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Newcastle United sealed a famous comeback by defeating West Ham United on Saturday afternoon, having trailed 3-1 with just 15 minutes left on the clock.

With the Magpies desperate for a Premier League victory, it looked out of reach. Step forward Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak.

The duo scored three late goals between to seal a stunning win, with Barnes’ second effort arguably the pick of the bunch. While the pair scored all of Newcastle’s goals, it was Anthony Gordon who delivered a wonderful display.

Anthony Gordon’s game in numbers vs West Ham

The former Everton winger claimed the Man of the Match award, despite not scoring any of his side’s four goals against the Irons.

Gordon grabbed one assist, took six shots, and missed a big chance during the match, ensuring he was a positive and threatening presence on the left flank throughout.

He also won both of their penalties, from which Isak converted, showing his willingness to get into the box often, while he also created a big chance and made three key passes before he received a second yellow card in the dying minutes for time-wasting.

This shouldn’t detract from his sublime performance, which had the West Ham defenders on tenterhooks every time he had the ball.

While Gordon was impressive, Bruno Guimaraes also shone for Newcastle in the heart of the midfield and his display was equally important in sealing all three points.

Bruno Guimaraes’ statistics vs West Ham

The Brazilian midfielder was everywhere during the 4-3 win this afternoon. He took 97 touches which proved how much he was looking to get on the ball, while his passing game was excellent, finishing the match with an 87% pass success rate, controlling things from the middle of the pitch.

Guimaraes also made two key passes, succeeded with one of his two dribble attempts and even hit the woodwork as he looked to get on the scoresheet.

The midfielder was given a match rating of 8/10 by the Chronicle's Lee Ryder – the same rating as Gordon received – who noted that his 'energy and battling spirit was there for all to see in the second half'.

It wasn’t just his passing or attacking skills on show, as the 26-year-old shone defensively too, winning eight of his 15 ground duels, making six tackles while only being dribbled past on one occasion.

It was a solid performance which will have pleased Eddie Howe no doubt and the club could use this as momentum to aim for a European place.

The Tynesiders play Everton and Fulham in their next two Premier League matches, which are certainly winnable fixtures for the Magpies.

If the likes of Isak, Barnes, Gordon – who will now be absent for one game due to suspension – and Guimaraes can replicate the form they showed against West Ham over the next few matches, then Newcastle will seal one of the European spots for next term with ease.

Injuries have played their part this season, but Howe will be hoping his side can sprint to the finish line rather than limp over it.

Howe must drop Newcastle star to allow 5ft 10 talent to flourish

He’s come under fire from a lot of supporters this campaign.

By
Ethan Lamb

Mar 30, 2024

Chelsea are now set to make one of their star players available for transfer this summer in a bid to balance the books and comply with PSR.

Chelsea's FFP worries after heavy spending

Todd Boehly and co have pumped significant funds into the club, with Mauricio Pochettino's side spending over £400 million on new signings last summer alone.

Chelsea now willing to do anything to sign "fantastic" Real Madrid star

This would be Boehly’s biggest move yet…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 4, 2024

Some Chelsea sources have reportedly played down worries surrounding a potential PSR breach, but some reports indicate that a wide array of player sales could be on the cards by June 30 in a bid to balance their books.

Financial experts, like Stefan Borson, have also predicted "more severe" points deductions than that of Nottingham Forest or Everton if they're found guilty of any breaches – despite not being charged as of yet.

“Possibly more severe (than Forest and Everton)," said Borson on talkSPORT (via The Sun).

“I think the scale of the losses they're currently forecasting, to me, appear to be vastly in excess of both Everton and Nottingham Forest. There was an assumption with Mason Mount, because he was announced on Manchester United's website on July 1 that [his sale] had been put into this current season.

"So the £55million of profit was in this season. It now transpires that Mason Mount appears to have been transacted in 2022/23 and that is how they got through [FFP rules].

"It's those sort of [exit] deals that need to be done. And by the way, they all need to be done by June 30. That, as we know, is articulated within the Forest decision."

