Cristiano Ronaldo revealed Alex Ferguson convinced him to re-join Manchester United, but the legendary former manager knows there has been “zero progress” since his departure from Old Trafford.
Ronaldo has been the subject of a great deal of scrutiny this season, having pushed for a move away from United prior to the campaign while subsequently falling out of favour with new manager Erik ten Hag.
Although heavily linked with a move to rivals Manchester City, the Portugal skipper returned to Old Trafford in August 2021 on the advice of his former boss, who he revealed is in agreement the club has stalled since the Scotsman’s retirement in 2013.
in a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored, Ronaldo also questioned the Red Devils’ decision to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Ralf Rangnick last season, while admitting a new direction is essential.
“I followed my heart,” he said. “[Sir Alex] said to me, ‘It’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City,’ and I said, ‘Okay, Boss.’
“I feel betrayed.”
EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo tells Piers Morgan he feels like he’s being forced out of Manchester United in an explosive interview.
“Since Sir Alex left, I saw no evolution in the club. The progress was zero. After sacking Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], they bring in sport director Ralf Rangnick, which is something nobody understands. This guy is not even a coach.
“A big club like Manchester United bringing in a sporting director surprised not only me, but all the world.”
He continued: “I think the fans should know the truth. I want the best for the club. This is why I come to Manchester United.
“But you have some things inside that don’t help [us] reach the top level as City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal. A club with this dimension should be top of the tree in my opinion, and they are not, unfortunately.
“As Picasso said, you have to destroy it to rebuild it, and if they start with me, for me, it’s not a problem.
“I love Manchester United, I love the fans, they’re always on my side. But if they want to do it different, they have to change many, many things.
“He [Sir Alex] knows. Everyone knows. The people who don’t see that, it’s because they don’t want to see; they are blind.”
Being in Doha, the Ghana Football Association have reportedly settled on DoubleTree by Hilton – Doha Downtown as the team hotel for the Black Stars during the World Cup.
The ‘Only All Suites DoubleTree in Doha’ is one of the over 600 hotels owned by DoubleTree by Hilton spread across the globe.
The DoubleTree by Hilton – Doha Downtown is 10 minutes from the city center, Mushreib Museum, Souq Waqif, and the National Museum of Qatar.
Ghana will play its first game against the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal team on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at Stadium 974 before taking on Korea and Uruguay respectively.
Group opponents for Ghana in the 2022 World Cup Cristiano Ronaldoof Manchester United is the captain of Portugal’s team, which has been announced for the competition.
The star-studded squad lined up by Portugal includes Premier League players like Bruno Fernandes, Jose Sa, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha and Bernardo Silva.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Renato Sanches did not make the squad for the tournament despite playing huge roles in the team in the past years.
39-year-old defender, Pepe has been named in the squad as well as defenders like Raphael Guerreiro and Nuno Mendes at the back.
Portugal will open their campaign at the tournament against Ghana and then face South Korea and Uruguay.
Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return with a goal as Manchester United kept their Europa League last-16 hopes alive with a routine 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol.
A pair of headers from Diego Dalot and Marcus Rashford put United in control before Ronaldo wrapped up the points nine minutes from time and secured a top-two finish in Group E.
Erik ten Hag‘s side must now beat leaders Real Sociedad by two goals next week to usurp the LaLiga outfit at the group summit and avoid a trickier clash in the play-off knockout round.
United dominated the first half with over three-quarters of the possession while registering 13 shots on goal without reply.
Antony and Tyrell Malacia drew smart saves out of Maksym Koval, who also demonstrated brilliant reflexes to deny Ronaldo a tap-in from Bruno Fernandes’ knockdown.
The hosts were almost punished as Rasheed Ibrahim was whiskers away from connecting with Patrick Kpozo’s deep cross but they finally broke through in the dying moments of the opening period as Dalot powered home Christian Eriksen’s inviting corner.
Ronaldo went close to doubling the lead when he fired narrowly over in the 58th minute before his close-range volley was disallowed for offside.
United did establish breathing space seven minutes later as a patient build-up culminated in Rashford brilliantly heading home Luke Shaw’s centre to end a five-match scoreless streak.
Ronaldo was not to be denied and put the icing on the cake with nine minutes remaining, firing home at the second attempt after Koval had parried his initial header from Fernandes’ cross.
What does it mean? United still in with a shout
Guaranteed a top-two finish in Group E, United will now be focused on steering clear of the Europa League play-off round, with the likes of Juventus and Barcelona already among the third-placed teams dropping down from the Champions League.
As for Sheriff, whose attention switches to ensuring a place in the Europa Conference League after failing to register a single shot on goal, they have now lost four successive matches in major European competition for the first time.
Redemption for Ronaldo
It was written in the stars as Ronaldo returned to the spotlight with a goal at the Stretford End.
After a game-high tally of seven shots – three of which were on target – the Portugal captain’s persistence eventually paid in the 81st minute with his maiden Old Trafford strike of the campaign.
Excellent Eriksen
The Denmark international controlled the tempo of the contest during another commanding display in the middle of the park.
Eriksen led the way with no other player surpassing his tallies of touches (131), passes (115) and key passes (six), while he also gained possession on a game-high eight occasions.
What’s next?
Both sides return to domestic action on Sunday before completing their group stage campaigns next week. United host West Ham in the Premier League, while Superliga leaders Sheriff welcome Dacia-Buiucani.
Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has announced that Cristiano Ronaldo is back in Manchester United’s squad for Thursday’s Europa League tie with Sheriff.
However, Raphael Varane will not play again before the World Cup.
Portugal international Ronaldo was dropped by United for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea after refusing to come on as a substitute and heading for the tunnel early in last week’s 2-0 win over Tottenham.
The 37-year-old was also briefly excluded from first-team involvement, but he returned to training on Tuesday and will now be considered for selection against Sheriff at Old Trafford.
However, United will be without centre-back Varane until after the World Cup break, though Ten Hag did not reveal whether the France international will be fit in time for his country’s Qatar 2022 campaign.
“Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow. Rapha Varane isn’t. He will be out until the World Cup,” Ten Hag said at Wednesday’s pre-match news conference.
📍 Training HQ
A solid session ahead of Thursday’s #UEL encounter ✔#MUFC
Varane left the field in tears after sustaining a leg injury in the dramatic draw with Chelsea, with the defender now in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup, which begins on November 22 for France with a game against Australia.
Further pressed on a timeline for Varane’s return to action, Ten Hag told reporters: “We will have to see how he develops, how his rehab will develop.”
United will book a place in the knockout stage of the Europa League against Sheriff if they win, draw or avoid defeat by more than one goal.
Ten Hag also confirmed he will make a late decision on whether to field Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, all of whom returned to training this week.
Ghana’s group opponent for the 2022 World Cup, Portugal have announced a 55-man provisional squad.
The final squad for the Mundial is expected to be named on November 10th.
Portugal will play their final rehearsal against Nigeria on November 17 at the Istagio Jose Alvarade in Lisbon.
Fernando Santos side will open the campaign against Ghana in Group H.
Existing veterans such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, and Rui Patricio, as well as Manchester City players such as Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo, and Portuguese players who are playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers with Hwang Hee-chan were also selected.
Below is the full squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogu Costa (FC Porto), Rui Patricio (AS Roma/Italy), Anthony López (Olympique Lyonne/France), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers/England), Rui Silva (Real Betis/Spain)
DF: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/England), Noonu Tavares (Olympique Marseille/France), Noonu Mendes, Danilo (Paris Saint-Germain/France), Nelson Semedou (Wolverhampton Wanderers/England), Hubin Dias , Joao Cancelo (Manchester City/England), Cedric Soares (Arsenal/England), Thierry Correira (Valencia/Spain), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Fabiu Cardoso, David Carmo, Pepe (FC Porto), Diogo Leicci (Union Berlin/Germany), Jose Ponte, Thiago Jalou (Lille/France), Gonzalu Ignacio (Sporting CP), Domingus Duarte (Getafe/Spain), Mario Hui (Naples/Italy) , Rafael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund/Germany)
Forwards: Andre Silva (Leipzig/Germany), Paulinho (Sporting CP), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Daniel Podense, Gonzalu Geddes (Wolverhampton Wanderers/England), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United/Portugal) ), João Felix (Atlético Madrid/Spain), Jota (Celtic/Scotland), Pedro Gonsauves (Sporting CP), Fernando Trincan (Sporting CP), Rafael Reang (AC Milan/Italy), Vitina (Braga).
On Friday, the former France and Bayern Munich winger announced his retirement at the age of 39, having agreed to terminate his deal with Serie A club Salernitana.
He signed for Salernitana ahead of last season, though for the first time since the 2004-05 season, failed to score in the league.
His sole Serie A appearance this season came in a 1-0 defeat to Roma back in August, as a second-half substitute, and in truth it was no surprise when rumours recently emerged of his imminent retirement.
There can be no doubt, however, that Ribery will go down as one of European football’s greats of the modern era.
In 2013, Ribery was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, finishing third in the voting behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Falling short against two of the best to play the game is no shame, and using Opta data, here are some of the key facts from Ribery’s glittering career.
The ball stops. The feelings inside me do not.
Der Ball ruht. Die Gefühle in mir nicht.
Le ballon s’arrette mais pas mes sentiments pour lui.
