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Juventus Bounce Back Financially After Years of Losses
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SERIE A

Juventus Bounce Back Financially After Years of Losses

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: A Juventus branded corner flag in a general view prior to kick off in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Juventus FC and PSV at Juventus Stadium on February 12, 2025 in Turin, Italy. Juventus aren’t doing particularly well on the pitch, but the financial situation at the club has improved significantly in the past calendar year, primarily thanks to the return to the Champions League after a one-year ban stemming from the ‘plusvalenze’ trial, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs. The Bianconeri announced having closed the last six months of 2024 in the black by €16.9M. They had lost €95.1M in the same period of 2023 and 199M for the entire past season. The UEFA prize money was a big factor. The team pocketed €64,1M. J...
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Conceicao offers up his job after yet another loss
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SERIE A

Conceicao offers up his job after yet another loss

Sergio Conceicao is the head coach of AC Milan during the match between AC Milan and FC Inter in Serie A at Stadio San Siro in Milan, Italy, on February 2, 2025. Milan didn’t take advantage of the make-up game against Bologna to gain ground in the Champions League, and coach Sergio Conceicao stated that he’d be ready to step down if it helped in his post-game remarks (via Goal). “There was a blatant handball on the first goal. We should do more about all these negative episodes. We must keep working and see what we did well. All our errors turn out to be decisive. When we settle into games, we play like we prepared, cover the pitch well, and arrive in the final third easily. Then, every now and again, these things happen. The referee isn’t the only one responsible for this loss, but the...
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Neymar Reveals Why He Rejected Real Madrid ‘Blank Cheque’ To Join FC Barcelona
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NEWS

Neymar Reveals Why He Rejected Real Madrid ‘Blank Cheque’ To Join FC Barcelona

LIMEIRA, BRAZIL - FEBRUARY 23: Neymar of Santos kicks a corner kick during a Campeonato Paulista match between Inter de Limeira and Santos at Major Levy Sobrinho Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Limeira, Brazil. Brazilian soccer star Neymar revealed why he rejected a "blank check" from Real Madrid to join its bitter rival FC Barcelona while appearing on the Podpah podcast. The Santos-produced prodigy is now back with the Sao Paulo state coastal club that also gave the world Pele and Rodrygo. In the early 2010s, however, upon his rise to global prominence, he was wanted by a number of European heavyweights falling over themselves to land Brazil’s most talked up talent of the time. On the Podpah podcast, Neymar recalled that time in history. “Real Madrid’s offer was a blank cheque, they t...
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Jose Mourinho banned for four matches, fined after Turkish referees comment
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NEWS

Jose Mourinho banned for four matches, fined after Turkish referees comment

José Mourinho of Fenerbahce looks on during the Super Lig match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park, Istanbul, Turkey on February 24, 2025. Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho was given a four-match ban and fined by the Turkish Football Federation following his comments about Turkish referees after a match at Galatasaray. The Turkish federation on Thursday (February 27, 2025) fined the 62-year-old Portuguese coach 1.6 million Turkish lira ($44,000) after he criticized the match officials in a media conference following a 0-0 Super Lig draw on Monday. Mourinho served one of his suspended four games on Thursday when he was absent from the bench for Fenerbahce's 4-1 Turkish Cup win at Gaziantep. Britain's Sky Sports News said Fenerbahce had appealed the four-game ban. It means tha...
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Ruud van Nistelrooy vows to ‘keep going’ after another poor Leicester result
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Ruud van Nistelrooy vows to ‘keep going’ after another poor Leicester result

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Ruud van Nistelrooy, Manager of Leicester City speaks to the media in a post match press conference after the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Leicester City FC at London Stadium on February 27, 2025 in London, England. Ruud van Nistelrooy shrugged off any suggestion he could be sacked after Leicester slumped to another dismal defeat at West Ham. The Foxes looked like they were waving the white flag in the battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League during an abject first half. An early goal from Tomas Soucek and Jannik Vestergaard’s own goal before half-time ultimately gave West Ham a 2-0 victory that was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. Van Nistelrooy’s hapless side have now lost 11 of their last 12 matches, th...
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PSG Rekindle Strong Interest in Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich
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TRANSFERS

PSG Rekindle Strong Interest in Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Eintracht Frankfurt at Allianz Arena on February 23, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images) Paris Saint-Germain have been keeping an eye on Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich for months, even coming close to signing him last summer. Nonetheless, the Parisians are again revisiting this file and hoping that this time around, they will succeed. Barcelona are reportedly targeting Joshua Kimmich and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah as they look to strengthen their midfield and defense ahead of the 2025 season. Journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl have previously reported that Bayern Munich have given up on persuading Kimmich to...
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Flick makes De Jong demand after Barca’s draw with Atletico
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LALIGA

