‘Now Is the Time to Wish Portugal Good Luck’ — Ronaldo Says as He Leaves Portugal Camp

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team’s training camp after a turbulent period surrounding his role in the squad, saying he will eventually explain the reasons behind his decision.

Ronaldo announced his departure on Wednesday following the national team coach’s press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. 

In a statement, the 41-year-old said his decision was made after the conversation with the federation president but did not disclose the specific circumstances that led to his departure.

“After the National Team Coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I made the decision to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.

The Portugal captain said he would reveal his reasons at a later date.

“In due time, I will tell the truth to all Portuguese people about the reasons that motivated my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,” he added.

Ronaldo’s departure comes after he was left on the bench for Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday. He had started Portugal’s previous match against Wales but was substituted during the game. 

Head coach Jorge Jesus had also indicated that Ronaldo would not start Portugal’s upcoming Nations League match against Denmark, adding to speculation about tensions surrounding the veteran forward’s position in the team. 

Reports have linked the situation to disagreements over Ronaldo’s role, although the player has not publicly confirmed the specific reason for his departure. Reuters reported that the exit followed a turbulent period and reports of tension between Ronaldo and Jesus. 

Despite the circumstances, Ronaldo ended his statement by wishing the national team and his teammates well.

“Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception,” he said.

Ronaldo’s statement does not amount to an announcement of his retirement from international football. He had said earlier in September that he had considered leaving the national team after the 2026 World Cup but would inform supporters before his eventual final match for Portugal. 

For now, the reasons behind his latest decision remain undisclosed, with Ronaldo saying he will provide his account “in due time.”

Manchester City Reportedly Found Guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League Charges

Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against the club by the Premier League over alleged breaches of financial regulations.

The reports, first reported by The Athletic and The Times, come after a long-running case concerning Manchester City’s finances and its alleged failure to comply with Premier League financial rules. Reuters has also reported the 114-1 outcome, citing the reports.

However, Manchester City have said the legal process remains ongoing and have not publicly accepted the reported verdict as a concluded matter.

“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” a club spokesperson said.

“As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.”

The club also said it had respected due process throughout the proceedings and expected the process to be conducted independently and fairly.

The charges relate to alleged financial rule breaches covering a number of seasons, as well as allegations that Manchester City failed to cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation. The club has consistently denied wrongdoing.

The Premier League announced the charges in February 2023, with the case subsequently heard by an independent commission. The hearing concluded in December 2024 after a lengthy process.

No punishment has yet been announced in connection with the reported findings. According to reports, Manchester City are expected to appeal, meaning the case could continue through another stage of the legal process.

The reported findings therefore do not yet represent the end of the dispute, with the club maintaining that the Premier League process is still ongoing.

Brentford’s Michael Kayode Chooses Italy Over Nigeria, Says It’s a Very Easy Decision

Brentford defender Michael Kayode has revealed that Nigeria approached him about representing the country at international level, but said he never considered switching his international allegiance from Italy.

Kayode, 22, has represented Italy throughout the youth ranks and has now received his first senior call-up to the Italian national team ahead of the country’s upcoming international fixtures.

Speaking about his international future, Kayode said his decision to represent Italy was straightforward after progressing through the country’s youth teams.

“It was a very easy decision. I went through all the youth teams here. Nigeria approached me, but I never thought about changing national teams,” he said, according to Football Italia.

The defender also described representing Italy as an honour, adding that he has always regarded the country as having a strong national team.

Kayode previously helped Italy win the European Under-19 Championship, scoring the winning goal in the final against Portugal as the Azzurri claimed the title for the first time.

He said he only learned about his senior call-up after Brentford’s match against Chelsea, discovering the news on his phone at the final whistle.

“It was an incredible emotion, especially after such a big win,” he said.

Kayode began his professional career with Fiorentina before joining Brentford on loan in January 2025 in a deal reportedly worth €500,000, with an option to buy.

Brentford later made the move permanent for a reported €17.5 million.

The defender has made 63 appearances for Brentford, scoring two goals and providing three assists, according to the information provided for the report.

Kayode also identified former Italy defender Paolo Maldini as his main football inspiration, particularly because of his defensive qualities.

“Many full-backs inspire me, but the main one is Maldini. I love defending, and I believe he is the exception in this sport worldwide,” he said.

The Brentford defender has also attracted attention for his long throw-ins, a skill he said he discovered and developed further after joining the English club.

“One day, I woke up and found out I could do long throw-ins,” Kayode said.

He explained that Brentford has a coach who focuses on the technique and that the club has incorporated it into training and matches.

Kayode’s senior Italy call-up now represents the latest stage of his international career after his progression through the country’s youth teams.

“Support Arsenal to Honour King Oyo”, Archbishop’s Funeral Remark Sparks Mixed Reactions

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba’s call to support Arsenal in honour of King Oyo has generated mixed reactions online.

