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      Cristiano Ronaldo travels from Portugal to Italy onboard private ambulance plane after positive coronavirus test

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has left Portugal in an air ambulance to continue his self-isolation at his Turin home after testing positive for coronavirus.
      The 35-year-old’s jet left Tires Airport in Cascais near Lisbon around 1.45pm local time.

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      Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has tested positive for coronavirusCredit: EPA

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      Ronaldo is travelling back to Italy onboard a private ambulance planeCredit: European Air Ambulance

      He was taken to the municipal airstrip from the Portuguese training camp base in nearby Oeiras by ambulance.
      He is understood to be travelling in a Bombardier Learjet 45XR LX-ONE which is specially equipped to fly him following his Covid positive test.
      It is operated by Luxembourg Air Rescue which specialises in offering repatriations of those who have suffered illnesses or accidents abroad and need to get back home.
      It had been reported earlier in the day he wanted to fly back to Italy.

      He was pictured on Tuesday giving the thumbs-up from a balcony at his room at the Portuguese training camp.
      His positive coronavirus test put him out of tonight’s Uefa Nations League match against Sweden.
      There has not been any official comment from the Portuguese FA on Ronaldo’s departure, although it’s understood he requested and received permission to travel.
      Earlier today, Portuguese sports analyst Rui Pedro Braz, referring to Jose Fontes and Anthony Lopes who are the other two Portuguese internationals to have tested positive for coronavirus so far, said: “It’s up to Cristiano to decide whether he travels to Turin or remains in Portugal.

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      Ronaldo departed Portugal in a Bombardier Learjet 45XR LX-ONECredit: European Air Ambulance

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      “Jose Fonte tested positive for Covid and travelled to Lille and Anthony Lopes tested positive and travelled to Lyon.
      “Cristiano Ronaldo believes that if he tests positive a third time he’ll want to travel to Turin.”
      Portugal manager Fernando Santos claimed before the Juventus star left his homeland that Ronaldo was desperate to play after being forced to sit out tonight’s clash against Sweden.
      Speaking while the team star was still at the Portuguese training camp, he said in an update on the footballer’s condition: “He is managing the situation very well.
      “He is in the room, saying he wants to play, he talks to us from his balcony.
      “He is completely asymptomatic, he is OK, without any symptoms, he doesn’t even know what happened to him.”
      The plane Ronaldo left on was pictured and his departure filmed live on TV, but it is not thought anyone managed to obtain any clear shots of the footballer.
      Plane operator European Air Ambulance describes itself as offering “bed-to-bed services for worldwide missions” on its website.

      It says: “European Air Ambulance is one of the largest specialised air ambulance service providers in Europe offering worldwide air ambulance repatriation with outstanding end-to-end patient care.
      “All missions are staffed with a medical team consisting of a specialised physician and a flight nurse. 
      “We are ready to take off day and night, 365 days a year.”
      Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez has labelled the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as her ‘inspiration’ following his positive test.
      Uploading a screenshot of a Whatsapp video call between them alongside the message: “You are my inspiration” and a heart emoji.
      Italian media have revealed that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Ronaldo remains on a £28million-a-year salary at Juventus.
      This is equal to or more than the squad bill at FOUR Serie A teams.
      And Ronaldo also earns four time more than the second highest-paid player in the Italian top-flight.

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      Georgina Rodriguez reacted to news of her partner’s positive coronavirus test by sharing a screenshot of a video call between themCredit: Instagram / @georginagio More

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      Chelsea star Rudiger in horror elbow smash on Elvedi in Germany’s 3-3 draw with Switzerland… and gets away with it

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER appeared to smash an opponent in the face with a horror elbow – but got away with it.
      The Chelsea defender, 27, lined up in defence for Germany in their Nations League clash with Switzerland.

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      Antonio Rudiger was lucky to escape a red card after clattering Nico Elvedi with his elbow

      But the ex-Roma star was fortunate not to go in for a slightly early bath in the 3-3 draw.
      As he went up for a header with Swiss centre-back Nico Elvedi in the fifth minute of injury time, Rudiger led with his elbow and caught the Borussia Monchengladbach man flush on the jaw.
      The severity of the incident was seemingly misinterpreted by the referee who showed the Blues defender a yellow card.

      And the Nations League does not have VAR in operation to review possible red cards.

      Rudiger drew criticism from many – including plenty of Chelsea fans – on social media for the challenge.
      BT Sport commentator Ian Darke wrote: “Rudiger would definitely have been sent off if VAR had been operating. Nasty challenge with elbow.”
      Another said: “Rudiger should be sent off for that. Awful challenge with the elbow.”
      A third added: “Elbow to the face! Why isn’t Rudiger sent off!?”

