Alexia Putellas is back to her best for Barcelona Femini after getting rid of her injury woes in the past few years. In the final few days of the transfer window, reports from Spain mentioned that Paris Saint-Germain were ready to make a record-breaking offer for the two-time Ballon d'Or winner. The Spaniard, however, stayed put and has now shed light on PSG's interest as well as her future at Barca.

• Putellas back to her best

  After spending the majority of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Putellas was back to her sizzling best in the 2024-25 season. An incredible individual campaign saw her notch 27 goals and 21 assists for club and country, even though she tasted heartbreak in the Champions League final with Barca and Euro final with Spain. Having won back-to-back Ballons d'Or Feminin in 2021 and 2022, she finished fourth in this year's ranking, with her midfield partner Aitana Bonmati bagging the award for the third-time in a row. 

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  PSG made record-breaking approach for Putellas over the summer

  With Putellas' contract expiring in June 2026, PSG Feminines made a late approach for Putellas in September, just days before the deadline for women's transfer window in Europe. Per reports, they were ready to trigger the €1.1 million release clause in Putellas' contract. It would have been only the sixth instance of a transfer in football exceeding the million-euro figure. However, the 31-year-old, after conversations with both PSG and Barca's hierarchy, made it clear that her future lied in Catalunya.

• Spain and Barcelona star sheds light on PSG's interest

  Speaking in an interview with , Putellas said: "What happened with that offer is that it was publicised in the media, but it wasn't the first one. The process was short and easy. When it arrived, as with the other offers, I spoke to the club: ‘What's going on? What do you want? Are you counting on me or not?’ And that was the end of the discussion: the present is the shirt I wear."

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  Will Putellas stay at Barca beyond 2026?

  Although her contract expires at the end of this season, there's an option to renew for another year. However, Putellas neither confirmed nor declined whether her long-term future lies at Barca. 

  "My relationship with the club has always been one of trust and naturalness," she said. "Everyone knows what it means to me to play here: it's not a typical 'work for pay' relationship. It goes much further than that. I've spent almost half my life at Barca, I've played 95% of my career here. This will continue as long as, on the one hand, I continue to feel that motivation, energy and daily demand to perform at my best and meet my goals, and, on the other hand, the club feels the same way."

The defending champions have lost five of their eight matches and have been left playing catch up in the race to the playoffs

Sreshth Shah21-Apr-20252:04

Finch: ‘A horrible batting display by KKR’

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane has “no complaints” with the bowlers and said that his faltering batting unit was the reason behind their fifth defeat in eight games. KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo went a step further and said the defending champions have “lost confidence.”After KKR elected to bowl, Gujarat Titans (GT) notched up 198 for 3. In reply, KKR were blown away, succumbing to a 39-run loss after finishing on 159 for 8.”I thought 199 was chasable, I thought we came back into the game really well with the ball,” Rahane told the host broadcaster after the game. “When you are chasing 199, you expect a good opening start with the batters, that’s what we are struggling [with] throughout this tournament. We bowled really well, we faltered with the batting, but we need to learn as quickly as possible and then keep going.”Related

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Bravo echoed those words in the press conference when responding to a question about Andre Russell’s returns (55 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 119.56) in IPL 2025. “We as a team didn’t bat properly. That’s just the reality. Russell isn’t the only one struggling right now. We need to keep the players mentally focused but IPL is that kind of tournament that when you don’t start well, batsmen go into a period where they’ve lost confidence. That’s what’s happening at the moment.””When Russell walks in to bat every time, the run rate is at 14-15. The work needs to be done at the top so that he has a chance to finish the game like he’s accustomed to at KKR. He’s been out to legspinners a few times but that’s not a concern. We just need to bat better so he can finish games.”1:43

