More than 150 migrants crossed the border fence at Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta early on Friday and at least six Spanish police officers suffered minor injuries as they tried to stop them, a government spokesman in the city said. The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on Morocco's northern coast are a magnet for illegal African migrants trying to reach Europe in search of a better life. The enclaves are surrounded by a 6-meter-high fence topped with razor wire.

Over 150 migrants storm through Spain's enclave fence

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 29th, 2019

Road and metro traffic in Madrid and neighbouring areas were disrupted on Tuesday after flooding the previous night transformed streets into torrents, authorities said.

In Arganda del Rey near the Spanish capital, footage on local media showed torrents of mud dragging cars away and mounds of hailstones forming on the streets.

"No one was hurt and the interventions were relatively minor for a storm of this magnitude: removing branches from roads, floods in garages, basements or commercial premises," a spokesman for emergency services told AFP.

Firefighters in the region were called out 152 times on Monday.

Parts of four highways surrounding the Spanish capital were blocked off on Monday evening as were five metro lines where some stations were flooded.

On Tuesday morning, traffic on some highways was still disrupted as several lanes were still closed, while part of one underground line was cut off around Arganda del Rey.

The hospital in this town that lies at the southeast of Madrid was flooded, as was the major Peace Hospital in the Spanish capital, the emergency services spokesman said.

Road and metro traffic in Madrid and neighbouring areas were disrupted on Tuesday after flooding the previous night transformed streets into torrents, authorities said.

Road and metro traffic in Madrid and neighbouring areas were disrupted on Tuesday after flooding the previous night transformed streets into torrents, authorities said. In Arganda del Rey near the Spanish capital, footage on local media showed torrents of mud dragging cars away and mounds of hailstones forming on the streets. "No one was hurt and the interventions were relatively minor for a storm of this magnitude: removing branches from roads, floods in garages, basements or commercial premises," a spokesman for emergency services told AFP. Firefighters in the region were called out 152 times on Monday. Parts of four highways surrounding the Spanish capital were blocked off on Monday evening as were five metro lines where some stations were flooded. On Tuesday morning, traffic on some highways was still disrupted as several lanes were still closed, while part of one underground line was cut off around Arganda del Rey. The hospital in this town that lies at the southeast of Madrid was flooded, as was the major Peace Hospital in the Spanish capital, the emergency services spokesman said.

Madrid hit by heavy flooding, road and metro traffic disrupted

Seven people including two children were killed in a mid-air collision between a helicopter and a light aircraft over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-sends-warship-to-pick-up-migrants-off-italys-coast-244491">Spain</a>'s Mallorca island on Sunday, authorities said.

The two aircraft crashed over the central town of Inca at 1:35 pm (1135 GMT), the regional Balearic Islands government said on its Twitter account.

Everyone aboard the two aircraft two on the plane and five on the helicopter perished in the crash, a police spokesman said.

A couple and their two children were aboard the helicopter along with the pilot, the spokesman told AFP.

The helicopter was registered in Germany, "which doesn't necessarily mean the occupants were of this nationality," he said, stressing that an investigation into the victims' nationalities was still underway.

Police said the two aircraft crashed into a field.

Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands are popular with both Spanish and foreign tourists, especially in the summer season.

Spanish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-pedro-sanchez-to-seek-second-term-as-prime-minister-in-july-23-parliament-vote-232361">Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez</a> expressed condolences to the victims' families and said in a tweet that he was "following the news from... Mallorca with concern."

Seven people including two children were killed in a mid-air collision between a helicopter and a light aircraft over Spain's Mallorca island on Sunday, authorities said.

Seven people including two children were killed in a mid-air collision between a helicopter and a light aircraft over Spain's Mallorca island on Sunday, authorities said. The two aircraft crashed over the central town of Inca at 1:35 pm (1135 GMT), the regional Balearic Islands government said on its Twitter account. Everyone aboard the two aircraft two on the plane and five on the helicopter perished in the crash, a police spokesman said. A couple and their two children were aboard the helicopter along with the pilot, the spokesman told AFP. The helicopter was registered in Germany, "which doesn't necessarily mean the occupants were of this nationality," he said, stressing that an investigation into the victims' nationalities was still underway. Police said the two aircraft crashed into a field. Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands are popular with both Spanish and foreign tourists, especially in the summer season. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences to the victims' families and said in a tweet that he was "following the news from... Mallorca with concern."

Spain: Seven dead in mid-air collision in Mallorca

Spain's health ministry issued an international alert over the country's biggest-ever listeriosis outbreak on Wednesday (August 21) as the number of people affected rose to 150, including one fatality.

WION Fineprint: International alert issued after biggest ever listeriosis outbreak in Spain

Spain&nbsp;ordered a naval vessel on Tuesday to the Italian island of Lampedusa to bring&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;stranded there on a rescue boat to Mallorca after some of them jumped overboard, amid a prolonged stand-off&nbsp;with&nbsp;Italy's&nbsp;government over their fate.

Italian Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli welcomed&nbsp;Spain's move to take the&nbsp;migrants.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-build-on-migrant-ship-off-italy-10-jump-overboard-244377">Open Arms rescue ship</a> is run by a Spanish charity of the same name and has been at sea for 19 days with almost 100&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;onboard.

It has been waiting just&nbsp;off&nbsp;the port of Lampedusa, asking to bring the mostly African&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;ashore despite an Italian ban on private rescue ships docking.

The navy ship Audaz "will depart this afternoon at 5 p.m. and will sail for three days to Lampedusa, where it will take charge of the people hosted by the Open Arms and escort the boat" to the Spanish port of Palma in Mallorca, the Socialist government said in a statement.

"The government ... considers this to be the most adequate solution that will allow a resolution of the humanitarian emergency taking place aboard the Open Arms this week," it said.

The plan is to transfer most of the&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;to the Audaz and escort the Open Arms with the remaining&nbsp;migrants, a government&nbsp;official clarified later.

The Open Arms said it had not yet been informed of the Spanish decision.

It earlier tweeted that "the situation is out of control" aboard the ship and that nine people had thrown themselves into the water.

It says the situation on board is desperate and some migrants are suicidal.

The passengers are sleeping jammed together on deck and sharing two toilets.

After the charity said nine had tried to swim ashore, Reuters footage showed another five people jump, although it was not immediately clear if some were lifeguards.

Italian&nbsp;coastguards went to the rescue of those who jumped, Reuters reporters saw. Reuters footage showed a few people being brought to the Open Arms on a small dinghy but it was not clear if they were among the rescued&nbsp;migrants.

Italy has taken a tough line on migrant entry, saying it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. Interior Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Matteo Salvini</a> says the charity-run ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers.

"NO LONGER THE REFUGEE CAMP OF EUROPE"

Dozens of&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;have been taken ashore since the ship entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill.

Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems.

"Spanish NGO, Spanish ship, Spanish port: The coherence and strength of Italy has paid&nbsp;off. We are no longer the refugee camp of Europe," he said in a statement.

The standoff&nbsp;has fuelled Salvini's campaign against migrant boats from Africa&nbsp;and comes as he is trying to force Italy into snap elections.&nbsp;Italy's&nbsp;Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation on Tuesday accusing Salvini of sinking the ruling coalition for personal and political gain.

While welcoming&nbsp;Spain's latest move, Salvini's political rival Toninelli said he hoped that Madrid would now commit to stop Open Arms' activity in the future, meeting&nbsp;Italy's&nbsp;wishes.

Toninelli, who controls the&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard but not port access, had earlier&nbsp;offered to take the&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;on a&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard vessel to&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;under the condition that Madrid de-register the Open Arms ship by removing its Spanish flag.

"I hope that&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;answers our appeal and commits to stopping Open Arms in the future with the means and in the ways it deems right," the Italian minister said in a statement.

Without a flag, it would be difficult for the ship to continue running rescue missions.

Spain&nbsp;and five other European Union nations have&nbsp;offered to take the&nbsp;migrants. The details of the&nbsp;offers from&nbsp;Spain, France, Germany, Romania, Portugal and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

Spain ordered a naval vessel on Tuesday to the Italian island of Lampedusa to bring migrants stranded there on a rescue boat to Mallorca after some of them jumped overboard, amid a prolonged stand-off with Italy's government over their fate.