      Germany unconvincing again in 3-3 draw with Switzerland. Rudiger would definitely have been sent off if VAR had been operating. Nasty challenge with elbow.
      — Ian Darke (@IanDarke) October 13, 2020

      Rudiger should be sent off for that. Awful challenge with the elbow.
      — Chelsea Extra 🏆 (@CFCExtra) October 13, 2020

      Rudiger is lucky there is no VAR that should of been a red card 😯 flying elbow in his Swiss opponents face 🙃🙃🙃🙃 #GERSUI #NationsLeague
      — Terron Flya Man (@Flya_Man) October 13, 2020

      One user commented: “Rudiger is wild for that elbow. Dangerous as hell smh.”
      Another replied: “Rudiger just became prime MMA elbow user.”
      And a final person tweeted: “Horrible elbow from Rudiger there. Lucky there was no VAR.”
      It compounded a miserable evening for Rudiger who was napping for Mario Gavranovic’s opener for Switzerland after just five minutes in Cologne.
      And then 20 minutes later he was out of position and then comically headed into his own net in an attempt to clear the ball off the line when Remo Freuler chipped Manuel Neuer.

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      The defender endured a miserable evening against Switzerland in CologneCredit: AFP or licensors

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      He attempted to head Remo Freuler’s chip off the line but only helped it into the back of the netCredit: AFP or licensors

      Fortunately for Rudiger – who is yet to make a Blues appearance this season – he had his Chelsea team-mates on hand to help him out.
      Timo Werner found the bottom corner to pull one back before Kai Havertz did well to squeeze in an equaliser on 55 minutes.
      Switzerland retook the lead a minute later but Werner set up Serge Gnabry to flick home on the hour mark and earn the 3-3 draw.
      Fabian Schar was sent off deep into injury time for a second yellow but there was still time for Rudiger’s moment of controversy.

      Antonio Rudiger shows off his football skills in Chelsea training More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo gives thumbs-up from hotel self-isolation as Juventus star demands fourth test over results confusion

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is anxiously awaiting the result of a new coronavirus test he personally requested before deciding his next move.
      The 35-year-old was pictured late on Tuesday giving the thumbs-up and smiling from the balcony of his room at the Portugal squad’s training base on the outskirts of Lisbon where he is currently self-isolating.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo gave the thumbs-up as he remains in self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirusCredit: EPA

      He watched his pals train as they prepare to face Sweden in the Nations League – a tournament they are looking to defend having won the inaugral competition last summer.
      It is understood the 35-year-old Juventus star demanded a new test by a different lab from the one the Portuguese FA uses – and is still awaiting the result.
      Portuguese sports analyst Rui Pedro Braz believes this is the fourth test Ronaldo has taken, after two ‘Gold Standard’ positives which are seen as the most accurate and a third which came back ‘inconclusive’.
      It is not yet clear when the results of the new test will be known but they will enable the former Real Madrid and Manchester United hero to work out what to do next.

      Reports in Portugal say he is expected to return to Turin to continue his self-isolation if he tests positive for Covid-19 a third time.
      However, he would have to be taken to Lisbon Airport to board a private plane in an ambulance as part of strict protocols on the movement of people with coronavirus.
      It is also understood Ronaldo was forced to scrap plans to see his mum Dolores for only the second time in nearly six months.
      She had travelled to Lisbon to see her daughter Katia and was expected to have a brief catch-up with son Cristiano before his positive test.

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      The Portugal star is understood to have undertaken a fourth coronavirus test and is awaiting the resultsCredit: EPA

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      The forward, pictured watching his team-mates train, is contemplating whether he can return to Turin Credit: AFP

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner last saw his mother in mid-August with son Cristiano Jr but before that she was recovering from a stroke earlier in the year.
      Cristiano’s elder sister Elma Aveiro revealed her brother’s frustration and confusion at catching the virus despite being locked in with the rest of the Portuguese squad.
      She told respected Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha: “He wanted to repeat the test. He said it was impossible he had the virus because he didn’t feel anything.”
      Braz, speaking on Portuguese TV staton TVI on Wednesday, added to the mystery surrounding Cristiano’s positive tests.
      He said: “The Portuguese players have been together for nearly ten days. Cristiano for example travelled after the game that wasn’t played between Juventus and Napoli because of positives in the Napoli squad.
      “In the ten days he’s been with the Portugal team, he’s had eight Gold Standard Covid-19 tests.
      “The first six came back negative. The seventh one, which was done on Monday and the results of which came back in the early hours of yesterday, was positive as was the new one done yesterday.
      “He’s now awaiting the results of a third test he’s personally asked for.”
      TRAVEL TO TURIN
      He added, referring to Jose Fonte and Anthony Lopes who are the other two Portuguese internationals who have previously tested positive: “It’s up to him to decide whether he travels to Turin or remains in Portugal.
      “Jose Fonte tested positive for Covid and travelled to Lille and Anthony Lopes tested positive and travelled to Lyon.
      “Cristiano Ronaldo believes that if he tests positive a third time he’ll want to travel to Turin.
      “There has been some speculation about another test which has been carried out since his positives and that is the case.
      “But it wasn’t a Gold Standard test of the type carried out in the Portuguese FA installations and taken to a lab with a wait of five to six hours for the results.
      “It was a normal everyday test which Cristiano wanted to do after his first positive and that one came back inconclusive.”

