Kylian Mbappe 'wants a package worth £206m to join any club' if he leaves PSG, but Real Madrid 'will NOT make a move this summer as they believe the French star is a 'prisoner of money''
AdminKylian Mbappe is reportedly requesting €240million (£206m) if he is to join any club this summer.
The PSG and France forward is currently on holiday after a gruelling but hugely successful season.
For his club, Mbappe netted 41 goals in 43 games, while he also added 13 more goals for Les Bleus across the past 12 months - which included winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup in Qatar.
However, there is currently uncertainty over his future with the Parisians after he confirmed a desire to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in June 2024.
In a statement released earlier this month, the forward pointed to the French giant's 'shortcomings' and the departure of World Cup winner Lionel Messi as major factors in his decision not to renew his deal.
He has been linked to a whole host of clubs, including Real Madrid - who Mbappe snubbed last summer to pen a new contract - although his reported £893,000-per-week wages are seen as a potential challenge for any suitor.
And, according to Marca, the France star - who is represented by his mother Fayza Lamari - would request a package worth £206m from any club.
The report also states that long-term admirers Real never saw a move for Mbappe as being on the cards this year, and this hasn't changed since he outlined his desire to leave PSG.
There is a belief at the Bernabeu that the 24-year-old - who is one of the best-paid athletes in the world - is a 'prisoner of money' who must realise he will have to take a pay cut if he does eventually move to the Bernabeu.
Los Blancos' plan remains to approach him as a free agent next summer - a move they were very close to completing last year.
Given the lack of alternatives, and along with financial considerations, this means that despite the departure of club icon and legend Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti's side are not expected to bring in another striker currently.
Last month they did complete a deal to bring in Espanyol's 33-year-old striker Joselu on a season-long loan deal.
The former Stoke City and Newcastle flop endured a torrid time in the Premier League but has since reinvigorated his career back in his homeland.
He scored 16 times last season for Espanyol - who were relegated from LaLiga - while he has also netted three times in four caps for Spain since breaking into the national team earlier this year.
Speculation surrounding Mbappe comes amid chaos engulfing PSG in recent days.
Boss Christophe Galtier - who is widely expected to be replaced by Luis Enrique in the role - was reportedly taken into police custody over allegations of racism while in charge of Nice and it remains to be seen what happens next.
[DailyMail]
Kai Havertz: Arsenal’s New Crown Jewel and Top Earner
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In the tumultuous sea of summer transfers, Arsenal has secured a catch of stellar magnitude. Kai Havertz, the German international, has been lured from Chelsea to the Emirates, a move that didn’t come cheaply for the Gunners. The alluring prospect of Havertz in an Arsenal shirt isn’t merely exciting for fans, it also sees the talented midfielder becoming the highest earner in the North London club’s squad as reported by The Mirror.
The £65m Switch: Havertz’s Journey from Chelsea to Arsenal
June witnessed the high-profile transition of Havertz from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates in a deal amounting to £65m. Adorning the number 29 shirt – the same he wore when etching his name in Chelsea’s history by scoring the decisive goal in the 2021 Champions League final – the German playmaker has charted a new course in his career.
Arsenal’s previous top earner, Thomas Partey, commanded impressive wages, though not quite as hefty as former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, Havertz’s five-year contract now stands unmatched in terms of remuneration among the current Arsenal ranks.
Havertz’s Arsenal Earnings: An Inside Look
It is reported that the former Bayer Leverkusen ace will be amassing approximately £17m per annum, which translates to around £331,000 each week. For context, Ghanaian midfielder Partey, who was previously the highest earner, had signed a deal worth about £198,000 weekly when he switched from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in 2020.
Declan Rice: Another High-Profile Arrival at the Emirates?
As the buzz around Havertz’s signing continues, anticipation builds for the imminent arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham. The Hammers’ captain can expect a substantial pay rise when he steps onto the lush Emirates turf. A hint of the monetary aspect of his move was shared by West Ham’s owner, David Sullivan, who stated Rice had declined a £200,000 weekly offer to extend his tenure at the London Stadium.
Rice’s signing could set a new record for Arsenal in terms of transfer fee, potentially reaching a staggering £105m with add-ons. This eclipses the club’s current record of £72m, testament to Arsenal’s readiness to compete fiercely for top talent, having pipped Manchester City to secure the English midfielder.
