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Chelsea will face Manchester City in an all-English Women's Champions League quarter-final, with Barcelona potentially awaiting the winner.

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• Man City to face Chelsea in Champions League quarter-finals
• Winner could potentially take on Barcelona in semis
• Arsenal draw Real Madrid; Lyon get Bayern Munich

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  That clash between the two Women's Super League rivals means they will face each other four times in less than two weeks in March. That's because the pair will meet in the Women's League Cup final on March 15 and in the WSL on March 23, while the UWCL quarter-final first legs take place on March 18/19 and the second legs on March 26/27.

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  Elsewhere, Barcelona continue their quest for a third successive European triumph against two-time champions Wolfsburg, former winners Arsenal will take on Real Madrid and Lyon, who have won this competition a record eight times, will face Bayern Munich.

• WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL DRAW IN FULL

  REAL MADRID VS ARSENAL

  MANCHESTER CITY VS CHELSEA

  WOLFSBURG VS BARCELONA

  BAYERN MUNICH VS LYON

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The winner of that tie between Man City and Chelsea will face the winner of Wolfsburg vs Barcelona in the semi-finals, while Arsenal or Real Madrid will take on Lyon or Bayern Munich in the last four.

James Rodriguez has endured an interesting start to life in Mexico having been kicked not once but twice in his last two appearances

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Article continues belowRodriguez was on the receiving end of a brutal tackle by Montiel

Incident occurred in first-half stoppage time with the score tied at 1-1

Second time in as many matches Rodriguez has been involved in an incident

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• Rodriguez was on the receiving end of a brutal tackle by Montiel
• Incident occurred in first-half stoppage time with the score tied at 1-1
• Second time in as many matches Rodriguez has been involved in an incident

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  In a stunning turn of events, James Rodriguez’s time in Mexico has yet again been plagued with a kick to his body after the midfielder was on the receiving end of a brutal tackle. The 33-year-old was kicked in the neck area by Pachuca's Elias Montiel in a Liga MX match Wednesday evening. The incident took place in first half stoppage time as Rodriguez attempted to control a long-range pass when Montiel flew in to challenge him.

  The referee immediately sent the Pachuca star off, and despite looking worse for wear, Rodriguez was fine to carry on and proved to be the difference maker. He played the full 90 minutes and thanks to the man advantage, Leon walked away with a 2-1 win and moved to the top of the table.

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  WHAT JAMES RODRIGUEZ SAID ABOUT THE RED CARD

  James Rodriguez had a lot to say after his side’s win but he believes that team still have a long way to go even after their 2-1 victory over Pachuca. The Colombian added that it was a tough match against the reigning CONCACAF Champions Cup champions despite the advantage that his side had.

  “We won a tough match, they controlled the first half. But well, we have to correct things, there is still a long way to go. The good thing is that we are going through a good phase, we have already played five games and we are thinking about the next one . Now we just have to be well and calm to think about Saturday, which will also be tough.

  “I wish we had a complete game playing well , but it is true that you cannot always control the game. I think that their red card helped a lot and we played a pretty good second half and I think that if we continue along this same path we will be fine.”

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  Despite his fitness issues, Rodriguez has not only managed to play all but one game for Club Leon since signing for them but has also taken over the captain’s armband. This is reflected in the midfielder’s performances on the field, with him playing a key role in the club’s early success. So much so, that Leon have won five straight games for the first time in their history.

  However, the Colombian’s start to the Liga MX has certainly been interesting as he has already been kicked twice in as many games for Leon. The first came during a game against Chivas towards the end of January, where Rodriguez was kicked by manager Oscar Garcia after a melee occurred during the game. Garcia has since apologised for his role in the melee and for kicking Rodriguez.

Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to the 2024/25 campaign under new head coach Enzo Maresca, with only two defeats in all competitions so far.

They have only lost once, in the second leg of their Europa Conference League qualifying tie with Servette, since they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on the opening day of the season.

