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    Bobby Duncan – cousin of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard – seals Derby transfer from Fiorentina on three-year deal

    BOBBY Duncan is ready to use 18 months of pent-up frustration to fuel his push for a first team place at Derby County.
    The 19-year-old England youth international joined the Rams on a three-year-deal from Fiorentina today and will look to make a speedy step-up from Derby’s Under-23 squad to Phillip Cocu’s first team after growing impatient in Italy.

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    Duncan will start in the U23s before hopefully linking up with the first team Credit: Rex Features

    The Covid-crisis limited Duncan’s playing time with the Serie A club and, despite the striker scoring four goals in a dozen games for Fiorentina’s Primavera team, the door to the first team remained closed for him.
    Now the former Manchester City and Liverpool kid hopes to kick-start his career with the Championship Rams after originally quitting Liverpool because he wanted first team football.
    Duncan told Rams TV: “I’ve been crawling the walls for the last few months, due to the restrictions in place (for COVID-19), as I have just wanted to play football. 
    “I’m ready to go and can’t wait to get started now. The last few years have been a rollercoaster, but I am here now and ready to get my head down.

    “The experiences I’ve had over the last 18 months or so at Liverpool and Fiorentina are ones I believe I can learn from. I am passionate to score goals.”

    Duncan’s former agent claimed Liverpool were damaging the striker mentally by not letting him leave the Anfield club a year ago.
    The striker, who has scored four goals in five games for England’s Under 19’s switched agents in January.
    Now he is now looking to rekindle his dream of first team football in the Championship, where he hopes to team up with fellow Scouser Wayne Rooney one day.

    He said: “It feels good to be here and I am excited. It is a perfect opportunity for me to get back to doing what I know I can do best.
    “Derby is a good club with a good structure and one that brings young talent through.
    “I know if I want to step up to the first-team that I need to do the right things off the pitch and on it as well.”

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    Duncan struggled to make an impact in Italy Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    The fitness secrets that help Cristiano Ronaldo leap 8ft 5ins in the air after another stunning header for Juventus

    CRISTIANO RONALDO regularly defies gravity, able to routinely jump 8ft 5ins off the ground to score stunning header after stunning header for Juventus.
    Fans were again in awe last night as the Portuguese superstar seemingly leapt into the Rome skyline to meet a Danilo cross, drawing comparisons with NBA legend Michael Jordan.

    Ronaldo again wowed fans last night with his astonishing header against RomaCredit: AP:Associated Press

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    CR7 also defied gravity last season by leaping 8ft 5ins off the ground to head home against SampdoriaCredit: AFP or licensors

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    Two years ago Ronaldo scored an incredible overhead kick 7ft 7ins off the groundCredit: AFP or licensors

    And last season, the Portuguese superstar was heralded for a similarly gravity-defying header against Sampdoria that had fans in awe – while the campaign before he scored an incredible overhead kick strike against Real Madrid where he leapt 7ft 7ins to make contact with the ball.
    With his athleticism clearly knowing no bounds, Ronaldo has claimed in the past that he has a ‘biological age of 23’ – and wants to continue playing into his 40s.
    And it’s clear the 35-year-old shows no signs of slowing down as he continues his goal-scoring exploits.
    The powerfully-built 6ft 2in forward remains one of the most physically dominant players in the world – still lightning quick, one of the strongest around and able to leap to incredible heights.

    In 2018, Ronaldo said: “Right now I have a biological age of 23.
    “I’ve still got a long time left, I can keep playing until I’m 41.
    “I’m feeling good, happy, I can’t complain.”

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    Cristiano Ronaldo, 34, says he has the body of someone 10 years younger – and wants to continue playing until he’s 41Credit: AP:Associated Press

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    Through exercise, diet and rest Ronaldo has become one of the most physically dominant athletes in the world

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    The Juventus superstar is still lightning quick and as strong as an ox

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    Its a far cry from the skinny teenager he once was, pictured here with Portugal U21s in 2003Credit: AFP
    But how does he do it?
    Ronaldo does not have some super-secret formula and his incredible body is built on just a few key themes.

