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      AC Milan and Inter ‘agree to DEMOLISH San Siro’ with new stadium, dubbed The Cathedral, to be ready for 2027

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      AC MILAN and Inter have reportedly agreed to completely knock down the San Siro.The Italian giants have played at the famous old ground since 1926.
      The San Siro is set to be completely demolished once the new stadium is builtCredit: Getty
      ‘The Cathedral’ could be ready for the 2027-28 seasonCredit: Instagram @wearepopulous
      The new stadium will have a capacity of 65,000Credit: Instagram @wearepopulous
      But the clubs are ready for a new modern arena called ‘The Cathedral’.
      Both Milan and Inter approved plans for the new stadium at the end of 2021.
      Initially the project only planned a partial demolition of the San Siro – but both clubs now accept no trace of the Stadio Meazza will be left, report Gazzetta dello Sport.
      The demolition is due to take place between 2027-2028, once construction of the new stadium is complete.
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      The clubs have reportedly agreed to a complete bulldoze of the stadium in order to make the project “greener” and more sustainable.
      And they still hope to build The Cathedral on the same site as the San Siro, although that is dependent on public approval.
      The new stadium is set to have a capacity of 65,000 – a reduction from San Siro’s 80,000.
      The Italian clubs opted for Populous’ carbon neutral vision – the same company responsible for the construction of Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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      Both clubs share the same vision for the stadium: To capture Milan’s identity, and to ‘facilitate the growth of the clubs and their global competitiveness.’
      AC Milan’s president Paolo Scaroni said: “The new San Siro will be the most beautiful stadium in the world for its strong identity and recognisability.
      “An attractive arena, accessible and sustainable for the city of Milan that will facilitate the growth of the clubs and their global competitiveness.”
      Inter CEO Alessandro Antonello added: “The New Stadium of Milan will be in an extra-contemporary green area that can be lived all year round.
      “The new district for sport and leisure and its 50,000sqm park will make San Siro the go-to neighbourhood for sport and entertainment.” More

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      Jose Mourinho claims Roma striker Belotti has a ‘disease’ after performing ‘four or five heel flicks’ in wacky interview

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      JOSE MOURINHO channelled his inner David Brent when describing Roma striker Andrea Belotti.The ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss is well known for his wacky interviews, and his latest effort was no different.
      Andrea Belotti scored his first Roma goal on Thursday nightCredit: Reuters
      Jose Mourinho has claimed Belotti is suffering from a “disease”Credit: Reuters
      The Roma gaffer hilariously claimed striker Belotti is suffering from a “disease” that means he can’t put the ball in the back of the net.
      Summer signing Belotti scored his first goal for the club in last night’s 3-0 Europa League win over HJK Helsinki.
      But Mourinho still reckons Belotti is trying too hard to score the perfect goal, and hit out at him for his fancy “heel touches”.
      The Portuguese icon said: “Belotti also seems to be suffering from this disease we have up front, today I saw him do four or five heel touches. This is not him.”
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      “He has to score, with his knee, with his ass, with his head.
      “He has the virus of a playmaking wizard, whereas he just needs to score. That’s it.
      “We need to improve in terms of execution, the average of shots and goals made is not good.”
      Belotti finally broke his duck against Finnish minnows HJK, after Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini had struck for the Italians.
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      Mourinho snapped up Italy striker Belotti on a free after his Torino contract expired, but the 28-year-old is behind England ace Tammy Abraham in the pecking order.
      And Belotti has also found himself victim to a classic Mourinho line.
      In the last week the Portuguese manager has also hit out at Abraham, publicly calling for the ex-Chelsea striker to drop deeper on the pitch to affect the play.
      Mourinho told Sky Sports Italia: “He has to do it – he has to drop deep when the team needs him.
      “Maybe he can struggle more mentally to do it, but that is also the mission.” More

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      Arsenal wanted to seal Tammy Abraham transfer last summer before England striker quit Chelsea for Roma move

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      ARSENAL wanted to sign Tammy Abraham before the England striker quit for Roma.The ex-Chelsea forward had thrived under Frank Lampard’s management as he finally got first team opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
      Abraham has thrived in Serie A, but things could have been different if Arsenal had made a moveCredit: Rex
      But he fell out of favour after the arrival of Thomas Tuchel.
      Before Jose Mourinho and Roma swooped for their man, Abraham was being targeted for what would have been a sensational London switch.
      Caught Offside report Arsenal were in for the 24-year-old before his move to Italy in August 2021.
      Abraham was part of a shortlist drawn up by the club – but they did not make an approach.
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      Instead Roma were quick and pounced in a £34million move.
      Speaking to Caught Offside, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also shut down rumours linking Abraham with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico any time soon.
      He said: “Abraham is more than happy in Rome, with the club, the city, and with Jose Mourinho.”
      His comments come after the former Real Madrid manager appeared to take a swipe at the striker despite him scoring a late winner in their last game.
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      The England international began his career in Chelsea’s academy and progressed through the age groups.
      He thrived out on loan at the likes of Bristol City and Aston Villa, thrashing in goals at Championship-level with regularity.
      His big break came in 2019 under Lampard when he netted 15 Premier League goals and helped Chelsea to a top-four finish.
      While he struggled after the Blues legend was sacked, his move to Mourinho’s Roma gave him a new lease of life.
      Last season he impressed in Serie A and scored 17 league goals, and helped the club win the inaugural Europa Conference League. More