There are many nominees for the Chelsea exit door, with Pochettino holding no shortage of surplus-to-requirement players. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall, Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech, David Datro Fofana and Armando Broja are all out on loan, and the Blues are very likely to listen to offers for all of them.

Another player who's been touted with a potential exit is Conor Gallagher, despite his star status under Pochettino.

Gallagher "set to be made available" this summer at Chelsea

Gallagher's deal expires next year, putting Chelsea under some pressure to sell the academy graduate for pure profit.

According to ESPN and journalist James Olley, Gallagher is now "set to be made available" for transfer this summer as Chelsea seek to avoid PSR breaches.

The 24-year-old, who's started 28 league games this season, has also been called "priceless" by Pochettino.

“He’s a player with great commitment with the team," said Pochettino.

"Always trying to compensate every situation in an offensive and defensive situation and that is priceless to have a player like him. I’m so happy for him and I’m so happy for the team because it’s a victory we needed, the three points.”

Napoli have reportedly bid €25 million (£21m/$28m) for Manchester United star Scott McTominay – but the Red Devils are holding out for more.

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• McTominay linked with Man Utd exit
• Napoli make €25m offer for Scot
• Red Devils want upwards of €30m

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Napoli want a new midfielder and have identified McTominay or fellow Scotland international Billy Gilmour as their top targets. However, the report states they will either go for the United ace or the Brighton player. While the Italian team have reportedly offered £21m for McTominay, the Red Devils want at least £25m ($33m).

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United are trying to boost their war chest with player sales, with academy products such as McTominay going down as pure profit on the balance sheet. United reportedly rejected a bid from Fulham for the 27-year-old earlier this summer, but he is said to be keen on the move to Napoli. Whether he stays put remains to be seen.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  McTominay, who scored 10 goals last season in his best-ever return for United, is into the last year of his contract, although there is an option to extend that by a further year. Since making his first-team debut in the 2016-17 season, he has made 254 appearances for the Premier League giants.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  McTominay, who has also been linked with Galatasaray and Tottenham, came off the bench in United's 1-0 win over Fulham in their Premier League season opener and it will be interesting to see if he plays against Brighton on Saturday amid this transfer speculation.

Tottenham are targeting a £45 million striker in "red-hot" form after chairman Daniel Levy reportedly set aside "big funds" for a centre-forward.

Spurs eyeing Harry Kane replacement this summer

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou deserves plaudits for his job in a first full season without the club's record goalscorer, Harry Kane, who joined Bayern Munich in a multi-million-pound move last year.

Pundit really wants teenager to replace James Maddison at Tottenham

He’s yet to make his Spurs debut.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 16, 2024

The likes of Son Heung-min and Richarlison have chipped in where it has mattered in Kane's stead, as Tottenham look certain to qualify for the Europa League at least.

However, it is believed that Spurs want to add more goals and assists to their squad when the transfer window reopens, as reported by reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano. This may well include a new number nine, with some reports suggesting a striker is on the agenda for their recruitment team.

Tottenham have been tipped with interest in Union St.Gillosie striker Mohamed Amoura as one option, with one bold claim emerging in the last few days that they've already approached the Jupiler Pro League side with an out-of-window offer.

The Algerian starlet could cost as little as £17 million, but Levy has apparently set aside "big funds" to sign a striker this summer, so perhaps they can shoot a little higher.

Spurs hold a keen interest in Ivan Toney from Brentford as a bigger-name target, with the England international looking very likely to leave Brentford this summer as his contract slowly winds down and is set to expire in 2025.

They've been sporadically linked with Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke as well, coming amid a campaign where he's been in sensational form under Andoni Iraola. The Cherries ace has scored 19 goals and bagged four assists in all competitions this season, leaving little wonder there is a growing clamour for his signature.

Tottenham join summer race for Dominic Solanke

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke this week, Tottenham have joined the summer race to sign Solanke after his fine 2023/2024, but face competition from Arsenal and West Ham.

