Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has underlined the importance of Cristiano Ronaldo to the national team by describing the veteran forward as unique in what he brings to the locker room. Ronaldo, 39, joined Portugal’s squad on Friday for the upcoming Euro 2024. “There is no other player in world football who can bring what Cristiano can bring to the locker room,” Martínez said in Friday’s news conference. “It’s going to…
Wolverhampton Wanderers have failed to receive any support from other teams in the Premier League in their bid to get VAR scrapped, with clubs voting 19-1 on Thursday to keep the video assistant. Wolves lodged a motion for consideration at the end-of-season AGM stating that “the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we…
A 43-year-old man was convicted on Thursday for head-butting former Manchester United captain Roy Keane following a Premier League match. Scott Law was found guilty of assault following a trial at Highbury Magistrates’ Court. The incident took place on Sept. 3 last year after Arsenal’s 3-1 win over United at the Emirates. The television pundit was forcefully head butted near doors at the Emirates while on his way to complete…
Napoli have hired Antonio Conte as their new manager on a three-year contract following their disastrous title defence in the 2023-24 Serie A season. “Napoli is a place of global importance,” Conte said. “I am happy and excited at the idea of sitting on [their] bench. I can certainly promise one thing: I will do my utmost for the growth of the team and the club. My commitment, together with…
Borussia Dortmund have been fined €20,000 ($21,762) by the German Football Association (DFB) for causing a one-minute delay to the start of a Bundesliga match. The DFB had filed a formal complaint against Dortmund after captain Gregor Kobel was late to the coin toss at the Red Bull Arena for their encounter against RB Leipzig on April 27. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Dortmund said in a…
Neymar has said he believes his Brazil teammate Vinícius Júnior will win the Ballon d’Or award after his impressive season at Real Madrid. Vinícius, 23, was named as the 2023-24 Champions League Player of the Season on Monday after scoring six goals in this season’s competition, including Madrid’s second in the 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s final at Wembley. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Vinícius,…
Kevin De Bruyne has said he’s “open” to a move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) owing to the “incredible” financial gain that comes with a move to the Gulf nation. The Manchester City midfielder has one year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) A source has told ESPN that…
Manchester United are planning talks with Jadon Sancho before deciding on his future, a source has told ESPN. Sancho hasn’t played for United since August following a public bust-up with manager Erik ten Hag. He was loaned to former club Borussia Dortmund in January and helped the Bundesliga side reach the Champions League final, where they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid on Saturday. A source has told ESPN that United…
Carlo Ancelotti has said he wants Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos to reconsider his decision to retire after helping the Spanish club win a record 15th Champions League title in a 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund. Kroos clinched his sixth Champions League winners’ medal — five with Madrid and one with Bayern Munich — at Wembley, but the 34-year-old stated earlier this season that he would retire from football after…
Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich has described a survey that found that 1 in 5 of his compatriots would prefer more white players on the national team as “absolutely racist.” The poll of 1,304 randomly selected participants was commissioned for national broadcaster ARD’s documentary “Unity and Justice and Diversity,” which is to be shown on Wednesday. Some 21% of those surveyed said they would prefer it if more players with white…