Finch: Venkatesh Iyer’s lack of intent was mesmerising

KKR’s issues start right at the top. In eight games, none of their three opening partnerships have clicked regularly. Monday’s new pair in Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine also lasted only five balls. Their openers have the worst batting average this season (19.00) and Rahane said that was one area they’ve been lagging behind in.”When you are chasing a big target, you expect a good start with your opening batters; that’s what we are looking to get better as a batting unit,” he said. “No complaints with our bowlers, I thought bowlers are doing a really good job. Game by game, they are improving a lot.”We know these conditions really well, [but] we need to bat properly, we need to bat well in the middle overs, that’s what we are struggling [with] as a batting unit.”Barring Rahane’s 36-ball 50, none of the KKR batters really stood up. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, their only other in-form batter, came in at No. 9 as an impact player, with Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Russell and Moeen Ali all pushed up ahead of him. Raghuvanshi dazzled with a few good shots but the game was all but done by then. Bravo said the batting order changes were a result of KKR chasing a left-right combination to tackle Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore.”We tried to create a left-right combination, we are a team that is blessed with quality left- and right-handers in our top order. So we tried to use that to the best of our ability, especially against a team of quality spinners. Unfortunately, Angkrish had to keep slipping down the order,” Bravo said. “When you’re chasing 200, you’re trying to maximise as much as possible and try to get in the guys who have the ability to really hit the ball in the middle.”But again, our batters are low on confidence. Normally, runs bring confidence, form brings confidence and now it’s time to be honest. The batters don’t have confidence at the moment, but the guys are preparing and practising. They are not sitting back and missing practice. We cannot fault their effort, it’s just not working out at the moment.”Rahane backed his team to come good in the next few games. “This format is always about being brave, whatever has happened in the past, you cannot think too much about it. You need to learn from your mistakes,” he said.”If you think about getting out, you will get out as a batsman. If you think about getting runs, scoring or hitting a boundary or a six, I think it’s always about that. I am sure our batters are thinking about it, it’s just a matter of time, I feel.”

Chelsea now hold concrete interest in signing a “powerful” striker, having already submitted an offer for his services, it has been revealed.

Blues keen on centre-forward despite Pedro's strong start

After sanctioning the departures of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in the summer transfer window, the Blues brought in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, with the latter making a flying start to life in west London.

The Brazilian has amassed five goal contributions in his opening six Premier League games, although he hasn’t been his best as of late, recording an xG of 0 in the disappointing 3-1 defeat at home against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

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With Delap still relatively inexperienced and set to be sidelined until around December due to a hamstring issue, Enzo Maresca is currently short on options in attack, and another centre-forward has been identified as a target ahead of the January transfer window.

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now shown concrete interest in signing Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, after making an impressive start to the campaign in La Liga.

The Blues have already made a formal approach for Etta Eyong, submitting a bid off the back of a solid 2024-25 season, and they are now set to battle it out for his signature.

Back in the summer, it was widely reported that Levante paid just €3m (£2.6m) for the 21-year-old, but former employers Villarreal have the right of first refusal, which could complicate a potential approach from Chelsea.

"Powerful" Etta Eyong impressing in first campaign at senior level

The youngster was unable to make the grade at Villarreal, playing reserve football throughout the 2024-25 campaign, but he has since made the step-up to senior level, amassing seven goals and assists in La Liga so far this season.

Lauded as a “powerful” striker by journalist Kai Watson, the Cameroonian has also showcased his ability to perform against some top clubs, scoring Levante’s only goal in the 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid, while also finding the back of the net against Arsenal back in pre-season.

Not only is the starlet impressive going forward, but he has also displayed his ability to pitch in defensively, placing in the top 2% for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.76 (97th percentile)

Assists

0.46 (99th percentile)

Tackles

1.52 (98th percentile)

Blocks

0.91 (90th percentile)

Clearances

1.22 (82nd percentile)

That said, having already signed Delap in the summer, there are doubts over whether Chelsea need to bring in another young striker anytime soon, and Etta Eyong is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, so it will not be the end of the world if they miss out.