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      Chelsea set to be joined by Man City in January transfer move for Rafael Leao after AC Milan rejected summer approach

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      MANCHESTER CITY are set to join Chelsea in the hunt for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, according to reports.San Siro technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed the Blues had an approach for the winger knocked back in the summer.
      Rafael Leao is a reported target for Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      And now City are hoping to pounce.
      The 23-year-old is “liked” by Pep Guardiola and his Premier League champions, according to Calciomercato.
      But Guardiola and Co will face stiff competition from Chelsea if they decide to swoop for the Portugal international.
      Exciting winger Leao was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge throughout the course of the summer.
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      Reports claimed the Blues had lodged a late offer for Leao in the final days of the window.
      And AC Milan technical director Maldini has revealed an official bid never arrived, but the Blues did discuss an informal offer.
      The proposal was immediately rebuffed by the Serie A champions.
      Maldini told Sky Italia, via SempreMilan: “Rafa knows that to become even stronger the solution is to stay with us. We are a young and growing team.
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      “We intend to do great things and grow with him. If he then reaches a higher level than Milan, we can think about it.
      “An official offer from Chelsea never arrived, but on an informal level it did. Of course, it was refused.”
      Leao has not let the speculation get to him with the winger enjoying a stunning start to the campaign.
      The winger has scored three goals and provided six assists in just eight games this season.
      But in a blow to Chelsea and City, AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has confirmed the club intend to offer Leao a new contract. More

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      Paul Pogba’s brother Mathias ‘held by police over £11m blackmail plot against Juventus star’

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      PAUL POGBA’S brother has been taken into police custody in connection with the blackmail plot against the Juventus star, according to reports. The former Manchester United midfielder claimed in August he was the victim of an £11million plot by childhood friends and his own sibling.
      Mathias Pogba, right, has reportedly been taken into custody by French police over the blackmail plot of brother PaulCredit: Getty
      Paul, 29, told authorities the group requested the money for “protection services” stretching back 13 years, it is understood.
      A judicial investigation was opened on September 2 to look into the allegations of extortion with a weapon, kidnapping or kidnapping in an organised gang and participation in a criminal association.
      And now Le Monde report Mathias Pogba, 32, decided to turn himself in to the authorities investigating the case.
      Then the journeyman footballer, who lived with Riyad Mahrez before playing for Wrexham, is then said to have been placed in custody.
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      It is alleged three other suspects have also been taken into custody yesterday and today.
      Neither Paul nor Mathias’ lawyers have responded to contact from Le Monde.
      The World Cup winner made the shocking revelations relating to a trip back to his home suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne near Disneyland Paris in March.
      He says he was held at gunpoint by an extortion gang — and one of the plotters was brother Mathias.
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      Pogba told police he was confronted by the group that included friends from his childhood and teenage years as well as two masked men armed with assault rifles.
      The midfielder — married to Bolivian model Maria Zulay Salaues — then claimed he was forced to accompany them to a flat in nearby Roissy-en-Brie, where they demanded more than £11m for “protecting him”.
      With the gang demanding £2.6m immediately, Paul tried to withdraw the money but his bank declined to authorise such a large amount.
      Radio station France Info reported that the blackmailers had to settle for £85,000 in cash instead.
      When the gang continued to try to extort money, Paul filed a criminal complaint through his lawyers.
      He told cops that when the gang tailed him to Manchester and Turin, where Juventus play, his brother Mathias was present among the alleged conspirators.
      Then the older brother, who is twins with Florentin, accused his famous sibling of paying for a witch doctor to curse talismanic French team-mate Kylian Mbappe
      Paul has denied the claims and was publicly supported by Mbappe but Mathias — who played for a string of British clubs — labelled the Juve ace “a so-called Muslim deep in witchcraft”.
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      On the pitch, Pogba is currently sidelined after undergoing knee surgery.
      However, reports suggest he could still be included in the French World Cup squad even if he has only just returned to fitness because of his “special status” in Didier Deschamps’ team. More

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      AC Milan ‘already looking at new striker transfer for January amid Divock Origi struggles since Liverpool move’

