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Arsenal are believed to be the main contenders to sign a “special” forward in January, after making an approach to acquire his services, and it is believed that personal terms won’t be an issue either.

Arsenal enter market for new striker after Gabriel Jesus ruptures ACL

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was dealt some very bad news recently, with in-form striker Gabriel Jesus set to miss the remainder of this Premier League campaign after rupturing his ACL in the FA Cup.

Sky Sports share what source has said about Cunha possibly joining Arsenal

The north Londoners have been reliably linked.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 23, 2025

This leaves Arteta with Kai Havertz has his only striking option, prompting reports that Arsenal have identified a host of striker targets to potentially bring in before January deadline day on February 3.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres, Galatasaray hitman Victor Osimhen, Botafogo forward Igor Jesus and Wolves sensation Matheus Cunha are all reportedly being considered as options by Emirates Stadium transfer chiefs, with the reliable Fabrizio Romano stating last week that Arsenal are making constant calls in their attempts to sign a new number nine.

“Arsenal are working on the striker position. Mikel Arteta already confirmed that Arsenal are working for a new addition,” said Romano to GiveMeSport.

“And I can tell you that also in the last 24-48 hours, there were many calls from Arsenal to ask about situations of important players around Europe. So Arsenal are exploring opportunities for the striker position, let’s see what they will be able to do. But for sure, Arsenal are looking at that. So work in progress.”

Wolves’ Cunha is believed to be a serious target for Arsenal on their shortlist, but they can only sign the Brazil international on a permanent deal, as they’ve used up both of their domestic loan spaces on Neto and Raheem Sterling.

Some reports suggest that the forward, signed by Wolves from Atlético Madrid for £44 million after an initial loan, could command nearly double that amount to sign this month (Ben Jacobs).

Arsenal in pole position to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves

Nevertheless, according to GiveMeSport and journalist Dean Jones, Arsenal are the team in pole position to sign Cunha if he does leave Molineux in the coming days.

Chelsea have been named as other suitors for the “special” South American, but it is Arteta’s side currently out in front, coming after they made a “surprise” enquiry over signing Cunha earlier this transfer window.

Personal terms won’t be an issue when it comes to tempting Cunha with a move to the Emirates, after they explored that possibility with the player. The 25-year-old was actually closing in on improved terms with Wolves, but they reached an impasse, with Cunha insistent on a relegation clause.

While these contract talks briefly stalled Arsenal’s move for the former La Liga star, it is now believed they favourites for his signature above the likes of Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Tottenham.

Arne Slot has refuted claims that Darwin Nunez's exclusion from the Liverpool first XI is due to a clause that would trigger a payment to Benfica.

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• Nunez hasn't started since March 8
• Reports claim Liverpool will owe Benfica €5m after 60 starts
• Slot unaware of clause

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Uruguayan forward has had a tough campaign, managing just seven goals across 42 outings in all competitions. He has not featured in the starting XI since Liverpool’s 3-1 triumph over Southampton on March 8, a prolonged absence that has only added fuel to the rumours surrounding his future at Anfield.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Earlier this week, media outlets in Portugal reported that Benfica are due an additional €5 million (£4.3m/$5.7m) once Nunez reaches a milestone of 60 combined starts in the Premier League and Champions League. Currently sitting at 59 starts, the striker's omission has drawn speculation that Liverpool are intentionally delaying his appearances to avoid triggering the payment.

• WHAT SLOT SAID

  Slot, who took charge of Liverpool ahead of the 2024-25 season, strongly denied those allegations, saying he had no knowledge of such a clause and rejected the idea that financial motives are influencing team decisions.

  "Do you always believe what journalists say? Not always? Me neither," Slot told reporters. "Sometimes you should, but sometimes it’s better not to believe everything that is written about players. This is completely new to me, and I’ve said many times that I’m working at a club here where it’s really nice to work. Mainly sporting directors are judged by the players they bring in, for me it’s very important to have a great working environment and I have that with Richard (Hughes).

  "The last thing he would do, as I expect working with him for 10 months, is tell me: ‘If you play him it would cost us this much.’ That he would never do. I don’t even know if it’s true, yes or no, because we never talk about that. He never interferes with a lineup."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NUNEZ?

  Nunez’s goal return in the Premier League has been particularly underwhelming, with just five goals in the current campaign. Despite being previously linked with a January move to the Saudi Pro League, he remained on Merseyside but his role in the squad appears increasingly uncertain. Speculation continues to grow that the summer transfer window could bring an end to his time at Anfield, especially if Liverpool opt to retool their forward line ahead of the next campaign.

