More stories

  • in

    Former Man Utd striker makes transfer return to old club aged 36 after seven months in the wilderness

    FORMER Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi is back in football after signing a deal with Serie B side SPAL.The Italian re-joins the club after his contract expired with the outfit back in July last year.
    Giuseppe Rossi has joined SPAL until the end of the seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Rossi was at Man United at the start of his careerCredit: Getty
    Rossi initially joined the Italian side in 2021 for the remainder of the season, during this spell he played 14 league games and scored three goals.
    Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move on Twitter as he wrote: “Giuseppe Rossi is back. Italian striker has reached a full agreement with Serie B side SPAL until the end of the season.
    “Deal in place with president Joe Tacopina šŸ‡®šŸ‡¹šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡øšŸ¤šŸ».
    “Former Man Utd, Fiorentina, Villarreal striker has accepted the bid. Good luck Giuseppe Rossi22 šŸ¤™šŸ¼.”
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The 36-year-old spent part of his early career at the Red Devils after he was poached out of the Parma youth academy.
    Rossi only played five times in the Premier League, scoring one goal during his time with United.
    He did have a loan spell at Newcastle, but failed to score in his eleven league appearances for the club.
    The striker’s career has been hampered by continuous injuries, but he has always been a highly-rated player.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    He enjoyed his best time as a player in LaLiga with Villarreal, where he scored 54 goals in 136 league games.
    Rossi returned to Italy in 2013 by joining Fiorentina.
    He then had spells at Levante, Celta Vigo and Genoa for a short stint in the United States with Real Salt Lake City.
    Before his move to the MLS, Rossi spent time with United in order to maintain his fitness while he was a free agent.
    The move comes just after Italian legend Daniele De Rossi was sacked as manager and replaced by Massimo Oddo.
    Rossi will join another well-known star Radja Nainggolan, the Belgian midfielder joined at the start of February. More

  • in

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic starts alongside son Maximilian at AC Milan as pair train together with U18s

    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC played alongside his son Maximilian in AC Milan training. The legendary striker has not featured at all this season as he continues to battle a knee injury.
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic played alongside his son MaximilianCredit: Getty
    Maximilian is aged 16 and looks to have a bright future in the gameCredit: Getty
    Ibrahimovic, 41, is back in training after eight months in the treatment room and he played in a practice match with the AC Milan’s Under-18 side.
    And alongside the Swedish icon in the youth ranks was his 16-year-old son, Maximillian.
    Milan beat Tottenham in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie and it’s reportedly normal for those who didn’t feature to play in a friendly the day after.
    Zlatan was present but played on the Under-18s team so he could team-up with his son, claim Sky Italia.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    A clip showed Ibrahimovic Sr blast a volley in while his kid showed some great agility and dribbling talent.
    Maximilian is the eldest of the ex-Barcelona and Manchester United star’s two sons, along with Vincent, 14, and their mother is long-term partner Helena Seger.
    Ibrahimovic proved important in Milan’s Scudetto-winning season last year, featuring in 23 games and scoring eight times.
    The team could do with him back as they languish in fifth in Serie A, 18 points behind leaders Napoli.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    However, he will not be able to play any European matches this season as he was not included in their Champions League squad.
    Ibrahimovic’s kid is not the only child of a footballing legend to start coming through as potential future stars.
    Barca icon Ronaldinho has seen his son join the La Masia academy. More

  • in

    Man Utd have ā€˜genuine interestā€™ in shock transfer swoop for ex-Chelsea star Tammy Abraham if they canā€™t get Osimhen

    MANCHESTER UNITED have “genuine interest” in Tammy Abraham if they cannot land Victor Osimhen, reports claim. The Napoli striker is among Europe’s deadliest forwards and has long been tipped for an Old Trafford move in the summer.
    Abraham has been repeatedly linked with moves back to the Premier League after thriving at RomaCredit: Rex
    But he is not the only goalscoring talent in Serie A who has impressed.
    Former Chelsea hitman Tammy Abraham has re-energised his career after moving to Roma.
    While he is not enjoying his best season he remains an important piece of Jose Mourinho’s side.
    Caught Offside report that Man United are keeping tabs on the striker as they look for long-term options up-front.
    READ MORE ON MAN UNITED
    Journalist Ben Jacobs writes: “For Manchester United, the admiration for Abraham is very genuine.
    “Ten Hag likes the player. But like Chelsea there are others ahead of him in the queue.
    “We know Manchester United love Napoliā€™s Victor Osimhen, as in fact do Chelsea. Manchester United wonā€™t bill Abraham as a ā€˜back-upā€™ to Osimhen, but itā€™s not a bad way of putting it.”
    Previous reports have also claimed Abraham is on United’s radar, but the star has been linked to Arsenal.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Abraham, 25, has already proven capable of scoring in the Premier League with the Englishman netting 15 goals during Frank Lampard’s debut season.
    After being turfed out during Thomas Tuchel’s reign, he also adapted quickly to life in Italy and struck 17 league goals during his first season at Roma, with the club winning the inaugural Europa Conference League.
    He has only managed six in 22 Serie A game so far this season with Roma sat fourth and battling it out for a Champions League space.
    Wout Weghorst was recruited as a stop-gap loan for United until the end of the season amid Anthony Martial’s injury issues and Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden departure.
    But he has so far struggled to shine even with United’s winning form in 2023. More