Flick makes De Jong demand after Barca’s draw with Atletico

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick during the Copa del Rey match, Semi-finals, leg 1, between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid played at Lluis Companys Stadium on February 25, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Hansi Flick made it clear he wasn’t happy with Barcelona’s defensive effort after Tuesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final draw against Atletico Madrid. According to Marca, Flick has analysed the game and called on Frenkie de Jong to be “more decisive” defensively to help support the backline. De Jong had a good game against Atletico, but Flick wants more from the Dutchman and feels he could have done better against Diego Simeone’s side. The German coach has noted how De Jong failed to close down Angel Correa in the build-up to Atletico’s third goal which put the visitors back in the game. Flic...
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Emery says Villa ‘not contenders’ to win FA Cup
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Emery says Villa ‘not contenders’ to win FA Cup

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery arriving at the stadium during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Aston Villa FC at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2025 in London, England. Manager Unai Emery says Aston Villa are "not a contender" to win the FA Cup this season. Villa host Championship strugglers Cardiff City on Friday for a place in the quarter-finals. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have already been knocked out and Villa beat Premier League rivals West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in the previous two rounds. But Emery said: "We are not a contender in the FA Cup to win the title, but to try to compete in the competition and have a way to a trophy - and Europe is very important, and prestigious. "Every club, players and coaches like...
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Mikel Arteta wants good news on returns of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta wants good news on returns of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli

Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, looks dejected after a 0-0 draw during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on February 26, 2025. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is hoping for some good news from his medical department on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Saka and Martinelli have both been sidelined with hamstring injuries, with the England international needing surgery before Christmas. They are on the comeback trail and could be fit to return after next month’s international break. Arteta is meeting with medical staff on Thursday to find out their exact condition. Asked if they could be back in early April, the Spaniard said: “I think so but again let’s see how...
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Penalty shoots Leipzig into German Cup semi-finals
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BUNDESLIGA

Penalty shoots Leipzig into German Cup semi-finals

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 26: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's first goal from a penalty during the DFB Cup quarterfinal match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull Arena on February 26, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. RB Leipzig needed a well-taken second-half penalty from forward Benjamin Sesko to edge out VfL Wolfsburg 1-0 and reach the German Cup last four. Leipzig, back-to-back German Cup winners in 2022 and 2023, soaked up early Wolfsburg pressure in both halves on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT) before gradually improving. Slovenia forward Sesko scored from the penalty spot in the 69th minute after Wolfsburg's Kilian Fischer was penalised for hand ball when Sesko's close-range shot hit his arm. There was no correction from the video referee. It was the ...
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Vinicius: “Playing my first game as captain is a source of pride for me and my family”
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LALIGA

Vinicius: “Playing my first game as captain is a source of pride for me and my family”

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the Spanish Cup, Copa del Rey, semi-final football match played between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid at Reale Arena stadium on February 26, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. In a significant night for Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar, Vinicius Jr. captained Real Madrid for the first time in their victory over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. “It’s something very special,” Vinicius told Real Madrid TV after the match. “After so much time here and at 24 years old, playing my first game as captain is a source of pride for me and my family, after everything we’ve been through to be here, to reach the club of my dreams and to be able to fulfill my dreams... I hope I can continue doing this for a long time. ...
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Thiago Motta slams ‘shameful’ attitude after cup exit
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SERIE A

Thiago Motta slams ‘shameful’ attitude after cup exit

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, talks to Kenan Yildiz of Juventus during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between Juventus FC and Empoli FC at Allianz Stadium on February 26, 2025 in Turin, Italy. Empoli knocked Juventus out of the Coppa Italia with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw in regular time, leaving coach Thiago Motta ashamed by the Bianconeri's shock exit. Empoli initially led with a first-half goal by Youssef Maleh, while Juventus struggled to pose any serious threat before the interval, prompting Motta to criticise his side's performance and urging his players to take responsibility. "Shame. I feel shame for what we saw in the first half and I hope my players feel the same," Motta told a press conference. "The attitude...
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Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha could be for sale this summer
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha could be for sale this summer

01 February 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich - Holstein Kiel, matchday 20 at the Allianz Arena. Joao Palhinha from Munich plays the ball.  According to a report from Tz journalists Hanna Raif, Philipp Kessler, and Vinzent Tschirpke (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich might not have necessarily wanted to sign João Palhinha last summer, but felt an obligation to do so because of how a potential transfer fell apart in 2023: There’s talk behind the scenes at Säbener Straße that João Palhinha was only signed last summer because the people in charge promised him that after the failed transfer in summer 2023. The Portuguese is currently behind in the pecking order, and the fact he had to deal with injuries and illnesses didn’t make things any easier for him. Palhin...
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Real Madrid star to be handed rare start vs Real Sociedad
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LALIGA