A remark by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, encouraging people to support Arsenal in honour of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has sparked mixed reactions online.

Kaziimba made the comment on Saturday during the funeral service for King Oyo at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, Uganda, as he spoke about the late monarch’s passion for sports.

“Let us promote sports, because he loved sports so much. He supported local tournaments, he supported the Uganda Cranes. Above all, he supported Arsenal. So, if you want to follow his legacy, support Arsenal, all of you,” the Archbishop said, drawing laughter and applause from mourners.

The comment was made as part of a broader appeal for the people of Tooro to preserve the late king’s legacy by continuing to support causes he promoted during his reign, including tourism, agriculture and sport.

However, reactions to the Arsenal remark were divided after the comment circulated on social media.

Some users welcomed the Archbishop’s words, with one commenter writing, “Arsenal oveeeee!!!! We need to win the Champions League to honour our King!!!”

Another user said, “In Omusuga’s voice all of us to support Arsenal! Nangwa,” appearing to embrace the Archbishop’s appeal.

Others took the comment humorously, with one user writing that supporting Arsenal was like “standing in the mid of the road when the big lorry is coming your way.”

Another commenter joked that it was unfortunate that King Oyo died without seeing Arsenal win the UEFA Champions League.

However, not everyone found the remark appropriate.

One user criticised the timing, writing, “I support Arsenal but this is nonsense at this time!”

Another questioned why football was being discussed during a funeral, saying the Archbishop should have been addressing more serious issues instead.

Other comments were more critical of Kaziimba personally, with some users describing the remark as inappropriate given the solemn nature of the occasion.

The reactions highlight the different ways people interpreted the Archbishop’s attempt to connect King Oyo’s sporting interests with his broader legacy.

King Oyo was known for his interest in sports and was particularly associated with Arsenal. During the funeral, Kaziimba also recalled the late monarch’s support for local sporting activities and the Uganda Cranes.

The Archbishop’s wider message, however, focused on unity and continuing the work King Oyo promoted during his reign. He urged the people of Tooro to remain united in grief and use the period to advance causes associated with the late monarch.

“In grief, unity is so key. Grief shouldn’t divide us; grief should bind us,” Kaziimba said during the burial service.

King Oyo was buried on Saturday at the Karambi Royal Tombs following a funeral service attended by thousands of mourners. He died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34 after receiving cancer treatment.

The late monarch ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three and became known internationally as the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time. His death was followed by a succession dispute within the royal family, with clan elders selecting Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as his successor while members of Oyo’s family contested the decision.

BREAKING: Hull City Confirms Sorba Thomas Unharmed After Road Accident

Hull City confirmed Sorba Thomas was unharmed after his car overturned near the club’s Cottingham training ground.

Hull City winger Sorba Thomas has escaped injury after his car overturned in a road traffic accident near the club’s training ground in Cottingham, England.

The incident occurred on Friday morning on Millhouse Wood Lane, a residential road close to Hull City’s training facilities.

Images circulating on social media showed Thomas’s Land Rover Defender overturned and resting on its roof, prompting concern among supporters after the pictures spread online.

Hull City subsequently confirmed that the Wales international was unharmed in the accident.

“We are relieved to confirm that Sorba Thomas is unharmed following a road traffic accident near to the club’s Cottingham training ground,” the club said in a statement.

The club added that Thomas had emerged from the vehicle completely unscathed and had sustained no injuries.

Humberside Police were reportedly at the scene following the accident, while the circumstances that led to the vehicle overturning had not been publicly established at the time of reporting.

Thomas, 27, joined Hull City from Stoke City during the final stages of the summer transfer window. He made his Premier League debut for the club as a substitute in Hull’s goalless draw against Aston Villa on September 5.

He also featured for the club in their EFL Cup fixture against Sunderland on Tuesday before Friday’s accident.

The accident comes a day before Hull City are scheduled to face Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.

The club has not indicated whether Thomas’s involvement in the match will be affected by the incident.

 

BREAKING: Lionel Messi Retires From International Football After 21 Years With Argentina

 

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year career with the national team.

The 39-year-old football icon made the announcement on Monday, August 31, 2026, in an emotional statement shared on social media, confirming that he will no longer represent Argentina at international level.

Messi said the decision was painful but one he believes is right for him at this stage of his career. He explained that he had given everything to the Argentine national team throughout his career and now believes it is time to allow a new generation of players to take over.

“I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give,” Messi said, while expressing his continued love for the national team and promising to support Argentina from outside the pitch.

The announcement comes after Messi led Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain. The match has now been confirmed as the final international appearance of his illustrious career.

Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, finishing his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals.

His international career reached its defining moment in 2022 when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. He also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the most decorated players in Argentine football history.

Messi revealed that he had actually written his retirement message on July 21, two days after the 2026 World Cup final, but delayed making the decision public.