Spain ordered a naval vessel on Tuesday to the Italian island of Lampedusa to bring migrants stranded there on a rescue boat to Mallorca after some of them jumped overboard, amid a prolonged stand-off with Italy's government over their fate. Italian Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli welcomed Spain's move to take the migrants. The Open Arms rescue ship is run by a Spanish charity of the same name and has been at sea for 19 days with almost 100 migrants onboard. It has been waiting just off the port of Lampedusa, asking to bring the mostly African migrants ashore despite an Italian ban on private rescue ships docking. The navy ship Audaz "will depart this afternoon at 5 p.m. and will sail for three days to Lampedusa, where it will take charge of the people hosted by the Open Arms and escort the boat" to the Spanish port of Palma in Mallorca, the Socialist government said in a statement. "The government ... considers this to be the most adequate solution that will allow a resolution of the humanitarian emergency taking place aboard the Open Arms this week," it said. The plan is to transfer most of the migrants to the Audaz and escort the Open Arms with the remaining migrants, a government official clarified later. The Open Arms said it had not yet been informed of the Spanish decision. It earlier tweeted that "the situation is out of control" aboard the ship and that nine people had thrown themselves into the water. It says the situation on board is desperate and some migrants are suicidal. The passengers are sleeping jammed together on deck and sharing two toilets. After the charity said nine had tried to swim ashore, Reuters footage showed another five people jump, although it was not immediately clear if some were lifeguards. Italian coastguards went to the rescue of those who jumped, Reuters reporters saw. Reuters footage showed a few people being brought to the Open Arms on a small dinghy but it was not clear if they were among the rescued migrants. Italy has taken a tough line on migrant entry, saying it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini says the charity-run ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers. "NO LONGER THE REFUGEE CAMP OF EUROPE" Dozens of migrants have been taken ashore since the ship entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill. Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight migrants taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems. "Spanish NGO, Spanish ship, Spanish port: The coherence and strength of Italy has paid off. We are no longer the refugee camp of Europe," he said in a statement. The standoff has fuelled Salvini's campaign against migrant boats from Africa and comes as he is trying to force Italy into snap elections. Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation on Tuesday accusing Salvini of sinking the ruling coalition for personal and political gain. While welcoming Spain's latest move, Salvini's political rival Toninelli said he hoped that Madrid would now commit to stop Open Arms' activity in the future, meeting Italy's wishes. Toninelli, who controls the Coast Guard but not port access, had earlier offered to take the migrants on a Coast Guard vessel to Spain under the condition that Madrid de-register the Open Arms ship by removing its Spanish flag. "I hope that Spain answers our appeal and commits to stopping Open Arms in the future with the means and in the ways it deems right," the Italian minister said in a statement. Without a flag, it would be difficult for the ship to continue running rescue missions. Spain and five other European Union nations have offered to take the migrants. The details of the offers from Spain, France, Germany, Romania, Portugal and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

Spain sends naval ship to pick up migrants off Italy's coast

Afghanistan's ambassador to Spain was mugged at the weekend in Barcelona, police and diplomatic sources said Monday, the latest in a string of high-profile crimes in the city.

The assailants attacked Humayoon Rasaw late Sunday on a street in the centre of town, throwing him to the ground to steal his watch, a police spokeswoman said.

The ambassador, who was in Barcelona for celebrations marking war-torn Afghanistan's national day, suffered a leg injury but "is fine," according to a source at the Afghan embassy in Madrid.

The robbery comes as Barcelona, one of Europe's most visited cities, has seen a sharp rise in crimes, including several involving foreigners which have made global headlines.

The Mediterranean city has seen eight murders since July, an unusually high number in Spain which has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.

Robberies, especially those targeting foreign visitors, have also risen.

Recorded thefts in Spain's second-largest city, home to around 1.6 million people, have doubled over the past four years.

In the first half of 2019, violent robberies jumped by 31 per cent over the same period last year.

In late June a South Korean woman who was part of an official government delegation died after a thief snatched her purse, causing her to fall and seriously injure her head.

Earlier this month a Chinese man died in a fight outside a Barcelona nightclub.

Afghanistan's ambassador to Spain was mugged at the weekend in Barcelona, police and diplomatic sources said Monday, the latest in a string of high-profile crimes in the city.

Afghanistan's ambassador to Spain was mugged at the weekend in Barcelona, police and diplomatic sources said Monday, the latest in a string of high-profile crimes in the city. The assailants attacked Humayoon Rasaw late Sunday on a street in the centre of town, throwing him to the ground to steal his watch, a police spokeswoman said. The ambassador, who was in Barcelona for celebrations marking war-torn Afghanistan's national day, suffered a leg injury but "is fine," according to a source at the Afghan embassy in Madrid. The robbery comes as Barcelona, one of Europe's most visited cities, has seen a sharp rise in crimes, including several involving foreigners which have made global headlines. The Mediterranean city has seen eight murders since July, an unusually high number in Spain which has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Robberies, especially those targeting foreign visitors, have also risen. Recorded thefts in Spain's second-largest city, home to around 1.6 million people, have doubled over the past four years. In the first half of 2019, violent robberies jumped by 31 per cent over the same period last year. In late June a South Korean woman who was part of an official government delegation died after a thief snatched her purse, causing her to fall and seriously injure her head. Earlier this month a Chinese man died in a fight outside a Barcelona nightclub.

Afghanistan ambassador to Spain hurt in Barcelona mugging

Gran Canaria is a popular tourist spot of Africa coast. Huge fire rages into the Canary Islands. Fire is advancing more into the mountains. State of emergency declared in two municipalities. Authorities warn more days required to douse the flame. 700 firefighters deployed and 11 roads are blocked for this. Watch this video to know more.

Wildfire rages in the Canary Islands, Hundreds evacuated

A wildfire in the Canary Islands led to the evacuation of a small town in Gran Canaria island on Saturday, and officials said the blaze had a “great potential” to spread.

The wildfire started in the town of Valleseco, and an emergency area was also declared for the municipalities of Moya and Tejeda.

In the latter, most parts of the town of 1,900 inhabitants were evacuated for precautionary reasons and roads were closed, the regional government said.

Seven helicopters, as well as firefighters on the ground, were battling the blaze.

Tejeda was already evacuated last week when another wildfire affected the area.

A wildfire in the Canary Islands led to the evacuation of a small town in Gran Canaria island on Saturday, and officials said the blaze had a “great potential” to spread.

A wildfire in the Canary Islands led to the evacuation of a small town in Gran Canaria island on Saturday, and officials said the blaze had a “great potential” to spread. The wildfire started in the town of Valleseco, and an emergency area was also declared for the municipalities of Moya and Tejeda. In the latter, most parts of the town of 1,900 inhabitants were evacuated for precautionary reasons and roads were closed, the regional government said. Seven helicopters, as well as firefighters on the ground, were battling the blaze. Tejeda was already evacuated last week when another wildfire affected the area.

Wildfire prompts evacuations in Canary Islands

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 14th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 13th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 12th, 2019

This is a pilot project started in Spain to monitor traffic. As drones are more economical for monitoring the traffic. Earlier the helicopters were also used for the same in emergencies.

When drones become traffic cops!

Accompanied by religious songs, six open coffins overlook a procession around a cemetery. Who are we burying? Nobody: their occupants have survived a possible death and want to thank Santa Marta for still being alive, in this tradition among the most unusual in Spain.

Spanish survivors of 'near-death experiences' parade in coffins

After more than 50 hours, firefighters were still battling a wildfire in central Portugal late on Monday, as villagers and local authorities blamed a lack of resources and government inaction for the damage caused by the flames.

So far, 39 people had been injured, including one who was in serious condition. Portugal's Civil Protection department said some villagers had been evacuated as a precaution and houses had been destroyed.

The fire was small in comparison with a massive blaze that hit the same region in June 2017, killing 64 people and burning about 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres) in a few days. That was the worst disaster in modern Portuguese history.

Data from the European Union fire-mapping service showed about 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) burned over the weekend.

Civil Protection said earlier on Monday that the fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon, was 90% under control, but warned that the remaining blazes required "a lot of attention" as the winds whipped up later in the day, fanning the flames in tinder-dry conditions.

By evening, the fire was only 70% under control because of the strong winds and high temperatures, Civil Protection commander Pedro Nunes said, adding there were currently no homes or villages at risk.

"The worst-case scenario happened," said Nunes. He said firefighters would adopt techniques overnight to put out the flames, including using four bulldozers provided by the armed forces.

Even though humidity is expected to remain low, the wind is set to lose strength in the early hours of Tuesday, which could help firefighters end the wildfire, Nunes added.

Covered in eucalyptus and pine trees, central Portugal is frequently hit by summer blazes, with hilly terrain making it especially difficult for firefighters to reach.

'THERE WAS NO ONE'

Villagers, as well as authorities in Macao and Vila de Rei, areas in the heart of the fire zone, said there were not enough firefighters and resources to combat the flames.

Sheep farmer Joaquim Ribeiro told Reuters there were no firefighters when the blaze arrived at his village in Macao, forcing him to transfer his animals elsewhere. "It was pandemonium."

