Turkish Airlines plane flies through a storm three times, triggering severe turbulence

Emmys 2026 In Memoriam: Catherine O’Hara honoured by on-screen children Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, Dan Levy; Dolly Parton, Rob Reiner remembered

China thinned Himalayan troop presence in 2025, India defence report says; terms border situation 'stable'

UPI payments up to Rs 2,000 to stays free, but bigger transactions may soon cost you: Govt

Dodgers beat Reds for playoff berth in bid for third consecutive World Series

Nigerian Navy seizes 10,000 litres of suspected illegal fuel in Rivers State crackdown

'Huge destructive power': North Korea calls its latest missile launches 'live-fire drill' even as US dismisses 'immediate threat'

800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks

BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla says Mohsin Naqvi 'did not object' India refusing trophy from ACC chief

Pakistan puts Pak Rs 70 lakh bounty on UN terrorist Masood Azhar; move draws skepticism in Delhi

Why Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles use dual-pulse motors compared to European interceptors

'She married her brother': Ilhan Omar faces criminal probe over immigration fraud claims

Trump loses Supreme Court battle over mail ballots ahead of US midterms: What happened?

UK man admits drugging, raping wife for 20 years in shocking abuse case

Saudi Arabia discovers 110 million tonnes of Uranium-rich ore in Madinah region

3 Italians fly from Delhi to Munich without immigration clearance; Air India gets notice on major security lapse

‘Let’s go’: Newly declassified videos show dramatic rescue of US Air Force officers downed in Iran

Emmys 2026: Matthew Rhys wins Best Actor twice, sets historic 78-year record

Plane carrying prominent figure crashes at Libya’s Misrata airport: Report

What is Hyrox, in news for athlete who soiled herself, but kept running and using common equipment?

Emmy Awards 2026: Widow's Bay and The Pitt win in lead categories- check out the complete list of winners

Russia proposes to build 360 kmph Ivolga FG trains in India: What happened on sidelines of BRICS

‘US ensuring global energy supplies’: Trump demands reimbursement for securing Strait of Hormuz

Who is Kalyan Bainsla, accused in the Gurugram hit-and-run case involving woman biker?

Delhi govt to roll out ₹13,820 crore development projects under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan: CM Rekha Gupta

Ukraine strikes Syzran Oil Refinery deep inside Russia, fires erupt

Photographs, LeT labels vanish from two 2008 Mumbai attack entries in Pakistan’s most wanted list

Sent home midway from UK tour, Pakistan's Salman Agha hits 300* in domestic return

Video of Pakistani lawmaker struggling to read English tribute to Jinnah goes viral - WATCH

Trump downplays China's alleged 'help' to Iran in strike on Jordan base | Gravitas

Ecstasy tablets are rage in 'drug haven' Libya | Gravitas

'Now Trump is copying us': Shivakumar links US $5,000 plan to Congress guarantees

New OTT releases this week (September 14-20, 2026): Lust Stories 3, Waiting Hai, Irumudi- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Iran, India agree to deepen humanitarian and political ties, President Pezeshkian says

‘Want to reset ties with India, have engagement based on mutual interests,’ says Bangladesh minister

Former Pak PM Imran Khan's ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith marries Australian financier: Who is Cameron O'Reilly

Extreme warming in Indian Ocean added 695 billion tons of ice to Antarctica ice sheet

Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS?

Emmys 2026 Red Carpet: Zendaya, Nicole Kidman and Julia Garner lead the glamour peak

Paris Saint-Germain&#39;s future with&nbsp;Neymar&nbsp;looks good said coach Unai Emery on Wednesday (August 23) after training in preparation for the latest La Ligue game against Saint-Etienne.

The Spanish coach praised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-dazzles-on-home-debut-psg-thump-toulouse-6-2-19235">the newly-acquired Brazilian striker</a> performances since his arrival. He has already scored three goals in his two league appearances.

Asked about the Champions&#39; League group draw, Emery said the European championship is one of the main motivations for the club, and that the goal this year was to become one of the best teams in the world.

On the domestic championship, Saint-Etienne represents the first meaningful test for the team, Emery also said. St Etienne has a maximum nine points from three games, along with PSG and Monaco.

It has not all been plain sailing for&nbsp;Neymar&nbsp;since his move. It was reported on Tuesday that Barcelona is suing him for 8.5 million euros ($10.00 million) for breach of contract. The club says they want him to return the bonus he was paid when he signed a new five-year deal just nine months before joining PSG.

The Spanish coach praised the newly-acquired Brazilian striker performances since his arrival. He has already scored three goals in his two league appearances

Paris Saint-Germain's future with Neymar looks good said coach Unai Emery on Wednesday (August 23) after training in preparation for the latest La Ligue game against Saint-Etienne. The Spanish coach praised the newly-acquired Brazilian striker performances since his arrival. He has already scored three goals in his two league appearances. Asked about the Champions' League group draw, Emery said the European championship is one of the main motivations for the club, and that the goal this year was to become one of the best teams in the world. On the domestic championship, Saint-Etienne represents the first meaningful test for the team, Emery also said. St Etienne has a maximum nine points from three games, along with PSG and Monaco. It has not all been plain sailing for Neymar since his move. It was reported on Tuesday that Barcelona is suing him for 8.5 million euros ($10.00 million) for breach of contract. The club says they want him to return the bonus he was paid when he signed a new five-year deal just nine months before joining PSG.

PSG's future good with Neymar: Coach

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/five-match-ban-seems-exaggerated-and-ridiculous-cristiano-ronaldo-19093">Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;will have to serve his five-match ban</a> for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid&#39;s appeal against the length of the suspension, Spanish media reported on Tuesday citing court officials.

The Portuguese<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/real-madrid-to-appeal-ronaldo-card-zidane-18952"> forward shoved official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea</a> after being sent off during Real&#39;s 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August&nbsp;13.

As a result, the Spanish Football Federation issued&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;with a $3,543.20&nbsp;fine and a four match suspension in addition to the automatic one game ban the player was due to serve for the red card.

&quot;Another incomprehensible decision. From injustice to injustice, they will never overthrow me,&quot; Ronaldo&nbsp;posted on Instagram.

The ban ruled&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;out of the Super Cup second leg and Madrid&#39;s first La Liga match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Real won both matches.

The striker will sit out league fixtures against Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad before making his comeback against Real Betis on September&nbsp;20.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve his five-match ban for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the length of the suspension

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve his five-match ban for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the length of the suspension, Spanish media reported on Tuesday citing court officials. The Portuguese forward shoved official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea after being sent off during Real's 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 13. As a result, the Spanish Football Federation issued Ronaldo with a $3,543.20 fine and a four match suspension in addition to the automatic one game ban the player was due to serve for the red card. "Another incomprehensible decision. From injustice to injustice, they will never overthrow me," Ronaldo posted on Instagram. The ban ruled Ronaldo out of the Super Cup second leg and Madrid's first La Liga match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Real won both matches. The striker will sit out league fixtures against Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad before making his comeback against Real Betis on September 20.

From injustice to injustice: Ronaldo blasts Spanish football federation over suspension

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the club&#39;s Wembley hoodoo for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

Spurs had hoped to mark a new era at their temporary home by turning it into the sort of fortress they had constructed at White Hart Lane, where they last lost a league game in May 2015.

Instead they extended the poor form that always dogged them at the national stadium where they have won just two of their past 11 games, a record far inferior to Chelsea who have now won nine in 11.

Pochettino, though, said he was &quot;only disappointed and not frustrated or upset by the defeat&quot; in a game which Spurs dominated.

&quot;The Wembley effect is not the reason we lost the game,&quot; he said.

&quot;It is not fair to blame a stadium that is one of the best places to play football in the world.&quot;

Pochettino batted away suggestions that his players were affected by the size of the pitch, which is eight per cent bigger than their old home which is being replaced by a new, 61,000-seater stadium due to open for the 2018-2019 season.

&quot;If you love football you know that Wembley is not the problem. We didn&#39;t lose because of the pitch but because they were more clinical in front of goal than us,&quot; Pochettino said.

&quot;What is more important was the performance which I am happy with.&quot;

On another day, Harry Kane would have buried any number of the chances he spurned on Sunday and Christian Eriksen also went close. But, for all their effort and possession, Spurs could not break down a battling Chelsea side.

&quot;Chelsea set out to contain us and I am happy to lose in that way,&quot; Pochettino said.

 
&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the club's Wembley hoodoo for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the club's Wembley hoodoo for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday. Spurs had hoped to mark a new era at their temporary home by turning it into the sort of fortress they had constructed at White Hart Lane, where they last lost a league game in May 2015. Instead they extended the poor form that always dogged them at the national stadium where they have won just two of their past 11 games, a record far inferior to Chelsea who have now won nine in 11. Pochettino, though, said he was "only disappointed and not frustrated or upset by the defeat" in a game which Spurs dominated. "The Wembley effect is not the reason we lost the game," he said. "It is not fair to blame a stadium that is one of the best places to play football in the world." Pochettino batted away suggestions that his players were affected by the size of the pitch, which is eight per cent bigger than their old home which is being replaced by a new, 61,000-seater stadium due to open for the 2018-2019 season. "If you love football you know that Wembley is not the problem. We didn't lose because of the pitch but because they were more clinical in front of goal than us," Pochettino said. "What is more important was the performance which I am happy with." On another day, Harry Kane would have buried any number of the chances he spurned on Sunday and Christian Eriksen also went close. But, for all their effort and possession, Spurs could not break down a battling Chelsea side. "Chelsea set out to contain us and I am happy to lose in that way," Pochettino said.

'Wembley effect not the reason we lost', says Spurs manager

Neymar starred from beginning to end on his home debut for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring twice in a 6-2 thumping of Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The Brazilian superstar had a hand in everything else his new side did at the Parc des Princes as they recovered from the shock of falling behind early on to a Max Gradel goal.

Neymar got the equaliser and the 222 million-euro ($261 million) man later completed the rout in stunning style after further goals from Adrien Rabiot, an Edinson Cavani penalty, Javier Pastore and Layvin Kurzawa.

Marco Verratti was sent off for PSG midway through the second half and Toulouse at one point came back to 3-2, but they were ultimately blown away by the world&#39;s most expensive player.

&quot;I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet,&quot; the 25-year-old said ominously after the game.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet,&#39; the 25-year-old said after the game</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet,' the 25-year-old said after the game" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

It was PSG&#39;s third win in as many league outings this season and they join reigning champions Monaco and Saint-Etienne in having the maximum nine points to their name.

Saint-Etienne visit the French capital next Friday and will be dreading the prospect after this latest exhibition from PSG&#39;s new superstar.

Neymar had a part in all of his side&#39;s goals in last week&#39;s 3-0 win at Guingamp, scoring one in his first game in French football since his stunning world-record transfer, and he was again at the centre of everything here.

Gradel, making his first appearance for Toulouse on loan from Bournemouth, volleyed the away side in front in the 18th minute but Neymar had already seen a shot strike the top of the bar before that.

The Brazilian then saw a header tipped onto the post by Alban Lafont before he equalised just after the half-hour, setting up Rabiot for a shot that was pushed out by the away goalkeeper before following in to convert the loose ball.