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      AC MILAN are reportedly looking to replace Divock Origi in January.That’s despite only signing the striker this summer.
      New AC Milan signing Divock Origi could find himself being replaced in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      Origi, 27, joined the Italian champions on a free transfer from Liverpool after his contract expired.
      The Belgian won the Premier League and Champions League during his seven years at Anfield while gaining cult icon status by the Kop faithful thanks to his string of vital goals.
      Milan fans were expecting big things in their bid to defend their Serie A title.
      However, Origi has made just three appearances so far this term – all from the bench.
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      He is yet to score a goal or register an assist.
      And Calciomercato claim Milan chiefs are beginning to regret handing Origi a four-year deal.
      The Italians are already without talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, leaving Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao as the only reliable attackers.
      Origi is now expected to regain his composure and step up to the plate fast after several injuries.
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      But San Siro heads are already drawing up plans to sign a replacement in the winter window.
      Lille’s Jonathan David is understood to be Milan’s top choice, with four goals and two assists in seven games already this term.
      RB Salzburg’s Noah Okafor is another option for Stefano Pioli.
      And he could be available for a bargain £25million.
      But in the meantime, Pioli hopes Origi can overcome his personal problems and become an effective squad player.
      After leaving Origi out of the weekend win over Sampdoria due to injury, Pioli said: “It’s disappointing, because he’s a good player, but he didn’t feel right at the end of the training session.
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      “The muscle was hardening up, so it was best not to risk it. Olivier can play every game, and I have many other players who can also play in that position. 
      “I’m not worried about Origi’s injury. He is a player we strongly wanted and I’m now hoping to have him back after the [international] break.” More

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      ‘I will be back with violence!’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic rules out retirement aged 40 – but reveals when he will pack it in

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has claimed he has no plans to retire yet as he revealed what it will take for him to hang up his boots.The 40-year-old is currently out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and underwent surgery back in May.
      AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic isn’t retiring just yetCredit: AP
      The AC Milan striker is thought to not be ready to take to the pitch again until the new year.
      But this has not impacted the longevity of Ibrahimovic’s career as he dismissed retirement talk.
      He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I am arrogant, zero fear. I’m well, I’m working every day to come back.
      “You will surely see it. When I come back, I will be heard, you can count on it. I will do it with violence.
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      “Patience is needed, that’s the key now.
      “I’m not going to retire, I’m coming back and I won’t give up.”
      When asked what could lead to his retirement from football he gave a typical Ibrahimovic like response.
      He said: “If I see a player stronger than me, I’ll stop. But I haven’t seen him yet.”
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      The veteran played a key role in the Rosseneri’s Serie A title victory last season scoring eight goals.
      And the Swedish international stressed that he believes the team has got even better since last time out.
      He said: “We’re even stronger than last year as a squad. Overall, we’re a better team, the market in the summer after winning the Scudetto strengthened us and now we have more alternatives on the bench. 
      “If I didn’t like things, I wouldn’t be here.”
      Ibrahimovic singled out the signing of talented young midfielder Charles de Ketelaere as one of the reasons they are better this season.
      The ex-Manchester United man stated: “De Ketelaere is a top player, I’ll say that. You just have to give him some time to grow.” More

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      Jose Mourinho hits out at Tammy Abraham despite late winner for Roma as ex-Chelsea star bids for England spot

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      ROMA boss Jose Mourinho is keeping Tammy Abraham’s feet on the ground by taking a swipe at him despite netting a last-gasp winner.Former Chelsea striker Abraham has been a big hit in Italy since his £34million arrival last summer.
      Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring Roma’s late winner against Empoli
      The 24-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by the Blues and responded by bagging 17 Serie A goals last season – the highest ever single campaign league total by an Englishman.
      His nine strikes also bagged his side a Europa Conference League crown.
      Abraham already has two goals to his name this season, including a winner against Empoli on Monday which left Roma just a point off the Serie A summit.
      The former Aston Villa loan star’s progress in the Italian top-flight has undoubtedly strengthened his claim to be a key man for England at this winter’s World Cup.
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      Mourinho has been impressed by Abraham’s all-round performance but has called for him to incorporate more intelligent movement into his game.
      The Roma boss told Sky Sports Italia: “He has to do it – he has to drop deep when the team needs him.
      “Maybe he can struggle more mentally to do it, but that is also the mission.
      “I must say that scoring goals against [Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo] Vicario was difficult, he looked like the best goalkeeper in the world.”
      Abraham will be hoping to see his name when England boss Gareth Southgate announces his latest squad on Thursday.
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      Three Lions skipper Harry Kane remains the nation’s go-to No9 after a five-goal start to the season with Spurs.
      The likes of Brentford striker Ivan Toney along with Everton’s precocious prospect Anthony Gordon are also pushing to gate-crash the World Cup party.

      But Abraham already has 11 caps and three international goals to his name.
      And if his hot form continues under Mourinho he looks a shoe-in for Qatar. More