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In what was one of the biggest moves in the ongoing summer transfer window, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United after a gap of 12 years, leaving Serie A giants Juventus. The Red Devils confirmed the news on Friday that they have agreed a deal to sign the 36-year-old star from the Bianconeri. 

Ronaldo had earlier played at Manchester United from 2003 to 2009 before he moved to Real Madrid. In 2018, the Portuguese attacker joined Juventus but has ended his Turin stint after three years.

In a statement on their club website , United said: "Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

"In his first spell for Manchester United, he scored 118 goals in 292 games. Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester."

The Manchester United fans, former players and the current crop of players were elated to the news of the superstar returning to Old Trafford. Players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire took to social media to express their joy.

How did the Manchester United players react to Ronaldo re-joining the Red Devils?

Marcus Rashford

Jadon Sancho

Raphael Varane

David De Gea

Bruno Fernandes

Harry Maguire

Juan Mata

How did England cricketers react to Ronaldo's return to Manchester United

England international cricketers Sam Billings and Liam Livingstone who also ply their trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals respectively were elated to see Ronaldo return to the Premier League.

Sam Billings

Liam Livingstone

Nigerian players across Europe’s major leagues have got off to a strong start to the season already in 2021-22, with the likes of Emmanuel Dennis and Moses Simon impressing during the early weeks of the campaign.

One of the debates on this week’s episodes of Hot Seat pitted two of the Super Eagles’ more impressive stars of the season so far against one another, as Oluwaseye Omidiora and Ed Dove assessed the merits of Taiwo Awoniyi and Alex Iwobi.

The pair both have reasons for optimism just a handful of games into the new season.

For Iwobi, the arrival of Rafael Benitez represents yet another fresh start in his career, with the attacker yet to truly find his place—either at a club or positionally—in recent years.

The departure of Carlo Ancelotti was mourned on Merseyside, but probably not for Iwobi, who struggled to assert himself under the Italian coach and had to deputise as a wing-back in order to get some gametime.

He didn’t start Benitez’s tenure as a starter, but came off the bench to catch the eye in the Toffees’ opening victory over Southampton.

He was prompted to the starting XI for their second match—against Leeds United—and duly impressed again. Indeed, the midfielder was arguably unfortunate not to have registered an assist as the two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

For Omidiora, it’s Awoniyi who deserves the most credit for his excellent start to the new campaign.

The striker was finally cut loose by Liverpool during the offseason, signing a permanent deal with Union Berlin of Bundesliga, with whom he’d spent the 2020-21 season on loan.

While there’s disappointment—if not surprise—that Awoniyi never made the grade at Anfield, his signing represented something of a gamble for Union.

They knew him, of course, from his time on loan last season, but the striker did only net five goals during the course of the Bundesliga season.

With two in two this term already, however, he’s proving himself to be an astute acquisition and demonstrating that—now settled at one club—he can be a success.

Callum Hudson-Odoi must be prepared to "deal with the consequences" of his choice to refuse his call-up to the England Under-21 squad, says Thomas Tuchel, with the Chelsea manager adding that he does not wish to see the player leave on loan.

The winger, a full England international since 2019, turned down a spot in Lee Carsley's youth squad after he was passed over by Gareth Southgate for September's Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers at senior level.

Tuchel says that the decision is the 20-year-old's to make, but has admitted that minutes with the Young Lions would have likely helped benefit him as he continues to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge.

What has been said?

“It’s his decision and nothing to do with my opinion or the club’s,” the German said ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Liverpool this weekend.

“If I speculate a little bit I think it’s about disappointment that he is not nominated for the first team, but at the same time maybe he did not have enough minutes to be nominated for the first team.

"I could see the upgrade in having some minutes and being in a leading role for the Under-21s but he decided differently so he will deal with the consequences.”

Tuchel throws gauntlet to winger

Having penned a five-year deal in September 2019, Hudson-Odoi has struggled to impart himself upon the Blues' first team since and has found himself considering options further afield this summer.

Tuchel says that no move has materialised so far however, while conceding that there may still be time before the transfer window shuts - but furthermore challenging the youngster to prove himself at Stamford Bridge.