Havertz’s Enthusiasm for Arsenal’s Winning Mentality
Upon the completion of his move, Havertz shared his excitement about his new chapter with Arsenal.
“IT’S SUPER EXCITING FOR ME TO BE JOINING THIS AMAZING CLUB AND TO BE PART OF THE ARSENAL FAMILY. THIS CLUB HAS SUCH A BIG HISTORY, AND I HOPE WE CAN ACHIEVE LOTS OF THINGS. THE MENTALITY IN THE ARSENAL SQUAD IS VERY HIGH AND YOU CAN FEEL THAT.”
Arteta’s Faith in Havertz’s Versatility and Intelligence
Despite a challenging final season at Chelsea, where Havertz scored only nine goals contributing to the Blues’ lacklustre 12th-place finish, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta expressed unwavering faith in the German’s abilities.
“KAI IS A PLAYER OF TOP QUALITY. HE HAS GREAT VERSATILITY AND IS AN INTELLIGENT PLAYER. HE WILL BRING A HUGE AMOUNT OF EXTRA STRENGTH TO OUR MIDFIELD AND VARIETY TO OUR PLAY.”
Last month, Tottenham confirmed that Clement Lenglet will be returning to FC Barcelona after the expiry of his loan spell. But talks were understood to be continuing in the background over a possible permanent transfer.
In fact, some reports even suggested that the defender and the London club had reached an agreement in principle over his contract terms. But the talks of a transfer have gone quiet recently, casting doubts about whether Spurs do intend to sign him or not.
But the Premier League giants are waiting it out for Barcelona to possibly terminate his contract so that they can sign the defender on a free transfer this summer, reports AS.
The Spanish news publication claims Deco is currently working on two important files right now, as Barcelona look to reduce their salary mass. One of them is Lenglet, who is coming on the back of a relatively impressive loan spell at Spurs.
Tottenham were understood to be keen on a permanent transfer, but there was a difference in the valuation of the player between the two clubs.
And, the Lilywhites are now hoping that the Catalans will now terminate his contract, much like they did with Samuel Umtiti, which will enable them to sign the defender on a free transfer this summer.
The idea of Barça handing Lenglet a letter of freedom is not so far-fetched either. After returning to Camp Nou this summer, the defender is entitled to a figure of around €16 million next season in the form of wages.
That would greatly burden Barcelona, especially given the current economic situation. With that in mind, the Blaugrana might not rule out the possibility of terminating the contract of the former Sevilla centre-back, who has no future at the club.
The Catalans, though, could always wait around for other suitors. Lenglet, after all, has enjoyed a good season in the Premier League, which is bound to attract interest.
There is a possibility the club could lower their demands for the defender, so it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming weeks.
[BarcaUniversal]
Taking into consideration the current economical situation at FC Barcelona, it is no secret that the Catalan club is in the market to generate additional funds as well as find new arrivals to strengthen the squad for next season.
However, despite them being keen on certain arrivals that would entail significant transfer fees if they are to come to Barcelona, it is also simultaneously true that La Blaugrana will need to make significant sales in order to facilitate those transfer fees.
In comes the potential interest of English Premier League side Manchester City in one of Barcelona’s biggest stars. As per English outlet The Sun and further highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League champions are reportedly interested in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.
Moreover, similar to how their city rivals Manchester United were willing to spend big on the Dutchman last year, the Mancunians are also not far behind in terms of the financial offer.
As per speculation, the Manchester City offer for Frenkie De Jong reportedly stands around a massive €104 million. The 26-year-old is currently valued at €75 million as per Transfermarkt, a value around which Barcelona paid to take him away from his previous club Ajax Amsterdam in 2019.
Having already lost club captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona on a free transfer, as well as other targets such as Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and Declan Rice to Arsenal, Manchester City are adamant on ensuring they themselves are not left behind in terms of recruitment.
While the validity of this potential offer remains to be addressed, it must be remembered that it was only recently that Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club having rejected a €100 million offer for De Jong in the past and were happy with their decision.
[BarcaNewsNetwork]
Katerina Siniakova captured her fourth career title and first of the season after defeating Lucia Bronzetti 6-2, 7-6(5) in the final of the Bad Homburg Open. The victory capped off a stellar week for the reigning Doubles No.1, who was playing just her third tournament since recovering from a wrist injury that ruled her out of most of the clay season.