Jack Carson’s five-wicket haul wrapped up a simple three-day victory for Sussex as they won on the road for the first time in the Rothesay County Championship this season.Offspinner Carson found turn, bounce and a bagful of Hampshire wickets as he ripped through three of the four remaining batters to pick up five for 26 – his best of the campaign.Hampshire were bowled out for 165, and despite Oli Carter falling, Tom Haines and Tom Alsop easily knocked off the 23 runs needed to take them past the winning line before lunch.Sussex’s third win of their return to Division One came with 20 points, to keep tabs on the leading title contenders.Hampshire began the day trailing by 29 runs, but they had only whittled that down to 15 before Brad Wheal turned Carson around the corner to leg slip.There was a mini-flashpoint when James Fuller and bowler Nathan McAndrew collided during a single. Liam Dawson wasn’t impressed, although the umpires calmed things quickly.Dawson took the hosts into a slender lead, his two accompanied by a huge cheer, but just 10 runs later he tried to ride Carson’s turn, but tickled behind to John Simpson.Dawson had been the main hope for Hampshire to test Sussex, but his exit for 48 saw Kyle Abbott edge to slip three balls later.Henry Crocombe put Hampshire out of their misery when John Turner prodded a short ball to short leg.Dawson managed to get Carter’s edge but it was a rare moment of joy as Sussex ticked off the runs in under 15 minutes.It was a particularly revered victory for the visitors, with strike bowler Ollie Robinson rested with an ankle injury and overseas opener Daniel Hughes absent awaiting the birth of his first child.Captain John Simpson had noted his side had “punched above expectation” so far this season. They leapfrogged Hampshire with the win, and also kept in touching distance of the title pacesetters.Simpson’s third century of the season, in a 173-run stand with Fynn Hudson-Prentice, was the difference in the match, while Crocombe’s first appearance of the season was a huge success – four explosive wickets in the first innings were followed by a tidy two for 44 in the second.For Hampshire, it was their first home defeat in the Championship since July 2023, with this only their fourth loss at Utilita Bowl since April 2019.Although this fixture was the first between the two south coast counties in a decade, Sussex have still only lost once on this ground in 10 red-ball outings – 20 years ago.Hampshire have endured a rollercoaster trio of matches heading into the Vitality Blast portion of the season.A dismal performance against Nottinghamshire was followed by a sensational victory at Edgbaston, which relighted excitement of a potential title charge, only for a seven-session mauling.Their six batting bonus points in the first block of Championship games is only better than bottom-side Worcestershire, with only Ben Brown of the regulars to average over 40. Only he and Nick Gubbins have recorded centuries.They didn’t get a batting point in this match, and only took three points from a dire week.

When David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at Everton in January, some viewed the appointment as being pragmatic, a controversial decision from new owners The Friedkin Group to placate some segments of the fanbase.

But Moyes has proved all the doubters wrong. Was it ever up for question? Everton launched away from the relegation zone last season and have established a strong base after the summer, three games unbeaten in the Premier League ahead of a daunting trip to Anfield on Saturday.

The likes of Jack Grealish, Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have widened Everton’s creative parameters, and Moyes’ tactics provide a solid defensive base.

Moreover, new technical director Angus Kinnear has helped ship out a number of struggling stars. Everton have made headway in the transfer market, all told, but that certainly hasn’t always been the case in recent memory.

Everton's worst modern sales

Under the dysfunctional rule of Farhad Moshiri, Everton were often labelled as bad buyers. But neither did they sell particularly prudently.

Cashing in on the likes of Amadou Onana and Richarlison provided financial strength, but some might be kicking themselves for parting ways with Ademola Lookman before the Nigerian forward managed to spread his wings and grow into the Ballon d’Or contender he is today.

Likewise, it’s frustrating that Anthony Gordon was so desperate to leave Goodison Park in the early stages of his career. The England international was sold to Newcastle United for £45m, but Liverpool have since come knocking despite the Magpies’ £100m valuation of their player.

It’s at least comforting to note that this new version of Everton appears to be more calculated and efficient in their transfer dealings than the previous hierarchy.

Early days, of course, but Moyes has whipped his troops into shape and added players of genuine quality. Those who have been shipped on for good reason, but there’s one player in particular, who he must rue the club’s past decision to let go.

Left-back has been something of a problem for the Toffees this term, with James Garner serving in a patchwork role, albeit playing it well. It’s a shame one of the best in the business was let go for peanuts before he hit his stride in the Premier League.

When Everton sold "one of the best left-backs"

Vitalii Mykolenko has dealt with some injury issues across the opening weeks of the campaign, and with Jarrad Branthwaite perennially sidelined in the first phases of any given season, this has posed a problem.

A problem that Moyes has found a solution for, utilising the industrious Garner’s versatility in a way which has allowed the team to fight for a place in the top half of the table.