“There’s always room for improvement here in training,” he added. “It’s hard to argue that he needs regular game time to improve his level.

"At the same time, it’s not only about letting players go. If we want to compete in all competitions, it’s also about numbers.

“I have the feeling that Callum decided to fight for his place here. He had a very good pre-season. The door is always open to sneak through. At the moment, there is no loan.”

The bigger picture

If Hudson-Odoi is indeed set to remain with the Blues, he could be in line for his first Premier League start of the season when they face Liverpool this weekend.

Having delivered two wins from two so far this term, Tuchel's side - bolstered by the return of Romelu Lukaku - are among the early frontrunners this term.

They will face arguably their toughest test yet though in the shape of Jurgen Klopp's Reds, who are looking to regain the top-flight crown they were deposed of last term by Manchester City.

Further reading

Pep Guardiola doesn't expect any more incomings or outgoings at Manchester City as the transfer deadline approaches.

City are short of a striker after missing out on top target Harry Kane, who will remain at Tottenham, while they also pulled the plug on a move for Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Several players, including Bernardo Silva and Aymeric Laporte, have been linked with moves away from the Etihad Stadium, but Guardiola is expecting to have the same squad after the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.

What's been said?

Asked about the possibility of players leaving at his press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Arsenal, Guardiola said: "Right now, I don’t think so, but maybe it’s going to happen.

"Anything can happen, but my opinion is everything will finish like it has now and that’s good enough."

City usually get their transfer business done early in the window but there still remains an outside chance of a late deal.

"I don't know what's going to happen, it's a mystery, the transfer window this season is so weird," Guardiola added.

"There are big, big issues, the English teams have done one or two signings. Maybe the rumours are that Real Madrid are going to do something and the rest I don’t know."

The bigger picture

City have been in the hunt for a new striker since Sergio Aguero was allowed to leave on a free transfer for Barcelona at the end of last season.

Despite making it clear that he wanted to leave Spurs, City could not agree a deal for Kane, while Lionel Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain without the club taking an interest.

So-called super-agent Jorge Mendes offered Ronaldo to the club, but despite talks, the Premier League champions opted out of a move.

Mendes has also been trying to secure a move for Bernardo, another of his players who wants to switch to Spain.

However, there has been no offers and the Portugal international looks like he will be staying at the Etihad.

Further reading:

Carlo Ancelotti has given nothing away over whether Kylian Mbappe is set to become a Real Madrid player, as speculation continues to swirl around the future of the Paris-Saint Germain forward.

The France international could be on the cusp of a major-money move to Santiago Bernabeu and is reportedly keen on making the swap to Los Blancos from Parc des Princes.

But speaking ahead of his side's clash with Real Betis in La Liga this weekend, Madrid boss Ancelotti has remained tight-lipped on whether the attacker could be at his disposal before the transfer window shuts.

What has been said?

"Mbappe's case is a thing for those managing the club," Ancelotti stated at a press conference. "I cannot say anymore. I think only about training the team, preparing for the game and managing the players well.

"Everything that the politics of football entails, it does not matter to me. [Mbappe] is a great player but I think we have great players here too. We have to give everything so they can show their qualities.

"You can compete against all the teams in the world. We have the Champions League with strong teams and complicated games. If our squad improves, it's better for everyone."

Mbappe saga faces race against time

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo having already sealed surprise moves this summer, it has been a historic transfer window across the European market.

But Madrid will have to beat the clock if they hope to get a deal for Mbappe over the line before time runs out at the end of August.

PSG are reluctant to part ways with the striker  but they have considered options if they do choose to sell , given that Mbappe is reluctant to pen an extension to his contract that expires at the end of the season.

The bigger picture

All eyes will be on Mauricio Pochettino's side when they face Reims in Ligue 1 this weekend, in their last game before the September international break.

The question of whether Mbappe could play his farewell match for the club remains pertinent, though that issue could be overshadowed by a debut for Messi in PSG colours.

The former Barcelona star is yet to feature for his new club but is expected to take to the field at some point against Oscar Garcia's side.

Further reading

Hatayspor's Mohammed Kamara and Slavia Pague midfielder Oscar Dorley are among the 22 players invited by Liberia for their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying games in September.