Their interest is described as "concrete", indicating it is serious, and it is rumoured that Bournemouth could find an offer of around £45 million "acceptable" (Football Transfers) – even if they'd start the bidding at a higher price.

An appealing aspect of Solanke's game is his attitude, with one of his ex-coaches praising the Englishman as the "hardest working" number nine he's ever seen.

"He’s a dream. As a center forward, I think sometimes his work can go unnoticed because it's difficult to score goals at this level," said former Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil.

“But I'm so pleased he get his goal because you ask him to press, he presses, you ask him to do stuff in possession. He does it, he literally does everything he can. Probably the hardest working centre-forward I've ever seen."

Lionel Messi shared a heartwarming message for his close friend and Inter Miami team-mate Luis Suarez after his international retirement.

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• Suarez announced international retirement
• Messi shares a sweet message for his friend
• Uruguayan to play farewell game on Saturday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Luis Suarez decided to bring the curtain down on his illustrious international career as he announced his retirement on Monday. The 37-year-old Uruguay legend served his country for 17 years where he appeared in 142 international matches and scored 69 goals which makes him the country's all-time topscorer.

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  As the former Liverpool and Barcelona star retired from international football, his close friend and current Inter Miami team-mate Lionel Messi shared a heart-touching message on social media. The duo shares a close bond that they formed during their Blaugrana days that lasted for six years between 2014 to 2020. They rekindled their partnership in 2024 after Suarez moved to the MLS from Gremio.

• WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

  Taking to Instagram, the Argentine shared a photograph of the duo hugging and wrote in the caption, "You are unique, @luissuarez9, on and off the pitch!!! I love you very much."

  Lionel Messi Instagram

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LUIS SUAREZ?

  The veteran forward will play his final match for Uruguay in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday at Estadio Centenario, the team's primary home stadium.

Ange Postecoglou will be well aware of his Tottenham Hotspur side's constant ebb and flow this season, with the halcyon days of August through to early November proving to be an inaccurate gauge of the squad's level.

It's important to remember that under the Australian's mentorship, Spurs have lifted themselves from the bleakness of the 2022/23 campaign and are headed for a return to European competition.

But after being thrashed 4-0 at St. James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday, Spurs have ceded three points in the race for top four, with Aston Villa incredibly winning at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal on Sunday.

It is, however, clear that Tottenham require more than a patching-over this summer. Impactful additions are imperative, and Postecoglou might just be eyeing up the perfect player to strengthen the frontline.

Spurs' summer transfer plans

Tottenham will seek to strengthen across a number of positions but there is no doubt that Postecoglou is interested in improving his forward options, with much still to be desired this year.

As such, according to German reporter Christian Falk, the Lilywhites are interested in lodging a move for RB Leipzig winger Dani Olmo, who is available if his €60m (£51m) buyout clause is met.

While Tottenham would present an interesting package for the player, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all registered their intrigue as well.

Why Spurs are interested in Dani Olmo

Olmo is a terrific attacking midfielder and while he has featured centrally in the past, he is starting to find his most impressive performances arrive when placed on the wing.

Across all competitions, the 25-year-old has scored eight goals and supplied five assists from 22 matches this season, including a hat-trick as Leipzig won the German Supercup over Bayern Munich back in August.

While he had been afflicted with injuries in the early phase of the campaign, Olmo has rebounded to click into gear recently and is proving that, should hit fitness prevail, he is one of the most exciting and influential wide forwards around, having been described as a "magic" player by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

As per FBref, the Spain international ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shots taken and the top 18% for assists per 90, showcasing his ruthless ability in and around the final third.

If he continues to produce his recent performance quality, carrying these fruits over to English football, then Olmo could present the likes of Dejan Kulusevski with a real headache.

Kulusevski is an immense member of Postecoglou's team but he has seen his consistency wane in recent fixtures and has actually been benched for the past three Premier League matches after being hooked at half-time against Luton Town, a consequence of Brennan Johnson's emphatic recent form.