  Meanwhile, Liverpool are now on the verge of being crowned Premier League champions. A draw or a win against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday would secure the title.

With less than a week remaining until the transfer window slams shut, Aston Villa are now reportedly plotting a shock hijack to sign an alternative option to the heavily linked Axel Disasi.

Aston Villa transfer news

For some time, it looked as though Loic Bade would be Aston Villa’s man before those in the Midlands failed to match Sevilla’s valuation. Now, it’s Chelsea’s Disasi who’s threatening to steal the headlines. After falling down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, the Frenchman has reportedly agreed personal terms with Aston Villa and left them to thrash out a deal with Chelsea.

He would instantly replace Diego Carlos, who swapped the Midlands for Turkey and Fenerbahce earlier this month. Following his exit and Tyrone Mings’ recent injury, Aston Villa’s need for another central defender has become increasingly desperate.

£75,000-p/w Aston Villa ace Emery just praised now on verge of loan exit

The Villans are set to lose their man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 28, 2025

That’s not to say Unai Emery hasn’t set his sights on other improvements though, with the manager now personally requesting that Aston Villa make their move to sign Chelsea’s Joao Felix if he is available before Monday’s deadline. The Portugal international could yet be part of a double Villa raid on Stamford Bridge this month.

If the Midlands club fail to secure Disasi’s signature, meanwhile, then they could look to upset rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. According to Ben Jacobs, Aston Villa are now plotting a move to sign Kevin Danso, who has already agreed personal terms with those at Molineux.

However, given that Wolves are yet to meet RC Lens’ €30m (£25m), the door has been left ajar for Aston Villa to swoop in ahead of their rivals if they fail in their pursuit of Disasi this week.

It would certainly steal the headlines and it would, of course, solve Villa’s centre-back problem. Whether they are forced to turn their attention towards the Wolves target remains to be seen though.

"Physical" Danso is a solid Disasi alternative

Aston Villa, one way or another, look like a side destined to welcome a central defender this month and if that centre-back proves to be Danso then the Villans should have no complaints. Still just 26 years old and at the peak of his powers, the Lens star was described as an “excellent progressor” and “physical defender” by analyst Ben Mattinson last summer.

Getting one over on rivals Wolves would also be an added bonus in what could be a final week full of drama for Aston Villa in the January transfer window.

Jude Bellingham has reportedly missed Real Madrid training as injury fears grow amid fierce La Liga title battle with Barcelona.

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• Bellingham worked inside the training facilities
• Currently awaiting a medical report
• Remains doubtful for the fixture against Celta

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to, Bellingham felt minor muscular issues on Thursday. While the club’s medical team is not overly alarmed and currently views the situation as a precautionary measure, his absence from collective training has nevertheless raised questions about his availability for Sunday’s crucial match against Celta Vigo.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While star forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior rejoined full training on Friday after nursing minor muscular issues of their own earlier in the week, Bellingham’s status remains uncertain. Madrid’s medical staff are closely monitoring the situation, and a detailed medical report is still awaited.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In addition to fitness issues in attack and midfield, Real Madrid are also bracing for changes in their defensive lineup. Injuries and suspensions have forced Ancelotti into yet another defensive shuffle, with left-back Fran Garcia and centre-half Raul Asencio expected to start in their respective roles. On the opposite flank, Lucas Vazquez is the likely candidate to feature once again at right-back, offering stability and experience. Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni, traditionally deployed in a holding midfield role, may once again be called upon to provide emergency cover in central defence.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Real Madrid are under no illusions about the stakes this weekend. They know that anything short of three points against Celta Vigo could severely damage their hopes of overhauling Barcelona in the final weeks of the season. Should the Catalan giants manage to secure a result against Real Valladolid, Madrid would need a victory to remain within striking distance, potentially just four points behind, with a vital El Clásico on the horizon.

Lionesses star Georgia Stanway is one of several big names who are back in the England squad, despite not playing since December due to knee surgery.

