..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Chile 1 Australia 1: Substitute Rodriguez seals Portugal semi-final

Chile substitute Martin Rodriguez scored his first international goal to salvage a 1-1 Confederations Cup draw with Australia that seals a mouth-watering semi-final tie against Portugal.

James Troisi scored his first Australia goal for over two years to give the Socceroos – who needed a two-goal victory to move above their opponents in Group B – a surprise half-time lead.

But Rodriguez, who was introduced at the break, levelled to calm Chile's nerves about elimination and ensure they finish second to pool winners Germany, who beat Cameroon 3-1 in Sunday's other game.

Chile came into the match in Moscow sitting top of the group, a position that would have seen them face Mexico, but instead they will meet Cristiano Ronaldo and the European champions in the last four.

Australia, meanwhile, are out and finish third in the group as their winless Confederations Cup run extends to six matches despite a creditable performance against the world's fourth-ranked side.

Chile made a fast start, Arturo Vidal meeting Jose Fuenzalida's cross and forcing Mathew Ryan to parry away his volley from the edge of the area, with Eduardo Vargas unable to convert the rebound.

Mark Milligan made a superb challenge on Alexis Sanchez as the Chile forward bore down on goal, VAR finding no issue, while Tim Cahill - who became the second Australia player to reach 100 caps - was booked for a rash foul on Charles Aranguiz, a decision backed up by another review.

Australia threatened for the first time when Massimo Luongo forced a good close-range save from Claudio Bravo after Troisi's throughball and the Socceroos then took a surprise lead after 42 minutes.

Chile lost possession after Bravo had tried to play the ball out from defence and Robbie Kruse overcame a challenge from Gonzalo Jara to divert the ball into the path of Troisi to dink a cool finish over the keeper from six yards.

After Vidal's header was deflected to safety at the other end, it should have been two for Australia before half-time, only for Trent Sainsbury to blaze over a volley with the goal gaping after Cahill had presented him with the opportunity.

Chile made a double half-time change, Pablo Hernandez and Rodriguez coming on and they made a decent start to the second half, Ryan reacting quickly to push away a powerful Vargas effort.

Brighton keeper Ryan kept out Sanchez, before Chile drew level in scrappy fashion with 23 minutes remaining.Eugenio Mena's cross was only half cleared by Sainsbury, allowing Vargas' header to keep the ball alive and Rodriguez to force his effort past Ryan from six yards.

Chile squandered a great chance to complete the turnaround when Sanchez beat Milligan down the left and cut back for Vargas, whose header drifted just wide.

Australia substitute Jamie Maclaren then missed a clear opportunity at the other end when he could not make proper contact with Troisi's throughball, knocking his effort wide with only Bravo to beat.

That was to prove Australia's last opportunity, as they still wait for their first victory over Chile, whose attention now turns to Wednesday's date with Portugal in Kazan.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Germany 3 Cameroon 1: World champions top Confederations Cup group amid more VAR confusion

Kerem Demirbay marked his full international debut with a brilliant goal and Timo Werner hit a brace as Germany booked their place in the Confederations Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win against 10-man Cameroon on Sunday, but the game was marred by more Video Assistant Replay (VAR) confusion.

Chile's 1-1 draw against Australia means Germany top Group B and the world champions will now face Mexico in Sochi in the semis on Thursday, avoiding Euro 2016 winners Portugal.

Following a tepid first half Germany opened the scoring with a moment of magic shortly after the interval, Demirbay completing a finely crafted one-two with Julian Draxler by blasting home.

After a VAR review saw Ernest Mabouka eventually sent off for a high tackle on Emre Can after Sebastien Siani was initially mistakenly dismissed, Germany quickly extended their lead through Werner's first international goal.

Joshua Kimmich's right-wing cross bounced before it reached the RB Leipzig striker, but Werner dived to divert a header neatly beyond Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa.

Vincent Aboubakar halved the deficit but Werner soon slotted in his second of the game and victory means Germany coach Joachim Low has now won 100 of his 150 matches in charge, with his team unbeaten in their last 13 outings.

Germany only needed a draw to book a place in the semi-finals but they made a slow start, while Cameroon boss Hugo Broos made a late change to his team, replacing Georges Mandjeck with Arnaud Djoum to name the same side for all three group games.