Another sheep farmer, Fernando Cardoso, said he rushed to a nearby fire station as the flames approached his village but the firefighters told him they could not help until given the green light.

"The fire appeared out of nowhere," he said. "When we got here, there were flames everywhere, no place to turn, no firefighters, there was no one."

Local authorities have also pointed the finger at Portugal's Socialist government, led by Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

Speaking to Lusa news agency, the deputy mayor of Vila de Rei, Paulo Cesar, accused the government of not being able to prevent wildfires.

"The municipality is fed up with these successive fires linked to criminal activity and is fed up of seeing the state fail again," he said.

Asked by reporters about the complaints, Costa said the mayors were "primarily responsible" for protecting their own municipalities from wildfires through "proper management of their territory".

Internal Administration Minister Eduardo Cabrita said police had opened an investigation into the fires. Portugal’s judiciary police have collected evidence and artefacts that could be related to the fires' origin, an official told Lusa news agency.

In a statement, police said a 55-year-old man was detained on suspicion of starting a blaze in the Portuguese district of Castelo Branco. But a police source, quoted by Portuguese newspaper Observador, said the detention was not related to the fires in question.

The police did not reply to a Reuters request for comment.

Civil Protection said 1,079 firefighters were on the ground, backed up by 347 firefighting vehicles.

Spain said late on Monday that it was sending two aircraft to help tackle the fires in Portugal.

After more than 50 hours, firefighters were still battling a wildfire in central Portugal late on Monday, as villagers and local authorities blamed a lack of resources and government inaction for the damage caused by the flames.

After more than 50 hours, firefighters were still battling a wildfire in central Portugal late on Monday, as villagers and local authorities blamed a lack of resources and government inaction for the damage caused by the flames. So far, 39 people had been injured, including one who was in serious condition. Portugal's Civil Protection department said some villagers had been evacuated as a precaution and houses had been destroyed. The fire was small in comparison with a massive blaze that hit the same region in June 2017, killing 64 people and burning about 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres) in a few days. That was the worst disaster in modern Portuguese history. Data from the European Union fire-mapping service showed about 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) burned over the weekend. Civil Protection said earlier on Monday that the fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon, was 90% under control, but warned that the remaining blazes required "a lot of attention" as the winds whipped up later in the day, fanning the flames in tinder-dry conditions. By evening, the fire was only 70% under control because of the strong winds and high temperatures, Civil Protection commander Pedro Nunes said, adding there were currently no homes or villages at risk. "The worst-case scenario happened," said Nunes. He said firefighters would adopt techniques overnight to put out the flames, including using four bulldozers provided by the armed forces. Even though humidity is expected to remain low, the wind is set to lose strength in the early hours of Tuesday, which could help firefighters end the wildfire, Nunes added. Covered in eucalyptus and pine trees, central Portugal is frequently hit by summer blazes, with hilly terrain making it especially difficult for firefighters to reach. 'THERE WAS NO ONE' Villagers, as well as authorities in Macao and Vila de Rei, areas in the heart of the fire zone, said there were not enough firefighters and resources to combat the flames. Sheep farmer Joaquim Ribeiro told Reuters there were no firefighters when the blaze arrived at his village in Macao, forcing him to transfer his animals elsewhere. "It was pandemonium." Another sheep farmer, Fernando Cardoso, said he rushed to a nearby fire station as the flames approached his village but the firefighters told him they could not help until given the green light. "The fire appeared out of nowhere," he said. "When we got here, there were flames everywhere, no place to turn, no firefighters, there was no one." Local authorities have also pointed the finger at Portugal's Socialist government, led by Prime Minister Antonio Costa. Speaking to Lusa news agency, the deputy mayor of Vila de Rei, Paulo Cesar, accused the government of not being able to prevent wildfires. "The municipality is fed up with these successive fires linked to criminal activity and is fed up of seeing the state fail again," he said. Asked by reporters about the complaints, Costa said the mayors were "primarily responsible" for protecting their own municipalities from wildfires through "proper management of their territory". Internal Administration Minister Eduardo Cabrita said police had opened an investigation into the fires. Portugal’s judiciary police have collected evidence and artefacts that could be related to the fires' origin, an official told Lusa news agency. In a statement, police said a 55-year-old man was detained on suspicion of starting a blaze in the Portuguese district of Castelo Branco. But a police source, quoted by Portuguese newspaper Observador, said the detention was not related to the fires in question. The police did not reply to a Reuters request for comment. Civil Protection said 1,079 firefighters were on the ground, backed up by 347 firefighting vehicles. Spain said late on Monday that it was sending two aircraft to help tackle the fires in Portugal.

Villagers angry as Portugal wildfire still rages

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/emotional-casillas-discharged-says-future-after-heart-attack-scare-is-uncertain-216731&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfqZ75nrvjAhWq6XMBHfUNBEIQFjADegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1T4U-9FWT45AXQ1W1g9Dcm">Iker Casillas</a> will join the Porto staff while he recovers from the heart attack he suffered two months ago, the Spanish goalkeeper and Portuguese club announced on Monday.

In a statement, Porto said Casillas will be the "liaison between the players, coach and management", a role that could be extended to other functions within the club.

"I'm going to do something different from what I used to do, which was to be on the field. I will try to do my best to help my teammates," the 38-year-old told the club website.

The former Real Madrid and Spain captain <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-under-control-for-iker-casillas-after-heart-attack-215208&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfqZ75nrvjAhWq6XMBHfUNBEIQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3WqQiY04vfwRt8BF9z0B4Q">underwent emergency surgery</a> on May 1 after suffering a heart attack during training. He left the hospital five days later, admitting that his professional future was uncertain.

His agent Carlo Cutropia told sports daily O Jogo that he cannot yet resume training and will have to wait for doctors to say whether he can return within "one, two or three months".

Casillas joined Porto in 2015 and extended his contract by one year in March. Club president Jorge Pinto da Costa has said he wants Casillas to be playing for Porto at 40.

He has 167 Spain caps, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships, and also played more than 700 games for Real Madrid, where he won five La Liga titles, three Champions League and a handful of other major trophies.

Since moving to Porto he also added the 2018 Portuguese league title to his heaving trophy cabinet.

Iker Casillas will join the Porto staff while he recovers from the heart attack he suffered two months ago, the Spanish goalkeeper and Portuguese club announced on Monday.

Iker Casillas will join the Porto staff while he recovers from the heart attack he suffered two months ago, the Spanish goalkeeper and Portuguese club announced on Monday. In a statement, Porto said Casillas will be the "liaison between the players, coach and management", a role that could be extended to other functions within the club. "I'm going to do something different from what I used to do, which was to be on the field. I will try to do my best to help my teammates," the 38-year-old told the club website. The former Real Madrid and Spain captain underwent emergency surgery on May 1 after suffering a heart attack during training. He left the hospital five days later, admitting that his professional future was uncertain. His agent Carlo Cutropia told sports daily O Jogo that he cannot yet resume training and will have to wait for doctors to say whether he can return within "one, two or three months". Casillas joined Porto in 2015 and extended his contract by one year in March. Club president Jorge Pinto da Costa has said he wants Casillas to be playing for Porto at 40. He has 167 Spain caps, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships, and also played more than 700 games for Real Madrid, where he won five La Liga titles, three Champions League and a handful of other major trophies. Since moving to Porto he also added the 2018 Portuguese league title to his heaving trophy cabinet.

Iker Casillas to join FC Porto staff after heart attack recovery

Thousands of revellers raised candles and red scarves in the air and swayed back and forth as they sang a mournful song to mark the end on Sunday of Spain's most famous bull-running festival in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-supreme-court-finds-five-men-the-pack-guilty-of-gang-rape-229353&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjT7ImhkLbjAhWf7HMBHWB4D8wQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3lcSTtwpexcAIc4iOnTz8H">Pamplona</a> which saw eight daredevils gored this year.

"Poor me, poor me, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/three-gored-2-suffer-head-trauma-on-first-day-of-spanish-bull-running-festival-233853&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWu-SDkLbjAhUYS48KHdrGBMcQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2w9mRrbWAhVamNFqVFei5Q">San Fermin fiesta </a>has come to an end," the crowd sang just after the stroke of midnight in front of the city hall in the Plaza Consistorial as fireworks lit up the sky above.

"People of Pamplona, the San Fermin festival is over, the best festival in the world," Pamplona mayor Enrique Maya said from the balcony of city hall to cheers from the crowd just before the singing began.

The nine-day San Fermin festival, which dates back to medieval times, features concerts, religious processions, folk dancing, and round-the-clock drinking.

But the highlight is a bracing, daily test of courage against a thundering pack of half-tonne, sharp-horned bulls.