Il pallone si ferma. Le emozioni dentro di me, no.
Having made a name for himself with Brest in Ligue 2, Ribery was recruited by Metz in 2004. He spent only half a season there and scored just one goal before joining Turkish giants Galatasaray, yet he made a big impact, with comparisons drawn to one of the club’s greatest exports, Robert Pires.
His only goal in Turkey came in the Turkish Cup final against Gala’s great rivals Fenerbahce, in a 5-1 victory. Having claimed his first trophy, Ribery headed home to France, signing for Marseille.
It was a messy move, with FIFA ultimately ruling in Ribery’s favour after the player claimed he had not been paid his wages by Gala, as well as alleging to have been threatened by his former agent and a club director.
Ribery spent two seasons with Marseille and became a star, being named the National Union of Professional Footballers’ (UNFP) Young Player of the Year in 2006.
His performances at the 2006 World Cup (more on that later) only increased his profile, with Marseille seeing off interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal and, controversially, rivals Lyon to keep hold of Ribery.
That decision paid off for OM. In his final campaign in France, in 2006-07, Ribery provided eight assists, behind only Nancy’s Benjamin Gavanon (nine), and had the highest tally of chances created per 90 minutes (2.95) among players who had featured for over 100 minutes across the season.
Marseille finished second, after losing in the final of the Coupe de France, and Ribery was named the French Player of the Year by France Football.
Flourishing for France
Ribery made his debut for Les Bleus in May 2006, ahead of the World Cup in Germany, where he truly made his name as a superstar.
Between making his debut and playing his final international match in March 2014, Ribery featured in more France games than any other player (81) in the same period, 11 ahead of second-ranked Florent Malouda.
Indeed, his 37 goal involvements (16 goals, 21 assists) was more than any other French player, and puts him sixth on the nation’s goal involvements list in the 21st century.
He helped France reach the final of the 2006 World Cup, though they failed to make it out of the group stage in South Africa four years later, while success also eluded them in the Euros during Ribery’s stint on the international stage.
Greatness in Germany
In 2007, Bayern paid Marseille €25million for the 24-year-old. It was an investment worth every cent.
Ribery went on to play 425 times for Bayern in all competitions, making him the non-German player with the second-most appearances for the club, behind David Alaba (431), since 1965.
When it comes to French players, only Jonathan Schmid has made more Bundesliga appearances (296) than Ribery (273), who scored 124 goals in all competitions for Bayern.
Since detailed data collection of the Bundesliga began in 2004, Thomas Muller is the only player to provide more assists than Ribery, who set up 92 goals.
Ribery was at the peak of his powers in the 2012-13 season, as he helped Bayern win the treble and was named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, before going on to come third in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
That season, he provided 14 assists in the Bundesliga, a total trailing only Andres Iniesta (16) when it came to players in Europe’s big five leagues.
Ribery left Bayern as a club great, having formed one of the all-time most fearsome wing partnerships with Arjen Robben. He won nine Bundesliga titles, a tally that trails only former club-mates Alaba and Robert Lewandowski (10 each) when it comes to foreign players in Germany’s top tier.
Italian swansong
After leaving Bayern, Ribery tried his hand in Italy, joining Fiorentina.
Over his two seasons in Florence, Ribery created 70 goalscoring opportunities in Serie A, behind only Erick Pulgar (104) in Fiorentina’s squad. His dribbling ability was still top class, too, with Gaetano Castrovilli his only team-mate to complete more dribbles (123 to Ribery’s 117).
Ribery played 51 times for Fiorentina in all competitions, starting on 47 occasions. He scored five goals, contributed nine assists and had 182 touches in the opposition’s box. Surprisingly, he played only five successful crosses, though he was often deployed in a more central role for La Viola.
In his 25 matches for Salernitana, Ribery failed to score, though his three assists in Serie A mean he is the club’s joint-top creator of goals, alongside Milan Djuric and Pasquale Mazzocchi, in the same timeframe.
He added: “Sometimes the heat of the moment gets the best of us.
“I just feel that I have to keep working hard in Carrington [United’s training ground], support my team-mates and be ready for everything in any given game.
“Giving in to the pressure is not an option. It never was. This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”
United say the 37-year-old remains an important part of the squad but regard this as a disciplinary matter.
The game he will miss at Stamford Bridge is a big one, with United just one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Several media outlets are reporting he refused to come on as a late sub against Spurs.
Ronaldo left the bench and walked down the tunnel in the 89th minute, even though United had only made three of their permitted five substitutions. He briefly went into the dressing room before leaving the stadium.
Manager Erik ten Hag said afterwards that he would “deal with” the issue on Thursday.
Ronaldo had also showed his displeasure at being substituted during Sunday’s 0-0 home draw with Newcastle.
Former England striker Gary Lineker said Ronaldo’s behaviour took attention away from United’s impressive performance against Spurs.
“That is unacceptable – it is so poor,” Lineker said on BBC Match of the Day.
Ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams said: “It was a great night for Manchester United and here we are again talking about Cristiano Ronaldo – even though he didn’t play.”
Former England defender Micah Richards said: “For one of the greats of the game to do that when your team are winning, making it about him, is disappointing.”
Richards said Ronaldo’s behaviour was “disrespectful” and he should be allowed to leave in the January transfer window.
“His manager had problems with him at the start of the season, during pre-season, and to then carry this on… I just think there is only one way this needs to go now,” Richards told BBC Radio 4.
“They need to come to an agreement in January and they need to let him go. He is undermining the manager there, so I think it’s best if they just part ways.”
Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said Ronaldo would have been aware such behaviour would create “headlines”.
“It’s the first time I can say that I am disappointed with him. Normally I back him; I understand his situation,” Schmeichel told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We are in transition. Manchester United are now five managers down the road since Alex Ferguson.
“We have got Erik ten Hag in now who has very clear ideas about the way he wants to play football. We need understanding and time from everyone.
“We don’t need distractions like that, and that’s a disappointment, I would say.”
Cristiano Ronaldowill be omitted from the Manchester United squad to face Chelsea on Saturday following his early walkout during Wednesday’s win over Tottenham.
The veteran forward, an unused substitute, walked down the tunnel before the final whistle at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag‘s side downed Spurs in a 2-0 win.
Ten Hag said after the game that he would “deal with” Ronaldo’s behaviour on Thursday, and the Dutchman has followed through on that by sanctioning the 37-year-old.
The Portugal captain will play no part in his side’s next fixture away to Graham Potter’s Blues.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United squad for this Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea,” read an official club statement.
“The rest of the squad is fully focused on preparing for that fixture.”
It is the latest indicator of Ronaldo’s discontent at Old Trafford, with a much-trumpeted homecoming last season having turned sour following a disappointing 2021-22 club campaign.
Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last term with 24 goals across all competitions, but the Red Devils could only finish sixth in the Premier League.
That led to speculation suggesting Ronaldo wanted to leave the club, a narrative that ultimately became a distracting sideshow through Ten Hag’s first pre-season in charge.
Ronaldo did not join United on their pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand.
When he did eventually feature in a friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford, Ronaldo found himself at the centre of controversy as he left the stadium early after being withdrawn at half-time.
Ten Hag defended Ronaldo on that occasion, saying it was “not right” for the striker to attract all the criticism when there were several players who left early.
However, Thursday’s action shows Ten Hag is willing to come down hard on the Portuguese superstar, and the situation will further cloud Ronaldo’s future at the club.
The arrival of Ten Hag has seen Ronaldo slip down the pecking order, with just two Premier League starts and one goal this season across eight top-flight appearances.
United travel to Stamford Bridge sitting just one point behind their hosts in fourth.
Karim Benzema has been named Ballon d’Or winner for 2022, with the Real Madrid striker enjoying an incredible calendar year.
WHAT HAPPENED? The France international enjoyed a remarkable 2021-22 campaign at Santiago Bernabeu, with a stunning 44-goal haul helping Los Blancos to La Liga and Champions League titles. The 34-year-old found the target on 27 occasions in the Spanish top flight last season and 15 times in European competition.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Benzema has been a revelation for Madrid, helping to fill the void created by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018 while also taking on captaincy duties following Sergio Ramos’ move to Paris Saint-Germain. He has now been recognised as the world’s best by his peers, with competition from the likes of Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski, Sadio Mane, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland seen off to land the prestigious Golden Ball.
PREVIOUS WINNERS: The Ballon d’Or vote has been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent times, with the Argentine claiming a history-making seven awards, while the Portuguese superstar has five to his name. Other iconic performers to have taken the top prize on multiple occasions include Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Franz Beckenbauer, Ronaldo and Alfredo Di Stefano. Benzema has become the eighth Real Madrid player to land the award – enhancing their record-setting haul.
WHAT NEXT FOR BENZEMA? The experienced forward has been back among the goals this season, as Real seek to defend their domestic and continental crowns, while he will also be hoping to help France savour World Cup glory again at the 2022 finals in Qatar.
He added that he celebrated that because he had trained for it.
He said replicating what he had learnt in training prior to the game filled him with much joy.
Speaking to TV3 in an interview, he disclosed that the goalkeeper’s trainer put him through how to stop Ronaldo during set pieces.