Siniakova entered the week ranked No.52 in singles and had not won a singles match since Indian Wells. At the Miami Open, she sustained a right wrist injury in her first-round match against Claire Liu and did not play again until Roland Garros.
Her first-round win in Bad Homburg over Elisabetta Cocciretto snapped a four-match losing streak, and she carried that momentum into her first Top 20 win of the season, defeating No.2 seed Liudmila Samsonova 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.
? First Grass Title! ?
— wta (@WTA) July 1, 2023
Siniakova defeats Bronzetti 6-2, 7-6(5) to win her 4th singles title!#BadHomburgOpen | @K_Siniakova pic.twitter.com/16NrubVSyN
Playing her first singles final since winning 2022 Portoroz, Siniakova maintained complete control over the 65th-ranked Italian from the start. Not even a delayed start due to rain or a prolonged interruption after the first set could deter Siniakova, who came into the final having lost just one set all week.
Siniakova's only wobble came as she served for the win at 6-2, 5-3. Siniakova struck two double faults and two unforced errors in a disastrous service game to let the Rabat champion back in the set. In all, Siniakova lost 13 consecutive points before settling herself to hold to 6-5.
Having rediscovered her range, Siniakova sealed the victory in the tiebreak. After seeing Bronzetti save three match points, the Czech closed out her first grass-court title after 1 hour and 36 minutes. Siniakova finished the match with 16 winners to 27 unforced errors.
[wtatennis]
Daniil Medvedev described Novak Djokovic as “the greatest” yesterday, defying the conventional wisdom to place Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the same pedestal as the Serb.
Djokovic racked up a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title with a third French Open triumph last month.
He is about to launch a bid to equal Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles which will move him alongside Margaret Court as the all-time top major winner with 24 titles.
“I think if I saw it right, Novak is almost 50%. I think I saw he played 70 majors, and 35 times he was in the final. I don’t know how is it possible. He doesn’t have bad days?” said Medvedev.
“Actually, he does, like everybody but even on these bad days, he manages to beat the opponent. I don’t know how he’s doing it. That’s why he’s for me the greatest in the history of tennis.”
Should Djokovic successfully defend his Wimbledon title, he will just need to pocket the US Open in September to become the first man since 1969 to claim a calendar Grand Slam.
Djokovic had the same opportunity in 2021 but lost the final in New York — to Medvedev.
“To be able to beat him when he was going for a Grand Slam, maybe he was a little bit tighter than usual, but I played an amazing match,” recalled Medvedev.
Djokovic’s career-long rival Andy Murray, meanwhile, described the Serb’s achievement in reaching 23 majors as “phenomenal”.
Murray, a former world number one, was the last man to defeat Djokovic on Centre Court when he won the first of his two Wimbledon titles in 2013.
That was the only time in their 36-match head-to-head they have ever met at the All England Club.
“What he’s gone on to achieve the latter stages of his career, it’s been incredible. Also doesn’t look like he’s slowing down,” said Murray who practised with Djokovic at the tournament yesterday.
“What he did at the French Open, it was phenomenal.
“Brilliant performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. Just very clinical, considering how much was on the line. It shows the strength of character that he’s got.” — AFP
[malaymail]
Former two-time French Open finalist Alex Corretja thinks Emma Raducanu is "paying now" for going from a regular girl to a global superstar overnight. In 2021, an 18-year-old Raducanu made tennis history when she became the first-ever male or female player to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier.Raducanu, who was ranked around No 150 at the time, instantly became one of the most popular tennis players and her face was grazing the covers of magazines.But when injuries and a poor form struck, that's when things went south for Raducanu.
"I think what happened to her is super difficult to digest, to deal with. All of a sudden, you are a regular girl and she goes there as a qualifier [US Open in 2021] and then she is capable to win the tournament. You have to speak to the press, people recognize you in the street and know where you are in the world.
It goes from zero to a thousand in a few weeks. And that process she didn't get through, she's paying now. The understanding of everyone looking at you, expecting you to win every match or tournament you play, it's super difficult.
When she was playing the qualifiers at 19, she was still developing," Corretja told Express-Sport.
Corretja advises Raducanu to find a long-term coach
After undergoing multiple surgeries in May, Raducanu also split with coach Sebastian Sachs.