Each morning hundreds of runners, many dressed in white with red scarves and sashes, test their valour by sprinting with six half-tonne bulls along an 850-metre (2,800-foot) course through the narrow streets of the city in northern Spain.

The most daring try to run as long as they can right in front of the beasts' horns before veering off to the side or diving under the wooden barriers that separate the bulls and runners from the thousands of spectators from around the world that line the route.

Two Australians aged 27 and 30, as well as a 25-year-old Spaniard, were gored during the final bull run of the festival on Sunday by a half-tonne fighting bull which became separated from the pack moments into the run and began charging people in its way, regional health authorities said.

The three men suffered injuries to the armpit, arm, and leg from the bull's horns.&nbsp;

Isolated bulls are more likely to get disoriented and start charging at people.

That brought to eight the total number of daredevils who were gored by a bull during this year's fiesta.

Saw blood

At the end of the festival's first run, a bull ran over and sunk one of its horns deep in the neck of a 46-year-old lawyer from San Francisco, Jaime Alvarez, narrowly missing key arteries.

He was injured as he was trying to take a video-selfie with his mobile phone.

"It was like a truck or car just hitting me in the side of the head. I put my hand on my neck and I saw blood," he told US television from a Pamplona hospital.

He was released from the hospital two days later.

Another 23-year-old American from Kentucky and a 40-year-old Spaniard were also gored that day.

In addition to the eight men who were gored, another 27 people were taken to hospital for broken bones and bruises suffered during the bull runs.

About 500 more people were treated at the scene for more minor injuries, according to the Red Cross.

Deaths

The festival, made famous worldwide by Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel "The Sun Also Rises", claims scores of casualties every year although last year just two men were gored.

Sixteen people have been killed in the bull runs since records started in 1911.

The last death was in 2009 when a bull gored a 27-year-old Spaniard in the neck, heart, and lungs.

The bulls face almost certain death in afternoon bullfights, and earlier this month animal rights activists staged a "die-in" demonstration in the streets of the city to protest the tradition.

Thousands of revellers raised candles and red scarves in the air and swayed back and forth as they sang a mournful song to mark the end on Sunday of Spain's most famous bull-running festival in Pamplona which saw eight daredevils gored this year.

Thousands of revellers raised candles and red scarves in the air and swayed back and forth as they sang a mournful song to mark the end on Sunday of Spain's most famous bull-running festival in Pamplona which saw eight daredevils gored this year. "Poor me, poor me, the San Fermin fiesta has come to an end," the crowd sang just after the stroke of midnight in front of the city hall in the Plaza Consistorial as fireworks lit up the sky above. "People of Pamplona, the San Fermin festival is over, the best festival in the world," Pamplona mayor Enrique Maya said from the balcony of city hall to cheers from the crowd just before the singing began. The nine-day San Fermin festival, which dates back to medieval times, features concerts, religious processions, folk dancing, and round-the-clock drinking. But the highlight is a bracing, daily test of courage against a thundering pack of half-tonne, sharp-horned bulls. Each morning hundreds of runners, many dressed in white with red scarves and sashes, test their valour by sprinting with six half-tonne bulls along an 850-metre (2,800-foot) course through the narrow streets of the city in northern Spain. The most daring try to run as long as they can right in front of the beasts' horns before veering off to the side or diving under the wooden barriers that separate the bulls and runners from the thousands of spectators from around the world that line the route. Two Australians aged 27 and 30, as well as a 25-year-old Spaniard, were gored during the final bull run of the festival on Sunday by a half-tonne fighting bull which became separated from the pack moments into the run and began charging people in its way, regional health authorities said. The three men suffered injuries to the armpit, arm, and leg from the bull's horns. Isolated bulls are more likely to get disoriented and start charging at people. That brought to eight the total number of daredevils who were gored by a bull during this year's fiesta. Saw blood At the end of the festival's first run, a bull ran over and sunk one of its horns deep in the neck of a 46-year-old lawyer from San Francisco, Jaime Alvarez, narrowly missing key arteries. He was injured as he was trying to take a video-selfie with his mobile phone. "It was like a truck or car just hitting me in the side of the head. I put my hand on my neck and I saw blood," he told US television from a Pamplona hospital. He was released from the hospital two days later. Another 23-year-old American from Kentucky and a 40-year-old Spaniard were also gored that day. In addition to the eight men who were gored, another 27 people were taken to hospital for broken bones and bruises suffered during the bull runs. About 500 more people were treated at the scene for more minor injuries, according to the Red Cross. Deaths The festival, made famous worldwide by Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel "The Sun Also Rises", claims scores of casualties every year although last year just two men were gored. Sixteen people have been killed in the bull runs since records started in 1911. The last death was in 2009 when a bull gored a 27-year-old Spaniard in the neck, heart, and lungs. The bulls face almost certain death in afternoon bullfights, and earlier this month animal rights activists staged a "die-in" demonstration in the streets of the city to protest the tradition.

Famed Spanish bull run festival ends with 8 people gored this year

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 14th, 2019

Paris St Germain sporting director Leonardo says Neymar is free to leave the French champions but there have been no offers for him and only "superficial" talks with his former club Barcelona.

The Brazilian forward joined PSG from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-wants-barcelona-return-says-clubs-vice-president-230937&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGtYie9KfjAhUN3o8KHV94BSwQFjAHegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1zveYfIMl-Pg5DI-sYdX-V">Barcelona </a>on a five-year deal for a world record transfer fee of $249 million&nbsp;in 2017.

"Neymar can leave PSG if there is an offer that suits everyone. But to date, we do not know if anyone wants to buy him or at what price. All this is not done in a day, that's for sure," Leonardo told Le Parisien.

"It's clear to everyone (that he wants to leave), but in football, you say one thing today and tomorrow another ... It's amazing but it's like that. We talked with his entourage too. Everyone knows everything,'' he said.

"The position is clear for all participants. But one thing is concrete today: he still has three years of contract with us and since we have not received an offer, we cannot discuss anything,"&nbsp;Leonardo added.

Barcelona President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-wants-to-leave-psg-but-they-dont-want-to-sell-him-barca-president-233420&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi2rv269KfjAhVfH48KHcDSA3cQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw387ftZQKP0yaV6W6-ssjA6">Josep Maria Bartomeu</a> said last week that Neymar wanted to return to Spain but that PSG were reluctant to sell him.

"We have not received any offers," Leonardo added. "But we have had, it's true, very superficial contacts (with Barcelona). They said they wanted to buy but we were not sellers.''

"He's (Bartomeu) the one saying it... But we did not see that Barcelona was really in a buyer position." said Leonardo.

Paris St Germain said on Monday they would take action against the Brazilian forward after he failed to report for training.

Paris St Germain sporting director Leonardo says Neymar is free to leave the French champions but there have been no offers for him and only "superficial" talks with his former club Barcelona.

Paris St Germain sporting director Leonardo says Neymar is free to leave the French champions but there have been no offers for him and only "superficial" talks with his former club Barcelona. The Brazilian forward joined PSG from Barcelona on a five-year deal for a world record transfer fee of $249 million in 2017. "Neymar can leave PSG if there is an offer that suits everyone. But to date, we do not know if anyone wants to buy him or at what price. All this is not done in a day, that's for sure," Leonardo told Le Parisien. "It's clear to everyone (that he wants to leave), but in football, you say one thing today and tomorrow another ... It's amazing but it's like that. We talked with his entourage too. Everyone knows everything,'' he said. "The position is clear for all participants. But one thing is concrete today: he still has three years of contract with us and since we have not received an offer, we cannot discuss anything," Leonardo added. Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu said last week that Neymar wanted to return to Spain but that PSG were reluctant to sell him. "We have not received any offers," Leonardo added. "But we have had, it's true, very superficial contacts (with Barcelona). They said they wanted to buy but we were not sellers.'' "He's (Bartomeu) the one saying it... But we did not see that Barcelona was really in a buyer position." said Leonardo. Paris St Germain said on Monday they would take action against the Brazilian forward after he failed to report for training.

Neymar can leave PSG if we get an offer, says club director Leonardo

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/deutsche-bank-to-cut-18000-jobs-in-74-billion-euro-overhaul-233820">Germany's biggest lender Deutsche Bank</a> said Sunday it would cut 18,000 jobs by 2022, as the former leading light of the country's financial sector looks to escape years of turmoil.

The slashing of around one in five of its workforce, to 74,000 employees, is an unprecedented round of departures for Deutsche.

The bank said the layoffs would reduce annual costs by six billion euros ($6.7 billion) over the same period.

"Today we have announced the most fundamental transformation of Deutsche Bank in decades," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-hit-deutsche-bank-pushes-out-british-ceo-129238">chief executive Christian Sewing</a> said, dubbing the scheme "a restart for Deutsche Bank".

