Cristiano Ronaldo has broken several months of near-silence to rebuff media reports he is unhappy at Real Madrid and might be seeking an exit.
The Portugal forward has barely made any public statements since he gruffly told reporters after the Champions League defeat by Schalke in March he would not speak to the media until the end of the season.
“I would sincerely like the false reports to stop and to be left a little in peace,” said Ronaldo.
“Reports that I have sought to create conflicts between myself and Real Madrid are false.
“I am very happy at the best club in the world and very focused and confident of a new season full of successes.”
Can shamed by Germany defeat
Emre Can called Germany U-21s’ heaviest-ever defeat a “dark day” for the whole country.
Portugal were always expected to test the European Championship favourites on Saturday but few could have foreseen the way the semi-final panned out as Rui Jorge’s side ran out 5-0 winners.
“I talked a lot this tournament as I wanted to win the title,” the Liverpool player said.
“I don’t know why, but I didn’t show my best out there. If I am honest, it is just shameful.
“From the first minute onward we failed to find our rhythm. Our mentality also wasn’t there – we just had everything missing tonight, but excuses and apologies are no help now.”
Tunisia resort footballer ‘sick’
Wrexham striker Wes York has spoken of how he feels lucky to be alive after cutting short his holiday at a Tunisian beach resort where 38 people were murdered.
York unexpectedly returned to the UK to prepare for pre-season training 48 hours before a gunman indiscriminately gunned down tourists in Sousse.
York stayed in a hotel which had a private walkway to the beach targeted by terrorists, and said he felt sick to his stomach when first learning of the attacks.
“I have been watching what has happened on TV and it just sends chills down your spine to think I was only just there,” he said.
“When I heard the news I was absolutely sick. It was a lovely place to go for a holiday.”
I’m getting better says Greaves
Former England and Tottenham striker Jimmy Greaves is “feeling good” as he recovers from a severe stroke.
The 75-year-old was admitted to intensive care on May 3 but left hospital just over a month later and is now in a rehabilitation unit.
“I should be dead,” he told the Sunday People. “But I’m here and I’m fighting fit. Now I want to live until I’m at least 90.
“Hopefully there’s a few years left in me yet.”
Sevilla forward Bacca to join Milan
Milan are set to complete their first major transfer coup of the close season as they are reportedly reaching a deal for Colombian striker Carlos Bacca from Sevilla.
After missing out on Colombian striker Jackson Martinez and France midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, the Rossoneri seem to have finally got their hands on the prolific forward Bacca.
Bacca was courted by Liverpool and Roma but has now chosen to join Milan after agreeing to sign a five-year contract worth €2.5m per season, rising to €3.5m.
Skysport Italia said that Milan had also agreed terms with Sevilla after meeting the player’s release clause set at €30 million.
Turkish clubs keen on misfit Balotelli
Mario Balotelli could be on his way out of Liverpool as the English club are reportedly ready to listen to offers from Turkis clubs Besiktas and Trabzonspor.
The Italian striker is no longer part of manager Brendan Rodgers’s plans for the new season and a move this summer seems increasingly likely.
According to The Sun, Trabzonspor have made an enquiry for Super Mario, making them the second Turkish club to ask for the player after Besiktas.
The report added that Liverpool are ready to accept an offer far lower than the €16 million they paid to Milan to secure the services of Balotelli.
Turan agent in talks with other clubs
Arda Turan appears set for a move away from Atletico Madrid this summer.
Turan has taken to social media to confirm that his agent is in talks with a number of clubs over a potential transfer.
Ahmet Bulut, Turan’s representative, told Spanish sports newspaper AS that the Atletico stalwart wants to leave.
Bulut also claimed that the player wanted to play in the Premier League and said they were in talks with three teams who are “the best in England and in European football”.
Turan wrote on his official Twitter page: “The transfer rumors (sic) are not entirely correct.
“My agent is currently in touch with 3-4 clubs. I will update you all if a deal is made.”