Southern Europe – Page 2 – Michmutters
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Tennis news 2022: Naomi Osaka retires from Toronto opener with back pain

Four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka retired from her opening match at the WTA Toronto Masters with lower back pain on Wednesday AEST, raising injury concerns with the US Open looming.

Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi advanced when Osaka retired trailing 7-6, 3-0.

Kanepi, a runner-up last week in Washington, needed 71 minutes on court as she broke three times before the Japanese star called it quits.

Defeat drove the emotional Osaka to tears.

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“I felt my back from the start of the match and despite trying to push through it, I just wasn’t able to today,” Osaka said.

“I’d like to pay credit to Kaia for playing well and want to wish her all the best for the rest of the tournament.”

Osaka has played only six matches with a 2-4 record since losing the Miami final in early April to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

Kanepi, 37, won their only prior meeting five years ago in three sets at the US Open.

“I tried to play my game and stay aggressive. It was a very tight match,” Kanepi said.

“I felt I needed a little more time to get used to new things, but after that I felt comfortable.”

Meanwhile, reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu of Britain exited in the first round, losing 7-6, 6-2 to Italy’s Camila Giorgi.

Despite the setback in the city of her birth 19 years ago, Raducanu kept her spirits up as her US Open title defense draws nearer.

“It was a really good match, to be honest,” Raducanu said.

“The level was pretty high, especially in the first set.

“Camila’s a great opponent. She won this tournament last year. I just need to get better at dealing with players who play probably as quick as she does.”

Defending WTA Canadian champion Giorgi won a combative first set and ran away with the second against the 19-year-old Englishwoman, whose title defense in New York begins in less than three weeks.

The feisty Italian trailed by a break in both sets but showed her spirit by winning the last six games of the contest.

Giorgi needed just over an hour and three-quarters to advance to the second round over the ninth seed who broke into the top 10 ranking less than a month ago.

Raducanu had to hold on in a wild opening set, where serve was broken in six of the dozen games played.

The Briton saved a set point in the 12th game to bring on a tie-breaker, but collapsed to lose seven straight points as Giorgi took the set after 71 minutes.

Raducanu was broken three times in the second set as Giorgi finished off her victory.

– AFP

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Australian legend Lauren Jackson will play for Opals at the World Cup after retiring in 2016

The remarkable comeback story of basketball champ Lauren Jackson has continued, with the 41-year-old included in Australia’s 12-strong Opals team for this year’s FIBA ​​Women’s Basketball World Cup nine years after she retired.

An emotional Jackson, who retired in 2016 through a chronic injury after a Hall of Fame career in Australia and the US, said she “didn’t honestly know” if her body would hold up to the rigors of international basketball again.

But Opals coach Sandy Brondello said Jackson would add “another dimension” to the team that has gone through some tough recent times in the wake of Liz Cambage’s controversial exit.

“Making the final cut to 12 is always difficult with so many great athletes pushing for selection” Brondello said.

“The training camp in New York demonstrated how much each of these athletes wanted to compete on home soil. The competition for a spot on the team was fierce.”

“Of course, the inclusion of Lauren is the talking point, but from my perspective, she has put in the work and deserves to be here. She will add another dimension to our team dynamic.”

Jackson began her comeback for local team Albury but is hoping to help the Opals add to the team’s rich World Cup legacy having won silver in 2018, bronze in 2014 and gold in 2006.

“There were a lot of emotions when Sandy rang me, I had a bit of a cry to be honest,” Jackson said.

“I have been working my body hard, and I didn’t honestly know if it was going to hold up to my intense training regimen, but it has and I’m feeling good.

“The whole team have been so welcoming and made me feel at home. The age difference disappears as soon as I step onto the court.

“I believe in this team and what we can achieve. If I can play a part if getting us onto the podium, then the hard work is all worthwhile.”

Shyla Heal was a notable omission from the final 12, with Bec Allen and Cayla George to return for their third World Cup appearance. Marianna Tolo, Steph Talbot, Sami Whitcomb, Tess Madgen and Ezi Magbegor will return for their second appearance and Sara Blicavs, Darcee Garbin, Anneli Maley and Kristy Wallace will make their debut.

Jackson will make her fifth World Cup appearance after last playing in 2010.

The squad is filled with international experience, with Allen (New York Liberty), Magbegor (Seattle Storm), Whitcomb (New York Liberty), Wallace (Atlanta Dream) and Talbot (Seattle Storm) all playing in the WNBA.

