Marcelo officially announces his retirement after a trophy-laden 19-year career.
Former Real Madrid and Brazil defender Marcelo has announced his Retirement at 36. The legendary left-back, known for his remarkable trophy haul, won five Champions League titles and six La Liga championships during 16 seasons with Real Madrid. After leaving in 2022, he had a brief spell at Olympiacos before returning to Fluminense, where he helped secure the 2023 Copa Libertadores. However, his second stint ended in November 2024 after a dispute with coach Mano Menezes. In an emotional farewell video, Marcelo reflected on his career, expressing gratitude and hinting at a future role in football. “My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give,” he stated. As Real Madrid’s first non-Spanish captain since 1904, he led the club to Champions League glory in 2022. Marcelo also earned 58 Brazil caps, winning the 2013 Confederations Cup. His next steps remain unclear, but a coaching or managerial role may be ahead.
🚨🇧🇷 OFFICIAL: Marcelo retires from professional football. pic.twitter.com/Mi1I4bBoRw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 6, 2025
England striker, Harry Kane reportedly happy at Bayern and not planning to leave.
Harry Kane’s future remains a major talking point, with reports revealing a surprising clause in his Bayern Munich contract. According to BILD, the England captain can return to the Premier League in 2026 for a reduced fee of €65m (£54m). Kane, 31, joined Bayern from Tottenham in August 2023 for £95m and has since excelled, scoring 70 goals in 72 games. This clause, initially valued at £67m in the winter window, will decrease further next January. However, Kane is reportedly content in Germany and has no immediate plans to leave. His four-year deal with Bayern also includes a first-refusal clause for Spurs, giving them priority if he opts to return. However, no fixed fee exists, meaning Tottenham must match rival offers. While Kane’s short-term future lies in Munich, his next move remains uncertain, with several Premier League clubs likely to be interested if he decides to return in 2026.
🚨🔴 Harry Kane, currently not planning to leave Bayern in the summer and very happy at the club.
The release clause is valid for €65m only in January 2026, as BILD revealed — PL clubs aware but no contacts so far.
Tottenham have matching rights, Kane has the final say. pic.twitter.com/ji36kYTzXs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 6, 2025
Ferran scores a hattrick as Barcelona cruises past Valencia in the Copa del Rey.
Spain forward, Ferran Torres delivered a stunning first-half hat trick as Barcelona cruised to a 5-0 victory over Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. Facing his boyhood club in his hometown, Torres opened the scoring in the second minute from a swift counter-attack. He doubled the lead in the 17th, capitalizing on a rebound from Lamine Yamal’s shot that struck the post. Five minutes later, Fermín López added a third, before Torres completed his hat trick with a long-range strike in the 30th minute. Barcelona eased off after halftime, but Yamal sealed the rout in the 59th minute when Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski mishandled his shot. The win secures Barcelona’s place in the semi-finals alongside Real Madrid, Atletico, and Real Sociedad. It also marks their second dominant victory over Valencia in two weeks, following a 7-1 LaLiga triumph. Barcelona now boasts a 10-game unbeaten run with their attacking form in full flow.
FT: Valencia 0-5 Barcelona.
BARCELONA HAVE REACHED THE SEMI FINAL OF THE COPA DEL REY! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ex919zEiKD
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 6, 2025
Ruben Amorim confirms Luke Shaw has suffered another minor injury setback.
Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim has confirmed a new injury setback for Luke Shaw ahead of their FA Cup clash with Leicester City. The England left-back has struggled with injuries throughout his career, despite establishing himself as a key player for both club and country. Shaw has only featured three times this season and has yet to play under Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag. He was nearing a return to fitness and expected to be available for upcoming matches, but Amorim revealed that the 29-year-old has sustained another injury in a different area. “Luke has one small issue in a different area from the last injury, so we try to be careful with him,” Amorim explained. While the injury is considered minor, Manchester United are taking a cautious approach to his recovery. Shaw will remain sidelined for a few more weeks as the club prioritizes his long-term fitness.
🚨🚫 Rúben Amorim: “Luke Shaw has one small issue in the different area from the last injury, so we try to be careful with Luke”.
“Licha Martinez is a difficult situation, he’s going to be out for a while”. pic.twitter.com/nHHfd7HCZc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 6, 2025
Liverpool thrashes Tottenham at Anfield to book a spot in the Carabao Cup final.
Current holders, Liverpool secured their place in the Carabao Cup final with a dominant 4-0 victory over Tottenham, sealing a 4-1 aggregate win at Anfield. Overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit, Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 34th minute, converting a Mohamed Salah cross. Salah doubled the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half after goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky fouled Darwin Núñez. Dominik Szoboszlai added a third, and Virgil van Dijk capped the rout with a header. Liverpool will face Newcastle United in the final on March 16 after the Magpies defeated Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate. This marks the Reds’ 15th League Cup final appearance and the first under Dutch head coach Arne Slot, who replaced Jürgen Klopp last season. Still competing on multiple fronts, Liverpool lead the Premier League by six points, remain in the FA Cup, and have advanced to the Champions League last 16, keeping hopes of a quadruple alive.
FT: Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham.
LIVERPOOL ARE GOING TO WEMBLEY AND ARNE SLOT COULD WIN HIS FIRST TROPHY AS MANAGER OF LIVERPOOL FC! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/tWk6FbQBsq
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 6, 2025