Can had shaken off an ankle injury to start the match and he had the first effort of note, creating space for himself just outside the box but bending a shot narrowly wide after 20 minutes.

Germany were finding their rhythm and Kimmich should have converted Marvin Plattenhardt's fine left-wing cross after finding space six yards out, but he misjudged his header.

The first shot on target arrived in the last minute of the half, when Marc-Andre ter Stegen was alert and acrobatic to tip over Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's effort from Mabouka's cross.Germany broke the deadlock just two minutes after the interval, though, with a fine team goal.

Demirbay fed Draxler, the Germany skipper returning the pass with a backheel through the legs of Siani to send Demirbay into space, with the Hoffenheim man hammering a superb strike into the top-right corner.

Aboubakar and substitute Nicolas Ngamaleu shot wide in quick succession around the hour mark as the African champions tried to find a way back into the game.

But their hopes of a comeback were effectively extinguished when Mabouka was eventually dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Can, referee Wilmar Roldan first booking Siani and then producing a red card for the midfielder before reviewing the footage a second time on the protests of Cameroon players.

After more farcical scenes involving the new technology, Roldan eventually got the decision right and sent off Mabouka, with Cameroon still reeling from the chaos when Germany scored again moments after the resumption.

Werner stooped to send a diving header past Ondoa from Kimmich's bouncing centre but the world champions were pegged back after Ngamaleu's cross was headed through the hands of Germany goalkeeper Ter Stegen by Aboubakar with 12 minutes to play.

Benjamin Henrichs then set up Werner for his second goal, cutting the ball back for a straightforward finish to make sure of Germany's win.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Donnarumma denies leaving agent Raiola

AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has denied reports that he has split with agent Mino Raiola.

The teenager has been in the eye of a storm lately due to his refusal to sign a new contract with the Serie A side, with his current deal due to expire in 2018.

Italy fans during the UEFA Under-21 tournament have thrown fake banknotes at him while Rossoneri supporters have made clear their displeasure with the player's attitude.

Following Saturday's U21 encounter against Germany, which Italy won 1-0, Donnarumma quickly made his way to the changing rooms, denying children who requested autographs from him and thereby tarnishing his image further.

The suggestion he might have separated from his representative, however, has been strongly denied by the shot-stopper, who took to Twitter to deny the claims.
"#Donnarumma #Raiola Yesterday, today and tomorrow," he said.

His reaction follows press speculation in Italy that the player's family was not happy with the current impasse, blaming much of that on Raiola, and that Donnarumma was eager to tie himself to a new contract, which could potentially cause a split with his agent.

Milan CEO Marco Fassone gave the latest updates on extension talks on Friday, indicating that the club are still waiting to hear from the player and eager to receive an update before pre-season begins on July 3.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba gives wise advice to wonderkid France team-mates Mbappe and Dembele

Manchester United's Paul Pogba has advised France team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele that they "must be serious" if they are to live up to their high expectations.

Both players have had breakthrough seasons at their respective clubs, with Mbappe starring in the second half of the season as Monaco romped to the Ligue 1 title.

Dembele's first year at Borussia Dortmund was also a huge success and both players are tipped to be the subject of massive transfer bids this summer.

Pogba, who is the most expensive footballer in history following his €105 million move to Man Utd last year, expects big things from the pair if they can keep their wits about them.

"The young players like Mbappe and Dembele are very talented," Pogba told Telefoot. "I've never seen this, young players imposing themselves like that, being relaxed like that.

"Mbappe and Dembele have the future before them, they must be serious. They're kids, young people who have a brain. I wish them the best, also with France."

Goal understands Mbappe, 18, could be subject to a world-record €135m bid from Monaco's French rivals Paris Saint-Germain, although Champions League winners Real Madrid are widely expected to attempt to sign him too.

According to Le Journal du Dimanche, Monaco are willing to give Mbappe a 900 per cent wage rise in an effort to persuade him to stay at the principality club.

Dembele's also been linked to Real Madrid, while a string of Premier League clubs - including Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal - are believed to be following his progress with keen interest.

Both teenagers are expected to be part of France's World Cup 2018 squad, which will undoubtedly be one of the favourites should they reach the finals.However, Didier Deschamps' side fell out of Group A's automatic qualification spot with four games to go following their 2-1 defeat to Sweden earlier this month.

"The qualification table is not the best for France, we wanted to win against Sweden," Pogba, who starred at Euro 2016 as France finished runners up, admitted.

