Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his plans for retirement from the Portugal national team.

Portugal boss, Martinez had recently insisted that the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star is still very much part of his squad ahead of Euro Nations League.

Ronaldo said that all he thinks about at the moment is how to help the team, but admitted his retirement would be spontaneous and he won’t tell anyone beforehand.

Ronaldo said this in an exclusive interview with NOW, which is set to broadcast on Jornal as 9 later today.

“I am immensely proud to represent our colours, it is a dream. Therefore, when I leave the national team I will not tell anyone beforehand, it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought out one. Right now, what I want is to be able to help the team.”

The former Sporting CP man is arguably the greatest international player of all time, having forged an exceptional legacy for his national team.

A former England manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, is dead.

Eriksson’s family confirmed his death on Monday in a terse statement.

“Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away,” the statement read.

“After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.”

The 76-year-old had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

At the beginning of 2024, the Swede revealed he only had a year to live “at best”.

During his career, Eriksson managed top European clubs like Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio.

Former Manchester United defender, Garry Neville, has given the credit to David Raya following Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Spaniard displayed an eye-catching performance against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Raya proved his worth as Mikel Arteta’s men came out on top at Villa and recorded a back to back victory in the Premier League.

Leandro Trossard came off the bench to put Arsenal in front in the 67th minute before Thomas Party put the icing on the cake 10 minutes later.

However, Arsenal could have been a goal down before the hour mark if not for some brilliant goalkeeping from Raya.

He kept out two attempts in quick succession in the 54th minute from Amadou Onana and Ollie Watkins.

Neville said on Sky Sports: “How Raya reacts, wow. He comes from nowhere.

Fellow journalist Nick Wright added: “Brilliant from Raya to get back up and deny Watkins from the rebound. The Villa striker can’t quite believe he’s not scored. Neither can the home fans around us in the press box.”

Neville concluded: “The moment of the match was the save from Raya.”

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has hailed the heroics of goalkeeper, David Raya following their 2-0 win at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

Raya pulled off a stunning save to deny Ollie Watkins, as the Gunners went on to record their second win of the new campaign.

Nine minutes into the second half, with the scores still goalless, Amadou Onana’s shot deflected off Gabriel and hit the crossbar.

Watkins was the first to react, but four yards out and with a gaping goal to aim at, the England striker could only steer his diving header within the range of Raya.

It was a stunning recovery from Raya to get back to his feet and push away Watkins’ effort with a strong hand.

“When we had to rely on certain individuals we did, like the situation of David – that is an unbelievable save,” Arteta said.

“When we made the changes, the impact they had was tremendous. When the team starts to be equipped that way and starts to be able to navigate through different contexts in the match, it becomes a team that can win in every place. Today we showed that.”

World-famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has become the fastest to ever reach 30 million subscribers on YouTube.

Ronaldo’s YouTube channel, UR Cristiano, launched on Wednesday, August 21, became the fastest-growing channel in its history, with over one million subscribers in 90 minutes.

He currently has 30.1 million subscribers after its launch date.

The trending milestone leaves many industry experts and fans alike in awe.

Ronaldo’s online presence continues to dominate, with a staggering 112.6 million followers on X, 107 million on Facebook, and 636 million on Instagram.

Taofeek Malomo has announced his departure from Nigeria Premier Football League side, Shooting Stars.

Malomo made the announcement on his X account.

The Oluyole Warriors captain has joined Albania club KF Bylis on a two-year contract.

“It’s official now, I leave as a man having spent three Season with Shooting Stars,” he wrote on X.

“These have been 3 unbelievable years and it has been an honour to defend this Club and badge..

“It’s been an absolute privilege to represent this football Club, I never thought I’d even get close to Captain this side.

“To my managers who have all helped me to improve and develop, I’m proud of little I’ve given back in terms of the sacrifices, the dedication and the love over the years..

“To my wonderful teammates, it has been a pleasure sharing dressing room with you.

“The bond, love, beautiful memories and unforgettable moments we shared together will forever live in me. In you, I have found a family.”

Chelsea midfielder, Lesley Ugochukwu, is set to go on loan to Southampton.

According to The Athletic, it will be a season-long loan.

With Enzo Maresca inheriting a bloated squad, Ugochukwu will be sent out to get more playing time.

Ugochukwu signed for Chelsea last summer from Rennes for a £23.5m fee.