He said the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8 further strengthened his decision. Jorge was not only Messi’s father but also played a major role in managing his career.

In his farewell message, Messi thanked his family, coaches, teammates, officials and millions of Argentine supporters who stood by him throughout his journey.

He also expressed pride in everything Argentina achieved during his time with the national team, saying he leaves with peace knowing that he and his teammates gave fans moments they had once only dreamed of.

Messi’s retirement from international football marks the end of one of the most celebrated eras in the history of the Argentina national team.

He is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Shakhtar Donetsk to Play Champions League Home Games at Stamford Bridge

Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home matches in this season’s UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge, the home ground of Chelsea.

The arrangement comes after Chelsea failed to qualify for European competition following a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, leaving Stamford Bridge available for Shakhtar’s Champions League home fixtures.

Chelsea confirmed the agreement, saying the club was pleased to provide Shakhtar with the opportunity to host their European matches in London.

“Given Chelsea FC’s disappointing 2025/26 season and failure to qualify for European football, the club is pleased to provide FC Shakhtar with the opportunity to play in London,” Chelsea said.

The Premier League club added that Shakhtar had previously played their home matches in different countries across Europe and said it looked forward to welcoming the Ukrainian side to London for their Champions League campaign.

Chelsea also said it would work closely with Shakhtar in the coming weeks to ensure that matchdays are conducted safely and smoothly for both the Ukrainian club and its supporters.

Shakhtar welcomed the agreement, describing the opportunity to play their Champions League home fixtures at Stamford Bridge as a special one.

“Playing our Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity for Shakhtar. We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club for the opportunity to host our games at this special venue,” the Ukrainian club said.

Shakhtar added that Stamford Bridge’s history and atmosphere would provide a memorable experience for both Ukrainian and English supporters.

“Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous stadiums in world football, with an incredible history and atmosphere. We are convinced that Shakhtar’s matches in London will provide unforgettable emotions for Ukrainian and English fans,” the club said.

The decision continues Shakhtar’s long-running search for suitable venues outside Ukraine amid the ongoing war, which has prevented the club from regularly hosting European fixtures at its traditional home.

Stamford Bridge will therefore provide the Ukrainian champions with a high-profile London base as they begin their latest Champions League campaign.

Manchester United, Tottenham Suffer Shock Defeats as Premier League Opening Weekend Delivers Drama

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have endured disappointing starts to the 2026/27 Premier League season after both clubs suffered heavy defeats on Saturday.

Manchester United were stunned 2-0 by newly promoted Hull City, while Tottenham were beaten 3-0 away by Brentford in a damaging opening-day result for new manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The results capped a dramatic Saturday in the Premier League, with promoted sides making a strong impression and several established clubs dropping points.

Manchester United’s defeat at Hull was particularly unexpected. Hull, returning to the Premier League after nine years away, produced a disciplined performance and secured their first league victory over United in 52 years. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring before Nobel Mendy added a second, with both goals exposing problems in United’s defending from set pieces. 

United dominated possession but struggled to turn that control into meaningful attacking opportunities. The defeat represents an early setback for Michael Carrick, who had guided the club to a third-place finish last season and entered the new campaign with renewed optimism. 

For Hull, however, it was a dream return to the top flight and a statement victory against one of England’s biggest clubs.

Tottenham’s opening-day experience was even more emphatic. Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Brentford, with Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Michael Kayode finding the net as Brentford produced a dominant performance.

Tottenham also missed a penalty through Igor Thiago, adding to a frustrating afternoon for De Zerbi in his first Premier League match in charge. 

The result leaves Tottenham with plenty to address after a summer of significant squad investment, while Brentford immediately move to the top end of the early table.

Earlier on Saturday, newly promoted Ipswich Town also enjoyed a winning return to the Premier League, defeating Sunderland 2-1. Jack Clarke scored a late winner against his former club to give Ipswich all three points.

Leeds United also secured an impressive away victory, beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 through a late Anton Stach free-kick. The defeat spoiled Oliver Glasner’s first Premier League match as Forest manager.

Everton began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with Thierno Barry among the scorers as David Moyes’ side secured their first opening-day win in five years. 

Arsenal had already made a strong statement on Friday night, defeating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 to begin their title defence in convincing fashion. 

The opening weekend will continue on Sunday with three matches, including Bournemouth against Manchester City and Newcastle United against Liverpool. Aston Villa will also visit Brighton & Hove Albion.

With several of the weekend’s biggest teams yet to play, the opening round is already providing an early reminder that the new Premier League season could produce plenty of surprises.

For Manchester United and Tottenham, however, the focus will now turn to recovery after both clubs suffered defeats that were far from the expected starts to their campaigns.

The 2026/27 Premier League season only began this weekend, but the opening results have already created questions for some of the league’s biggest clubs.