With that move, Raducanu changed her fifth different coach in the last two years. When Raducanu returns to action, Corretja thinks she should be looking to find someone with whom she can develop trust."I don't know exactly what [she needs] to do next, but she needs to be committed to a team and get confidence in the people you work with.
Because if you keep on changing [coaches], they didn't get to know you and you don't trust what they are saying because the one from five weeks ago was better. You need to say 'these are my goals and this is what I want to do. Let's work together for them,'" Corretja said.
[tennisworldusa]
Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka opened her Wimbledon press conference by telling reporters she won't be answering any political questions during The Championships. During the French Open, Sabalenka had a tense moment with a Ukrainian journalist in back-to-back press conferences.That resulted in Sabalenka being pardoned from conducting a regular press conference after her third and fourth-round wins at the French Open.When Sabalenka returned to the press room in Paris, she highlighted that she wasn't supporting the invasion of Ukraine.
"Before we continue I would like to say I'm not going to talk about politics. I'm here to talk about tennis only. If you have any kind of political questions, you can ask WTA or the tournament. They can send you the transcript of my answers from the previous tournaments," Sabalenka said.
Sabalenka on returning to Wimbledon
Last year, Sabalenka was banned from competing at Wimbledon.After a strong push from the ATP and WTA, the Wimbledon organizers changed their stance and allowed Russian and Belarusian to return to The Championships this year.In her pre-tournament press conference, Sabalenka revealed she couldn't watch Wimbledon last year because it was too painful for her.
"I was at home having a little vacation, then practicing. But, no, I didn’t watch Wimbledon a lot. I felt so bad and I just couldn’t watch it. Every time if Wimbledon would be on TV, I would cry, so I decided just to stay away from Wimbledon last year," Sabalenka revealed.In 2021, Sabalenka made her first Wimbledon semifinal.
At this year's Wimbledon, Sabalenka is considered among the top favorites for the title.In her Wimbledon opener, Sabalenka will be playing against Panna Udvardy. When Sabalenka and Udvardy meet, it will be their first meeting. Going into the match, anything but a routine win for Sabalenka would be a surprise.
[tennisworldusa]
"We’re used to thinking of Centre Court as Roger Federer’s place but if Novak Djokovic wins this year, it is his place too" - John Lloyd
AdminNovak Djokovic is looking to tie his legacy with Roger Federer this month and Chris Evert's ex-husband, John Lloyd, has detailed the Serb's stature if he conquers the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.
Djokovic has had an impressive run this season as he has decimated challenges from professionals performing at their best, and his journey is far from ceasing. After recently capturing the 2023 French Open title and achieving the feat of winning all the Grand Slams at least thrice, the 36-year-old has now set his eyes on the prestigious Wimbledon crown.
With the addition of the Paris Major, the Serb not only surpassed Spaniard Rafael Nadal's slam count but also equaled Serena Williams' Grand Slam record (23 titles). He is now looking forward to tying his legacy with Magaret Court's untouched 24 slam count.
This, however, isn't the only milestone that the World No. 2 is speculated to achieve. According to John Lloyd, Djokovic will be distinctively recognized in the Centre Court of the All-England Club and share Federer's solely held position at the grasscourt event. The 68-year-old stated that the feat will come into play if the 23-time Major winner manages to match the Swiss Maestro's eight Wimbledon titles.
"If Novak Djokovic wins this year, he’s equaled Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles. We’re used to thinking of Centre Court as Roger’s place but if Novak wins this year it is his place too!" wrote Lloyd.
The Serbian icon is set to appear in the third slam of the season, starting July 3, and will face Argentinian Pedro Cachin in the first round.
Novak Djokovic claims extra motivation is immaterial to winning slams
Novak Djokovic is scheduled to appear in the 2023 Wimbledon Championship and his biggest challenge in the slam will be Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
The No.1 seed, Alcaraz, is set to pose as the Serb's biggest threat owing to his jaw-dropping performance this season. Furthermore, the duo's notable age gap potentially gives the Spaniard an edge over the legendary player.
In a recent press conference at Wimbledon, the 36-year-old was asked how bracing can it be when facing someone like Alcaraz. The Serb quickly dismissed such inquiries and claimed that he doesn't need the Spaniard or extra motivation when eying a Grand Slam, and he rather stays focused on himself.
"There's always someone out there. There always has been and always will be. For me, I don't need to have Carlos or anybody else really to find that extra drive and motivation when I enter slams because I know that I have to win seven matches to win a title."