    Dedication to the gym is obviously key, but Ronaldo follows a Pilates-based routine that focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core.
    Rest is also a massive part of his routine, as is his strict diet.

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    Swimming is a key part of Ronaldo’s regime – he goes for a post match swim after every gameCredit: Instagram, @cristiano

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    The Portuguese has a 25m pool in his Madrid mansionCredit: Cristiano Ronaldo/Instagram
    Post-match exercise has also become a huge part of his regime.
    While other players like to sit at home in front of the TV after a match, Ronaldo heads straight to the pool.
    He swims lengths, often alongside Cristiano Jr, which not only helps him unwind from the physical toll of a match, but also helps him build his huge physique.
    Swimming is a brilliant full-body workout, exercising all of his arms, core and leg muscles.

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    Ronaldo’s exercise regime doesn’t just rely on explosive muscle work, but is Pilates based – here he uses a Reformer to work outCredit: Instagram @cristiano

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    Ronaldo has a fully-equipped gym in his homeCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    Alongside his gym, Ronaldo has a secret weapon for muscle regeneration – a Cryotherapy chamber.
    The £50,000 walk-in piece of kit works miracles on the body, with Ronaldo having one installed in 2013 after hearing it had worked well for Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.
    Standing in the chamber for around three minutes, liquid nitrogen freezes Ronaldo to between minus 160 and minus 200 degrees Celsius.
    Cryotherapy beats muscle soreness and reduces swelling, inflammation or sprains – allowing Ronaldo to be ready for the next match or training session sooner.

    RONALDO’S FITNESS SECRETS

    Hard work: Motivation to be the best is key – which Ronaldo’s five Ballons d’Or prove
    The world is your gym: Don’t limit yourself to exercising in one place. Complete your routine at home in the morning or at night
    Booze ban: No more wild nights out if you want to stay so sculpted
    You are what you eat: Balanced diet with plenty of protein to fuel your workouts is best. Sugary foods are worst
    Ronnie says relax: Downtime at home with family and friends is a must
    Sleep well: Try and get at least eight hours a night, sleep is key for muscle regeneration

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    Ronaldo uses straps, pulleys and resistance work to improve his core strengthCredit: Instagram @cristiano

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    Sleep is also a vital part of his regime, with the star insisting on eight hours a nightCredit: Instagram @cristiano
    Ronaldo will also have hot and cold baths to stimulate muscle regeneration, while jets massage his muscles as he sits in the bath.
    Rest and regeneration have become as important to Ronaldo as working out.
    Ronaldo was once moved to deny he did 3,000 sit-ups in a day – claiming he barely did 1,000 “in one week”.
    That much work would only serve to injure and exhaust his muscles.
    Sleep and relaxation is another key part of his routine, with the Portuguese sticking to at least eight hours of kip a night.
    Family time, whether enjoying life with his children and Georgina Rodriguez or his mother, brother and sisters, is huge to the forward.

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    His home also has a £50,000 cryochamber that aids muscle regeneration and reduces soreness and inflammation
    He explained: “Mental strength is just as important as physical strength.
    “Training and physical sessions are most important, but living a relaxed lifestyle helps you to be the best you can be, physically and mentally.
    “I spend my free time with family and friends, which keeps me relaxed and in a positive mindset.
    “Proper sleep is really important for getting the most out of training.
    “I go to bed early and get up early, especially before matches. Sleep helps muscles recover which is really important.”

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    Ronaldo decided to dedicate himself to developing his body when he was just 11Credit: Instagram @cristiano
    Explosive muscle work is part of his routine, but the real secret to his amazing body is Pilates and home workouts.
    He said: “Fit in exercise wherever you can.
    “You can do an abs workout in your bedroom when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed.
    “If you get into a routine then it makes it easier as it will become a habit.”

