance and pioneering design.
    “Featuring a modern interpretation of the classic wedge shape and with the iconic W16 engine, the Centodieci transports the EB110 gracefully into a new millennium.
    “The ten limited-edition vehicles are distinguished by their perfect elegance and sculptural beauty, making the Centodieci a true, tangible work of art.”

    Ronaldo’s red Ferrari may not be the most appropriate car for his dogsCredit: Instagram @cristiano

    Ronaldo’s car collection is already worth an astonishing £8m.
    Girlfriend Georgina gave him a Mercedes G Wagon – which costs £600,000 – for his 35th birthday and that sits alongside a Lamborghini Aventador, Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Ferrari F12 TDF – plus many more – in his garage.
    Speaking about his car collection to Piers Morgan, former Manchester United star Ronaldo said he likes to have “two of everything”.

    Cristiano Ronaldo shares adorable video of him playing football with young family in self isolation melting fans hearts More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s haircuts through the years, from new shave to blond streaks, top knot and ‘toilet brush’

    WHEN you are one of the top sports stars on the planet, how you look is crucial to your commercial value.
    Cristiano Ronaldo, 35, has sponsorships coming out of his eyeballs, and his ever-changing appearance is of vital importance to brands.

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest look is this fully-shaved effort

    Cristiano Ronaldo has experimented with his hairstyles through the yearsCredit: AFP or licensors

    Georgina Rodriguez braids Ronaldos hairCredit: Instagram

    Through the years, the Portuguese legend has experimented with his locks – from streaky highlights, frosted tips, to shaved lines.
    Last season, he sported a top knot, and let partner Georgina Rodriguez braid his hair.
    And now, he’s thrilled fans by showing off a brand-new look… fully shaving off his locks.
    We take a look at CR7’s hairstyles through the years…

    BOYISH CURLS
    Ronaldo naturally has curly hair.
    As a kid, his boyish curls were evident in various throwback photos he’s shared on social media through the years.
    At that point, he hadn’t discovered the beauty of hair gel yet – so he sported more of a bouffant haircut.
    Other times, he’d just have it shaved short…. a solid number three all over. Simple but effective.

    As a boy, Ronaldo had a curly mop of hairCredit: Twitter

    As he got older Ronaldo began to shave his hair shortCredit: Twitter
    HELLO BLONDIE
    When Ronaldo first arrived at Old Trafford, his curls were still evident in his first training session.
    They were accompanied by blond streaks in his first Manchester United  photocall, but a ribbing from United team-mates forced him to change it up and go for something shorter.
    The streaks remained, mind.

    When Ronaldo arrived at Old Trafford in 2003 he sported these blond streaksCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Ronaldo was ribbed by his team-mates at Man Utd for his haircutCredit: Getty – Contributor
    SHORT BACK AND SIDES
    The trimmer came into play from 2004 onwards on Ronaldo’s locks.
    At Euro 2004, the backs and sides were shaved short. On top, it was also a little shorter and the front flicked up to reveal frosted blond tips.
    It was Ronaldo’s first ‘trendy’ hairstyle.

    In 2004 Ronaldo began experimenting with shorter stylesCredit: AFP – Getty
    MULLET
    The longest we’ve seen Ronaldo’s hair was during the 2006-07 season, when he was coming into his own in the Premier League.
    A throwback to the mullet, it was long at the back and spiky on top.
    It was a hairstyle that didn’t last long though.

    Ronaldo sported a mullet once upon a timeCredit: Getty – Contributor
    TOILET BRUSH
    When Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid, he knew he had to keep reinventing himself being one of the best players in the world.
    Again, short on the back and sides – the top was cut short so it spiked up – just like a toilet brush.
    Blond frosted tips also matched his now ever-present tan.
    Arguably, it wasn’t his best.

    As one of the world’s best players Ronaldo had to continue to change his lookCredit: Getty – Contributor

    This hairstyle, however, was reminiscent of a toilet brushCredit: Getty – Contributor
    EMBRACING THE CURLS
    In 2018, Ronaldo went back to basics.
    With curls back in fashion, the ex-Sporting Lisbon forward embraced his luscious locks, growing them long and adding frosted blond tips all through it.
    But he kept it short and sweet on the sides.

    In 2018 Ronaldo embraced his curls againCredit: Getty – Contributor
    SHAVED LINES
    It must be a World Cup thing.
    Because at the tournaments of 2014 and 2018, Ronaldo sported shaved lines in his hairdo.
    First one was shaved into a thick main of hair, the second was etched into a shaved look.
    It’s fair to say, the latter suited him better.