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      Ronaldo could not work out how he caught the virus after being locked in with his national team

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      Chelsea ace Chilwell joins England squad after party ban and illness and could face Denmark, confirms Southgate

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      BEN CHILWELL has joined up with the England squad and could face Denmark, Gareth Southgate confirmed.
      The Chelsea left-back, 23, missed Sunday’s 2-1 win over Belgium with a non-coronavirus illness.

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      Ben Chilwell is back in England training after illness and could feature against DenmarkCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But despite linking back up with the Three Lions on the day of the weekend win, Chilwell trained alone as he fights back to full fitness.
      And the defender will be assessed again before Southgate decides whether he will feature against Denmark in the Nations League clash at Wembley tomorrow.
      The England boss said on Sunday: “Ben reported to the hotel today.
      “He did a training session on his own. We’ve just got to assess where he’s at because he hasn’t been able to train through the week.

      “So, there’s a little bit of assessment needed over the next couple of days but he is with the group now.”
      Even before falling under the weather, Chilwell, Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham were axed from the England team to play Wales after attending a party, breaking the ‘rule of six’.
      Sancho returned and came on for the final few minutes against Belgium.
      Abraham, however, was not in the matchday squad as Dominic Calvert-Lewin kept his place up front and Harry Kane was substituted on.

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will hope to have £50million Chilwell available for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton.
      The ex-Leicester man scored and assisted on his Blues league debut against Crystal Palace before the international break.

      Roy Keane blasts England stars Sancho, Chilwell and Abraham over rule breaches and calls on Southgate to clamp down More

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      Arsene Wenger wants World Cup or Euros EVERY summer as ex-Arsenal boss calls for Nations League to be scrapped

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      ARSENE WENGER wants a World Cup or Euros every summer.
      And he is willing to see the Nations League scrapped in order to accommodate the major shake up.

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      Arsene Wenger wants to see the World Cup or European Championships staged every summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Wenger, 70, was appointed Fifa’s head of global football development last year and suggested the new plans to improve the international game.
      Currently the World Cup and Euros are both played every four years with the Nations League finals staged in the non-tournament summers.
      The ex-Arsenal boss – whose home nation France are the reigning world champions – told Bild: “We need to get rid of the Nations League and find clearer events that everyone understands.
      “If you ask people in the street what the Nations League is, you won’t find many able to explain it.

      “We need to have as few events as possible. One World Cup and one European Championship every other year would probably be more appropriate for a modern world.”
      Many have argued that a World Cup played more frequently than every four years would lose much of its prestige.
      Wenger, though, does not believe this is the case.
      He added: “I always tell people who say this that the image is not linked to the time you wait before playing again, but rather the quality of the competition.

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      Wenger is Fifa’s head of global football development but wants to see Uefa ditch the Nations LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “After all, people also watch the Champions League every year. Personally, I think it would be a great step forward.”
      Uefa’s Nations League was brought in two years ago to cut out meaningless international friendlies and add some competitiveness.
      There is also the added bonus of an extra shot at tournament qualification for teams that win their groups.
      Portugal won the inaugural final last year, beating the Netherlands, while England claimed third with a penalty shootout win over Switzerland.

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      Cristiano Ronaldo in touching moment with Kylian Mbappe as Frenchman calls Portugal icon ‘GOAT and idol’ ahead of Messi

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE paid tribute to his “idol” Cristiano Ronaldo after going head to head with the Portugal superstar.
      A drab 0-0 draw in the Nations League on Sunday night featured a touching moment between the pair.

      Mbappe and Ronaldo shared a conversation on the halfway line, smiling and joking with each other before the Juventus ace shot his counterpart a thumbs-up.
      Fans watching the game loved the camaraderie between the two world-class forwards.
      And many hope to see Mbappe, 21, become a leading light of his generation much in the same way Ronaldo, 35, has led his.
      After the game, the Paris Saint-Germain attacker tweeted pictures of himself with Ronaldo on the pitch.

      He captioned the shot: “Idol.”
      And two emojis hammered home Mbappe’s admiration for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – a crown and a goat.
      Many took this as the latest indication that Ronaldo is widely seen as the greatest player of all time, ahead of Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona.
      It was just the latest reminder of Mbappe’s love for Ronaldo, the pair having met some years ago while the latter played for Real Madrid.