“The reason why I celebrated Ronaldo’s save was before the game, we did some workouts with our goalkeepers’ trainer. We trained on how Portugal play their set pieces because Ronaldo is good at set pieces. We trained on how to save crosses. It was like you learning to write an exam and what you learned, you see the thing happening,” he told TV3.
Fatau Dauda pulled off a magnificent stop to prevent Ronaldo from breaking the deadlock in the first half after the four-time Ballon d’Or winner connected with a cross from the right.
Despite making the save and a couple of others, Ronaldo managed to get his name on the scoresheet as Portugal beat Ghana 2-1 in the final group match.
Ghana crashed out of the group stages of the tournament with just a point.
Erik ten Hag is confident Cristiano Ronaldo will hit his stride after scoring his 700th club goal – and his first of the 2022-23 Premier League season – in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Everton.
Ronaldo had never previously scored a league goal at Goodison Park but he proved decisive after entering the fray in the first half.
Antony cancelled out Alex Iwobi’s opener before Ronaldo replaced the injured Anthony Martial, and the 37-year-old quickly made his mark by firing a left-footed finish beyond Jordan Pickford.
That strike was Ronaldo’s 700th in club football and his 144th across two spells at Old Trafford, and ensured United bounced back from last week’s derby thrashing by Manchester City.
Speaking at a post-match news conference, Ten Hag congratulated Ronaldo on his landmark and backed him to hit a rich vein of form in the coming weeks.
“That is really impressive, when you score 700 goals,” Ten Hag said. “It’s a huge performance, I’m really happy for him.
“I congratulate him on that performance and I’m also happy it’s his first goal this season in the Premier League. He had to wait for it and I’m sure there will be more goals.
“I think every player needs it, even when you are the best in the world, you need it, you need the goals.
“I worked with many goalscorers, especially them, they need goals in every season to have that feeling, to have the confirmation of their intuition.
“Once they have some goals, they come in the flow and games go easier. That will happen with him as well.”
United had lost eight of their previous 10 away league games ahead of their trip to Merseyside – including last Sunday’s dismal loss at the Etihad Stadium, and Ten Hag was pleased with the improvements on display.
“First of all, criticism is normal when you have a defeat, especially in a big game, in a derby, so we have to deal with that and you learn lessons,” Ten Hag added.
“In this moment, we collect the points, it’s not looking at the table, we have to win every game – it’s our aim.
“We have to improve every game, we have to improve the process, we have to prepare every game 100 per cent and we demand from the players that in every game they give their best.
“You see in this game, the spirit is really good in the squad – it’s not only the 11 players.
“Again, a sub coming on and scoring a goal, you see Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay and Raphael Varane coming in, so we use more than 11 players and I am happy with that process.”
United goalkeeper David De Gea also praised Ronaldo following the win, hailing him for maintaining a professional attitude despite starting just one league game under Ten Hag.
“He’s never been in this situation before, but the way he works and trains, it’s just unbelievable,” De Gea told BT Sport. “It’s not easy times for him, but he showed he’s a great player.”
With De Gea’s United contract expiring at the end of the season – although the club has an option for an extra year – the Spaniard also revealed he would like to commit his future to the club.
“I’m just very focused on the games, helping the team as much as I can,” he added. “Of course, I would like to be here for more years, so let’s see what happens in the future. I’m really, really happy here.”
Kylian Mbappe has topped the Forbes list for highest-earning footballers – the first time someone other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo has been number one for nine years.
Forbes estimate Paris St-Germain forward Mbappe, 23, will earn $128m (£115.2m) this season.
Mbappe’s PSG team-mate Messi is second on $120m (£108m) and Manchester United forward Ronaldo third on $100m (£90m).
PSG and Brazil striker Neymar will earn an estimated $87m (£78.4m) in 2022-23 and Liverpool forward Salah $53m (£47.7m).
The last player to top the list other than Ronaldo or Messi was former England captain David Beckham in 2013.
Mbappe signed a lucrative new three-year contract with PSG in May, which ended speculation about a summer move to Real Madrid.
The France World Cup winner has lifted 11 trophies at the club, including four Ligue 1 titles, since joining from Monaco initially on loan in 2017.
Erling Haaland, who has scored 19 goals in 12 games for Manchester City since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund, makes his debut in the top 10 at number six.
The Norway striker is one of four Premier League players in the top 10 along with Ronaldo, Salah and Manchester City team-mate Kevin de Bruyne.
Haaland and Mbappe are the only players on the list aged under 30.
Ronaldo has made eight appearances for Manchester United in all competitions so far this season
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at not playing regularly.
Ronaldo, 37, has started one Premier League game and two Europa League matches for United so far this season.
He was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 6-3 defeat by Manchester City, with Ten Hag saying the decision was “out of respect for his big career.”
“He’s not happy that he wasn’t playing Sunday” said Ten Hag before Thursday’s Europa League game at Omonia Nicosia.
“Of course, he wants to play and he’s annoyed when he’s not playing. It’s clear.”
Ten Hag added: “But when I tell you all the players, when you’re here and you’re happy, or satisfied, when you’re on the bench, this is not a club where you have to be, and especially Cristiano.
“He’s really competitive, as we all know. He’s not happy of course when he’s not playing.
“But I already said and, I have to repeat, he’s training well, he has a good mood, he’s motivated and he gives his best. That is what we expect.”
Ten Hag’s decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench as United was criticised with former United captain Roy Keane accusing the club of “showing disrespect” to the player.
Instead, Anthony Martial was brought on and profited by scoring two late consolation goals.
Ten Hag accepts the treatment for Ronaldo was specific.
“I think, when you’re honest, you know there is a difference.
“Nobody is the same in the team, I will treat everyone with respect but they all have different backgrounds.
“I have to treat players differently to get the best out of them, but there are general standards and values that count for everyone.”
‘Thank you Pep’
Ten Hag twice said the Manchester City defeat was “a reality check” for his team and a reminder of the standards they need to reach in order to get to the levels he is demanding.
And for that, he thanks Pep Guardiola, who worked with the Dutchman at Bayern Munich.
“Now we get a reality check with Manchester City, we know we have to step up,” he said.
“So thank you for the lesson, Pep and City, we will take that and we have to understand we have to do things much better.”
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Erling Haaland shares many of the same qualities as Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to Peter Schmeichel, who has described the Manchester City man as several top strikers “put into one player”.
Haaland produced an incredible display as City swatted aside Manchester United for a 6-3 derby win on Sunday, scoring a treble and teeing up two goals for fellow hat-trick hero Phil Foden.
The Norwegian – who has scored 14 goals in his first eight Premier League appearances – has now scored a hat-trick in three successive home league games, becoming the first player to do so in the competition’s history.
After watching Haaland tear United apart at the Etihad Stadium, Schmeichel picked out similarities between the 22-year-old and several striking legends.
“The biggest part of a good striker is patience. I played against some of the best strikers, and when they go missing is when you really have to concentrate,” the former United and City goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“The Cristiano Ronaldos, the Filippo Inzaghis of this world – they disappear then all of a sudden they get the chance.
“When you look at Haaland, you see different players. That Zlatan-like goal, and Ronaldo is in there too. You see top, top strikers in one.
“That is why he is so dangerous. He has the luxury of seeing many top strikers and they are all put into one player.”
Haaland’s dominant display on Sunday saw him become just the 25th player to record five goal involvements in a Premier League game – and the youngest to ever do so (22 years, 73 days).
In Haaland and team-mate Kevin De Bruyne, meanwhile, City have the highest goalscorer and top assist-maker in Europe’s top five leagues this season (in all competitions).
Haaland has already found the net 17 times this season, with five of those strikes being laid on by De Bruyne, who has a total of 10 assists in 2022-23.
A Nigerian Twitter has resurrected the fury of football fans across the world after claiming that American musician Beyonce appeals to more people globally than football great Cristiano Ronaldo.
The fans are seething that the Twitter user by name ‘Imoteda’ sought to belittle the popularity of Cristiano Ronaldo by comparing Beyonce to him.
Imoteda found it ‘weird’ that people assume footballers are very popular and that not a single player on the planet can be compared to Beyonce in terms of popularity.
Imoteda’s post reads “So many people think football players are crazy popular. It’s so weird. Like how can you say a football player is more popular than Beyonce? Then name two football players that even I wouldn’t recognize.”
The reactions have been outright condemnation of her post as many believe that not only Ronaldo but a host of football stars are more popular than the globally-acclaimed RnB star.
Some have referenced instances where Ronaldo garnered huge supporters online to back their claim that he is the more popular figure of the two.
So many people think football players are crazy popular. It’s so weird. Like how can you say a football player is more popular than Beyonce? Then name two football players than even I wouldn’t recognize.
Micheal jackson sold 750 000 tickets in 4 hours , no football team , not even world cup can sell that much tickets in 4 hours .Over 50k people once pulled to his hotel just to look at him even with social media no single footballer can pull such crowd pic.twitter.com/jC9CQinDnI
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged by the Football Association over footage which appeared to show him knocking a phone out of a fan’s hand.
A video was shared on social media alongside comments claiming he smashed the device as he left the pitch after a 1-0 loss at Everton in April.
Ronaldo, 37, later apologised on social media.
He was cautioned by police regarding the incident in August.
“It is alleged that the forward’s conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent,” the FA said in a statement.
Manchester United said they would support Ronaldo in his response to the charge.
