Julio Baptista: Real Madrid must play at 150% to win Clasico

• The Brazilian is now at Orlando City, but will be paying close attention to events at Camp Nou and believes Zinedine Zidane's charges can win if they play their best football

Julio Baptista believes Real Madrid can win Saturday's Clasico, but it will take a superhuman effort to take down Barcelona. 

The former Brazil international, now at MLS franchise Orlando City, played at Santiago Bernabeu for two seasons, and while his record at the club was far from spectacular he did score a wonderful goal at Camp Nou to beat the Catalans. 

Luis Garcia: Neymar could replace Messi as Barcelona's star

• The retired midfielder says the Brazilian could eventually overtake Messi as the Spanish giants' star performer over the coming years should he continue to improve

Former Barcelona forward Luis Garcia believes  Neymar could be ready to replace Lionel Messi as the main main at Camp Nou in the near future.

Garcia, who began his career at the Catalan club, also reckons the Brazil international is "happy" at Barcelona and will not seek a move away.

Eboue banned from football for a year

• The 32-year-old defender, who joined Sunderland on a free transfer in March, will remain on the sidelines until he pays arrears owed to former agent Sebastien Boisseau

Sunderland defender Emmanuel Eboue has been handed a one-year ban from any football-related activity over his refusal to pay his former agent Sebastien Boisseau.

'Ronaldo cannot do it all for Real Madrid'

• Former Merengue striker Julio Baptista says his old side are lucky to have a player of the three-time Ballon d'Or winner's talents, but warned that only a team can win matches

Julio Baptista has praised Cristiano Ronaldo in the build-up to Saturday's Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, but insists the Portuguese striker cannot lead his side to victory single-handedly. 

Ronaldo has come in for criticism from Madrid fans in the current season despite leading the Liga scoring charts, having failed to show his best football in some crucial matches.

Ter Stegen must prove he is the best for Barca - Reina

• The German has hinted in recent weeks that he may be forced to seek regular league football elsewhere, but the former Barca No. 1 believes he must keep going for the Catalans

Unsettled Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen must show why he deserves to be starting more games for the Catalan giants, according to Miguel Reina. 

The German shot-stopper has recently complained in public that he should feature more often than solely in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Claudio Bravo has been the undisputed choice in La Liga. 

Qatar World Cup 2022: FIFA ignoring migrant workers abuses, says Amnesty

• He's the migrant worker busting a gut to build Qatar's shiny soccer stadiums that will host FIFA's World Cup in 2022 -- at a price.

A metal worker and father of three from Nepal who carried out work on the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha between February and May 2015 -- that price was the loss of his family's home after he experienced a three-month delay in being paid, according to Amnesty international.

Prem is just one example of ongoing exploitation of migrant workers in Qatar at a venue for the 2022 World Cup that soccer's world governing body FIFA can no longer turn "a blind eye" to, says the human rights organization's new report published Thursday.

Amnesty said it has found evidence of "systematic abuses," including forced labor of migrant workers at the Khalifa Stadium.

Wenger: I will be at Arsenal next season

• The prospect of a trophyless campaign has seen the French manager under pressure at the Emirates Stadium, but he assured that he was not considering ending his long Gunners tenure

Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is not thinking about stepping down from the Arsenal job, as he revealed his intention to stay for at least another season. 

The manager's position has been questioned by some fans, with banners appearing at the Emirates Stadium calling for the long-serving Frenchman to step down following exits from the FA Cup and the Champions League as well as poor Premier League form.

Mikel open to Chelsea exit this summer

• The 28-year-old wants to seek assurances about his role in the side but is ready to made this his last season at Stamford Bridge

John Obi Mikel admits he will look to leave Chelsea this summer if he is not guaranteed a regular role in the side.

Antonio Conte is expected to sign a three-year-contract with Chelsea and has already visited the club’s training ground in Cobham.

Madrid fans should have more respect for Ronaldo - Kaka

• The 31-year-old deserves more respect from the club's fans, according to his former team-mate, who still believes his future lies at the Santiago Bernabeu

Real Madrid fans should show more respect towards star forward Cristiano Ronaldo for what he has achieved with the club, according to Kaka.

