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MONTE CARLO, Monaco — Even today, it still comes up. Even after a quarter-century in the gritty, muddy trench warfare that is football’s transfer system. Even after working side-by-side with the late Mino Raiola, one of the most famous and influential agents out there. Even after representing the likes of Pavel Nedved, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco Verratti, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and others — a multinational galaxy of stars, from Ballon…

Wayne Rooney has said that “ambitious” Birmingham City minority owner Tom Brady is “fully involved” in the club’s efforts to gain promotion to the Premier League after the former England forward was appointed as the team’s new coach on Wednesday. Rooney, 37, left his previous role as D.C. United’s coach after their elimination from MLS playoff contention on Saturday and signed a 3½ year deal to become the new Birmingham…

Karim Benzema joined Al Ittihad this summer because he always wanted to live in Saudi Arabia and “help Saudi football grow.” The France forward, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, left Real Madrid after 14 years “to try a new challenge,” signing for Al Ittihad in June with the Saudi Pro League champions as a free agent. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) “Well with everything I’ve…

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli is under investigation for alleged illegal betting activities, a prosecutor said on Wednesday, confirming earlier press reports. La Stampa daily said the 22-year-old is involved in a criminal probe targeting users of illegal online betting platforms, along with other unnamed suspects. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) “I confirm the news of the investigation,” Turin Chief Prosecutor Enrica Gabetta said in an emailed statement,…

Eden Hazard always said privately that the day he did not enjoy playing football anymore, he would quit. That day has come. On Tuesday, Hazard, 32, decided to end his 16-year professional career because the game was not fun for him anymore. It hadn’t been for a while … probably since he joined Real Madrid from Chelsea for €100 million in 2019. Having fun has always been the main reason…

SERRAVALLE, San Marino — “Highway to Hell” rings out around San Marino Stadium as the world’s worst football team prepares to face Slovenia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. The stadium DJ clearly has a sense of humour, unless the playlist is part of some cunning plan to strike fear into the hearts and minds of Slovenia’s players. San Marino sits 207th out of 207 in the FIFA men’s rankings —…

Eden Hazard announced his retirement from professional football on Tuesday at the age of 32, bringing an end to his 16-year career. The forward enjoyed successful periods at Lille and Chelsea before ending his club career with a disappointing spell at Real Madrid. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” Hazard wrote in an Instagram post. “After…

As unlikely as it may seem, a girls’ youth team from Wales have become the latest football club to receive the backing of a high-profile U.S. celebrity. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) AFC Rumney, a community side from the Cardiff area, are now following in the footsteps of nearby(ish) Wrexham, who have flourished since Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over in 2020. In much…

The summer transfer window has closed throughout most of Europe, but there are still moves in the works and plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals! Manchester United have added Sporting CP centre-back Gonçalo Inacio to their shortlist as the Premier League club continue their search for a January signing, according to Fabrizio Romano. It…