But talking to viaplay.nl, Ten Hag said it wasn’t him who allowed Ronaldo’s early exit. Even more, Ten Hag found it “unacceptable” for Ronaldo to leave before the match ended. According to reports, several other first-team players who had watched the game from the stands also left before the final whistle, saying they wanted to beat traffic.

Erik ten Hag gaat in op het gedrag van Cristiano Ronaldo. Net als andere spelers ging hij afgelopen weekend na de rust naar huis toe. Hoe gaat de trainer van Manchester United hiermee om?⁰
Het hele interview is later te zien in de Viaplay-uitzendingen van de Premier League. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gIFJcL8QQE

— Viaplay Sport Nederland (@viaplaysportnl) August 3, 2022

“I certainly don’t accept this. I think this is unacceptable. For everyone,” Ten Hag said.

“We are a team, and then you stay until the game is over,” the Dutchman added.

Ronaldo set to stay

Ronaldo and Ten Hag also exchanged a few words during the minutes the forward spent on the pitch, with his gestures being highly commented on by the media. Cristiano has been trying all summer to force a move away from United, but found no Champions League club ready to bid for him. He’s expected to either be on the bench or omitted from selection against Brighton, in United’s season opener on Sunday.

🗣️ "It's unacceptable [Ronaldo leaving early] …. we are a team and you have to stay until the end"

Erik Ten Hag reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Old Trafford before full time on Sunday ⚽ pic.twitter.com/8gZupSNI2w

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 3, 2022

The bookies tend to believe Ronaldo is going to be a Man. United player even after the closure of the transfer window. Cristiano is now at -230 to stay at Old Trafford, with a move to Sporting at +300 and a transfer to Atletico Madrid at +750.

Manchester United is at +2500 to win the Premier League, behind Man. City at -200, Liverpool at +220, Chelsea at +1300 and Tottenham +1400.

The post Ten Hag Says Ronaldo’s Decision to Leave Rayo Match Early is ‘Unacceptable’ appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.

Depay could leave the Catalan giants after just a year. The Dutchman arrived as a free agent in the summer of 2021 and penned a two-season deal with Barcelona. Despite being the most important attacking player in the squad last campaign, Depay has fallen down the pecking order given the signings of Lewandowski and Raphinha. Currently, he’s not regarded as part of the starting 11 at Barca.

During one on one talks, Xavi told Depay he is still counting on him, but left it to be understood that his playing time might be limited given the new circumstances. The 28-year-old started looking for options on the market, with the Barcelona hierarchy setting a $20 million price tag to his name.

Depay is not certain to find a team that would meet the asking price with just one year left in his contract, so he asked his lawyers to come up with an alternative. According to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, important efforts are being made so Depay could walk out as a free agent. Barcelona is considering the option, but is yet to give a firm answer on the matter.

Excl: Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m fee. Depay will accept to leave Barça only in case he’ll find the right option for his future. 🚨 #FCB

Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs. pic.twitter.com/COFSiHdXBL

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2022

Where next for Depay?

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have both been recently linked with a move for Depay, while Juventus is also regarded as a possible destination. Sevilla, who was also interested at one point, is not among those in the chase right now. Barcelona recently signed Kounde from the Andalusian club and was expected to include Depay in the offer, which didn’t happen in the end.

Depay scored 13 goals at club level last season, with 12 of his goals coming in the Spanish League and one in the Champions League. Depay has also been subject to Newcastle’s interest, but the forward doesn’t believe the Saudi-backed Premier League club is good enough to challenge for trophies at this point.

The post Depay Wants to Leave Barcelona on Free Transfer appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.

Ronaldo forced a move away from Old Trafford, but none of the teams he’s been offered to by his agent Jorge Mendes came up with an offer. One after another, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid opted not to bid mainly because of the financial implications such an affair would attract. Ronaldo’s high wages and his status were regarded as non-fitting any of his desired suitors, with the player now close to staying at Old Trafford for the remainder of his contract. Cristiano is tied to United until the summer of 2023.

Asked about his dealings with Ronaldo’s entourage this summer, Barcelona president Joan Laporta told CBS Sports Golazo that the club’s priority “has always been signing Lewandowski” to strengthen the attack.

Laporta refused to give a clear answer regarding any negotiations for Ronaldo, despite the reporter insisting three times.

“There always appears a lot of news. But in the end, the truth is we wanted Lewandowski. We have a very good relationship with Jorge Mendes. I have known him for a long time. He is one of the best player agents. He knows how to do his job and I respect him,” Laporta said.