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged by the Football Association over footage which appeared to show him knocking a phone out of a fan’s hand.
A video was shared on social media alongside comments claiming he smashed the device as he left the pitch after a 1-0 loss at Everton in April.
Ronaldo, 37, later apologised on social media. He was cautioned by police regarding the incident in August.
“It is alleged that the forward’s conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent,” the FA said in a statement.
Manchester United said they would support Ronaldo in his response to the charge.
The defeat at Everton dealt a blow to United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. They went on to finish sixth.
In an Instagram post after the incident, Ronaldo said it was “never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing”.
He added: “Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.
“I would like to apologise for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship.
FIFA 23 is released next week and the top 10 players on the game have been revealed as excitement hits fever pitch.
There is a new man at the top of the rankings, while Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all boast two talents among the world’s elite.
Ahead of the general release on September 30, we take a look at the superstars that gamers will be desperate to see in action when they fire up their consoles.
10. Manuel Neuer — Goalkeeper, Bayern Munich (90)
Manuel Neuer’s spot is as consistent as his performances between the sticks as he maintains a respectable 90 overall rating and 10th place in the rankings.
The towering German, 36, boasts excellent all-round attributes and will be a rock-solid foundation to build a team upon.
9. Thibaut Courtois — Goalkeeper, Real Madrid (90)
Real Madrid stopper Thibaut Courtois jumps 10 places after his Champions League heroics helped Los Blancos land a record-extending 14th title.
The big Belgian, 30, is not as good with his feet as Neuer but makes up for it with incredible shot-stopping ability.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo — Striker, Manchester United (90)
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most lethal finishers on FIFA 23
Cristiano Ronaldo remains an elite option on FIFA with 93 finishing and shot power, five-star skill moves and a strong weak foot.
EA Sports have reduced the 37-year-old Manchester United and Portugal star’s pace but if you get the ball to him around the area, he will be impossible to stop.
7. Virgil van Dijk — Centre-back, Liverpool (90)
Virgil van Dijk shrugged off his injury woes from the previous campaign to return to his dominant best last season and was rewarded by edging into the 90 overall range.
The highest-rated defender on the game, the 31-year-old will be a must-own option for any Premier League XI on Ultimate Team.
6. Mohamed Salah — Right wing, Liverpool (90)
Van Dijk’s Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah‘s reward for sharing last season’s Premier League Golden Boot is a six-spot jump into the top 10.
With pace and dribbling stats of 90 and 89 shooting, gamers will enjoy watching the Egyptian, 30, cutting inside on to his formidable left foot.
5. Lionel Messi — Right wing, Paris Saint-Germain (91)
Lionel Messi has been dethroned as the king of FIFA
A changing of the guard sees Lionel Messi slide four places from his No1 spot last year thanks to a two-point drop in his overall rating.
The Argentine attacker, 35, has seen significant reductions to his pace and shooting ability but thankfully had plenty to spare.
4. Kevin De Bruyne — Central midfield, Manchester City (91)
Kevin De Bruyne, 31, keeps hold of fourth position thanks to another superb season with Premier League champions Manchester City.
The Belgian’s outrageous 93 passing score makes him the best midfielder on the game and his shooting and dribbling stats are not bad either.
3. Kylian Mbappe — Striker, Paris Saint-Germain (91)
Kylian Mbappe leaps above team-mate Messi into the top three despite seeing his overall rating stay at 91.
The fearsome Frenchman, 23, will be the most in-demand player on the game thanks to his 97 acceleration and sprint speed.
2. Robert Lewandowski — Striker, Barcelona (91)
Robert Lewandowski’s stunning start to life at Barcelona was not enough for him to beat last year’s No2 ranking.
The prolific Pole, 34, has been downgraded to 75 pace but with 94 ratings for positioning and finishing, will find a way to score regardless.
1. Karim Benzema — Striker, Real Madrid (91)
Karim Benzema has been named as the best player on FIFA 23 by EA Sports
EA Sports have crowned Karim Benzema the best player in the world after he fired Real Madrid to the Champions League last season.
Bayern Munich have come under heavy criticism from a cross-section of fans after forward Sadio Mane failed to score in their 1-0 Bundesliga defeat against Augsburg on Saturday.
The 30-year-old Senegal international started in the fixture at Augsburg Arena but he could not help the Bavarians as they suffered their first defeat of the season courtesy of Mergim Berisha’s well-taken effort in the 59th minute.
Mane, who moved to Bayern from Liverpool, cut a frustrated figure throughout the match, and was booked in the 39th minute for a tripping challenge before he was withdrawn for Cameroon international Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the 78th minute.
The Lion of Teranga has now gone for seven matches in all competitions without finding the back of the net. He last scored a brace in the 7-0 win against Bochum on August 21 while his first of the campaign came against Eintracht Frankfurt in a 6-1 victory.
Supporters have now descended social media to blame manager Julian Nagelsmann for Mane’s “dry spell”, insisting the forward is being played out of position while one particular fan wondered why they could not sign Erling Haaland, if their target was to bring a number nine.
“Sadio Mane isn’t a striker. Bayern is pretending he is one. Why didn’t they sign Haaland?,” Kwabena opened the debate on Twitter while Swot posed a question: “Who plays Sadio Mane as a lone striker? Who on earth makes such a blunder?”
Benhito Bankz wrote: “Sadio Mane is not a striker so, Bayern stop playing him as false number nine,” he said, adding: “If you need a proper goal scorer go for Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Vincent Brian stressed the point home: “Sadio Mane is never a striker, allow Thomas Muller to do the job and let Mane be a free man from the wings.”
The Trivela Effect defended Mane, insisting he will turn things around soon. “It makes me sad how quickly people have turned on Sadio Mane,” he said, adding: “I believe he, Nagelsmann, and Bayern as a whole will figure things out. Let’s give it time.”
His sentiments were echoed by Tunde Westside, who said: “I don’t know why people are acting surprise about Sadio Mane form, we Liverpool are already used to it.”
Westside added: “He normally plays rubbish at the start of the season then pick his form towards the end of the season.”
Last season, Mane appeared in 34 games for Liverpool in the Premier League, scored 16 goals and provided two assists.
In total, he made 196 league appearances for the Reds, scoring 90 goals and providing 29 assists.
Former captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan backed Cristiano Ronaldo when he received criticism for a lackluster cameo appearance in Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Southampton on August 27, 2022.
Ronaldo, who came on for the final 22 minutes, was unable to make much of an impact on the team’s attack, leading some fans to believe the wantaway 37-year-old has nothing to offer the club.
While some Man United fans and rival fans criticized the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Gyan pointed out reasons why Ronaldo struggled in the game.
“Massa Massa he came on in the difficult moment of the game. He when winning the air duels for the team. He should have done better in the last counter-attack but he fought today to make sure day secure the winner. U just want to talk about him cos u have to comment,” Gyan tweeted.
Nonetheless, Manchester United managed to pick up the scrappy win, which was their second of the season as they continue to build their momentum.
With Ajax, Manchester United has reached an agreement to acquire Brazilian winger Antony.
United will reportedly pay an initial fee of £80.75 million plus a further £4.25 million in add-ons.
Within the next 48 hours, the 22-year-old is expected to travel to Manchester to get a medical.
Antony would become Manchester United’s joint-second most expensive signing alongside defender Harry Maguire – the £89m paid for Paul Pogba remains the club’s record.
Antony scored 25 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax, having joined the Dutch side from Sao Paulo in 2020 and played under current United boss Erik ten Hag.
He made his international debut for Brazil in October 2021 and has two goals in nine appearances.
Antony, who contributed to seven goals in his 11 Champions League appearances for Ajax, would also become the joint-fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history.
Only Pogba’s move to United, Chelsea’s signing of Romelu Lukaku, and Manchester City’s deal for Jack Grealish would be more costly.
United travel to Leicester City in their next Premier League fixture on Thursday, 1 September, but Antony would need to receive a work permit before making an appearance.
The attacker would become United’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of his former Ajax team-mate, defender Lisandro Martinez, midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid, full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, and playmaker Christian Eriksen on a free transfer.
Speculation also remains as to whether Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at the club following concerns about how the 37-year-old’s mood is affecting morale in the camp.
Inter have made a perfect start to their Serie A title bid, following up a last-gasp win at Lecce on the opening day by beating Spezia 3-0 last time out.
Lukaku, who fired the Nerazzurri to the Scudetto in 2020-21 with 24 league goals before heading to Chelsea, needed just 82 seconds to find the net when making his second Inter debut at Lecce.
While the Belgian then failed to score in Inter’s routine win at San Siro last weekend, Inzaghi was content with his display and believes it will not be long until he is scoring regularly once more.
“I think he did the first two games in the best way. It is not a matter that concerns only Romelu, but the whole team,” Inzaghi said at a pre-match press conference.
“We know that the condition is improving, we know we have players with important physicality and therefore we knew we needed some important games.
“We started quite well, we want to continue trying to improve all our players, including Lukaku.
“We also want to recover [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan, who will be very important, there will be 19 games in a row before a stop [for the World Cup].We will have to try to have all the players available. Tomorrow everyone travels except Henrikh.”
Lukaku scored 47 goals in 72 Serie A appearances in his first spell at Inter. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (60 goals in 66 appearances) and Ciro Immobile (56 in 72 games) outscored him in the competition during that time.
