Ronaldo hints at Al Nassr departure amid Club World Cup transfer rumours
Spanish outlet Diario AS have reported that he has been approached by Mexican side C.F. Monterrey, who currently sit seventh in Liga MX and have been drawn alongside Inter Milan, River Plate, and Urawa Reds in the Club World Cup group stage. Should he make the switch, he would be reunited with his long-time Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos.
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Wales Online
28 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Carlos Alcaraz told to quit tennis after 'complicated' girlfriend confession
Carlos Alcaraz told to quit tennis after 'complicated' girlfriend confession The Spanish tennis ace has experienced 'anxiety, frustration and doubts' despite his phenomenal success on the court Alcaraz has opened up about his fears of being 'enslaved' by tennis Carlos Alcaraz is through to the semi-finals of the French Open after blowing away Tommy Paul with a s straight sets win in the last eight at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old defending champion produced his finest performance of the tournament so far as he defeated the American 12th seed 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 in a dominant showing. The win saw him set up a semi-final meeting with Lorenzo Musetti as he looks to make it through to the final for the second successive year. However, while Alcaraz is hoping to add to the four Grand Slam titles he already holds, having won Wimbledon twice and triumphed at the US Open in addition to his victory at Roland Garros, he has sensationally been told he should quit tennis after admitting the sport can be overwhelming. A Netflix documentary about the Spaniard's life away from the courts began streaming around the world earlier this year and saw the tennis star admit that he fears ending up "seeing tennis as an obligation," having sometimes felt "enslaved to the sport" and experienced "anxiety, frustration and doubts". Sharing his desire to keep a healthy work-life balance, Alcaraz also revealed that he had partied in Ibiza with a friend just weeks before defending his Wimbledon title, as he explained: "I ended up going and they know what I'm going there to do. In Ibiza, I'm not going to lie, it's pretty much all about partying and going out. "I basically went there to 'reventar' (burst), I'm not sure if that's the best way to put it, but I went there to go out." Article continues below Alcaraz's claims have led Toni Nadal - the uncle and long-time coach of Rafael Nadal - suggest that he should walk away from tennis if he cannot handle the pressures of playing at the highest level. While he admitted that he had not watched the documentary, he gave a blunt assessment of how the 22-year-old carries himself, suggesting that he was being overly dramatic. "If it is too much for him, then he should quit tennis," he told the Nude Project podcast. "I understand things differently in life. In the world of sports, everything tends to be exaggerated. "I've often heard about the sacrifice in sports, the sacrifices made by Real Madrid athletes, and I would say: 'Sacrifice?' Life is about making choices, not just doing what I want. "Sometimes it's worth it for people, and sometimes it's not. If it's not worth it for you, it's better to change jobs." However, Nadal added: "I hope Alcaraz doesn't change jobs because he's one of the best in the world, but one has to take on the challenge. One must accept that things in life will involve a series of compromises. I don't talk about sacrifices because I think that sacrifice is what you do for others. "When you do it for yourself, it's the price you have to pay. Alcaraz, being a great tennis player, indeed pays a price. But on the other hand, he earns much more money than the vast majority of young people his age, has much greater social recognition, and experiences things that few people do. But if it's not worth it for you, better make a decision." It comes after Alcaraz opened up about how his busy schedule and jet-setting lifestyle makes it "difficult" for him to find a long-term partner, having not experienced as much success in his love life than on the court. He was previously linked with sports marketing and law graduate Maria Gonzalez Gimenez, while rumours have also swirled around potential romances with Spanish singer Ana Mena and fellow tennis star Emma Raducanu. However, he confirmed his relationship status on the Molusco TV podcast, explaining: "I'm single, but I'm looking for someone. It can be difficult for a tennis player to meet the right person, because they are always on the move. Who knows what will happen this year. Article continues below Asked if he was seeing anyone, Alcaraz added: "No, no, no commitments for now, I'm single. I've laughed several times with people close to me, when I discovered that three or four players got engaged during the winter break. "I thought it would be my turn, but not yet," he added. "It's complicated to never stay in the same place, it's difficult to find the person who can share things with you if you're always in different parts of the world."
