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      Cristiano Ronaldo claims ‘multiple’ clubs in Europe tried to sign him as he’s unveiled by Al-Nassr following £173m deal

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has claimed that “multiple” clubs in Europe tried to sign him as he was unveiled by Al-Nassr.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 37, is now the highest-paid sportsperson ever after he signed a lucrative £173million-a-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club on Friday.
      Cristiano Ronaldo claims ‘multiple’ clubs in Europe wanted him before he joined Al NassrCredit: Reuters
      Ronaldo, who was released by Manchester United last month after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, arrived in Riyadh on Monday and was greeted by a large group of adoring fans.
      The forward then underwent his medical on Tuesday ahead of his official unveiling, which took place at Al-Nassr’s home stadium – Mrsool Park.
      Thousands of fans were in attendance to welcome the former Real Madrid star to the club.
      And he has now insisted that he rejected offers from clubs across the globe in order to move to Saudi – contrary to various reports claiming there was a serious lack of interest in him.
      READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDO
      Ronaldo said: “For me, this is a great opportunity in football and to change the mentality of the new generation.
      “Nobody knew, but I can say now, I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs, in Brazil, in Australia, the US, even in Portugal there were many clubs that tried to sign me.
      “But I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to develop not only the football but the other part of this amazing country.”
      Ronaldo added: “For me it is a good challenge. I know what I want and, of course, what I don’t want as well.
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      “So for me, it is a good chance to change, help, with my experience and knowledge to grow many important points.
      “Also, I want to give a different vision of the country, the football and the perspective of everybody and this is why I took this opportunity.”
      Ronaldo’s name has been displayed across the city of Riyadh since he was announced as an Al-Nassr player on Friday.
      Hundreds of fans have flocked to the club’s official shop in a bid to get their hands on his iconic No7 shirt.
      And those in attendance at Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Khaleej continued to chant his name throughout the seventh minute of the match in celebration following the announcement of his arrival.
      Ronaldo is now expected to Al-Nassr debut on January 14 in a derby against Al-Shabab. More

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      Chelsea make last ditch bid to HIJACK Arsenal’s January transfer for Mykhaylo Mudryk

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      CHELSEA are attempting to hijack Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk and are set for talks with the Blues in London this week.Arsenal’s latest offer for the Shakhtar Donetsk star is £62million, but is still well below the Ukrainian side’s asking price.
      Chelse have submitted a bid to sign Mykhaylo MudrykCredit: Getty
      Despite the Gunners having already agreed personal terms over a five-year deal, worth around £120k-a-week, with Mudryk, Chelsea are set to enter the fray having already started discussions.
      If the Blues agree to meet the asking price, around £60million with another £20million in add-ons, and offer better terms than the Gunners they could pip the Premier League leaders to the deal.
      And Shakhtar sporting director, Darijo Srna, is set to travel to London for talks this week.
      Todd Boehly is set to spend big this month in order to help Graham Potter turn their poor form around.
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      Benfica’s World Cup winning midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, is a target, but they may not have the funds to sign both the Argentine and Mudryk in the same window.
      Mudryk has long teased a move to The Emirates, having openly discussed his desire to join the club as well as posting pictures of him watching recent games on social media.
      A move to join Mikel Arteta’s side is still Mudryk’s preference, but the feeling is The Gunners are still a long way off.
      The north Londoners remain confident a deal can be struck this month and are pushing to agree terms before Shakhtar travel to Turkey next week for a training camp.
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      However, Chelsea’s talks could mean the saga drags on across the window.
      The winger has 10 goals and eight assists in 18 appearances in all competitions this season and is Arsenal’s No1 target this month.
      The Gunners are in need of a forward to take the burden off of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have played almost every game this term, especially following Gabriel Jesus’ knee surgery.
      THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Man Utd transfer blow as Barcelona boss Xavi rules out letting key target Frenkie de Jong leave in January

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a fresh blow in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong after Xavi revealed Barcelona’s January transfer plans. De Jong’s transfer to Old Trafford was one of the saga’s of the summer, but the move failed to materialise despite both clubs pushing hard for it.
      Frenkie de Jong is a long-term target of Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      But Xavi has revealed Barcelona have no plans to let anyone leave in JanuaryCredit: EPA
      After failing to land De Jong, United ended up signing Casemiro to bolster their midfield.
      But the Red Devils have retained their interest in the Dutchman.
      However, a January move appears to have been ruled out by Barca boss Xavi after he revealed he believed it would be a “quiet” window at the Nou Camp.
      Xavi told reporters in Spain: “I don’t want Memphis (Depay) or any other player to leave in January.
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      “I think it’s going be a quiet window for us.”
      It comes after a sensational report claimed De Jong was now keen on a Camp Nou exit.
      The Blaugrana’s situation has led them to use a number of financial “levers” to take out loans against the club’s future revenue in order to balance the books.
      However, a fresh report from Catalunya Radio has indicated the club cannot repeat the same trick they used last summer to bring in the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde.
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      The Spanish giants are also said to be around £176million over their wage budget, an issue not helped by the club’s Champions League group stage elimination.
      Regardless, Erik ten Hag and Co are having issues of their own at Old Trafford.
      Cristiano Ronaldo – who has now been unveiled by Al Nassr – departed the club after his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, and Anthony Martial continues to be plagued by fitness issues.
      Ten Hag has reiterated the need for the club to find a striker which matches their sporting and financial needs, but said they will not “burn money.”
      He said: “I think we have a good team when all the players are available.
      “But with many games coming up, I think there is a need (to sign a striker).
      “But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you.”
      After missing out on Cody Gakpo, the likes of Joao Felix, Marcus Thuram, and Olivier Giroud are being considered by United. More