But a natural left-back would be nice, and it’s clearly something that has sat on Moyes’ mind, for the 62-year-old signed Bayern Munich youngster Adam Aznou in the summer, and big things are expected of the 19-year-old.

It would be easy to say he’s the most exciting young left-back on the Blue half of Merseyside since Leighton Baines was signed from Wigan Athletic, but that wouldn’t be true, not when Everton once had Antonee Robinson in their ranks.

Robinson was a part of Everton’s academy, actually winning the U18 Players’ Player of the Year in 2015. The talent was always there, but there was no room for him within Roberto Martinez’s set-up, and he departed before making a single senior appearance.

Now, he’s regarded as one of the finest full-backs in the Premier League, and indeed no defender claimed more assists than his haul of ten for Fulham last season.

Data-driven platform FBref suggest he is comparable to Liverpool’s new recruit Milos Kerkez, but in truth, he may well be the superior player at this stage.

Robinson effectively trumps Kerkez in every department, which serves as a measure of the USMNT international’s ability. No doubt, some at Craven Cottage felt it was an injustice that the young Hungarian secured a place in the Premier League Team of the Year, ahead of Fulham’s left-sided superstar.

Kerkez is one talented young defender, for sure, but Robinson was actually singled out by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley last season as being “one of the best left-backs in the world”. This is his level.

Under the wing of Marco Silva, Fulham’s play flows through Robinson. Get him on the ball, that’ll do it. He’s athletic and attentive and creative besides, boasting all the skills needed to become a superstar in Moyes’ Everton.

It’s a shame that it will never be so. Robinson left for a pittance, having failed to wedge his way into senior plans and instead being sold to Wigan for just £2m in July 2019, when he was only 21 years old.

Robinson’s capacity to whip a delightful ball into the danger area underlines a further reason why he might have been such a valuable asset at Everton over the years, especially when considering the emphasis Moyes likes to put on that facet of the playmaking game, and indeed the aerial presence the Blues boast in the box.

While the football transfer market is an unforgiving business, with mishaps inevitable, it’s sure to be one that stings the powers that were at Everton, who watched him grow into one of the most sought-after around. Indeed, before Liverpool completed a deal for Kerkez, they were interested in signing Robinson, who was valued at a bumper £50m at the midpoint of last season.

Alas, now the hopes rest on Aznou’s shoulders, with the youngster having the chance to put all this ruefulness to bed.

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Mason Mount’s magnificent effort and a first Old Trafford goal for Benjamin Sesko secured Manchester United a 2-0 victory against Sunderland that helps ease the pressure on Ruben Amorim.

The under-fire Portuguese head coach headed into his 50th match as Red Devils boss in the spotlight after last weekend’s bruising 3-1 loss at Brentford.

But Amorim’s side responded well in wet and windy conditions against promoted Sunderland, with first-half goals from Mount and Sesko sealing a much-needed victory before the international break.

Asked about a public show of support from Mount, the United boss told reporters after the game: “I saw (that) today and I know they want to do their best – and I know they don’t want to change the coach all the time.

“But, like I said during this week, to be with the manager is ‘I will kill myself to go in every transition’. We need to show with actions.

“And sometimes when we look at our team I know for sure that when we see the games in the end they know that sometimes we can do better.

“So, I feel that during the week but we need to show that on the pitch, not just at home but also away.”

Sunderland meanwhile won’t be too worried by their start to the season despite the defeat, heading into the second international break of the season in the top half of the table with 11 points from their first seven games.

“They [United] scored twice then after that it became another game,” Regis Le Bris told BBC.

“We changed our shape to make a one-v-one game, it was a bit chaotic but at least we were back in the game. We were not strong enough to create chances today, only at the end.”

The Black Cats thought they had a route back into the game when a penalty was given for what appeared to be a kick to Trai Hume’s face, only for VAR to intervene as replays showed minimal contact. But that was not the only moment of controversy in and around the United box.

Ref watch react to Bertrand Traore's yellow card for diving

Bertrand Traore made his first start for Sunderland since joining from Ajax in a £2.5m move this summer, and charged through on goal before being sandwiched between debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Bruno Fernandes.

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While it would have certainly been a soft penalty, referee Stuart Attwell went beyond just ignoring the shouts from the Burkina Faso international and booked him for simulation.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ ref watch show on Monday morning, former PGMOL man Dermot Gallagher revealed Attwell should have taken the third option: do nothing.