The Opals are ranked No.3 in the world and have drawn Group C, with pool matches against France, Serbia, Japan, Mali and Canada tipping off on September 22 in Sydney.

Australian Opals 2022 FIBA ​​Women’s Basketball World Cup team: Bec Allen, Sara Blicavs, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Lauren Jackson, Ezi Magbegor, Tess Madgen, Anneli Maley, Steph Talbot, Marianna Tolo, Kristy Wallace, Sami Whitcomb.

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Beckham Peltz family feud: Brooklyn, Nicola in love but Victoria, David clashing with parents

It’s like Miami’s own version of dynasty.

Amid rumors of tension between Victoria Beckham and her new daughter-in-law, Nicola Peltz, Page Six is ​​told the trouble within the Beckham and Peltz clans is more widespread.

“Victoria and Nicola are just collateral damage. It’s not just about two women — it’s two families coming together,” said one highly placed source.

“It’s pretty obvious there’s an issue between the two families. Everybody needs to find their place. They’re just not quite connecting yet.”

The problems are not said to be between Brooklyn, 23, and his new in-laws, billionaire investor Nelson Peltz and his wife, Claudia.

In fact, Nelson’s is offering to back his son-in-law in whatever venture he wants.

According to the source, the chatter in Palm Beach is that the young couple could create their own empire, à la Brooklyn’s parents’ “Brand Beckham”.

It’s believed that Brooklyn and Nicola, a 28-year-old actress, would love to follow in the Beckhams’ footsteps by launching clothing, beauty and perfume lines.

“There is a very deliberate move orchestrated by Nicola and her mom and funded by Nelson. There is a reason why Brooklyn and Nicola are now ‘Peltz Beckham’. It’s all about branding,” the highly-placed source said.

“I think that Nicola and her mom come up with ideas, Nelson can fund anything and he says yes! But for David and Victoria, it has to have some substance.”

Among the Beckham brands are Victoria’s fashion and beauty range, as well as David’s $139 million lifetime deal with Adidas, endorsements including Tudor watches and his own whiskey with Diageo Haig Club.

Earlier this year, the 47-year-old British soccer star, who co-owns the Inter Miami CF team, signed the biggest deal of his life, with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) — which will co-own and manage his global brand , DB Ventures. CNBC reported that the company paid $269 million for a 55 per cent stake.

“The Beckhams are quite old-fashioned. They believe that everyone should make their own way up in the world,” said another source in the know. “Although they’ll always give their kids a leg up in terms of support and endorsement, they famously made Brooklyn work in a cafe to teach him about work ethics and to get some values. They really were keen to support his passion for photography, so they helped him get internships; then he got into cooking, and they’ve supported that.”

The Beckhams were unavailable for comment.

“There are cultural differences between the two families,” the source in the know added.

Reps for Nelson and Nicola did not comment.

Immediately after the wedding, Brooklyn, who has more than 14 million Instagram followers, changed his account handle to @brooklynpeltzbeckham, while Nicola is now @nicolaannepeltzbeckham.

Another family source said: “Brooklyn has become so, so close to the Peltzes, and to Nicola’s dad, especially. For Victoria, who is extremely close to Brooklyn, that has to be difficult.”

And as Brooklyn is close to Victoria, 48, Nicola is said to be just as tight with her mom, Claudia, who reportedly joined her on the movie set of “Lola James,” which Nicola wrote, co-directed and stars in. It’s not yet known when the film will be released.

“Claudia pulls a lot of the family’s strings.” said one Florida society source.

There’s also a bit of snobbery in the mix, according to multiple sources.

“The Peltzes may have thought, (the Beckhams) ‘will be easy’. The Beckhams are just a pop star and a footballer, but they’ve been doing this for 25 years — they’re very astute,” said the Florida society source.

“They can’t be controlled with the Peltz money.”

David’s fortune is now at around $750 million, Page Six is ​​told by an insider. Nelson, meanwhile, is reportedly worth $1.8 billion.

The Daily Mail last month pointed out how the initial love affair between Victoria and Nicola had seemed to cool down.

Back in 2021, Victoria liked 25 of Nicola’s Instagram posts in a three-month period, and Nicola liked 20 of hers in the same time frame.

Now, Victoria hasn’t liked a single post by Nicola since May 27 — but she has been active on the platform, posting photos of her latest fashion designs, as well as of her husband and other children.

