Cristiano Ronaldo v Lionel Messi Football’s Greatest Rivalry?

When two players emerge at the same point in history that both have an ability that sets them above their piers then a rivalry is bound to develop. Much like that of Bobby Charlton and Franz Beckenbauer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been thrown together as players of their generation and we take a look at the rivalry between them.

The fact that no other players of this era can get close to the ability or stats of either player just goes to show how important they are both to their respective clubs but also as icons to the sport. Neither claim the rivalry is anything other than friendly competition and, indeed, the great Sir Alex Ferguson explained it in these terms:

Read More: http://sportslens.com/cristiano-ronaldo-v-lionel-messi-footballs-greatest-rivalry/219961/

Brazil legend tips Beckham as best free-kick taker in history

Roberto Carlos is a legend and an icon. He was also a man ahead of his time as one of the most recognisable players in world football who happened to play in the position usually reserved for defenders who were too small to play at centre-back and not good enough to attack on the wing. He was, however, a full-back who scored more than 100 career club goals, with a record of around one strike every eight games. Not bad for a defender, and especially at a time when a left-back’s primary job was to defend.

That might have been helped by the teams he played in and his roles within them, of course.

As a left-back for Real Madrid and Brazil, he was often up against smaller teams who would let Carlos’ team have possession more often than not, allowing the Brazilian to get up the pitch in support frequently. He was also an iconic free-kick taker, and that, too, helped him to get goals.

Read More: https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/manchester-united/brazil-legend-tips-beckham-as-best-free-kick-taker-in-history

Barcelona confirm Luis Suarez and Arda Turan boosts but Lionel Messi is yet to return to training

Barcelona star Luis Suarez and forgotten playmaker Arda Turan should be ready to face Leganes on Saturday (18 November) after having completed the last two training sessions with the rest of their available teammates.

Suarez, 30, has been playing with a niggle in his knee since suffering an injury earlier in the season during the Catalans' 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup on 16 August.

Last week the Uruguay international trained on his own at the Barcelona training ground in a bid to put those woes behind after his national team omitted him from the friendlies against Poland (10 November) and Austria (14 November).

There had been suggestions that he may even require surgery to remove a cyst should the discomfort fail to disappear.

But the former Liverpool striker ruled out undergoing an operation last week after claiming that the rest during international break would be enough for him to be fully fit to feature when the Catalans resume their season at Leganes.

Suarez looks set to start against the Madrid-based side with Barcelona confirming that he has been able train with the rest of his teammates both on Monday evening (13 November) and on Tuesday morning (14 November).

Meanwhile, Turan has been on the sidelines since suffering an ankle injury during the preparations for the Copa del Rey trip to Murcia on 24 October.

The Turky international has missed the following three games against Athletic Club, Olympiakos and Sevilla but could also be available to face Leganes if called upon by Valverde.

Read More: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/barcelona-confirm-luis-suarez-arda-turan-boosts-lionel-messi-yet-return-training-1647273

Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to leave Real Madrid next year

Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, according to reports in Spain. Spanish TV show El Chiringuito de Jugones claims that the 32-year-old has already informed Madrid president Florentino Perez of his decision.

The report also claims that Perez is not willing to allow Ronaldo to leave, even though the forward has rejected the offer of a renewed contract. It’s claimed that Ronaldo is also unhappy that Madrid made a strong attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe from Monaco before eventually losing out to Paris Saint-Germain.

Read More: http://metro.co.uk/2017/11/14/cristiano-ronaldo-has-decided-to-leave-real-madrid-next-year-7077246/

'COUTINHO PERFECT FOR BARCELONA' - RONALDINHO

The Liverpool midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Spain in the summer, but the Reds managed to retain their star asset

Ronaldinho believes that Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho would be a perfect signing for Barcelona.

The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou in the summer, with the Catalan giants making a total of three bids, with one totalling a massive €130 million.

Liverpool managed to resist their advances and retain Coutinho, who has since scored four goals and provided three assists in nine appearances in all competitions for the Reds.

Ronaldinho, a Brazilian icon and a legend at Barca, has closely followed the 25-year-old's career, and believes he would be a shrewd addition to Ernesto Valverde's squad.

Read more: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/ronaldinho-coutinho-perfect-for-barcelona/n069wpdsdrto1fe3kntkv2etx

Forget Bale, Tottenham should splash the cash on Real Madrid teammate Isco

Gareth Bale has once again been linked with a sensational return to Tottenham Hotspur, with The Mirror reporting they are on alert as Real Madrid prepare to cash in.

Real have reportedly set a £85 million price tag on the Welshman as they tire of his ongoing injury problems which has ruined Bale's start to the 2017/18 season.

Bale's return to Spurs would be huge, but his injuries are a clear red flag, and there is a Real Madrid player they should be targeting ahead of him.

Spain international Isco was on Tottenham's radar in 2016, with Spanish newspaper AS reporting they made an enquiry over signing him,

Read More: http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/11/13/forget-bale-tottenham-should-splash-the-cash-on-real-madrid-team/

Cristiano Ronaldo delivers shock news to Real Madrid, major blow for giants

• Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to leave Real Madrid next summer, as per the report
• Portuguese ace felt disrespected by pursuit of Kylian Mbappe
• President Florentino Perez has no intention of letting him leave
• READ MORE: Six Real Madrid options to replace Gareth Bale: PL trio lead way on star-studded list

Cristiano Ronaldo has written his name into Real Madrid folklore with a staggering tally of 414 goals in 407 games and counting, combined with countless trophies and individual accolades.

However, as with every good story, there has to be an end and as he prepares to turn 33 next year, there will be a glance towards the long-term future for Los Blancos and how they can cope without him.

Surprisingly though, it’s the other way round according to AS, who claim that as per El Chiringuito, Ronaldo has informed Madrid president Florentino Perez that he wants to leave the Bernabeu next summer.

For all the numbers mentioned above and the trophies that he’s won since moving to the Spanish capital, the Portuguese superstar is having a tough campaign this time round as he has just one goal in seven La Liga appearances so far this season.

Read More: http://www.caughtoffside.com/2017/11/14/cristiano-ronaldo-delivers-shock-news-to-real-madrid-major-blow-for-giants/