Nani announces retirement from football after an illustrious 19-year career.
Former Manchester United and Portugal star, Nani has announced his Retirement from professional football at the age of 38. The winger shared the news via a heartfelt Social Media video, stating, “It’s been an amazing ride… Time to turn a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams.” Over his 19-year career, Nani played for 10 clubs across Turkey, Spain, and the United States, scoring 130 goals in over 620 matches. He started at Sporting CP, joined Manchester United in 2007, and spent eight years there, winning four Premier League titles and a Champions League. Nani also played a key role in Portugal’s historic 2016 European Championship triumph. Most recently, he returned to his roots, signing with Estrela Amadora in 2024. Post-retirement, Nani will focus on football projects, including the Nani Football Academy and his stake in Sintrense SAD.
BREAKING: Nani has announced his retirement from football, ending a career that saw him win 17 titles, including the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United and the UEFA European Championship with Portugal 🚨 pic.twitter.com/fq3GXgJOT2
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 8, 2024
Bellingham, Haaland and Mbappé named in the 2024 FIFAPRO World XI.
FIFA has unveiled the FIFPRO Men’s World XI for 2024, featuring Kylian Mbappé and five players with ties to Real Madrid. Premier League stars dominate, with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Ederson, Rodri, and Kevin De Bruyne included, alongside Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and retired midfielder Toni Kroos also feature. Notably, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are absent. Messi, who had appeared in every World XI since 2006, and Ronaldo, a 16-time inclusion until 2023, missed out amid their moves to Inter Miami and Al Nassr, respectively. Mohamed Salah, despite a prolific year for Liverpool, was also excluded. The forward line includes Mbappé, who faced a dip in form in 2024, alongside Haaland and Vinícius, underscoring Real Madrid and Premier League dominance in this year’s selections.
🚨 OFFICIAL: FIFPRO World 11 for 2024 has been released ✨ pic.twitter.com/3CVjM0X9NI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 9, 2024
PGMOL confirms that referee, David Coote has been sacked with immediate effect.
Premier League referee David Coote has been dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following an investigation into allegations of misconduct. Coote was initially suspended on November 11 after a video surfaced online showing him allegedly making derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The PGMOL confirmed his termination on Monday, stating Coote’s actions were a “serious breach” of his employment contract, rendering his position “untenable.” However, the organization emphasized its commitment to supporting Coote and noted his right to appeal the decision. The controversial video, reportedly referencing Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in 2020, was followed by a second clip allegedly recorded during Euro 2024, prompting UEFA to suspend Coote as well. Coote, promoted to Premier League officiating in 2017, officiated high-profile matches, including the 2023 EFL Cup final. He admitted the first video’s authenticity but claimed not to recall its content.
🚨 Referee David Coote has been sacked, PGMOL confirms.
“Actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable. Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare”. pic.twitter.com/FW8g2H2la0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 9, 2024
The Premier League versus Man City’s financial charge hearing has finished.
Manchester City’s hearing over alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules has concluded, with a verdict expected soon. According to Mail Sport, the proceedings, held at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre, ended as planned on Friday after nearly three months of deliberations. City faced 115 charges, later extended to 130 due to an administrative issue, spanning a 14-year period from the 2009-10 season to February 2023. The charges include failing to provide accurate financial information about payments to players and managers, breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules, and non-compliance with Premier League investigations. The hearing, which began on September 16, has been conducted in strict secrecy. A three-man panel is now reviewing evidence, with a verdict expected in February 2025. By then, nearly two years will have passed since the Premier League first announced the charges.
BREAKING: The Premier League v Manchester City financial charges hearing has now finished 🚨
Both sides have the right of appeal, which would take several months. pic.twitter.com/RX5qIUoDEO
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 9, 2024
Naby Keïta secures a loan move to Hungary side, Ferencváros.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Naby Keïta is joining Hungarian club Ferencváros on a one-year Loan from Werder Bremen, with an option to make the move permanent. The deal has been finalized, and Keita has passed his medical, according to Fabrizio Romano. Keïta, who joined Bremen on a free transfer in 2023, has struggled for game time, with injuries sidelining him for much of the season. Even when fit, he found himself out of favor, making his last appearance in March. Keïta joined Liverpool in 2018 from RB Leipzig for £52 million, following standout performances in the Bundesliga, but never fully lived up to expectations. Now joining Hungary’s most successful club, Ferencváros, who have won the league title a record 35 times, Keïta will be hoping to rediscover his Leipzig form and help the team secure a seventh consecutive championship.
🚨🇭🇺 Naby Keita to Ferencvaros, here we go! Deal sealed for former Liverpool midfielder joining Hungarian side from Werder Bremen.
One year loan with buy option included, medical completed. pic.twitter.com/J8mZitydHj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 9, 2024