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    Diet plays a massive part in Ronaldo’s supreme athleticismCredit: Instagram, @cristiano

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    The Juventus star eats plenty of fish and eggs and salad, avoiding sugary foods and processed meatsCredit: Instagram
    Ronaldo was a famously skinny teenager who has completely transformed his body over the course of his professional career.
    The change came when he heard comments from coaches when he was only 11.
    “I remember the first time I heard one of the kids say to another kid, ‘Did you see what he did? This guy is a beast’,” said Ronaldo.
    “I started hearing it all the time.
    “Even from the coaches. But then somebody would always say, ‘Yeah but it’s a shame he’s so small.’
    “It’s true, I was skinny. I had no muscle. So I made a decision at 11.
    “I knew I had a lot of talent, but I decided that I was going to work harder than everybody.
    “I started sneaking out of the dormitory at night to go work out. I got bigger and faster.
    “I would walk onto the field, and the people who used to whisper, ‘Yeah, but he’s so skinny,’ now they would be looking at me like it was the end of the world.”

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    Ronaldo has transformed his body during his professional careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    His dedication to his craft has seen Ronaldo become one of the best players everCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Ronaldo’s work would be wasted if he didn’t follow the right diet.
    The Portuguese is not a vegetarian or plant-based, but does limit his meat intake because of the higher fat intake.
    Fish is a key part of his diet with Lisbon speciality Bacalao a la Brasa – a mixture of braised cod, onions, thinly sliced potatoes and scrambled eggs – one of his faves.
    Ronaldo has said: “I eat a high protein diet, with lots of wholegrain carbs, fruit and vegetables, and avoid sugary food.
    “Eat regularly. If you train regularly it’s important to keep energy levels high to fuel your body for better performance.
    “I sometimes eat up to six smaller meals a day to make sure I have enough energy to perform each session at top level.”

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    Ronaldo, who loves fish and lean meat, is teetotalCredit: Instagram, @cristiano

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    Ronaldo has a high protein dietCredit: Instagram, @cristiano
    Portuguese national team chef Luis Lavrador revealed: “Ronaldo eats all sorts of dishes, as the responsible athlete he is, but the one he likes the most is fish like gilt-head bream, swordfish and sea bass.”
    His Instagram account offers more clues with lean meats and green salad often seen, while heavy carbs like potatoes and pasta saved for game days.
    Ronaldo has been teetotal since at least 2005 – not only because of the adverse affects on his diet, but also because his father died an alcoholism-related death when he was 20.

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    Ronaldo also takes his mental health seriously with rest and relaxation with his family a big part of his lifeCredit: Instagram, @cristiano

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    Ronaldo’s slow start to the season was part of Zinedine Zidane’s masterplanCredit: Reuters

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    Now playing his best football of the season, Ronaldo and Real Madrid are chasing a fourth Champions League trophy in five yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    His mother, Dolores Aveiro, is a key part of the Ronaldo team.
    She often spends time at his house, cooking meals and ensuring they fit his strict dietary needs.
    Whatever she’s doing, it clearly works. It’s hard to argue with Ronaldo when he says he’ll play till 40 when you see his exploits against Roma.

    Cristiano Ronaldo throws lavish party for girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez More

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    Roma 2 Juventus 2: Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice to maintain 10-man Juve’s unbeaten start to the season

    CRISTIANO RONALDO scored twice as ten-man Juventus held on for a 2-2 draw.
    The Portuguese superstar, 35, rescued a point for Andrea Pirlo with a penalty before a gravity-defying header in the second half.

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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace helped Juventus to seal 2-2 draw after Adrian Rabiot was sent offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    In a game that was initially slow to get going, it came to life when referee Marco Di Bello pointing to the spot after Adrien Rabiot handled a Jordan Veretout effort at goal. 
    Veretout himself stepped up to take the penalty, and managed to just about sneak his spot kick past Wojciech Szczesny and put Roma 1-0.
    Former Roma keeper Szczesny got a big glove on the ball, but could only tip it onto the inside of the post and into the net. 

    Juventus themselves were then awarded a spot-kick in the 44th minute, again for a handball, which was duly converted by Ronaldo. 
    He kept his cool to expertly send Roma keeper Antonio Mirante the wrong way, and seemingly send the sides into the break level at 1-1. 
    However, in the dying moments of the first half, Roma produced a textbook counter-attack after a Juventus free-kick, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan teeing up Veretout to slot past Szczesny for his second of the game.
    Roma went into the break leading 2-1 and with their tails up, with things getting even better for the hosts after Adrien Rabiot was sent off for Juventus just after the hour mark for a second bookable offence. 