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      Lionel Messi has ‘verbal agreement’ to snub summer transfer and STAY at PSG with talks over contract extension imminent

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      LIONEL MESSI has made a “verbal pact” with Paris Saint-Germain to stay at the club beyond the end of the season, according to reports.The Argentine, 35, will become a free agent in the summer if he does not agree a new deal with the French champions.
      Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay in Paris beyond two seasonsCredit: Getty
      He has been linked with a return to Barcelona or a move to the MLS to join Inter Miami.
      But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Messi and PSG have an informal agreement and will not hurry the details of the contract extension.
      Speaking on Twitter, Romano said: “Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain have verbal pact to continue together. 🔴🔵🇦🇷 #PSG
      “There will be a new meeting with his camp to discuss length of contract, salary and more.
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      “Nothing signed this week, no rush as the plan is already clear: Messi will continue in Paris.”
      Messi struggled during his first year in the French capital, contributing 11 goals and 15 assists in 34 games.
      But since the start of the 2022/23 campaign the South American icon has rediscovered some of his best form.
      He already has as many goal contributions this term than in the entirety of last season – 12 goals and 14 assists in just 19 matches.
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      In November, he paused his time at PSG to head to the World Cup.
      And Messi produced a remarkable set of performances throughout the tournament as he achieved a career-long goal of lifting the World Cup with Argentina.
      His seven goals and three assists inspired Lionel Scaloni’s men to glory as Argentina became three-time world champions.
      He is yet to play for PSG since the World Cup but flew back to Paris on January 1 and is set to train in the coming days.
      Christophe Galtier’s side are four points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
      They are also in the last-16 of the Champions League and will face Bayern Munich in the first leg of a blockbuster tie on February 14, before the return leg on March 8. More

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      Leicester ‘want shock Martin Dubravka transfer in January’ after Newcastle goalkeeper’s Man Utd loan was terminated

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      LEICESTER CITY are reportedly keen on signing Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after his loan move at Manchester United was terminated.Dubravka, 33, made just two Carabao Cup appearances for the Red Devils after joining in the summer and failed to make an appearance in the Premier League.
      Leicester are keen on Dubravka, who had his loan at United terminatedCredit: Getty
      He appeared in cup wins over Aston Villa and Burnley, though was criticised by fans for his performance against the Clarets.
      The keeper twice produced errors that almost led to a Burnley goal, sparking fury amongst the fanbase.
      As a result, Toon decided to end his loan early, forcing United to bring forward their pursuit of Yann Sommer.
      But his return to St James’ Park might not last long, as according to the Guardian, Leicester are keen on the former Newcastle No1.
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      The Foxes have struggled this term with Danny Ward in goal after legend Kasper Schmeichel departed for Nice.
      Brendan Rodgers’ men have, however, managed to steer themselves three points clear of the drop zone after a poor start to the campaign.
      A move could materialise with the Slovakia shot-stopper unlikely to dislodge Nick Pope.
      The England international has played a key role in Newcastle holding their own inside the top four.
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      Toon are third after 17 games played, collecting 34 points.
      Eddie Howe’s side are back in action on Tuesday night against league leaders Arsenal.
      Three points will push Newcastle within six of the Gunners, and lift them above defending champions Manchester City. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo officially unveiled as Al-Nassr player after jetting to Saudi Arabia following £175m-a-year deal

