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Sergio Ramos has won it all in football.

He boasts the kind of resume and honours list that very few players in the world game can ever hope to achieve, having conquered every obstacle in front of him since signing for Real Madrid in 2005.

He’s won five Spanish titles with Los Merengues—clinching the fifth earlier this year—and has also been a part of four Champions League-winning sides following his arrival from Sevilla.

There isn’t another competition he’s been in with Real that he hasn’t won, having got his hands on the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup since he arrived in the Spanish capital 15 years ago.

At international level, it’s been a similar story, with the elegant defender becoming one of La Roja’s greatest ever players since first making his name with the U19 team and then making his debut in 2005 before his 19th birthday.

At the time, he was the youngest player to represent Spain for over half a century, but the show of faith from the national team selectors was well rewarded.

In the intervening years, Ramos has won a World Cup—Spain’s first in 2010—and been part of two European Championship-winning squads.

He reached a century of Spain caps seven years ago, and is comfortably the country’s most capped player of all time. With 175 appearances for the national side, he could well reach 200 outings for La Roja over the coming years.

What makes Ramos such a key figure both for the national team and for Real is his relentless desire to win and his unswerving winning mentality.

Admittedly, it hasn’t made him a completely beloved figure among opposition fans, but who could forget that late, late equaliser in the Champions League final of 2014 as Atletico Madrid were dispatched in Lisbon.

In that fixture, against their fierce city rivals, trailing after Diego Godin’s opener, with La Decima on the line, all hope appeared lost, but in the 93rd minute, Ramos stood up and ended the 12-year wait for European gold.

Some players, having achieved as much as Ramos has in the game, would have allowed their desire for silverware dim slightly. After all, here’s a player who has made Uefa’s Team of the Year on eight occasions…what more is there for him to achieve?!

However, as the years wear on, and Ramos enters his mid-30s, he shows little sign of slowing down.

Despite a questionable disciplinary record and a whopping 26 career red cards, the mental side of his game—his reading of dangerous situations, defensive positioning, and anticipation—are elite, while his physicality and athleticism help him get the better of most strikers.

He’s not one to rest on his laurels, and gladly puts his body on the line for the benefit of the team; it doesn’t matter if it’s a cup game against lower league opponents, or the Champions League final, Ramos is willing to sacrifice for the team.

For almost every one of those red cards, however, there’s been a major trophy, and while Ramos isn’t everyone’s cup of tea—just ask Liverpool fans—he is destined to go down as one of the game’s enduring figures and one of the finest defenders in sport’s history.

For Real Madrid fans, he’s something more, a symbol of a glorious era, and a mark of consistency, elegance and victory that encapsulates the club’s identity.

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has confirmed the club are playing a ‘leading role’ in trying to push through big changes to the Premier League.

United, along with Liverpool, were driving Project Big Picture, which was a radical proposal to reduce the Premier League to 18 teams, get rid of the League Cup, give more power to the ‘big six’ Premier League clubs and pay the 72 Football League clubs £250 million ($327m).

The project, which was described as the biggest shake-up in English football since the launch of the Premier League, was thrown out at a Premier League shareholder meeting, with many claiming it was a ‘power grab’ from the ‘big six’ but discussions of a change to the league system are still being pursued.

Woodward explained United’s views on potential changes in the future as he addressed investors after the club released their latest set of financial results.

“You may have read about the discussions taking place within English football about plans to address the near-term financial predicament created by the pandemic for clubs in the lower leagues," said Woodward, whose comments also came amid reports United were in talks over being part of a European Premier League.

"We have been playing an active role in those discussions because we strongly believe in supporting the English football pyramid, both in the short term, to address the issues created by Covid-19, and in the long term to improve financial sustainability at all levels of the game.

“There will always be intense debate around any changes to the structure of football, just as there was before the formation of the Premier League 28 years ago.

“Now, at this critical juncture for the game, we must ensure that the huge success of the Premier League is reinforced while ensuring that the wider football pyramid continues to thrive in a rapidly changing media environment.

"Achieving this will require strategic vision and leadership. We are pleased that the Premier League has committed to working together on a plan for the future structures and financing of English football.