Lukaku’s return has raisedhopes that Inter could reclaim the Serie A title this season, but holding onto defender Milan Skriniar, who was strongly linked with Paris Saint-Germain, could prove just as important.
While Skriniar struggled with a muscle injury during pre-season, Inzaghi is pleased with the Slovakia international’s progress, adding:Â “I see him very well, concentrated, attentive.
“There was a problem at the beginning of the preparation, it came from an injury with the national team, something new for him because he had never skipped a training session in the last years.
“Instead, this time he slowed down for 40 or 45 days and his condition is growing.”
Inzaghi suffered his first league defeat as Inter boss when visiting former club Lazio in October last year, with Immobile on the scoresheet.
And while Inzaghi still enjoys a close bond with last season’s Serie A top goalscorer, he is not enthused by the prospect of facing the Italy international on Friday.
“A great affectionbinds me to him, he made very important seasons with me, he did it again last year with [Maurizio] Sarri,” he added.
“I know it’s a special game for everyone, we all care about it. I hope Ciro always scores, but maybe tomorrow he rests!”
After beating Liverpool at Old Trafford, Christian Eriksen thinks Manchester United proved they have what it takes to compete against the best in the Premier League.
The 2-1 victory on Monday at Old Trafford will mean little if United loses to Southampton on Saturday, but following losses to Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion, the Red Devils produced a strong showing to demolish their formidable opponents and boost morale.
United had only 29.6 per cent of possession and their passing accuracy was a fairly dismal 65.93 per cent.
That was the worst accuracy United have had in any Premier League game since posting 65.73 per cent in a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in December 2018.
Yet they were still the better side for large parts of the game, with their energy and enthusiasm so markedly different from the game prior, the 4-0 thumping at Brentford.
Assessing the difference between the Brentford and Liverpool games, Eriksen hit on the big change against the Reds, saying: “I think our intensity compared to the Brentford game [was the biggest difference].
“Obviously, we made a few mistakes against them that gave them the advantage and [against Liverpool] we started on the front foot and were the better team in the first half.”
1 – Erik ten Hag is the first Manchester United manager to secure his first ever competitive win with the club in a match against Liverpool. Arrived. pic.twitter.com/mvtOYYvmzL
Captain Maguire would have been frustrated to be relegated to the bench, but the England defender reacted on Tuesday morning by posting a picture on Instagram of Rashford and Bruno Fernandes celebrating, adding the caption: “Things you love to see.”
United’s running caught the eye, as they covered 113 kilometres as a group, with Liverpool clocking up just under 110km.
Rashford ended a run of 997 minutes without a goal in all competitions for United and almost added another, thrashing a fierce shot just over the crossbar.
Eriksen said that for United it was a case of getting “back to basics”.
“We have some very quick players and how we played today, and how Liverpool play, suited us as well,” the Denmark midfielder said. “It’s great to play with players who want to play football and run.”
Eriksen believes the jolt of the Brighton and Brentford defeats has set United up for the rest of the season, but time will tell on that score. Two wretched performances followed by a big improvement for one game leaves them with some convincing still to do.
Former Tottenham and Inter playmaker Eriksen senses growing unity, however. Quoted on United’s official website, he said: “I think it started after losing two games.
“This has been about coming together and getting back to the basics. We needed to show that we were better doing the basics and I think we did that.”
Manchester United head coach, Erik ten Hag has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle in the game against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend.
The international media reports that Erik ten Hag said the player’s behaviour was “unacceptable”.
“Certainly not, that is unacceptable. For everyone. I told them that it’s unacceptable. That we are a team, a squad, and that you should stay until the end,” he told Viaplay Sport.
Ronaldo, pictured leaving the stadium is said to have been joined by Diogo Dalot and a number of other players.
At the start of July, Ronaldo had informed the board of his desire to leave the club in order to continue playing Champions League football.
The likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all since been linked with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but his future remains very much up in the air heading into the Red Devils’ Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday.
Ronaldo returned to the Red Devils’ starting XI for the clash at Old Trafford after an extended summer break, playing the first 45 minutes before being substituted for Amad Diallo.
But the club and Ten Hag have publicly insisted Ronaldo is not for sale, however speculation over a potential transfer remains ongoing and a return to Sporting CP is now being mooted.
Ten Hag has been given advice on how to handle Ronaldo by former Man Utd assistant coach Chris Armas, who served under interim boss Ralf Rangnick in the second half of the 2021-22 season.
The veteran forward scored 12 goals in 19 Premier League games while Armas was a member of the backroom staff, and the American believes one-on-one communication is the best way to bring the best out of him.
“It’s a hands-on approach, speaking with him, bringing him into the office, asking him questions, so he’s part of the solutions and part of the success,” Armas told Sky Sports.
“It was my job to work out how to get all that fire, experience and talent and challenge him as much as I could. I think the most important thing is to engage with Cristiano.
“He’s got so much to give, his commitment to winning and scoring, each guy has their different type of leadership. He can be a leader in his way, and my goal like everyone in the squad was to say how can I get the most out of Cristiano.
“When you talk about, at the highest level, seeing a professional and what winning means to Ronaldo, what scoring goals mean to him – he’s on the team, a big part of the team and he’s a guy who produced.”
Cristiano Ronaldo stayed true to his words and played in the game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
However, the 37-year-old did not play full-time. He played the first half of the game and was then substituted for Amad Diallo.
The striker was then seen leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle, and per reports it is whether or not his departure was sanctioned by head coach Ten Hag.
Ronaldo made Erik ten Hag’s lineup despite not featuring in any of the Red Devils’ previous five pre-season fixtures.
Ten Hag initially confirmed that Ronaldo would be in his squad for the Rayo friendly clash after United’s 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in Spain on Saturday.
The Dutchman admitted that the veteran forward is still a long way behind the rest of his senior team-mates in terms of fitness, however, having only just seen him return from an extended break.
“We’ll see how long he can play,” Ten Hag told Viaplay. “I cannot tell in this moment (how fit he is). He is not on the level of the rest of the squad because he missed a lot of weeks. But he needs games and he needs training, a lot.”
Who else made Ten Hag’s starting XI?
Ronaldo shared the spotlight with £46.5 million ($57m) summer signing Lisandro Martinez, with the former Ajax handed a centre-back berth alongside Raphael Varane.
Christian Eriksen made Ten Hag’s line-up after a cameo showing against Atletico, while Argentine youngster Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek were also included.
Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated he will be involved in Manchester United’s friendly with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Portugal forward wants United to let him leave this summer and missed the club’s pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia due to personal reasons.
Ronaldo, 37, was also left out of United’s squad for Saturday’s friendly with Atletico Madrid in Oslo.
But he suggested on Instagram he will face La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.
Commenting on a post by a Ronaldo fan page about him missing the game in Norway, he wrote: “Domingo o rei joga” which translates as “Sunday the king plays”.
United said playersnot in the 21-man travelling squad for the Atletico game – which includes new signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen – “will take part in Sunday’s game against Rayo Vallecano, while others are ill or injured.”
Ronaldo met with United manager Erik ten Hag on Tuesday and is understood to have reiterated his desire to leave the Old Trafford outfit. He also missed Wednesday’s match against Wrexham that was held behind closed doors.
Ten Hag has previously said Ronaldo is “not for sale” and “in our plans”.
Ronaldo returned to United last season after spells with Real Madrid and Juventus.
While he finished as the club’s top scorer, United endured a disappointing season, missing out on Champions League qualification after finishing sixth in the Premier League.
That means Ronaldo, who has a year left on his United contract plus an optional year, faces playing in the Europa League for the first time.
It is not something he is viewing with relish and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels there could be more attractive options available to him at this stage in his career.
Chelsea ended their interest in the player earlier this month, while he has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
Atletico fans have urged their club not to get involved in discussions around signing Ronaldo.
United open their 2022-23 Premier League season at home to Brighton on Sunday, 7 August.
Cristiano Ronaldo is due to meet Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on Tuesday to discuss his future at the club.
The Portugal forward, 37, wants the club to let him leave this summer and he missed United’s pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia because of personal reasons.
He has yet to train with the squad but has now flown back to Manchester.
Ten Hag has previously said Ronaldo is “not for sale” and “in our plans.”
Ten Hag said he spoke to Ronaldo before the tour, explaining: “I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me. What I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”
Ronaldo’s absence from the tour fuelled speculation over his future, coming after he also missed the club’s return to pre-season training at Carrington.
He instead trained at the Portuguese national team’s headquarters.
Ronaldo was United’s top scorer last season – and third in the Premier League – but the club’s overall campaign was seen as a big disappointment.
United finished sixth in the Premier League so missed out on Champions League qualification, meaning Ronaldo, who has a year left on his United contract plus an optional year, faces playing in the Europa League for the first time.
It is not something he is viewing with relish and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels there could be more attractive options available to him at this stage in his career.
Chelsea ended their interest in the player earlier this month, while he has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
It is understood United do not regard Ronaldo as a player who is for sale.
United play Atletico Madrid in Norway on Saturday before their final pre-season game at Old Trafford against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Their first game of the new season is at home to Brighton on Sunday 7 August.
Raphael Varane has rejected the notion that Manchester United would be stronger without Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the veteran striker as “a legend”. Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions during his homecoming season at Old Trafford, but was still subjected to intense criticism as the Red Devils recorded their lowest-ever points tally in the Premier League.