"Most of my attention is focused on my body and my mind, my game, trying to I guess bring it to the optimal state where I'm performing my best every match," he said.
[sportskeeda]
Inter Milan chief Giuseppe Marotta has remained coy over the prospect of signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea this summer, and even put the prospect somewhat in Chelsea's court. The Nerazzurri CEO has made it clear that the Blues cannot expect a large fee.
Chelsea prefer to see Lukaku leave in a permanent deal this summer, after he returned to Inter Milan last term after a difficult season with the west London side in 2021/22. The Belgian striker's position became close to untenable following an interview in which he aired his frustrations halfway through the season.
However, having landed the forward for a fee in the region of £97.5million, the club will have to concede making a loss on the 30-year-old. Finding a suitor may also prove difficult.
Marotta reflected on Chelsea's position and hinted that club could have earned a fee around £43million, if Lukaku had been willing to move to the Saudi Pro League.
He said: “Let’s not forget the move [signing of Lukaku] was made by the previous owners of Chelsea. So the new owners have to consider whether Lukaku is part of their project and plans for the future. If he is not, then their strategy will change.
“Obviously, they cannot think of putting him on the market for a big fee. I believe the offer from Saudi Arabia was circa €50million (£43million), which is still a long way off the fee that we got from Chelsea, which was €115million (£99million)."
The Inter chief further noted his own club's position, and seemed to hint that they would not be forced into paying beyond their means for Lukaku. He said: “I don’t want to get into the dynamics. We are working as a team on the objectives we have set. I believe a director ought to be ambitious and not be embarrassed to aim high, but the deals ultimately depend also on the fee and the personal terms.
“Over the next few days, we will evaluate all those things keeping sustainability in mind.”
Chelsea face the difficult task to offload Lukaku and cut their losses without too much damage. In football.london's Big Forum, 71% of supporters wanted to see the club part ways with the former Manchester United forward, with 'no way back' seen for the Belgium international. The remainder of respondents believed that another chance should be provided for Lukaku under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino however.
The majority of supporters seem most likely to get their wish following the arrival of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal on Friday. The Senegal striker has lofty ambitions with the Blues and will join the first team squad along with Armando Broja.
It will be seen as a positive step by supporters, who believed the club's attack required the most investment in this summer. A lofty 70% of people surveyed in our forum, hope believed it was the area that needed most attention at Chelsea while 20 per cent wanted to see funds directed to the club's midfield.
With Moises Caicedo unlikely to come to cheap with a price of £80million already suggested to enhance the Blues' midfield, it remains to be seen whether Jackson will be the last forward signed in the window and whether supporters will be satiated.
[football.london]
More...
Liverpool FC and Arsenal's £265m transfer spending shows new reality Man City face next season
AdminManchester City are riding higher than they ever have, winning the European Cup for the first time to secure the treble. That has unlocked the chance to win the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, and the Blues finally have the trophy they have long desired.
Look online, though, and there is a degree of restlessness at the lack of transfer activity at the Etihad. Mateo Kovacic has come in, Ilkay Gundogan has left, and Declan Rice will join Arsenal.
"When we don't like a deal, we walk away and we don't panic," said CEO Ferran Soriano this week. As Pep Guardiola often reminds fans in the opening months of the season that titles are not won early on, City's bosses will say that transfer windows are not 'won' or 'lost' in the first week of July.
Look at City last season, who began the campaign without Manu Akanji or Sergio Gomez. Both arrived late in the window, and Akanji in particular proved essential in winning the treble. City won't be panicking at their transfer activity so far.
However, a look around the Premier League shows that other sides are acting quicker to strengthen their squads. Liverpool moved swiftly to sign Brighton's World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister on an initial £35m deal, and now look like taking their summer spend close to £100m with the expected arrival of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.
The Liverpool Echo and others report the Reds will trigger the £60m release clause for winger Szoboszlai to continue their attacking rebuild after Roberto Firmino's departure. They will be looking to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles and attempt to challenge for the title again.
Their early activity in the transfer window suggests they will look to offer more of a threat next season after dropping out of the Champions League, and are willing to spend money to do that.
Arsenal ended just five points adrift of City in second last season and know that despite their end of season collapse, they were ultimately not too far away from the Blues, and will rue the six points lost in the two head-to-head matches. With European football back on their schedule, they also need to add depth.