The lender did not immediately make clear where the axe would fall.

But with executives looking to find synergies in the integration of subsidiary Postbank and central infrastructure roles, many jobs are likely to go in home country Germany.

The new round of job cuts comes on top of some 6,000 already carried out over the past year.

Bosses expect the restructuring plan to sap second-quarter results by some three billion euros this year, making for a net loss of 2.8 billion.

Over the whole year, Deutsche is likely to plunge back into the red after a brief flirtation with profitability in 2018.

The bank does not plan to pay out dividends this year or next.

Last chance

The restructuring could be the last chance for Deutsche after much-hyped merger talks with crosstown rival Commerzbank fell through earlier this year.

Negotiations collapsed despite the backing of the finance ministry in Berlin, which feared to see a vital link in the financing of the country's economy bought up from abroad.

Over the past four years, the firm's market capitalization has fallen by 75 percent, making it a potential target for takeovers by bigger fish.

As markets closed Friday, Deutsche was worth 15 billion euros ($17 billion), placing it firmly at the back of the pack in a European industry dominated by the likes of HSBC (165 billion euros), Spain's Banco Santander (69 billion) and France's BNP Paribas (54 billion).

"Deutsche plays in the first division and should lay the foundations for things to stay that way" over the weekend, urged economy minister Peter Altmaier in the tabloid-style Bild's Sunday edition.

Since he took the helm in early 2018, Sewing has attempted to refocus the sprawling group on stable revenue-generating business areas, including retail banking and so-called transaction banking for businesses.

Meanwhile, Deutsche's focus has shifted from its attempt to compete with US-based global giants back to its home turf of Germany and Europe.

Investment banking burned&nbsp;

In particular, tough cuts to the former flagship investment banking unit have been on the agenda since May.

Sunday's announcements target the once-proud division.

Deutsche will stop almost all share trading activity and is in talks with France's BNP Paribas to sell off some of its business and staff in the field.

On Friday, Garth Ritchie, the head of Deutsche's South African investment banking unit, was first out of the door.

The unit's business had fallen back by 20 percent in the first quarter of 2018 alone, and it was no longer bringing in the fat profits of former years.

Especially in the US, it was for years plagued by lawsuits and scandals, including some linked to the so-called "Panama Papers" leak of sensitive documents about offshore dealings.

On top of the rank-and-file cuts, Deutsche is also rebuilding its board, sending away compliance chief Sylvie Matherat and two other executives.

The group will also create a so-called "bad bank" unit to host some 74 billion euros of low-quality assets, notably those linked to derivatives transactions -- highly speculative financial products.

Deutsche's woes are a microcosm of a struggling German banking sector that was once widely envied.

Last year, more than 32,000 jobs were cut in the industry, or 5.4 percent of the total workforce of 565,000, according to Barkow Consulting figures.

Bosses complain that low interest rates in the eurozone, sluggish economic growth, and competition from new online platforms are sapping their performance. 
&nbsp;

Germany's biggest lender Deutsche Bank said Sunday it would cut 18,000 jobs by 2022, as the former leading light of the country's financial sector looks to escape years of turmoil.

Germany's biggest lender Deutsche Bank said Sunday it would cut 18,000 jobs by 2022, as the former leading light of the country's financial sector looks to escape years of turmoil. The slashing of around one in five of its workforce, to 74,000 employees, is an unprecedented round of departures for Deutsche. The bank said the layoffs would reduce annual costs by six billion euros ($6.7 billion) over the same period. "Today we have announced the most fundamental transformation of Deutsche Bank in decades," chief executive Christian Sewing said, dubbing the scheme "a restart for Deutsche Bank". The lender did not immediately make clear where the axe would fall. But with executives looking to find synergies in the integration of subsidiary Postbank and central infrastructure roles, many jobs are likely to go in home country Germany. The new round of job cuts comes on top of some 6,000 already carried out over the past year. Bosses expect the restructuring plan to sap second-quarter results by some three billion euros this year, making for a net loss of 2.8 billion. Over the whole year, Deutsche is likely to plunge back into the red after a brief flirtation with profitability in 2018. The bank does not plan to pay out dividends this year or next. Last chance The restructuring could be the last chance for Deutsche after much-hyped merger talks with crosstown rival Commerzbank fell through earlier this year. Negotiations collapsed despite the backing of the finance ministry in Berlin, which feared to see a vital link in the financing of the country's economy bought up from abroad. Over the past four years, the firm's market capitalization has fallen by 75 percent, making it a potential target for takeovers by bigger fish. As markets closed Friday, Deutsche was worth 15 billion euros ($17 billion), placing it firmly at the back of the pack in a European industry dominated by the likes of HSBC (165 billion euros), Spain's Banco Santander (69 billion) and France's BNP Paribas (54 billion). "Deutsche plays in the first division and should lay the foundations for things to stay that way" over the weekend, urged economy minister Peter Altmaier in the tabloid-style Bild's Sunday edition. Since he took the helm in early 2018, Sewing has attempted to refocus the sprawling group on stable revenue-generating business areas, including retail banking and so-called transaction banking for businesses. Meanwhile, Deutsche's focus has shifted from its attempt to compete with US-based global giants back to its home turf of Germany and Europe. Investment banking burned In particular, tough cuts to the former flagship investment banking unit have been on the agenda since May. Sunday's announcements target the once-proud division. Deutsche will stop almost all share trading activity and is in talks with France's BNP Paribas to sell off some of its business and staff in the field. On Friday, Garth Ritchie, the head of Deutsche's South African investment banking unit, was first out of the door. The unit's business had fallen back by 20 percent in the first quarter of 2018 alone, and it was no longer bringing in the fat profits of former years. Especially in the US, it was for years plagued by lawsuits and scandals, including some linked to the so-called "Panama Papers" leak of sensitive documents about offshore dealings. On top of the rank-and-file cuts, Deutsche is also rebuilding its board, sending away compliance chief Sylvie Matherat and two other executives. The group will also create a so-called "bad bank" unit to host some 74 billion euros of low-quality assets, notably those linked to derivatives transactions -- highly speculative financial products. Deutsche's woes are a microcosm of a struggling German banking sector that was once widely envied. Last year, more than 32,000 jobs were cut in the industry, or 5.4 percent of the total workforce of 565,000, according to Barkow Consulting figures. Bosses complain that low interest rates in the eurozone, sluggish economic growth, and competition from new online platforms are sapping their performance.

Deutsche Bank to slash 18,000 jobs by 2022

Three people were gored and a further two people suffered head trauma during the first day of Spain's best-known bull-running festival in the northern town of Pamplona on Sunday, the Red Cross said.

One man was loaded into an ambulance on a stretcher shortly after the dash through the medieval town centre's narrow streets to the bullring, which lasted two minutes and 41 seconds.&nbsp;

Thousands of runners, dressed head to toe in white, with bright-red neckerchiefs, gather every year for the traditional morning run, after which the animals are kept in the bullring until the afternoon's fights.&nbsp;

A total of 53 people were treated by the Red Cross. Runners often get injured at traditional bull-runs in Spain, but no one has died at Pamplona's San Fermin festival since Spaniard Daniel Jimeno was gored in the neck by a Jandilla bull in 2009.

This year, the bulls were from cattle breeder Puerto de San Lorenzo, whose bulls have been responsible for one goring in the past. One person was gored on the opening day of the festival last year.

Locals and tourists alike will join in the 8 am&nbsp;(0600 GMT) run every morning until next Sunday.

The festival regularly stokes debate about the treatment of animals. On Friday, protesters lay half-naked on the street with fake spears coming out of their backs to protest against what they see as cruelty.

Three people were gored and a further two people suffered head trauma during the first day of Spain's best-known bull-running festival in the northern town of Pamplona on Sunday, the Red Cross said.

Three people were gored and a further two people suffered head trauma during the first day of Spain's best-known bull-running festival in the northern town of Pamplona on Sunday, the Red Cross said. One man was loaded into an ambulance on a stretcher shortly after the dash through the medieval town centre's narrow streets to the bullring, which lasted two minutes and 41 seconds. Thousands of runners, dressed head to toe in white, with bright-red neckerchiefs, gather every year for the traditional morning run, after which the animals are kept in the bullring until the afternoon's fights. A total of 53 people were treated by the Red Cross. Runners often get injured at traditional bull-runs in Spain, but no one has died at Pamplona's San Fermin festival since Spaniard Daniel Jimeno was gored in the neck by a Jandilla bull in 2009. This year, the bulls were from cattle breeder Puerto de San Lorenzo, whose bulls have been responsible for one goring in the past. One person was gored on the opening day of the festival last year. Locals and tourists alike will join in the 8 am (0600 GMT) run every morning until next Sunday. The festival regularly stokes debate about the treatment of animals. On Friday, protesters lay half-naked on the street with fake spears coming out of their backs to protest against what they see as cruelty.