"Everyone wants us to win, we are all responsible against Sweden. We are second, we have to be courageous and take our chances with both hands to go for the top spot."

France host Netherlands at the Stade de France on August 31 in a must-win match for both European giants.Dick Advocaat's side are three points behind France and Sweden - ahead of their opponents on goal difference - in Group A.

 

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Alex Sandro closing on record £60 million transfer to Chelsea from Juventus

Chelsea are growing ever more confident of signing Juventus' Alex Sandro for a club record fee of around £60 million, Goal understands.

Juventus are keen to get a final decision from Sandro and his representatives after offering him an improvement on his current £75,000-a-week deal in a contract until 2022.However, it is expected that he will formally request that the Turin giants come to a deal with Chelsea for his transfer to the Premier League champions.

Antonio Conte and Chelsea count Sandro as their primary target at wing-back and are offering him more money than Juventus are willing to put on the table.

If the talks go in Chelsea's favour during the next few days, Sandro will become Chelsea's first major signing of the summer.

Juventus are also expected to lose Dani Alves to Manchester City and they are keen to resolve Sandro's situation so they can begin to consider replacements as early as they possibly can.

When the deal goes through, Sandro is expected to become Chelsea's most expensive signing in history, costing more than the £50m they paid to Liverpool to sign Fernando Torres in January 2011.

In addition to Sandro, Chelsea are also targeting a deal for the 26-year-old's Juventus team-mate Leonardo Bonucci.

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, Southampton centre-half Virgil van Dijk and Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakoyoko are also on Conte's wish-list as he prepares for a campaign in the Champions League, along with the defence of the Premier League title.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Balotelli extends Nice deal

Former Liverpool and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has extended his contract at Nice, snubbing reported interest from Borussia Dortmund.The Italy international, 26, scored 17 goals in 28 games for the French club in all competitions last season, helping them to a third-place finish in Ligue 1.

Les Aiglons confirmed the news of Balotelli's contract extension on Sunday afternoon, meaning he will remain at the Allianz Riviera as they attempt to qualify for the 2017-18 Champions League group stage.

The striker, who also counts Milan and Inter among his former clubs, joined Nice on a free transfer in the summer of 2016, signing on a one-year deal.

In signing for the French club, Balotelli brought an end to a disappointing spell at Liverpool and he flourished under the guidance of Lucien Favre, scoring 15 goals in 23 league appearances.


He had been linked with a move away from the club at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season. Dortmund and Marseille were among the teams linked with the Italian, but he has extinguished speculation surrounding his future by penning a new deal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jose Mourinho’s dad passes away

Felix Mourinho, father of Manchester United boss Jose, has passed away aged 79, former club Belenenses have confirmed.

He spent a lengthy playing career as a goalkeeper, even turning out once for Portugal, and thereafter he spent two decades in the dugout, during which time he would ask his son to compile the scouting reports that ultimately led to Jose being recognised as one of the world’s top coaches.

Mourinho responded to his father’s death by posting a picture of the two together on his Instagram account that went without comment.


The funeral is expected to take place in Setubal at 11:00 on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

R.I.P Felix Mourinho!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Raiola says Donnarumma will meet with Milan amid confusion

Mino Raiola said teenage sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma will meet with AC Milan following the European Under-21 Championship as confusion reigned regarding his client.

Having indicated that he will not sign a renewal with a year remaining on his current deal, star goalkeeper Donnarumma suggested he would give contract negotiations another chance in an Instagram post on Sunday.

However, the 18-year-old — who reportedly has attracted interest from Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United — then claimed his Instagram account was hacked before deleting the social media page .

The chaos continued on social media as outspoken agent Raiola used Twitter to try to clarify the situation."'Tweets' between me and Gigi are tweets of friendship," Raiola wrote.
"After Euros we'll meet Milan. Now Nazionale is important."

Donnarumma — who made his debut as a 16-year-old at San Siro — is on international duty at the U-21 Euros, where Italy face Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'It's not easy to leave Real Madrid' - Bacca hints at James exit

Carlos Bacca has suggested that James Rodriguez has decided to leave Real Madrid and has advised him to think carefully about his future.

Speculation about the attacking midfielder's future intensified after he was left out of the Champions League final squad by head coach Zinedine Zidane.Manchester United, Bacca's club AC Milan and Premier League champions Chelsea have all been linked with a move for the 25-year-old.

