Tag Archives: Portugal

Transfernewz

Juventus weigh up move for Cristiano Ronaldo

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Italian champions Juventus have been linked with a sensational move for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

There have been rumours that Ronaldo may be on his way out of Madrid for some time, but until now Turin has not been mentioned as a possible destination. However, Italian new outlet Tuttosport has claimed that Juve bosses are contemplating a move for the Portuguese star.

Juventus are strengthening their side as they prepare to defend their Serie A title and attempt to win the Champions League, but Ronaldo would be a massive coup for the side, and showing ambition in the transfer market that hasn’t previously been seen – but they could afford his transfer fee and huge wages.

This may also stir other clubs into action that have been linked with Ronaldo, including Manchester United. They have consistently been linked with him in recent months. Manager Jose Mourinho has worked with him before and they have a good relationship. Also Ronaldo made his name at Old Trafford and if he were to move back to England, the United would be the obvious choice.

This may also spur Madrid’s bosses into action and giving Ronaldo an improved contract. He earns substantially less than Lionel Messi or Neymar, and it is thought he isn’t happy about that.
Ronaldo is said to have a £275 million release clause in his contract, but there are thoughts Madrid could waive that – especially as it could help to finance a move for Paris St-Germain star Neymar.
Any move could now be negotiated as Portugal have been knocked out of the World Cup.
Transfernewz

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Real Madrid and could rejoin Manchester United – reports

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Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to leave Real Madrid this summer, with Manchester United a potential destination, according to reports in Spain.

Rumours of Ronaldo wanting to leave Real have been circulating for some months, but now Spanish sources are saying that Los Blancos’ management have accepted that he will depart this summer.

Manchester United remain the favourites to sign him. Ronaldo made his name at Old Trafford, playing there between 2003 and 2009 before a then-world record £85 million move to the Bernabeu. They also have the financial clout to afford his transfer fee and wage demands.

Ronaldo would likely cost a substantial transfer fee, as while he may be 33, his powers show no signs of waning, as he has shown in his performances for Portugal at the World Cup so far.

If the move were to happen, it would be the sort of marquee signing that United manager Jose Mourinho – who previously worked with Ronaldo during his spell as Real manager – wants as he seeks to challenge rivals Manchester City for the Premier League title.

In addition, should Ronaldo leave, it would likely mean Real increase their attempts to sign Neymar from Paris St-Germain.

Football Factz

All the factz on Portugal v Morocco at the World Cup, including which TV channel its on

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The second round of matches begin in group B with Portugal taking on Morocco, with both sides desperate for a win to enhance their chances of making the knockout stages. The match kicks off at 1pm and it is live on BBC1. Here are the factz you need to know:

• If Morocco lose today, and Spain or Iran win, they will be unable to reach the knockout stage.
• If Portugal win, they will only need a point against Iran to be sure of progressing.
• The sides have met once before, at the Mexico 86 World Cup, where the Atlas Lions ran out 3-1 winners – their first win at the finals.
• In the previous match, Cristiano Ronaldo became just the 4th player – after Pele, and Germans Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose – to score in 4 World Cups.
• If Ronaldo scores today, he will become the second-highest goal scorer in international football history, going ahead of Hungary legend Ferenc Puskas. Iran’s Ali Daei is top with 109.
• Morocco have lost 8 of their last 13 matches at the World Cup finals.
• Morocco managed to lose to Iran, despite having 68% of the possession and not facing a single shot on target in the second half.
• However, that defeat to Iran was their first defeat in 7 matches. They had won 5 of their previous 6.
• Portugal are unbeaten in their last 13 matches, having won 9 and drawn 4.
• Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Spain was the 51st of his career – and the 51st at the World Cup finals.

Football Factz

Cristiano Ronaldo given suspended prison sentence for tax evasion

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Portugal and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been given a 2-year suspended jail sentence in order to settle his tax fraud case.

Prosecutors in Spain had accused Ronaldo of defrauding tax authorities of £12.9 million by trying to hide money linked to image rights between 2011 and 2014 – charges he denies.

Ronaldo had offered to pay £12.9 million but the government rejected the offer, Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported. But now he has accepted a £16.4 million fine and a suspended sentence to settle the charges.

However, the deal is said to be only verbal at this stage and would have to be signed off by the Spanish tax agency, the BBC has reported.

The news broke just hours before Ronaldo was due to play for Portugal – against Spain – in the World Cup.

However, he is unlikely to serve any time behind bars as under Spanish law a 2-year sentence for a first offence can be served on probation.

Ronaldo’s great rival Lionel Messi faced similar charges in 2017 and was given a 21-month sentence, but paid a fine instead.

Ronaldo nor his agency have yet commented on the latest reports.

Football Factz

All the factz on Portugal v Spain in the World Cup, including which TV channel its on

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Its an Iberian derby in Group B as Portugal take on Spain, in an eagerly-anticipated clash between the two favourites for top spot in the group. The match kicks off at 7pm BST and it is live on BBC1. Here are the factz you need to know:

• The European neighbours have met on 35 previous occasions. Spain have by far the better record with 16 wins to Portugal’s 6.
• Spain are in form – they have won 10 of their last 12 matches, drawing the other two. This includes a 6-1 win over Argentina in March.
• Portugal are on a similar run of form – 9 wins and 3 draws from their last 12 matches.
• Portugal are looking to do something only 3 nations have done previously – win the World Cup and European Championships back-to-back. West Germany, France and Spain are the only nations to have done this.
• This is Cristiano Ronaldo’s 4th World Cup – so far he has played 13 matches and scored 3 goals.
• Ronaldo scored 15 goals in qualifying for the World Cup – and provided the assist for another 3 – a European high.
• This is the 11th consecutive World Cup that Spain have appeared in.
• Spain were one of only 4 sides to remain unbeaten in European qualifying for the World Cup, along with England, Belgium and Germany.
• Spain have one of the most experienced squads at the tournament, with 4 members of the squad having made more than 100 appearances – Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and David Silva – and another, Gerard Pique, having made 98.
• Ronaldo is record appearance maker and goal scorer for Portugal – he’s pulled the jersey on 150 times and hit the back of the net on 80 occasions.