Metro
38 minutes ago
- Metro
Rio Ferdinand names Man Utd duo who couldn't handle 'pressure' of a big club
Rio Ferdinand says Scott McTominay and Antony couldn't handle the 'pressure' of playing for a big club like Manchester United. McTominay left Old Trafford permanently in August and has shined in his first season at Napoli, with the Scottish midfielder crowned Serie A Most Valuable Player after helping his new side land the Italian top-flight title. Antony also went up a level after joining Real Betis on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, with the Spanish team qualifying for the Europa League and reaching the final of the Conference League too. United, meanwhile, endured a horrific season as they finished 15th in the Premier League and failed to land any silverware but Ferdinand feels it's been easier for McTominay and Antony to find success at 'smaller clubs'. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Speaking to ESPN about why McTominay and Antony have done so well away from Old Trafford, Ferdinand said: 'They came into an environment at United which was lacking confidence, under stress, deep scars from things that have gone on before, and a team changing now, again tactically. 'It's different at Manchester United. The pressure is huge. And these guys have gone to Napoli and they've gone to Betis, no disrespect, but smaller clubs in terms of pressure. 'And you're seeing the best version of them. I'm happy for them, it's good.' McTominay provided 12 goals and six assists across 34 Serie A games for Napoli this season, having been moved into more of an attacking role. In his 255 appearances as a United player, McTominay scored 29 goals and registered eight assists. Antony, meanwhile, conjured up 14 goal involvements in 26 games during his loan at Betis. It was a major return to form, given his spell at United, where he's only notched up 17 goal involvements across 96 matches to date. Antony, back at Old Trafford after his loan spell at Betis, recently broke down in tears over the tough times he's had on and off the pitch at United. 'I didn't feel that desire to play football,' the winger told TNT Sports last month. 'I needed to find myself and be happy again because playing football was always something I loved. 'I went through difficult times when I no longer felt that pleasure. I even always told my brother, I told him that I couldn't take it anymore. 'They were very hard days for me. Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room.' McTominay has already become a Napoli icon since joining the club in a £25.7m deal from United last summer. More Trending Speaking after Napoli won the Serie A title, the 28-year-old said: 'The sacrifice of every single player in this group is just incredible. 'The people deserve it, as they've been behind us from day one. For me to come here and experience this, it's just a dream.' McTominay's manager, Antonio Conte, added: 'He feels more complete and knowledgeable and he's reaching a key stage in his career. 'He never had a primary role at Man United, while here we gave him one. He's worked hard and now he's a complete player.' MORE: Chelsea issue telling response after Paul Scholes makes wild Moises Caicedo claim MORE: John Obi Mikel backs Chelsea to sign two Man Utd stars and build Europe's best young squad MORE: Chelsea respond to AC Milan transfer request for Mike Maignan
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
John Obi Mikel backs Chelsea to sign two Man Utd stars and build best young team
John Obi Mikel would welcome the arrivals of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho at Chelsea to join the Blues' army of young stars. Chelsea's first season under Enzo Maresca ended in success, securing Champions League qualification through a fourth-place finish and bagging the Europa Conference League trophy to boot. Youth shone through with Chelsea officially the youngest team in Premier League history – the average age of their starting XIs during the course of the campaign was just 24 years and 36 days. There will be more new kids on the block in the coming weeks. Liam Delap is poised to arrive from Ipswich Town and will be joined by Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian, two of the brightest young talents in South American football. Delap is the old man of that group at the ripe old age of 22 with Geovany Quenda also set to arrive from Sporting CP next year. He is expected to arrive in time to play a part in Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign, kicking off on 16 June against Los Angeles FC with Mikel part of DAZN's broadcast team leading coverage for the revamped competition. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. The recruitment drive is expected to continue beyond that. Chelsea explored a move for Garnacho in January and have also been credited with interest in another of their burgeoning stars in Mainoo. Both could be available this summer, although there is a growing sense the England international will remain in Manchester. Amid a backdrop of chaos at Old Trafford this season, Mainoo has struggled to reach the heights of his breakout campaign under Erik ten Hag. Garnacho meanwhile may have sealed his own fate with his public criticism of Ruben Amorim that followed the Europa League final. Garnacho and Mainoo will improve Chelsea despite recent struggles With Chelsea a blossoming environment for youngsters, former Blues star Mikel is confident both players would thrive at Chelsea as they look to take the next step and challenge for the Premier League and Champions League next season. 'I like both of these players,' Mikel told Metro. 'I have no idea what the issue is with Garnacho and Ruben Amorim because for me he is one of the best players at Man United. The squad is what it is, and you want to get rid of Garnacho. Really? I can't see the sense in that because every time he plays he is a threat. 'The issue is probably the defensive side of his game but that is something you have to work with a young player on. To change their mentality to make sure their defensive responsibilities are taken seriously. 'With Kobbie Mainoo, maybe they feel they need to cash in on him to raise the funds. Maybe he did not have the season we all expected from him last season, he looked a shadow of the player he was when he first burst onto the scene. Again, I have no idea what the issue has been. The system, the manager? Is he not happy with the environment at the football club? 'There are so many factors you have to look at right now with Manchester United. If those are two players Chelsea want, I will take those two, definitely. They can only come in and improve us as a football club. I know if they come in, they will improve us as a team.' 'We have a great squad, a young team but a great squad, a team that has just tasted what it is like to win a trophy,' Mikel continued. 'The environment is so important when you have all these youngsters. It is not like someone is a superstar at this point. They are all young, there shouldn't be any ego. For them, it's a brilliant environment to develop. 'But you need a strong manager with a strong character that can deal with them and put them in their place when they are not doing things right. Maybe give them a little kick in the backside and tell them they have to wake up. Maresca has been that guy for me.' Chelsea saw off interest from a long list of teams to agree a deal with Delap, who will join the club for a modest fee of £30million. His arrival at Chelsea effectively signals an end to the club's interest in Victor Osimhen – a player Mikel has been desperate to see join his old side. Nicolas Jackson has been Maresca's main man up top, scoring 30 goals across his two seasons in west London. Mikel, who spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge, has often been accused of being the Senegal international's biggest critics, questioning his finishing ability in the past with Jackson telling the ex-midfielder to 'shut his mouth' last summer. But the former Blues star says his criticism is constructive. While Osimhen now appears to be off the table, he believes the presence of Delap is ideal to create a competitive culture at the focal point of Maresca's attack – one that will pay off for all involved. 'A lot of people think I am harsh on Jackson. I'm not!' Mikel said. 'What I have said is healthy competition is so important at the football club. In my days, we had Didier Drogba competing with Shevchenko, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka. We had top strikers coming to the club to create that competitive environment. Which Drogba embraced. He knew he was the guy and he would eventually come out on top which he did. 'So I have always said that about Jackson, I have not tried to push him out of the door because he is a talent. He has shown he can play at this level but he does need someone to come in and push him, to create that competitive environment and I am sure the club has done that with Delap. More Trending 'For him to choose to come to Chelsea instead of Man United or Arsenal, it does show how strong we are right now. He has decided to come to a club that wins trophies and Chelsea right now are back doing that. He is young, he can only get better. I hope he can hit the ground running. Everyone knows who I wanted to come into the club but Chelsea decided to go another direction. Which is fine, I hope it works out for Delap and the club. We have to support him.' John Obi Mikel was speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Watch all 63 games live on DAZN for free. MORE: Chelsea respond to AC Milan transfer request for Mike Maignan MORE: Arsenal told to block Mikel Arteta's 'crazy' transfer move for Man Utd target MORE: Napoli eager to sign second Man Utd star after Alejandro Garnacho interest