And Bacca feels James could be willing to depart Santiago Bernabeu after a season in which he only started 13 times in La Liga, although he would not offer any guarantees.

"He's fighting for his place as he has been doing every day," Bacca told Don Balon . "It's not easy to make the decision to leave Real Madrid and go to another club."He has to have a cool head, which is what he does, because he's a professional."


Rodriguez joined Real Madrid from Monaco in 2014 and collected two Champions League winner medals as well as a Liga medal in his three years at the club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo doesn't want to play as a No.9, claims Ferdinand


Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says Cristiano Ronaldo has changed his playing style since their time together at Old Trafford.

Long-time Red Devils defender Ferdinand crossed paths with the current Real Madrid star at Manchester United from 2003-2009 but has noticed that Ronaldo's style with Los Blancos and his responsibilities on the field have evolved significantly

"I don’t think he really wants to play as a No.9 because he can be tied down there and he can be left a bit isolated," Ferdinand said. "He likes being able to come from the wide areas where he gets a little bit of space and that’s where he can do his magic."But he used to stand out wide and want to get the ball and take people on. He’s not that player no more.

"He wants to get the ball in areas where he can hurt teams and have end product, which is goals or assists, and at the moment there’s no better man on the planet doing that."

Ronaldo currently is with Portugal at the Confederations Cup, where he is tied for top scorer at the tournament with two goals.

A wave of speculation was unleashed earlier this month about the potential of Ronaldo returning to Manchester United, with the player reportedly unhappy at how Real Madrid were dealing with his tax case.


Los Blancos president Florentino Perez moved to quash speculation the player will leave the club in the following days, but the player himself has stayed mum about his future.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Lacazette would be a great addition for Arsenal' - Silvestre backs move for Lyon striker

Alexandre Lacazette would be “a great addition” for Arsenal if they can push through a £57 million deal, says Mikael Silvestre.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Lyon striker for a number of years and are finally in a position to discuss a big-money transfer.Silvestre believes a move would make sense, with Arsene Wenger in need of another proven frontman.

He feels that Lacazette would complement those already at Emirates Stadium and benefit from playing alongside an enviable collection of creative influences.

The former Arsenal defender told talkSPORT: "He is very active, he can play both sides, technically he is very gifted and he has been scoring 25, 30 goals for the last four years in the French league so he is a proven goalscorer.

"In terms of adaptability to Arsenal's style, he has all the qualities. He is very intelligent, he can make up the play with [Mesut] Ozil, with [Aaron] Ramsey, with [Danny] Welbeck."I think he would be a great addition for Arsenal. And he speaks French!"

Arsenal have also been linked with another French forward on the books of a Premier League rival, in the form of Manchester United’s Anthony Martial.While happy to talk up Lacazette for a role in north London, Silvestre feels a raid on Old Trafford would make little sense for all concerned.

The former France international, who spent nine years with United before linking up with Arsenal, added on Martial: "It's been difficult for him.

"Arsene could be interested, but United needs that type of striker. He should stick around."After netting 17 times in his debut campaign with the Red Devils, Martial managed just eight goals last season.In contrast, Lacazette recorded a new personal best tally of 37 in all competitions for Lyon.

 

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Bakayoko set for Chelsea medical as he closes on £35m move

Tiemoue Bakayoko is to undergo a medical in London as he finalises a £35.2 million move to Chelsea, Goal can confirm.

The Monaco midfielder could therefore be a Chelsea player by the end of the week, with Antonio Conte having identified the 22-year-old as his main summer target in the midfield area.

Talks between Chelsea, Monaco and Bakayoko have moved slowly but all parties have finally come to an agreement for the Frenchman, who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and won Ligue 1 last season, to move to Stamford Bridge.

Bakayoko has been enjoying a post-season holiday in New York and his presence in London is now all that is needed to complete the final part of the transfer.Chelsea's move for Bakayoko calls Nemanja Matic's future into question, however, with Manchester United appearing to be the main club interested.

Reports on Monday have claimed that United are close to wrapping up a £35 million deal, with the midfielder set to sign a four-year contract.