Real Madrid star to be handed rare start vs Real Sociedad

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 24: Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick Felipe players of Real Madrid are training at Valdebebas training ground on February 24, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. An oft-overlooked member of the attacking ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid is expected to be afforded a starting berth in the club’s next outing. That’s according to Marca, who point towards Endrick as the player in question. Real Madrid, of course, are primed to return to action in short order. Turning attentions back towards matters in the Copa del Rey, Los Blancos have made the trip to Anoeta, for a semi-final first-leg meeting with Real Sociedad. Carlo Ancelotti and co. opted to leave several of the club’s leading stars out of Real’s travelling squad for the clash, including Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde an...
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Lionel Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck
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NEWS

Lionel Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF smiles during a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup second leg match between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami at Chase Stadium on February 25, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount for grabbing one of New York City FC's coaching staff on the neck after Saturday's MLS opener, the league said. Video footage showed Messi approach the coach and grab the back of his neck, causing him to pull away from the eight-times Ballon d'Or winner after the 2-2 draw in Miami. The fine was imposed by the MLS' Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday. The top-flight North American league also fined Messi's teammate Luis Suarez on Tuesday for violating the same "face/head/neck of...
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Guardiola says De Bruyne has to decide on his Man City future
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Guardiola says De Bruyne has to decide on his Man City future

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and manager Pep Guardiola during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Thursday December 26, 2024. Kevin De Bruyne must make his own decision on his Manchester City future, Pep Guardiola has insisted. The 33-year-old will be out of contract in the summer after a decade with the club, during which time he has marked himself out as one of the best midfielders to have graced the Premier League. But the Belgian's powers appear to be on the wane and his performance in Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool drew criticism. He has played the full 90 minutes only seven times of an injury-disrupted season, starting 12 of 25 league games, scoring two goals and adding six assists. De Bruyne has been linked with a potentially lucr...
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AC Milan and Reijnders have contract extension agreement
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SERIE A

AC Milan and Reijnders have contract extension agreement

Tijjani Reijnders plays during the AC Milan against FC Inter match in Serie A at Stadio San Siro in Milan, Italy, on February 2, 2025. Reports in the Netherlands claim that Milan and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders have reached an agreement over a new and improved contract extension, which could tie down the Netherlands international for another four and a half years. According to reports from De Telegraaf, Milan and Reijnders have an agreement in place over a new contract that will run until the summer of 2030. The 26-year-old’s current deal runs until the summer of 2028, but the Rossoneri are keen to tie him down to a new contract in order to fend off interest from the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona after a strong start to life in San Siro. Tuesday’s report does not specify how much...
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Moyes starts to plan for Everton future with safety in sight
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Moyes starts to plan for Everton future with safety in sight

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Everton's manager David Moyes celebrates victory at the end of the match during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Everton FC at Selhurst Park on February 15, 2025 in London, England. Everton manager David Moyes has started planning for next season after leading the club to within touching distance of Premier League survival. Moyes has enjoyed a remarkable run since returning for his second spell with Everton in January to replace the sacked Sean Dyche. Dyche was axed with Everton mired in a relegation battle, but Moyes has quickly lifted the Toffees 14 points clear of the bottom three. The former Manchester United boss is targeting nine more points to reach the 40-point mark he believes will guarantee the Liverpool club's place in Engli...
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Vlahovic Snubs Fenerbahce and Juventus Offers, Eyes EPL
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Vlahovic Snubs Fenerbahce and Juventus Offers, Eyes EPL

Dusan Vlahovic participates in the Serie A 2024-2025 match between Juventus and Empoli in Turin, Italy, on February 2, 2025. Dusan Vlahovic returned to the starting lineup and the stat sheet after a couple of months versus Cagliari, relieving Randal Kolo Muani who had quickly supplanted him after joining Juventus. Thiago Motta will keep relying on both down the stretch, perhaps simultaneously. However, the future of the Serb will most likely be away from Turin, TuttoSport informs. The marksman had the chance to move to Saudi Arabia in January. José Mourinho is trying to lure him to Fenerbahce now. The Turkish team would be able to guarantee his €12M salary. However, the courtship of the Special One hasn’t broken through. The center-forward prefers more alluring destinations. In parti...
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Edon Zhegrova not to extend Lille contract
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Ligue 1

Edon Zhegrova not to extend Lille contract

23 Edon ZHEGROVA (losc) during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Lille and Brest at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on December 6, 2024 in Lille, France. Lille winger Edon Zhegrova (25) has informed Olivier Létang – the club president – of his decision not to extend his contract with Les Dogues, paving the way for a summer exit. Speaking to Radio Dukagjini, an Albanian radio station, the Kosovo international has confirmed his time with the Ligue 1 club will come to an end. “I informed the club that I will not renew my contract. We will see what will happen this summer, but the club has been informed of my wish. I will not renew my contract”, Zhegrova said. With the right-sided winger tied with Lille over a contract set to expire in 2026, Les Dogues have no choice but to part ways with Zhegrova this...
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