London (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo has hit out at the "lies" surrounding reports about his future at Manchester United. The Portugal forward missed United's pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia due to personal reasons as speculation swirled over whether he would be leaving Old Trafford. It has been reported Ronaldo wants to play Champions League […]

London (AFP) – Brighton signed Ecuador defender Pervis Estupinan from Spanish side Villarreal on Tuesday in a deal worth a reported £17 million ($20 million). Estupinan agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League club, who needed a replacement for Marc Cucurella following the left-back's recent move to Chelsea. "We're excited by what Pervis brings […]

Glasgow (AFP) – Armando Obispo spared Walter Benitez's blushes as PSV Eindhoven rescued a 2-2 draw against Rangers in the Champions League play-off first leg on Tuesday. PSV goalkeeper Benitez looked to have gifted Rangers the advantage when he allowed Tom Lawrence's free-kick to squirm through his hands in the second half at Ibrox. Benitez's […]

London (AFP) – Former footballer Ryan Giggs admitted Tuesday to being unfaithful in all his past romantic relationships but denied ever being violent towards partners, as he gave evidence over charges of assault and coercive control of an ex-girlfriend. Taking the stand for the first time in his week-old trial, the Manchester United legend denied […]

London (AFP) – Virgil van Dijk said new Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez must learn to "control himself" after being sent off for a reckless headbutt during Monday's 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. The 23-year-old Uruguayan, who signed from Benfica in June, was shown a straight red card in the 57th minute at Anfield for his […]

London (AFP) – Manchester City on Tuesday confirmed the signing of Spanish left-back Sergio Gomez from Anderlecht on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £11 million ($13 million). The Under-21 international becomes the Premier League champions' fourth signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega […]

Berlin (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund forward Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has extended his deal until 2025, the Bundesliga club said on Tuesday. The announcement bookends an eventful week for Bynoe-Gittens, who scored a goal and set up the winner in Friday's 3-1 victory over Freiburg shortly after celebrating his 18th birthday. After the win, Dortmund coach Edin […]

Milan (AFP) – Dusan Vlahovic fired Juventus to a comfortable 3-0 win over Sassuolo with a brace in Monday's Serie A opener while Victor Osimhen was racially abused by Verona fans in a thumping 5-2 win for Napoli. Serbia forward Vlahovic put Juve two ahead just before the break from the penalty spot after being […]

Milan (AFP) – Dusan Vlahovic fired Juventus to a comfortable 3-0 win over Sassuolo with a brace in Monday's Serie A opener while Victor Osimhen was racially abused by Verona fans in a thumping 5-2 win for Napoli. Serbia forward Vlahovic put Juve two ahead just before the break from the penalty spot after being […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool fought back with 10 men to prevent a first Premier League defeat in front of fans at Anfield since 2017 in a 1-1 draw on Monday as Darwin Nunez was sent off on his home debut. Luis Diaz's sensational strike salvaged a point for the Reds after Wilfried Zaha opened the […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool fought back with 10 men to prevent a first Premier League defeat in front of fans at Anfield since 2017 in a 1-1 draw on Monday as Darwin Nunez was sent off on his home debut. Luis Diaz's sensational strike salvaged a point for the Reds after Wilfried Zaha opened the […]

Milan (AFP) – Dusan Vlahovic fired Juventus to a comfortable 3-0 win over Sassuolo with a brace in Monday's Serie A opener while Victor Osimhen was racially abused by Verona fans in a thumping 5-2 win for Napoli. Serbia forward Vlahovic put Juve two ahead just before the break from the penalty spot after being […]

The triumph of Paolo Rossi and Enzo Bearzot at the 1982 World Cup is underrated amongst the competition's lore. The late Italian manager Enzo Bearzot pioneered 'total football' from Ajax. He steered Italians away from the Catenaccio, or 'door-bolt,' defensive strategy. That tactic led to the emergence of Italian soccer during the 1960s. This defensive […]

Madrid (AFP) – Alvaro Morata struck twice to secure Atletico Madrid a 3-0 victory at Getafe in their opening game of the La Liga season on Monday. Morata, who has returned to Atletico after two years on loan with Juventus, scored a goal in each half before Antoine Griezmann wrapped up the points. Joao Felix […]

Verona (Italy) (AFP) – Napoli ran out convincing 5-2 winners at Verona on Monday in their opening match of the Serie A season which was marred by Victor Osimhen being targeted by racist abuse from the stands. Osimhen was among the scorers in a thumping win for Napoli, who have had a tricky summer after […]