The same duo combined as PSG went in front, Rabiot playing a one-two with Neymar before beating Lafont with a low strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

&#39;Class&#39; 
The second half was quieter before coming to life after Verratti was harshly shown a second yellow for catching Christopher Jullien in the Toulouse area in the 69th minute.

Soon after, the referee gave a harsh decision the other way, awarding a penalty for a foul on Neymar when Toulouse striker Andy Delort appeared to play the ball.

Cavani scored from the spot, the goal his 11th in his last 11 Ligue 1 games, but Toulouse quickly pulled another one back when the giant Jullien headed in from a corner with 12 minutes left to make it 3-2.

Yet there was to be no grandstand finish from the visitors, as instead substitute Pastore -- the man who has lost his place to accommodate Neymar -- curled in a superb fourth.

Neymar&#39;s corner was headed in by Kurzawa. But Neymar had to have the last word and somehow engineered himself space in the area in stoppage time before finishing to make it 6-2 and bring the Parc des Princes crowd to its feet.

&quot;If I forget the fact I am the Toulouse coach, it is good for football to see that kind of class,&quot; said opposition boss Pascal Dupraz.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Marcelo Bielsa suffered a second straight loss as Lille coach in a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against Caen, while Marseille were frustrated by Angers in a 1-1 draw at the Velodrome.

Radamel Falcao struck his fifth goal in three games on Friday to give Monaco a 1-0 win at Metz, while Saint-Etienne beat newcomers Amiens 3-0 on Saturday. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Brazilian superstar had a hand in everything

Neymar starred from beginning to end on his home debut for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring twice in a 6-2 thumping of Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday. The Brazilian superstar had a hand in everything else his new side did at the Parc des Princes as they recovered from the shock of falling behind early on to a Max Gradel goal. Neymar got the equaliser and the 222 million-euro ($261 million) man later completed the rout in stunning style after further goals from Adrien Rabiot, an Edinson Cavani penalty, Javier Pastore and Layvin Kurzawa. Marco Verratti was sent off for PSG midway through the second half and Toulouse at one point came back to 3-2, but they were ultimately blown away by the world's most expensive player. "I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet," the 25-year-old said ominously after the game. I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet,' the 25-year-old said after the game × It was PSG's third win in as many league outings this season and they join reigning champions Monaco and Saint-Etienne in having the maximum nine points to their name. Saint-Etienne visit the French capital next Friday and will be dreading the prospect after this latest exhibition from PSG's new superstar. Neymar had a part in all of his side's goals in last week's 3-0 win at Guingamp, scoring one in his first game in French football since his stunning world-record transfer, and he was again at the centre of everything here. Gradel, making his first appearance for Toulouse on loan from Bournemouth, volleyed the away side in front in the 18th minute but Neymar had already seen a shot strike the top of the bar before that. The Brazilian then saw a header tipped onto the post by Alban Lafont before he equalised just after the half-hour, setting up Rabiot for a shot that was pushed out by the away goalkeeper before following in to convert the loose ball. The same duo combined as PSG went in front, Rabiot playing a one-two with Neymar before beating Lafont with a low strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards. 'Class' The second half was quieter before coming to life after Verratti was harshly shown a second yellow for catching Christopher Jullien in the Toulouse area in the 69th minute. Soon after, the referee gave a harsh decision the other way, awarding a penalty for a foul on Neymar when Toulouse striker Andy Delort appeared to play the ball. Cavani scored from the spot, the goal his 11th in his last 11 Ligue 1 games, but Toulouse quickly pulled another one back when the giant Jullien headed in from a corner with 12 minutes left to make it 3-2. Yet there was to be no grandstand finish from the visitors, as instead substitute Pastore -- the man who has lost his place to accommodate Neymar -- curled in a superb fourth. Neymar's corner was headed in by Kurzawa. But Neymar had to have the last word and somehow engineered himself space in the area in stoppage time before finishing to make it 6-2 and bring the Parc des Princes crowd to its feet. "If I forget the fact I am the Toulouse coach, it is good for football to see that kind of class," said opposition boss Pascal Dupraz. Elsewhere on Sunday, Marcelo Bielsa suffered a second straight loss as Lille coach in a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against Caen, while Marseille were frustrated by Angers in a 1-1 draw at the Velodrome. Radamel Falcao struck his fifth goal in three games on Friday to give Monaco a 1-0 win at Metz, while Saint-Etienne beat newcomers Amiens 3-0 on Saturday.

Neymar dazzles on home debut, PSG thump Toulouse 6-2

Manchester United fans would be ill-advised to start dreaming about the Premier League title just yet but they will be heartened by another vintage performance in a 4-0 rout of Swansea on Saturday which showcased their attacking firepower.

Following the opening day mauling of West Ham by the same score, United manager Jose Mourinho was a happy man.

&quot;I think the team is confident and in both matches winning 1-0 at halftime, we didn&#39;t start the second half looking like we had to keep a clean sheet to win the match,&quot; he said.

&quot;We tried to control the game by keeping the ball and creating chances and we did that in both matches,&quot; he added.

&quot;The players that came on from the bench did well. Easy for me to make decisions, easy for me to make changes. The players make the manager look better and I thank their fantastic attitude because we know we have to have a squad to do something special this season.&quot;

Midfield anchorman Nemanja Matic bossed the centre of the pitch, allowing a rejuvenated Paul Pogba to venture forward and score his second goal in two games while striker Romelu Lukaku netted his third after selfless work throughout the match.

Henrik Mkhitaryan and substitute Anthony Martial, who again scored as a late substitute, also continued to thrive.

&quot;We are more confident (than last season),&quot; Pogba told Sky Sports.

&quot;We know each other more. We work for each other and I think that is easier for us. We want to carry on on this road.&quot;

Mkhitaryan spoke about United&#39;s passion and team spirit, factors which have been lacking for long spells since the departure of manager Alex Ferguson in 2013 when United won their 20th and last league title.

Cracks in last season&#39;s disappointing sixth-place finish were papered over by winning the League Cup and the Europa League, the latter allowing United to qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Mourinho signed Matic, Lukaku and Sweden defender Victor Lindelof, who is yet to make his Premier League debut as Phil Jones forced his way into the starting 11 with good pre-season form.

United now have the squad depth they have lacked in the past four years and although their credentials are yet to be tested against stronger rivals, former Wales striker John Hartson believes they will be a different prospect this season.

&quot;Clearly the opposition will get tougher for Manchester United,&quot; Hartson told the BBC.

&quot;But in terms of the first two games they&#39;ve been faultless. In that three or four minute spell where they took the game away from Swansea, they were devastating.&quot;

Following the opening day mauling of West Ham by the same score, United manager Jose Mourinho was a happy man

Manchester United fans would be ill-advised to start dreaming about the Premier League title just yet but they will be heartened by another vintage performance in a 4-0 rout of Swansea on Saturday which showcased their attacking firepower. Following the opening day mauling of West Ham by the same score, United manager Jose Mourinho was a happy man. "I think the team is confident and in both matches winning 1-0 at halftime, we didn't start the second half looking like we had to keep a clean sheet to win the match," he said. "We tried to control the game by keeping the ball and creating chances and we did that in both matches," he added. "The players that came on from the bench did well. Easy for me to make decisions, easy for me to make changes. The players make the manager look better and I thank their fantastic attitude because we know we have to have a squad to do something special this season." Midfield anchorman Nemanja Matic bossed the centre of the pitch, allowing a rejuvenated Paul Pogba to venture forward and score his second goal in two games while striker Romelu Lukaku netted his third after selfless work throughout the match. Henrik Mkhitaryan and substitute Anthony Martial, who again scored as a late substitute, also continued to thrive. "We are more confident (than last season)," Pogba told Sky Sports. "We know each other more. We work for each other and I think that is easier for us. We want to carry on on this road." Mkhitaryan spoke about United's passion and team spirit, factors which have been lacking for long spells since the departure of manager Alex Ferguson in 2013 when United won their 20th and last league title. Cracks in last season's disappointing sixth-place finish were papered over by winning the League Cup and the Europa League, the latter allowing United to qualify for the Champions League group stage. Mourinho signed Matic, Lukaku and Sweden defender Victor Lindelof, who is yet to make his Premier League debut as Phil Jones forced his way into the starting 11 with good pre-season form. United now have the squad depth they have lacked in the past four years and although their credentials are yet to be tested against stronger rivals, former Wales striker John Hartson believes they will be a different prospect this season. "Clearly the opposition will get tougher for Manchester United," Hartson told the BBC. "But in terms of the first two games they've been faultless. In that three or four minute spell where they took the game away from Swansea, they were devastating."

Premier League: Manchester United crushes Swansea 4-0

Lazio won the Italian Supercup for the fourth time after a stoppage-time goal by substitute Alessandro Murgia gave them a 3-2 victory over last season&#39;s domestic double winners Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Juve, who beat Lazio 2-0 in the Italian Cup final at the same venue in May after they had also won the league title, came back from a two-goal deficit in a frantic five-minute spell before Murgia netted the winner.

Lazio dominated the opening hour as striker Ciro Immobile fired them ahead with a 32nd-minute penalty after he was brought down by Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon and then headed a delightful Marco Parolo cross into the far corner in the 54th.

Looking out for the count, Juventus staged a late comeback as Argentina forward Paulo Dybala put them on level terms with goals in the 85th and 90th minutes.

Dybala curled in a superb free kick from 25 metres and then converted a penalty, throwing vociferous Juventus fans into raptures as both lots of supporters created a cracking atmosphere on the terraces.

But the Bianconi&#39;s celebrations were short-lived as Murgia swept in a low cross from the left at the death, delighting the Lazio contingent as he settled a rip-roaring curtain raiser to the Italian season.

Juve, who beat Lazio 2-0 in the Italian Cup final at the same venue in May after they had also won the league title, came back from a two-goal deficit in a frantic five-minute spell before Murgia netted the winner

Lazio won the Italian Supercup for the fourth time after a stoppage-time goal by substitute Alessandro Murgia gave them a 3-2 victory over last season's domestic double winners Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. Juve, who beat Lazio 2-0 in the Italian Cup final at the same venue in May after they had also won the league title, came back from a two-goal deficit in a frantic five-minute spell before Murgia netted the winner. Lazio dominated the opening hour as striker Ciro Immobile fired them ahead with a 32nd-minute penalty after he was brought down by Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon and then headed a delightful Marco Parolo cross into the far corner in the 54th. Looking out for the count, Juventus staged a late comeback as Argentina forward Paulo Dybala put them on level terms with goals in the 85th and 90th minutes. Dybala curled in a superb free kick from 25 metres and then converted a penalty, throwing vociferous Juventus fans into raptures as both lots of supporters created a cracking atmosphere on the terraces. But the Bianconi's celebrations were short-lived as Murgia swept in a low cross from the left at the death, delighting the Lazio contingent as he settled a rip-roaring curtain raiser to the Italian season.

Italian Super Cup: Lazio beat Juventus in dramatic final

Real Madrid will appeal Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s second yellow card for diving in the Spanish Super Cup first leg at Barcelona, coach Zinedine Zidane said after the Portuguese showed the best and worst side of his game in Real&#39;s 3-1 win.

Ronaldo spent 24 minutes on the pitch after not starting the game at the Nou Camp but still had the biggest impact.

