Kroos rules out a coaching career but leaves the door open for Sporting Director.
Real Madrid and Germany legend, Toni Kronos will not pursue coaching after retiring this summer, despite his deep understanding of the game. While Kroos has launched a football academy in Madrid to pass on his knowledge, he has no interest in management. In an interview with The Athletic, he explained that the demands of constant travel and long hours, rather than the 90 minutes on the pitch, deter him from coaching. Though he maintains contact with Carlo Ancelotti, Kroos insists he wouldn’t join his coaching staff, preferring to stay involved in football in other ways. He did, however, express some openness to a role as a sporting director, which offers more flexibility. Now enjoying a less hectic life, including playing tennis and spending time with his family, Kroos embraced early Retirement while many peers, like Luka Modrić, continue in top leagues.
⚪️❌ Toni Kroos tells @TheAthleticFC that he will not become a manager, as it’s not part of his plans. pic.twitter.com/B00aClKLxg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 22, 2024
Francesco Totti considering a shocking return to Serie A at age 48.
Roma legend Francesco Totti has revealed that Serie A clubs have contacted him about returning to professional football, sparking thoughts of a comeback. Totti, who retired in 2017 after a career spanning 786 appearances and 307 goals for Roma, admitted he’d need two to three months of training to regain match fitness. “It’s crazy, but never say never,” Totti remarked, adding that while the idea tempted him, it would require serious preparation. However, he dismissed any notion of playing for Roma’s rivals Lazio. Totti, a 2006 World Cup winner with 58 caps for Italy, also said retirement wasn’t his choice, leaving a sense of unfinished business. Roma, meanwhile, have struggled early in the 2023-24 season, currently sitting 10th in Serie A after sacking Daniele De Rossi and appointing Ivan Jurić, who has won two of his four games in charge.
🚨🚨| Retired Italy and Roma legend Francesco Totti (48) says he might RETURN to playing football after being contacted by Serie A clubs. 😲🇮🇹
[@Gazzetta_it] pic.twitter.com/uMxRKW1s3D
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 22, 2024
Joshua Kimmich close to signing a new long-term contract with Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich is optimistic about securing a new contract with Joshua Kimmich despite recent links to Liverpool and PSG. Kimmich’s current deal is set to expire next summer, but reports from Fabrizio Romano and Christian Falk suggest the Germany international is now more open to staying at Bayern. The club has reportedly engaged in “very, very good talks” with Kimmich, offering assurances of his leadership role in Bayern’s future plans. To convince him to extend his stay, Bayern has “changed everything” for Kimmich, positioning him as a central figure in their ongoing rebuild. This news is a significant boost for Bayern after a challenging 2024, with the midfielder/right-back set to remain a key player for the Bundesliga champions. If finalized, the new deal would end speculation about a potential move to other European giants.
🔴🇩🇪 Bayern are now confident to get new deal agreement done with Joshua Kimmich.
Negotiations are underway and he’s now more open to discuss compared to last season.
PSG move didn’t happen… while Bayern absolutely want Kimmich to stay and be a face of the project. pic.twitter.com/7k82s3bhW9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 22, 2024
Diego Forlán set to make his professional tennis debut at the Uruguay Open.
Former Manchester United star Diego Forlán is set to make his ATP Challenger tennis debut in the doubles competition at the Uruguay Open next month. Forlán, 45, will team up with Argentinian Federico Coria, currently ranked 101 in ATP singles. The Uruguay Open, part of the ATP Challenger Tour, will take place in Montevideo from Nov. 11 to Nov. 17. Tournament director Diego López confirmed Forlán’s participation, stating, “He’s been training hard and deserves this opportunity.” He retired from football in 2019 after a stellar career with clubs like Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan. He won the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup, where Uruguay reached the semifinals. Forlán picked up tennis again in 2023, having played the sport as a child. “My father played football, then took up tennis. I started playing at two before focusing on football,” he explained.
🇺🇾🎾 Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan is set to make his professional tennis debut at next month’s Uruguay Open…
The 45-year-old will compete in doubles alongside Federico Coria. pic.twitter.com/CtJFmsIbop
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 22, 2024
Neymar returns to the pitch after one year on the sidelines due to an ACL injury.
Brazilian soccer star Neymar made his long-awaited return to the pitch after more than a year recovering from a ruptured ACL and meniscus in his left knee. The 32-year-old played 20 minutes as a substitute in the 77th minute of Al-Hilal’s 5-4 AFC Champions League Elite win over Al Ain. Neymar, who joined the Saudi club from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023 for €90 million ($97.6 million), had only played five matches before suffering the injury during a World Cup qualifier in October 2023. Following surgery in November, Neymar expressed his joy at returning, telling Al-Hilal’s media, “I’m back! I’m back!” Fans celebrated his return on social media, with former club Santos sharing their support. Neymar is eligible to play in continental competition but can’t return to Saudi Pro League action until January due to foreign player limits. His contract with Al-Hilal runs until June 2025.
Neymar has just returned on the pitch for Al Hilal, subbed on in second half! 🔵🇧🇷
First game back in over a year for Ney after bad injury. pic.twitter.com/sFPMuXLWJO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 21, 2024