The Blues are currently sat in fourth place in the Premier League, with four wins and two draws in seven outings, as they look to compete for a place in the Champions League next term.

Maresca has put any doubts over his ability to manage the club to one side, for now, following his move from Leicester City in the summer, and his work in the transfer market has helped.

Summer signing Jaden Sancho has registered an eye-catching three assists in four Premier League games for Chelsea, since his move to Stamford Bridge on a season-long loan from rivals Manchester United.

However, the January transfer window is coming up in less than three months and the Blues are reportedly looking to potentially add another winger to their stable of options on the flanks.

Chelsea's interest in Bundesliga whiz

According to BILD, the English giants are one of a number of sides showing an interest in Borussia Dortmund youngster Jamie Gittens ahead of the next window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report claims that Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also lining up a swoop for the former Manchester City academy talent, having tracked his progress in Germany with Nuri Sahin’s side this season.

This shows that there will be significant competition from other top sides in England if Chelsea do decide to act upon their interest in Gittens in January.

It states that all three clubs have sent scouts to watch the England U21 international in action to assess whether or not he would be a good addition to their respective squads.

There is no mention of how much it would take to tempt Dortmund into cashing in on the right-footed sensation, but a report in Spain earlier this year suggested that an offer of €30m (£25m) could be enough to get a deal done.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea are prepared to act upon their interest by making a formal offer for the 20-year-old starlet.

Irrespective of that, though, this should come as bad news for current Blues forward Mykhailo Mudryk, who has found game time hard to come by already this season.

Why this is bad news for Mykhailo Mudryk

The Ukraine international is struggling to break into Maresca’s starting XI and the arrival of another winger would only add further competition for a starting berth on the left flank.

Like Mudryk, Gittens is a young left winger who likes to use his pace to get in behind or cut inside onto his favoured right foot to get shots off on goal, which means that they are similar in style.

Chelsea swooped to sign the attacker from Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported fee of £88.5m in January 2023 and he has failed to produce consistency in his performances in almost two years at the club.

The 23-year-old flop has only provided seven goals and seven assists in 66 appearances in all competitions for the Blues to date, with five goals and four assists in 50 Premier League outings, which shows that he has not offered much as either a scorer or a creator of goals.

Since Maresca’s arrival at Stamford Bridge in the summer, the £88.5m forward’s chances to impress have been limited in the English top-flight.

As you can see in the table above, Mudryk has only started one match in the Premier League and has struggled in and out of possession when he has been on the pitch, losing the majority of his physical battles and being far too loose in his use of the ball.

The attacker, who did land an assist against Gent in the Conference League, should now be concerned about Chelsea’s reported interest in Gittens, who plays in his position, as it suggests that the club want to add another player to put more distance between him and the starting XI.

Why Chelsea should sign Jamie Gittens

At the age of 20, the England U21 international could come in as a player for the future whilst also being able to make an impact in the short-term.

Due to his youth and inexperience, Gittens may not expect to come in as a regular starter and could accept being the second-choice behind Sancho, for now, on the left wing.

Whereas, Mudryk turns 24 in January and should be wanting to play week-in-week-out at this point in his career to take his game to the next level. It currently looks unlikely that he is going to do that at Chelsea and the arrival of another winger would do little to change that.

Gittens, who only turned 20 in August, has enjoyed a strong start to the season with Dortmund and could come in and offer more quality on the flank than the Ukraine international has.

As you can see in the table above, the English sensation has already racked up four goals and one assist in eight appearances in all competitions so far this term, whilst Mudryk has only scored seven goals in his entire Chelsea career.

Gittens, who was described as a “wonderkid” by scout Jacek Kulig, also managed one goal and six assists in 14 Bundesliga starts as a teenager during the 2023/24 campaign.

These statistics, and his form this season, suggest that the potential is there for the former Cityzens prospect to come in and be an upgrade on Mudryk, whilst also being three years younger, and that is why the news of Chelsea’s interest in him should come as bad news for the Ukrainian flop.