The 32-year-old, who was given a hostile reception by Barca fans as he warmed up before replacing Karim Benzema, hit back moments after Lionel Messi&#39;s equaliser with a brilliant strike into the top corner to put Real 2-1 up in the 80th minute.

The Portuguese threw off his shirt after scoring and provocatively held it up to the crowd and was booked.

Two minutes later he was sent off for trying to win a penalty in a challenge from Samuel Umtiti, angrily pushing referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea before leaving the pitch.

&quot;We played a great game but I am annoyed by Cristiano&#39;s sending off,&quot; Zidane told a news conference.

&quot;Perhaps it wasn&#39;t a penalty but the red card is a little harsh. We can&#39;t change it, but we&#39;ll try and make sure he plays on Wednesday.&quot;

Madrid captain Sergio Ramos also leapt to Ronaldo&#39;s defence.

&quot;I think he was caught off balance and he didn&#39;t dive,&quot; said the defender. &quot;We should try and appeal it. It should be analysed a little more.&quot;

Marco Asensio scored Real&#39;s third with a stunning long range goal in the 90th minute, giving Madrid a healthy advantage as they seek to win a fourth trophy in four months and earn their first Super Cup since 2012.

&quot;We fought with 10 players, we believed until the end but it&#39;s only one game, we have the second leg up next,&quot; added Zidane.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said his side had not deserved to lose 3-1.

&quot;I don&#39;t have the sensation we were as far away from them as the scoreline suggests,&quot; he said. &quot;They scored three times, but we played well and had our chances.

&quot;They caught us on the counter-attack when it was 1-1 and scored a great goal, and then another one. But it&#39;s not just about getting into the danger zone, it&#39;s about putting your chances away.&quot;

The Portuguese threw off his shirt after scoring and provocatively held it up to the crowd and was booked

Real Madrid will appeal Cristiano Ronaldo's second yellow card for diving in the Spanish Super Cup first leg at Barcelona, coach Zinedine Zidane said after the Portuguese showed the best and worst side of his game in Real's 3-1 win. Ronaldo spent 24 minutes on the pitch after not starting the game at the Nou Camp but still had the biggest impact. The 32-year-old, who was given a hostile reception by Barca fans as he warmed up before replacing Karim Benzema, hit back moments after Lionel Messi's equaliser with a brilliant strike into the top corner to put Real 2-1 up in the 80th minute. The Portuguese threw off his shirt after scoring and provocatively held it up to the crowd and was booked. Two minutes later he was sent off for trying to win a penalty in a challenge from Samuel Umtiti, angrily pushing referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea before leaving the pitch. "We played a great game but I am annoyed by Cristiano's sending off," Zidane told a news conference. "Perhaps it wasn't a penalty but the red card is a little harsh. We can't change it, but we'll try and make sure he plays on Wednesday." Madrid captain Sergio Ramos also leapt to Ronaldo's defence. "I think he was caught off balance and he didn't dive," said the defender. "We should try and appeal it. It should be analysed a little more." Marco Asensio scored Real's third with a stunning long range goal in the 90th minute, giving Madrid a healthy advantage as they seek to win a fourth trophy in four months and earn their first Super Cup since 2012. "We fought with 10 players, we believed until the end but it's only one game, we have the second leg up next," added Zidane. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said his side had not deserved to lose 3-1. "I don't have the sensation we were as far away from them as the scoreline suggests," he said. "They scored three times, but we played well and had our chances. "They caught us on the counter-attack when it was 1-1 and scored a great goal, and then another one. But it's not just about getting into the danger zone, it's about putting your chances away."

Real Madrid to appeal Ronaldo card: Zidane

Cristiano Ronaldo was hit with a five-match ban by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Monday for pushing the referee after being sent-off in Real Madrid&#39;s 3-1 Spanish Super Cup, first-leg win over Barcelona.

The World Player of the Year received an automatic one-match ban for his dismissal on Sunday and an extra four games for his reaction towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.

Ronaldo was also fined 3,805 euros ($4,500) and has 10 days to appeal the ban.

Should any appeal fail, Ronaldo will miss Wednesday&#39;s Super Cup, second leg and Madrid&#39;s first four La Liga games of the season against Deportivo la Coruna, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad.

Madrid had already signalled their intent to appeal Ronaldo&#39;s second yellow card shown for diving eight minutes from time when he went down inside the area under pressure from Samuel Umtiti.

&quot;Ronaldo&#39;s sending-off annoys me because even if it is not a penalty, the card is harsh,&quot; said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane after the game.

&quot;We will see if we can do something so that he is available on Wednesday.&quot;

Ronaldo was only on the field for 24 minutes as he was introduced as a second-half substitute and fired into the top corner 10 minutes from time to give Madrid a 2-1 lead.

He received his first yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration before being shown the 10th red card of his career two minutes later.

&quot;Once shown the red card, said player (Ronaldo) pushed me lightly as a sign of his disapproval,&quot; de Burgos Bengoetxea wrote in his referee&#39;s report.

According to the RFEF&#39;s rules, such offences are met with a suspension of anything between four and 12 games, but previous cases also resulted in four-game bans.

The World Player of the Year received an automatic one-match ban for his dismissal on Sunday and an extra four games for his reaction towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea

Cristiano Ronaldo was hit with a five-match ban by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Monday for pushing the referee after being sent-off in Real Madrid's 3-1 Spanish Super Cup, first-leg win over Barcelona. The World Player of the Year received an automatic one-match ban for his dismissal on Sunday and an extra four games for his reaction towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Ronaldo was also fined 3,805 euros ($4,500) and has 10 days to appeal the ban. Should any appeal fail, Ronaldo will miss Wednesday's Super Cup, second leg and Madrid's first four La Liga games of the season against Deportivo la Coruna, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad. Madrid had already signalled their intent to appeal Ronaldo's second yellow card shown for diving eight minutes from time when he went down inside the area under pressure from Samuel Umtiti. "Ronaldo's sending-off annoys me because even if it is not a penalty, the card is harsh," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane after the game. "We will see if we can do something so that he is available on Wednesday." Ronaldo was only on the field for 24 minutes as he was introduced as a second-half substitute and fired into the top corner 10 minutes from time to give Madrid a 2-1 lead. He received his first yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration before being shown the 10th red card of his career two minutes later. "Once shown the red card, said player (Ronaldo) pushed me lightly as a sign of his disapproval," de Burgos Bengoetxea wrote in his referee's report. According to the RFEF's rules, such offences are met with a suspension of anything between four and 12 games, but previous cases also resulted in four-game bans.

Ronaldo handed five-match ban for push on referee

Neymar wasted no time in making an impact on the field for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring on his debut in a 3-0 win at Guingamp on Sunday.

Football: Super Neymar scores on debut for PSG

Chelsea had two players sent off and lost to Burnley 3-2 in the first match of its English Premier League title defence on Saturday

EPL: Rooney scores first goal for Everton

The US Treasury on Wednesday accused Rafael Marquez, captain of Mexico&#39;s national football team and a former FC Barcelona player, of being a &quot;front person&quot; for a major drug trafficking organization.

Marquez was one of 22 people and 43 entities the US Treasury placed on a sanctions list in relation to a Guadalajara-based drug trafficking cartel controlled by one Raul Flores Hernandez.

The Treasury said Marquez has a &quot;longstanding relationship&quot; with Flores, has acted as a &quot;front person&quot; for him and held assets on his drug cartel&#39;s behalf.

Also on the list of those in one of the largest single US actions against a Mexican cartel under Washington&#39;s &quot;Kingpin Act&quot; were Flores and members of his family, and Latin Grammy-nominated singer Julion Alvarez.

&quot;Raul Flores Hernandez has operated for decades because of his longstanding relationships with other drug cartels and his use of financial front persons to mask his investments of illegal drug proceeds,&quot; said John Smith, head of the Treasury&#39;s Office of Foreign Assets Control which implements sanctions.

The sanctions freeze any assets, such as bank accounts and property, that a blacklisted person holds in a US jurisdiction, and bans any US individuals or companies from doing business with them.

Known popularly as Rafa, the 38-year-old Marquez made his debut for the national team in February 1997 and has captained his country in the last four World Cups.

He was a young star for the Atlas club before moving to Monaco in 1999.&nbsp;

Four years later he signed with FC Barcelona, becoming the first Mexican player to win a Champions League final with the team&#39;s victory over Arsenal in 2006. The defender spent another four injury-marred years with the team before being released in 2010.

After that, he spent two years with the Red Bulls of US Major League Soccer, and then joined Mexico&#39;s Club Leon, and most recently played for Atlas again.

Still potent despite injuries, he scored the winning goal at the 89th minute in a 2-1 World Cup qualifier victory over the United States last November.

Known popularly as Rafa, the 38-year-old Marquez made his debut for the national team in February 1997 and has captained his country in the last four World Cups

The US Treasury on Wednesday accused Rafael Marquez, captain of Mexico's national football team and a former FC Barcelona player, of being a "front person" for a major drug trafficking organization. Marquez was one of 22 people and 43 entities the US Treasury placed on a sanctions list in relation to a Guadalajara-based drug trafficking cartel controlled by one Raul Flores Hernandez. The Treasury said Marquez has a "longstanding relationship" with Flores, has acted as a "front person" for him and held assets on his drug cartel's behalf. Also on the list of those in one of the largest single US actions against a Mexican cartel under Washington's "Kingpin Act" were Flores and members of his family, and Latin Grammy-nominated singer Julion Alvarez. "Raul Flores Hernandez has operated for decades because of his longstanding relationships with other drug cartels and his use of financial front persons to mask his investments of illegal drug proceeds," said John Smith, head of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control which implements sanctions. The sanctions freeze any assets, such as bank accounts and property, that a blacklisted person holds in a US jurisdiction, and bans any US individuals or companies from doing business with them. Known popularly as Rafa, the 38-year-old Marquez made his debut for the national team in February 1997 and has captained his country in the last four World Cups. He was a young star for the Atlas club before moving to Monaco in 1999. Four years later he signed with FC Barcelona, becoming the first Mexican player to win a Champions League final with the team's victory over Arsenal in 2006. The defender spent another four injury-marred years with the team before being released in 2010. After that, he spent two years with the Red Bulls of US Major League Soccer, and then joined Mexico's Club Leon, and most recently played for Atlas again. Still potent despite injuries, he scored the winning goal at the 89th minute in a 2-1 World Cup qualifier victory over the United States last November.

US sanctions Mexico football captain Rafael Marquez for alleged drug cartel ties

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has sent a message in the direction of UEFA Super Cup opponents Real Madrid by declaring his readiness to bring Gareth Bale to Old Trafford.

Speaking to reporters in the Macedonian capital of Skopje on Monday, Mourinho said he would wait to see what Bale&#39;s role in Tuesday&#39;s match was before deciding whether the Welshman was worth pursuing.

&quot;If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won&#39;t even think about it,&quot; said Mourinho of the 28-year-old.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won&#39;t even think about it,&#39; Mourinho said of the 28-year-old</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won't even think about it,' Mourinho said of the 28-year-old" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

&quot;If he is not in the club&#39;s plans and it is true that a player like Bale is at the departure gate, I will try to be there waiting for him at the other side.

&quot;But if he plays tomorrow it is the clearest signal that he is staying there.&quot;

Bale moved to the Spanish capital from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then world record fee of 100.8 million euros.