Alex Sandro, meanwhile, is getting closer to sealing a £60m move to Chelsea as Conte looks to further improve his squad for the 2017-18 campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Crystal Palace appoint Frank de Boer as manager

Crystal Palace have announced former Ajax coach and Barcelona player Frank de Boer as their new manager.Palace have been looking for someone to replace Sam Allardyce, who from retired from football management after guiding the club to Premier League safety in May.

The Dutchman has been without a job since getting sacked by Inter last October, with the club struggling for form and winning only once in five Serie A games."I am thrilled to be appointed as manager of Crystal Palace Football Club," de Boer told Crystal Palace's website.

"It is a great honour to take charge of such an historic club, a club that is known around the world for its hugely proud and passionate fan base."This role is a hugely exciting opportunity for me, and I cannot wait to get started in the Premier League with the players and staff here in south London.”

De Boer began his managerial life at Ajax in December 2010 following a successful playing career, and won Eredivisie in his first season after the Amsterdam side beat second place FC Twente on the final day of the season to leapfrog their opponents.

Ajax won the Dutch league again the season after, ending the campaign with a 14-match winning streak, and made it a hat trick in 2012-13 when de Boer’s team lost just two league games.

A 22-match unbeaten run helped Ajax to a fourth consecutive championship – De Boer’s ninth with the club as a player and manager – and reached the KNVB Cup final before being denied a domestic double by PEC Zwolle in a 5-1 loss.

However, Ajax finished 17 points behind champions PSV in the Eredivisie in the 2014-15 season, and the former defender quit his post in May 2016 after drawing on the final day to gift PSV the title.

He replaced Roberto Mancini at Inter that August, but De Boer won just five games out of his 14 in charge and was fired two days after a 1-0 loss at Sampdoria that left the Milan club in 12th place.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish said:"We have undertaken a thorough interview process to ensure we are in a position to appoint a manager of the calibre and experience that Frank brings with him."I am pleased to welcome him to Crystal Palace and I know he cannot wait to get started and prepare for our record breaking fifth season in the top flight."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Matic due for medical at Man Utd after Chelsea agree £40m deal

Manchester United have agreed terms with Chelsea over the transfer of Nemanja Matic, with the midfielder due to undergo a medical by Wednesday.

Goal understands the two clubs have come to an agreement for a deal worth around £40 million, allowing the Serbia international to link up with Jose Mourinho for a second time. Matic was previously snapped up by the United boss when he was in charge at Stamford Bridge in January 2014.

The 28-year-old was a part of the Chelsea side which won the Premier League title with the Portuguese in 2015, then played a role in their repeat success in 2017 under Antonio Conte.

United have been on the lookout for a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick for some years and, with the England international turning 36 in July, Mourinho has seen fit to bring in his former Chelsea charge to fill the role on midfield anchor role on a regular basis.

If he comes through his medical, Matic is expected to pen a deal worth well in excess of his current £90,000 weekly salary in west London. He will become United’s second signing of the summer following central defender Victor Lindelof’s arrival from Benfica for an initial £31m.

The 28-year-old Matic has racked up 32 caps for Serbia and has played at club level for Kolubara, Kosice, Vitesse Arnhem and Benfica besides his two spells at Chelsea. He spent two years under Mourinho with the Blues before the Portuguese was sacked in December 2015.

Matic’s impending arrival is not expected to directly affect United’s pursuit of Monaco utility man Fabinho, with the Brazilian said to be keen to play largely in his preferred position of right-back as opposed to central midfield.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Matic pattahabai Matic wa gatthata passe Fabinho wa ganna hadana 1kath nawathune nathnam thamai hoda.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo will stay at Real Madrid - Karembeu

Christian Karembeu says Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Real Madrid this summer despite recent revelations that he wants to leave the club.

The 32-year-old forward has been accused of tax evasion by the authorities in Spain and it was reported in the Portuguese press earlier this month that the player is keen on a transfer this summer.

Ronaldo, who is away with Portugal at the Confederations Cup in Russia, has not expressed himself publicly with regard to his intentions, but Karembeu - who was speaking at the La Liga Promises tournament in New Jersey - told Goal: "I don't think he will leave.

"We need to be realistic. He has a contract and with any contact there are rules and laws. His release clause is €1 billion and no club will be able to pay that. I think Cristiano will stay and they will find a solution. We will see what happens, but I think he will stay."