"Now it must deliver on that promise, and we are committed to playing a leading role in pushing that process towards a successful outcome.”

However, despite the club's commitment to push through with Premier League changes Woodward revealed he had 'no idea' where reports of a potential European Premier League involving United come from. 

"I saw the reports on that and candidly don’t know where that story came from, there's not really anything for us to say," Woodward said. 

"We're engaged on a very regular basis with ECA and UEFA about changes in the Champions League from 2024 onwards. They’re the conversations we’re having and are actively engaged in. I can’t comment on your question."

Ciro Immobile aimed a dig at Borussia Dortmund after inspiring Lazio's win against the German giants in the Champions League.

Lazio stormed to the top of Group F by beating Dortmund 3-1 at Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night.

Immobile opened the scoring with an expert finish six minutes in, before a Marwin Hitz own goal put the home side in full command 17 minutes later.

Simone Inzaghi's side held onto their two-goal advantage until deep into the second half, with Erling Haaland hammering home his 11th goal in nine Champions League appearances to halve the deficit.

However, Lazio made sure of the three points moment later after Immobile teed up Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro to score from close range, capping a superb all-round performance.

Immobile has become one of the most prolific strikers on the planet since joining Lazio from Sevilla in 2016, scoring 127 goals in 182 outings for the club.

36 of those efforts were plundered in Serie A last season, which earned him the European Golden Boot, but he wasn't able to reach the same heights during a spell at Dortmund earlier in his career.

The 30-year-old only managed to find the net on three occasions for BVB in the Bundesliga in 2014-15 after being snapped up from Torino, and was subsequently sold to Sevilla for €11 million (£10m/$13m).

Immobile was considered one of the biggest flops in Dortmund's recent history, but he took the opportunity to hit back at his critics after masterminding their downfall in a Lazio shirt.

"Did they say I was Dortmund's worst signing? Sometimes you have to wait for the players, understand the situations. I arrived at Dortmund at the wrong time, during a generational change," he told Sky Sports post-match.

"There were some difficulties, but I don't want to say anything about it. I am very attentive to everything, I know that when there is praise to be taken I do it and I do the same thing with criticism."

Asked how far he thinks Lazio can go in this season's Champions League, Immobile added: "The next step is to continue like this, continuity made us take the extra step last year.

"When we lost a goal we went back to a normal team. If we go out on the pitch with this desire [we can qualify for the knockout stage]. The group is balanced, there are five more battles and we must give our all."

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said the club are having to adapt to “significant economic ramifications” of the coronavirus pandemic after they announced a severe hit to their revenue with net debt rising by 133 per cent.

The club released their quarter four financial results on Wednesday which highlighted the full impact the pandemic has had. 

The report showed a revenue drop of 19% to £509 million ($664m) and a loss of £23m ($30m) compared to a £19m ($25m) profit made last year. 

United estimate that Covid-19 has cost them £70m ($91m) in revenue, with the lack of Old Trafford matchdays and the closure of the club shop contributing a large chunk of that sum.

While their principal debt remains the same, the club’s net debt is up 133% to £474m ($618m). It is understood the drastic rise in that figure is due to a decline in cash income due to the coronavirus pandemic and money spent on player transfers.

Woodward said: “Our focus remains on protecting the health of our colleagues, fans and community while adapting to the significant economic ramifications of the pandemic. 

“Within that context, our top priority is to get fans back into the stadium safely and as soon as possible.”

United signed Donny van de Beek, Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani, Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo in the summer transfer window, which the club say has contributed to their debt rising.

Woodward added: “On the pitch, we have strengthened the team over the summer and we remain committed to our objective of winning trophies, playing entertaining, attacking football with a blend of academy graduates and high-quality recruits, while carefully managing our resources to protect the long-term resilience of the club.”

While the figures made for bleak reading, there was some positive news in that the club have extended their partnership with shirt sponsor Chevrolet for another six months and talks continue as to who will replace the American brand at the end of their deal. 

Commercial revenues were also up nearly 6% and those commercial deals accounted for 72% of the club’s income between March and June, while football was suspended.

