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Saudi Arabia appoint Italy’s Roberto Mancini as national team coach

Roberto Mancini has been named as the new coach of the Saudi Arabia national team on a deal reported to be worth more than $25m a year, after his surprise decision to quit the Italy job earlier this month.

The Saudis, who beat eventual champions Argentina at last year’s World Cup in Qatar, have been without a coach since Herve Renard left to take charge of France’s women’s team.

Mancini, 58, led Italy to the Euro 2020 title but failed to qualify for last year’s World Cup.

“I am immensely honoured to be offered the position as Saudi Arabia national team manager,” Mancini, who has signed a four-year contract, said on Sunday.

“I believe this is a great opportunity for me, to experience football in a new country, especially with the growing popularity of football in Asia.”

He added: “The presence of top players in the Saudi Pro League indicates the potential for growth in the national football scene.”

Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude oil exporter, has made waves this summer by buying a host of players from European clubs for teams in the Saudi Pro League.

Brazil star Neymar was the latest in a growing list of big names to be attracted by the huge sums offered by the Saudis after Cristiano Ronaldo kicked off the trend by moving to Al Nassr in January.

Shock move
Mancini’s resignation from the Italy job came as a shock, as earlier this month he had been handed responsibility for the country’s Under-21 and Under-20 teams.

He was heavily criticised for his decision especially following early reports that he was set to accept a mega-money move to Saudi, which he denied was the reason behind his resignation.

Mancini, who was replaced by former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, had a mixed time in his five years as Italy coach.

Victory at Euro 2020 seeming to revitalise a troubled football nation. But the Azzurri failed to qualify for last year’s World Cup following a disastrous play-off defeat to North Macedonia, the second straight time they missed the world’s biggest football tournament.

As a player, Mancini won the 1991 Serie A title and four Italian Cups with long-time club Sampdoria, where he starred in attack alongside recently-deceased Gianluca Vialli.

Newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport reported on Sunday that Mancini’s contract in Saudi Arabia would come with an annual salary of 25 million euros ($27m).

A Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) statement did not disclose his salary.

“The appointment confirms the new era of growth for the Saudi Arabian national team and marks a new milestone in Mancini’s distinguished career,” the Saudi federation said in a statement confirming Mancini’s appointment.

Mancini was due to arrive in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday to be presented to the media.

“We are delighted to welcome Roberto Mancini to lead the Green Falcons,” SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal said.

“His experience and proven track record at club and international level marks a significant step towards achieving our goals in international football.

“Roberto believes in Saudi football and our desire to develop top competitive players and take them to new heights on the world stage – including the Asian Cup in Qatar and qualification for the 2026 World Cup … We’re a footballing nation and we [are] continuing to invest at every level in our journey to compete with the best in the world on and off the pitch.”

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Garnacho’s Partner Unfollows Him Amid Split Rumors

Garnacho's Partner Unfollows Him Amid Split Rumors

Alejandro Garnacho’s girlfriend , the mother of his child, has unfollowed him on Instagram amid fresh rumours of a split.

The Manchester United exile has recently been spotted with Spanish influencer Ona Gonfaus, the women who was allegedly at the centre of a dispute between the couple last year.

Garnacho’s partner Eva Garcia unfollowed him on that occasion before they publicly reconciled when pictures of their romantic family holiday together in Tenerife surfaced.

However, 12 months on, it appears their relationship is again on the rocks, with GSM HQ alleging that Garnacho and Gonfaus shared a caravan together during a recent trip.

The outlet also revealed that Garcia – mother to Garnacho’s one-year-old son Enzo – has signalled a rift in their union.

The news comes as the 20-year-old faces an uncertain future at his club, with United boss Ruben Amorim keen to see the forward depart after a rift at the end of last season.

Alejandro Garnacho’s girlfriend , the mother of his child, has unfollowed him on Instagram amid fresh rumours of infidelity.

The Argentina international has been linked with Serie A champions Napoli, who had a £40million bid rejected for him in January. United are thought to be holding out for more than £50m.

This week, Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis announced his side’s renewed interest and took as swipe at the Old Trafford club’s youth development.

‘Garnacho’s got pace, flair and potential,’ Di Laurentiis said. ‘But that’s not even why we want him.

‘We want him because he’s at United. Get him out and he becomes twice the player. There’s a fault at United that I can’t explain.’

A move to Napoli could be a tantalising prospect for Garnacho, not least because they can offer him Champions League football.

It would also offer the chance to reunite with former United team-mate Scott McTominay, who has been loving life out in Italy, becoming a fan-favourite and title winner.

Garnacho’s time is all but up at Old Trafford after a cataclysmic fall-out with Amorim, which resulted in the manager telling him ‘you better pray that you can find a club to sign you,’ as exclusively revealed by Mail Sport.

In June, the winger sparked anger after opting to wear an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford’s name on it while on holiday in Ibiza.

Garnacho was told to leave United just days after their Europa League final defeat by Tottenham in Bilbao.

The Argentinian winger had been unhappy to be left on the bench for more than 70 minutes of the final, while his brother Roberto had accused Amorim of ‘throwing him under the bus’ in Bilbao.

Dailymail.co.uk

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#NoToMadueke: Why Arsenal Fans Are Protesting

#NoToMadueke: Why Arsenal Fans Are Protesting

The news Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea for just over £50m has prompted a backlash from some Gunners fans.

A petition has been set up and signed more than 4,000 times, #NoToMadueke has gained traction on X, and murals outside the club’s Emirates Stadium have been vandalised with ‘Arteta out’.

At 23, Madueke is already an England international, so why are some so against his signing?

What are the fans saying?
Arsenal have signed six players from Chelsea in recent years – and Madueke will be the second this transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Some fans believe the club should be chasing what they perceive to be ‘bigger’ names.