Celtic left it late to bring in Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer and could be set to dip into the unattached market once again for another centre-forward.

Kelechi Iheanacho excited to work with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic

In a deal that has triggered plenty of discussion among Celtic supporters, Kelechi Iheanacho is now in the building at Parkhead and may well be in the frame to make his Scottish Premiership debut against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Speaking to official club sources, the Nigeria forward signalled his excitement at being able to work with Brendan Rodgers again following their successful time together while at Leicester City.

He explained: “He’s been massively important in my career. He looked after me when I was in Leicester and gave me the opportunity to show my talent and help the team to win trophies.

“He’s a great manager and a great person. He’s got a good personality as well so I’m happy to play for him again. I’m happy to be a Celtic player and to play for this great club.”

Of course, Iheanacho’s unsuccessful loan spell at Middlesbrough has put the cat among the pigeons for some, given he netted once in 15 appearances while at the Sky Bet Championship outfit.

Nevertheless, his exploits in the Premier League at Manchester City and the Foxes illustrate what he is capable of, albeit Sevilla fans never got to see the best of him either before he was released to complete a move to Glasgow.

With Celtic short on options through the middle, recent developments suggest they could now enter the free agent market once again to bring in a renowned striker.

Celtic favourites to sign free agent Michail Antonio

According to a report from Claret & Hugh, Celtic are ‘favourites’ to sign former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio, who is a free agent after leaving the London Stadium under freedom of contract.

The Jamaica international, who shares the same agent as summer signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, has been using the Hammers’ facilities to keep himself fit over the last few months and his Premier League record speaks for itself; 68 goals and 38 assists in 268 matches.

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Failed moves for David Datro Fofana and Kasper Dolberg late in the window have left the door ajar for another striking arrival at Celtic, though anyone signed wouldn’t be able to take part in their Europa League campaign.

At 35 years of age, Antonio is someone that is definitely in the twilight of his career, even if he is still capable of performing at a high level if granted the platform.

Despite their interest in a deal, it would be harsh if Brendan Rodgers were to block opportunities for Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada to claim more minutes, which may be a consideration that will need evaluation before the Bhoys make a decision on whether to move for the veteran forward.

In a chaotic and eventual showdown at St. James’ Park, Newcastle United looked like they’d done just enough to get the better of Arsenal.

That was until Mikel Arteta’s battling Gunners mounted an extremely late comeback to turn around a contest that was 1-0 in the Magpies’ favour on the 84th minute mark to an incredible 2-1 win courtesy of Mikel Merino being the goalscoring hero once more, before Gabriel then sealed all three points at the death.

Truthfully, Eddie Howe’s hosts were dancing dangerously when it came to holding onto that one-goal upper hand, with lady luck arguably on their side even before Nick Woltemade’s opener when VAR overturned a penalty kick for the away side.

Still, their luck had very much run out come the full-time whistle, with several underperformers letting Howe down on the big occasion to leave the Magpies stuck on a meagre one win in the early Premier League standings.

Newcastle's biggest underperformers vs Arsenal

On another day, the hosts might well have held onto a share of the points, but Nick Pope’s rash kick in a bid to start a counterattack with very few minutes remaining on the clock aided Arsenal’s late comeback, as an eventual corner beat the ex-Burnley keeper.

Of course, without Pope in between the sticks, full stop, Newcastle would have succumbed to a far heavier loss, with the 33-year-old making five saves in total, but he won’t want to watch back his costly goal kick anytime soon.

Away from Pope, Anthony Gordon also struggled after being reinstated into the starting lineup, with the number 10 only managing an unmemorable 30 touches of the ball before being hauled off by Howe.

Joelinton also wasn’t at his dependable best, arguably, with the forceful Brazilian going on to win just three of his 15 duels in the frenetic affair.

But, there was one underperformer – in particular – who stood out like a sore thumb throughout, who will now surely be ditched by Howe for his side’s upcoming Champions League trip to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Howe got it wrong starting 6/10 Newcastle star

While Arsenal didn’t have it all their own way during the tight clash, they did routinely gain a lot of joy down the left-hand side through Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.