Mesut Ozil has reacted after being axed from Arsenal's 25-man Premier League squad, claiming "loyalty is hard to come by".

Mikel Arteta left the German out of his official squad for the 2020-21 top-flight season on Tuesday, having kept him on the sidelines since the Gunners' return to action post-lockdown back in June.

That decision has proven to be the last straw for the midfielder, who has posted a message to his followers on social media outlining his disappointment.

"This is a difficult message to write to the Arsenal fans that I've played for over the past few years. I'm really deeply disappointed by the fact that I have not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being," Ozil said on Twitter and Instagram.

"Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated. As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays.

"I've always tried to remain positive from week to week that there's maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That's why I kept silent so far.

"Before the coronavirus break, I was really happy with the development under our new coach, Mikel Arteta - we've been on a positive way and I would say my performances were on a really good level.

"But then, things changed, again, and I was no longer allowed to play football for Arsenal. What else can I say? London still feels like home, I still have many good friends in this team, and I still feel a strong connection with fans of this club.

"No matter what, I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my eighth season at Arsenal end like this. I can promise you that this hard decision won't change anything in my mindset - I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice."

Ozil hasn't played for Arsenal since March, having initially been restored to the starting XI after Arteta was drafted in to replace Unai Emery at Emirates Stadium over the Christmas period.

He was, however, a notable absentee when the Gunners resumed their 2020-21 campaign following the coronavirus-enforced break and has also been exiled at the start of the new season, with Ozil also left out of the club's Europa League selection.

The 32-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract with the club, made headlines earlier in October following his announcement that he would pay Gunnersaurus' wages after the Gunners' mascot was reportedly made redundant.

Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters have completed the signing of former Olympique Lyonnais defender Bakary Kone. 

The 32-year-old has joined from Russian club Arsenal Tula for whom he played just one game in the last two seasons. Before his Russian stint, he played in the Turkey league for Ankaragucu and started 11 matches. 

His most notable displays were during his time with French giants Lyon for five years from 2011. Burkina Faso international faced off against the likes of  Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani and won the Coupe De France in 2011-12 and Trophee Des Champions in 2012. The club was also runners-up of Ligue 1 in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 season. The resilient defender made 141 appearances for Olympique Lyon in all competitions including the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

“I am really excited about signing for Kerala Blasters and coming to India for the first time. I have heard a lot about the Indian Super league from (Nicolas) Anelka and he had very positive things to say.

"I know KBFC has one of the biggest fanbases in the ISL and I am motivated to give my 100% to the club each time I take the field. Can't wait to join my teammates and the coaching staff in Goa and get started", said Bakary Koné who will be joining the squad soon in Goa for pre-season training.

“Koné is a player with notable experience and skill, having played for renowned clubs in top European Leagues. His presence will surely improve the defensive setup of our squad this season. Koné is motivated to get in shape quickly and give his best to help us fight for top positions in the League. I have no doubts about his ability and the quality he adds to the squad”, said Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters FC

Kone is the seventh and final foreign footballer at Kerala Blasters for the 2020-21 season. The Kochi-based club has signed Facundo Pereira, Vicente Gomez, Gary Hooper, Costa Nhamoinesu and retained Sergio Cidoncha for newly-appointed head coach Kibu Vicuna's debut ISL season. They are also expected to announce the signing of Australian forward Jordan Murray soon. 

Kingsley Coman has highlighted Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as the coach who has had the biggest influence on his career.

At 24, Coman is still in the early stages of his career but he has already turned out for European giants Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and current club Bayern Munich.

He has won league titles in three different countries, and last term he ascended to the top of the European tree by scoring the winning goal as Bayern beat PSG in the Champions League final.

Coman has his best years ahead of him, and he will go into those cherishing the time he worked under Guardiola at Bayern Munich from 2015-16.

“What he asked me to do was to see football differently from my position,” Coman told the Daily Mail. “He asked me to play wide, really go one against one, to make the difference like that.

“For me, the perfect game is to do a lot of skills, to help the team and to defend, and create a lot of opportunities.

“What I love is the way [Guardiola] played was to create space to be one against one. To have a coach when you are that young who has confidence in you and just wants you to go and play is amazing. When I play, I try to do beautiful stuff.”