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• England to play final two Nations League group games
• Can welcome back Stanway, Hemp & Greenwood
• But Lionesses star James misses out with injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Stanway is one of three Lionesses to have knee surgery this season, with Lauren Hemp doing so in November and Alex Greenwood just a month later. None have played for England since but are back in Sarina Wiegman's squad this month for games against Portugal and Spain, with Hemp and Greenwood having made their returns to action with Manchester City in recent weeks. Stanway, though, is behind them in her recovery, as she has not been able to get back on the pitch for Bayern Munich yet.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There are plenty of other changes to Wiegman's last squad before she reveals her 23-player list for this summer's European Championships, too. Ella Morris, the England youth international full-back, earns her first senior call-up, while Missy Bo Kearns is included with the Lionesses for just a second time. It means that, despite an expanded squad of 27, there is no room for Millie Turner, Lucy Parker, Maisie Symonds or Jess Naz, with Lauren James also still absent due to injury.

• LIONESSES SQUAD IN FULL

  Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (PSG), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)

  Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Ella Morris (Tottenham), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)

  Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Fran Kirby (Brighton), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)

  Forwards: Michelle Agyemang (Brighton, on loan from Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, loan from Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

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• WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

  "We have reflected upon two different performances against Belgium in April and although there were positives to take, there is more we want and need to improve on," Wiegman said.

  "We have the possibility of seeing 27 players in our environment and that’s a real positive. It will give us more good information to make important decisions in the near future. Also naming the squad 12 days before the window begins gives all the players clarity as the season ends for some and carries on for others. The hard work continues from the moment we arrive at St. George’s Park on Monday 26 May.”

Manchester United are preparing an offer worth £33 million to sign a player who is seen as an upgrade to Luke Shaw, according to a recent report.

Man Utd are considering selling Luke Shaw

There is still a lot of football to be played this season before the Red Devils can think about their summer transfer window, but given how the season has gone so far, it is no surprise that Ruben Amorim and the club’s board are putting plans in place to attack the next transfer window.

Man Utd may now sell £150k-p/w star who Amorim called a "top top player"

More exits out of Old Trafford could be on the horizon, as Ruben Amorim looks to continue the clear-out.

By
Brett Worthington

Feb 11, 2025

There is an expectation that there will be a lot of changes at United over the summer, as Amorim eyes his own arrivals and will also look to move players on he doesn’t see fit. One player who could be on his way out sooner rather than later is Shaw. The left-back has once again had a campaign to forget, as he’s played just three games for the 20-time Premier League champions.

Shaw has failed to start a game this season, his last coming in February 2024, and with him struggling to maintain his fitness levels, a report has emerged that United will be open to offers for Shaw. The Englishman is still under contract until 2027, but United could see this as the right time to move him on, especially as they have just brought in Patrick Dorgu, who looks to be his long-term replacement.

Man Utd preparing £33m bid to sign "gem"

Dorgu may not be the only left-back to arrive at Old Trafford, as according to El Nacional, Man United are preparing a 40 million euro (£33 million) offer to sign Alejandro Balde from FC Barcelona as Amorim seeks to have two valid options for each position.

The 21-year-old has become a key player for Barça under Hansi Flick, but those performances have put him on the radar of the Red Devils, who are willing to offer this fee in a bid to bring him to Old Trafford and provide Amorim with another option at left-back.

Amorim sees Balde as an ideal signing for his project, and he believes the Spain international would be a significant improvement over the likes of Shaw and Lisandro Martínez, who has also had injury problems in the last 18 months.

Balde, who has been labelled a “gem” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, is a product of La Masia and is seen as one of the most promising full-backs in the game. Should United make an offer, it would be a tempting proposal for Barcelona due to their economic situation, despite Flick wanting to keep the player.

Balde’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him compete with Dorgu for that starting left wing-back spot. Amorim would then have two exciting young options to pick from there and could begin building out the rest of his famous 3-at-the-back system.

Glasgow Rangers take a backseat from Scottish Premiership action this weekend as they resume their Scottish Cup journey – one that Philippe Clement hopefully ends with the Ibrox side lifting the trophy for the first time since 2022.

Queen’s Park are the visitors, and the Light Blues appear to have a fairly straightforward route into the quarter-finals.

Rangers won’t be complacent against the Championship side, but Clement may look to make a few changes to his starting XI from the one that defeated Ross County 4-0 last weekend.

Rangers team news v Queen's Park

Several players are still out injured and won’t be available for the Scottish Cup clash. Danilo, Oscar Cortes, Dujon Sterling and Leon King will all miss the match, while both Connor Barron and Ridvan Yilmaz are doubts.

This could see several fringe players get a runout in order to stake their claim in the starting XI.