GOAL understands that Ronaldo is pushing for a transfer after United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, but Varane still hopes to continue playing alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
What has Varane said about Maguire?
Ronaldo’s perceived reluctance to press high up the pitch was seen as a major contributor to United’s struggles in 2021-22, and it has been suggested that Erik ten Hag’s new regime would run more smoothly if the 37-year-old does indeed move on this summer.
Varane has never had any doubts about Ronaldo’s role in the squad, however, as he told BBC Sport amid the club’s pre-season tour of the United States: “That debate was outside of the dressing room.
“We know his quality. And we know he’s very famous. So we know a lot of people will speak about the performance of the team and his performance.
“Cristiano is a great competitor. He’s a legend and he always helps the team, so obviously it’s very good to play with him.”
Club captain Harry Maguire also came under scrutiny for his displays last term, but despite speculation Ronaldo could be made a stand-in skipper, Ten Hag has confirmed that the defender will retain the armband for now.
Maguire was booed in United’s last pre-season outing against Crystal Palace, but Varane remains fully behind his centre-back partner.
“Competition is good for the team,” he said. “Harry is a very important player for us. He’s the captain and obviously he has a lot of good qualities.
“The team will always be better with this competition. Every great club is like this. If everyone wants to fight for the team, that’s a good thing.”
Varane left Real Madrid after 10 trophy-laden seasons to join United last summer – a decision which ultimately saw him miss out on the chance to win a fifth Champions League winners’ medal.
Asked if he regrets swapping the Santiago Bernabeu for Old Trafford, the Frenchman replied: “No, absolutely not.
“In football, you have to challenge yourself and try to improve. I wanted to live another experience after 10 years in the same place.
“The Premier League is absolutely fantastic and Manchester United are a great club. There was no doubt about my decision.”
Varane added on the optimism that is growing within the United ranks under Ten Hag, who has delivered three wins out of three in pre-season: “It’s a new season. A new start.
“Confidence is important and we lost confidence when we lost some games. But I think we have great potential.
“The new manager is very positive. He wants this energy and to press high up the pitch, with more space behind our backs. That is maybe more offensive but it is football we really enjoy, so that is a good start.”
Ghana football legend Mohammed Polo has settled on Lionel Messi as a better player compared to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the football world for the past decade, having won the Balon d’or a combined 12 times.
Asked about his opinion on the matter, Polo, who has often been compared to the duo, picked Messi as the superior footballer.
The 65-year-old believes although both players have different styles, Messi is superior because he has more to his game.
“There shouldn’t be a debate on this. These are different qualities of players. Ronaldo’s style is different from that of Messi. What makes football interesting is entertainment,†the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] winner said as quoted by Ghanaweb.
“The dribbling and stuff are where you see the art of football. This is what I want to introduce because for Ghana’s brand of football there should be skills, flair, artistry, creativity, and confidence.
“When you have these four the Ghanaian brand of football is complete. For Ronaldo, if he does not score, he contributes nothing. But Messi, if he doesn’t score he will create a goal, and then the art side will show. He has the artistry of football which will make people will pay to watch him.”
He added: “Of course [Messi is better], but you cannot take anything away from Ronaldo because he makes football interesting as well. Comparatively, I don’t see why they should be compared.†he added.
Chelsea have ended their interest in signing Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese international, 37, wants to leave the club and has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
But after signing former Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling on Wednesday, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said his “focus is on defence”.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has also said Ronaldo is “in our plans” and “not for sale”.
The forward has yet to join Manchester United’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia because of what Ten Hag called “personal issues”.
When BBC Sport asked Tuchel about interest in Ronaldo on Wednesday, he said: “Ronaldo’s career speaks for himself. I know there are rumours out there but I will not start speaking about other top clubs’ top players.”
Chelsea’s new owners are understood to be delighted with the recruitment of England international Sterling and consider him to be a marquee signing.
Sterling has linked up with the Chelsea squad in Los Angeles for pre-season.
Tuchel said he hoped Sterling could help “shape” his team and provide leadership to a young attack following the departure of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan.
The German coach said Chelsea needed to “work smart and fast” in the transfer market to catch their rivals following sanctions on the club, with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly set to sign a four-year deal and talks held with Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake.
There have also been links with Paris St-Germain and France centre-back Presnel Kimpembe, who played under Tuchel when he was manager of the French club between 2018 and 2020.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is “in our plans” for the new season and is “not for sale”.
The 37-year-old will miss the first part of United’s pre-season tour to Thailand and wants to leave the club.
He returned to United last seasonafter playing for Real Madrid and Juventus.
“He is not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season. That is it,” said former Ajax manager Ten Hag.
“I am looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans. We want success together.”
The Portugal forward’s absence on the tour fuelled speculation over his future after he also missed the club’s return to pre-season training at Carrington.
Ronaldo instead trained at the Portuguese national team’s headquarters.
The Old Trafford side play Liverpool in Thailand on Tuesday before flying to Australia and Ten Hag said he does not yet know whether Ronaldo will join later in the tour.
The Dutchman added that he spoke to Ronaldo before the tour, explaining: “I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me, what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”
Ten Hag also addressed the captaincy, which became an issue as a result of Harry Maguire’s struggle for form last season.
“Harry Maguire will be captain,” he said. “He has been captain for more than a year. He has achieved a lot of success. I have no doubts about this issue.”
United’s only signing this summer is full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. They look set to sign free agent midfielder Christian Eriksen and are close to an agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong.
Ten Hag emphasised United will only recruit players if he believes they will fit into his intended style of play.
“We want to add the right players. We have a really good squad, we are working to develop our way of playing and the opportunity is there and we will strike,” he added.
However, while he was United’s top scorer last season – and third in the Premier League – the overall campaign was seen as a big disappointment.
United finished sixth in the Premier League so missed out on Champions League qualification.
That means Ronaldo, who has a year left on his United contract plus an optional year, faces playing in the Europa League for the first time.
It is not something he is viewing with relish and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels there could be more attractive options available to him at this stage in his career.
The former Real Madrid forward is anxious to stress he respects United but as he enters the final stages of his career, he wants to compete for the biggest prizes.
It is understood United do not regard Ronaldo as a player who is for sale.
While it would be a blow to United’s prestige if they were to lose one of the greatest players they have ever had, it would also solve a few issues for new manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo clashed with Harry Maguire over the United captaincy last season, while interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s desire to implement a pressing game was thwarted by Ronaldo’s refusal to fit in with such a system.
Although Ten Hag has said how much he is looking forward to linking up with Ronaldo, it is not clear how the forward’s playing style would fit in with the Dutchman.
In addition, Ronaldo is the highest paid player in the Premier League and his exit would create more scope within United’s summer transfer budget.
Ronaldo is due to return to the club for pre-season training this week. It is anticipated he will be on their pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia.
Cristiano Ronaldoscored twice as Portugal thrashed Switzerland to move top of their Nations League group.
William Carvalho opened the scoring when he pounced after Ronaldo’s free-kick was only parried by Gregor Kobel.
Ronaldo smashed in from 12 yards after being teed up by Diogo Jota, who then played a part in the third as his shot was saved and Ronaldo reacted quickest.
Joao Cancelo completed the rout when he scored from 20 yards after Kobel raced out and failed to clear a through ball.
A late equaliser for Spain, who snatched a 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic,means Portugal go to the top of Group A2, above the Czechs on goal difference.
Those two sides meet in Portugal on Thursday, with the hosts having drawn 1-1 with Spain in their opening fixture.
Portugal were the winners of the inaugural Nations League in 2019 and will be hopeful of repeating that feat after making such a strong start to this season’s competition.
While this was a memorable night for Ronaldo, it was also an eventful evening for his fierce rival Lionel Messi, who scored five times for Argentina in a 5-0 friendly win over Estonia.
That takes Messi’s tally to 86 international goals – 31 behind Ronaldo’s record of 117.
35-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has proven once again why he should be considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) as he scored what now seems a signature header to help Juventus secure a point against AS Roma.
Juventus were well on their way to a first Serie A defeat of the 2020-2021 season as Roma opened the scoring through Jordan Veretout in the first half.
Ronaldo pulled Juventus back in the game with a penalty but Veretout grabbed his second goal of the night before half-time.
Things got complicated for the Turin-based club as Adrien Rabiot got dismissed from the game on the 62nd-minute.
However, the Portuguese international had a rescue plan mapped out for the Old Ladies as he produced yet another stunning header.
The billion-worthy sports icon leapt highest as he connected with his head a cross from Danilo to save Juventus from a defeat in Rome.
Juventus trailing 2-1 and down to 10 men… BUT they’re always a chance with Ronaldo on the pitch.
Is he human? Unbelievable leap and header for the equaliser 😱#RomaJuve
OOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooo!!!!! Sensational! The GOAT with another high header goal. He’s unbelievable! LETS GO! Fuq TAP AIRLINES! They should call it CRISTIANO RONALDO AIRLINES! pic.twitter.com/0caE2QLzJ4
Currently we all know that Ronaldo has made it for winning his second serie A in his second season. After beating Lazio it is finally clear that Juventus has won the league.