Bayern won every game on their way to Champions League glory last season. Victory in the final in Portugal was the most celebrated, but arguably the one that will live longest in the memory is the 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

Only time will tell if such a result will leave lasting scars on Barcelona’s players, but it is a game Coman will never forget and his France team-mates who represent the Catalan side felt it was “perfect football.”

“I spoke to Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Clement Lenglet, the French guys in Barcelona's team,” Coman said. “They told us we had played perfect football. We were so motivated, really confident. What we did, nobody can ever take away from us.”

Bayern begin the defence of their Champions League title at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has singled out Edouard Mendy after the Blues played to a 0-0 draw with Sevilla in Tuesday’s Champions League game.

The 28-year-old who joined the Stamford Bridge giants from Rennes as back-up for error-prone Kepa Arrizabalaga was handed his maiden appearance in the competition against the Spanish elite division side.

He was called to action in the closing stages of the first half, denying Argentine forward Lucas Ocampos after the hosts failed to clear a cross from the far side.

For his contributions, Mendy made three saves as the former European champions kept a clean slate against Julen Lopetegui’s side who dominated ball possession in the Group E contest.

Apart from the game, Lampard showered encomium on the Senegal international as well as Brazil’s Thiago Silva in the no victor, no vanquished encounter.

“In the three games Edouard Mendy has played since he has been here he has played very well,” the Chelsea legend told the club website.

“He made a good save today and that is two clean sheets. When he came in I said he will be great for competition.

“We knew his qualities and he has shown them, so at the moment he is first choice but that is always up for grabs and that is why you have competition.”

“Thiago Silva was very good [on Tuesday],” he continued.

“He brought both quality and experience as we hoped and he affects others around him. He was a big plus and a part in keeping the clean sheet.

“I will manage his workload this season. I have a very close relationship with him already and I remember being in that position towards the back end of my career so I will be very aware of his maintenance, training and game selection, to try to have him at his optimum.”

Following Rennes' 1-1 draw with FC Krasnodar, all teams in Group E are tied on one point after the first round of games.

Chelsea travel to face Manchester United in their next Premier League match, before returning to Champions League action with an away game against Krasnodar.

For Sevilla, they host Eibar next time out in La Liga, and that is followed up with a European contest with Rennes at Roman Sanchez Pizjuan.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has conceded he didn't know who Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick before the German took charge at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern have been drawn against Atletico, Lokomotiv Moscow and Red Bull Salzburg in Group A as they look to defend the Champions League crown they won in impressive fashion in 2019-20.

The German champions became the first team to win every single match in a Champions League campaign, beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy for the sixth time in their history.

That triumph completed a remarkable treble for Flick, who also delivered a domestic double after being drafted in as Niko Kovac's successor at Allianz Arena in November 2019.

The 55-year-old inherited the managerial reins on a caretaker basis initially, but was handed a permanent three-year deal in April after inspiring an impressive turnaround in fortunes.

Flick had previously served as assistant coach for Germany and Red Bull Salzburg, and spent five years at Bayern at the height of his playing career.

Despite his impressive resume, Oblak says had never heard of the Bayern tactician before his return to the Allianz, but has been hugely impressed with his recent achievements.

When asked about Flick coming up against Diego Simeone on the touchline in Europe on Wednesday night, the Atletico shot-stopper told Bild: "I actually didn't know him, I have to admit that. But now, of course, everyone around the world knows him."

"He has won all the titles that could be won. He did great."

Oblak added on Simeone's intimidating persona in the Atletico dugout: "On the outside, it might look like you should be afraid of him. But nobody has to be afraid of Diego.

"He's a normal guy, helps the players a lot, explains what he does on the sidelines, he primarily wants to motivate the players - and the fans in the stadium."

Ahead of Atletico's trip to Germany, the Slovenian also reserved praise for his Bayern counterpart Manuel Neuer, who won UEFA's Goalkeeper of the Year for his performances last season.

"He's the captain, he's one of the most important players for Bayern," said Oblak: "When Neuer is in good shape, he helps the team an incredible amount.