The Gunners have, for example, been linked with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze.

Responding to a post on our Arsenal page, Gunners fan Steve said: “It’s underwhelming, really. A lot of money for a back-up player. He won’t be a first-team choice over [Bukayo] Saka on the right and [Gabriel] Martinelli on the left.

“They should have got a cheaper back-up player and used the excess money to seal the [Viktor] Gyokeres deal.

“I think the other thing about this is that some Arsenal fans were hoping to get Rodrygo. This is now not happening as Arsenal don’t have the money to spend.

“Is Madueke that sort of player that will win you the Prem? No, Rodrygo is, which is why there is disappointment in the ranks at Arsenal.”

Andrew – a season ticket holder – said there was a difference between match-going fans and those on social media.

“The key word is ‘online’,” Andrew said. “These people signing petitions aren’t Arsenal fans. They live in some parallel fantasy universe on social media where football is viewed like a video game.

“I’m a season ticket holder, and people who go to games believe in Arteta and trust his judgement because he’s usually right.

“Madueke might not be an exciting signing now, but he could prove to be a very good one.

“[Nico] Williams was never coming, Rodrygo is a waste of money, [Anthony] Gordon is overrated and I don’t think this affects Eze. We’ll see how it all works out.”

Will, meanwhile, thinks a lot of the frustration is around the money Arsenal are going to be paying to Chelsea.

“I reckon over half the fans don’t think Madueke is a bad player. It’s just the nature of the deal – £50m for a player who is going to sit on the bench behind Saka or look out of place on the left wing seems like poor business – particularly when this feels like a make-or-break season for major silverware.

“It’s also that the money is going to Chelsea.”

Where could Madueke play?
Madueke is part of Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad, and came on as a substitute as they reached the final by beating Brazilian side Fluminense 2-0.

He joined the Blues from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £30m and has scored 20 goals in 92 appearances.

Madueke was in the Tottenham academy before moving to the Netherlands in 2018.

He plays predominantly on the right, with 88% of his Premier League minutes having come on a side of the pitch that is dominated by Saka at Arsenal.

Saka, 23, started 108 of 114 league matches from 2021-22 to 2023-24 but missed three months of last season because of a hamstring inury.

Madueke would be a capable option as back-up to Saka but can also play on the left.

He was one of England’s standout performers in the recent international break and his assist from the left for Harry Kane’s winning goal against Andorra was one of three in his first seven matches.

Madueke also started four of the Blues’ final five Premier League matches of the season on that side – plus the Conference League final – and he could be direct competition for Martinelli there.

Why he can be a success at Arsenal
Madueke is seen by Arsenal as a good fit, as someone who has played consistent trophy-winning first-team football over the past two seasons.

He has settled well on the international stage and, at 23, there is a feeling he will continue to develop and also increase his value.

There is, obviously, an awareness that Arsenal have signed players from Chelsea in the past but there are success stories within those deals.

Forward Kai Havertz has become vital to the Gunners, midfielder Jorginho was one of Arteta’s most trusted leaders within the squad, and Kepa has joined after an impressive season at Bournemouth.

Sources around Arsenal say the initial fee for Madueke is under £50m – less than Newcastle’s move for Anthony Elanga and Tottenham signing Mohammed Kudus.

How does Madueke compare to Arsenal’s wingers?
When looking at the stats, you can see why Arteta might be excited about the prospect of signing Madueke.

His expected goals (9.6), his number of shots (80), touches in the opposition box (199) and progressive carries with the ball (242) were all higher than Martinelli and Saka in the Premier League last season.

Saka only played in 25 league matches compared to Madueke’s 32, so it is a fairer comparison with Martinelli, who played 33 times.

Madueke also contributed a combined 10 goals and assists to Chelsea last season and could boost Arsenal’s much-criticised attack.

Injuries plagued Arteta’s side last season and they ended the season with limited options in attack as they fell away in the title race.

Madueke is one of the most direct wingers in the league and Arsenal, who mainly play against teams who defend deep against them, could benefit from his eagerness to beat his defender and get a shot at goal.

Bbc.com

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Bernabeu To Host 2030 World Cup Final

Bernabeu To Host 2030 World Cup Final

According to Jose Felix Diaz’s report in MARCA, the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid is expected to host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, following an agreement reached between FIFA and Real Madrid.

While the decision has not yet been made official, sources close to the situation have confirmed that the deal is in place.

The 2030 World Cup will be a historic one, as it will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. Within Spain, cities like A Coruna, Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas, Madrid, Málaga, San Sebastian, Sevilla, and Zaragoza are set to host matches.

But when it comes to the grand finale, the Santiago Bernabeu has emerged as the frontrunner.

FIFA’s strong working relationship with Real Madrid has been a key factor in this decision. Over the years, both entities have shared a smooth and cooperative partnership, and this latest development is another sign of their growing alignment.

Camp Nou bid weakened

Santiago Bernabeu is expected to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Barcelona had also put forward their own bid to host the final at the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou.

Club vice-president Elena Fort had officially stated last month that Barcelona’s home stadium deserves the honour of staging the World Cup final, saying,

“Everyone has the right to play their cards, but the Camp Nou is worthy of hosting the final of a World Cup.”

However, the project to complete the new Camp Nou has faced multiple delays and uncertainties, which appear to have weakened the city’s bid.

Though the World Cup is still five years away, FIFA is said to be prioritising infrastructure stability and readiness, areas where Madrid currently holds the upper hand.

With Real Madrid’s renovated Bernabeu already hosting high-profile matches and events successfully, and with its central location and modern facilities, it now looks set to welcome the biggest match in world football come 2030.

Madriduniversal.com

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