While Nicola posted on Instagram from her honeymoon with Brooklyn, spent on a yacht with her family in Italy, Victoria liked none of them.

The newlyweds took Nelson, 80, and Claudia, 67, on their Italian honeymoon.

The Beckhams were holidaying at the same time on another yacht nearby and it was not clear whether the families saw each other.

The young couple wed in April at her family’s $103 million home in Palm Beach, with the bash covered by fashion bible Vogue.

As a sign of just how much the Peltz clan was in control of the wedding, there was reportedly a Wendy’s burger truck at the bash — Nelson is chairman of the board. Said the Palm Beach source: “The wedding was very much a Peltz production.”

Each family had their own table at the lavish reception, while the newlyweds sat at a separate table, Page Six is ​​told.

“Let’s face it, weddings are hard enough, but particularly tough when you’re dealing with two big wealthy, high-profile and complicated families,” said the highly-placed source.

Last Friday, Nicola shared a melodramatic selfie on Instagram in which she appeared to have tears running down her face.

“Sometimes I find it hard to show the sad bits of me,” she wrote, explaining that, growing up in a large family, her “strong parents” had “hammered it into me to not let people bring me down or hurt my heart .”

She then thanked her followers for their support the next day.

“Look, whatever happens, Nicola and Brooklyn are clearly crazy about each other — and that’s what matters right now,” said the source in the know. “Families go through these things, frankly, everyone thinks it will all sort itself out.”

This article was originally published by Page Six and reproduced with permission

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Mat Ryan joins FC Copenhagen

Socceroos captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan has moved from Spain to Denmark in search of regular first-team football ahead of this year’s World Cup.

Ryan, 30, has left La Liga club Real Sociedad to join Danish Superliga champions FC Copenhagen on a two-year deal.

“I’m really looking forward to becoming part of a big club like FC Copenhagen, which has a fantastic reputation throughout Europe,” Ryan said in a club statement.

“The team has great quality and the ambitions for the club are high in terms of winning titles and competing in the biggest tournaments in Europe. I will work hard to contribute to that.”

Ryan signed with Real Sociedad in July last year following a spell at English Premier League club Arsenal, where he was on loan from Brighton.

However, he only made nine appearances in all competitions last season, playing second fiddle to Sociedad’s first-choice gloveman Alex Remiro.

With the World Cup starting in November, Ryan could ill afford further time on the bench, and jumped at the chance to join FC Copenhagen, who recently lost goalkeeper Kamil Grabara to a serious facial injury.

FC Copenhagen sporting director Peter Christiansen said: “After Kamil Grabara’s injury, we have been looking for an addition to the goalkeeper position, and we are very satisfied with the solution, which both in the short and long term ensures increased competition and quality in that position.

“Maty has played many games in some of the world’s biggest leagues and still has plenty of hunger to do well at FC Copenhagen and for Australia in the World Cup.

“We are looking forward to having him in the team and are sure that he will strengthen our squad.”

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Business

Elon Musk’s dad Errol Musk backtracks on stunning remark

Elon Musk’s father has back-pedaled on his comments about his billionaire son after he said he wasn’t proud of his famous offspring.

During the latest episode of Piers Morgan Uncensoredavailable to stream on Flash, Errol Musk, 76, addressed the stunning remark and said he was misquoted.

“I never said anything like that,” he said on the show.

“I have been proud of him since the day he was born.

“A person doesn’t suddenly become proud of your child. That’s ridiculous.

“As far as saying, I don’t like him. I mean, that’s crazy. I love him.”

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The elder Musk made headlines last week after he took a savage dig at the Tesla CEO.

In an interview with KIIS FM’s Kyle and Jackie Othe South African engineer dismissed his son’s success.

“Your offspring is a genius. He’s worth so much money and has created so many things, you can’t take that away from him. Are you proud? Jackie O asked.

“Nope. You know, we are a family that have been doing a lot of things for a long time, it’s not as if we suddenly started doing something,” Errol replied.

The 76-year-old also took a swipe at his son’s physical appearance while discussing recent shirtless photos of Elon on a yacht in Greece.

“Elon is very well-built and he is very, very strongly built, but he’s been eating badly,” he said.

Errol said he had recommended his son take a weight loss supplement called garcinia cambogia, which he claimed has helped him shed the kilos.

Elon is Errol’s eldest son with his ex-wife, model Maye Musk. The former couple also share are Kimbal and daughter Tosca.