"I can only say good things about Neuer."

Orlando Pirates new signing Richard Ofori has admitted he is aware of the magnitude of the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

Pirates and their traditional foes Chiefs are set to face off in an MTN8 semi-final match on October 31, which would be 11 days after Ofori joined the Buccaneers.

It is not yet clear who will start in goal for Pirates on that day between Ofori, Wayne Sandilands and Siyabonga Mpontshane, but the Ghana number one goalkeeper admits he has been a keen follower of derby showdowns ever since he arrived at his former club Maritzburg United.

"I have been watching the derby games since I came to South Africa. I know how they are nice," Ofori told Marawa Sports Worldwide on Metro FM.

"Like when they are playing you see all the teams watching. Whenever they were playing [while I was at Maritzburg] you see all the teams [following them]. Even if they are not playing, you play early and then later you go and watch them.

"If they are playing in the afternoon, be yourself, you ask for a scoreline at half-time because we would have been playing. That's important that game is and you can enjoy it. I'm looking forward to it."

But Ofori joins a team that last won the Premier Soccer League title in 2012, a run that might not be associated with a traditional giant.

Their last piece of silverware was the 2014 Nedbank Cup and Ofori understands the weight of expectations on himself and his teammates' shoulders.

"As a big club that's what everyone is expecting [trophies]," said Ofori.

"It's not just any other club, it's one of the biggest clubs in the world so that's what the fans want for the team to win trophies. So I take it as a challenge."

Since arriving in South Africa in 2017, Ofori was at Maritzburg United, a team that never won a major trophy and lifting any with Pirates would be his first medal on these shores.

Kingsley Coman believes criticism of Paul Pogba at Manchester United is not justified, as he feels his France team-mate is there to provide balance rather than score all the goals.

Pogba returned to Manchester from Juventus to widespread fanfare in the summer of 2016, with the Frenchman tipped to lead United back to the summit of the Premier League.

There have been moments of brilliance and games where he has looked world class, but he has also struggled on occasions and last season he was beset by injuries.

With Bruno Fernandes now the main man in United’s midfield and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signing Donny van de Beek from Ajax in the summer, Pogba is under pressure to deliver.

Coman, no stranger to huge expectations during a fledgling career that has seen him represent Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and now Bayern Munich, believes Pogba is not deserving of the criticism he has received.

“I know Paul,” Coman told the Daily Mail . “Football is a lot in the head and the way you feel. When we are together in the national team, I know he feels so good.

"I am not in Manchester with him, so I don't know how he is when he's there, but in the national team he plays free in his mind, he can use all of his qualities.

“Maybe the pressure is different. In his first year in Manchester, I think he was the best player. He had the most assists, I think, but people were still not happy. They bought him and he was expensive but he is not supposed to be the one who scores all the goals and provides all the assists. He is there to give balance.”

Coman pointed to his former Bayern team-mate and summer signing for Liverpool, Thiago Alcantara, as an example of a midfielder who is lauded for what he does other than scoring goals.

“Thiago didn't score a lot of goals for Bayern, for example, but what he did was so important in the team, as important as Robert Lewandowski, who scores 50 goals,” Coman said.

Coman and his Bayern team-mates begin the defence of their Champions League crown at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, and the France international is determined to give the fans something to celebrate this term, after last season’s final win over Paris Saint-Germain was played behind closed doors due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“In this moment you want to feel like you are the King of Europe and we missed seeing our fans,” Coman, who scored the winner against PSG, said. “We are going to try to make it happen again this year.”

2022 World Cup hosts Qatar have excelled in the first sustainability report for the global tournament which was published on Wednesday. 

The report provides an update on the progress made by FIFA, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC in 2019 on the five sustainability commitments which include human rights, diversity and environmental protection.

Sustainable construction measures taken by Qatar at its various World Cup projects and the establishment of the public transport systems to reduce air, noise and vehicle pollution were also lauded. 

As far as human rights are concerned, the report takes note of the various Worker Welfare measures taken by Qatar to improve the standard of living for the people employed at the various sites. The human rights and safety training project has also been highlighted in the report. So has the voluntary carbon-offsetting programme aimed at making the 2022 World Cup a carbon-neutral event. 