Sad, sad day for Nigerian football

• The Super Eagles lost to the Pharaohs in Alexandria and will now miss a consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournament

Nigerian football plumbed new depths on Tuesday as the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after losing 1-0 to Egypt in Alexandria.

Ramadan Sobhy scored the lone goal to send the Pharaohs to Gabon and consign the Super Eagles to missing another tournament after the failure of 2015.

I’m ready for Egypt, declares Iwobi

• Arsenal starlet Alex Iwobi has played down concerns over his fitness for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt despite not taking part in full training on Tuesday evening in Kaduna.

The Nigeria Football Federation has pronounced that the former England youth player is in line to make his competitive debut against the North Africans and Iwobi is on the same wavelength as the powers that be, having declared himself fit for the games.

Neymar parties with stunning Miss World 2015 Lalaguna Royo

It seems Neymar has been hitting the gossip columns again in Europe after a picture emerged on social media emerged of the Barcelona star hanging out with 2015 Miss World winner, Mireia Lalaguna Royo.

Guardiola will find the Premier League easier than the Bundesliga, says Pique

• The former Manchester United defender believes his old Barcelona boss, who will join Manchester City in the summer, will have no problems winning trophies in England

Gerard Pique has backed Pep Guardiola to succeed at Manchester City, saying the Spanish manager will find England easier than Germany.

Jose Mourinho daughter Matilde dating Danny Graham!

• The daughter of former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was previously romantically linked with One Direction’s Niall Horan (although they insist they are just close friends)

Matilde Mourinho does have a Special One in her life now, it seems.

And his name is Danny Graham!

Is this Chelsea FC teenager’s Girl friend the hottest babe on Instagram!?

Nineteen-year-old Izzy Brown has struggled to make his mark at Stamford Bridge since signing for Chelsea from West Bromwich Albion in 2013.

The England youth star, who is currently on loan at Vitesse, has made just one 15-minute cameo for the Blues first team to date.

Ozil reveals the secret behind his silky control

• The Germany international believes playing on a pitch full of stones during his younger days helped him refine his technique

Want to know the secret behind Mesut Ozil’s silky touch? Here it is...

All you need to do is practice on a pitch full of stones in Gelsenkirchen.

Podolski: Sneijder is an Arsenal-kind of player

• The Galatasaray forward has hailed his main attacking partner as a "brilliant" player and is confident Germany can follow up their World Cup victory with glory at Euro 2016

Lukas Podolski has described his Galatasaray team-mate Wesley Sneijder as "a brilliant player" and believes the midfielder would fit in perfectly at his former club Arsenal.

Podolski and Sneijder have combined to the tune of 25 goals and assists in the Super Lig this season, though Galatasaray sit a disappointing sixth in the Turkish top flight.

Pharaohs more stable than Eagles – Enyimba coach

Coach of Enyimba, Paul Aigbogun, has predicted a tough game against Egypt and admitted that the north Africans are in an advantageous position because the squad is stable unlike the Super Eagles, who are building a new team.

Del Bosque concerned by Morata's inconsistent form

• The Spain coach believes the Juventus striker has all the tools to succeed for his country, but wants to see him use them more often ahead of friendlies against Italy and Romania

Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque has told Alvaro Morata he must improve his consistency if he is to become his country's main man in attack.

Mata keen to link up with Ibrahimovic at Manchester United

• The Spain international admits the Sweden international "is a very good player" and feels he would be an excellent signing for United this summer

Juan Mata admits he would welcome the chance to play alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United next season.

Roy Keane: Ibrahimovic is a great player… but he’s not as good looking as me!

• The former Manchester United midfielder has seen plenty of the Sweden and PSG striker this season and there's only one thing he hasn't been impressed with: his face!

Republic of Ireland assistant Roy Keane has praised the talents of Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic – though he couldn’t resist a little dig at the man who could derail his nation’s Euro 2016 hopes.

Douglas Costa: Neymar, Willian and I work well together for Brazil

• The Bayern Munich star has insisted coach Dunga has no reason to change the attacking trio and believes he has improved under Pep Guardiola's guidance this season

Douglas Costa has hailed his blossoming relationship with Willian and Neymar, insisting Brazil coach Dunga has no reason to change a winning formula.