Chelsea wasted £48m on Tuchel signing who earned more than Palmer

His move to Stamford Bridge simply didn’t work out.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 13, 2024

Manchester City are not ruling out the possibility of selling a £130,000 per week outcast next summer, despite the fact he is desperate to fight for his place, according to a recent report. The Blues are back in action on Wednesday evening as they look to continue their unbeaten start to this season’s Champions League. It has been another good start to a campaign for Pep Guardiola’s side, but despite that, they already have their eye on potential transfers for 2025.

Man City shortlist "amazing" Raphinha with Barca reluctantly open to sale

Man City have been keeping an eye on the former Premier League star for some time now.

By
Brett Worthington

Oct 22, 2024

Man City transfer news

Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte is a player who has emerged on City’s radar in the last few days, as the Argentine continues to impress while on loan at Leicester City. The attacking midfielder has been a standout performer for the Foxes, and that has caught the attention of City as well as Liverpool, with the Seagulls potentially open to a sale in the summer should they get an offer of around £25 million, a fee both City and Liverpool are willing to pay.

As well as the Blues keeping an eye on Buonanotte, City also hold an interest in Barcelona’s Raphinha, as they have shortlisted the Brazilian star. The 27-year-old has been of interest to the Premier League side since 2023, and they have continued to keep an eye on his situation, but they do face competition for his signature, as Al-Nassr are also interested.

City have followed Raphinha for over a year and a half now, but at this stage he isn’t considered a priority target. However, that could change given the news that is emerging about the future of one of City’s current players.

Man City are ready to sell Matheus Nunes

According to Give Me Sport, Manchester City are ready to sell Matheus Nunes at the end of the season, despite him being keen to fight for a place in their starting XI. The 26-year-old joined the Blues during the 2023 summer transfer window, but the return of İlkay Gündoğan has pushed him further down the pecking order.

Nunes, who is on a weekly wage of £130,000, has started just two games in all competitions for City this season prior to Wednesday’s clash with Sparta Praha, playing a total of 232 minutes of football. But that could change this week, as this report states that Nunes could be in line for starts against the Prague-based outfit and also vs Southampton.

However, even though he could start back-to-back games this week, Nunes is still in line to be sold by the Manchester City board at the end of the season if he doesn’t make a good impact in the side. The Portuguese international is determined to make the grade at the Etihad, telling those high up at the club that he wants to force his way into Pep’s first choice XI, but that now looks unlikely.

The 26-year-old is contracted to the club until the summer of 2028, and having paid £53 million to bring him from Wolves, the Blues will be looking to recoup a lot of that money should they decide to move him on next summer.

Kylian Mbappe has been warned Caen are "dying and will die" as the Real Madrid superstar's ownership of the French club becomes a nightmare.

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• World Cup completed takeover in 2024
• Caen face threat of relegation into third tier
• Supporters unhappy with superstar owner

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The World Cup-winning forward became the majority stakeholder at Caen in July 2024. His arrival was greeted with excitement by a long-suffering fanbase, but relegation into the third tier of French football for the first time in 41 years is now very much on the cards.

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  Supporters have been venting their frustration, with a “SMC is not your toy” banner sending a very clear message to Mbappe after he contribute to the decision to part with head coach Nicolas Seube in December. His successor, Bruno Baltazar, has also been moved on as Caen find themselves stuck in a rut.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mbappe has tired to lift spirits in the camp, saying in a message ahead of the club’s latest fixture: “It's important for me to be here. I want to show my support, to be in contact with everyone and for them to know that they count on me, and especially in the situation we're in. If I'm here it's because I believe in the project. I wanted to have come earlier but it was impossible. I told them that I was with them and that they had to believe. And I saw a group that is not resigned and wants to change the results.

  “I think that with the quality of the team and the support of the fans, things can change and I hope that this is a turning point. In football, we have seen that nothing is impossible. There is a lack of confidence, but I think that a good result can change the team's spiral. I understand the frustration of the people, as I have told them personally, because I have not been through this before. It is normal to be angry, but the people support, fill the stadium and our mission is to give our best.”