I always love the hard working of Ronaldo he is always ready for a new a challenge and he always prove his self beyond doubt that he is the greatest player ever.
He is the first player in history to score 50 Goals plus at the premier league, LA liga and Series A no player has ever achieve this before that’s why he is the greatest player of all time because he is always ready for a new challenge.
He also thank dybala for giving him such a great pass to score his second goal after the penalty. That’s shows how a team should work and operate for the success of the team.
Nothing is impossible for Ronaldo he would win his fifth golden boot this season.
Last night, Juventus strengthen their grab on their ninth successive scuddeto title after defeating challenger Lazio by two goals to one, with striker Cristiano Ronaldo scoring both goals – one via penalty spot, two a tap in from Dybala pass. Ciro Immobile scored the lone goal for Lazio via another penalty. Making both forward level on 30 goals each on Serie A scoring chart.
Anyways that’s not the news, the news is to set some facts and figures straight about the news ongoing throughout the world concerning Ronaldo’s new record. He broke many records last night but his 50 goals in three different leagues is what’s trending.
Last night, Juventus strengthen their grab on their ninth successive scuddeto title after defeating challenger Lazio by two goals to one, with striker Cristiano Ronaldo scoring both goals – one via penalty spot, two a tap in from Dybala pass. Ciro Immobile scored the lone goal for Lazio via another penalty. Making both forward level on 30 goals each on Serie A scoring chart.
Anyways that’s not the news, the news is to set some facts and figures straight about the news ongoing throughout the world concerning Ronaldo’s new record. He broke many records last night but his 50 goals in three different leagues is what’s trending.
Ronaldo did his in the English Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, while Edin Dzeko scored his own in the Bundesliga, English Premier League and Serie A. That is to say, Ronaldo only equalled the Bosnian record.
​Portugal and Juventus talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, if not the greatest with the striker winning numerous professional and personal honours, including five Ballon d’Or awards.
The 35-year-old has played with a number of legends throughout his time at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
The legendary Iker Casillas starts in goal as the Spaniard played alongside Portugal on 228 occasions, with the keeper starting ahead of the likes of United legend, Edwin van der Sar, who made 167 appearances with Ronaldo in the same side.
In front of Casillas, Ronaldo’s players in defence consist of Sergio Ramos and Marcelo as the full-backs while his fellow countryman, Kepler Lima Pepe and former England international, Rio Ferdinand slot in as the centre-backs, with no place for Raphael Varane in the side.
Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric and Ryan Giggs make up an incredible midfield lineup, with the three of them boasting of a staggering 822 combined appearances alongside the Portugese hitman.
The strikers in the squad are without doubt three of the best of their generation as Wayne Rooney, Paulo Dybala and Karim Benzema would not only score goals but also help the midfielders with their hold-up play.
Surprisingly, 25 years old Paulo Dybala make the squad because of his ability to always drop to the midfield to help the midfielders with their hold-up play. He would also create opportunities for his fellow striker and never be stingy.
We’ve seen teams in football, but no team in football history can match this squad.
Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo overtook Rui Costa to become the leading Portuguese scorer in Serie A history on Monday.
Ronaldo slotted the first-half penalty down the middle in Juve’s 2-0 win over Bologna, a result that saw the Bianconeri move four points clear at the top of the table.
The goal was Ronaldo’s 22nd in Serie A this season, one more than the 21 he managed in his debut campaign in Turin following his move from Real Madrid in 2018.
In reaching 43 goals, the 35-year-old also moved beyond Rui Costa as the Portuguese player with the most goals in Italy’s top flight.
Rui Costa spent eight years in Serie A, playing for Fiorentina and then Milan between 1994 and 2006.
Former Manchester United star Ronaldo remains the top Portuguese scorer in Premier League history having scored 84 times in 196 appearances.
He is the also the leading Portuguese scorer in La Liga history having registered 311 goals in 292 appearances for Real Madrid, where he is the all-time leading scorer.
Only Ronaldo’s great personal rival Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has scored more La Liga goals.
Ronaldo has been criticised recently after missing a penalty against Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final and struggling to have an impact in the final versus Napoli.
Former Italy international Luca Toni described Ronaldo’s performance in the last four of the Coppa Italia as ‘average’.
“I saw the whole Juventus team in difficulty, even Cristiano Ronaldo, who looked like an average player in what was a very slow match,†Toni told Rai Sport after the Milan clash.
“You expect a big performance from him but he looked like he was experiencing physical difficulties he couldn’t even dribble past a man.”
Ronaldo’s sister took to Instagram after the match to stick up for her brother, stating that he can’t always be expected to win matches on his own.
She said: “What else can you do? It is what it is and my darling can’t work miracles alone. I can’t understand how they played like that. Anyway, keep your head up. You can’t do more, my king.â€
The Coppa Italia final loss marks the only time in Ronaldo’s career that he has lost two successive finals, having been defeated by Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana at the tail end of 2019.
Former Ghana U-17 captain, Eric Ayiah has said that he was left star-struck when he came face-to-face with Portuguese legend, Cristiano Ronaldo through his agent Jorge Mendez who also handles the affairs of the Juventus star.
Ayiah currently plies his trade for French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco after signing a five-year deal.
The former Charity Stars striker after joining Monaco is yet to break into the senior team as he hopes his output with the second team will convince the technical handlers to give him a shot.
Ayiah sharing how he felt after meeting Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time said, “I was left star-struck when I met him. It was a dream come true when I got the opportunity to meet Ronaldo, I never imagined meeting him in my lifeâ€
“It was a Champions League game between Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain that my agent Jorge Mendez told me he will be taking me to see Ronaldoâ€
“So after the game we went to see him and he advised me. I also got the opportunity to meet Marcelo†he told Wontumi FM.
Chelsea have been linked with a sensational summer move for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Blues have already looked impressive in the transfer window – and it hasn’t even opened yet!
Frank Lampard’s side have already agreed a €40 million deal for Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech, who will arrive at Stamford Bridge on July 1.
Timo Werner is also expected to move to London, with Chelsea reportedly activating his release clause – which actually expires today (Tuesday).
While The Blues are trying to get that deal across the line, it seems they also have their eyes on an even bigger transfer – one for Juventus superstar Ronaldo.
According to Marca, who cite the global press, Chelsea are prepared to part with €120 million to secure the forward’s signature.
Ronaldo only arrived at Juventus in 2018 – costing the Italian champions €117m and although he’s been an integral part of the team, he has looked off the pace recently.
But could we really see him return to the Premier League with Chelsea? It’s hard to imagine.
Yes, Roman Abramovich appears to be splashing the cash this summer. But he’s building Lampard a project for the future and Ronaldo doesn’t exactly fit that philosophy.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is 35-years-old now and although he’s still undoubtedly one of the world’s best players, he doesn’t have too much time left at the very top.
When you look at the other players Chelsea have been linked with signing – 24-year-old Werner and Ben Chilwell (23) – it seems unlikely Abramovich will spend over 100 euros on a 35-year-old.
Ronaldo to Chelsea? Sorry, we just can’t see it happening. We may have already found the craziest transfer rumour of the summer – and the window hasn’t even opened yet!
Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien was quite diplomatic when speaking about the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate on who is the greatest player of all-time.
Ronaldo and Messi have ruled football for more than decade with the two winning 11 of the last 12 Ballon d’Or awards – with the Argentina ace winning six of them.
When asked who he thinks has been the better player, Essien refused to commit to an answer, indicating that both are at the same level.
“I won’t pick one and leave the other because they’re both top players. They’re both exceptional in whatever they’re doing,” Essien said on ConvosWithCarol.
“It’s hard to pick one because I’ve played with Ronaldo and played against Messi and I can tell you they are both excellent players. It’s hard to pick to be honest because they both possess different characteristics.”
Essien made 21 appearances and scored twice for Real Madrid during the 2012/13 season, playing alongside Ronaldo as the Whites lost the Spanish Copa Del Rey 2-1 to city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo finally made it back to Turin with a convoy of cars in tow, but will spend 14 days in quarantine before he can join up with his Juventus team-mates for training.
The forward was accompanied by members of his family and a huge security presence on Monday evening as he made his much awaited return to Italy.
The Portuguese star had planned to return a day earlier but his £30million private jet was unable to take off in Spain due travel restrictions put in place because of coronavirus.
Welsh international Aaron Ramsey was the first Juventus player to return to individual training at the team’s sports centre in Turin on Tuesday as Cristiano Ronaldo began two weeks’ quarantine after returning to Italy.
Ronaldo flew back to northern Italy by private jet on Monday night after almost two months in coronavirus lockdown in his native Portugal.
Midfielder Ramsey joined Juventus this season after 11 years with Arsenal, and scored his fourth goal in their last game against Inter Milan behind closed doors before the championship was suspended on March 10.
Champions Juventus are leading Serie A, one point ahead of Lazio, as they target a ninth consecutive Scudetto.
Captain Giorgio Chiellini followed shortly after Ramsey, with fellow Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci, wearing a black face mask, arriving later in the afternoon.
Italy’s interior ministry has given the go-ahead for players to return to club training facilities two weeks ahead of schedule, offering a glimmer of hope that the 2019-20 season might yet be saved.
But sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora warned that training in groups must wait until May 18, and it remains uncertain whether matches can restart as the country battles a pandemic which has killed over 29,000.