  • in

    Napoli unveil extremely bold new kit for Valentineā€™s Day and it leaves fans very divided

    NAPOLI extended their lead at the top of Serie A in a Valentine’s Day-themed kit that has left fans very divided. Luciano Spalletti’s side demolished Cremonese 3-0 thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Victor Osimhen and Eljif Elmas.
    Napoli wore a specially made Valentine’s Day shirtCredit: Rex
    Napoli are top of Serie ACredit: Alamy
    The kit is made by manufacturers EA7Credit: Alamy
    But it was the kit rather than the team now being 16 points clear in the race for the Scudetto that has got everyone talking.
    Despite playing at home, Napoli didn’t wear their famous blue strip, instead opting for a white shirt with red trim.
    And most eye catching of all, the top had huge lips planted on the bottom to represent a kiss.
    It left some supporters falling in love with the design, one said: “Napoli’s kits are so fire.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    While others disagreed: “Donā€™t think Iā€™ve ever seen anything more horrifying than this Napoli kit.”
    More commented: “This Napoli Valentine’s kit is cute, yes, but it’s also hideous.”
    This is not the first time the Italian title chasers have wore a slightly unusual strip this season.
    For a friendly against Villarreal during the December break for the World Cup, the Naples-based side wore a Christmas shirt with a cartoon reindeer on it.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    It led to one fan joking: “Imagine Napoli were to mathematically win the league wearing a kit with the Easter bunny on it.”
    In past campaigns, a kit with club legend Diego Maradona’s face on was worn after he died 2020.
    And the 2018/19 home shirt featured a hidden animal on it, while the away kit that year represented snake skin. More

  • in

    Paul Pogba blasted by Juventus legend for ā€˜skiing while club have problemsā€™ as he STILL awaits second debut

    JUVENTUS legend Marco Tardelli has blasted Paul Pogba for going on a skiing holiday despite STILL waiting for his second debut for the club due to injury.Pogba, 29, returned to Turin in July after leaving Man United on a free transfer.
    Paul Pogba enjoyed a skiing holiday in DecemberCredit: Instagram
    The French star has been injured since rejoining the Italian giantsCredit: Rex
    He has yet to play a minute of competitive action since due to a long-term knee injury sustained in the summer.
    Despite this, Pogba still found time to enjoy himself on the slopes in December as he shared several snaps of himself skiing.Ā 

    And that has left former Juventus defender Tardelli, 68, seething.
    He told 90 Minute on Rai 2: ā€œPogba hasn’t played since April 2022, when he was still in Manchester.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    ā€œIt’s now a problem for Juve, we don’t know when he’ll return and we don’t know what he wants to do.
    ā€œPogba goes skiing while his team-mates are struggling with the big problems of Juve.
    ā€œToday Pogba is a big problem that the Bianconeri must solve.
    ā€œThis situation also demonstrates that Juve do not have clear enough ideas.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    ā€œ[Massimiliano] Allegri has to take over for me, it’s not possible to have a player like that on the payroll.
    ā€œHis behaviour towards his team-mates isn’t fair either, it annoys me.ā€
    Despite his big wages, Juve have made clear they are sticking by the Frenchman.
    Pogba rejoined United in 2016 after a glorious four year spell with Juventus.
    He had a mixed second spell at Old Trafford, often finding himself the target of criticism from fans and pundits but capable of putting in world-class performances.
    Pogba was at the centre of four Serie A title victories between 2013 and 2016 and also won the Coppa Italia twice.
    The Old Lady look far off that type of success this season after a 15 points deduction for alleged financial irregularities left them languishing in mid-table.
    A poor Champions League group stage has also seen Juventus drop into the Europa League. More

  • in

    Fans all say same thing as Tottenham loanee Destiny Udogie scores 25 SECONDS into Udinese vs Sassuolo Serie A clash

    TOTTENHAM fans can’t wait to see Destiny Udogie in a Spurs shirt.So much so they demanded the club end his loan spell with Udinese as the left-back scored after just 25 SECONDS on Sunday.
    Tottenham loanee Destiny Udogie scored 25 seconds into Udinese’s Serie A clash with Sassuolo on SundayCredit: Getty
    Udogie is on loan in Italy from SpursCredit: EPA

    The 20-year-old put Udinese ahead against Sassuolo with a fine left-footed strike from the edge of the area.
    Tottenham signed Udogie from Udinese in the summer for an initial Ā£15million but immediately sent him back to the Serie A side on loan.
    And Spurs fans can’t wait for the Italy U21 star to return to North London.
    His goal on Saturday was a third Serie A strike of the season, while he has also chipped in with two assists.
    Read More In Football
    After seeing Udogie net less than 30 seconds into the match, excited Tottenham supporters begged the club recall the youngster.
    Especially following Spurs’ dismal 4-1 defeat to Leicester on Saturday.
    One wrote on Twitter: “RECALL UDOGIE ASAP.”
    Another added: “We need to recall Destiny Udogie now.”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    A third demanded: “Get Destiny Udogie back now.”
    And a fourth quipped: “Really nice goal from Destiny Udogie. Need him at Tottenham as soon as possible!”
    Udogie’s loan spell with Udinese expires at the end of the campaign. More