The West Africans will begin their Group C campaign with a trip to the Teslim Balogun Stadium to battle Nigeria on September 3 before hosting Central African Republic three days later.

Liberia are aiming to qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history after they advanced to the second round of the qualifiers with a 3-2 aggregate win over neighbours Sierra Leone.

Dorley is one of the notable stars in Peter Butler's selection after he helped Slavia Prague win the Czech Liga title in the last two seasons.

The 23-year-old midfielder has played seven matches in all competitions this ter,, including four league appearances.

Meanwhile, Hatayspor striker Kamara is among the five new players invited who could make their debut appearance for Liberia in Lagos.

Prior to the announcement of the team list, coach Butler extended his contract to remain with the Lone Stars until at least August 2022.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ashley Williams (RB Linense, Spain), Tommy Sango (LISCR, Liberia), Morlik Keita (Mighty Barrolle, Liberia).

Defenders: Prince Balde (KF Drita, Kosovo), Jeremy Saygbe (RB Linense, Spain), Alvin Maccornel (Watanga, Liberia), Sampson Dweh (LPRC Oilers, Liberia), Daniel Paye (Bea Mountain, Liberia), Teah Dennis (Monrovia Club Breweries, Liberia), Carlos Williams (Watanga, Liberia).

Midfielders: Abrahim Mohamed Soumaoro (Paeek FC, Cyprus), Murphy Dorley (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Marcus Macauley (Sahab FC, Jordan), Terrence Tisdell (Kocaelispor, Turkey), Justin Salmon (Degerfor IF, Sweden), David Tweh (Rukh Brest, Belarus), Allen Njie (FC Aarau, Switzerland), Abu Kamara (FC Makedonijagjp, North Macedonia).

Forwards: Ayouba Kosiah (NAC Breda II, Netherlands), Kpah Sherman (Kedah Darul Aman FC, Malaysia), Mohammed Kamara (Hatayspor, Turkey), and Van-Dave Harmon (unattached).

Nigeria legend Henry Nwosu has described Cristiano Ronaldo’s imminent return to Manchester United as an "unfortunate" move for him and Juventus.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner left Old Trafford 12 years ago and the Red Devils have confirmed that they have found a £13 million agreement with Juventus to bring the forward back to England.

After he left Manchester United in 2009, Ronaldo joined Real Madrid where he won four Uefa Champions League titles amongst other domestic honours before switching to Juventus in 2018, where he won two Serie A trophies in three years.

He started on the bench in Sunday's Serie A opener before he was subbed on in the 59th minute in Juventus' 2-2 draw with Udinese.

Nwosu, who starred for Nigeria in the 1980s and later coached the Golden Eaglets in 2008, revealed his love for the 36-year-old forward but he suggested that the move has not happened at the right time.

“It's so unfortunate for Ronaldo, it's unfortunate for Juventus,” Nwosu told Goal.

“I don't think going back to Manchester United is the right thing at the moment because they are not doing really well. I didn't expect that move, he should have stayed with Juventus and see if they can we something again.

“Ronaldo is someone I love as a player and as a person but I'm not happy with the decision he has taken. All the same, he has his personal reasons for returning to England, let's see how it goes.

“He is going back to Manchester United so he will need to work harder than he did at Juventus because even the fans will see him as the Messiah who will help them.

“It is not a good move for him because he can't do it alone at Manchester United, he does not have much support but I wish him well.”

After the two clubs have found an agreement on Friday, Goal understands that Manchester United are now finalising personal terms with the Portuguese star who won three Premier League titles before his departure.

Ronaldo first moved to Old Trafford from Sporting CP in 2003 and during his first stint at the club, he scored 84 goals and provided 34 assists in 196 Premier League matches.

South Africa international Percy Tau shared a cryptic message on Friday which got fans talking on social media.

On Thursday, Tau completed his much-publicized permanent transfer to African champions Al Ahly from English outfit Brighton and Hove Albion as he ended his three-year association with the club.

The 27-year-old attacker's transfer has created a lot of debate with some questioning his decision to leave the Premier League club for Egypt.