However, injuries restricted his involvement during last season&#39;s run-in and he was only a substitute in Real&#39;s 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus in Cardiff.

He has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu with Real among the clubs fighting for the signature of Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe.

The French teenager has been linked with a 180 million-euro ($212 million, &pound;163 million) transfer although Manchester City are also keen and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to want him to play alongside their world record recruit Neymar.

United have already splashed out close to &pound;150 million in this transfer window on three players -- Swedish defender Victor Lindelof from Benfica, Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

Matic is the most recent arrival and Mourinho admitted he is unlikely to have more than a limited role in Tuesday&#39;s game at the Philip II Arena, which pitches last season&#39;s Europa League winners United against the reigning European champions.

Mourinho also confirmed that, while Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young are on the sidelines, Tim Fosu-Mensah did not travel to the Balkans with the squad because he is set to seal a loan move away from the club.

Eric Bailly is still suspended in Europe following his red card in the Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo in May and fellow defender Phil Jones is banned too.

His suspension is the result of a run-in with an anti-doping official after United&#39;s Europa League final win over Ajax in Stockholm at the end of last season.

&quot;I was expecting that the appeal would be negative,&quot; said Mourinho, who is preparing to come up against the club he coached for three years before leaving in 2013.

&quot;The only thing I hope is that tomorrow, the team that wins, if some team wants to celebrate, a player wants to get his medal, enjoy with his teammates, I just expect that the doping committee sends somebody with him and doesn&#39;t close him in a room and forbid the guy to enjoy a special moment.&quot;

Jones was given a two-game suspension for insulting an official and was fined 5,000 euros after staying on the pitch to celebrate his team&#39;s win rather than going straight to a doping control.&nbsp;

Mourinho's Manchester United will play Real Madrid -- Bale's team -- in the Eufa Super Cup final early Wednesday morning

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has sent a message in the direction of UEFA Super Cup opponents Real Madrid by declaring his readiness to bring Gareth Bale to Old Trafford. Speaking to reporters in the Macedonian capital of Skopje on Monday, Mourinho said he would wait to see what Bale's role in Tuesday's match was before deciding whether the Welshman was worth pursuing. "If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won't even think about it," said Mourinho of the 28-year-old. If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won't even think about it,' Mourinho said of the 28-year-old × "If he is not in the club's plans and it is true that a player like Bale is at the departure gate, I will try to be there waiting for him at the other side. "But if he plays tomorrow it is the clearest signal that he is staying there." Bale moved to the Spanish capital from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then world record fee of 100.8 million euros. However, injuries restricted his involvement during last season's run-in and he was only a substitute in Real's 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus in Cardiff. He has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu with Real among the clubs fighting for the signature of Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe. The French teenager has been linked with a 180 million-euro ($212 million, £163 million) transfer although Manchester City are also keen and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to want him to play alongside their world record recruit Neymar. United have already splashed out close to £150 million in this transfer window on three players -- Swedish defender Victor Lindelof from Benfica, Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. Matic is the most recent arrival and Mourinho admitted he is unlikely to have more than a limited role in Tuesday's game at the Philip II Arena, which pitches last season's Europa League winners United against the reigning European champions. Mourinho also confirmed that, while Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young are on the sidelines, Tim Fosu-Mensah did not travel to the Balkans with the squad because he is set to seal a loan move away from the club. Eric Bailly is still suspended in Europe following his red card in the Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo in May and fellow defender Phil Jones is banned too. His suspension is the result of a run-in with an anti-doping official after United's Europa League final win over Ajax in Stockholm at the end of last season. "I was expecting that the appeal would be negative," said Mourinho, who is preparing to come up against the club he coached for three years before leaving in 2013. "The only thing I hope is that tomorrow, the team that wins, if some team wants to celebrate, a player wants to get his medal, enjoy with his teammates, I just expect that the doping committee sends somebody with him and doesn't close him in a room and forbid the guy to enjoy a special moment." Jones was given a two-game suspension for insulting an official and was fined 5,000 euros after staying on the pitch to celebrate his team's win rather than going straight to a doping control.

Mourinho ready to make move for Bale

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted no player is bigger than the Catalan giants on Monday in the wake of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-neymar-signs-record-breaking-264-million-deal-with-psg-18572" target="_blank">Neymar&#39;s world record 222 million euro ($264 million) move to Paris Saint-Germain</a>.

Bartomeu and his board are under pressure to wisely reinvest the huge sum, which more than doubled the previous record for a transfer fee, before the transfer window closes on August 31.

&quot;No player is above Barca,&quot; Bartomeu told the world congress of Barca supporters groups.

&quot;You know that Neymar formed part of the success of our club, but Neymar is now history. He wanted to go. It was his decision although we did everything in our hands for him to stay.&quot;

Barca were powerless to stop Neymar leaving after PSG met the buyout clause in the Brazilian&#39;s contract, which he had signed just last year.

However, Bartomeu defended himself from criticism that the club should have insisted on inserting a much higher buyout clause in that deal to fend off PSG&#39;s millions.

Neymar&#39;s clause rose from 200 to 222 million from July 1 and would have jumped to 250 million had he entered the third year of the five-year deal.

&quot;We foresaw that he could leave in the future, that is why we raised his buyout clause in the new contact,&quot; added Bartomeu.

&quot;Receiving this money allows us to face the future with guarantees to strengthen the team.

&quot;When the doubts over his future began we were calm because his decision would be a good one

&quot;If he stayed we would maintain a great player and if he went, obviously paying his clause, we had the guarantee of being able to bring new players.&quot;

Barca have been linked with a series of potential replacements for Neymar with Liverpool&#39;s Philippe Coutinho heading their wish list.

Yet, Bartomeu promised to be act with &quot;prudence&quot; despite having to deal in a transfer market characterised by hyperinflation due to booming television rights deals.

&quot;The 222 million euros that we received for Neymar Jr will be administered with prudence, rigour and serenity,&quot; he said.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted no player is bigger than the club

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted no player is bigger than the Catalan giants on Monday in the wake of Neymar's world record 222 million euro ($264 million) move to Paris Saint-Germain. Bartomeu and his board are under pressure to wisely reinvest the huge sum, which more than doubled the previous record for a transfer fee, before the transfer window closes on August 31. "No player is above Barca," Bartomeu told the world congress of Barca supporters groups. "You know that Neymar formed part of the success of our club, but Neymar is now history. He wanted to go. It was his decision although we did everything in our hands for him to stay." Barca were powerless to stop Neymar leaving after PSG met the buyout clause in the Brazilian's contract, which he had signed just last year. However, Bartomeu defended himself from criticism that the club should have insisted on inserting a much higher buyout clause in that deal to fend off PSG's millions. Neymar's clause rose from 200 to 222 million from July 1 and would have jumped to 250 million had he entered the third year of the five-year deal. "We foresaw that he could leave in the future, that is why we raised his buyout clause in the new contact," added Bartomeu. "Receiving this money allows us to face the future with guarantees to strengthen the team. "When the doubts over his future began we were calm because his decision would be a good one "If he stayed we would maintain a great player and if he went, obviously paying his clause, we had the guarantee of being able to bring new players." Barca have been linked with a series of potential replacements for Neymar with Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho heading their wish list. Yet, Bartomeu promised to be act with "prudence" despite having to deal in a transfer market characterised by hyperinflation due to booming television rights deals. "The 222 million euros that we received for Neymar Jr will be administered with prudence, rigour and serenity," he said.

'Neymar not bigger than Barca'

Brazilian soccer star Neymar who completed a world record &nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-neymar-signs-record-breaking-264-million-deal-with-psg-18572">222 million euros ($264 million) transfer from Barcelona to PSG</a> appeared in his first press conference in Paris and declared the move was &quot;one of the most difficult decisions&quot; of his life.

The former Barcelona striker said, &quot;I thank all my teammates at Barca for their friendship. I was very happy there for four years but I felt it was time to move on.&quot;

&quot;It was a tense time, thinking about what I should do in my life. I have left behind a lot of friends, but things go very fast in football,&quot; he said.

&quot;In Barcelona, I had adapted well to the city and the team. I had friends there and it has not been easy,&quot; the 25-year-old Brazil superstar admitted at PSG&#39;s Parc des Princes press conference.

Neymar&#39;s move would mean he would earn nearly 30 million euros net per year at PSG, but he said he&nbsp;followed his heart while making the decision to play for PSG.

&quot;I have never been motivated by money. I always follow my heart. I regret that people think that and I thank PSG for believing in my potential,&quot; he said.

PSG are set to host newly promoted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-pledges-trophy-haul-after-psg-transfer-18573">Amiens at the Parc des Princes on the opening day </a>of the new Ligue 1 season, and Neymar declared he was ready to take up the challenge on Day-1 of the season.

&quot;I always want to play, so I am ready to do so tomorrow. I have trained in pre-season. I stopped for two days, but I am ready, I&#39;ve seen the pitch and I want to put the PSG shirt on and play.&quot;

When asked about supporters feelings who felt the Brazilian &quot;betrayed&quot; them, Neymar said: &quot;At no point did I lack respect to the supporters or the club.&quot;

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi who accompanied Neymar at the press conference&nbsp;said the world record transfer fee of $264million will more than double within two years.

&quot;There are not two Neymars in the world. I would love for us to meet in two years and see what his value will be compared to today. At least the double.&quot;

Neymar's move would mean he would earn nearly 30 million euros net per year at PSG

Brazilian soccer star Neymar who completed a world record 222 million euros ($264 million) transfer from Barcelona to PSG appeared in his first press conference in Paris and declared the move was "one of the most difficult decisions" of his life. The former Barcelona striker said, "I thank all my teammates at Barca for their friendship. I was very happy there for four years but I felt it was time to move on." "It was a tense time, thinking about what I should do in my life. I have left behind a lot of friends, but things go very fast in football," he said. "In Barcelona, I had adapted well to the city and the team. I had friends there and it has not been easy," the 25-year-old Brazil superstar admitted at PSG's Parc des Princes press conference. Neymar's move would mean he would earn nearly 30 million euros net per year at PSG, but he said he followed his heart while making the decision to play for PSG. "I have never been motivated by money. I always follow my heart. I regret that people think that and I thank PSG for believing in my potential," he said. PSG are set to host newly promoted Amiens at the Parc des Princes on the opening day of the new Ligue 1 season, and Neymar declared he was ready to take up the challenge on Day-1 of the season. "I always want to play, so I am ready to do so tomorrow. I have trained in pre-season. I stopped for two days, but I am ready, I've seen the pitch and I want to put the PSG shirt on and play." When asked about supporters feelings who felt the Brazilian "betrayed" them, Neymar said: "At no point did I lack respect to the supporters or the club." PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi who accompanied Neymar at the press conference said the world record transfer fee of $264million will more than double within two years. "There are not two Neymars in the world. I would love for us to meet in two years and see what his value will be compared to today. At least the double."

I have never been motivated by money, always follow my heart: Neymar

With the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-neymar-signs-record-breaking-264-million-deal-with-psg-18572" target="_blank"> transfer of football phenomenon Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain</a>, Qatar is hitting back at its Gulf rivals with a high-profile soft power play.

Paris Saint-Germain -- owned by sanctions-hit Qatar -- have signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record transfer fee of 222 million euros (around $264 million), more than doubling the previous record.