Ronaldo fired Madrid to a third Champions League crown in four seasons as he netted twice in the final against Juventus in Cardiff on June 3 and he appeared happy amid the celebrations in the city and at the Santiago Bernabeu the following day.

However, it was confirmed just days later that he is accused of evading €14.7m in taxes and after leaving for Russia, the news broke on the front page of A Bola that he wants to leave Spain.

Some have suggested that, at the age of 32, this may not be a bad time for Madrid to sell Ronaldo - but Karembeu believes the four-time Ballon d'Or winner still has a lot to offer his current club.

"He broke all the records," the former France international said. "He belongs to Real Madrid and I think he knows that. He has achieved many, many goals with Real Madrid.

"He is a worldwide brand, just like Real Madrid, so I think he is in the best place and I think he will end up staying."

Karembeu, a World Cup winner and European champion with France, spent three seasons at Real and won the Champions League on two occasions - in 1998 and 2000. The 46-year-old is now an ambassador for La Liga.

 

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Chelsea striker Traore completes €10m move to Lyon

Chelsea striker Bertrand Traore has completed a €10 million move to Lyon after signing a five-yeardeal.

The 21-year-old — who last year helped Ajax reach the Europa League final having joined on a season-long loan deal — leaves Stamford Bridge having been pushed down the pecking order under Antonio Conte.

Burkina Faso international Traore made his Blues debut in 2015 and went on to make 16 starts in the 2015-16 season under Jose Mourinho, scoring four goals.
The fee paid for Traore also includes a 15 per cent sell on clause for Chelsea should Lyon decide to cash in on the striker in the future.

Mourinho's sacking and the arrival of Michy Batshuayi saw him pushed out of contention under Conte, and he was sent on loan to Ajax to gain further experience.

He scored 13 goals in 35 appearances for the Eredivisie outfit and now moves to Ligue 1, with Lyon looking likely to lose star striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer despite a move to Atletico Madrid falling through.Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas and head coach Bruno Gensio announced Traore's arrival at the club, with the manager praising his ability to play in multiple areas of the pitch.

"He has a great versatility for us, he is able to play on one side or in the middle, can take up spaces and bring something to the game that is different from what we are used to doing," Genesio said.

"He was one of the players we wanted to see at Olympique Lyonnais."

 

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Donnarumma shuts down Milan questions at Italy press conference

Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma refused to answer questions related to his club future at a press conference on Monday.

The 18-year-old has a year remaining on his contract with the Rossoneri, but his agent Mino Raiola has indicated that the teenager will not sign a new deal.

The latest twist in the tale came when Donnarumma seemed to change his mind and pledge his future to Milan on Instagram, only to later claim his account had been hacked.

Donnarumma is currently representing Italy at the European Under-21 Championships, where his side will take on Spain in a semi-final on Tuesday.

And the teenager would not be drawn into discussing his club future on Monday, saying "I'm calm and I'm thinking about tomorrow's game. I will think about my future afterwards."

The goalkeeper's displays for Milan have led to reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United, among others.

 

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Donnarumma shuts down Milan questions at Italy press conference amid social media 'uproar'

Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma refused to answer questions related to his club future at a press conference on Monday and has apologised for the 'uproar created around him.The 18-year-old has a year remaining on his contract with the Rossoneri, but his agent Mino Raiola has indicated that the teenager will not sign a new deal.

The latest twist in the tale came when Donnarumma seemed to change his mind and pledge his future to Milan on Instagram, only to later claim his account had been hacked.

Donnarumma, who also denied rumours of a split with Raiola on social media at the weekend, is preparing to face Spain in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship on Tuesday and he apologised for the bizarre social media incidents.

"I wanted to come here," Donnarumma said at the media conference on Monday."I wanted to show that I'm calm and thinking about tomorrow's game. I'm sorry this uproar has been created around me.

"Now I'm just thinking about the Spain game, my future will be spoken about after the national team. Social media can be both fun and not, but I use it to pass a bit of time."

Donnarumma insisted he is not worried about his performances after making errors in the last group game against Czech Republic."I haven't had time to think about mistakes, but it's not a matter of my mentality," he added. "I'm here to think about the national team and winning this European Championship."

Raiola, whose other clients include Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has also had his say on the ongoing drama between himself, Milan and Donnarumma.He posted on Twitter: "'Tweets between me and Gigi are tweets of friendship. After Euros we'll meet Milan. Now the national team is important."