“We are very glad to provide our stakeholders and the public with an overview of how much we advanced last year with the delivery of the Sustainability Strategy for the next edition of our flagship event. The report reflects our joint commitment to accountability and our drive to contribute to the evolution of best practices in the field of sustainability management in sporting events,” said FIFA’s Head of Sustainability & Environment, Federico Addiechi.

Some of the key achievements towards a sustainable project are:

“It’s fantastic to be able to share the progress that Qatar and FIFA have made across the many critical sustainability projects connected to the delivery of the FIFA World Cup. Sustainability remains at the core of our infrastructure and tournament operational planning, and by delivering a fully carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup through these various initiatives, we hope to set new standards for sustainable mega-event hosting and cement one of Qatar 2022’s most profound legacies,” added Engineer Bodour Al Meer, the SC’s Sustainability & Environment Senior Manager.

Mahmoud Qutub, the SC’s Workers’ Welfare Executive Director, said: “We are driven by a commitment to ensure the people building our stadiums and venues are treated with the utmost dignity and respect. The health, safety and protection of our workforce have always been at the forefront of our efforts. These workers play an important role in preparing Qatar to welcome the world in 2022 and their welfare is at the heart of the legacy this tournament will leave behind. Tangible changes in worker standards on our projects now serve as benchmarks across Qatar and the region.”

The organisers will continue monitoring their progress and publish a full sustainability report on the tournament in 2023. 

Emmanuel Dennis is overjoyed with his goal which propelled Club Brugge to a 2-1 win over FC Zenit Saint Petersburg on Tuesday night.

Philippe Clement’s men went to Krestovsky Stadium as underdogs owing to the absence of key players against the Russian Premier League title holders.

The Belgians were without goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Cote d’Ivoire’s Odilon Kossounou and Michael Krmencik, who are in isolation after contracting Covid-19, while Simon Deli was unavailable due to suspension.

Nevertheless, they took the lead in the 63rd minute after the Nigerian followed up on Charles De Ketelaere’s blocked shot to slot the ball past goalkeeper Mikhail Kerzhakov.

Zenit equalised eleven minutes later as Dejan Lovren’s shot from distance struck the post before rebounding off goalkeeper Ethan Horvath to sail into the net.

With the Group F encounter looking destined for a draw, De Ketelaere sealed the win with a late effort thanks to an assist from captain Ruud Vormer.

Speaking after the game, the 22-year-old who was substituted for Senegalese forward Youssouph Badji in the 82nd minute expressed his delight getting a goal against the Lions.

"I'm overjoyed with my goal," Dennis told the Club Brugge website.

"But much more important is the final 2-1 victory in this opening game of the Champions League.

“As champions of Belgium in the previous editions we were already very close a few times, but now that first is so important, victory is a fact and that feels really good.

“It took us a lot of energy, but when you win you feel it much less."

The former Zorya Luhansk striker who now boasts five goals in Champions League history also reflected on his desire to find the net against Zenit.

"Yes, you all know that I do like a joke, but nevertheless I am super happy that I was able to poke the ball against the ropes after two blocked chances by Charles."

Dennis would be hoping to score again when Club Brugge welcome Lazio to the Jan Breydel Stadium in their next game. Before then, he is expected to lead the Blue Black’s attack in a league outing at OH Leuven.

Watford captain Troy Deeney has admitted to speaking with Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho during pre-season, with the striker having been linked with a summer move back to the Premier League.

The Hornets failed to win their battle against relegation to the Championship in the 2019-20 season, sparking widespread speculation as to where several first-team starts might end up ahead of the new campaign.

And Deeney, who is entering the twilight years of his career as a top professional, admits that there were talks with a multitude of sides before he ultimately made the decision to remain at Vicarage Road.

“I’m 32. A lot of clubs were looking for a different style of striker as a back-up,” Deeney explained to talkSPORT. “Obviously everyone wants to play a certain way but when you get into certain moments you need someone to hold it up or if you are losing a game, go long.