Kai Havertz has arrived from Chelsea for £65m to offer an alternative to Gabriel Jesus in attack, while Declan Rice looks set to join after City dropped out of the race. He will cost £105m, including add-ons, so Arsenal will throw at least £170m at their summer rebuild to catch City.
With Liverpool and Arsenal's spend approaching £265m on just four players, they are not the only sides looking to get stronger and stop City winning the treble again. Tottenham have spent £40m on James Maddison, while Manchester United will put £60m towards Chelsea's Mason Mount. Newcastle are set to spend a reported £52m on AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali as they prepare for the Champions League. Chelsea's unpredictable and extravagant business has also continued this summer, with their preferred starting XI for next season anyone's guess at this point.
Compare those spends to City's current outlay of £25m on Mateo Kovacic - although they will surely increase that should a current player leave or someone like Josko Gvardiol become available.
City won't panic, as Soriano said, although they will also expect all of their rivals to improve next season. As brilliant as City were, they were aided by Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool in particular being fairly poor all season.
Guardiola always says the next season will be harder than the previous one, and the early signs this summer suggest he will be proved right again in 2023.
[manchestereveningnews]
David de Gea is reportedly being targeted for a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo by Al-Nassr after his Manchester United contract expired.
Goalkeeper De Gea, 32, became a free agent on Friday (June 30). Talks with the Old Trafford hierarchy over a new deal broke down last week.
It was claimed he agreed to revised terms which saw his £375,000 weekly wage reduced to £200k before United withdrew that offer and proposed an even lower salary.
Now he's become the latest star lined up for a move to Saudi Arabia, according to The Sun, with Al-Nassr tabling a £250,000-a-week contract for him.
Ronaldo gives Portugal late win on 200th international appearance
However, it's also reported De Gea would ideally stay in Manchester if he can reach an agreement once and for all with the Red Devils. He's currently not in contact with them as he got married to long-term partner and singer Edurne, 37, on Saturday (July 1).
But face-to-face negotiations are set to resume in the not too distant future. United are looking to replace him with a new No. 1 for next season.
Losing him for good would mean they'd need to sign two shot stoppers this summer, though, with second-choice Dean Henderson already headed for the exit door.
Nearly 20 full years since his first senior appearance, Cesc Fabregas has called time on a storied career.
The Spanish international was just 16 years old when he became Arsenal's youngest ever player, enjoying a cup outing during the famed 'Invincibles' season. Two decades on, and a few weeks after his 36th birthday, the Como midfielder confirmed he has played his final game.
"It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots," he said in a statement. "From my first days at Barca, Arsenal, Barca again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will treasure them all.
"From lifting the World Cup, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that I’ll never forget," he added. Theveteran will now become a full-time member of Como's coaching staff, having admitted to falling in love with the Italian team.
Over the years, there have been too many memorable Cesc Fabregas moments to count. Here, Mirror Football takes a look back at some stand-out moments which show why so many have so much fondness for him.
1. Putting Spurs to the sword
There's nothing like a goal in a North London Derby to win over Arsenal fans. Fabregas had already won their hearts several times over before the autumn of 2009, but he added some gloss in a Halloween triumph.
It was Robin van Persie who scored Arsenal's first, but Fabregas doubled the lead just 11 seconds after the restart. Capitalising on a giveaway from Wilson Palacios, Fabregas burst through a number of challenges before beating Heurelho Gomes from the edge of the box.
A goal and two assists in a White Hart Lane win in 2007 was another highlight in Fabregas' Arsenal career. This one, though, had an extra celebratory note to it.
2. Putting his body on the line
By the time Arsenal played Barcelona in 2010, Fabregas was wearing the captain's armband for the Gunners on the grandest of stages. After a Zlatan Ibrahimovic double looked to have sent Barca through, Arsene Wenger's side rebounded to draw 2-2 with their skipper equalising from the penalty spot.
What we didn't know at the time, however, was that Fabregas was seriously injured at the time. His decision to play through the pain barrier wasn't enough to see his team through, despite Nicklas Bendtner putting them in front at Camp Nou, but it was still the kind of thing all fans will remember.
"Some people think I may have even broken the leg against Birmingham a week earlier - and, to be honest, I just don't know," the midfielder said. "Yes, it's exactly the same spot but I didn't go into the game against Barcelona thinking 'My leg's broken'.''