Tottenham prodigy Dele Alli dating reality TV beauty – but ready to dump her over revealing pictures!

• Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Dele Alli has been balancing their Premier League title tilt with a steamy romance with reality TV star Ferne McCann

The couple have reportedly been spotted kissing in nightclubs and “acting like young honeymooners”, shortly after McCann revealed that she was seeing a mystery sportsman.

Wales bans wags from Euro 2016 hotel

• Wales coach Chris Coleman has moved to reduce his team’s distractions at the 2016 European Championships by bagging the players’ wives and girlfriends from attending the group’s hotel.

As reported by the Press Association [via the Daily Mail], the national team boss has decided that none of the Welsh wags will be allowed to stay in the team’s hotel, at least during the group stage fixtures.

Medics attend to female Villarreal fan slammed in the face by Messi shot as Barcelona stumble (video)

• Lionel Messi wasn’t at his imperious best on Sunday as Barcelona ceded a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 at Villarreal.

Not only did the Argentine superstar fail to find the net or contribute an assist, he also appeared to leave his scoring boots at home, and was guilty of several wayward efforts.

One, in particular, proved particularly devastating for a Villarreal fan.

In the 15th minute, Messi sent in a powerful left-foot effort from outside the area which flew over the Villarreal goal and—unfortunately—into the face of a poor Yellow Submarine fan sat in the stands.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/8652Y7pzX6A

Thierry Henry's fast-track coaching license sparks 'bias' complaint

• The Arsenal legend completed his Uefa A license via the Welsh FA this week, though it has led to fears of favouritism towards star names due to how quickly he passed

Thierry Henry's recent completion of the Uefa A licence has not pleased everyone, with the FA of Wales (FAW) being accused of bias in light of the Frenchman's success.

The Arsenal great completed his A licence through the FAW earlier this month in less time than former Swansea and Cardiff City player Will Foley believes possible.

Mourinho signs pre-contract with Man Utd

According to reports in Spain, Jose Mourinho and Manchester United have finally put pen to paper on a contract.

As noted by Spanish paper El Pais [as per the Mirror], the former Chelsea manager has signed a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United to take over at Old Trafford this summer.

Chelsea and Man United join Bayern Munich in race for £73m Serie A megastar

One of the best strikers in Serie A could is about to get paid in a major way if the big spenders in the top-five leagues have anything to say about it. Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain has been a nearly-unstoppable force as a striker, scoring over 30 goals this season and now a pair of Premier League giants and a Champions League powerhouse want a piece of him.

Kane eyes Shearer goal record

• The Tottenham striker scored a double as Spurs defeated Bournemouth 3-0 at White Hart Lane on Sunday and hopes he can match the former Newcastle legend

Harry Kane is eyeing Alan Shearer’s Premier League scoring record after netting a superb double in Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Sunday.

Man City's future is bright - but Pellegrini, Soriano & Begiristain come under fire

• The Blues are in the vanguard of an exciting and expanding global strategy, but as their season tails off - and amid fury at increasing ticket costs - the summer is a long way off

Despite Sunday's bruising derby defeat, many will still argue that Manchester is blue. Justifiably so. 

Former Arsenal defender makes movie debut... in sex scene! (Video)

• Johan Djourou is part of production company 'One Million Dollar Film', with Bacary Sagna and Louis Saha, and can be seen in a compromising position in offering 'N.O.L.A Circus'

Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou is set to make his debut in the movie business... in an eye-catching scene.

The Switzerland international is part of production company 'One Million Dollar Film' along with Manchester City's Bacary Sagna and former Manchester United striker Louis Saha.

Chelsea star admits that Blues are short of motivation as miserable campaign continues

Willian has admitted that Chelsea are lacking motivation as their disappointing 2015-16 campaign steadily peters out.

In the space of a week, the Blues were eliminated from the FA Cup by Everton, and were also dumped out of the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, falling 2-1 in both legs for a 4-2 aggregate deficit.

Manchester United plotting stunning €45m summer transfer raid for Chelsea star; Atletico Madrid also keen

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are eyeing a summer move for Chelsea‘s Diego Costa.

The forward shone last season, helping the Pensioners win the title in his first campaign in English football.