“There were a lot of talks. Some things materialised, some things didn’t. The ones that were getting closer, you start thinking are you ready to go back to the Premier League to be a bit-part player.

“I’ve been at Watford 10 years and then you start weighing the options of calling it a day. When you get into that mould of being a super sub you can’t go back.”

Deeney gave little away with regards to how interested Spurs were in the summer, but did voice his admiration for the north London club, stating: “I saw Jose at the Watford vs Spurs game in pre-season. That’s all I will say.

“When you get to Spurs you know the difference between the lesser clubs and the big boys. It’s a different experience. I think we all watched the Amazon thing (All Or Nothing) - their training ground is ridiculous. Their stadium is ridiculous.

“You want to test yourself as well. I’m not going to go in there and say ‘I’m better than Harry Kane’. I know what I can do and what I can deliver and there’s not many people who can do what I can do.”

With Deeney now fully focused on Watford, however, the striker feels he has made the correct decision.

“When you have some of the offers I had... Sorry, I’m being a bit cryptic and I don’t want to put things out there around the media and I don’t want to kill myself. I’m trying to learn,” he said.

“You can rush to get back in the Premier League. Let’s say, for example, [I went to] West Ham and for whatever reason they get relegated. You’ve gone back for a seven-month period.

“Am I better off getting Watford re-promoted and staying with them? The redemption story kind of thing and finishing my career with Watford. They are the conversations you have with your family.”

Bruno Fernandes has the belief of Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona, according to Darren Fletcher, who hailed the Manchester United playmaker after his penalty retake against Paris Saint-Germain.

United marked their return to the Champions League with an impressive 2-1 win away at PSG on Tuesday night .

Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scored either side of an Anthony Martial own goal to give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side the best possible start to their Group H campaign, with fixtures against RB Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir to come.

The visitors won a penalty in the 23rd minute of the game when Abdou Diallo felled Martial in the box, but Fernandes saw his tame effort from 12 yards kept out by PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

However, the referee ended up ordering the spot-kick to be retaken after a VAR review judged that Navas had strayed from his goal-line before the ball was struck.

Fernandes had also missed a penalty during a 4-1 win over Newcastle in the Premier League at the weekend but he showed enough courage to step up to the plate again, and made no mistake at the second time of asking.

The Portuguese reverted back to his unique hop, skip and jump technique before firing into the bottom right-hand corner, sending Navas sprawling in the opposite direction.

Martial gifted PSG a way back into the game thereafter, heading the ball past David de Gea and into his own net, but Rashford had the final say with a superb strike from just outside the box in the 87th minute.

Fletcher was eager to highlight Fernandes' contribution post-match as he insisted the 26-year-old has the same unshakable mentality as United legends Ronaldo and Cantona.

“It is not a great penalty the first one, it goes too close to the goalkeeper, he goes back to his hop, skip and jump, but credit to him," the former Red Devils midfielder told BT Sport .

“He's the captain, and that could easily be an Eric Cantona or Cristiano Ronaldo, somebody having that belief in themselves that they missed a penalty at the weekend and missed a penalty there.

“But there was only one person taking that penalty there and that was Bruno Fernandes.”

Fernandes and his team-mates will now turn their attention to a huge clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday, with only two points separating the two sides in the early Premier League standings.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed the appointment of Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee as the new Harambee Stars head coach.

Mulee returns to the national fold and now takes the mantle from Francis Kimanzi who parted ways with FKF on mutual consent on Tuesday. The change – said to have been informed by a general team restructuring – came as Kenya prepare to play Comoros in November for an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier.

Kimanzi left the scene after he masterminded what had been tipped to be an unlikely friendly win against Zambia on October 9 at Nyayo Stadium. He had been appointed in 2019 to replace Sebastien Migne who he worked with as an assistant coach.

Mulee left a mark as the national team head coach after helping Harambee Stars qualify for the 2004 Afcon edition in Tunisia. He had – at his disposal – what has been regarded as one of Kenya’s greatest squads.

Under him were Dennis Oliech – Kenya’s top scorer with 34 goals - McDonald Mariga, Musa Otieno, John Baraza, Tom Juma, Jo ‘Mo’ Muiruri, Francis Onyiso, and Mike Okoth – Arnold Origi’s father - among several stars.