While the Sweden international is a real workhorse, he's not been very effective of late and has taken just three shots across his past five top-flight matches, missing the target twice and seeing his other attempt blocked, as per Sofascore.

Moreover, he has only created five key passes from as many games, failing to register a goal contribution during this period.

While Kulusevski will remain a member of the Tottenham team and has proven on many occasions this season his singular quality, Olmo's introduction could see his match action diminish further.

Arsenal are reportedly set to accept Crystal Palace's bid for Eddie Nketiah following the striker's failed move to Nottingham Forest.

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• Nketiah set to join Crystal Palace
• Move to Nottingham Forest flopped
• Arsenal to accept £25 million bid

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Nketiah has been looking to leave Arsenal this summer as he is not part of Mikel Arteta's plans for the future. He had been linked with a move to Marseille but the Ligue 1 side failed to reach an agreement with the Gunners. The 25-year-old was then linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, who had agreed terms with Arsenal, but they could not entice the striker.

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  Crystal Palace are now close to agreeing a deal with Arsenal for Nketiah for a reported fee of £25 million ($33m) plus £5m ($6.6m) in add-ons, reports. Nketiah is expected to accept the move as per the report and the deal is expected to go through smoothly.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Crystal Palace saw experienced striker Jordan Ayew join Leicester City, leaving them with only two strikers in their squad in the form of Jean-Philippe Mateta and the out-of-favour Odsonne Edouard. As such, it is possible that Nketiah would move into the number nine spot straightaway for manager Oliver Glasner.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NKETIAH?

  The English striker will hope to complete his move and join Palace's team dynamics before their next Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday, September 1.

A new coach is coming for the USMNT, and they'll need him quickly if Saturday's friendly against Canada was any indication

KANSAS CITY — The United States men’s national team will be seeking answers and clarity, particularly regarding their still-unfilled head coach position, following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Canada in an international friendly on Saturday. It's a match the team, and its fans, will want to quickly forget and move on from.

The U.S. men's national team is expected to announce a coach soon, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly set to come on. It's a good thing for the USMNT, too, because it will mean the world can forget about an absolutely dreadful performance by the Americans.

The one-goal defeat is flattering and Canada made a statement in this result. This was dominant from Jesse Marsch's Canada, who didn't let up from start to finish.

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It was a game of giveaways and individual mistakes for the USMNT, who totally wilted under Canada's continual press. Johnny Cardoso's mistake led to a Jacob Shaffelburg goal 17 minutes in. Similar with Tim Ream, whose giveaway moments into the second half allowed Jonathan David to make it 2-0. There were moments in between, too. This could have gotten out of hand.

"We learned in Copa that mentality is the number one thing. I mean, you can control that," U.S. defender Chris Richards said to MAX in a broadcast interview. "I mean, if you're on the pitch, sometimes the ball might not go away. You never know. You can miss passes. But a non-negotiable is our mentality. I think we lacked a bit of that in the first half today."

Fortunately for the U.S., it didn't. In fact, they pulled one back. Luca de la Torre came off the bench to score a consolation, but that was all it was. Canada had the USMNT beaten. De la Torre's goal wasn't going to change that. U.S. interim head coach Mikey Varas held himself and his players accountable after the loss.

"I think we were too static," Varas said in his postgame press conference. "So, you know, the translation of the ideas weren't clear enough…You know, on the other side, the mentalities on the players, sorry, they know it. They know you know, we speak the truth to each other. I love those guys, but they know that mentality of fight and to run. It's a sacrifice."

He added, "At the end of the day, it's a combination between, yeah, me and then, I mean, all of us together."

The U.S. will now go back to the drawing board. Canada, meanwhile, will celebrate, Marsch maybe most of all. The American-born head coach got one over on his home country but, more importantly, he proved just how much of a difference he's making for this Canada team.

Maybe the USMNT will get their own difference-making coach in soon. Saturday showed that they need Pochettino as soon as possible. Until then the team will look to get back on track when they head to Cincinnati to host New Zealand.

