Nations League
Gareth Bale: Real Madrid blocked my return to Premier League
Gareth Bale has accused Real Madrid of making it “very difficult” to leave the Spanish club as the Wales forward looks to end his Bernabeu exile. Bale is out of favour with Real manager Zinedine Zidane and played just 48 minutes of Madrid’s 12 games when the Spanish season resumed after the coronavirus lockdown. Zidane, who has feuded with Bale throughout his two spells in charge, said the winger did not want to play in last season’s Champions League last-16 second-leg tie at Manchester City. Bale has two years left on his Real contract, but there appears little chance he will force his way into the manager’s plans. The 31-year-old almost joined Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning in 2019 before Real pulled the plug on the deal, a decision that still irks Bale. “I think the club needs...
Mason Greenwood: It would be a ‘dream’ to see Lionel Messi in Premier League
Mason Greenwood has spoken to the press for the first time since his first England call-up last week. The Manchester United youngster is in line to make his international debut for the Three Lions in their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark. “It’s a dream come through,” Greenwood said when asked about his call-up. He got a phone call from Gareth Southgate while at home with his dad and said he was “over the moon”. His father, a level-headed man, was “buzzing” with the news, according to Greenwood himself. [embedded content] Greenwood’s journey thus far has been a remarkable one. From coming through the United academy, being the best player in every age group, to being an established starlet in world football. There’s no stopping this kid and it’s no surprise to an...
Pep Guardiola: Bernardo Silva’s bad form may be my fault
Pep Guardiola says Bernardo Silva is one of the most special footballers he has ever coached despite the midfielder’s dip in form this season – something for which the Manchester City boss takes his share of responsibility. Silva was voted City’s player of the season as he and his team-mates swept to a domestic treble in 2018-19, but his performances this time around have been indicative of a general malaise, with Liverpool storming clear of their rivals to claim the Premier League title. The Portugal international has featured infrequently in the right-sided attacking midfield position he occupied for a chunk of last term, with Kevin De Bruyne back to full fitness and in prime form. Similarly adept on the right-hand side of attack, Silva has found his path blocked by Riyad Mahrez and, mor...