The latest episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored will air tonight at 9pm AEST on Sky News. Watch on Foxtel, Stream on Flash.

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Carlo Bonomi, Italian vocal actor for claymation Pingu dies aged 85

Tributes are flowing for Carlo Bonomi, the actor behind the voice of children’s claymation character Pingu, after he died on the weekend at the age of 85.

Remembered for his “noot noot” phrase, the Italian vocal actor passed away in Milan on August 6 with the cause of his death unknown, publication AF News reports.

Australians knew Bonomi for his “Penguinese”, the language spoken in stop-motion series Pingu which aired six seasons between 1986 to 2006.

Bonomi was the unscripted voice behind all the show’s characters for four seasons, before he was replaced by vocal actors David Sant and Marcello Magni when the show was renewed for seasons five and six.

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Pingu is about a young penguin who sometimes gets up to mischief on his family’s polar ice cap in Antarctica.

Fans have praised the late actor for his service as a children’s entertainer by sharing pictures and videos of Bonomi online.

“RIP Carlo Bonomi, thank you for your service in children’s entertainment and for giving my childhood some light to shine in the dark,” one fan posted to Twitter.

“May the Noot Noots never fade from our memories.”

Meanwhile American cartoonist Travis Bickerstaff said Bonomi’s legacy will live on through others.

“If you’re wondering if this will be the end of Pinguit’s not,” Bickerstaff wrote.

“Other voice actors in the Pingu franchise had carried on Bonomi’s legacy, since he established the ‘Penguinese’ language for the series.”

Bonomi was also well-known in Italy as the voice behind the announcements played at Central Station and Florence Santa Maria Novella Station, which were used up until 2008.

He also played a part in a number of Italian shorts, including line animation The Line, The Line.

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Wesley Fofana to Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona, ​​Frenkie de Jong contract, Arsenal, Chelsea, record transfer, defender

Barcelona have reportedly threatened legal action over Frenkie de Jong’s contract, after the Spanish giants claimed to have found evidence of criminality on “the parties who signed” the upgraded deal.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Catalan club is hoping to either sell the Dutch star or revert the deal back to what it was before to help solve their financial woes.

De Jong has been heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester United, although Chelsea recently emerged as a potential suitor for his services.

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Meanwhile, striker Timo Werner is close to finalizing his death with RB Leipzig after arriving in Germany for his medical.

The 26-year-old rose to footballing stardom during his first stint with the club, and became one of the biggest names on the transfer market before being snatched up by Chelsea two years ago.

While Chelsea may lose Werner, the Blues are heavily linked with another emerging star who they could sign on a world record fee.

Here’s all the news and gossip in the latest edition of our Rumor Mill!

BARCA THREATEN LEGAL ACTION

Barcelona’s financial woes are in dire need of a solution recruit after La Liga rejected their attempt to register new players, including star Robert Lewandowski.

Frenkie de Jong has been linked with two of the biggest clubs in England, with a transfer shaping up as a potential solution to their money drama.

But the de Jong saga at Barcelona has reached a dramatic new twist with the club reportedly threatening legal action over the stars renewed deal.

Barcelona's Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong reacts during the 57th Joan Gamper Trophy friendly football match between FC Barcelona and Club Universidad Nacional Pumas at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 7, 2022. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP)
Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong reacts during the 57th Joan Gamper Trophy friendly football match between FC Barcelona and Club Universidad Nacional Pumas at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 7, 2022. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP)Source: AFP

De Jong signed a two-year contract extension with the club on October 20, 2020, which kept him at the club for longer but reduced his salary in the short-term.

It’s believed the Netherlands international is owed €18 million ($26m AUD) in deferred wages, which the club is hoping to annul.

David Ornstein has reported that the deal presented by the club’s previous board involved alleged “criminality” and provides “grounds for legal action against those involved”.

Previously, Barcelona president Joan Laporta had insisted that he wants de Jong to remain at the club.

“Frenkie’s our player and we want him to stay at Barcelona, ​​he wants to stay too,” Laporta said.

“With him and his teammates, we have a very powerful midfield. He has offers, but we want him to stay.”

RED DEVILS TO SIGN FRENCH MIDFIELDER

Manchester United had identified midfielder Fabian Ruiz as a possible alternative to de Jong and it appears the deal is progressing, as Erik ten Hag looks to complete his fourth signing.