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has officially been unveiled as an Al-Nassr player.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 37, became the highest-paid sportsperson of all time when he signed a lucrative £173million-a-year deal with the Saudi Pro League club on Friday.
      He was seen in the full Al-Nassr kit for the first timeCredit: Reuters
      After a press conference, Ronaldo took to the Mrsool Park pitchCredit: AP
      Ronaldo addressed the thousands of Al-Nassr fans in the stadiumCredit: Reuters
      The ex-Man Utd star discussed the reason for his move in a press conferenceCredit: Reuters
      He described it as ‘a new challenge’Credit: Reuters
      Ronaldo said: ‘In Europe, my work is done’Credit: AP
      Georgina Rodriguez was in attendance with Ronaldo’s familyCredit: Getty
      He arrived in Riyadh on Monday evening and was greeted by a large group of adoring fans.
      Ronaldo then had his official medical on Tuesday morning ahead of his official unveiling, which took place at Al-Nassr’s home stadium – Mrsool Park.
      Thousands of fans were in attendance to welcome the former Real Madrid star to the club.
      Upon his arrival, he said: “I want to give a different vision of the country, of the football and the perspective of everybody.”
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      He later added: “I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy.”
      Ronaldo’s name has been displayed across the city of Riyadh since he was announced as an Al-Nassr player on Friday.
      Hundreds of fans have flocked to the club’s official shop in a bid to get their hands on his iconic No.7 shirt.
      And those in attendance at Friday’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Khaleej continued to chant his name throughout the seventh minute of the match in celebration following the announcement of his arrival.
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      Ronaldo was unveiled as an Al-Nassr player on Tuesday eveningCredit: AFP
      He arrived at Mrsool Park on TuesdayCredit: Reuters
      Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in a free transfer following his dramatic exit from Manchester United.
      The forward had his contract ripped up following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
      During the 90-minute conversation with the SunSport columnist, Ronaldo said that he felt “betrayed” by the Red Devils.
      He also criticised United boss Erik ten Hag and admitted that he did not respect the Dutchman.
      In the same interview, Ronaldo revealed that he had previously turned down the chance to play in Saudi Arabia.
      He said: “It’s hard. It’s hard. But in the same way, I thought that I was very happy here; that I [am] still capable to score goals and make people happy.
      “I still believe that I can score many many goals and help the team because I still believe that I’m still good and capable to help national team – even Manchester United.
      “But if you don’t feel around you that the energy’s on your side, it’s difficult. Of course, the criticism is gonna exists all the time. Ah he’s 37, he’s not the same.
      “But I want to see if some guy of my age maintain the level that I show. You’re not gonna teach me that. Nobody is gonna teach me that.”
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      However, after a disappointing World Cup campaign he quickly changed his mind.
      Ronaldo is expected to Al-Nassr debut on January 14 in a derby against Al-Shabab.
      Billboards across Riyadh have been used to welcome Ronaldo to Al-NassrCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd bring forward Yann Sommer pursuit as they look to complete goalkeeper transfer this month after Dubravka recall

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly planning to move for Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer this month rather than wait.The Red Devils have been left short after Newcastle recalled Martin Dubravka from his loan at Old Trafford.
      Man Utd are making a move for Moenchengladbach’s keeper Yann SommerCredit: Getty
      The 33-year-old Slovakian failed to make a single Premier League appearance for United as he was unable to dislodge No1 David De Gea.
      The stopper was restricted to just two Carabao Cup outings following his arrival but is now back at the Toon.
      And TalkSPORT are now claiming that United are “ready to bring forward their move” for Sommer after being “short-handed” by Dubravka’s exit.
      The 34-year-old has just represented his country at the World Cup and becomes a free agent in June when his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach.
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      This report states that United “were already working on a deal” to sign him at the end of the campaign.
      Now they are “hoping to persuade” the Bundesliga club to do business now.
      Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to snap-up the veteran for a knockdown fee.
      And they will be hoping to get a potential transfer sorted as soon as possible in order to get cover in.
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      Sommer came through the ranks back in his homeland with Basel but left them for Gladbach in 2014.
      He made the Bundesliga team of the season in 2020 and has played over 300 matches for the club.
      He has also won 80 caps for Switzerland. More

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      Man Utd ‘consider shock Olivier Giroud transfer bid’ as they eye ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

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      OLIVIER GIROUD is a shock transfer target for Manchester United, according to reports. Man Utd are on the look out for more firepower in the January transfer window, but have a specific criteria of player they are after in both a sporting and financial sense.
      Olivier Giroud has emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      And with the club weighing up a deal for Joao Felix, Giroud has emerged as an alternative option for Erik ten Hag.
      According to The Times, the fitness struggles of Anthony Martial and the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo – who arrived in Saudi Arabia for his Al Nassr transfer last night – have led them to consider the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal ace.
      However, the 36-year-old is expecting to be offered a new deal at AC Milan when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
      On the club’s striker issues, Ten Hag said: “I think we have a good team when all the players are available.
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      “But with many games coming up, I think there is a need.
      “But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you.”
      Utd have scored 24 league goals this season, a figure which sees them rank 10th in the Premier League for the metric.
      A rejuvenated Marcus Rashford has shouldered the majority of the burden this season with 11 goals in all competitions.
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      However, Martial, who plays through the middle, has started just four times in the league and six times overall.
      United are in desperate need of a more robust forward who fits the criteria the club are searching for.
      After missing out on a transfer for Cody Gakpo, Atletico Madrid’s Felix appears to be the main target, but the £18.5m cost of a loan deal is a stumbling block.
      This means Giroud, who scored four goals at the World Cup, could be in line for a surprise transfer.
      In addition, Ten Hag has revealed he has “reservations” about recalling in-form winger Amad Diallo from his loan at Sunderland.
      The 20-year-old has scored six goals in 20 games for the Black Cats, and despite his squad’s issues Ten Hag wants Diallo to continue his progress.
      He said: “We consider everything but I have a little bit of reservation about that because I don’t want to stop the process.
      “He has made really good progress there so I’m happy with that.
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      “But young players need experiences and when we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting XI or minimum to come on for a lot of games and make an impact.”
      Ten Hag has welcomed Jadon Sancho back to United ahead of the clash against Bournemouth tonight, but he remains some way off selection consideration. More