    In 2014 Ronaldo began sporting shaved lines in his locksCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Ronaldo repeated the look for the 2018 World Cup but with a shorter cropped styleCredit: AP:Associated Press
    JUVE GOT STYLE
    Although Ronaldo’s only been with Italian giants Juventus since 2018, he’s managed a whole host of different hairstyles.
    One, was slick, short and on top it was parted and glued down with wax.
    Then he experimented with an Alice band pulling his longer locks off his face while he played.
    And little did we know that he was growing it so he can have a top knot.
    What’s your favourite Ronaldo hairstyle?

    A slick, waxy look kick-started Ronaldo’s Juve careerCredit: EPA

    An Alice band was used when he grew his hair longerCredit: AFP or licensors

    Ronaldo’s enjoyed a top knot for much of 2019-20Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Ronaldo got out the trimmers for his latest hair-do, shaving it all off More

  • in

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

    JUVENTUS striker Cristiano Ronaldo is sporting another new look after he shaved off his hair while self-isolating.
    The 35-year-old – who is constantly changing his appearance – shared a clip of his shaved head while working out in his home gym in Turin.

    9

    Cristiano Ronaldo has shaved off his hair while at home self-isolating

    9

    Ronaldo contracted coronavirus while on international duty with Portugal

    Ronaldo missed the Old Lady’s 2-0 Champions League win against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday after contracting Covid-19 while on international duty with Portugal.
    He is now in a race against time to feature against Barcelona – and old rival Lionel Messi – next week, with the player likely to miss this weekend’s clash against Hellas Verona.
    Despite being kept out of action, Ronaldo looks in good spirits after being filmed by girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez putting himself through his paces.
    She took a video of him on an exercise bike showing off his new look, with Ronaldo sharing the footage to his 241 million Instagram followers.

    Captioning the post, he said: “Success in life is not measured by what you achieve, but by the obstacles you overcome.”
    Ronaldo – who sported a buzz cut look in August – also uploaded a snap of him giving the thumbs up to show he’s feeling good.

    Manchester United icon Ronaldo shared a snap of his buzz cut look in August

    Old Lady forward Ronaldo opted for a long curly-haired look over the summer

    9

    Ronaldo had dodgy blonde highlights in 2003Credit: Getty – Contributor

    9

    In 2004 he sported a curlier lookCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    9

    Ronaldo has at times sported a slicker style Credit: EPA

    9

    In 2006 it was all about the mulletCredit: Getty – Contributor
    The former curly-haired forward was criticised by Italy’s sports minister last week after he claimed the ex-Manchester United ace broke protocol by returning to Italy from Portugal.
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner travelled back to Turn in an air ambulance to continue his self-isolation.

    9

    Commenting on Vincenzo Spadafora’s claim, Ronaldo sated: “I did not break any protocol.
    “They’re saying that I broke Italian laws but it’s all a lie.
    “I spoke with my team and we have the responsibility to do things right.
    “Everything was done with authorisation. Principally for the Italian man (Italian sports minister Vincenzo Spadaforo) whose name I’m not going to say, it’s a lie, I abided by all the protocols.”

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

    Cristiano Ronaldo backs Khabib to beat Justin Gatethje as Juventus star says ‘of course’ UFC champ will retain belt More

  • in

    Eto’o blasts ‘disrespectful’ France Football for listing him in 10 top best right-wingers ever with Messi and Beckham

    SAMUEL ETO’O has hit out at ‘disrespectful’ France Football for naming him in their top ten right-wingers of all time.
    The legendary Cameroonian striker played the majority of his iconic career up-front and he is not happy being labelled a right-winger alongside David Beckham and Lionel Messi.

    Samuel Eto’o was fuming over his inclusion as a right winger in France Football’s nominees for greatest footballers of all time

    France Football run the historic Ballon d’Or award but bizarrely cancelled it this year because of coronavirus.
    And in its place they are attempting to collate the best XI players of all time.
    The formation is a 3-4-3 with a pool of iconic final nominees for the panel of 170 international journalists to choose from.

    But having whittled each position down to a list of ten, France Football’s editorial staff have come in for some flack from ex-Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan star Eto’o.
    Having seen himself included as a right-winger, Eto’o tweeted: “Thank you but I played one or two seasons on the right yet I have 25 years of career as a centre-forward.
    “The lack of respect @FranceFootball.
    “WHATEVER!”

    Eto’o was joined on the list by nine other iconic superstars of the ages.

    Beckham and Messi lined up next to Manchester United legend George Best, Liverpool hero Kevin Keegan and Brazilian icons from the 50s, 60s and 70s Garrincha and Jairzinho.
    Stanley Matthews completed the list of historic names with his career that spanned from 1932-1965.
    Before more modern stars from the early 90s and beyond were included.
    Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Holland magician Arjen Robben and Portuguese poster boy Luis Figo completed the list.
    Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski was in line to scoop this year’s Ballon d’Or after leading his team to an incredible Bundesliga and Champions League double.

    Patrice Evra eats cooked chicken in bizarre ‘upgrade’ to infamous video of Man Utd legend licking raw meat More