The 20-year-old made 13 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino last season.

However, Ugochukwu missed virtually the entire second half of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

He did return for the final few games of the campaign.

The presidency has ordered the NFF and the Sports Ministry to hands off the appointment of a new head coach for the Super Eagles, according to a new report.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is yet to make a pronouncement on the appointment of a new head coach for the Super Eagles who are three-time champions of Africa.

Since Finidi George’s resignation, the NFF’s technical director, Augustine Eguavoen has been tapped in to manage the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda next month till someone else takes over the job permanently.

“The appointment of the new Super Eagles coach is now beyond the NFF and sports ministry,” a source in the NFF told Completesports.

”The presidency is now in control of the entire process and one can just hope they will take the right decision.”

“We don’t know whether they will consult the NFF or sports ministry before coming up with a final choice.”

The match referee to officiate Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Atalanta has been confirmed.

Switzerland’s Sandro Schärer has been appointed by UEFA as the referee to officiate the European Super Cup final at Warsaw’s Stadion Narodowy.

Real Madrid disclosed this in a post on their website on Monday.

It will be the second time the Swiss official has taken charge of a Real Madrid game.

The first Real Madrid match that Schärer officiated was the Champions League Group Stage back in 2022–23, as the Los Blancos defeated Celtic 3-0.

The kick-off time for Real Madrid vs Atalanta is 8 pm Nigerian time.

The hearing into Manchester City’s 115 alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules will begin in September, according to The Times.

This is around two months earlier than expected.

The date has been moved forward, because of City’s separate case against the Premier League. The verdict is set to be made public in the next two weeks.

The Citizens launched legal action in June, in a bid to get rid of the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules.

They believe the rules, which were introduced in 2021, are unlawful and discriminatory.

Once that is concluded, the hearing into the alleged 115 breaches can begin.

This hearing is expected to take around 10 weeks, pending any further legal delays.

Members of the independent commission should deliver their verdict at the start of 2025.

After a storied career spanning over two decades, Portuguese football icon Pepe has officially announced his retirement from the sport.

The 41-year-old, who was widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, hangs up his boots following a remarkable journey that saw him represent his country with distinction and achieve unparalleled success at the club level.

In a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, Pepe announced with a caption, “OBRIGADO.”

Pepe’s last game came at Euro 2024, where Portugal were defeated by France on penalties in the quarterfinals. He became the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals tournament.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Pepe amassed an impressive tally of 141 appearances for the Portuguese national team, during which he helped his country clinch the European Championship in 2016.

At the club level, Pepe’s most notable tenure was his 10-year spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he won an enviable haul of trophies, including three La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns.

He also won two FIFA Club World Cups during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In 2019, Pepe returned to his former club, Porto, where he continued to excel, winning four Primeira Liga titles across his two spells with the Portuguese powerhouse.

Real Madrid on Wednesday reacted to the death of their former player, Eduardo ‘Chato’ González.

The reigning UEFA Champions League holders expressed their condolences to González’s family over his death.

In a statement via its website, the Los Blancos said it regrets the passing of González, who died at the age of 80.

“Real Madrid C. F., its President and its Board of Directors profoundly regret the death of Eduardo ‘Chato’ González, who played for Real Madrid from 1966 to 1969.

“Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and its affection to his family, his teammates, his clubs and all his loved ones.

“Eduardo ‘Chato’ González has passed away at the age of 80. May he rest in peace,” Real Madrid’s statement read.

González won three LaLiga titles during his playing days.

He also coached for many years, managing numerous Spanish clubs.

Real Madrid on Wednesday reacted to the death of their former player, Eduardo ‘Chato’ González.

The reigning UEFA Champions League holders expressed their condolences to González’s family over his death.

In a statement via its website, the Los Blancos said it regrets the passing of González, who died at the age of 80.

“Real Madrid C. F., its President and its Board of Directors profoundly regret the death of Eduardo ‘Chato’ González, who played for Real Madrid from 1966 to 1969.

“Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and its affection to his family, his teammates, his clubs and all his loved ones.

“Eduardo ‘Chato’ González has passed away at the age of 80. May he rest in peace,” Real Madrid’s statement read.

González won three LaLiga titles during his playing days.

He also coached for many years, managing numerous Spanish clubs.

Two Chelsea strikers are set to leave Enzo Maresca’s squad before the new season kicks off.