Indeed, the pair managed to successfully register six dribbles between them, with the Dutchman and the Englishman growing in confidence knowing they didn’t have the most formidable foe in front of them in Dan Burn, who was drafted out to the left for this clash, a decision which Howe must now rue.

Before touching on his troubling display up against Saka and Timber, Burn was also uncharacteristically beaten in the air for Gabriel’s 97th-minute winner, with his 6-foot-7 frame not giving him an advantage on this occasion.

Away from the last-gasp winner exposing one of the colossus’ lesser-known weaknesses, Burn also never looked at ease with the ball at his feet, when shoved out to the left flank, with his wayward passing throughout just one element of his out-of-sorts game that must have made Howe regret selecting him in that role.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

56

Accurate passes

15/32 (47%)

Possession lost

26x

Dribbled past

3x

Total duels won

8/20

It was very much an evening all round to forget for the Blyth-born battler, with only 47% of his passes on the St James’ turf reaching their intended target, which led to Burn lackadaisically surrendering possession a whopping 26 times.

To make matters worse, it wasn’t just his aerial clash with the Gunners six that saw him be surprisingly outmuscled, with only eight of his 20 duels being won.

Saka also gained a lot of joy out of Burn when bombing forward, with the former Brighton and Hove Albion defender falling victim to being dribbled past three times in total to really ramp up his horrendous afternoon.

Newcastle World’s Jordan Cronin might well have been feeling generous when gifting Burn a 6/10 rating after the match, but even he would state that the long-standing servant looked “largely out of place” as a left-back option.

Howe will have been given plenty to chew over after his side collapsed to a late defeat, with Burn just one player in isolation who will now be fearful of the chop for the trip to Belgium on Wednesday night.

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BySean Markus Clifford Sep 28, 2025

Ahead of Benfica's presidential election, candidate Joao Diogo Manteigas claims Jose Mourinho, the club’s current manager, “is not a coach with a future” at the Lisbon side and already has his eyes set on managing the Portuguese national team. While acknowledging Mourinho’s winning mentality, Manteigas believes the veteran tactician’s ambitions go beyond Benfica.

Mourinho’s short-term stint at Benfica raises questions

The return of Mourinho to Benfica, 25 years after his brief debut stint, was seen as a monumental reunion between the club and one of Portugal’s greatest football minds. Appointed to replace Bruno Lage just over a month ago, Mourinho signed a two-year deal and immediately brought structure and belief back to the dressing room. But according to presidential candidate Manteigas, the 62-year-old coach’s heart might already be set elsewhere.

Manteigas described Mourinho as a “winner capable of making Benfica champions this year,” but one who lacks long-term commitment to the club. “He’s not a coach with a future here,” Manteigas told Portuguese media, suggesting the veteran tactician is eyeing the Portugal national team job, a role he has long been linked with. “Everyone in football knows Mourinho wants to be the national team coach,” he added.

AdvertisementGettyManteigas on Mourinho’s motives

As the presidential race intensifies at Benfica, Manteigas offered a candid take on Mourinho’s appointment. While acknowledging the manager’s pedigree and winning mentality, Manteigas made it clear that he believes the Portuguese's stay at the club will be short-lived.

"Mourinho is a winning coach. If there's anyone capable of making Benfica champions this year, it's José Mourinho. He's such an experienced and successful coach that he'll be able to overcome obstacles faster than any other coach we'd want to bring into a project that isn't his," said Manteigas.

"Mourinho isn't going to stay at Benfica for two, three, or four years. Who doesn't know that Mourinho wants to be the national team coach? Who doesn't know in the industry? The other candidates may not know, but those who work in the industry, who doesn't know that Mourinho spoke with Pedro Proença to discuss a possible appointment to the national team?"

Why Mourinho’s future could lie with Portugal

The speculation around Mourinho’s ambitions isn’t new. Even during his unveiling at Benfica, the manager admitted he always believed his return to Portugal would come through the national team rather than a club job. “I always thought I’d come back to the national team. I was thinking one day it will happen. I think it’s a natural consequence of my career,” Mourinho said after Benfica’s 3–0 victory over AVS in his first game back.

