All the top stories and transfer rumors from Friday’s press…
THE SUN
Manchester City were shocked to hear Cristiano Ronaldo say he was “close” to a move to the Etihad in the summer of 2021.
Lionel Messi and his Argentinian teammates turned down a five-star hotel’s offer to provide accommodation for students at the World Cup in favor of a restaurant.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a way to escape Manchester United’s Christmas… to Australia.
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In an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV, Cristiano Ronaldo said that young players ‘don’t care’ and are different from his generation.
Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei has insisted he has no regrets about signing for the Blues despite missing out on first-team minutes.
Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has admitted he wants to return to the club.
Peter Crouch has revealed the horrific abuse he endured early in his career led him to consider quitting football.
PROTECTOR
David Beckham is also under fire for his role as ambassador to Qatar after he said the World Cup would be a platform for progress, inclusion and tolerance.
Liverpool and Juventus are facing growing uncertainty over Mason Mount’s future after Chelsea’s talks with the England midfielder over a new contract were put on hold until after the World Cup.
Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount’s current contract expires in the summer of 2024
TIME
Just three days before kick-off, Qatari fans were lobbying FIFA to change the alcohol rules at the World Cup and stop selling Budweiser in eight World Cup stadiums.
England are set to discuss whether to take part in the World Cup in Qatar for Monday’s group opener against Iran.
Mauricio Pochettino has said he is “open” to the idea of managing England as Gareth Southgate prepares for a tournament that will define his tenure.
Disgraced former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner says he is still confident of avoiding extradition from Trinidad to the United States even if he fails to appeal to the Privy Council in London.
DAILY EXPRESS
Gareth Bale is practicing golf ahead of the World Cup in Qatar after being banned from playing at the Doha course.
Erling Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta has announced that there are no concrete plans for the Norwegian footballer’s future amid rumors linking him with a move away from Manchester City before the end of his current contract.
Lionel Messi has decided to go solo at the World Cup in Qatar and Argentina following Sergio Aguero.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Liverpool’s owner, Fenway Sports Group, has confirmed that Jurgen Klopp’s senior partner Michael Gordon will “step back” in day-to-day duties as part of the power shake-up at Anfield.
The Football Association will meet with FIFA on the eve of the World Cup to ask why it has not taken action to improve the rights of migrant workers in Qatar.
DAILY MIRROR
Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed former team-mate Lionel Messi as an “amazing player” – and insisted there is great respect between the two greats.
Lionel Messi has spoken of his “joy” in Paris as he appears to have poured cold water on Joan Laporta in a bid to bring him back to Barcelona.
INDEPENDENT
Gareth Southgate has left Ivan Toney out of England’s World Cup squad on “football grounds”, according to Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham.
DAILY MAIL
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been impressed by a message of thanks from the Spanish FA after his international retirement – although he hasn’t hung up his gloves.
Arsenal are set to host Juventus in their final pre-season friendly before the start of the Premier League season on Boxing Day, while the Serie A side have set up another clash with Barcelona during the World Cup break.
Leicester are believed to be able to complete a deal with Youri Tielemans to stop their midfielder from leaving next summer.
Christopher Nkunku has defended his fellow Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga after he was insulted this week.
