Football
Zlatan Ibrahimović Reveals He Is ‘Coming Back’ to Spain

LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimović has revealed to his fans that he will be “coming back” to Spain.
The charismatic Swede, who spent two years on the books at Barcelona between 2009 and 2011, finds himself out of contract at the end of December, and there has been a lot of talk about what his next move could be.
🇪🇸 @Ibra_official back to Spain..? pic.twitter.com/HGT4rTWvib
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 29, 2019
Ibrahimović took to his Instagram story (via Sky Sports Football) to excite his fans, saying in a short clip: “Hola España! Guess what? I’m coming back.”
However, he did not mention in what capacity. Of course, a return to play in Spain is possible, but it seems highly unlikely that he will actually return as a player. There are plenty of possible suggestions as to what he actually means – the vast majority of which have absolutely nothing to do with football.
Only Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid would be able to afford a deal to please the high-earning Swede, but he does not fit the mould of a typical signing for any of those clubs.
In terms of his actual next move, a return to Serie A has been suggested as a likely option for Ibrahimović. Napoli are thought to be leading the race for his signature, after club president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed to Sky Sports that he was seriously interested in striking a deal.
“[Ibrahimović] is a friend, I met him in Los Angeles not as a footballer but as a normal person because we were in the same hotel,” De Laurentiis explained.
“I invited him over for dinner with his wife and kids and we had an amazing time. It would be my wish to see him in Napoli colours, it’s more than a suggestion and it depends on him. It’s been talked about for a few months now.”Ibrahimović himself even talked up the potential of a move to Napoli, revealing he would like to follow in the footsteps of Diego Maradona.
“I appreciated the last documentary dedicated to [Diego Armando] Maradona; nobody is like him,” Ibrahimović explained. “Seeing the passion and love of that city almost makes me want to try out an experience in Naples: it would be fantastic to replicate what Diego did.
“I’m not saying I’ll be going there, the final decision will depend on many factors, but it’s a city that creates a lot of enthusiasm. With me, the San Paolo would sell out every week. And [Napoli boss Carlo] Ancelotti is there, he’s a football great.”
EPL
Cody Gakpo reflects on first month at Liverpool

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has opened up on his first month on the books at Anfield, admitting he is still getting used to Jurgen Klopp’s tactics.
The Dutchman was wanted by a number of elite sides, with Manchester United expected to win the race for his signature, but it was Liverpool who snuck in and agreed to pay an initial £35m to bring Gakpo to England.
The 23-year-old, who made his name as a left winger but has spent time as a striker at Liverpool, is yet to score after four appearances for his new side, but he told club media that is it just a matter of getting to grips with his new surroundings
“My feeling, personally, is everyone in the team has so much quality,” he said. “That is what I see in training and in phases in the games.
“It is also a part of football, that sometimes things don’t work out exactly the way you want them to. We just have to keep improving, working hard, and the quality will come out. Then, you’re going to see the real Liverpool.”
He continued: “From a football perspective, it’s a new environment on the pitch, with new players and a new team. I can tell it’s a really great group. Every day I am looking forward to working with them, to train hard and to play the games. I am trying to adapt as quickly as possible, to improve every day and in the end show the best version of myself.
“Off the pitch, to be honest, I haven’t been in the city so many times yet. Most of the time I have been in the hotel. I am moving this week, actually. That’s also something I’m looking forward to.”
Listen now as Scott Saunders hosts Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth to discuss the latest transfer news. On today’s agenda: Dusan Vlahovic, Anthony Gordon, Enzo Fernandes, Amadou Onana, Malo Gusto, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pedro Porro, Weston McKennie, Milan Skriniar, Maiximo Perrone & more!
If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
Gakpo also confessed that he is still trying to adapt to his new role in Liverpool’s team.
“It is a little bit different to what I’m used to,” the Dutchman admitted. “Normally, I have played on the left for almost the past three years.
“It’s something I can improve, playing in the striker role, and I want to show my quality there. It’s a great position and playing there makes me more complete as a technical player.
EPL
Fulham launch bid Fluminense midfielder Andre

Fulham have made a bid to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre, 90min understands.
The 21-year-old has quickly established himself as one of Fluminense’s top players and a number of sides across Europe have expressed an interest in luring him away from his homeland in 2023.
Sources have confirmed to 90min that Fulham have approached Fluminense to try and thrash out a deal, but the Brazilian side are reluctant to part ways with their star player during the 2023 campaign.
Andre, who has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool, has spoken out about the interest and insisted his focus remains solely on his current employers.
“Obviously, I’m focused and very happy,” Andre said recently. “I just renewed my contract until 2026.
“It’s normal to get offers, but I’m focused here on Fluminense and having an excellent season.”
Listen now as Scott Saunders hosts Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth to discuss the latest transfer news. On today’s agenda: Dusan Vlahovic, Anthony Gordon, Enzo Fernandes, Amadou Onana, Malo Gusto, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pedro Porro, Weston McKennie, Milan Skriniar, Maiximo Perrone & more!
If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
Andre’s agent, Carlos Leite, also took to Instagram to confirm that the 21-year-old had agreed to remain with Fluminense until the end of the current campaign, which runs over the entire calendar year.
“Thanks to the great work carried out, Andre entered the radars of some of the biggest European clubs and, with that, he has received several enquiries and some official proposals,” Leite wrote.
“However, the player and Fluminense, through president Mario Bittencourt, sealed an agreement for the midfielder to remain at the club at this time, with all the dedication and commitment, always seeking the best for Fluminense in all competitions.”
EPL
Sporting CP manager makes Pedro Porro admission as Tottenham talks continue

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has warned Tottenham that he will not take right-back Pedro Porro out of his starting lineup until a transfer has been 100% agreed.
90min understands Tottenham are confident they will get a deal over the line for the 23-year-old eventually, but Sporting’s reluctance to budge from their asking price of Porro’s €45m release clause has led to some lengthy negotiations which are not yet over.
And while Porro is still contracted to Sporting, Amorim will not hesitate to use the right-back and risk an injury which could see the entire move collapse.
“Porro does not leave before the game,” Amorim said ahead of Saturday’s Allianz Cup final against Porto. “Clubs have to come first, and as far as I know, a player who is able to play and is signed up by a club, he has to go to games.
“I realise that [negotiations] involve a lot of players’ minds, but the indication I have is that Porro is fit, and the most important thing for me, as a manager, is that if he wasn’t there, there would be someone else. The game cannot be played with just one player. Porro is fit. Whatever has to happen will happen, we are prepared for all scenarios.”
Listen now as Scott Saunders hosts Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth to discuss the latest transfer news. On today’s agenda: Dusan Vlahovic, Anthony Gordon, Enzo Fernandes, Amadou Onana, Malo Gusto, Nicolo Zaniolo, Pedro Porro, Weston McKennie, Milan Skriniar, Maiximo Perrone & more!
If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
Amorim continued: “Is this Porro’s last game at the club? I don’t know. There are a few days left until February 1, then everyone will know if Porro stays or leaves.
“Porro hasn’t left yet. We are scouting, but not everything is easy, you’re in a real hurry to send Porro away!”
Spurs have repeatedly tried to lower Sporting’s asking price for Porro by including at least one player in the deal, but the Portuguese side have been clear about their determination to hold out for the right-back’s release clause – in full.
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