3. An unbelievable assist
When Fabregas returned to the Premier League in 2014, it was for Chelsea rather than Arsenal. Some had questions - surely if he still had elite quality then Arsenal would have brought him back - but they were answered just 20 minutes into his debut.
Nearly a decade on, fans still talk about the pass for Andre Schurrle's goal against Burnley. The calm first-time delivery, and the control of the pace on the ball when others might have thumped it into touch.
That season ended with Fabregas becoming a Premier League champion with Chelsea. It's something he never managed in Arsenal red, but it's undoubtedly something he deserved.
4. Showing where his heart lies
There were still some who weren't delighted to see him move across London, even if there was a spell back at Barcelona in the middle. Some also let their feelings become clear when Fabregas pointed to his chest while taking on his former club.
A section of the Gunners support booed their former captain during the game. He responded by pointing at his chest, and some interpreted this as him pointing to the Chelsea badge, but the truth was rather different.
"If you think I’m capable of doing what you are suggesting I did, you don’t know me at all and my feelings towards all of you what so ever," he told one fan. "I was actually telling the fans they will always be in my heart, but of course your interpretation must be miss guided [sic] by a simple image."
5. Ending Spain's misery
When Euro 2008 rolled around, Spain had gone more than 40 years without a major tournament win. Without Fabregas, the wait might have gone on even longer.
Luis Aragones' side won three out of three in their group, with Fabregas on target against Russia, but quarter-final opponents Italy presented a tougher task. The reigning world champions took the game to penalties after a goalless draw, and Spain had lost three of their previous four shootouts - including against England at Euro 96.
Spain led 3-2 when Fabregas stepped up for their fifth kick, knowing the significance and recognising he had Gigi Buffon to beat. He sent the keeper the wrong way, paving the way for Spain to kick on and beat Russia (again) and Germany to become champions of Europe.
6. Achieving international immortality
Two years after that Euros triumph, there was a World Cup win. Two years after that came Euro 2012 and a change for an unprecedented three in a row.
Once again, penalties were needed - this time in the semi-final against Portugal. Xabi Alonso missed with Spain's first-kick, but failures from Portugal pair Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves gave Fabregas another shot at glory.
Once again, he made no mistake, and he followed it up with an assist in the final as Italy were put to the sword. Cesc Fabregas will forever be associated with one of Spanish football's finest ever eras.
7. A favourite off the pitch
Not only that, but he took aim at the UK government to win more fans among those who weren't huge fans of Boris Johnson et al. In March 2020, before the UK went into Covid lockdown, Fabregas' response to a Boris Johnson press conference showed he had no qualms about giving his opinion.
"So, you’re saying and admitting the disease will spread so much over the next weeks/months but you’re not closing schools “just yet”..." he asked on Twitter. "You will have to close them eventually anyway. Why not do it now and avoid more trouble? #LetsBeResponsable."
[mirror.co.uk]
Roma boss Jose Mourinho has established contact with forgotten Manchester United ace Mason Greenwood over a potential summer switch to Italy. According to The Sun, the ‘Special One’ is willing to hand the troubled forward a ‘football lifeline.’
Mourinho is familiar with Greenwood’s qualities from his time at Old Trafford. Even though the 21-year-old was only a teenager during the Portuguese coach’s managerial stint at Man Utd, the latter knows what he can expect from the left-footed attacker. And he is keen to revive the youngster’s declining career.
Greenwood saw charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behavior dropped in February. But even though the Crown Prosecution Service dismissed all allegations against the homegrown Man Utd star, he’s still on the sidelines.
Indeed, Man Utd suspended Greenwood until further notice, with the Red Devils chiefs investigating his conduct following his January 2022 arrest. Since the Premier League giants are open to letting their infamous forward leave on loan, Roma are ready to pounce. Mourinho has reached out to the player to offer him a fresh start in Serie A.
Considering it’s been over a year since Greenwood last grasped a football pitch, his signing carries a certain amount of risk. But if Mourinho thinks he’s a gamble worth taking, there’s no doubt Roma would intensify talks to take the unsettled Man Utd starlet to the Stadio Olimpico.
As it seems, Erik ten Hag’s employers won’t stand in their way. However, the Roma boss should think twice before making such a risky move. Meanwhile, the Giallorossi have also brought Paris Saint-Germain’s Renato Sanches back to their shopping list.
[cultofcalcio]