Manteigas’s claim aligns with these comments, noting Mourinho’s contractual clause allowing either party to terminate the deal after this season with compensation. With Roberto Martínez’s future dependent on Portugal’s World Cup performance, Mourinho could be positioning himself for the next chapter.

"If Mourinho had been interested in staying, he wouldn't have signed for one season, with this one-year clause, depending on whether one of the parties wants it or not. All contracts have timings. Therefore, I'm going to sit down with him and find out his terms, but I'll give him everything he needs to win this year," Manteigas said.

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AFPElection heat intensifies at Benfica

Mourinho’s uncertain future adds another layer of intrigue to Benfica’s already charged presidential race, scheduled for October 25. The contest pits incumbent Rui Costa, the current president and the man who brought Mourinho back, against former challenger Joao Noronha Lopes, ex-president Luis Filipe Vieira, and candidates like Manteigas, Martim Mayer, and Cristovao Carvalho.

Costa is running on a platform of stability and continuity, using Mourinho’s appointment as proof of progress, while Lopes promotes modernisation and fan engagement. Manteigas, however, is positioning himself as the candidate of honesty, arguing that Benfica must plan beyond Mourinho’s short-term stay and prepare for sustainable growth.

Olivier Giroud has revealed his plans to emulate iconic striker Cristiano Ronaldo. Giroud returned to France over the summer following a year in America with MLS side LAFC. The experienced striker has made a solid start to life back in his homeland with Lille having scored two goals in his opening six Ligue 1 appearances and has no plans to stop playing anytime soon.

• AFP
  

  Giroud's flying start to Lille

  Giroud joined Lille on a one-year deal as a replacement for Jonathan David, who left the club on a free over the summer for Serie A powerhouse Juventus. And the experienced striker made an immediate impact for as he scored on his second Ligue 1 debut in a 3-3 draw at Brest in August.

  The former Arsenal and Chelsea man followed that up with the decisive strike in Lille's 1-0 home win over Monaco, while he came off the bench to net a late winner against Brann in the Europa League last month.

  And the former France forward has revealed he has no plans to call time on his career anytime soon and wants to emulate Ronaldo by playing until he turns 40.

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• '40 is a number that I am aware of'

  Giroud, who turned 39 last month, has admitted he is open to the possibility of extending his career beyond the end of the current season and continuing once he turns 40. Ronaldo, who celebrated his 40th birthday in February, signed a two-year contract with Al-Nassr earlier this year.

  "It could be one year plus another, but it could just be one, too," Giroud said. "You can’t have regrets. You have to live in the moment and be ready to stop it all at some point. But 40 is a number that I am aware of.

  "But it will be a group decision, with my wife and my family. It is about being reasonable. If I think that I can bring something and if the club are also satisfied with me, we will sit around a table and we’ll see."

  Giroud also felt a move to Lille was 'perfect', adding: "Lille, for me who is very close to London and I want to live there after my career, it was perfect."

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  'My best goals aren’t too bad'

  Giroud also revealed the best goal he has ever scored. The Frenchman has scored a number of memorable goals across spans in France, England, Italy and America, but believes his strike against Crystal Palace in 2017 is the one that sticks out.

  "My best goals aren’t too bad,” he told L’Equipe via the Mirror. "The best, that’s still the scorpion kick with Arsenal. With all modesty, we’ll never see that move again.

  "A showman? Not like the geniuses, the magicians, the dribblers like Neymar, the guys who get the crowd on their feet with their moves, but in another way, yes, I am."

  Giroud is currently France's record scorer with 57 goals to his name, but is backing captain Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 53 times for , to smash that record, and believes  the Real Madrid hitman will hit closer to 100.

  "He will be 27 (in December) so he still has five to six years, 10-12 matches a season, he can get to not far off 100, and I hope he does," Giroud added.

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• Giroud opens door to spectacular France return

  Giroud has also opened the door over a potential return to the France national team. The Lille forward retired from international football after Euro 2024 but would be open to an emergency recall if required.

  "You can never say never. If there is a need, and if I am competitive and available, I will be there," he added.

  "But it is really very unlikely. You have to be serious."

  The French frontman also reserved praise for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who recently scored on his full France debut against Iceland, stating: "It’s great for Jean-Philippe Mateta that he’s been called up. It’s also a great example that he can taste all that at 28. And he seems to me to be a great person."