Tau, who has reunited with his former coach Pitso Mosimane at Al Ahly, took to his official Twitter to share photos of himself in the Red Devils colours and a cryptic message.

"I Choose History," the 2018/19 Belgian First Division B Player of the Season wrote and his tweet prompted various theories from fans.

Some fans believe that Tau was admitting that he opted to leave Brighton for the club which is rich in history with Al Ahly among the most successful clubs in the world.

The Red Devils are second in terms of international titles won with 23 trophies, behind Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid, while Brighton have never won a major trophy.

Tau was also accused of living in the past and that at the age of 27, he should have stayed put at Brighton and fought for his dream of playing in arguably the biggest domestic football league in the world, the Premier League.

While some feel that Mosimane is the reason behind's Tau move to North Africa as the 2017/18 PSL Footballer of the Year wants to play under a coach, who appreciates him. 

The Witbank-born star played some of his best football under Mosimane and he rose to become of the best players based in Africa under the South African tactician's tutelage. 

Check out some of the reactions to Tau's tweet here:

Thiago Silva has admitted that Paris Saint-Germain's decision to sign Sergio Ramos has left him "truly sad," after he was not offered a similar deal despite the duo being close in age.

Former Real Madrid captain Ramos is one of a number of high-profile signings at Parc des Princes this summer, as the Ligue 1 side look to cement their hopes of a successful European challenge.

Yet Silva, who is entering his second year at Chelsea following his PSG exit last term, has admitted that while has no issue with Ramos, the club's call to sign the Spain star rankles given his own long service - and sharp release - from the French side.

What has been said?

"I have nothing against Sergio Ramos, but Sergio, at the time at which they offered him a two-year contract, was the same age as me last year," the 36-year-old told ESPN Brazil.

"So that made me truly sad. I have not yet spoken about it with anyone, because it made me really sad because I felt like I had done nothing for the club.

"My departure is a page that has certainly been turned, but at the same time I think a lot, I reflect a lot on everything that has happened. I think that something else could have been done.

"Because it was not eight days, or eight months that I spent with PSG. It was eight years with lots of victories, lots of work to be able to change, and put PSG at the level that it is at today.

"I want PSG to win, because the club deserves all the respect. But, in light of the way that things played out, I have this feeling of sadness and I feel that it could have been done differently.”

The bigger picture

While the details of Silva's PSG exit - mere weeks after a Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich - may have left a sour taste in the Brazilian's mouth, he has since flourished in his role with the Blues.

An astute centre-back brought in to manage games by both Frank Lampard and, later, Thomas Tuchel, the veteran Selecao star corrected his Champions League drought when he helped Chelsea beat Manchester City in the final earlier this year.

He was rewarded with a one-year extension through the end of the 2021-22 campaign, though how much he will feature given his injury woes remains to be seen.

Further reading

Premier League side Leicester City have announced the transfer of Ghanaian winger Kamal Sowah to Belgian outfit Club Brugge.

The 21-year-old joins the Blue-Black on a four-year contract, marking a return to First Division A.

He joined Leicester in 2018 and has spent the last three-and-a-half years on loan with Belgian fold OH Leuven.

“Leicester City Football Club can confirm that midfielder Kamal Sowah has joined Belgian side Club Brugge for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance,” Leicester have announced on their official website.

“During his time at King Power at Den Dreef Stadium, he made 72 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals, and helped OHL seal promotion to the highest tier of Belgian football – the Jupiler Pro League - in 2019-20.

“He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Leicester City Football Club.”

At Leuven, Sowah made a total of 72 appearances in all competitions, netting 13 times and helping the outfit secure promotion to the Belgian elite division.

In the run to securing a spot in First Division A, the attacker made 27 league appearances, starting in 21 of the matches and scoring three goals as Leuven won the First Division B.

Last term in the top tier, the winger garnered 34 league appearances for the club, starting in all of the matches and finding the back of the net on eight occasions.

His fine form saw him re-join Leicester for training ahead of the new season, where he made his first-team debut for the club in a friendly with Burton Albion.

“I'm feeling great, especially coming back to Leicester. It's been a long time for me coming back here for me to get minutes with the first team,” the winger said after his debut.