Three gored; 2 suffer head trauma on first day of Spanish bull-running festival

Thousands of people waving rainbow flags poured onto the streets of Madrid for one of the world's largest gay pride events on Saturday (July 6), celebrating and asserting the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Gay pride floats parade through Madrid

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata will join <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-accuse-barcelona-antoine-griezmann-for-showing-disrespect-233489&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjBgsSFpKDjAhXkjuYKHX8-DAgQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw247nCqPjlAPX0G5bEHbEFf">Atletico Madrid</a> on a permanent deal at the end of the 2019/20 season, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.

The 26-year-old is in the middle of a two-year loan spell with the La Liga side and will remain in the Spanish capital when it is completed.

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Thank you and good luck, <a href="https://twitter.com/AlvaroMorata?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlvaroMorata</a>. 👊
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1147466429404463106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Spain international scored 24 goals in 72 appearances for the Blues after joining from Real Madrid in 2017.

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata will join Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal at the end of the 2019/20 season, the Premier League club announced on Saturday. The 26-year-old is in the middle of a two-year loan spell with the La Liga side and will remain in the Spanish capital when it is completed.

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata will join Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal at the end of the 2019/20 season, the Premier League club announced on Saturday. The 26-year-old is in the middle of a two-year loan spell with the La Liga side and will remain in the Spanish capital when it is completed. Thank you and good luck, @AlvaroMorata. 👊 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 6, 2019 × The Spain international scored 24 goals in 72 appearances for the Blues after joining from Real Madrid in 2017.

Chelsea's Alvaro Morata to join Atletico Madrid at end of next season

Premier League champions <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-players-that-led-manchester-city-to-english-premier-league-glory-218210&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF9Nf0rZvjAhUDuo8KHbggCiYQFjACegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Kvh2pYloodz6i4zMXKU3b">Manchester City</a> smashed their transfer record on Thursday with the signing of Spanish international midfielder Rodri on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid.

The La Liga club announced on Wednesday that City had paid a 70 million euro ($79 million) buyout clause for the tall 23-year-old. City confirmed on their website that Rodri was a record signing.

The deal eclipsed the 60 million pounds ($75 million) they paid Leicester City for Algerian international Riyad Mahrez in July last year.

Rodri - Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante - follows Angelino, the Spanish left-back who joined from PSV Eindhoven, as manager Pep Guardiola’s second signing of the summer.

"Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented, young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for," City's director of football Txiki Begiristain told the City website.

"He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession. He is a perfect fit for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/an-incredible-year-guardiola-hails-manchester-citys-history-boys-219822&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF9Nf0rZvjAhUDuo8KHbggCiYQFjADegQIEBAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1e6M3yWo-wccblw2G9OQ-M">Pep Guardiola’</a>s team and we are confident he will be a success,"&nbsp;Begiristain added.

City became the first side to claim the English treble of the league championship as well as the FA Cup and League Cup last season.

"What City have achieved in the last two years has been amazing and I’m looking forward to being part of such a talented squad," said Rodri, who has been compared to Barcelona's Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets.

"It’s not just the titles they have won, but the way they have managed it, playing attacking football at all times. It’s a style that excites me, as do the Club’s ambitions,"&nbsp;Rodri added.

City said the defensive midfielder, seen as a long-term successor to 34-year-old Brazilian Fernandinho, would play in the number 16 shirt.

The squad number was used by Argentine forward Sergio Aguero, who also joined from Atletico Madrid, from 2011 to 2015 and has been vacant since.

City kick off their <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-manchester-city-to-kick-off-premier-league-season-at-west-ham-226813&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF9Nf0rZvjAhUDuo8KHbggCiYQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KCBc9jtES9noDT03z8Wij">2019-20 Premier League</a> season with a trip to West Ham United on August&nbsp;10.

Premier League champions Manchester City smashed their transfer record on Thursday with the signing of Spanish international midfielder Rodri on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid.

Premier League champions Manchester City smashed their transfer record on Thursday with the signing of Spanish international midfielder Rodri on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid. The La Liga club announced on Wednesday that City had paid a 70 million euro ($79 million) buyout clause for the tall 23-year-old. City confirmed on their website that Rodri was a record signing. The deal eclipsed the 60 million pounds ($75 million) they paid Leicester City for Algerian international Riyad Mahrez in July last year. Rodri - Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante - follows Angelino, the Spanish left-back who joined from PSV Eindhoven, as manager Pep Guardiola’s second signing of the summer. "Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented, young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for," City's director of football Txiki Begiristain told the City website. "He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession. He is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s team and we are confident he will be a success," Begiristain added. City became the first side to claim the English treble of the league championship as well as the FA Cup and League Cup last season. "What City have achieved in the last two years has been amazing and I’m looking forward to being part of such a talented squad," said Rodri, who has been compared to Barcelona's Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets. "It’s not just the titles they have won, but the way they have managed it, playing attacking football at all times. It’s a style that excites me, as do the Club’s ambitions," Rodri added. City said the defensive midfielder, seen as a long-term successor to 34-year-old Brazilian Fernandinho, would play in the number 16 shirt. The squad number was used by Argentine forward Sergio Aguero, who also joined from Atletico Madrid, from 2011 to 2015 and has been vacant since. City kick off their 2019-20 Premier League season with a trip to West Ham United on August 10.

Manchester City sign Spanish midfielder Rodri in club record deal

This past June was recorded as the hottest in the history of Europe, with regional heat records in France and Spain surpassing 40 degree Celsius in the past week. The heatwave and near-record temperatures across Europe are the face of climate change

European heatwave sets new records

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pedro-says-no-independence-for-catalonia-208738">Spain's new parliament</a> will vote on whether to grant socialist leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-pm-pedro-sanchez-win-snap-polls-marked-by-far-right-gains-214244">Pedro Sanchez</a> a second term as prime minister on July 23, the speaker of the chamber announced Tuesday.

Parliamentary speaker Meritxell Batet told reporters the debate over Sanchez's candidacy would begin on July 22 and the vote would take place the following day.

If Sanchez fails to get an absolute majority &nbsp;176 votes or more he will only require a simple majority more "yes" than "no" votes in a second vote two days later, she added.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-turnout-for-spains-early-election-marked-by-far-right-emergence-214232">Spain</a> needs a Government as soon as possible to continue advancing towards equality," Sanchez tweeted in response to the announcement.

With no parliamentary majority, outgoing premier Sanchez may struggle to find the support he needs in the first vote.

Although his Socialist Party won the most seats in the April 28 election, that was just 123 seats in the 350-seat assembly.

To be sworn in again as prime minister Sanchez will need the support of far-left Podemos which has 42 seats and several other smaller, regional parties.

But Podemos wants to be part of a ruling coalition, a condition Sanchez has refused.

The simple majority required in the second vote means Sanchez could be voted prime minister if the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) and centre-right Ciudadanos simply abstained from voting.

But the two parties have so far refused to abstain from voting to make it easier for Sanchez to be sworn in.

Sanchez wants to avoid relying on the abstention of the Catalan separatist parties, as the right routinely accuses him of being held hostage by the separatists.

Sanchez came to power in June 2018 with the help of the separatists by ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote.

But it was the Catalan separatists who triggered the snap polls in April by refusing to back his 2019 budget.

If Sanchez is not sworn in within two months of the first investiture vote, fresh elections must be called in November and Spain has already held three national elections in the past three and a half years.

Spain has never had a coalition government since it returned to democracy following the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Spain's new parliament will vote on whether to grant socialist leader Pedro Sanchez a second term as prime minister on July 23, the speaker of the chamber announced Tuesday.