    Rabiot’s sending off was the first red card brandished by referee Marco Di Bello since 2014, although he had little option but to give Rabiot his marching orders after a reckless challenge. 

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    Juve will play Napoli at home on Sunday in their third game of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Edin Dzeko missed two guilt edged chances to put Roma 3-1 up and out of sight either side of Rabiot’s sending off, but both were squandered by the Roma captain.
    His first effort rebounded off the post after excellent work to outmuscle Juan Cuadrado and take the ball past Leonardo Bonucci, but his finish couldn’t match the build up.
    His second chance was even more clear cut, a square ball across the box found Dzeko unmarked in the area, but he could only divert his effort straight at Szczesny with the goal at his mercy. 

    With Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch Juventus were always in the game at 2-1, and so it proved.
    The Portuguese superstar produced a trademark CR7 header to divert a cross into the net from former Manchester City right back Danilo and salvage a point for the ten man Juve. 
    There were still twenty minutes left of the game at that point, but neither side had a clear cut chance after Ronaldo’s goal and the points were shared.

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

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    Lazio want Man Utd duo Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata before transfer window closes after David Silva move collapses

    JUAN MATA and Andreas Pereira could be the targets of a Lazio double swoop ahead of transfer deadline day. 
    The Italian giants are looking to strengthen their attacking options after their move for David Silva fell through last month.

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    Lazio are among the sides reportedly interested in Juan MataCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The Red Devils are thought to have opened talks with Lazio officials over a deal that would see Pereira, 24, make a move to Serie A this term.
    It is thought the out-of-favour midfielder could be joined by Juan Mata. 
    The Spain international, 32, has heavily linked with a move in recent months having fallen down Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pecking order following the arrival of Bruno Fernandes.

    And Pereira is facing a battle to hold down a starting place in United’s  midfield following the club’s £39million acquisition of Ajax ace Donny van de Beek. 
    Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims discussions have already commenced between United and Lazio, with the Serie A side thought to be considering the Brazilian as an option for their midfield ranks.  
    The Serie A giants, who finished fourth in Italy’s top-flight last term, are believed to be making their move after reportedly being snubbed by David Silva. 
    The Manchester City icon was expected to travel to Rome for a medical in August after reportedly agreeing to a three-year contract. 

    But the switch was sensationally hijacked by Real Sociedad who sealed a two-year deal with the playmaker that left Lazio chief Igli Tare infuriated. 

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    Lazio are also reported to be considering a swoop for Andreas Pereira Credit: EPA

    Speaking to Lazio’s official website last monthm Tare said: “I learn about David Silva’s transfer to Real Sociedad. I have great respect for the player, but not for the man.”
    Should Pereira and Mata make the switch to Lazio it could see former United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic face a battle for a place in the Italian’s starting line-up. 
    Reports claim the Serbia international who has been linked with an Old Trafford move in the past, could be headed for Juventus.

    Mason Greenwood says, ‘If you’re good enough, you’re old enough’ to play for Man Utd More

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    Roma vs Juventus: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for TODAY’S Serie A clash

    JUVENTUS visit Roma as they continue their hunt for an incredible tenth Serie A title.
    The Old Lady got off to a perfect start last week as Cristiano Ronaldo netted in a 3-0 win over Sampdoria.