He is also credited to have mentored the current J1 League top scorer Michael Olunga and his appointment has provided an opportunity for the duo to work again at national level.

Mulee becomes the fifth coach to have been appointed by Nick Mwendwa since he took office in 2016.

Stanley Okumbi came and lasted from February 2016 to October 2017 as persistent public criticism saw him leave the position.

Paul Put was appointed to replace him and the tactician led Kenya to yet another Cecafa title as he lasted between November 2017 to February 2018 before he abruptly left after making damning allegations against FKF.

Kenya then settled for Migne who led the country to the 2019 Afcon finals but, a Chan qualifying setback against Tanzania saw him part ways with the team on mutual consent paving the way for Kimanzi’s rise to the helm.

Kimanzi remained in charge from August 2019 to October 20, 2020, and he left just days after Mwendwa had secured another four-year term as the FKF president.

Mulee and his technical bench are expected to help Harambee Stars fight for back-to-back Afcon qualifications with two matches – against Egypt and Togo - already played.

Manchester United's match-winner at Paris Saint-Germain, Marcus Rashford, was full of praise for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactics and stressed how his belief in the team has never wavered.

United have made a mixed start to the new season, with the lowlight being a 6-1 loss to Tottenham. But they travelled to Paris for Tuesday's game on the back of a 4-1 win at Newcastle United and took to their task with relish.

Solskjaer made changes, notably including Axel Tuanzebe in a three-man defence for his first start in 10 months, and the Norwegian was rewarded with a fine all-round display.

United went ahead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty on 23 minutes, and were fully deserving of their lead.

An own goal from Anthony Martial at the start of the second half raised the prospect of a PSG comeback, but United remained in control and Rashford popped up with a brilliant solo goal on 87 minutes to secure the three points.

Rashford was centre of attention after the game, but he placed the focus on his team-mates and the manager.

“I think the manager got it spot on today," Rashford told the club's official website. “The system allowed us to express ourselves going forward and to be tight defensively, which I think we did as well as we could. Of course, it’s a big win and a perfect position to be in because we have got a lot to improve on as well.

"It’s a good performance and a performance we have a lot to build on. I always believe in the team, as players it’s important to believe in the system the manager wants us to play. Today we did that fantastically.“

Victory in the French capital leaves United well placed at this early stage in Champions League Group H. RB Leipzig top the table on goal difference from the Red Devils, following a 2-0 win over Istanbul Basaksehir, but three points on the road in Paris could count for a lot later in the campaign.

United face RB Leipzig at Old Trafford next week, but prior to that they take on Chelsea in the Premier League and Rashford is looking for a similar performance on Saturday.

“At the end of the day we’re in a strong position now in the group," he said. "It’s the first game. 

"The concentration and the intensity we showed today we need to take into the next game in the Premier League.”

Following the revelation by interim head coach Michael Feichtenbeiner that the Red Giants have let go of five members of their first team, the club have announced that their places will be taken over by five of their reserve team players.

On Tuesday, the German told Astro Arena that the five have been let go in order to make way for their younger players in the coming Malaysia Cup campaign. He only named defender Nicholas Swirad, but rumoured to have also been cut were goalkeeper Farizal Harun, winger Khyril Muhymeen, and pre-season signing Anwar Ibrahim.

On the following day, the 33-time Malaysia Cup winners revealed the Selangor 2 players that have been promoted to the first team.

They are right back Quentin Cheng, goalkeeper Aqil Fadhly, centre back Sharul Nazeem, attacker Danial Asri and foreign player Bajram Nebiha.

Cheng and Sharul were regular starters in the Premier League, while Danial scored regularly for them. 

The inclusion of Nebiha and Aqil is curious somewhat, in that the club will have to drop one foreign player from the first team in order to make way for Nebiha, while Aqil has only been the reserve team's third-choice custodian.

In Selangor's three league matches under Feichtenbeiner, he had handed first team appearances to several Selangor 2 boys such as Mukhairi Ajmal, Aliff Haiqal and Zikri Khalili.

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