Spain's new parliament will vote on whether to grant socialist leader Pedro Sanchez a second term as prime minister on July 23, the speaker of the chamber announced Tuesday. Parliamentary speaker Meritxell Batet told reporters the debate over Sanchez's candidacy would begin on July 22 and the vote would take place the following day. If Sanchez fails to get an absolute majority 176 votes or more he will only require a simple majority more "yes" than "no" votes in a second vote two days later, she added. "Spain needs a Government as soon as possible to continue advancing towards equality," Sanchez tweeted in response to the announcement. With no parliamentary majority, outgoing premier Sanchez may struggle to find the support he needs in the first vote. Although his Socialist Party won the most seats in the April 28 election, that was just 123 seats in the 350-seat assembly. To be sworn in again as prime minister Sanchez will need the support of far-left Podemos which has 42 seats and several other smaller, regional parties. But Podemos wants to be part of a ruling coalition, a condition Sanchez has refused. The simple majority required in the second vote means Sanchez could be voted prime minister if the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) and centre-right Ciudadanos simply abstained from voting. But the two parties have so far refused to abstain from voting to make it easier for Sanchez to be sworn in. Sanchez wants to avoid relying on the abstention of the Catalan separatist parties, as the right routinely accuses him of being held hostage by the separatists. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 with the help of the separatists by ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote. But it was the Catalan separatists who triggered the snap polls in April by refusing to back his 2019 budget. If Sanchez is not sworn in within two months of the first investiture vote, fresh elections must be called in November and Spain has already held three national elections in the past three and a half years. Spain has never had a coalition government since it returned to democracy following the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Spain's Pedro Sanchez to seek second term as Prime Minister in July 23 parliament vote

Thousands <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-chinese-protest-against-bbva-in-madrid-saying-bank-blocked-their-accounts-197687">protested in Madrid</a> on Saturday against the suspension of curbs on polluting cars by the new conservative city hall, raising fears that environmental rollbacks seen in the United States may be spreading to Europe.

The first reversal of environmental policies by a major European city comes despite soaring global environmental concerns and is a fresh sign of growing divisions in Spain after a series of inconclusive elections in April and May.

Last November Madrid's then far-left government banned most petrol and diesel cars from its centre to tackle high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The policy was known as "Madrid central" and it was intended to bring Madrid into line with EU clean air rules which it had been violating since 2010.

"Yes we can, I do want Madrid central," chanted the protesters. Some were holding banners that read "I want to breathe free" and "We aspire to have a Madrid without smoke".

"We have to save (the planet) starting at the local and small level, the first thing is Madrid's centre," said Laura Martin, a 39-year-old actress.

She added that she was concerned that the new Madrid government might have some similar ideas to US President Donald Trump's rollback of environmental policies, such as weakening rules limiting carbon emissions from power plants and standards on harmful gas emissions from cars and trucks.

People of all ages rallied despite a scorching heatwave in Spain and most of Europe, which had already forced the city of Paris to ban more than half of all registered cars from its roads earlier this week because the heat worsens pollution.

Various European cities including Paris, Hamburg, Amsterdam, London and Oslo have started to penalise or ban older polluting cars as they seek to phase out all fossil fuel cars in the coming decade.

Environmental groups including Greenpeace say the "Madrid central" measure slashed air pollution levels from car emissions in the centre to record lows.

The new city hall run by the conservative People's Party suspended fines on cars entering the currently restricted area of around five sq km (two sq miles) from July 1, while it reviews the plan to make it "compatible with citizens' mobility needs".

"As far as I know at the European level there's no precedent in ending a car traffic restriction," said Lara Lazaro, researcher of the Real Instituto Elcano.

The European Commission has warned Spain that it would face sanctions and a possible lawsuit if it fails to meet air quality standards in its largest cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Thousands protested in Madrid on Saturday against the suspension of curbs on polluting cars by the new conservative city hall, raising fears that environmental rollbacks seen in the United States may be spreading to Europe.

Thousands protested in Madrid on Saturday against the suspension of curbs on polluting cars by the new conservative city hall, raising fears that environmental rollbacks seen in the United States may be spreading to Europe. The first reversal of environmental policies by a major European city comes despite soaring global environmental concerns and is a fresh sign of growing divisions in Spain after a series of inconclusive elections in April and May. Last November Madrid's then far-left government banned most petrol and diesel cars from its centre to tackle high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The policy was known as "Madrid central" and it was intended to bring Madrid into line with EU clean air rules which it had been violating since 2010. "Yes we can, I do want Madrid central," chanted the protesters. Some were holding banners that read "I want to breathe free" and "We aspire to have a Madrid without smoke". "We have to save (the planet) starting at the local and small level, the first thing is Madrid's centre," said Laura Martin, a 39-year-old actress. She added that she was concerned that the new Madrid government might have some similar ideas to US President Donald Trump's rollback of environmental policies, such as weakening rules limiting carbon emissions from power plants and standards on harmful gas emissions from cars and trucks. People of all ages rallied despite a scorching heatwave in Spain and most of Europe, which had already forced the city of Paris to ban more than half of all registered cars from its roads earlier this week because the heat worsens pollution. Various European cities including Paris, Hamburg, Amsterdam, London and Oslo have started to penalise or ban older polluting cars as they seek to phase out all fossil fuel cars in the coming decade. Environmental groups including Greenpeace say the "Madrid central" measure slashed air pollution levels from car emissions in the centre to record lows. The new city hall run by the conservative People's Party suspended fines on cars entering the currently restricted area of around five sq km (two sq miles) from July 1, while it reviews the plan to make it "compatible with citizens' mobility needs". "As far as I know at the European level there's no precedent in ending a car traffic restriction," said Lara Lazaro, researcher of the Real Instituto Elcano. The European Commission has warned Spain that it would face sanctions and a possible lawsuit if it fails to meet air quality standards in its largest cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Protest in Madrid as conservatives suspend ban on most polluting cars

Countries including France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal are experiencing a massive heat wave that began on Wednesday.

Spain on high alert as heatwave sweeps across the country

Spain's Supreme Court on Friday found five men who called themselves "The Pack" guilty of gang rape, overturning previous convictions of the lesser offence of sexual abuse in a case that shook the country.

The Madrid-based tribunal sentenced each defendant to 15 years in prison, superseding two previous rulings in the case that sparked mass protests in Spain.&nbsp;

By late afternoon, all five had been detained, according to the police.

"The factual account describes a genuine scenario of intimidation in which the victim never consents to the sexual acts performed by the accused," the court ruled.

The victim found herself in "a situation of intimidation that made her adopt an attitude of submission, doing what the perpetrators told her to do."

The court said there were "at least 10 sexual assaults with oral, vaginal and anal penetration."

Minutes after meeting her, the five raped the drunk woman, then aged 18, at the entrance to an apartment building in Pamplona in July 2016 at the start of the popular San Fermin bull-running festival.

They left her half-naked in the doorway. One of them also stole her mobile.

The five filmed the incident with their smartphones and then bragged about it on WhatsApp where they referred to themselves as "La Manada," or "The Pack".

The footage they shared on WhatsApp had been used against them in court but also against the victim for her passivity during the act.

In April 2018, the men were each sentenced to nine years in jail for sexual abuse but judges acquitted them of the more serious offence of rape.

It was decided there had been no violence or intimidation -&nbsp;necessary for a rape conviction in Spain -&nbsp;and that the victim did not resist or fight back.

One of the three judges had argued that the men should be fully acquitted.

That decision -- and the subsequent release on bail of the defendants -&nbsp;sparked nationwide protests.

"If you resist they kill you, if you don't resist you consent. What to do?" read one sign at a protest.

Following the earlier verdict, the Spanish government announced plans to reform the criminal code to stipulate that a woman must give her explicit consent for sex.

"Only yes is yes," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Twitter, reacting to the latest ruling.

"Spain continues to move forward in the protection of women's rights and freedoms, and won't stop."

The five defendants, all from the southern city of Seville, were not called to the stand on Friday.&nbsp;Prosecutors argued for an 18-year jail sentence for each defendant, with an extra two for the one who stole the mobile.

The court, on giving each 15 years, added the two extra years to the latter's sentence.&nbsp;Defence lawyer Agustin Martinez asserted the sex had been consensual and called for his clients to be absolved.

He said they could not have realised she was not consenting as she did not shout or resist.

She did not make "any kind of gesture of protest".

"We haven't had a fair trial," he added, criticising media, social and political "pressure".

&nbsp;

Spain's Supreme Court on Friday found five men who called themselves "The Pack" guilty of gang rape, overturning previous convictions of the lesser offence of sexual abuse in a case that shook the country.

