Pele, Messi, others pay tribute to Maradona – Newstrends
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Pele, Messi, others pay tribute to Maradona

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  • Pele: I hope we can play football together in the sky
  • Diego is eternal, says Mess

Pele paid tribute to his fellow all-time great Diego Maradona after the Argentina legend’s death at the age of 60, saying, “One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky.”

The Brazilian three-time World Cup winner has consistently been compared as Maradona’s closest competitor in debates and polls to decide the greatest footballer of all time.

Pele, 80, issued heartfelt praise for Maradona, writing on his official Twitter account: “What sad news. I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend.

“There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky.”

Maradona’s death was confirmed by Argentina’s football association. He had been in hospital in Buenos Aires after surgery to remove a blood clot on the brain earlier this month.

He captained his country to World Cup glory in Mexico in 1986, and later led Napoli to two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990.

Lionel Messi, the greatest Argentina player of the current generation, wrote on Instagram: “A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.

“I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”

Argentina eliminated England from the 1986 finals at the quarter-final stage, as Maradona scored twice. The first was a blatant handball – ‘the Hand of God as Maradona described it – and the second a stunning solo effort.

Gary Lineker, who was playing for England that day, tweeted: “By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time.

“After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he’ll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego”

Lineker later added on BT Sport: “I played for a Rest of the World side at Wembley, when I was at Barcelona, all the great players like (Michel) Platini on the pitch were all totally in awe of him.

“The first thing he did in the dressing room was sit there in just a pair of shorts, juggling his socks on his left foot for about five minutes.

“Then he went out on the pitch and did something incredible, one of the most unbelievable things I have even seen on a football pitch.

“He juggled the ball all the way out to the centre circle, when he got there, still juggling, he went ‘bang’ and kicked the ball up as high as he could, then waited.

“It came down; he went ‘bang’ and did it again. He did it 13 times and the most he ever did was walk three paces to it.

“All of us were sitting there saying: ‘that is impossible’.”

European football’s governing body UEFA held minute’s silences before all Wednesday night’s Champions League matches in tribute to Maradona.

Boca Juniors, where Maradona made his name before securing a then world-record transfer to Barcelona in 1982, tweeted: “Eternal thanks. Eternal Diego.”

Asif Kapadia, who directed the 2019 film Maradona, tweeted: “Can’t quite believe DM has gone. Hard to process.

“He always seemed indestructible. I had 10 hours with the man!! I touched his left foot. We did our best to show the world the man, the myth, the fighter he was. The greatest.”

Peter Reid, another member of the England side which suffered from the left foot – and hand – of Maradona in 1986, spoke highly of the South American’s incredible footballing gift, exhibited so gloriously during the 2-1 quarter-final win.

He said, “The crowd in the stadium exploded in terms of the first goal being given. There were a few of us running after the Tunisian referee but they didn’t see it. It was cute the way he did it, but to us on the pitch, it was obvious.

“My Spanish ain’t great and his Scouse wasn’t great, but I met him in Dubai a few years ago and I did ask him about it. He laughed, and he reiterated to me that it was the ‘Hand of God’. I am going to argue, because he cheated. But as bad as that one was, the second one was a great goal.”

Regarding that second goal, a slaloming solo effort voted the best of the century on an online FIFA poll in 2002, Reid said:”It’s something that I’ve seen once or twice, if I’m being honest. We were playing against someone who was at the absolute height of his career and as bad as the first goal was, that was outstanding.

“I saw him go past the great Alan Hansen in 1981 for the first time. He had this in his locker. He made people, like the No 16 [Peter Reid], look foolish.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: “There was a banner in Argentina some time ago when it said ‘it doesn’t matter what you have done with your life, it matters what you have done with our lives’.

“I think Maradona would have done in our generation. There are a few incredible players in history, and he is one of them.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, who alongside Messi is regarded as one of the game’s greatest current players, also offered his own personal tribute.

The Juventus and Portugal star posted on Twitter: “Today I bid farewell to a friend and the world farewells to an eternal genius.

“One of the best ever, an unmatched magician. Leaves too soon but leaves a boundless legacy and a void that will never be filled. RIP. You will never be forgotten.”