Hiddink: Diego Costa is not an idiot

• The Blues interim boss defended the striker, who was left out of the Spain squad on Friday, after the fall-out from the Gareth Barry 'biting' incident last week

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has defended striker Diego Costa, claiming it is unfair to call the Spain international an idiot.

The former Atletico Madrid forward was sent off for appearing to bite Everton's Gareth Barry on Saturday, but Hiddink feels his player gets treated unfairly.

Wolfsburg will give everything to upset Real Madrid - Hecking

• The 51-year-old says his club will go all out to shock los Blancos after being drawn against Zinedine Zidane's side

Wolfsburg boss Dieter Hecking has promised his side "will give everything" to upset Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Bundesliga side overcame Gent in the last 16 and were rewarded with a clash with the 2014 winners in Friday's last-eight draw in Nyon.

Fifa to test extra sub rule at Olympics and Club World Cup

• The Club World Cup and Olympic Games tournament will be used to test the viability of a fourth substitute during extra-time

Fifa has announced that the use of a fourth substitute during extra-time will be tested at this year's Olympic Games and Club World Cup.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) agreed at their latest meeting earlier this month to allow for the experimentation of an additional sub during matches that extend beyond the allotted 90 minutes.

He's one of the best players at the club - Guardiola delighted with Alaba's new Bayern deal

• The Spaniard says he is thrilled that the Austria international has committed his future to the Bundesliga champions, after being linked to his new club Manchester City

Pep Guardiola insists he is happy that David Alaba has pledged his future to Bayern Munich by signing a new contract.

The Bundesliga leaders announced that the Austria international has extended his deal, which had been set to expire in 2018, until June 2021.

I was treated worse than a hooligan, says Barca star Suarez

• The former Liverpool marksman was guilty of biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, resulting in a nine-match ban from competitive internationals

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez feels he has been "treated worse than a hooligan" as he prepares to end his lengthy ban from competitive international football.

Suarez was handed a four-month ban from all football-related activity and suspended from representing Uruguay for nine competitive matches by FIFA as punishment for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.

Ranieri not interested in revenge over Chelsea

• The 64-year-old was sacked by the Blues in 2004 after the club finished second to the Arsenal 'Invincibles' side, yet he insists he is not motivated by revenge

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri rubbished claims he wants revenge over Chelsea as his team's fairy tale Premier League season continues.

Ranieri responded to comments made by former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly, who said the Italian boss was driven by his sacking at Stamford Bridge in 2004, with Leicester five points clear atop the table and nearing a remarkable Premier League title.

Wenger: Arsenal wanted to sign Lukaku

• The under-fire Frenchman has revealed he tried to lure the highly-rated striker to the Emirates Stadium from Anderlecht in 2011, before he instead opted to join Chelsea

Arsene Wenger has revealed Everton striker Romelu Lukaku was once a transfer target for Arsenal.

The Belgium international has been in inspired form for the Toffees in the current campaign, netting 25 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions.

Alaba signs three-year Bayern extension

• The 23-year-old, who came through the ranks of the club's youth system before establishing himself as a first-team regular in recent years, has penned a new deal

Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him at the Allianz Arena until 2021.

The Austria international, who has played at left-back, centre-back and as a midfielder in Pep Guardiola's side, has now extended his stay at the Bundesliga champions into the next decade.

Man City to take on PSG and Barcelona face Atletico - Champions League quarter-final draw

• The Citizens face the Ligue 1 champions, guaranteeing that one of the two sides will reach the semi-finals for the first time, while there is an all-Spanish clash elsewhere

Manchester City will face Paris Saint-Germain while reigning champions Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Rummenigge urges UEFA to change Champions League draw format

• The Bayern Munich CEO has urged UEFA to introduce a seeding system for the knockout stages to protect the big teams in Europe's elite competition

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has called on UEFA to change its seeding system for Champions League draws in order to protect the so-called big teams after the group stage.

The Bundesliga champions saw off last season's runners-up Juventus in the round of 16 to book their ticket for the quarter-finals and Rummenigge feels it would be in football's best interest if UEFA came up with a system to keep the big teams apart as long as possible.

'Liverpool made Man Utd look like they were playing in slow motion!'