Ten Hag booed after United’s horror loss | 01:18

Guardian revealed an agreement has been reached between Juventus and Manchester United for £15 million ($26 million AUD).

Rabiot has had a decorated playing career so far, having won Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain on five occasions, and he’s also a Serie A winner.

WERNER TO COMPLETE MOVE

Chelsea striker Timo Werner is on the cusp of returning to RB Leipzig, after arriving in Germany for his medical.

Tim Werner.Source: AFP

Werner had an underwhelming spell at the Blues, but is set to return to the club where he really made his name in world football.

The 26-year-old scored 90 goals and had 40 assists in his 156 games for RB Leipzig, before leaving in 2020.

CHELSEA BIG SPEND CONTINUES

Leicester defender Wesley Fofana could be wearing another navy jersey this season, as Chelsea prepare to launch a world record bid this week.

Football Londonunderstand that the Blues will attempt to sign their second center back of the English summer, after announcing Kalidou Koulibaly.

It’s believed that Fofana is pushing for a move away from the Foxes, even though coach Brendan Rodgers has insisted that he’s not for sale. According to the report, Chelsea are preparing a bid that would smash the world record for the highest fee paid for a defender — currently the 87 million euros ($A127m) Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019.

ONE OR THE OTHER

Barcelona will not sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay, as both players continued to be linked with transfers away from the Camp Nou.

Football insider Fabrizio Romano has said that no discussions have been held between Chelsea and Barcelona over Aubameyang, although he is on their “list”.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 07: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM at Spotify Camp Nou on August 07, 2022 in Barcelona, ​​Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The former Arsenal captain could be set for a sensational return to England with London rivals Chelsea, although he’s happy in Spain.

Meanwhile, Depay is reportedly negotiating a free agency with Juventus interested in acquiring his services.

BOLOGNA MAKE IT CLEAR

Bologna director Marco di Vaio has made it quite clear that the Italian club want to retain striker Marko Arnautovic, amid rumors of an offer from Manchester United.

The Red Devils reportedly had a bid for the 33-year-old striker rejected.

“Man United on Arnautovic? We’re proud of Man United’s interest for Marko bur we are not planning to sell him,” di Vaio said.

“We want to keep him at Bologna as president said, he’s a key part of our project – there’s not even a price tag.”

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Woman buys $2600 designer coffee table: Finds ‘penis’ design

An architect who spent a whopping $2600 on a designer coffee table was horrified when it turned up sporting what looked like a giant penis.

Brazilian architect Ana Julieta Garcia had purchased the table for an interior design project she was working on for a client in Spain.

The 32-year-old paid $2,619 for the handmade piece.

But at the time of paying, she had not seen the specific design she would get, as the tables are made from volcanic lava and are each individual.

Ms Garcia, who also works as a DJ, was astonished when the delivery arrived with the likeness of a penis covering the tabletop.

“It’s a handmade table made from volcanic lava, which is enamelled by hand. You can’t know the final design until it comes out of the oven,” she said.

“That’s the beautiful part of the story, you never know how your product will turn out.

“I saw the example – but it really went wrong in the oven.”

“All the dark pigments clumped together in the middle. Normally, they’re separated,” she added.

“Usually, the final image looks like it is multidimensional. But my order turned out really – interesting – I’d say.”

She joked: “Help! You work your whole life and now your reference is a huge blue d*ck.

“When you put ‘Ana Julieta’ into Google, only this will appear. Nothing about an architect or a DJ.”

She added: “The company sent me the product advising that it hadn’t turned out like they’d hoped.

“It’s just that the table has a long production time. I left it with my client, and the new tabletop is already under production.

“When I handed it over, I said, ‘If you want to keep it, fine. If not, I understand.’”

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, rumour, Manchester United, transfer, Erik ten Hag

Premier League legends Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have slammed disgruntled star Cristiano Ronaldo, amid the uncertainty and speculation about his future at Manchester United.

Ronaldo returned to United’s match day squad for a game against La Liga side Rayo Vallecano earlier this week, after missing the clubs pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia.

But after being subbed off at halftime by manager Erik ten Hag, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly walked out of Old Trafford with 10 minutes to run on the game clock.

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Gunners get the job done at Palace | 02:07

The infamous walkout was described as “unacceptable” by ten Hag, and only fueled rumors that Ronaldo is desperate for a transfer away from the Red Devils.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville believes the club needs to sell the Portuguese international, as he suggested how Ronaldo’s actions may be hurting the club.