Imagine Cristiano Ronaldo at Barcelona!🤯@JacobsBen asks Barca president Joan Laporta whether he was offered CR7 this summer.🍿 pic.twitter.com/gFp5Gf22Bx

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 30, 2022

“We decided to go for Lewandowski and knew he was crucial to our success. So we went to Bayern instead. This is the reality. The other [Ronaldo] topic is just part of the “little history” of football. It’s a very nice story, but you will always hear lots of contradictory news about it,” Laporta added.

Ronaldo, case closed at the Camp Nou

When asked if he ever even considered Ronaldo as an option for Barca, Laporta went back to Lewandowski: “We got Lewy. He was our main target and I prefer not to comment further.”

Laporta then distanced himself from the subject saying Ronaldo’s future “is the business of Manchester United and Cristiano”: “Ronaldo is a very good professional and he’s still so fit. He’s a player who is very ambitious and competitive and I am sure he has a lot of options. He’s still a player for Manchester United, an extraordinary club that I respect very much. His future is not my business. It’s the business of Manchester United and Cristiano.”

This summer, Barcelona has spent almost $130 million to sign Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde. Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen came at cost zero, as they were free agents. Ousmane Dembele signed a new contract with Barcelona on a 40% pay cut after a new deal seemed impossible for over a year. Barca is not done with transfers yet, as Bernardo Silva could join from Manchester City, while Frenkie de Jong could head to the Premier League, where Chelsea and Manchester United are disputing him.

Barcelona needs to get the team’s wage bill to $400 million to comply with the financial fair play rules adopted last year by the Spanish League.

A four-year sponsorship deal with Spotify added to the selling of 25% of LaLiga TV rights to investment firm Sixth Street have improved Barcelona’s financial status and allowed Xavi to bolster his squad.

Having finished 13 points behind champions Real Madrid last season, Barcelona is regarded as a big threat to its arch-rival’s supremacy at the moment. The Blaugrana sit at +140 to win the Spanish title, just behind Real at +110.

The post Was Ronaldo Ready to Join Barcelona Had Laporta Accepted Agent’s Proposal? Barca President Avoids Direct Answer appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.

During an interview with CBS Sports Golazo, Laporta said that in 2021 he did “what had to be done”, but promised to make every possible effort to get Messi back in the Blaugrana shirt before his retirement.

“I did what had to be done, put the club above the best player in history,” Laporta said. “I’ve known Messi since he was a child. I love Leo. Barça loves Leo. How do I feel? I think we owe it to Messi to bring him back,” the Barcelona president added.

“I will do everything in my power to ensure Messi has the best end to his career, in a Barcelona shirt. With the applause of the crowd,” Laporta vowed.

Messi is committed to Paris Saint-Germain until the summer of 2023. After he left Barcelona on a free transfer last summer, Leo said he will return to work for the club in the future, but very few imagined it could still be in a playing role.

🚨 "I feel in a moral debt with the best player in our history. We will do our best to have Messi ending his career at FC Barcelona."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants Lionel Messi back at the Camp Nou.🍿

🎙️@Nicocantor1 @JacobsBen pic.twitter.com/o3GhBjIwE2

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 29, 2022

Over the past year, Messi left to be understood that his relationship with Laporta was non-existent following his unexpected departure from the club. Asked if he told Messi of his plans to bring him back, Laporta said: “This is just an idea that we have at the moment. I will do everything in my power to make it happen. This is what I can say now. It will not be easy, but I believe it is possible with the right plan and strategy.”

Laporta didn’t want to disclose if he plans to have Messi back this summer or in 2023 when he’s free to walk out from PSG.

“It is a wish that we have and we want to make it come true through a specific plan. We want him back to wear the Barcelona shirt because the club loves Leo and the fans love Leo. I love him too and I will try my best,” Laporta stressed.

Laporta: ‘Players want to come to Barcelona again’

The Barcelona boss also made comments on the team’s financial situation, saying that spending on transfers this summer will not affect the club’s future.

“I have the feeling that we are working well. The players want to come to Barcelona again,” Laporta insisted.

“We are building a very well-balanced team that can challenge in all competitions to win them. There is a lot of competition, we have two or three very good players in each position,” he added.

“To those who were surprised, I say that we are very awake. We have returned to the market. The weight, strength, and value of a club with more than 122 years of history are huge. There are more surprises to come,” Laporta mysteriously said.

“Barcelona left the hospital,” the president added, referring to the sale of TV broadcasting rights and the partnership with Spotify.