&quot;The announcement of Neymar&#39;s transfer to PSG was piloted among the high ranks in Qatar as a sort of communications strategy that would overshadow the debate around all other considerations, namely terrorism,&quot; said Mathieu Guidere, an expert in the geopolitics of the Arab world.

&quot;For days now, nobody has mentioned the negative -- it&#39;s all about the Neymar transfer.&quot;&nbsp;

The transfer comes as Qatar faces its worst political crisis in decades, with Saudi Arabia leading a four-state bloc that suspended all ties with Doha last month over accusations the emirate had close ties to Islamist extremist groups and Saudi Arabia&#39;s regional rival Iran.&nbsp;

Qatar has denied the allegations, arguing that the sanctions aim to bring the gas-rich emirate to its knees.

&#39;International soft power&#39;

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain pulled their ambassadors from Qatar, ordered all Qataris to return home and banned Qatar from using their ports or airspace.

The Saudi-led bloc later publicly released a 13-point list of demands as a condition for the end of the sanctions.

The list includes the closure of Qatari broadcast giant Al-Jazeera, which the bloc accuses of hate speech and encouraging extremism over its airing of the tapes of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, killed in a US operation in 2011.

Qatar, the world&#39;s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has risen as a key broker over the past two decades in the multiple conflicts and clashes of the Arab world.

The tiny emirate has also leveraged power through massive investments in real estate abroad, including hotels, as well as in aviation, media and professional sports.

In his first and only speech since the start of the crisis, Qatar&#39;s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, openly said he would be turning to &quot;sources of soft power at the international level&quot;.

With the Neymar transfer, Doha may be looking to cash in its cache of soft power.

&quot;This is a soft power stunt. Qatar needs to demonstrate to the world... that, despite all the allegations, Qatar is the most resilient country in the Middle East by far,&quot; said Andreas Krieg, a political risk analyst at King&#39;s College London.

&quot;Having the best player in the world shows the rest of the world that if Qatar is determined, they still have the largest assets to draw from and if needed they will use the money that they have to further their agenda,&quot; Krieg told AFP.

&#39;At whatever price&#39;

Qatar&#39;s ties to international football go back several years and the Gulf state is to host the 2022 World Cup.

International sports broadcaster beIN SPORTS was a subsidiary of Al-Jazeera, and between 2013 and June 2017, FC Barcelona athletes wore jerseys bearing the Qatar Airways logo.

&quot;For the time being, Qatar&#39;s opponents are paralysed by this circumvention strategy, as none of them has that level of media leverage in the field of international sports,&quot; said Guidere.

French government spokesman Christophe Castaner on Thursday called the expected transfer a &quot;communications operation&quot;, but said Qatar must still be &quot;transparent&quot; over any support for extremism.

On the flipside, one argument backing Neymar&#39;s decision to leave Barca, on top of reportedly tripling his wages, is to move out of the shadow of Lionel Messi.

If the Neymar transfer goes through, it would more than double the previous record of 105 million euros ($124 million) that Manchester United paid Juventus last year for France&#39;s Paul Pogba.

The transfer will hardly dent Qatar&#39;s budget.

Qatar has moved to boost business with the West since the start of the Gulf crisis, which analysts says threatens the unity of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.&nbsp;

Doha has signed two major contracts in recent weeks, both military: a $12 billion acquisition deal to purchase F-15 fighters from the United States and a $6 billion deal for navy vessels from Italy.

&quot;The per capita reserves they have are the greatest in the world,&quot; said Krieg.

The cost of the Neymar transfer &quot;sends a very strong signal to the sporting world and a very strong signal of defiance towards the UAE and Saudi Arabia,&quot; he added.

&quot;They wanted this player and they used the money to buy him at whatever price.&quot;

A four-state bloc, led by Saudi Arabia, had suspended all ties with Doha last month over accusations the emirate had close ties to Islamist extremist groups

With the transfer of football phenomenon Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, Qatar is hitting back at its Gulf rivals with a high-profile soft power play. Paris Saint-Germain -- owned by sanctions-hit Qatar -- have signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record transfer fee of 222 million euros (around $264 million), more than doubling the previous record. "The announcement of Neymar's transfer to PSG was piloted among the high ranks in Qatar as a sort of communications strategy that would overshadow the debate around all other considerations, namely terrorism," said Mathieu Guidere, an expert in the geopolitics of the Arab world. "For days now, nobody has mentioned the negative -- it's all about the Neymar transfer." The transfer comes as Qatar faces its worst political crisis in decades, with Saudi Arabia leading a four-state bloc that suspended all ties with Doha last month over accusations the emirate had close ties to Islamist extremist groups and Saudi Arabia's regional rival Iran. Qatar has denied the allegations, arguing that the sanctions aim to bring the gas-rich emirate to its knees. 'International soft power' On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain pulled their ambassadors from Qatar, ordered all Qataris to return home and banned Qatar from using their ports or airspace. The Saudi-led bloc later publicly released a 13-point list of demands as a condition for the end of the sanctions. The list includes the closure of Qatari broadcast giant Al-Jazeera, which the bloc accuses of hate speech and encouraging extremism over its airing of the tapes of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, killed in a US operation in 2011. Qatar, the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has risen as a key broker over the past two decades in the multiple conflicts and clashes of the Arab world. The tiny emirate has also leveraged power through massive investments in real estate abroad, including hotels, as well as in aviation, media and professional sports. In his first and only speech since the start of the crisis, Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, openly said he would be turning to "sources of soft power at the international level". With the Neymar transfer, Doha may be looking to cash in its cache of soft power. "This is a soft power stunt. Qatar needs to demonstrate to the world... that, despite all the allegations, Qatar is the most resilient country in the Middle East by far," said Andreas Krieg, a political risk analyst at King's College London. "Having the best player in the world shows the rest of the world that if Qatar is determined, they still have the largest assets to draw from and if needed they will use the money that they have to further their agenda," Krieg told AFP. 'At whatever price' Qatar's ties to international football go back several years and the Gulf state is to host the 2022 World Cup. International sports broadcaster beIN SPORTS was a subsidiary of Al-Jazeera, and between 2013 and June 2017, FC Barcelona athletes wore jerseys bearing the Qatar Airways logo. "For the time being, Qatar's opponents are paralysed by this circumvention strategy, as none of them has that level of media leverage in the field of international sports," said Guidere. French government spokesman Christophe Castaner on Thursday called the expected transfer a "communications operation", but said Qatar must still be "transparent" over any support for extremism. On the flipside, one argument backing Neymar's decision to leave Barca, on top of reportedly tripling his wages, is to move out of the shadow of Lionel Messi. If the Neymar transfer goes through, it would more than double the previous record of 105 million euros ($124 million) that Manchester United paid Juventus last year for France's Paul Pogba. The transfer will hardly dent Qatar's budget. Qatar has moved to boost business with the West since the start of the Gulf crisis, which analysts says threatens the unity of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council. Doha has signed two major contracts in recent weeks, both military: a $12 billion acquisition deal to purchase F-15 fighters from the United States and a $6 billion deal for navy vessels from Italy. "The per capita reserves they have are the greatest in the world," said Krieg. The cost of the Neymar transfer "sends a very strong signal to the sporting world and a very strong signal of defiance towards the UAE and Saudi Arabia," he added. "They wanted this player and they used the money to buy him at whatever price."

After Arab states blockade, Qatar hits back with Neymar transfer

Brazilian superstar Neymar has pledged to spark a trophy glut at Paris Saint Germain after agreeing to a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-neymar-signs-record-breaking-264-million-deal-with-psg-18572" target="_blank">five-year deal on a world record 222 million euro ($264 million) transfer from Barcelona.</a>

The 25-year-old will earn a mind-boggling 30 million euros ($35.5 million) a year in Paris but insists he will prove value for money for the ambitious but under-performing Qatari-owned French side.

&quot;I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,&quot; said Neymar.

&quot;Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want.&nbsp;

&quot;Paris Saint-Germain&#39;s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played four seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge.&nbsp;

&quot;From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teammates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world.&quot;

PSG said that Neymar will be unveiled at a press conference at the club&#39;s Parc des Princes at 1130GMT on Friday.

He will then be presented to fans at the same ground at 1345GMT on Saturday before the season-opening Ligue 1 fixture against promoted Amiens.

PSG wasted no time in pressing Neymar&#39;s commercial value by announcing that shirts bearing his name will be on sale from 0800GMT Friday at the club&#39;s megastore on the city&#39;s iconic Champs Elysees.

Football legend Pele congratulated Neymar on his move, telling his successor in the famed Brazilian number 10 shirt: &quot;Good luck for your new challenge&quot;.

&quot;Paris is a beautiful city and one of my favourites in the world,&quot; three-time World Cup winner Pele wrote on Twitter.

The transfer is more than double the previous world record set by Manchester United&#39;s capture of Paul Pogba from Juventus last year for 105 million euros, leaving many commentators aghast at the rampant inflation in football transfer fees.

Leading coaches such as Arsenal&#39;s Arsene Wenger and Manchester United&#39;s Jose Mourinho lamented that the move could cause even greater inflation in transfer fees and player wages.

&quot;It also looks like the inflation is accelerating,&quot; said Wenger, whose 21 years at Arsenal have been characterised by prudent spending.

&quot;It&#39;s beyond calculation and beyond rationality.&quot;

&nbsp;&#39;A state signing&#39;

However, in the French capital there is huge excitement at PSG having landed a star name to finally make them feared among European football&#39;s elite with even French president Emmanuel Macron enthused.

&quot;It adds attractiveness. Yes, it&#39;s good news,&quot; said Macron.

&quot;Neymar to PSG -- the transfer of the century&quot;, splashed Le Parisien&#39;s front page on Thursday with the first five pages devoted to his impending arrival.

The mood is understandably more sombre in Barcelona where attention has turned to who the Catalans can sign to replace Neymar in the month before the transfer window closes.

Neymar&#39;s Brazilian international teammate Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund&#39;s Ousmane Dembele have both been linked.

There is also scepticism at the role played by PSG&#39;s owners Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) at a time of political crisis for the energy-rich state which has been boycotted by its Gulf neighbours in recent months and will play host to the World Cup in 2022.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo described the move as a &quot;state signing.&quot;

But whilst La Liga protests at losing one of its biggest stars, Barca&#39;s players have continued to wish their now former teammate well.

&quot;My friend I wish you the best in everything that comes!!!&quot; Luis Suarez posted on Instagram alongside a picture of the two hugging.