“I think the quality, it's really high. Everyone is fighting for this opportunity to get into the team. Everyone wants to [impress] the manager, so you have to be able to show what you have.

"I've been working so hard to be able to show everyone because it's been a long time I've been in Leicester. So, everyone is watching to know where I've been and what I've got so I'm trying my best on the training ground.”

Sowah has received a Ghana call-up but is yet to join the Ghana national team.

Tottenham have announced the long-term capture of Metz defensive midfielder Pape Matar Sarr while confirming the exit of Moussa Sissoko to Watford.

Spurs have seen their dogged pursuit of the teenage Senegal international pay off, with the 18-year-old their fourth recruit of the summer.

Sarr will remain with Metz on loan for the rest of the 2021-22 campaign, while France international Sissoko will make the short move to Vicarage Road after a five-year stay with the Lilywhites.

Sarr settles with Spurs move

In becoming the newest recruit of Nuno Espirito Santo's reign in north London - following Bryan Gil, Cristian Romero and Pierluigi Gollini - teenager Sarr has stepped up from the lower reaches of Ligue 1 to join a side with ambitions of staking their top-four claims once more.

He will stay with Metz this term, likely to further his number of first-team minutes, but the fact that he has signed for Spurs represents something of a coup for the club.

They held off fellow Premier League rivals Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea for his signature, and many have high hopes for his progression over the coming years.

Sissoko makes Hornets swap

In acquiring Sarr however, Tottenham will also bid farewell to Sissoko, who has been one of the consistent driving forces at the heart of the club since his arrival in 2016.

Having originally signed from Newcastle, the 32-year-old - a decorated France international - was unlucky to miss out on their Russia 2018 World Cup-winning squad, and was a member of this year's Euro 2020 team.

He heads to the Hornets as a likely replacement for Will Hughes, with the 26-year-old expected to join Crystal Palace before the transfer window closes.

Further reading

Paris Saint-Germain have made contact with Richarlison's agents over a potential move for the Everton forward in case Kylian Mbappe is ultimately sold to Real Madrid this transfer window, Goal understands.

The Ligue 1 heavyweights have fended off an initial offer and seen a second from Los Blancos now for the France international, who has indicated a desire to move on to Santiago Bernabeu.

The loss of the forward would leave a gaping hole in Mauricio Pochettino's arsenal, despite the arrival of Lionel Messi this summer, and now the club look to have identified their first-choice replacement should they opt to cash in on Mbappe.

What has happened?

Goal can confirm that PSG have made a move to speak with the Brazil star's representatives with a view toward recruiting him as a replacement should Mbappe make his Parc des Princes exit.

The Toffees star has been a standout performer for Everton ever since he arrived on Merseyside, earning recognition at home and abroad for his performances.

His management are expected to sit down with PSG over the weekend in order to discuss details.

Benitez rules out Brazilian's exit

While PSG may have singled out Richarlison as their preferred Mbappe replacement, they will face a fight to pry the Selecao star away from Goodison Park, where coach Rafa Benitez is adamant he will remain on the books.

"We are not considering selling him," the Spaniard told a press conference ahead of the Toffees' trip to Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

"He's our player, we're really pleased with him, really happy, and hopefully he can score a lot of goals this year for us."

The bigger picture

Mbappe's future looks set to be the final twist of a busy summer transfer window that has seen some of the world's greatest players swap clubs.

Despite the arrival of idol Messi in the French capital, the forward looks to be set on making the move to Madrid, who are entering a new chapter following Zinedine Zidane's second exit.

Should he move, he will become one of the most expensive football transfers of all time.

Further reading

Cristiano Ronaldo has posted a heartfelt farewell message to Juventus after his transfer back to Manchester United was confirmed on Friday.

Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford on an initial £13 million (€15m/$18m) deal, with add-ons of up to £7m (€8m/$9m). 

The 36-year-old took to social media to thank Juventus fans for their support after he spent three seasons with the Bianconeri.

What was said?

"Today I depart from an amazing club, the biggest in Italy and surely one of the biggest in all of Europe," he said on Instagram.