"I insist we are respecting all our players. We are following all of the contracts…"

Joan Laporta responds to @GNev2's claim that Frenkie de Jong should consider legal action over the $17 million Barcelona owe him in unpaid wages. https://t.co/Zr2DXNVS8r pic.twitter.com/j0MnjdAWDh

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 30, 2022

Barcelona is at +240 to win La Liga this season, just behind Real Madrid at +110. The Blaugrana stand at +1400 to lift the Champions League trophy, being seventh on the favorites’ list at the moment.

The post Laporta Offers Messi to Barcelona Transfer Update: ‘With the Right Plan, It’s Possible’ appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.

The Man. United hierarchy insists Ronaldo isn’t for sale, while ten Hag informed the media he’s preparing for the upcoming season with Ronaldo as part of his plans. Still, Ronaldo and his agent, Jorge Mendes, are working to find options on the market. It’s understood informal talks with Atletico Madrid have lost pace, while Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea decided not to go after Ronaldo when his services were offered to them by Mendes.

According to The Athletic, the last club to enter an initial phase of negotiations for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is Sporting Lisbon. Ronaldo’s first professional club is tempting him with Champions League football. Sporting will enter the group stage after finishing second in Portugal last season. The 37-year-old Ronaldo is desperate to continue his chase of personal records at the highest level — that being one of the main reasons behind his request to leave United. The Reds will only play in the Europa League starting in September after finishing in sixth place in 2021-22.

Sporting would need to work out a way to sign Ronaldo given his high wage demands.

Ronaldo isn’t expected to be involved in United’s friendly against Atletico Madrid in Oslo on Saturday, but could play a day later against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford. Ronaldo is said to be fit after training individually in Portugal while United was away touring Asia and Australia in the preseason.

Ronaldo hits out at the media

Ronaldo took to Instagram to comment on his current situation, attacking the media for what he calls ‘lies’ regarding his future.

“Impossible not to talk about me for one day,” he wrote. “Otherwise the press makes no money. You know that if you don’t lie you can’t get people’s attention. Keep going like that and one day you’ll get some news right.”

His sister, Elma Aveiro, also took to social media to defend her brother. She shared a post from a fan that read “You can keep talking like a parrot, he will shut everyone up in no time. Patience.”

The bookies believe Ronaldo will be with Manchester United even after the transfer window closes at the beginning of September. His odds of staying at Old Trafford are now -230. Sporting climbed over Atletico Madrid as Ronaldo’s most probable transfer destination in case he does leave this summer. The Portuguese side sits at +300 to sign Ronaldo, with Atletico now at +750. Chelsea is at +1100, while Bayern and Juventus stand at +1400.

Ronaldo was United’s top goal-scorer last season, netting 24 times across all competitions. He’s tied to the club until 2023.

The post Ronaldo Keeps Pushing to Leave Despite United’s Stance On His Future appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.

HyperMotion 2, women’s club football, and new defending, attacking and goalkeeping features add more realism than ever to FIFA. The skill moves also promise to be innovative, taking the player’s experience to a different level.

EA upgraded its HyperMotion motion capture system to HyperMotion 2 and improved its machine learning algorithm. Both tools capture and put together data to make virtual football as authentic as possible. Said data even comes from actual football matches played by Spanish team Zaragoza, shot on Xsens technology. All this works together to create the most visually authentic entry in the series.

FIFA 23 utilizes Advanced 11-v-11 match capture, meaning that actual football players came together for full-on matches using Xsens suits. This year’s game draws from two matches featuring professional teams, including a women’s match (a series first). That capture was then combined with EA’s new machine learning algorithm to make players and the environments around them more natural.

Various visual and mechanical enhancements further amplify FIFA 23’s faithfulness to the sport. Players’ limbs now react to the impact of the ball, and full 3D nets even move when the ball or players make contact with them. Other extra touches like new animations and (over 500) chants for crowds liven up a match’s physical and emotional energy.

HyperMotion 2 and the new machine learning algorithm have a hand in various innovations coming to FIFA 23’s gameplay. EA presented several features made possible thanks to this innovative technology. Full Team Authentic Motion ensures that no two plays are identical. Star-specific run styles, improved technical dribbling, female athlete-specific animations, and left-footed skill moves are now made possible with these advancements. Now more than ever, football matches look and feel more like they do in real life.

Kylian Mbappé and Sam Kerr are cover stars for the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition 📸

It's the first global cover featuring a women’s footballer pic.twitter.com/WjWg87QNw1

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 18, 2022

What else is new?