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    Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to fire Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus to a tenth straight titleCredit: AP:Associated Press

    But things didn’t go quite as smoothly for Roma, who thought they’d ground out a 0-0 draw at Verona only to be handed a 3-0 defeat instead for accidentally registering 23-year-old midfielder Amadou Diawara as an under-22.
    What time does Roma vs Juventus kick off?
    Roma vs Juventus takes place tonight.
    The match kicks off at 7.45pm – 8.45pm in Italy.
    It takes place at the Stadio Olimpico.
    What TV channel is Roma vs Juventus on and can I live stream it?
    Roma vs Juventus is live on Premier Sports.
    Coverage of the match commences at 7.40pm – five minutes before kick-off.
    To stream the game live, head to the Premier Player.
    A subscription to Premier Sports costs £9.99/month.
    Team news
    Edin Dzeko is set to return to Roma after being strongly linked with a move to today’s opponents Juventus.
    Nicola Zaniolo is out for most of this season while Diego Perotti is a doubt with a thigh strain.
    Matthijs de Ligt will miss out with a shoulder injury while Federico Bernardeschi also has a thigh strain and may not be available for the visitors.

    Alex Sandro is out with a muscular problem but Paulo Dybala is set to return. More

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    Inter Milan rival Man Utd in transfer hunt for Chelsea star N’Golo Kante by offering Milan Skriniar and Marcelo Brozovic

    INTER MILAN are willing to offer Marcelo Brozovic and Milan Skirniar in exchange for Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, according to reports.
    Ex-Blues boss Antonio Conte is desperate to reunite with the Frenchman in Milan.

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    Kante has started all three Premier League games for Chelsea this seasonCredit: AFP or llicensors AFP or Licensors

    Inter are struggling to reach Chelsea’s asking price, however, believed to be in the region of £46million.
    So, according to 90min, they have decided that first-team stars Brozovic and Skriniar could be sacrificed in order to land Kante, 29.
    And they could offer the duo to Stamford Bridge chiefs in order to work out a deal.
    Alternatively, they may look to sell the pair to other clubs in order to raise the transfer funds that way.

    SunSport exclusively revealed that discussions are ongoing between Inter and Tottenham over Skriniar.
    But Spurs aren’t willing to pay the Serie A side’s £55m valuation of the 25-year-old centre-back.
    An unexpected obstacle for Inter, however, could be the shock interest of Manchester United.
    According to the Mirror, Manchester United have made an ‘enquiry’ for the World Cup-winning star.

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    Kante was brought to Chelsea by Antonio ConteCredit: AFP or licensors

    And such a transfer would provide the mouthwatering prospect of pairing international team-mates Paul Pogba and Kante up at club level.
    It would also see Kante reunite with Nemanja Matic, the man he partnered to a Premier League title in 2016-17… under Conte.
    Kante has made 173 appearances for the Blues since being signed from Leicester by the Italian in 2016 – including starts in all three Premier League games so far this season.

    N’golo Kante shows his skills as he takes on Bathsuayi at Chelsea training More

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    Tottenham in talks to sign Milan Skriniar but will NOT be forced into Inter Milan’s £55m transfer fee demands

    TOTTENHAM are in talks to sign Milan Skriniar – but will NOT be forced into accepting Inter Milan’s £55m valuation.
    Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has watched the 25-year-old for a number of years and is a big fan of the Slovakian defender.

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    Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar could be close to joining Tottenham, but only if his £55m valuation is loweredCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Milan Skriniar, who has 35 caps, has been linked with Man Utd as well as SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    SunSport understands Skriniar is keen on a move to the Premier League, and would be interested in linking up with Tottenham.
    But Inter are demanding a hefty fee for one of their prize assets, money which Mourinho is not prepared to pay.
    Spurs would be willing to fork-out between £25m and £30m for the centre-back, with discussions set to continue through the weekend.
    It is understood Skriniar’s agent is in Milan, and is holding talks with Inter over the ex-Sampdoria star’s future and plans to move away.

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    The Nerazzurri could use the cash made from him to launch an assault for Manchester United outcast Chris Smalling.
    Antonio Conte is a fan of the 30-year-old England defender, who is training alone at Carrington while his future is decided.
    The ex-Fulham ace is also being chased by Roma, where he had a successful loan spell last season in Serie A.

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    Another defender Conte has an eye on is Antonio Rudiger, with the Chelsea ace considering his future at Stamford Bridge.
    The Germany international has been left out of both Frank Lampard’s starting elevens so far this season, and has been left frustrated.
    Inter are also keeping tabs on Blues duo Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri this summer.

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