According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, they are Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana.

Both Broja and Fofana spent last season on loan deals at Fulham and Burnley respectively.

Romano wrote on X: “Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana are both expected to leave Chelsea on permanent transfer.

“Broja, not even in the squad tonight.”

Chelsea are close to securing a deal for Atletico Madrid striker, Samu Omorodion and are also monitoring Victor Osimhen’s situation at Napoli.

Arsenal have made a bid of €25 million plus bonuses to sign Brazil youngster Gabriel Carvalho, according to Football Transfers.

Arsenal’s Brazilian transfer chief, Edu, who is an expert in the South American market, is in charge of the deal involving Carvalho.

Carvalho currently plays for SC Internacional and his contract with the club will expire in 2028.

He attracted attention after he made his professional debut for Internacional in June.

The midfielder became the youngest player for the Brazilian club in the 21st century, aged 16 years, nine months, and 30 days.

He broke the record of former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.

Atlético Madrid is reportedly on the verge of completing a significant transfer, as negotiations for Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez reach their final stages.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish club has made substantial progress in their pursuit of the Argentine striker.

Romano reports, “Manchester City confirmed to Atlético Madrid that their final proposal for Julián Álvarez worth €75m plus €20m add-ons has been accepted.”

This deal, potentially totalling €95 million with add-ons, represents a major investment for the La Liga side.

The transfer is not yet finalised, as Romano stated that negotiations [are] ongoing on [the] player side.

In a sign that the deal is progressing well, Romano added, “Man City [are] to authorize Julián for medical in Spain as soon as personal terms are agreed.”

If completed, this transfer would mark another significant addition to Atlético Madrid’s squad.

Álvarez, known for his goal-scoring prowess and versatility in attack, could provide manager Diego Simeone with additional firepower as the team aims to compete in La Liga this season.

Despite playing over 2,600 minutes last season, Alvarez was reportedly seeking a club where he could be the regular starting striker.

“The other player facing an uncertain future at City is Alvarez, who is determined to find a club where he is the regular starting striker, despite having played over 2,600 minutes last season,” The Athletic reported.

The Athletic further reported that Alvarez and his family had grown tired of the weather in England and would welcome a move to a country with a warmer climate

Manchester City has demanded 50 million to part ways with Kevin De Bruyne this summer, it has emerged.

Al-Ittihad were keen on the 33-year-old and even agreed terms with the playmaker.

But the Saudi Arabian side have reportedly abandoned plans to pursue a transfer deal for De Bruyne.

Transfer expert, Rudy Galetti, claims that Al-Ittihad are walking away after being put off by City’s demands.

A £25 million bid is said to have been rejected, with previous reports suggesting that the Blues are holding out for closer to £50m.

De Bruyne has now entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Real Madrid forward, Brahim Diaz is now leading the race for the 2024 African Player of the Year award.

The Morocco international, who switched allegiance from Spain this year, would battle the likes of Ademola Lookman for the award.

Diaz, who once played for Premier League champions Manchester City, came back to Real Madrid in 2023-24 after shining while on loan at AC Milan.

Diaz, 24, was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and a Spanish mother, and played for the European country until the U-21 level.

Diario AS reports that the former Spain U21 star is now a frontrunner to succeed Nigeria and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as the 2024 African Player of the Year.

He has played two friendly games and two qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup since switching allegiance.

Diaz scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 44 appearances across competitions for Los Blancos last season.

He helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side win the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Supercopa de Espana at the end of the campaign.

Diaz will battle Nigeria’s Lookman, who became the first African player to score a hat-trick in a major European final, for the award.

After helping Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, Lookman scored thrice for Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Chido Obi-Martin has decided to sign for Manchester United after leaving Arsenal.

The 16-year-old has left the Gunners after his contract elapsed, despite talks with manager Mikel Arteta, who tried to convince him to stay.

But Obi-Martin and Arsenal had disagreements over which squad he would play in next season and money.

The Nigerian-born striker who plays for Denmark’s U-17 side will now move to United.

This was confirmed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, on Tuesday night.

Romano wrote on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Chido Obi Martin to Man United, here we go! Talented striker leaves Arsenal and he’s just accepted a Man Utd proposal.

“Pathway key for Chido who’s turned down higher bids from Germany to sign for Man United.

“Project convinced 2007 born top talent to accept #MUFC.”