More detailed and more authentic animations lead to more depth and control in the game itself. For example, Power Shots are a new skill-based risk-reward mechanic that unlocks yet another layer of strategy. To use them, you must carve out the perfect space and aim precisely, then shoot to activate. If performed correctly, you can score goals with more power and accuracy. However, the longer animations and the need for precision introduce a higher risk.

Defensive areas of the game weren’t neglected either. You can lie down behind the wall to block low shots. The new motion capture data also allows players to perform clearance slide, physical, and back heel tackles, which aggressively counter offensive abilities, such as added shooting types like chesting, backspins, and downward volleys. There are even more ways to pass.

EA is aiming for authenticity with FIFA 23, and every piece of the game is building toward that goal. You can experience this true-to-life football title when it releases on 30 September.

The post EA Sports Releases FIFA 23 Gameplay Video appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.

Cerezo had a firm answer regarding the Ronaldo affair. Talking to the Spanish media, Cerezo said “I don’t know who made up the Cristiano story, but it’s practically impossible for him to come here.”

Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, maintains a close relationship with the Atletico Madrid hierarchy. That’s why Atletico’s name came up once Ronaldo made it clear to United that he wants to leave. Up to the moment when Cerezo made his first comments on Tuesday evening, two weeks of silence from Atletico fueled speculation.

According to multiple sources, Ronaldo would be open to the idea of playing for Real Madrid’s arch-rivals, but a transfer is too complicated financially for Atletico to pull it through at this time. A deal would only become possible if the 37-year-old agrees to a serious pay cut and United releases him on for free.

Ronaldo spent nine years at Real following his $105 million move from Manchester United in 2009, breaking multiple records and becoming one of the most important players in the history of the club.

Kahn: ‘We discussed the Ronaldo topic internally’

Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn disclosed that Ronaldo came up internally at the club.

“We discussed the topic, otherwise we wouldn’t be doing our job properly,” Kahn told Bild. “He is one of the best football players ever, but we concluded that he wouldn’t fit into our philosophy in the current situation,” Kahn stressed.

Bayern confirmed this week the signing of highly rated French talent Mathys Tel. The Bavarian giants agreed to pay Rennes almost $30 million for his signature.

Ronaldo’s situation remains unclear

Ronaldo returned to Carrington on Tuesday, holding talks with manager Ten Hag and Sir Alex Ferguson, with whom he’s still close. According to well-informed sources, the Ronaldo affair is far from being settled despite United’s stance that he’s not for sale.

Ronaldo still has one year left in his contract with United, with bookies believing he’s not moving for the time being. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is at -500 to continue life at Old Trafford come September when the transfer window shuts down. Atletico Madrid sits at +400 to sign him, with Bayern at +1100.

The post Atletico Closes Door on Ronaldo Transfer, as President Says Deal is ‘Impossible’ appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.

At one point earlier this week, Kounde was close to joining Chelsea. In the private talks he held with the board, Thomas Tuchel named him as the top target to reinforce Chelsea’s defense this summer. Chelsea even promised captain Cesar Azpilicueta he’ll be allowed to sign for Barcelona once the deal with Kounde became official. Now, the West London club is likely to miss out on Kounde and also lose Azpilicueta, who has his mind set on becoming a Barcelona player.

Chelsea was ready to pay $65 million for Kounde in multiple installments. Instead, Barcelona will be making a one-time payment of $50 million, with an additional $10 million possible depending on performance bonuses regarded as reachable by all parties involved.

Barca manager Xavi played a key role in the talks. He kept in close contact with Kounde, telling him not to sign with Chelsea before he heard from Barcelona. Reports in the Catalan media claim Kounde settled on personal terms with Barcelona on a four-year contract.

Kounde, 23, arrived in 2019 from Bordeaux, playing 95 La Liga matches for Sevilla and scoring five goals. He’s been a regular at Sevilla over the past three seasons and made his French national team debut in 2021. Kounde is now already on 11 caps for the French side.

Barcelona is beating Chelsea in the transfer market

Apart from Kounde and Azpilicueta, Barcelona and Chelsea fought on the transfer market for two more players this summer, with Barca winning both battles. Danish defender Christensen joined on a free transfer from Stamford Bridge while Raphinha opted for Barcelona despite his former club, Leeds, agreeing to sell him to Chelsea.

On Friday, the Blaugrana sold an additional 15% of their TV rights for La Liga to investment fund Sixth Street, making sure they have enough money to pay their debts and invest in additional transfers.

Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez is also a target for the Catalans, but it’s expected that Barcelona will wait for some exits until making a formal bid.