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      In 2017, the Frenchman told Marca: “He is a hero from my childhood and it was amazing to meet him when I visited Valdebebas.”
      On Sunday night, it was Ronaldo who looked more likely to end the Parisian stalemate.
      An early sighting of goal was blocked by Lucas Hernandez before Hugo Lloris palmed away a second-half drive.
      Mbappe found Rui Patricio in the way when attempting to chip home from a narrow angle, with the point leaving Portugal and France level atop Group 3.

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      Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo were first introduced to each other at Real Madrid’s training ground many years ago

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      Watch Arsenal keeper Karl Hein suffer embarrassing gaffe just two minutes into Estonia clash against North Macedonia

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      ARSENAL keeper Karl Hein had a moment to forget after an embarrassing gaffe only two minutes into Estonia’s game with North Macedonia.
      The Gunners Under-18s keeper started for his country in an entertaining 3-3 draw in the Nations League, but his night was marred by an error which gave the visitors the lead.

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      Hein has been part of the Arsenal academy since 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Defender Marten Kuusk will also have to take a large part of the blame, as Estonia’s evening began with a blip.
      Only two minutes into the game, and Kuusk received the ball from left-back Artur Pikk.
      Failing to spot a passing option ahead of him, he spun and immediately released the ball back towards the goal, where he expected the keeper to be.
      Unfortunately for goalie Hein, he had gone wide to provide an easier passing option, but Kuusk had not realised.

      Hein tried to sprint back to his goal but even a last ditch tackle couldn’t prevent the ball going in.
      Things did get better for Estonia however as they took a 2-1 lead by the hour mark after two goals by Rauno Sappinen.
      The northern European side then appeared to race into an unassailable lead when sub Frank Liivak gave put them 3-1 up with 14 minutes to go.

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      Hein sprinted back to the goal line but there was nothing he can do

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      The North Macedonia players prepare to celebrate as the ball goes in

      Can’t remember a crazier own goal I’ve commentated on than this one after just two minutes of the Estonia v North Macedonia game. 18-year-old Arsenal keeper Karl Hein the man beaten. pic.twitter.com/dfkxwfiLUT
      — Gary Taphouse (@garytaphouse) October 11, 2020

      But Hein’s country threw it away with two North Macedonia goals in the last 10 minutes from Goran Pandev and Gjoko Zajkov meaning the sides shared the points in Group C2 – and the mistake came back into the spotlight.

      Hein, 18, has been in Arsenal’s academy for two years, and that was only his second appearance for his country.
      He made five senior appearances for Esontian side Nomme United in 2018 before moving to the Emirates, where he will hope to one day compete in the first team.
      The signing of Runar Alex Runarsson in the summer will be another obstacle he will have to overcome, with the Icelandic keeper also young and hopeful of first-team action in the future.

      Thomas Partey declares ‘no Thomas, no Partey’ in Instagram greeting to Arsenal fans More

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      England ace Jordan Henderson screams at top of his voice as Belgium fume over soft penalty

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      JORDAN HENDERSON laughed off claims he went down too easily as he turned Wembley into the Theatre of Screams.
       The Liverpool skipper yelled at the top of his voice as he was pulled back by Thomas Meunier. That was enough to convince German ref Tobias Stieler to award England a soft 39th-minute penalty to start the comeback.

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      Jordan Henderson was brought down by Thomas Meunier for England’s penalty

      Jordan Henderson responds to claims he went down easily, as Thomas Meunier suggested at the full-time whistle.What do you think? Penalty or no penalty?📺 Watch the reaction on Sky Sports Football📲 Follow online here: https://t.co/VOLnESNJS0 pic.twitter.com/S3aOpJM0OY
      — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 11, 2020

      Henderson said: “I got in front of my man and I felt he pulled me back on my shoulder. So it was a penalty — would you agree?”
      A day earlier, Henderson called on England to be more ‘horrible’ and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez certainly did not agree with his assessment of the penalty. He said: “It would have been a different game with VAR.
      “The modern game has gone a  different way in refereeing and when there is no VAR we didn’t get the luck we needed with the decisions.”
      Borussia Dortmund full-back  Meunier went to Henderson at full-time to take him to task over the ­incident.

      He even mocked the Anfield star’s fall, dropping to his knees in comical fashion.  
      Marcus Rashford scored the spot-kick to cancel out Romelu Lukaku’s earlier penalty.
      Mason Mount’s winner on 64 minutes, as his deflected shot looped in for his  first Wembley goal,  put England top of Nations League Group A2.

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      Marcus Rashford converted the resulting penalty to make it 1-1

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      Mason Mount’s deflected effort completed the comeback

      The Chelsea star said:  “They’re the No 1 team in the world and we were hanging in there at times.

      “My goal is a special achievement. I found a bit of space in the box and I only had one thing on my mind.
      “It took a big deflection but it doesn’t matter. I’ll take that all day.”

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