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Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals Real Madrid’s comeback win over Man City

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Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals Real Madrid’s comeback win over Man City

Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner as Real Madrid twice came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout round play-off.

The result marked Real Madrid’s first-ever win at the Etihad Stadium inside 90 minutes.

Before kickoff, City fans taunted Vinícius Júnior and his club with a “stop crying your heart out” message.

The Brazilian forward was at the heart of early action, seeing a penalty claim denied by an offside call before setting up Kylian Mbappé, whose effort was saved. Nathan Aké then prevented Ferland Mendy from converting another Vinícius pass.

City capitalized on their first clear opportunity when Joško Gvardiol chested the ball into Erling Haaland’s path, allowing the Norwegian to score his first-ever goal against Real Madrid. Los Blancos nearly responded as Vinícius’ deflected shot hit the crossbar.

However, City suffered a setback when Jack Grealish, who had started brightly, was forced off injured after 30 minutes. His replacement, Phil Foden, immediately tested Thibaut Courtois, while Manuel Akanji’s header clipped the bar at the other end.

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At halftime, Akanji was withdrawn after struggling physically, but the intensity remained high. Haaland’s deflected shot struck the crossbar before Vinícius weaved past Rico Lewis to set up Bellingham, who headed wide.

Ederson denied Mbappé twice, but the French forward eventually found the net on the hour mark, wrongfooting Ederson with a clever finish from Dani Ceballos’ pass.

City quickly regained the lead when Ceballos fouled Foden in the box, allowing Haaland to convert from the penalty spot. However, their advantage was short-lived.

Ederson’s save from Vinícius’ shot rebounded kindly for substitute Brahim Díaz, who slotted home against his former club just two minutes after coming on.

Real completed their stunning comeback in stoppage time when Vinícius capitalized on City’s defensive hesitation, poking the ball through for Bellingham to score.

The win extends Real Madrid’s Champions League dominance with a fourth consecutive victory, while City have now won just one of their last six European games.

 

Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals Real Madrid’s comeback win over Man City

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Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square N’York

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Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square N’York

Portuguese international, Cristiano Ronaldo, received a unique birthday tribute in New York City as fans gathered at the Times Square to perform his iconic “Siu” celebration.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner turned 40 on February 5, just days after scoring his 922nd and 923rd career goals in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 victory over Al Wasl.

Ronaldo’s famous celebration, first seen in 2013 with Real Madrid, remains a global fan favorite.

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“I started to say ‘si,’ it’s like ‘yes,’ when I was in Real Madrid,” he explained via FourFourTwo.

Ronaldo’s birthday also followed a headline-making interview with El Chiringuito, in which he criticized misconceptions about the Saudi Pro League compared to MLS.

“People talk too much and give opinions without knowing,” he said, adding, “Because it’s Saudi Arabia, people look down on it… You have to give it the credit it deserves.”

Despite his comments, MLS is preparing for a major 2025 season, with stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez entering their final contract years at Inter Miami.

Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square N’York

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Vinicius Jr rejects fresh contract offer from Real Madrid

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Vinicius Jr

Vinicius Jr rejects fresh contract offer from Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior has reportedly rejected an initial contract offer from Real Madrid after opening talks over an extension with the club. 

The Brazilian superstar’s current deal runs till 2027 and includes a staggering €1billion (£830m) release clause.

However, Real Madrid are said to be keen to tie the 24-year-old to a new long-term deal, having been linked with a move away last summer.

Negotiations have opened between the club and player over a contract renewal, according to The Athletic but Los Blancos’ first offer has been turned away by the Vinicius Jr camp

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The Brazil international is looking for an increase in pay to accurately reflect his status as ‘’one of the best players on the planet.”

With a reported current annual salary of around £12.5m net of tax, Vinicius Jr is on a similar wage to teammate Kylian Mbappe, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain last year.

Meanwhile, Saudi representatives are said to have made new contact with the player’s camp in December after holding initial conversations in the summer.

A move to the Middle East could easily see Vinicius Jr made the most expensive player in the world.

Vinicius Jr rejects fresh contract offer from Real Madrid

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