"I don't think we were outplayed today. I think maybe we were out-battled in some aspects," Richards said. "So I think that's something that I think we have to look at and do better. We know that every game is a chance to get better."

GOAL rates the USMNT's players from Children's Mercy Park…

• USA Today Sports
  

  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Patrick Schulte (7/10):

  Basically the only thing that stood between Canada and a really, really big win. Had a few good saves, so he escapes blame for this debacle.

  Kristoffer Lund (5/10):

  The USMNT's best chance, unfortunately, fell to the left-back, who smashed it into the 20th row. Hard not to wonder what this game would have looked like if he'd put that on target.

  Tim Ream (3/10):

  Awful, awful giveaway on the second goal. You don't ever expect those from a veteran like Ream, but it was that kind of day.

  Chris Richards (5/10):

  The better of the two center backs but that's not saying much, is it?. Was decent on the ball, but did still get outmuscled a few times in ways that directly led to Canada threats.

  Joe Scally (5/10):

  Weirdly enough, he passed the ball well but struggled mightily defensively. Shaffelburg gave him headaches all night.

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  Midfield

  Johnny Cardoso (2/10):

  About as poor as you can get. So many giveaways, one of which proved extremely costly in Canada's opener. This wasn't the audition he needed.

  Yunus Musah (5/10):

  Was decent on the ball, although he did dribble himself into danger a few times. Clearly had little chemistry with Cardoso, which is what allowed Canada to dominate the midfield.

  Malik Tillman (6/10):

  Actually created danger when he did get the ball, but those moments were too few and far between.

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  Attack

  Brenden Aaronson (5/10):

  Just didn't really do much of anything. He wasn't bad, particularly compared to some of his teammates, but he didn't make many positive things happen, either.

  Folarin Balogun (6/10):

  Had a few moments where he threatened to break out, but only one or two where he actually did. Put both of his shots on target, but none to either side of the goalkeeper.

  Christian Pulisic (5/10):

  Canada suffocated him from the opening whistle. Marsch instructed his side to not let Pulisic beat them and, to Canada's credit, he never got particularly close.

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  Subs & Manager

  Aidan Morris (6/10):

  He won't have known too much about it but, hey, an assist is an assist. It was a bit lucky, as it came form Morris' own mist-hit seconds prior, but you give the Middlesbrough star credit for making something happen.

  Luca de la Torre (7/10):

  The midfielder doesn't score many. In fact, he hadn't scored prior to Saturday. His first international goal lightened the mood a little bit just as USMNT fans were getting restless.

  Haji Wright (6/10):

  Nearly got loose for one late and found Pepi for a good chance, but the sequence was ultimately called back for offside.

  Cade Cowell (N/A):

  Came on to add some much-needed pace. Might have been a bit too late.

  Ricardo Pepi (N/A):

  Forced a good save out of Crepeau, but proceeded to pass to Wright despite the forward clearly being offside.

  Mikey Varas (4/10):

  Sometimes, not taking a risk is, in fact, a risk itself. That's what happened on Saturday. Varas largely relied on regulars and, despite that, the USMNT were outclassed early and often. Could this game have been a bit different with a fresh face like Caleb Wiley or Cowell? It makes you think…

It's that time of year again, a time celebrated by Arsenal fans across the world: St Totteringham's Day.

Mikel Arteta's men made sure it was mathematically impossible for Tottenham Hotspur to finish above them in the Premier League this season on Sunday when they came away from N17 with all three points in hand. However, the last 20 minutes might have aged their fans three decades.

The Gunners were 3-0 ahead by halftime, but a momentary lapse of judgment from David Raya and a box kick from Declan Rice allowed Spurs back into the game, but the visitors managed to hold on and keep their title hopes alive.

There were several stand-out performances from the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, but there were also a few players who didn't cover themselves in glory and could be at risk of losing their place next week, such as Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Takehiro Tomiyasu's performance vs Tottenham

The Japan international wasn't dreadful against Spurs on Sunday afternoon and certainly wasn't as detrimental to his team's efforts as Raya was. However, he still struggled to stamp any authority on his side of the pitch and offered little going forward.