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  WHAT EX-PSG STAR SAID

  While Mbappe is doing his best to stay positive, former Paris Saint-Germain star Jerome Rothen has told of why a surprising venture from the Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ appears destined to fail. Rothen said: “The situation at Caen is critical. The club is going through serious difficulties at all levels. Mbappe's management has been problematic since he took over at Caen. He had the opportunity to come and explain to the players, the employees or the mayor his vision of things at the Stade Malherbe, but he didn't want to.

  “When he had days off, he could have gone to Caen instead of going to Sweden. Now it's too late. This club is dying, and it will die. It will be in the National League and it will be lucky if it gets back on its feet.”

Real Betis have received a huge boost as in-form winger Antony's red card has been rescinded in time for Saturday's clash with Real Madrid.

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• Antony sent off against Getafe
• Red card has been rescinded on appeal
• Brazilian available to play against Real Madrid

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Antony has been playing a starring role for Betis since moving from Manchester United on loan in January after a dismal spell with the Red Devils. However, the Brazilian was hit by a blow last time out as he was shown a straight red card for a lunging tackle against Getafe, earning a ban that would have seen him miss Saturday's visit from Carlo Ancelotti's side.

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  Betis appealed the red card and have now seen it rescinded, meaning Antony is free from suspension and available for selection. The Brazilian looks certain to feature against the defending Liga champions after bagging three goals and adding two assists in just six outings for Manuel Pellegrini's side since his loan move from Old Trafford.

• ANTONY REACTS TO DECISION

  There's no doubt that Antony and his team-mates are delighted at the news. Betis forward Isco has already described the Manchester United loanee as a "brutal talent," while the club were quick to show how Antony celebrated with his team-mates after finding out his red card had been rescinded.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL BETIS

  Real Betis have a free week to prepare for Real Madrid's visit and should be fresh for Saturday's match. However, it's a different story for Los Blancos, who take on Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday before travelling to Seville.

Ipswich Town are still without a Premier League win this season. Now just over a quarter of the way through the campaign, Kieran McKenna’s side currently sit 18th in the table, having drawn five and lost five of their 10 games so far.

They’ve come close to winning on numerous occasions, however, none more so than against relegation rivals Leicester City at the weekend. With 94 minutes on the clock at Portman Road, the Tractor Boys found themselves 1-0 up against the Foxes thanks to a second-half goal from Leif Davis.

However, with practically the last kick of the game, Leicester forward Jordan Ayew played a neat one-two with striker Jamie Vardy and fired in a well-deserved equaliser to break Ipswich hearts.

McKenna's position safe

Despite the defeat, and his side’s position in the Premier League, McKenna’s job remains safe. In an interview with BBC Radio Suffolk this week, Ipswich Town CEO and chairman Mark Ashton said that the Northern Irishman will remain as manager of the club, regardless of what happens this season.

“It doesn’t even enter my head,” Aston said about the prospect of sacking McKenna. “It’s madness.”

In the same interview, Ashton also suggested that McKenna could have some money to spend in the January transfer window to try and keep his side in the top division.

Ipswich flop now cannot be trusted to play for McKenna again

The experienced veteran has hit another wall at Ipswich.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 6, 2024

“Cash and the spending of cash won’t be the issue. The amount of cash we spend will be dictated by Financial Fair Play [FFP],” said Ashton.

He added: “The two clubs we were promoted with are both on parachute payments and, by the way, still had 50% of their squads from their previous time in the Premier League, so only needed to recruit four or five players. We’re behind, behind, behind, and we’re playing catch-up as quickly as we can.

“We’ll be brave and bold, we won’t be reckless, but we can’t spend what the others spend because we don’t have the Financial Fair Play headroom. They do. When I joined the club, revenue was around £30 million. We’ll break through £150+ million this year, I’m sure, but it’s still not enough.”

