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PSG deny reports they used pressure to try and get Messi’s Ballon d’Or award
Paris Saint-Germain has denied allegations that they tried to pressure the organizer of the Ballon d’Or into giving Lionel Messi the prestigious honor in 2021.
Messi had joined PSG earlier that year after his long reign of success in Barcelona but was in a close contest for the top prize alongside Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.
The French club has been accused of attempting to influence those at France Football magazine, who decide the winner of the Ballon d’Or, in favor of Messi.
Le Monde reports that an ongoing legal investigation claims PSG lobbied for Messi to receive the honor by offering gifts and other benefits to Pascal Ferre, who was then editor-in-chief of France Football and responsible for organizing the Ballon d’Or.
A probe from the General Inspectorate of the National Police claims that Ferre received match tickets and a business-class flight from PSG in 2020 and 2021 when he was still in charge of France Football magazine.
Ferre, who is now the director of press and media relations for the PSG first team, denied the report, stating that he voted for Lewandowski, who was at Bayern Munich at the time of the 2021 ballot.
The 2020 edition of the award was scrapped due to the impact of Covid-19 on the football world, with Lewandowski a leading candidate if it was given out for his Bayern Munich performances.
However, Messi won the 2021 prize, his seventh of eight Ballons d’Or to date, which would have been a significant coup for PSG just months after acquiring him.
On collecting the award, the Argentinian mentioned the Polish striker he pipped to the title by 33 points. Messi said:
“I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it’s been a real honour to compete with you.
“Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year [2020]. I think France Football should award you your [trophy last year] – you deserve it and you should have it at home.”
After the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Robert Lewandowski mentioned that Lionel Messi’s words “really touched me” and described it as “a nice moment in my career,” despite needing PSG’s Kylian Mbappe to help translate conversations between them.
Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or in 2021 after leaving Europe to play for MLS side Inter Miami. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski, who picked up the Striker of the Year award in 2021, finished second in the main Ballon d’Or race.
In 2022, Lewandowski left Bayern Munich and joined Barcelona. It remains to be seen if the 35-year-old striker can contend for the Ballon d’Or once again.
BUNDESLIGA
Alphonso Davies’ Agent Sets Up Talks With Real Madrid And Man Utd After Bayern Fallout
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has been reinvigorated after a series of developments that suggest the Canadian defender’s future remains undecided. While Bayern had recently shown confidence in retaining Davies, Real Madrid has been given fresh hope of securing his signature.
Davies is unlikely to commit to any decision before January, allowing Real Madrid time to prepare an official contract offer.
According to Christian Falk via The Daily Briefing, Davies’ agent, Nedal Huoseh, was supposed to meet with Bayern officials in Munich.
However, the meeting was shifted to a virtual call, and Bayern’s Director of Football, Max Eberl, did not attend, reportedly frustrating Huoseh. This isn’t the first instance of strained relations between Bayern and Davies’ representative.
The next set of negotiations is now expected to happen in January. Although Bayern remains hopeful that Davies will sign a contract extension, Huoseh has scheduled meetings with both Manchester United and Real Madrid to review their offers.
Real Madrid’s current proposal is similar to Bayern’s, which could give Manchester United an edge if they table a significantly better offer. Despite Bayern’s push for a swift resolution, it appears the situation will extend into the new year.
BUNDESLIGA
Leroy Sane Breaks Silence On Arsenal Transfer Rumors
Leroy Sane has revealed ongoing talks with Bayern Munich about extending his contract at the Allianz Arena, signaling his reluctance to consider a return to the Premier League.
The German winger, who joined Bayern from Manchester City in 2020, is now in the final year of his current deal.
This situation has sparked interest from Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool, especially after Sane’s hesitation to commit to an extension last year.
From January, clubs outside Germany can legally initiate discussions with Sane regarding a potential transfer. However, the 28-year-old has delivered a significant setback to his suitors, expressing his preference to remain at Bayern if terms can be agreed.
Since arriving in Munich, Sane has made a strong impact, contributing 51 goals and 50 assists across 186 appearances.
Despite featuring mostly from the bench this season under Vincent Kompany, Sane has reiterated his commitment to Bayern. In an interview with BILD, he stated: “We are in talks. I feel comfortable in Munich. I feel really comfortable. Talks are very good. My focus is currently only on Bayern.”
Addressing the possibility of a Premier League return, Sane was clear about his priorities. “I follow Premier League football, but the attraction for me lies in the club where I can show my best performance, develop, and win titles. I have that at Bayern,” he said.
Although Sane has seen limited starts this season, Kompany—his former Manchester City teammate—has acknowledged the winger’s influence. Speaking after Bayern’s recent win against Benfica, Kompany praised Sane’s contribution: “Leroy changed the game, you could say that. Leroy did very well after he was subbed on.
“I’m very happy to have the quality of Leroy Sane and Michael Olise in the same position, not to forget Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry. They have all scored goals and contributed well so far this season.”
Manchester United and Arsenal, who were reportedly preparing to battle for Sane’s signature, may now be forced to reconsider their plans.
Both clubs were eager to secure the services of a player with proven Premier League credentials, including two league titles and a PFA Young Player of the Year award from his time at Manchester City.
BUNDESLIGA
Wins 2024 Ballon d’Or, Becomes First Man City and Spain Player Since 1960
Rodri, known for his immense influence on the field, has made history as the first-ever Manchester City player to win the Ballon d’Or and Spain’s first winner since 1960.
The Spanish midfielder, Rodrigo Hernández, has consistently been a powerhouse in midfield for both Manchester City and Spain’s national team, recently leading Spain to a European Championship victory.
He entered the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris as a frontrunner, surpassing top contender Vinicius.
Rodri’s role as a midfield anchor is crucial for his team’s success. While he excels defensively, particularly with high-pressure tactics, he is equally valuable in his offensive contributions as a primary playmaker and strategist for City.
His skill in controlling the game’s tempo and orchestrating plays cements him as one of the most pivotal players in modern football.
Rodri’s Remarkable Stats Highlight His Impact
Rodri’s influence becomes even clearer through his impressive stats: since 2023, he has accumulated more trophies with Manchester City and Spain than losses. Over the past year, he’s faced only four defeats, with a striking pattern—every City loss this year coincided with his absence due to injury. This further proves how essential Rodri is to the success of the Cityzens and their ability to secure victories.
With this prestigious win, Rodri not only adds another accolade to his collection but also solidifies his position among the all-time greats in football.
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