• Jurgen Klopp has brought a sense of optimism back to Anfield, according to Dean Saunders, who has backed the German to spend wisely and strengthen his squad in the summer

Dean Saunders says Liverpool made Manchester United look like they were playing in slow motion in the first leg of their Europa League clash - and the Welshman has backed Jurgen Klopp to bring the feelgood factor back to Anfield.

Liverpool face their bitter rivals at Old Trafford on Thursday night having won the first leg of their Europa League last 32 clash 2-0 through goals from Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino.

Kante set for France call-up but Barca target Dembele misses out

• The Leicester City midfielder is set to be rewarded for his superb displays for the Premier League leaders, but the Rennes striker has instead been selected for the Under-21s

N'Golo Kante is set to be selected in France's squad to face Netherlands and Russia following his superb displays for Leicester City this season.

The Foxes midfielder has won a number of admirers for his performances in 2015-16, impressing in central midfield as Claudio Ranieri's men have taken a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. 

And, with Deschamps set to announce his selection for the international friendlies on March 25 and March 29 on Thursday, Kante is set to earn his first cap for the friendlies. 

Rennes sensation Ousmane Dembele, meanwhile, is not set to be named in the senior squad, despite scoring nine goals in 18 appearances thus far this season and attracting interest from a number of elite European clubs.

Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all been linked with potential summer bids for the 18-year-old, but he is instead set to be selected for the Under-21 squad, having previously represented his country at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 levels.

Pallister tells Man Utd players: Time to step up and be heroes

• The former Old Trafford centre-back urges the club's fans to recreate the Anfield cauldron in their Europa League last-32 second-leg meeting with bitter rivals Liverpool

Gary Pallister has called for a Manchester United player to make himself a hero in their Europa League showdown with Liverpool on Thursday.

United trail 2-0 after a first-leg defeat at Anfield in which the hosts swept aside Louis van Gaal's men with goals from Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino capping the win.

Guardiola shuts up his doubters again

• The knives were being sharpened as Bayern toiled in the first half against Juventus on Wednesday but their subsequent comeback proves just how good the Spanish coach is

If Champions League success will define Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich reign, it will also colour his first few months in charge of Manchester City.

At half-time on Wednesday evening, with Bayern trailing Juventus 2-0 at the Allianz Arena – having thrown away a two-goal lead in Turin – the axes were being sharpened.

Messi sets new Champions League record against Arsenal

• The Argentine has now scored nine goals against the Gunners as his fine finish rounded off a 3-1 win at Camp Nou on Wednesday evening

Another game and another record set by Lionel Messi - this time at the expense of Arsenal.

The Argentine capped off a 3-1 victory on Wednesday evening with a stunning scooped finish from close range, although the goal of the night was Luis Suarez’s sublime effort to put Barcelona 2-1 up.

But Messi’s goal was his ninth against Arsenal in the Champions League - and no other player in the competition’s history has scored more against a single opponent.

Wenger: Barca's forwards turn football into 'work of art'

• The Gunners manager was impressed with what he saw from the Blaugrana's free-scoring South American trio, who between them scored every Barca goal in the 5-1 aggregate win

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger showered praise on Barcelona after going down in the Champions League last 16, admitting the talents of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar are almost unplayable. 

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Wenger watched as each member of the MSN scored at Camp Nou to seal a 3-1 home victory. 

Ibrahimovic returns Eiffel Tower love letter

• The Swede has shown that he has a sentimental side with his latest exchange on Twitter with one of the most renowned landmarks both in Paris and in the world

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has responded to the Eiffel Tower's stance over being replaced by the Paris Saint-Germain striker in the latest twist to this most Zlatan Ibrahimovic of stories.

The Swede had proclaimed that he would only remain at Parcs des Princes beyond the end of his current deal, which expires in the summer, if the landmark was knocked down and replaced with a statue of him. 

This prompted a Twitter response from the Tower itself, which said it appreciated the 34-year-old’s joke but was not so keen on the idea of being decommissioned as the view from where it stands is so spectacular. 

Now Ibra has replied, showing his sentimental side as he professed his love both for the monument and for the city itself.

Ibrahimovic's relationship with Paris, and the Tower, is back on amicable terms... but do all roads lead to a break up?