Tottenham up next

Up next in the Premier League for Ipswich is a tough trip to North London to face Tottenham, who in recent weeks have been firing on all cylinders. Spurs have won four of their last five games in all competitions, beating both league champions Manchester City and Champions League flyers Aston Villa.

Ange Postecoglou’s side thumped Villa 4-1, with Dominic Solanke on the scoresheet twice in an impressive win for the Lilywhites.

Speaking after his side’s victory over Villa, Postecoglou was full of praise for the Solanke, who joined Spurs from Bournemouth for a fee of £60 million in the summer: “I can’t speak highly enough of what he is contributing to our team at the moment. Long may it continue.”

McKenna will be hoping otherwise.

Hansi Flick was emotional while remembering club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia, who tragically passed away last week.

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• Barca doctor passed away last weekend
• Flick paid tribute while addressing press
• Club will hold a minute's silence this week

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The past few days have been emotionally difficult for everyone associated with Barcelona. Last Saturday, Carles Minarro Garcia, a respected doctor for the first team, tragically passed away. On Monday, head coach Flick paid tribute to Dr. Minarro, reflecting on the loss of a close colleague during a press conference. The attendees observed a minute of silence in honor of the doctor before Flick shared a few heartfelt words in remembrance.

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  As reported by MARCA, the first team players arrived at the Montjuic stadium on Saturday, ahead of their LaLiga clash against Osasuna, unaware of the tragic news about their doctor. He was found deceased in his hotel room at the Hotel Melina Gran Melia, where the team had been staying before their match. Upon special request from the club, the game against Osasuna was suspended.

  The players were joined by club president Joan Laporta, sporting director Deco, and football coordinator Bojan Krkic at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Sunday morning, where they observed a minute's silence in memory of their beloved doctor ahead of training.

  On Monday, Flick, typically known for his composed demeanor, struggled to hold back his emotions while speaking about Dr. Minarro. He went on to share heartfelt words in remembrance of the doctor, stating that he was crucial to the team's success.

• WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID

  "The President [Joan Laporta] also said something in the dressing room, he said it on Sunday and I spoke to the team yesterday. It’s a big loss, he was a great person and a great doctor," Flick told reporters (h/t Football Espana). "He was unbelievable for the team and for the club, the team he formed with Ricard, he was a piece in the puzzle of our success.

  "We will miss him, but sometimes that’s life. We want to play for him, in this situation it’s very important to win for him. We are ready for it. We must continue, it’s our job. It’s an important situation for the club and we want to do well."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  After taking on Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday night, Barcelona face a potential title-decider in La Liga as they visit third-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Diego Simeone's men are just one point behind Barcelona, albeit having played an extra game.

New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has a huge opportunity to be a success at Old Trafford after his appointment over the last couple of weeks.

The former Portugal international arrived from Sporting CP, taking over from Erik ten Hag, with his first match in charge against Ipswich Town this weekend.

Instant success isn’t to be expected under the 39-year-old, with Amorim needing to put his ideas across to the current crop of first-team players if he is to change the recent fortunes of the Red Devils.

Since the 2012/13 campaign, the club have failed to win any Premier League titles, often facing a battle to secure a top-four place rather than fighting the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for title glory.

However, his new system could be about to change fortunes on the pitch, giving the supporters a reason to be proud of their side and end their long wait for any form of tangible league success should it have the same impact as it did in the Liga Portugal.

Amorim’s 3-4-3 system at Manchester United

Over the years, many managers in charge of United have opted for the same tactical setup, often failing to have the desired impact upon their appointment.

A 4-2-3-1 system has often been the go-to under the likes of Ten Hag, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and José Mourinho, but Amorim looks set to finally move away from that tactic.

During his time with the Portuguese outfit, he frequently utilised a 3-4-3 system, allowing them to win the title in two of his four years in charge.

The 39-year-old has already been captured trying to transfer the aforementioned formation into his new United side during his first training session on Monday afternoon, utilising numerous players in slightly different roles.