“Ronaldo’s achievements in football go beyond, to be fair, anyone could ever wish for and imagine. He’ll go down in the top players of all-time and he always will be, ”Neville said on The Overlap.

“What happens this summer at Manchester United will be forgotten about in 20 years.

“The star player in the dressing room is playing up. It happened at times over the last few years where you had Pogba’s agent, not necessarily (Paul) Pogba all the time but his agent always playing up with the club.

“You can’t have your star player in a club running the shop. You cannot have it. When Sir Alex Ferguson potentially in the past moved players on, it was because that player was needed to be moved on.

“I know Manchester United fans want Ronaldo to stay, but if Ronaldo wants to leave, Manchester United in my mind should facilitate that.”

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SIX Liverpool players injured; Foxes star ruled out for six months — PL Late Mail

‘Going to be tough’: Man City star admits brutal pressure to ‘deliver’ on $150m deal

Ronaldo, who has won the Champions League five times, was reportedly set to be benched for United’s Premier League season opener against Brighton after missing most of the pre-season.

But a thigh injury to French attacker Anthony Martial could see the star named as a surprise starter for Sunday night’s match (AEST).

Asked if Ronaldo will start, coach Erik Ten Hag said: “We will see on Sunday.”

Pep confident Haaland will bag goals | 00:45

Liverpool great Carragher always expected to follow Ronaldo after he signed his contract, as the 37-year-old never would’ve wanted to “play second fiddle” to a teammate.

“I always felt this situation would come. Even if Ronaldo did great for a year, he signed a two-year deal plus another year which I couldn’t believe. He’s never going to play second fiddle to anyone,” Carragher said.

“As players, at a certain stage in your career we all know that you’re not the same player and his (career) has gone on longer because he’s such a great professional.

“He’s not the same player, he’s still a great goal scorer but he’s not the same player. No other club in Europe at this moment wants him.

“I think if you ask (Erik) ten Hag, I don’t think he wants him and I’m not quite sure the dressing room at Manchester United would want Cristiano Ronaldo right now.”

What to expect in the opening PL round | 03:20

While it’s been said that Ronaldo missed the pre-season tour due to personal reasons, the rumor mill was in full swing as fans and pundits alike speculated about his future.

It’s believed that he’d handed in a transfer request after United failed to qualify for the Champions League last season – finishing sixth, 35-points behind rivals and champions Manchester City.

While in Australia, new manager ten Hag was bombarded with a number of questions about his key player.

Ten Hag insisted that Ronaldo wasn’t for sale, but Ronaldo continued to dominate headlines over rumors of a potential transfer to Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, ​​and even Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain.

“Ten Hag literally has had every single press conference that he does just obliterated by the Ronaldo issue,” Neville added.

“If a player becomes the dominating factor and a distraction in a press conference for a manager, there’s only one thing that needs to happen. We all know it.

“You might have to go back to go forwards and this season Manchester United, they may have to go back without Ronaldo.”

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Premier League transfers, Chelsea sign Marc Cucurella, Christian Benteke, Manchester City, latest news,

The Premier League has just kicked off for a season, but transfers are still coming thick and fast as managers look to finalize their squads after a short off-season.

With the Premier League starting on its earliest-ever date due to the impact of a World Cup scheduled mid-season, many managers still have plenty of work to do – with Leicester having not signed a single player yet.

The Foxes today announced legendary keeper Kasper Schmeichel had departed for France, but it was Chelsea’s signing of Brighton’s Marc Cucurella for a fullback record-equalling

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Gunners get the job done at Palace | 02:07

CHELSEA BEAT CITY! (TO A SIGNING, AT LEAST)

Chelsea have signed Spanish defender Marc Cucurella from Premier League rivals Brighton on a six-year contract, the London club announced Friday.

No fee was disclosed but British media reports have valued the deal at £60 million – the equal-highest fee for a fullback.

The 24-year-old should now be available for Chelsea’s Premier League opener away to Everton on Saturday.

“I’m really happy; it’s a big opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world and I’m going to work hard to be happy here and help the team,” Cucurella told Chelsea’s website.

The Spain wing-back has now become Chelsea’s latest pre-season signing with Kalidou Koulibaly, Raheem Sterling and Carney Chukwuemeka all having arrived at Stamford Bridge for a total spend of £172m.

Cucurella’s move has paved the way for young Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill to head in the opposite direction, on loan, to Brighton.