Spain's Supreme Court on Friday found five men who called themselves "The Pack" guilty of gang rape, overturning previous convictions of the lesser offence of sexual abuse in a case that shook the country. The Madrid-based tribunal sentenced each defendant to 15 years in prison, superseding two previous rulings in the case that sparked mass protests in Spain. By late afternoon, all five had been detained, according to the police. "The factual account describes a genuine scenario of intimidation in which the victim never consents to the sexual acts performed by the accused," the court ruled. The victim found herself in "a situation of intimidation that made her adopt an attitude of submission, doing what the perpetrators told her to do." The court said there were "at least 10 sexual assaults with oral, vaginal and anal penetration." Minutes after meeting her, the five raped the drunk woman, then aged 18, at the entrance to an apartment building in Pamplona in July 2016 at the start of the popular San Fermin bull-running festival. They left her half-naked in the doorway. One of them also stole her mobile. The five filmed the incident with their smartphones and then bragged about it on WhatsApp where they referred to themselves as "La Manada," or "The Pack". The footage they shared on WhatsApp had been used against them in court but also against the victim for her passivity during the act. In April 2018, the men were each sentenced to nine years in jail for sexual abuse but judges acquitted them of the more serious offence of rape. It was decided there had been no violence or intimidation - necessary for a rape conviction in Spain - and that the victim did not resist or fight back. One of the three judges had argued that the men should be fully acquitted. That decision -- and the subsequent release on bail of the defendants - sparked nationwide protests. "If you resist they kill you, if you don't resist you consent. What to do?" read one sign at a protest. Following the earlier verdict, the Spanish government announced plans to reform the criminal code to stipulate that a woman must give her explicit consent for sex. "Only yes is yes," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Twitter, reacting to the latest ruling. "Spain continues to move forward in the protection of women's rights and freedoms, and won't stop." The five defendants, all from the southern city of Seville, were not called to the stand on Friday. Prosecutors argued for an 18-year jail sentence for each defendant, with an extra two for the one who stole the mobile. The court, on giving each 15 years, added the two extra years to the latter's sentence. Defence lawyer Agustin Martinez asserted the sex had been consensual and called for his clients to be absolved. He said they could not have realised she was not consenting as she did not shout or resist. She did not make "any kind of gesture of protest". "We haven't had a fair trial," he added, criticising media, social and political "pressure".

Spanish Supreme Court finds five men 'the pack' guilty of gang rape

Spain's World Cup-winning striker Fernando Torres announced his retirement from football on Friday, bringing an end to a glittering 18-year career.

Torres, who scored more than 100 goals across two spells at his boyhood club Atletico Madrid, also played for Premier League sides Liverpool and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/chelse-lift-the-europa-league-cup-as-hazard-scores-twice-as-parting-gift-222736&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj97JHClvriAhWUF4gKHXYxBoYQFjABegQIDxAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2d1vrXl284nxWNRm-H5k34">Chelsea </a>and Italy's AC Milan.

He left Atletico to join Japan's Sagan Tosu in July last year but has struggled to hit the heights of his best days at Atletico and Liverpool at the J-League side.

"After 18 exciting years, the time has come to put an end to my football career," the 35-year-old wrote on Twitter, adding that he would hold a news conference in Japan on Sunday to explain his decision.

Torres made his Spain debut in 2003 and scored the winning goal in the 2008 European Championship final against Germany before helping his country win their first World Cup in 2010.

He was the top scorer at Euro 2012 as Spain successfully defended their title and scored 38 goals in 110 appearances for his country in total, making him Spain's country's third-highest goalscorer behind David Villa (59) and Raul (44).

Torres enjoyed his the most prolific spell at Liverpool between 2007 and 2011, netting 81 goals in 142 games across all competitions.

He moved to Chelsea from Liverpool for a then British record fee of 50 million pounds ($63.49 million) and won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with the London club.

Spain's World Cup-winning striker Fernando Torres announced his retirement from football on Friday, bringing an end to a glittering 18-year career. Torres, who scored more than 100 goals across two spells at his boyhood club Atletico Madrid, also played for Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea and Italy's AC Milan.

Spain's World Cup-winning striker Fernando Torres announced his retirement from football on Friday, bringing an end to a glittering 18-year career. Torres, who scored more than 100 goals across two spells at his boyhood club Atletico Madrid, also played for Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea and Italy's AC Milan. He left Atletico to join Japan's Sagan Tosu in July last year but has struggled to hit the heights of his best days at Atletico and Liverpool at the J-League side. "After 18 exciting years, the time has come to put an end to my football career," the 35-year-old wrote on Twitter, adding that he would hold a news conference in Japan on Sunday to explain his decision. Torres made his Spain debut in 2003 and scored the winning goal in the 2008 European Championship final against Germany before helping his country win their first World Cup in 2010. He was the top scorer at Euro 2012 as Spain successfully defended their title and scored 38 goals in 110 appearances for his country in total, making him Spain's country's third-highest goalscorer behind David Villa (59) and Raul (44). Torres enjoyed his the most prolific spell at Liverpool between 2007 and 2011, netting 81 goals in 142 games across all competitions. He moved to Chelsea from Liverpool for a then British record fee of 50 million pounds ($63.49 million) and won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with the London club.

Fernando Torres, Spain's World Cup-winning striker announces retirement

Spain coach Luis Enrique resigned from the team on Wednesday, three months after temporarily stepping aside for personal reasons, with his number two Robert Moreno taking on the role permanently.

"Owing to the fact that the circumstances which have prevented me from carrying out my role as coach since March continue today I have decided to leave the role," Luis Enrique said in a brief statement on the Spain team's website.

"I would like to show my gratitude to everyone at the Spanish football federation (RFEF) for the faith they have shown me and for understanding the situation.

"I also want to especially thank all the members of staff and players for their professionalism, and the media for showing discretion and respect for the situation."

Federation president Luis Rubiales said the decision came entirely from Luis Enrique, who returned home hours before Spain's second Euro 2020 qualifier at Malta for what the federation described as "family matters of an urgent nature".

"It was a decision Luis Enrique took himself which we are grateful for. We will have a perfect memory of him," Rubiales told a news conference.

"It's a personal matter which doesn't depend on us. We think it's the best thing to do. We have stayed united behind Luis Enrique and the doors of the federation will always be open to him."

Luis Enrique, 49, became Spain coach last July after their exit from the 2018 World Cup to hosts Russia under interim coach Fernando Hierro after Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the tournament for negotiating a move to Real Madrid.

A former coach with AS Roma, Celta Vigo and Barcelona, Luis Enrique took charge of Spain's UEFA Nations League campaign, where they failed to reach the semi-finals, finishing second in their group behind England.

He began their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 home win over Norway while Spain have won every game since Moreno took temporary charge, beating Malta 2-0 in March and winning 4-1 at the Faroe Islands and defeating Sweden 3-0 at home this month.

"It's a bittersweet day for me. I dreamed about being a coach but not in this way," said the 41-year-old Moreno, who has no experience as a first team manager apart from in the last three months as the national team's caretaker coach.

"We're going to work honestly and try to take the work Luis Enrique did to the highest level by qualifying for and winning Euro 2020."

Rubiales said that he did not consider any other candidates to take the vacant role.

"Robert Moreno was the only solution we considered," he said.

"We started a new sporting project here a year ago which is going stupendously well and we wanted that project to continue. If we'd have hired a different coach the project would have changed."

Spain coach Luis Enrique resigned from the team on Wednesday, three months after temporarily stepping aside for personal reasons, with his number two Robert Moreno taking on the role permanently.

Spain coach Luis Enrique resigned from the team on Wednesday, three months after temporarily stepping aside for personal reasons, with his number two Robert Moreno taking on the role permanently. "Owing to the fact that the circumstances which have prevented me from carrying out my role as coach since March continue today I have decided to leave the role," Luis Enrique said in a brief statement on the Spain team's website. "I would like to show my gratitude to everyone at the Spanish football federation (RFEF) for the faith they have shown me and for understanding the situation. "I also want to especially thank all the members of staff and players for their professionalism, and the media for showing discretion and respect for the situation." Federation president Luis Rubiales said the decision came entirely from Luis Enrique, who returned home hours before Spain's second Euro 2020 qualifier at Malta for what the federation described as "family matters of an urgent nature". "It was a decision Luis Enrique took himself which we are grateful for. We will have a perfect memory of him," Rubiales told a news conference. "It's a personal matter which doesn't depend on us. We think it's the best thing to do. We have stayed united behind Luis Enrique and the doors of the federation will always be open to him." Luis Enrique, 49, became Spain coach last July after their exit from the 2018 World Cup to hosts Russia under interim coach Fernando Hierro after Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the tournament for negotiating a move to Real Madrid. A former coach with AS Roma, Celta Vigo and Barcelona, Luis Enrique took charge of Spain's UEFA Nations League campaign, where they failed to reach the semi-finals, finishing second in their group behind England. He began their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 home win over Norway while Spain have won every game since Moreno took temporary charge, beating Malta 2-0 in March and winning 4-1 at the Faroe Islands and defeating Sweden 3-0 at home this month. "It's a bittersweet day for me. I dreamed about being a coach but not in this way," said the 41-year-old Moreno, who has no experience as a first team manager apart from in the last three months as the national team's caretaker coach. "We're going to work honestly and try to take the work Luis Enrique did to the highest level by qualifying for and winning Euro 2020." Rubiales said that he did not consider any other candidates to take the vacant role. "Robert Moreno was the only solution we considered," he said. "We started a new sporting project here a year ago which is going stupendously well and we wanted that project to continue. If we'd have hired a different coach the project would have changed."

Luis Enrique resigns as Spain coach and is replaced by Robert Moreno

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