Findlay Curtis made his European debut against Manchester United a couple of weeks ago and is one of the finest young talents at Ibrox. He extended his contract last month and could be unleashed against the second-tier side today.

One player who must be unleashed this afternoon is Bailey Rice. The teenager is the brightest midfield prospect the club has had within their academy for several years. He played the second half against the Red Devils and certainly didn’t look out of place against the Premier League giants.

Clement must unleash Bailey Rice against Queen's Park

The Light Blues signed Rice from fellow Premiership side Motherwell back in the summer of 2022. He was wanted by other clubs, including Manchester City, but it was Glasgow where the Scot saw the best opportunity for success.

In February 2023, Rice became the second-youngest player to feature for the club as he came on as a late substitute against Livingston in a league tie.

Last season, he made four senior appearances for the Gers, but in order for the teenager to fulfil his potential, more game time was required.

After failing to play during the first half of the campaign, Clement moved Kieran Dowell on in January, freeing up space for Rice in the first-team squad. Since then, he has featured in three matches.

Analyst John Walker has lavished praise on the youngster previously, stating that Rice “has an eye for a pass”, and he has demonstrated this during his fleeting opportunities for the first team.

Rice played the second half against Ross County last weekend, coming on for Mohamed Diomande. The 18-year-old showed a maturity beyond his years, finishing with an 82% pass success rate and winning five of his seven contested duels, while making two tackles during the second half.

Unleashing Rice from the start against Queen’s Park will allow the teen to continue where he left off against the Highland side, perhaps even giving Clement something to think about.

Rice needs to be playing more, and this afternoon represents an ideal chance for him to strut his stuff in the Scottish Cup

Clement has struck gold on Rangers' star who's worth 5x more than Cameron

Rangers have hit the jackpot on a player who is worth millions more than Lyall Cameron.

By
Ross Kilvington

Feb 8, 2025

Jobe Bellingham received rave reviews for his performance in Sunderland's dramatic Championship play-off semi-final victory over Coventry.

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• Bellingham branded Sunderland's "chief disruptor"
• Starred in Mackems' dramatic play-off win
• Beat Coventry with last-minute goal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham played in the heart of midfield for Regis Le Bris' side, who led 2-1 on aggregate after the first leg but went behind to Brandon Thomas-Asante's strike for Coventry in the second half. Thirty minutes of extra time followed and the game seemed set for extra time, before Dan Ballard headed home from a corner to send the Stadium of Light wild.

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  HOW THE MEDIA RATED BELLINGHAM

  The Northern Echo rated Bellingham's performance higher than any Sunderland midfielder or forward, giving him a 7/10 and writing: "Sunderland’s chief disruptor at the heart of midfield – covered a lot of ground as he shackled Coventry’s creators."

  Chronicle Live also gave Bellingham a 7/10, stating: "Made the midfield his own for an hour or so, on a night where his physicality shone through. Needed a bit more conviction with his play in the final third but stood out in extra-time."

  The Sunderland Echo were not as glowing of Bellingham's efforts, awarding him a 5/10 but writing that he "improved when Sunderland switched to 4-3-3 late on".

• HOW SOCIAL MEDIA REACTED TO BELLINGHAM'S PERFORMANCE

  X users were full of praise for the midfielder, too, with @MainooMagic_ writing: "Jobe Bellingham deserves a move to a TOP CLUB this summer. CERTIFIED BALLER"

  @PaSheikhnaS added: "Jobe Bellingham is a top top talent. He’s playing way beyond his years"

  @noz_zyy said: "Need Jobe Bellingham in the Prem"
  @connorru agreed, writing: "I don’t get the Jobe Bellingham hate. Every time I watch him he looks class"

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

  Sunderland will need Bellingham at his best again to have the best possible chance of beating Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on May 24. The winner will be promoted to the Premier League.

Current Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will be hoping he can secure promotion come the end of the season, ending the club’s two-year stint in the Championship.

Should the German manage to achieve such a feat, he would replicate the success of Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road, securing a return to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

The Argentine injected discipline and quality into the playing squad, with his infamous high-intensity playstyle getting the best out of the crop of players – subsequently leading them to the promised land.

He would take the club to unexpected heights, achieving a top-half finish in their return to the top-flight, giving the supporters moments to cherish, albeit behind-closed-doors due to the Covid situation.

Such investment would allow for the 69-year-old to be such a success, with numerous of the additions after promotion making a huge impact during their respective periods at Elland Road.