“A realistic prediction can be made in mid-May,” Spadafora said in an interview with Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, denying that he wanted to call a halt to the season.
“It would be surreal for a sports minister to demonise football,” he said.
“The majority of Italians do not welcome the resumption of the championship.
“But I’m not looking at polls at the moment. Football is an important world in this country, I know it well compared to those who want to give a different message.
“I hope to start again, but the government will decide. We will rely on scientific elements, which are not available today.
“There is no opposition of mine, but the desire to evaluate the restart only if the health of the people within the team group is safeguarded.
“If the government is forced, I hope not, to establish that there are no conditions (to resume), my effort will be twofold — limit the financial damage to clubs and support the whole world of sport.
“Between ordinary and extraordinary resources, we will invest about one billion euros for the sector as a whole.”
Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo “has a plan” to overtake Pele’s goal record and become the “greatest of all time”, according to Gary Neville.
Ronaldo has enjoyed a hugely successful career at the highest level spanning 18 years, during which time he has established himself as one of the top performers of his generation.
The 35-year-old has won three Premier League titles, two La Liga crowns, one Scudetto and five European Cups during spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juve, while also picking up five Ballon d’Or awards.
He left Madrid in 2018 as the club’s all-time top goalscorer, and has also found the net more than any other player in Portugal’s history, with the 2016 European Championship rounding off his impressive trophy haul.
Lionel Messi is widely considered to be the most talented player of the last two decades, but Ronaldo is seen as the ultimate marksman, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down despite his advancing years.
Neville says he was in awe of how hard the Portuguese worked behind the scenes to hone his craft at Old Trafford, and believes that his former colleague is now focused on emulating Brazilian legend Pele.
It is believed that the World Cup winner holds the outright record for career goals with over 1000 to his name, but Neville thinks Ronaldo will stop at nothing to overhaul a legendary figure’s tally.
“His drive to become the best in the world was out of this world,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“He was one of the few players that I’ve played with that would publicly announce that individual trophies were important to him.
“He just wanted to be the very best and what he’s done over the years has been absolutely exceptional. His achievements have been amazing and he’s worked hard for it.
“It’s an obsession with scoring goals and applying himself every day, being the fittest he can possibly be. I think he’s lifted his professionalism every single year and progressed.
“I think he has a plan to go on and take over Pele’s record. He wants to be the greatest of all time and that is his sole purpose.
“Understanding that along the way if he is the greatest of all time, the teams that he plays for will win trophies and be successful.”
Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo “has a plan” to overtake Pele’s goal record and become the “greatest of all time”, according to Gary Neville.
Ronaldo has enjoyed a hugely successful career at the highest level spanning 18 years, during which time he has established himself as one of the top performers of his generation.
The 35-year-old has won three Premier League titles, two La Liga crowns, one Scudetto and five European Cups during spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juve, while also picking up five Ballon d’Or awards.
He left Madrid in 2018 as the club’s all-time top goalscorer, and has also found the net more than any other player in Portugal’s history, with the 2016 European Championship rounding off his impressive trophy haul.
Lionel Messi is widely considered to be the most talented player of the last two decades, but Ronaldo is seen as the ultimate marksman, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down despite his advancing years.
Neville says he was in awe of how hard the Portuguese worked behind the scenes to hone his craft at Old Trafford, and believes that his former colleague is now focused on emulating Brazilian legend Pele.
It is believed that the World Cup winner holds the outright record for career goals with over 1000 to his name, but Neville thinks Ronaldo will stop at nothing to overhaul a legendary figure’s tally.
“His drive to become the best in the world was out of this world,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“He was one of the few players that I’ve played with that would publicly announce that individual trophies were important to him.
“He just wanted to be the very best and what he’s done over the years has been absolutely exceptional. His achievements have been amazing and he’s worked hard for it.
“It’s an obsession with scoring goals and applying himself every day, being the fittest he can possibly be. I think he’s lifted his professionalism every single year and progressed.
“I think he has a plan to go on and take over Pele’s record. He wants to be the greatest of all time and that is his sole purpose.
“Understanding that along the way if he is the greatest of all time, the teams that he plays for will win trophies and be successful.”
Kaka labelled Lionel Messi a “genius” as he picked the Barcelona superstar over Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo despite playing with the Portuguese attacker at Real Madrid.
Messi winner of a record six Ballons d’Or and Ronaldo are regarded as two of the greatest ever players, with debate often centred on who stands alone atop the all-time list.
Kaka played alongside Ronaldo at the Bernabeu between 2009-13, but the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner selected Messi as his preferred choice.
“I played with Cristiano and he’s really amazing, but I’ll go with Messi,” Kaka said when asked who he would pick out of Messi or Ronaldo during an Instagram Live Q&A for FIFA’s channel.
“He’s a genius, a pure talent. The way he plays is incredible.”
But on five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, Kaka added: “Cristiano is a machine. It’s not just the way he’s strong, powerful and fast; he’s strong mentally.
“He always wants to win and play. To be the best. For me, that’s the most incredible thing he has.
“In the history of sport, they [Messi and Cristiano] are definitely in the top five. We are very lucky to have been able to see both of them.”
Messi has been in the headlines recently after he and his Barcelona team-mates agreed to have 70 per cent of their wages slashed to help protect the jobs of the club’s staff with coronavirus halting football worldwide for an indefinite period.
He also claimed figures within the club were putting pressures on the players to act, however there was always a plan within the first-team squad to make a gesture in solidarity with their fellow employees.
“Much has been written and said about the Barcelona team in regards to the salaries of the players during this state of emergency,” a statement from Messi said.
“We want to clarify that our will has always been to take a cut in the salary we receive, because we fully understand that this is an exceptional situation and we are always the first ones to help the club when asked.
“Therefore, it does not surprise us that from within the club there were those who tried to put us under pressure to do something we always knew we would do.
“The agreement has been delayed for a few days because we were looking for a formula to help the club and its workers during these difficult times.
“Apart from the reduction of 70 per cent from our salary, we will also make contributions so that club employees can collect 100 per cent of their salary while this situation lasts.
“We do not want to say goodbye without sending an affectionate greeting and a lot of strength to all those having a hard time in these very difficult times, as well as to all those who patiently await the end of this crisis in their homes.
“Very soon we are going to get out of this and we will all do it together.
This Wednesday marks 100 days to go until the start of Euro 2020, but as preparations are fine-tuned for the first European Championship to be played across the continent, the coronavirus outbreak could pose a potentially serious threat to the tournament itself.
The decision to stage the second 24-team Euros in 12 different cities in 12 different nations, from as far apart as Baku to Dublin and Glasgow to Rome, was certainly an ambitious move.
UEFA say all venues and transport links are ready, that demand for tickets is through the roof, and there are no obvious security worries. Except for the coronavirus outbreak, with its unknown potential consequences, which could cast a shadow over the entire event.
Most matches in Italy’s Serie A were called off at the weekend with the country the hardest hit by the outbreak in Europe, with 52 deaths and more than 2,000 cases as of Monday.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Switzerland — with 24 confirmed cases — on Monday announced the postponement of all games in its top two divisions until the end of March.
“The health of persons is much more important than any football game,” insisted FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the weekend.
“I think we all hope that this can be contained, but of course we will take advice, but it’s got to be health first, sport second,” Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford told the UK’s Press Association. Wales are due to play Italy in Rome at the Euros.
The coronavirus crisis was raised at an executive committee meeting of European football’s governing body in Amsterdam on Monday, but UEFA is remaining calm over the possible repercussions for Euro 2020.
“UEFA is in touch with the relevant international and local authorities regarding the Coronavirus and its development,” it told AFP.
“For the moment, there is no need to change anything in the planned timetable. The issue will be kept under constant scrutiny.”
The opening match is due to take place in Rome on Friday, June 12, with Italy facing Turkey.
UEFA says it has received more than 28 million requests for match tickets, a figure it says is more than double the number for Euro 2016.
However, if the outbreak continues to spread, some fans may think twice about travelling to games, even if everything is ready to welcome them.
Of the 12 venues, only the Puskas Arena in Budapest has been newly built, the stadium in the Hungarian capital officially opening in November. Wembley in London will be the venue for the semi-finals and final.
– How the favourites are shaping up –
On the field, the carrot of playing in the final on home turf is dangling over England, with Gareth Southgate’s side among the tournament favourites.
They were hugely impressive in qualifying, but since then injuries and a loss of form to key players have raised some doubts.
Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford could miss the rest of the season with their clubs due to long-term hamstring and back injuries respectively, while Raheem Sterling has yet to score in 2020.
Southgate, who will attend the draw for the next UEFA Nations League in Amsterdam on Tuesday, also has a big call to make in goal with Everton’s Jordan Pickford struggling for form.
One of the few leading nations who will not host matches, World Cup holders France also have problems, with Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante’s season notably ravaged by injuries.
France are in the same group as Germany, who are hoping to bounce back from their 2018 World Cup disaster with a squad that has been considerably freshened up.
While Spain look to rediscover the form that allowed them to win back to back Euros in 2008 and 2012, holders Portugal will hope to get one last song out of the 35-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, Belgium and a rejuvenated Netherlands — who will play group games in Amsterdam — may fancy their chances of going all the way.
Of the 24 qualifying spots, the last four will be decided by the Nations League play-offs later this month.
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