&quot;Also thank you for your support, for everything that I learned with you and for the unique moments that we spent together!!!! Keep like this and never change love you little bro.&quot;

The transfer is more than double the previous world record set by Manchester United's capture of Paul Pogba from Juventus last year for 105 million euros

Brazilian superstar Neymar has pledged to spark a trophy glut at Paris Saint Germain after agreeing to a five-year deal on a world record 222 million euro ($264 million) transfer from Barcelona. The 25-year-old will earn a mind-boggling 30 million euros ($35.5 million) a year in Paris but insists he will prove value for money for the ambitious but under-performing Qatari-owned French side. "I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain," said Neymar. "Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want. "Paris Saint-Germain's ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played four seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge. "From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teammates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world." PSG said that Neymar will be unveiled at a press conference at the club's Parc des Princes at 1130GMT on Friday. He will then be presented to fans at the same ground at 1345GMT on Saturday before the season-opening Ligue 1 fixture against promoted Amiens. PSG wasted no time in pressing Neymar's commercial value by announcing that shirts bearing his name will be on sale from 0800GMT Friday at the club's megastore on the city's iconic Champs Elysees. Football legend Pele congratulated Neymar on his move, telling his successor in the famed Brazilian number 10 shirt: "Good luck for your new challenge". "Paris is a beautiful city and one of my favourites in the world," three-time World Cup winner Pele wrote on Twitter. The transfer is more than double the previous world record set by Manchester United's capture of Paul Pogba from Juventus last year for 105 million euros, leaving many commentators aghast at the rampant inflation in football transfer fees. Leading coaches such as Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Manchester United's Jose Mourinho lamented that the move could cause even greater inflation in transfer fees and player wages. "It also looks like the inflation is accelerating," said Wenger, whose 21 years at Arsenal have been characterised by prudent spending. "It's beyond calculation and beyond rationality." 'A state signing' However, in the French capital there is huge excitement at PSG having landed a star name to finally make them feared among European football's elite with even French president Emmanuel Macron enthused. "It adds attractiveness. Yes, it's good news," said Macron. "Neymar to PSG -- the transfer of the century", splashed Le Parisien's front page on Thursday with the first five pages devoted to his impending arrival. The mood is understandably more sombre in Barcelona where attention has turned to who the Catalans can sign to replace Neymar in the month before the transfer window closes. Neymar's Brazilian international teammate Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund's Ousmane Dembele have both been linked. There is also scepticism at the role played by PSG's owners Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) at a time of political crisis for the energy-rich state which has been boycotted by its Gulf neighbours in recent months and will play host to the World Cup in 2022. Spanish newspaper El Mundo described the move as a "state signing." But whilst La Liga protests at losing one of its biggest stars, Barca's players have continued to wish their now former teammate well. "My friend I wish you the best in everything that comes!!!" Luis Suarez posted on Instagram alongside a picture of the two hugging. "Also thank you for your support, for everything that I learned with you and for the unique moments that we spent together!!!! Keep like this and never change love you little bro."

Neymar pledges trophy haul after PSG transfer

Neymar&#39;s world record move to Paris Saint-Germain was completed Thursday when the French club confirmed the Brazilian superstar had signed a five year-deal, earning him an estimated 30 million euros ($35.5 million) a year.

The deal was signed just hours after the 25-year-old paid off his 222 million euro ($264 million) buyout clause to Barcelona.

&quot;I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,&quot; said Neymar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-transfer-crisis-hit-qatars-soft-power-play-18575">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-transfer-crisis-hit-qatars-soft-power-play-18575">read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-transfer-crisis-hit-qatars-soft-power-play-18575">&nbsp;Neymar transfer crisis-hit Qatar&#39;s &#39;soft power play&#39;</a>

&quot;Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want.&nbsp;

&quot;Paris Saint-Germain&#39;s ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played four seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge.&nbsp;

&quot;From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teammates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world.&quot;

PSG said that Neymar will be unveiled at a press conference at the club&#39;s Parc des Princes at 1130GMT on Friday.

He will then be presented to fans at the same ground at 1345GMT on Saturday before the season-opening Ligue 1 fixture against promoted Amiens.

PSG wasted no time in pressing Neymar&#39;s commercial value by announcing that shirts bearing his name will be on sale from 0800GMT Friday at the club&#39;s megastore on the city&#39;s iconic Champs Elysees.

The transfer is more than double the previous world record set by Manchester United&#39;s capture of Paul Pogba from Juventus last year for 105 million euros, leaving many commentators aghast at the rampant inflation in football transfer fees.

Leading coaches such as Arsenal&#39;s Arsene Wenger and Manchester United&#39;s Jose Mourinho lamented that the move could cause even greater inflation in transfer fees and player wages.

&quot;It also looks like the inflation is accelerating,&quot; said Wenger, whose 21 years at Arsenal have been characterised by prudent spending.

&quot;It&#39;s beyond calculation and beyond rationality.&quot;

&nbsp;Pele says &#39;good luck&#39;

However, in the French capital there is huge excitement at PSG&#39;s Qatari-backed project having landed a star name to finally make them feared among European football&#39;s elite with even French president Emmanuel Macron enthused.

&quot;It adds attractiveness. Yes, it&#39;s good news,&quot; said Macron.

&quot;Neymar to PSG -- the transfer of the century&quot;, splashed Le Parisien&#39;s front page on Thursday with the first five pages devoted to his impending arrival.

The mood is understandably more sombre in Barcelona where attention has turned to who the Catalans can sign to replace Neymar in the month before the transfer window closes.

Neymar&#39;s Brazilian international teammate Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund&#39;s Ousmane Dembele have both been linked.

There is also scepticism at the role played by PSG&#39;s owners Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) at a time of political crisis for the energy-rich state which has been boycotted by its Gulf neighbours in recent months and will play host to the World Cup in 2022.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo described the move as a &quot;state signing.&quot;

But whilst La Liga protests at losing one of its biggest stars, Barca&#39;s players have continued to wish their now former teammate well.

&quot;My friend I wish you the best in everything that comes!!!&quot; Luis Suarez posted on Instagram alongside a picture of the two hugging.

&quot;Also thank you for your support, for everything that I learned with you and for the unique moments that we spent together!!!! Keep like this and never change love you little bro.&quot;

Football legend Pele congratulated Neymar on his world record move, telling his successor in the famed Brazilian number 10 shirt: &quot;Good luck for your new challenge&quot;.

&quot;Paris is a beautiful city and one of my favourites in the world,&quot; three-time World Cup winner Pele wrote on Twitter.

Earlier Thursday, Spain&#39;s football league threatened to stall the saga by initially refusing to accept the cheque presented by Neymar&#39;s representatives at its Madrid headquarters.

La Liga president Javier Tebas had accused the French club of breaching UEFA&#39;s financial fair play rules.

Clubs can be sanctioned by European football&#39;s governing body for making a loss of more than 30 million euros over a three-year period.

However, UEFA insisted the move will not automatically trigger a failure to comply with FFP regulations.

He will earn $35.5 million a year in Paris

Neymar's world record move to Paris Saint-Germain was completed Thursday when the French club confirmed the Brazilian superstar had signed a five year-deal, earning him an estimated 30 million euros ($35.5 million) a year. The deal was signed just hours after the 25-year-old paid off his 222 million euro ($264 million) buyout clause to Barcelona. "I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain," said Neymar. Also read: Neymar transfer crisis-hit Qatar's 'soft power play' "Since I arrived in Europe, the club has always been one of the most competitive and most ambitious. And the biggest challenge, what most motivated me to join my new teammates is to help the club to conquer the titles that their fans want. "Paris Saint-Germain's ambition attracted me to the club, along with the passion and the energy this brings. I played four seasons in Europe and I feel ready to take the challenge. "From today, I will do everything I can to help my new teammates, to open up new horizons for my club and to bring happiness to its millions of supporters around the world." PSG said that Neymar will be unveiled at a press conference at the club's Parc des Princes at 1130GMT on Friday. He will then be presented to fans at the same ground at 1345GMT on Saturday before the season-opening Ligue 1 fixture against promoted Amiens. PSG wasted no time in pressing Neymar's commercial value by announcing that shirts bearing his name will be on sale from 0800GMT Friday at the club's megastore on the city's iconic Champs Elysees. The transfer is more than double the previous world record set by Manchester United's capture of Paul Pogba from Juventus last year for 105 million euros, leaving many commentators aghast at the rampant inflation in football transfer fees. Leading coaches such as Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Manchester United's Jose Mourinho lamented that the move could cause even greater inflation in transfer fees and player wages. "It also looks like the inflation is accelerating," said Wenger, whose 21 years at Arsenal have been characterised by prudent spending. "It's beyond calculation and beyond rationality." Pele says 'good luck' However, in the French capital there is huge excitement at PSG's Qatari-backed project having landed a star name to finally make them feared among European football's elite with even French president Emmanuel Macron enthused. "It adds attractiveness. Yes, it's good news," said Macron. "Neymar to PSG -- the transfer of the century", splashed Le Parisien's front page on Thursday with the first five pages devoted to his impending arrival. The mood is understandably more sombre in Barcelona where attention has turned to who the Catalans can sign to replace Neymar in the month before the transfer window closes. Neymar's Brazilian international teammate Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund's Ousmane Dembele have both been linked. There is also scepticism at the role played by PSG's owners Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) at a time of political crisis for the energy-rich state which has been boycotted by its Gulf neighbours in recent months and will play host to the World Cup in 2022. Spanish newspaper El Mundo described the move as a "state signing." But whilst La Liga protests at losing one of its biggest stars, Barca's players have continued to wish their now former teammate well. "My friend I wish you the best in everything that comes!!!" Luis Suarez posted on Instagram alongside a picture of the two hugging. "Also thank you for your support, for everything that I learned with you and for the unique moments that we spent together!!!! Keep like this and never change love you little bro." Football legend Pele congratulated Neymar on his world record move, telling his successor in the famed Brazilian number 10 shirt: "Good luck for your new challenge". "Paris is a beautiful city and one of my favourites in the world," three-time World Cup winner Pele wrote on Twitter. Earlier Thursday, Spain's football league threatened to stall the saga by initially refusing to accept the cheque presented by Neymar's representatives at its Madrid headquarters. La Liga president Javier Tebas had accused the French club of breaching UEFA's financial fair play rules. Clubs can be sanctioned by European football's governing body for making a loss of more than 30 million euros over a three-year period. However, UEFA insisted the move will not automatically trigger a failure to comply with FFP regulations.

Neymar completes record-breaking $264 million move to PSG

Neymar is expected to arrive in Paris on Thursday to finalise his world record 222 million euro ($260 million) move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, which will earn him around 30 million euros ($35.5 million) a year.

The summer&#39;s longest-running transfer saga, which this week saw the 25-year-old tracked from the United States to China to the Middle East, back to Barcelona to say goodbye before a swift detour to Porto where he was thought to have undergone a medical, will end in the French capital with new teammates already queuing up to welcome him.

Argentine midfielder Javier Pastore is already set to surrender his symbolic number 10 shirt to his fellow South American at the Parc des Princes, where Neymar could be unveiled to fans on Saturday evening when PSG open their new Ligue 1 season against Amiens.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/i-love-you-loads-messis-farewell-message-to-neymar-18520" target="_blank">Also read: Messi&#39;s farewell message to Neymar</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-set-to-join-french-club-paris-saint-germain-reports-18494" target="_blank">Also read: Neymar set to join PSG</a>

&quot;I want him to feel comfortable and happy from day one,&quot; Pastore told Cadena SER radio.

On Wednesday, Barcelona admitted defeat in convincing Neymar to stay at the Camp Nou where he has played since 2013.

The player travelled to Porto by private jet from Barcelona surrounded by his entourage, including his father and agent Neymar Sr, after saying goodbye to his Barca teammates.

Among that party was Wagner Ribeiro, an advisor to the player, who claimed PSG would pay his 222 million euro ($260 million) buyout clause in the &quot;coming hours&quot;.

That would more than double the current transfer record set by Paul Pogba&#39;s 105.2 million euro ($111 million) move to Manchester United last year.

