Connect with us

Football

Gary Neville reveals who he wants to win Champions League ahead of Arsenal vs PSG clash

Published

on

Advertisements

Gary Neville has made his Champions League preference clear as the competition narrows down to four teams: Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona, and Inter Milan. With the semi-finals set to decide who advances to the final at the Allianz Arena on May 31, the former Manchester United and England defender is hoping to see Arsenal lift the coveted trophy.

Arsenal’s path to the semi-finals has been nothing short of impressive. They stunned defending champions Real Madrid with a dominant 5-1 aggregate win, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament’s top contenders.

Their upcoming clash with French giants PSG promises to be a blockbuster. PSG, meanwhile, have shown their quality by eliminating Liverpool and narrowly overcoming Aston Villa in earlier rounds.

On the other side of the draw, Barcelona advanced after a commanding performance against Borussia Dortmund. Inter Milan also impressed, sending Bayern Munich packing after a strong showing in the quarter-finals. All four teams bring unique strengths, making the race to the final wide open.

Neville, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, shared his admiration for Arsenal’s recent performances and said he hopes to see Mikel Arteta’s side succeed. After nearly five years in charge, Arteta is still in search of a major trophy, and Neville believes the Champions League would be a deserved breakthrough.

“I’d want them to win it. I want Arsenal to win it for Arteta really,” Neville said. “I think being there five years, he needs that big trophy. He needs a trophy.”

His fellow pundit Jamie Carragher, however, isn’t on the same page. Carragher admitted he finds it difficult to cheer for any English team outside Liverpool in European competitions, even though he acknowledges PSG’s evolving team structure could be good for the game.

The French side has shifted focus from superstar trios like Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé to a more balanced, dynamic squad.

Carragher commented on this new PSG project, highlighting the club’s transition towards a team-oriented style with young, energetic talent. He noted that if PSG were to win the Champions League, it might validate their shift away from relying solely on individual brilliance.

Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has already labeled the Gunners as favourites following their dismantling of Real Madrid. But others are not so sure. Luis Figo, the 2000 Ballon d’Or winner, believes PSG are the true frontrunners. He pointed to the French champions’ consistency and physical strength as reasons they might go all the way.

“In my view, PSG,” Figo said when asked who he thinks will win the competition. “They have a good consistency of results and excellent physical fitness at the moment. It’s difficult to say for certain, I don’t feel that I can make a really strong prediction.”

As the semi-finals approach, excitement builds across Europe. Whether Arsenal can deliver the big moment for Arteta, or PSG confirm Figo’s belief in them, the final weeks of the Champions League promise drama, brilliance, and perhaps a few surprises.

Advertisements
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football

Man Utd and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo receives ‘tempting’ transfer offer

Published

on

By

Advertisements

Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic forward known for his illustrious spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid, has reportedly received a significant transfer offer that could mark the end of his time in Saudi Arabia.

The Portuguese star joined Al-Nassr in 2023 following his second departure from Old Trafford and has since maintained an impressive goal-scoring record, finding the net 97 times in 109 appearances.

Despite his individual brilliance, Al-Nassr endured a trophyless campaign and failed to secure qualification for the Asian Champions League, leaving the 40-year-old increasingly frustrated.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Ronaldo has been presented with a major proposal from a Brazilian club.

While the specific team has not been disclosed, the move would potentially allow him to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13.

Among the Brazilian teams qualified for the tournament are Palmeiras, Fluminense, Flamengo, and Botafogo. The allure of participating in another global tournament is believed to be a tempting factor in Ronaldo’s decision-making process.

Earlier this year, Ronaldo was close to renewing his deal with Al-Nassr, but the disappointing season combined with this new opportunity may alter his trajectory.

His reaction following a recent loss to Al-Ittihad, where he reportedly exited the stadium in anger, has only fueled speculation about his future in the Saudi Pro League.

Throughout his two-decade-long career, Ronaldo has amassed a remarkable legacy. He lifted three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his first stint with Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid, where he scored an astonishing 450 goals in 438 appearances.

During his time in Spain, he also added four more Champions League titles to his name. His subsequent move to Juventus saw him continue his scoring form with over 100 goals and three Serie A titles.

Ronaldo was recently named the highest-paid athlete in the world for the third consecutive year. Forbes estimates his total earnings at $275 million (£206 million), placing him ahead of athletes like Stephen Curry, Tyson Fury, Dak Prescott, and longtime rival Lionel Messi.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to dominate both on the pitch and in terms of global marketability.

As speculation grows about a possible move to Brazil, fans and analysts alike are closely watching to see whether Ronaldo will extend his legendary career by adding another chapter in South America or remain in the Middle East for one final stint.

Advertisements
Continue Reading

Football

Marcus Rashford ‘chooses next club’ as Aston Villa ponder £40m deal

Published

on

By

Marcus Rashford 'chooses next club' as Aston Villa ponder £40m deal
Advertisements

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.

The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.

Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.

Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.

Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch

Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.

According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.

Would Man United accept another loan deal?

Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.

While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.

That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.

Advertisements
Continue Reading

Football

Ruben Amorim ‘could QUIT’ Man Utd as Sir Jim Ratcliffe fears revealed in shock report

Published

on

By

Ruben Amorim 'could QUIT' Man Utd as Sir Jim Ratcliffe fears revealed in shock report
Advertisements

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.

After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.

Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.

Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”

According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”

The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.

Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.

After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.

So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.

Advertisements
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Alpays Media.

News
Live Scores
Live TV
App