The post Kounde Distances Himself from Chelsea, Signs with Barca appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.

Messi left Barcelona last August after the club found it impossible to renew his contract because of its terrible financial situation. Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal, winning the French Ligue 1 title in his first year at Parc des Princes. Now 35, Messi spent 21 years with Barcelona and revealed he was still expecting to find a role inside the Catalan club once his playing days were over. But his return to Barcelona might come even faster than he imagined if we are to believe Laporta’s words.

“Messi was everything. To Barca, he’s been possibly its greatest player. To me, he’s only comparable to Johan Cruyff,” Barcelona president Joan Laporta told ESPN.

“It had to happen one day. We had to decide as a consequence of what we inherited. The institution is in charge of players and coaches,” he explained.

“I would hope that the Messi chapter isn’t over. I think it’s our responsibility to try to find a moment to fix that chapter, which is still open and hasn’t closed. We want it to finish as it should have, we want it to have a more beautiful ending,” Laporta stressed.

Barcelona president Laporta tells @carodelas on ESPN: "I think, hope that Leo Messi story with Barcelona is not over yet. It's still open, it's our responsibility to make sure it has a more beautiful ending than it was". 🚨🇦🇷 #FCB

"As Barça president, I feel indebted to Messi". pic.twitter.com/ozPHsuGhod

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2022

Laporta assures Barcelona’s finances are on the right track

Messi, a seven-time ‘Ballon d’Or’ winner, is Barcelona’s all-time record-holder for most goals – 672 – and most appearances – 778.

“As president of Barcelona, I did what I had to do. Also as a president of Barca and on a personal level, I think I owe him,” Laporta confessed.

According to the Catalan official, Barcelona’s economical wounds are healing.

“At the moment, we have a positive net worth. In about a month, we have earned close to $650m,” Laporta said.

On Friday, Barcelona announced it sold a further 15% of its domestic TV rights to investment firm Sixth Street, adding around $320 million to the club’s accounts. The Blaugrana had previously sold 10% of the broadcasting rights to the same company.

“We’ve had to move fast. The TV rights were sold, 25% of them, and that has added important revenue. The club is on the path to being sound; financially the club is better with the money that’s come in, and we’ve been able to pay back €100m of the credit we had through Goldman Sachs,” Laporta explained.

It’s been rumored Messi would take a part-owner/player role at MLS club Inter Miami after his exit from PSG in 2023, but his entourage rushed to deny the claims. What is certain is that Messi owns a luxury property in Miami and previously revealed he’d want to experience the MLS before retirement.

Messi scored 11 goals and contributed 14 assists to PSG’s tally last season, featuring in 34 games across all competitions.

The post Barcelona Fans Dreaming of Messi Reunion After Laporta Indirect Invitation appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.

The 39-year-old has been a free agent since the start of the month when his contract with FC Barcelona expired. The right-back is the biggest name to now play in the Mexican top flight.

The transfer announcement was made on Twitter, with Pumas UNAM posting a teaser message, then a video showing the Brazilian international signing his contract. Alves agreed to a one-year contract in Mexico. There’s a clause allowing him to extend for a further season.

Las primeras palabras de Dani Alves tras su llegada a México en TUDN 🔥🐾

"Las cosas buenas en la vida se hacen esperar un poquito. @PumasMX es mucho más que futbol", @DaniAlvesD2 sobre su llegada a los auriazules 🗣

🔴 EN VIVO: TUDN 📺🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/oIiQ7LyFDw

— Futbol Club (@TUDNFC) July 22, 2022

Will Alves bring the glory days back for Pumas?

Over an amazing career, Dani Alves won 44 titles, being the most decorated male player ever. Pumas is without a title since 2011 and Alves hopes to change the club’s fortunes after his arrival. Even given his age, Alves wants to keep playing at the highest level and looks at taking part in the 2022 World Cup at the end of the year with Brazil.

Alves has already started training with his new team. He is expected to feature in the match between Pumas and Barcelona in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy on 6 August.

The Mexicans replaced AS Roma once the Italian club led by Jose Mourinho refused to take part in Barcelona’s presentation match for the new campaign.

Pumas is currently in eighth place in the Apertura with five points won in three matches. Andres Lillini’s side is at +1700 to win Apertura, far behind Club America (at +500), Monterrey, Atlas, Pachuca, or Tigres (at +600).

The post Brazil Legend Dani Alves Joins Mexican Side Pumas UNAM appeared first on OnlineGambling.com | OG News.