Media reports suggested that Neymar had gone to Porto, where PSG sporting director Antero Henrique had worked until recently, to undergo a pre-transfer medical.

Neymar has been tempted to Paris by an astronomical offer that would reportedly see his wages tripled to 30 million euros a year after tax.

However, on the field he also faces the challenge of stepping out of the shadow of five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi to try and prove himself as the world&#39;s best.

&quot;It was a huge pleasure having shared all those years with you, my friend @neymarjr,&quot; Messi posted on Instagram alongside a montage displaying some of the pair&#39;s finest moments together.

Messi &#39;loves&#39; Neymar 
&quot;I wish you lots of luck in this new stage in your life. See you soon tkm,&quot; he added. &quot;Tkm&quot; stands for &quot;te quiero mucho&quot; (I love you loads).

&quot;Thanks brother. I will miss you man,&quot; Neymar replied.

Winning the Champions League for a first time is the dream driving PSG&#39;s owners Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) to fund a deal that could herald the start of a new era at the elite level of European football.

Since QSI&#39;s takeover in 2011, PSG have failed to make it beyond the quarter-final stage - most notably blowing a 4-0 first-leg lead to lose 6-1 to a Neymar-inspired Barcelona in the last 16 of last season&#39;s competition in March.

Prising Neymar from the grip of Barca would truly announce PSG&#39;s presence as a contender for the likes of Barca, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to fear.

Neymar has formed one of the deadliest strike partnerships in football history with Messi and Luis Suarez over the past three seasons.

Together they have won two La Liga titles, a Champions League and three Spanish Cups, whilst Neymar has scored 105 goals and provided 80 assists in just 186 games.

However, his four-year spell in Spain has also been overshadowed by the murky transfer deal which brought him to Barcelona from Santos in 2013.

He and his parents as well as Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu face charges of fraud and corruption in an ongoing case brought by DIS, a Brazilian investment company.

DIS owned 40 percent of the players&#39; rights at the time of the deal and believe they were deliberately cheated out of their real share due to the complex structure of the transfer.

Neymar could be unveiled to Paris Saint-Germain fans on Saturday evening when PSG open their new Ligue 1 season against Amiens

Neymar is expected to arrive in Paris on Thursday to finalise his world record 222 million euro ($260 million) move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, which will earn him around 30 million euros ($35.5 million) a year. The summer's longest-running transfer saga, which this week saw the 25-year-old tracked from the United States to China to the Middle East, back to Barcelona to say goodbye before a swift detour to Porto where he was thought to have undergone a medical, will end in the French capital with new teammates already queuing up to welcome him. Argentine midfielder Javier Pastore is already set to surrender his symbolic number 10 shirt to his fellow South American at the Parc des Princes, where Neymar could be unveiled to fans on Saturday evening when PSG open their new Ligue 1 season against Amiens. Also read: Messi's farewell message to Neymar Also read: Neymar set to join PSG "I want him to feel comfortable and happy from day one," Pastore told Cadena SER radio. On Wednesday, Barcelona admitted defeat in convincing Neymar to stay at the Camp Nou where he has played since 2013. The player travelled to Porto by private jet from Barcelona surrounded by his entourage, including his father and agent Neymar Sr, after saying goodbye to his Barca teammates. Among that party was Wagner Ribeiro, an advisor to the player, who claimed PSG would pay his 222 million euro ($260 million) buyout clause in the "coming hours". That would more than double the current transfer record set by Paul Pogba's 105.2 million euro ($111 million) move to Manchester United last year. Media reports suggested that Neymar had gone to Porto, where PSG sporting director Antero Henrique had worked until recently, to undergo a pre-transfer medical. Neymar has been tempted to Paris by an astronomical offer that would reportedly see his wages tripled to 30 million euros a year after tax. However, on the field he also faces the challenge of stepping out of the shadow of five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi to try and prove himself as the world's best. "It was a huge pleasure having shared all those years with you, my friend @neymarjr," Messi posted on Instagram alongside a montage displaying some of the pair's finest moments together. Messi 'loves' Neymar "I wish you lots of luck in this new stage in your life. See you soon tkm," he added. "Tkm" stands for "te quiero mucho" (I love you loads). "Thanks brother. I will miss you man," Neymar replied. Winning the Champions League for a first time is the dream driving PSG's owners Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) to fund a deal that could herald the start of a new era at the elite level of European football. Since QSI's takeover in 2011, PSG have failed to make it beyond the quarter-final stage - most notably blowing a 4-0 first-leg lead to lose 6-1 to a Neymar-inspired Barcelona in the last 16 of last season's competition in March. Prising Neymar from the grip of Barca would truly announce PSG's presence as a contender for the likes of Barca, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to fear. Neymar has formed one of the deadliest strike partnerships in football history with Messi and Luis Suarez over the past three seasons. Together they have won two La Liga titles, a Champions League and three Spanish Cups, whilst Neymar has scored 105 goals and provided 80 assists in just 186 games. However, his four-year spell in Spain has also been overshadowed by the murky transfer deal which brought him to Barcelona from Santos in 2013. He and his parents as well as Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu face charges of fraud and corruption in an ongoing case brought by DIS, a Brazilian investment company. DIS owned 40 percent of the players' rights at the time of the deal and believe they were deliberately cheated out of their real share due to the complex structure of the transfer.

Neymar expected in Paris Thursday for world-record move

Neymar&#39;s record-breaking 222 million euros ($263 million) transfer from Barcelona to Paris St Germain is set to be completed this week with the French club poised to pay his release clause.

Neymar&#39;s agent Wagner Ribeiro was quoted on Spanish radio as saying PSG would pay the fee specified in the player&#39;s Barcelona contract and his client was en route to finalise the deal.

The fee is more than twice the current transfer world record that was set when Paul Pogba moved last year from Juventus to Manchester United for a 105 million euros.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/i-love-you-loads-messis-farewell-message-to-neymar-18520" target="_blank">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/i-love-you-loads-messis-farewell-message-to-neymar-18520" target="_blank"> Messi&#39;s &#39;I love you loads&#39; farewell message to Neymar</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-expected-in-paris-thursday-for-world-record-move-18524" target="_blank">Read: Neymar expected in Paris Thursday</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-set-to-join-french-club-paris-saint-germain-reports-18494" target="_blank">Read: Neymar set to join Paris Saint-Germain</a>

&quot;They (PSG) are going to pay Neymar&#39;s (buyout) clause today so that he can be presented at the weekend,&quot; Ribeiro told Spanish radio station Cadena COPE. &quot;They (Neymar and his father) are in the air now.&quot;

The overall package will become the most expensive investment ever in a player with several media outlets reporting that Neymar is expected to sign a five-year contract worth more than 550,000 euros a week.

A completed deal could set off a chain reaction of signings before the transfer window closes at the end of the month with Barcelona having plenty of money to commit to a replacement.

The striker only arrived back in Spain on Tuesday after trips to China and the Middle East and the move would complete a hectic few days in which Neymar&#39;s heavily trailed exit has inched closer.

Events moved swiftly on Wednesday when Barcelona released a statement announcing that the 25-year-old had informed them of his intention to leave, and confirming the amount of his buy-out clause.

Read FC Barcelona&#39;s statement <a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2017-2018/comunicat-fc-barcelona-neymar-jr" target="_blank">here</a>

&quot;The player Neymar Jr, accompanied by his father and agent, has informed FC Barcelona this morning of his decision to leave the club in a meeting held at the club&rsquo;s offices,&quot; Barcelona said in a statement.

&quot;The club refer to the buy-out clause of his existing contract which as of 1 July totals 222 million euros.&quot;

Earlier Neymar arrived at the club&#39;s training ground to tell team mates he was moving to Paris, Catalan radio RAC1 reported.

The Brazilian striker left the training area minutes later, it said, with the club confirming on Twitter that he had been given permission not to train.

Neymar&#39;s departure would end a four-year stay at the club, where he formed a formidable strike force with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Messi reacted to his team mate&#39;s imminent move by posting on his Instagram account: &quot;It was a great pleasure to have shared all these years with you, my friend @naymarjr. I wish you much luck in this new stage of your life. Be seeing you.&quot;

In October, Neymar signed a new contract until 2021 with the buy-out clause raised.

For a while it seemed that the deal might stall over concerns about Financial Fair Play.

In an interview published on Wednesday, the president of the national football league, Javier Tebas, said the league would not accept payment by PSG to trigger the release clause. It would potentially be in breach of UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, he told Spanish sports newspaper AS.

Under the fair play rules, a club&#39;s wage bill must not exceed 70 percent of its revenue.

UEFA&#39;s FFP project leader Andrea Traverso was last week quoted by Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport as saying PSG were currently following the rules.

UEFA told Reuters on Wednesday that no complaint had been received about PSG, adding that European football&#39;s governing body would not block any potential deal in advance.

&quot;UEFA will look into the details of this transfer in due course to ensure PSG are compliant with FFP requirements,&quot; the UEFA statement said.

&quot;The transfer of Neymar to PSG will have an effect on the club finances over several years but the impact of such an operation cannot be judged in advance, notably as PSG could well sell several players for a significant amount.

&quot;We shall therefore only make calculations at the end and make sure that they respect the rules.&quot;

PSG are one of the world&#39;s richest clubs following their 2012 takeover by Qatar Sports Investments, an arm of Qatar&#39;s sovereign wealth fund, which has transformed their fortunes.

PSG&#39;s 2015/16 revenue came to 521 million euros, according to Deloitte&#39;s Football Money League report issued in January.

A PSG spokesman declined to comment.

Neymar signed for Barcelona from Brazilian side Santos for 57.1 million euros in 2013, although it was later revealed the cost was closer to 100 million euros.