Brazilian winger Antony featured in an unfamiliar right wing-back role during the session, placing more of a defensive responsibility on his shoulders, but it could also be a move that could get the best out of the talent after his unsuccessful stint since 2022.

Luke Shaw operated in a left centre-back role, whilst Marcus Rashford was used in a more familiar centre-forward position – somewhere he hasn’t featured in regularly after the arrivals of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

The system requires his tempo play in possession, utilising the width, whilst also having high-intensity sprints after losing possession to prevent any counterattacks.

It could allow one player to feature in a brand-new position, potentially handing the club their own version of an elite-level talent.

The player who could become United’s own Vini Jr

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has developed into one of the very best talents in Europe over the last couple of years, scoring 36 goals over the last two seasons under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Brazilian came perilously close to claiming the Ballon d’Or a couple of weeks ago but finished second behind Spanish midfielder Rodri – with many expecting the 24-year-old to claim the trophy over the City star.

However, United may already have their own version of the talent on their books in the form of winger Amad Diallo, who could hugely benefit from the appointment of Amorim.

The Ivorian would likely feature as one of the central attacking midfielders within the new system, allowing for increased opportunities on the ball, with the wing-backs providing the width – which could see Diallo cut onto his stronger left foot as seen during his time on loan at Sunderland.

The 22-year-old has starred for the Red Devils in recent weeks, registering two goals and one assist in his last two outings under temporary boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Interestingly, he’s averaged 7.22 runs with the ball towards the opposition’s penalty area per 90 this season, trailing Vini Jr by just 0.8 so far this campaign – with his new role potentially allowing him to reach the next level and emulate the Madrid star’s success.

Amad clearly has a lot of potential, as demonstrated by the £36m fee splashed on his services a couple of years ago, but is yet to demonstrate such levels on a consistent basis at Old Trafford.

The future “superstar” as dubbed by Liam Canning, has the opportunity to kick on under Amorim in his new role, potentially playing in a new role and becoming vital throughout the transition under the 39-year-old.

It may take the side a few months to benefit from the appointment, but Diallo has the opportunity to be the biggest beneficiary, hopefully taking his game to the next level, matching the potential he demonstrated upon his big-money transfer.

Forgotten Man Utd ace looks vital after Amorim's first training session

Ruben Amorim held his first training session at Manchester United on Monday.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 19, 2024

France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has refuted rumours that he was responsible for Antoine Griezmann's retirement from international football.

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• Griezmann announced retirement in September
• Mbappe refuted claims he was responsible
• Opened up on his relationship with Griezmann

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Griezmann announced his retirement from the French national team in September 2024, calling it time after making 137 appearances for his country and scoring 44 goals. The 33-year-old forward was an integral part of the France side that lifted the World Cup for the second time in their history in 2018.

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  At the time of his retirement, Mbappe shared a heartfelt note for his compatriot as he hailed Griezmann as one of the greats of the modern era of French football. The Real Madrid star, however, was accused of being responsible for the experienced attacker quitting the national team. In a chat with , the 26-year-old refuted those rumours as he opened up on his relationship with the Atletico star.

• WHAT KYLIAN MBAPPE SAID

  In the interview, Mbappe said: "We often talk with Antoine. I love his son, he's a football fanatic, he reminds me a bit of myself when I was little. I love him, Amaro. But after that, it's true that it's complicated because we're in a city where our two teams are real rivals.

  "But I can assure you, we have a very good relationship with Antoine. He's already invited me to his house quite a few times for a barbecue. It hasn't happened yet, but we're sure to get there. We live next door, in the same building."

  The Madrid forward further claimed that he was aware of Griezmann's retirement decision before he made the formal announcement. He added: "Not only did I know he was going to quit, but he also explained why. But it's always the same, it's his decision, only he can explain to you why he made that choice."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?

  After missing the last two international breaks, Mbappe is back in Didier Deschamps' squad and will lead Les Bleus in their two-legged Nations League quarter-final clash against Croatia on March 20 and 23.