Both Manchester City and Chelsea have been interested in Cucurella, although the Premier League champions are understood to have baulked at Brighton’s asking price.

But Chelsea, under new owner Todd Boehly’s consortium, remained interested.

“He’s young, hungry, mobile and a very intelligent player,” said Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel of Cucurella, with the German explaining the new recruit would take some of the pressure off Ben Chilwell during the England wing-back’s recovery from knee surgery.

“It helps in depth and in quality, and it helps with Ben, to escape the pressure of I have to deliver and we need you absolutely now,” Tuchel said.

“We have of course at the moment in this position Marcos Alonso, Kenedy and Emerson.

“And I think he (Cucurella) can play very well in the back three, so it’s a bit of a profile of Azpi (Azpilicueta) on the left side. He gives us many options.”

Boehly added: “Marc is an elite defender of proven Premier League quality and he further strengthens our squad going into the new season.

“We continue to work on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted Marc will be a part of the present and future at Chelsea.

Kloppo COOKS over World Cup | 01:15

ROONEY BAGS SIXTH SIGNING ALREADY

Belgian international striker Christian Benteke, who has spent the past 10 years in the Premier League, joined Wayne Rooney-coached DC United of Major League Soccer on Friday, the club announced.

United obtained the 31-year-old forward on a permanent transfer from Crystal Palace and signed him to a deal through the 2024 season with a club option for 2025.

“Christian is a top player who has played at the highest level for a long time,” former England and Manchester United star Rooney said.

“His experience and ability to score goals and help the team will be invaluable. It’s exciting for the team and myself to get him in and playing. He will make a huge difference.” United will need all the help it can get with a record of just six wins and three draws for 21 points, the second-worst in the 28-team North American league.

Benteke scored 86 goals in 280 Premier League appearances with Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Palace.

Benteke becomes the sixth player to join United since Rooney was named coach last month.

Pep confident Haaland will bag goals | 00:45

HAMMERS LAND STRIKER … AND THEY’RE NOT DONE

David Moyes has said West Ham will still be involved in the transfer market after signing Maxwel Cornet.

The Ivory Coast forward has joined the Hammers following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League in a move worth a reported £17.5 million.

His arrival at the London Stadium ahead of the new season comes after Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes and Gianluca Scamacca joined the club, with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola signing a permanent deal following a loan spell.

However, defend Aguerd, who cost £30 million, is expected to be out for three months with a knee injury.

Having also lost the retired Mark Noble, and the released duo of Ryan Fredericks and Andriy Yarmolenko, from what was already a thin squad, West Ham manager Moyes is keen to sign more players.

“We’ve made good signings,” Moyes said Friday. “We’ve had one or two injuries as well, which we have to take into consideration, but we’re far from finished in that regard.

“We lost three outfield players and a goalkeeper this summer. We didn’t bring any players in during January so we need to fill these voids. We want to bring in quality players and we’re working to do that.”

Scamacca will help fill the void in West Ham’s ranks left by last year’s departure of striker Sebastien Haller.

But the £30 million signing from Sassuolo is short of match fitness and so not expected to feature in West Ham’s opener against champions Manchester City on Sunday.

Leicester City's Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (R) and Leicester City's Italian former manager Claudio Ranieri (L) after their iconic triumph.
Leicester City’s Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (R) and Leicester City’s Italian former manager Claudio Ranieri (L) after their iconic triumph.Source: AFP

SCHMEICHEL DOES NICE DEAL

Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said Friday he has “high ambitions” to replicate his success with Leicester City at new club Nice.

The 35-year-old was the mainstay of the most successful period in the English club’s history winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield in his 11-year spell.

“In football, if you have a feeling, you have to go with it,” said the former Leicester captain, who wants to turn the Riviera outfit back into the “top club” who won four Ligue 1 titles, the last in 1959.

“Leicester is a club that I love. The decision to leave family members is difficult,” Schmeichel told a press conference.

“But I am 35 years old. It was time to challenge myself, with the desire to continue to grow as a player and person — a new language, a new experience for my family.

“But the main reason was the fact that Ineos (owners) have very high ambitions for Nice. They want to make it a top club. I see similarities there with when I joined Leicester.” The son of former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel joined Leicester from Leeds in 2011 and soon became a fans’ favorite with his 479 appearances the third most in the club’s history.

Nice finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season and open their new campaign at Toulouse on Sunday.

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