The former Bologna defender didn't impress football.london's chief Arsenal writer, Kaya Kaynak, who gave him a 6/10 on the day, writing that he was 'a little sloppy on the ball' and 'not always the best on the ball.' It might sound a little harsh given he wasn't directly at fault for any of the goals, but his numbers from the clash support Kaynak's opinion.

In his 96 minutes of action, the 25-year-old created a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.04, succeeded in just 15 of his 19 passes, made zero key passes, failed in both of his dribbles, missed one big chance, misplaced both of his long balls, lost nine of his ten duels, committed four fouls and lost the ball ten times.

It wasn't the best of showings from the Fukuoka-born ace and his lack of defensive solidity and offensive quality could see him lose his spot in the team for Saturday's game against a free-scoring Bournemouth side who cannot be underestimated.

Who could replace Takehiro Tomiyasu

There are really only two options to replace the 6 foot 2 titan at the moment, as while Jurrien Timber is making impressive strides in his recovery, starting a game for the U21s on the weekend, he's simply not going to be ready to start in a must-win first team game this week. That said, there is every chance he could be the starting left-back next season.

So, with that in mind, who is Arteta likely to pick out of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior? Well, the generally accepted line of thinking is that the former is the far more offensively gifted full-back, while the latter can offer the Gunners more solidity at the back.

However, with how poorly the Poland international dealt with Bayern Munich in the Champions League and how shaky he looked against Wolverhampton Wanderers at times – receiving a 5/10 from the Standard's Simon Collings for his display – is this entirely accurate?

Well, when looking at their underlying numbers from this season, there is only one winner, and according to FBref, it's the Ukrainian.

The former Manchester City ace produces far more progressive passes and carries, maintains a higher passing accuracy while making more passes, produces more shot and goal-creating actions, makes and wins more tackles, makes more interceptions, recovers the ball more often and miscontrols the ball less frequently, all per 90.

In his defence, Kiwior wins more aerial duels, makes more clearances, and is marginally more successful in his take-ons, but overall, it's hard to see an area, be that defensive or offensive, in which he comes out ahead.

Ultimately, with Tomiyasu's less-than-stellar performance on Sunday and the likelihood that Arsenal are going to have much more of the ball on Saturday, it would make sense to start Zinchenko in his place, and if the former midfielder performs well, the Japanese star could see his place in the starting XI slip through his fingers.

Arsenal should drop 4/10 NLD flop who had fewer touches than Raya

Not every Arsenal player was at the races during the north London derby.

By
Matt Dawson

Apr 29, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo’s “big ego” is being credited with making the Portuguese superstar the “greatest role model in football history”.

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• Standing among all-time greats secured
• Enjoyed remarkable longevity at the very top
• Intends to reach 1,000 goals before retiring

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has always had unwavering belief in his own ability, while relentless pursuit of perfection has carried him to the very top of his chosen profession. A standing among the all-time greats has been safely secured.

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  Ronaldo is still going strong at 39 years of age, as he produces talismanic performances for Al-Nassr and Portugal, with his intention being to reach 1,000 career goals before considering retirement. Many of the records that he has broken down the years will stand the test of time.

• WHAT PETIT SAID

  World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit – who spent time in England and Spain during his playing days – has told of what makes the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend special: “Cristiano Ronaldo can be considered the greatest role model in football history when you look at where he came from and where he is today at 39. He came from Sporting and worked step by step to be their star player and he had that ambition to stay at the very highest level for so long. He had the ambition to break all the records and achieved that.

  “He has a big ego, but that ego drove him on every single day to be the very best he could. He has set the example for 15 years and I have huge respect for him. I have respect for sportsmen like that who want to get to the very top but also stay there. In terms of the mental side and physical side, what an example Cristiano Ronaldo has set.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Ronaldo’s character can grate on some, but there is no questioning what he has achieved in the global game across a 22-year career. Alongside eternal rival Lionel Messi, he has raised the bar of individual brilliance to a height that few can ever dream of reaching.