  • in

    Juventus chief reveals squad wages in leaked voice message before slamming clubā€™s business and singling out starā€™s agent

    FORMER Juventus financial chief Stefano Bertola has revealed what the lowest paid player at the club earns, according to reports.The Italian club remain under investigation for a capital gains scandal that saw them deducted 15 points in Serie A last month.
    Stefano Bertola previously worked as Juventus’ head of financeCredit: Getty
    Intercepted voice calls between key men within the club’s hierarchy have been used as evidence in the investigation.
    Alleged quotes from some of Juve’s top men have been leaked by Italian paper Corriere della Sera.
    One damning remark comes from former head of finance Bertola, who slammed Juventus’ wage structure.
    He is claimed to have said: “Our worst player earns like Atalantaā€™s best. (Duvan) Zapata takes ā‚¬1.8 million (Ā£1.6m).
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “If we bought a dog we would give him ā‚¬3.5 million (Ā£3.1m).”
    Juve chief Federico Cherubini, who had his resignation rejected by the Serie A club in November, is also alleged to have complained about star player Federico Chiesa’s supposed demands.
    In a call made to former Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli in August 2021, Cherubini is claimed to have suggested that they would not be able to keep hold of Chiesa for a long time.
    He is reported to have said: “Chiesaā€™s entourage are very much looking for substantial economic increases.”
    Most read in Football
    Federico Cherubini, second from right, reportedly complained about Federico Chiesa’s demandsCredit: Getty
    Fabio Paratici, who left Juventus to join Tottenham in 2021, is said to have bemoaned the Italians’ shift in the transfer market – pointing to a specific move.
    He reportedly said: “We were arrogant in the market.
    “Because Fabio from five years ago does not take Higuain at ā‚¬90million (Ā£80m), he takes Gabriel Jesus at ā‚¬10million (Ā£9m) and turns him into a ā‚¬90million player.”
    Paratici, 50, was handed a two-and-half-year ban from the game by Italian authorities last month after being found guilty of orchestrating a transfer scam over three seasons.
    The FA have so far not been made to enforce the ban in England, allowing Tottenham’s managing director of football to continue his work at Spurs.
    In addition to Agnelli, Pavel Nedved resigned from his post at Juventus in November – as well as board members Laurence Debroux, Massimo Della Ragione, Katryn Fink, Daniela Marilungo, Francesco Roncaglio, Giorgio Tacchia and Suzanne Keywood.
    Following their points deduction Juve find themselves languishing in 12th in the Serie A table.
    Fabio Paratici is Tottenham’s managing director of footballCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Theo Hernandez all smiles with bizarre hairstyle proving huge success as he sets up Giroud for AC Milan goal

    AC MILAN defender Theo Hernandez debuted a bold new haircut on Friday night… before assisting Olivier Giroud’s winning goal.Stefano Pioli’s men went into their clash with Torino outside Serie A’s top four following a derby day defeat to Inter Milan.
    Theo Hernandez took to the pitch with a brave new hairdo on FridayCredit: Getty
    Oh, how Milan needed that! šŸ˜®ā€šŸ’ØOlivier Giroud comes up clutch for Milan and finds the back of the net with a beautiful header āš½ļø pic.twitter.com/ER16HKc9Ptā€” Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 10, 2023

    Olivier Giroud scored the winning goal after heading home a Hernandez crossCredit: Getty
    Hernandez’s new hairstyle was topped off with a smiley face in the back of his headCredit: Getty
    And for more than an hour they failed to break down the visitors’ stubborn defence in front of a frustrated San Siro crowd.
    But in the 62nd minute they eventually found a way through thanks to Hernandez and Giroud.
    Giroud scored a brilliant header for France in their 2-1 quarter-final win over England.
    And he produced a similar piece of quality against Torino as Hernandez’s cross from the left-hand side was met by Giroud’s textbook aerial threat.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Hernandez, who was donning a bleach blonde look with a smiley face on the back of his head, went over to celebrate with the former Arsenal and Chelsea man.
    And Giroud was clearly grateful for his countryman’s excellent delivery as they embraced in front of the rapturous Milan faithful.
    France’s record scorer now has 11 goals this season as Pioli’s side move up to third in the table.
    They are now just two points adrift of Inter, but a huge 15 behind runaway leaders Napoli.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Milan still also have aspirations in the Champions League.
    Their last-16 tie with Tottenham gets underway in Italy on Tuesday, before the return leg in London on March 8.
    The Italian giants have not reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite competition since 2012.
    Hernandez linked up superbly with Giroud on Friday nightCredit: Getty More