"I gave my heart and soul for Juventus and I’ll always love the city of Turin until my final days.

"The 'tifosi bianconeri' always respected me and I tried to thank that respect by fighting for them in every game, every season, every competition. In the end, we can all look back and realise that we achieved great things, not all that we wanted, but still, we wrote a pretty beautiful story together.

"I will always be one of you. You are now part of my history, as I feel that I’m part of yours. Italy, Juve, Turin, tifosi bianconeri, you’ll always be in my heart."

Ronaldo's time with Juventus

The Portuguese star managed to continue his sensational goalscoring record during his three seasons in Turin, netting 101 times over 134 appearances.

Ronaldo also took home his share of silverware, having won Serie A in his first two seasons and lifting the Coppa Italia last term.

But Ronaldo failed to help Juve achieve their ultimate goal of another Champions League title.

In his three seasons with the club, the farthest the Old Lady made it in Europe's top club competition was the quarter-final stage.

Further reading

Social media has been sent into a frenzy after Manchester United announced reaching an agreement with Juventus for Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford.

A day after being heavily linked with Manchester City, the 36-year-old Portugal captain and five-time Ballon d'Or winner has settled on the Red Devils, whom he represented between 2003 and 2009 before leaving for Real Madrid.

In his first spell with United, he won the Champions League, three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one Club World Cup, two League Cups, and one Community Shield.

The move highlights what has been a remarkable summer transfer window which has already seen the transfer of Lionel Messi from Barcelona to PSG, Jack Grealish from Aston Villa to Manchester City, Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan to Chelsea and a possible switch of France star Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.

Below are some of the best reaction to the announcement of Ronaldo’s two-year agreement with United:

Leeds United star Raphinha has revealed that he attended Ronaldinho’s birthday party as a child - and that finally having the chance to play in front of a packed Elland Road was worth the wait.

The Brazil winger, who earned his first call-up to the national setup ahead of their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers earlier this month, has opened up on his relationship with the Selecao legend.

The 24-year-old has also professed his gratitude to Leeds and their supporters for embracing him upon his arrival, stating that he will "do his best" to repay their faith.

What has been said?

"When I was seven, I went to Ronaldinho’s birthday party," Raphinha penned in The Players' Tribune. "How, you say? My dad was a musician in a samba band, and they were playing there.

"Ronaldinho was born in the community where I grew up, so my dad and my uncles knew him. I always wanted to be like Ronaldinho. The things he did ... I was transfixed.

"When he saw me, he took me in his arms and walked around with me. I’m pretty sure that was the best birthday party I ever went to that wasn’t my own.

"I have met Ronaldinho many times since then, and I feel blessed to consider him a friend. I get even more starstruck now than when I was a kid!!

"He even watches my games and says that he admires the way I play. I mean, how do you even respond to that?"

Raphinha thanks Leeds faithful

The winger has spoken of the sudden circumstances surrounding his arrival in West Yorkshire last year, when he was sold by Rennes just as he was poised to play Champions League football.

But following a superb first season with the Whites, where he built his name as a fan favourite, Raphinha admits that he has truly fallen in love with the club and the city.

"I’m so happy here," he added. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms: Marcelo [Bielsa, head coach], the owner, the players, the staff, the fans. A friend of mine sent me the song. I couldn’t understand all of it, but to get my own song really is a dream.

"All I could think about last season was to play in front of a packed Elland Road. To all you Leeds fans, I want to say that even then I felt your love and affection. 

On playing in front of a home crowd against Everton earlier this month, Raphinha added: "It was worth the wait. That noise, man. It was just like I remembered it. It was everything I hoped it would be. 

"I already can’t wait to play in front of you guys again. You’ll cheer us on. We’ll put on a show. And I’ll do my best to make you smile."

The bigger picture

Raphinha will be expected to feature for Leeds this weekend when they take on Burnley in the Premier League, having sat out their Carabao Cup win over Crewe Alexandra in midweek.

But a potential debut for Brazil remains under threat following the decision of the league to ban players from heading to red-listed countries during the international break.

Team-mates Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford however are expected to be on duty for England, with the latter having earned a maiden call-up this week to the Three Lions squad.

Further reading