Leeds' best signings after securing promotion to the Premier League

Raphinha joined Leeds as an unknown quantity to many, arriving in a £17m deal from French side Stade Rennes – wasting no time on impressing in Yorkshire.

The Brazilian would register 17 goals and 12 assists in his two full seasons at the club, even securing survival on the final day against Brentford, scoring and helping the Whites enter their third season in the top flight.

However, he would take no part in the 2022/23 season, leaving in a £55m deal to join Barcelona – a record fee received by the club, forever stitching himself into the club’s history.

Illan Meslier also joined in the summer after promotion, making his move permanent following his loan stint at Elland Road the season prior – becoming the number one between the sticks ever since.

The Frenchman has made 200 appearances, often making a mistake or two along the way, but still maintaining the support of various managers, showcasing the talent he possesses.

However, one other player also moved to the club during the summer of 2020, looking to offer that added threat to make them a success in the Premier League.

The player who Leeds struck gold offloading

Spanish forward Rodrigo arrived in the summer of 2020 from Valencia, costing £30m – a transfer fee that would break the club record in the process, a record eventually broken by Georginio Rutter.

He would spend three years in the club’s first-team, amassing a total of 99 appearances, with Bielsa putting huge trust in his skill set – dubbing the Spaniard as “very dangerous”.

The former Whites talent registered a total of 28 goals – an average of one goal every 3.5 outings, a solid return for a player who spent his last two years in the midst of a relegation battle.

After dropping into the second tier ahead of 2023/24, Rodrigo would leave Yorkshire in a £3m deal to join Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan – ending his three-year spell undoubtedly as a fan-favourite.

However, given his form in the Middle East throughout the current campaign, the club certainly made the right call in allowing him to depart, failing to match the levels he produced in England.

The Spaniard has only notched two goals throughout 2024/25, showcasing the struggles he’s faced since his move away from Elland Road two and a half years ago. For context, that’s even fewer than fellow Spaniard Mateo Joseph (3) back at Thorp Arch and perhaps more incredibly, Jayden Bogle (4).

Whilst the club lost £27m on their investment, his goals came at crucial times in the Premier League, enabling them to sustain their top-flight status, potentially making him worth the big-money fee.

However, his recent record showcases that he’s no longer at the level required in Europe, gradually coming to the end of his career, with the hierarchy making the right decision in not standing in his way.

It’s a shame that he’s not managed to replicate such with his current side, with his spell in Yorkshire undoubtedly staying in the hearts of supporters – producing countless moments of magic during his stint at the club.

10 goalkeepers Leeds could sign to replace Illan Meslier

The 49ers and Farke may want to replace the Frenchman in the summer.

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By
Charlie Smith

Feb 25, 2025

Christian Pulisic has been told ruling himself out of USMNT duty is a "bad look", with Alexi Lalas using Lionel Messi as an example of commitment.

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• Tough season in Italy coming to a close
• Has been granted rest over the summer
• Coutdown on to home World Cup in 2026

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  On the back of a long season at AC Milan, which has seen him post personal bests on the goal front, Pulisic – who captained his country at the Copa America in 2024 – has decided that he needs to take a rest.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As a result, he will not form part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans when another trophy is chased down this summer. Pulisic has not been included in the United States squad for their Gold Cup campaign, as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup finals on home soil continues.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Former USMNT star Lalas is disappointed to see star names withdrawing from international duty, with Argentine icon Messi – who has 191 caps to his name – proving that it is possible to nurse your body through gruelling schedules on an annual basis.

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• WHAT ALEXI LALAS SAID

  Lalas has told his podcast: "When it comes to Christian Pulisic, here’s the problem I have. He is, when all is said and done, going to go down as the best male American soccer player in history. There will be some argument there, but it’s heading in that direction. He is, without a doubt, a starter for this team and he changes the game when he is on. He has been starting with this team since he was a teenager, he has brought it forward.

  "Christian Pulisic, because of how good he is, and fairly so, has been treated differently. However, I cannot relate to someone in his position, who is a national team player, opting out, not wanting to represent your team.

  "I played in a different time, but I would bring up the fact that the time I played in, it was bad! It wasn’t even close to the resources and the opportunity and, let’s be honest, the protection that the players have – chartered flights, or the way the games are referred, or the amenities that they have, or the medical. Yes, they play a lot of games. But you know who plays a lot of games? Messi."