Neymar's agent Wagner Ribeiro was quoted on Spanish radio as saying PSG would pay the fee specified in the player's Barcelona contract and his client was en route to finalise the deal

Neymar's record-breaking 222 million euros ($263 million) transfer from Barcelona to Paris St Germain is set to be completed this week with the French club poised to pay his release clause. Neymar's agent Wagner Ribeiro was quoted on Spanish radio as saying PSG would pay the fee specified in the player's Barcelona contract and his client was en route to finalise the deal. The fee is more than twice the current transfer world record that was set when Paul Pogba moved last year from Juventus to Manchester United for a 105 million euros. Read: Messi's 'I love you loads' farewell message to Neymar Read: Neymar expected in Paris Thursday Read: Neymar set to join Paris Saint-Germain "They (PSG) are going to pay Neymar's (buyout) clause today so that he can be presented at the weekend," Ribeiro told Spanish radio station Cadena COPE. "They (Neymar and his father) are in the air now." The overall package will become the most expensive investment ever in a player with several media outlets reporting that Neymar is expected to sign a five-year contract worth more than 550,000 euros a week. A completed deal could set off a chain reaction of signings before the transfer window closes at the end of the month with Barcelona having plenty of money to commit to a replacement. The striker only arrived back in Spain on Tuesday after trips to China and the Middle East and the move would complete a hectic few days in which Neymar's heavily trailed exit has inched closer. Events moved swiftly on Wednesday when Barcelona released a statement announcing that the 25-year-old had informed them of his intention to leave, and confirming the amount of his buy-out clause. Read FC Barcelona's statement here "The player Neymar Jr, accompanied by his father and agent, has informed FC Barcelona this morning of his decision to leave the club in a meeting held at the club’s offices," Barcelona said in a statement. "The club refer to the buy-out clause of his existing contract which as of 1 July totals 222 million euros." Earlier Neymar arrived at the club's training ground to tell team mates he was moving to Paris, Catalan radio RAC1 reported. The Brazilian striker left the training area minutes later, it said, with the club confirming on Twitter that he had been given permission not to train. Neymar's departure would end a four-year stay at the club, where he formed a formidable strike force with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Messi reacted to his team mate's imminent move by posting on his Instagram account: "It was a great pleasure to have shared all these years with you, my friend @naymarjr. I wish you much luck in this new stage of your life. Be seeing you." In October, Neymar signed a new contract until 2021 with the buy-out clause raised. For a while it seemed that the deal might stall over concerns about Financial Fair Play. In an interview published on Wednesday, the president of the national football league, Javier Tebas, said the league would not accept payment by PSG to trigger the release clause. It would potentially be in breach of UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, he told Spanish sports newspaper AS. Under the fair play rules, a club's wage bill must not exceed 70 percent of its revenue. UEFA's FFP project leader Andrea Traverso was last week quoted by Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport as saying PSG were currently following the rules. UEFA told Reuters on Wednesday that no complaint had been received about PSG, adding that European football's governing body would not block any potential deal in advance. "UEFA will look into the details of this transfer in due course to ensure PSG are compliant with FFP requirements," the UEFA statement said. "The transfer of Neymar to PSG will have an effect on the club finances over several years but the impact of such an operation cannot be judged in advance, notably as PSG could well sell several players for a significant amount. "We shall therefore only make calculations at the end and make sure that they respect the rules." PSG are one of the world's richest clubs following their 2012 takeover by Qatar Sports Investments, an arm of Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, which has transformed their fortunes. PSG's 2015/16 revenue came to 521 million euros, according to Deloitte's Football Money League report issued in January. A PSG spokesman declined to comment. Neymar signed for Barcelona from Brazilian side Santos for 57.1 million euros in 2013, although it was later revealed the cost was closer to 100 million euros.

Neymar on verge of record-breaking move to PSG: Agent

Barcelona soccer player Neymar Jr arrived at the team&#39;s training ground in Madrid on Wednesday to tell his teammates there that he is moving to French team Paris Saint Germain, Catalan radio RAC1 has reported.

The Brazilian striker left the training area minutes later, the radio station said.

Meanwhile, BCC reported manager Ernesto Valverde did not allow the Brazilian striker to train and told him to &quot;sort out his future&quot;.

The Brazilian also told his teammates at training that &quot;he wanted to leave the Spanish club, &quot;BBC reported.

Neymar&#39;s move to&nbsp;Paris Saint Germain from Barcelona could be worth $220million which will be a world record transfer fee for any player in the history of the game.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWIONews%2Fvideos%2F697911930419445%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

Neymar has told his teammates at training that "he wanted to leave the Spanish club", BBC reported.

Barcelona soccer player Neymar Jr arrived at the team's training ground in Madrid on Wednesday to tell his teammates there that he is moving to French team Paris Saint Germain, Catalan radio RAC1 has reported. The Brazilian striker left the training area minutes later, the radio station said. Meanwhile, BCC reported manager Ernesto Valverde did not allow the Brazilian striker to train and told him to "sort out his future". The Brazilian also told his teammates at training that "he wanted to leave the Spanish club, "BBC reported. Neymar's move to Paris Saint Germain from Barcelona could be worth $220million which will be a world record transfer fee for any player in the history of the game.

Neymar set to join French club Paris Saint Germain: Reports

Neymar told his teammates at training that "he wanted to leave the Spanish club," BBC reported.

Neymar set to move to Paris Saint Germain

Barcelona star Lionel Messi today almost bid farewell to Neymar on Instagram after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-set-to-join-french-club-paris-saint-germain-reports-18494">Brazilian told teammates at a practice session that he wanted to leave the club</a> and join French club Paris Saint- Germain.

Lionel Messi on Instagram said: &quot;It was a huge pleasure having shared all those years with you, my friend @neymarjr.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;I wish you lots of luck in this new stage in your life. See you soon tkm,&quot; he added. &quot;Tkm&quot; stands for &quot;te quiero mucho&quot; (I love you loads).

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:28.10185185185185% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXSt62SFYWj/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Fue un placer enorme haber compartido todos estos a&ntilde;os con vos, amigo @neymarjr. Te deseo mucha suerte en esta nueva etapa de tu vida. Nos vemos Tkm</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on <time datetime="2017-08-02T13:05:53+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 2, 2017 at 6:05am PDT</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

Neymar was quick to thank the Argentinian striker, saying,&quot;Thanks&nbsp;brother. I will miss you man.&quot;

There has been speculation in Barcelona for weeks over Neymar&#39;s intention to shift to&nbsp;Paris Saint- Germain. The French club is ready to pay Neymar $220 million which would be a world record transfer fee.

There has been speculation in Barcelona for weeks over Neymar's intention to shift to?Paris Saint- Germain.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi today almost bid farewell to Neymar on Instagram after the Brazilian told teammates at a practice session that he wanted to leave the club and join French club Paris Saint- Germain. Lionel Messi on Instagram said: "It was a huge pleasure having shared all those years with you, my friend @neymarjr." "I wish you lots of luck in this new stage in your life. See you soon tkm," he added. "Tkm" stands for "te quiero mucho" (I love you loads). Fue un placer enorme haber compartido todos estos años con vos, amigo @neymarjr. Te deseo mucha suerte en esta nueva etapa de tu vida. Nos vemos Tkm A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Aug 2, 2017 at 6:05am PDT × Neymar was quick to thank the Argentinian striker, saying,"Thanks brother. I will miss you man." There has been speculation in Barcelona for weeks over Neymar's intention to shift to Paris Saint- Germain. The French club is ready to pay Neymar $220 million which would be a world record transfer fee.

I love you loads, Messi's 'farewell' message to Neymar

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp feels his team can challenge the best teams in the Premier League this season as Liverpool prepares to take on German champions Bayern Munich in a pre-season Audi Cup at the Allianz Arena today.

&quot;Yes, we will be playing for the championship,&quot; Klopp declared.

&quot;We don&#39;t start a season by not having any ambitions. We have to have our goals and I think we have a very good team now. We did have a bit of bad luck last season. I think we can play a little bit better.

&quot;Let&#39;s hope everything will work very well and that there isn&#39;t much more to improve. We have to work very hard on it and we&#39;re doing that.&quot;

Liverpool had finished 17 points behind champions Chelsea in the last season even though they had made a great start to the season.

Klopp has is trying hard to build a &quot;winning team&quot;, he recently warned Barcelona to keep away from Philippe Coutinho even though the Catalan giants are ready to break the bank to sign-up the &nbsp;Brazilian playmaker.

&quot;If I say he is not for selling, he is not for selling,&quot; the German told the British media last week.&nbsp;

&quot;There is nothing else to say. It&#39;s a club decision, it&#39;s my decision. That&#39;s how it is,&quot; Klopp insisted.

Liverpool has never won the English Premiership but have finished runner-up thrice - 2001, 2008 &amp; 2013. Liverpool probably misses a player of the caliber and talent of Michael Owen and Luis Su&aacute;rez who were top scorers in the league when Liverpool was at its&nbsp;peak.

Klopp will have to prove to his critics his team has the mettle to last the entire nine grueling months and not fall away like they did after January in the last season. 
&nbsp;

Klopp is trying hard to build a 'winning team', he recently warned Barcelona to keep away from Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp feels his team can challenge the best teams in the Premier League this season as Liverpool prepares to take on German champions Bayern Munich in a pre-season Audi Cup at the Allianz Arena today. "Yes, we will be playing for the championship," Klopp declared. "We don't start a season by not having any ambitions. We have to have our goals and I think we have a very good team now. We did have a bit of bad luck last season. I think we can play a little bit better. "Let's hope everything will work very well and that there isn't much more to improve. We have to work very hard on it and we're doing that." Liverpool had finished 17 points behind champions Chelsea in the last season even though they had made a great start to the season. Klopp has is trying hard to build a "winning team", he recently warned Barcelona to keep away from Philippe Coutinho even though the Catalan giants are ready to break the bank to sign-up the Brazilian playmaker. "If I say he is not for selling, he is not for selling," the German told the British media last week. "There is nothing else to say. It's a club decision, it's my decision. That's how it is," Klopp insisted. Liverpool has never won the English Premiership but have finished runner-up thrice - 2001, 2008 & 2013. Liverpool probably misses a player of the caliber and talent of Michael Owen and Luis Suárez who were top scorers in the league when Liverpool was at its peak. Klopp will have to prove to his critics his team has the mettle to last the entire nine grueling months and not fall away like they did after January in the last season.

We will be playing for the Premier League title, says Liverpool manager

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is set to appear in court in Madrid today over accusations of evading millions of euros in taxes.&nbsp;

Prosecutors have accused Ronaldo of having evaded 14.7 million euros ($17.3 million) in tax.

They accuse the Portuguese footballer of taking &quot;advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities&quot;.

The prosecutors allege that Ronaldo only declared 11.5 million euros of Spanish-related income from 2011 to 2014, while he really earned close to 43 million euros during the time.&nbsp;

He is also accused of &ldquo;voluntarily&rdquo; refusing to include 28.4 million euros in income associated with the sale of his image rights for the 2015 to 2020 period to a Spanish company.

In his defence, Ronaldo has said his &quot;conscience is clear&quot;.

His agent&#39;s company Gestifute has also denied any &quot;fiscal set-up&quot; and said, &quot;the player didn&#39;t hide anything&quot;.

If put on trial and found guilty, the Real Madrid striker risks &quot;a fine of at least 28 million&quot; euros and a possible jail-term of three-and-a-half years, the Gestha union of experts at Spain&#39;s Inland Revenue has said, AFP reported.

Ronaldo is accused of evading 14.7 million euros ($17.3 million) in tax

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is set to appear in court in Madrid today over accusations of evading millions of euros in taxes. Prosecutors have accused Ronaldo of having evaded 14.7 million euros ($17.3 million) in tax. They accuse the Portuguese footballer of taking "advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities". The prosecutors allege that Ronaldo only declared 11.5 million euros of Spanish-related income from 2011 to 2014, while he really earned close to 43 million euros during the time. He is also accused of “voluntarily” refusing to include 28.4 million euros in income associated with the sale of his image rights for the 2015 to 2020 period to a Spanish company. In his defence, Ronaldo has said his "conscience is clear". His agent's company Gestifute has also denied any "fiscal set-up" and said, "the player didn't hide anything". If put on trial and found guilty, the Real Madrid striker risks "a fine of at least 28 million" euros and a possible jail-term of three-and-a-half years, the Gestha union of experts at Spain's Inland Revenue has said, AFP reported.

Football: Ronaldo to appear in court today over tax evasion claims

Barcelona and other top-notch football players played a friendly game in Lahore.

Ronaldinho, Anelka play football in Pakistan

This is the first time Germany, the reigning world champions, have won the Confederations Cup title in the eighth edition of the World Cup warm-up tournament.

Lars Stindl helps Germany beat Chile in Confederations Cup final

football

Football, News on Football, stories on Football, articles on Football, Football stories at Wion, Football news, Football latest news