Manchester United defender Raphael Varane believes his body has been “damaged” due to effects of continually heading the ball.
Varane says that he advises his seven-year-old son not to head the ball when he plays.
The 30-year-old also revealed that he finished a World Cup last-16 game for France against Nigeria in 2014 on “autopilot” after suffering concussion.
“Personally, I don’t know if I’ll live to be 100, but I do know that I’ve damaged my body,” Varane told L’Equipe.
“The dangers of headers need to be taught on all amateur football pitches and to young people.
“My seven-year-old son plays football, and I advise him not to head the ball. For me, that’s essential.
“Even if it doesn’t cause any immediate tr…
Lee Carsley made a winning start to his England tenure with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League, helped by two players who previously represented the hosts.
Both goals came in the first half on Saturday, with Declan Rice s powerful finish followed up by Jack Grealish s sweeping effort to hand England their first win in Dublin in over 60 years.
Jayson Molumby s early chance offered the visitors a warning, but Harry Kane headed over as Carsley s team swiftly took control.
The England captain, now one shy of his 100th Three Lions cap, was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher moments later inside the box after a fast break from an Ireland free-kick.
But England had the lead after 11 minutes. Having made three senior appearances fo…
Gregg Berhalter has said that the United States are ready for the Copa America following their 1-1 draw with Brazil on Wednesday.
Berhalter s side concluded their preparations for the tournament with an improved display in Florida, having lost 5-1 to Colombia three days prior.
Many feared the worst as Real Madrid s Rodrygo gave the visitors an early advantage, but Christian Pulisic s second half free-kick was enough to share the spoils, as Matt Turner made 11 saves in the contest, the most by a USA keeper since Tim Howard in the 2014 World Cup.
We asked for teamwork and intensity, Berhalter said. The way we framed it is two things that are totally in their control. It doesn t matter about the opponent, it doesn t matter about the field, the fans or anything.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not feature for Sweden at Euro 2020, head coach Janne Andersson has confirmed.
Ibrahimovic made a return to the national team in March, playing in World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Kosovo.
But a knee injury has ended his hopes of representing his country at the rescheduled European Championship, with Ibrahimovic ruled out after Milan confirmed a treatment plan that will take six weeks.
I spoke to Zlatan Ibrahimovic today, who unfortunately told me his injury will prevent his participation in the European Championship this summer,” said Andersson.
Of course, it is sad, especially for Zlatan, but for us too. I hope that he is back on the pitch again as soon as possible.
Idag har Zlatan meddelat Janne Andersson att…
Karim Benzema has vowed he will never forget Real Madrid.
The striker will leave the Bernabeu in the summer when his contract expires after 14 years at the club.
The France international scored 354 goals in 648 games, won a club-record 25 trophies and is now expected to move to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Ittihad.
: I ll never forget Real Madrid because it is impossible. It s the best club in the world and in history, that s as good as it gets.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden)
“I’ll never forget Real Madrid because it’s impossible,” he told a farewell press conference.
“It’s difficult to talk. There are so many emotions. I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my team-mates. It’s been a good journey in my life.
“I was…
Liverpool are interested in signing Joey Veerman from PSV Eindhoven, according to . The report has noted that Liverpool are monitoring Veerman, but the Premier League club will face competition form Arsenal and Newcastle United as well.
GiveMeSport has claimed that Arsenal have been keeping an eye on Veerman over the past year and still have him on their radar. As for Newcastle, Eddie Howe’s side have been making checks on the 25-year-old Netherlands international midfielder. Liverpool seel the midfielder a potential alternative to Martin Zubimendi, who turned down the chance to move to Anfield in the summer of 2024.
Veerman has been on the books of PSV since 2022 and has established himself as one of the better players in the Netherlands. The 25-year-old has scored…
England midfielder Frank Lampard has been ruled out of Euro 2012 after picking up a thigh injury in training on Wednesday.
He will be replaced in the squad by Liverpool s Jordan Henderson.
Lampard had been set to feature in his fourth major tournament this summer although he will follow Gareth Barry out of England s training camp after being ruled out of the tournament with injury.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who has 90 caps to his name, was examined by doctors on Thursday and on medical advice England manager Roy Hodgson has been forced to replace the experienced star.
Hodgson is disappointed to lose two of his two experienced players so close to the tournament and has paid tribute to the contribution that Lampard made in qualifying England for Euro 201…
Girona head coach Michel has tasked his players to turn the page following their 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on their Champions League debut.
Girona frustrated their Parisian hosts, restricting Luis Enrique s side to just five shots on target from the 26 they attempted.
However, Blanquivermells hearts were broken in the 90th minute after Nuno Mendes harmless delivery slipped through the hands of Paulo Gazzaniga.
But the Catalan club s focus now returns to league action, having started the season with seven points from their opening five fixtures.
Michel s side travel to the Estadio de Mestalla to face bottom-placed Valencia, a team they have enjoyed relative success against in recent years.
Girona have won four of their eight meetings wi…
Barcelona are interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane in the summer of 2025, according to . Sane is out of contract at German giants Bayern at the end of the season, and La Liga powerhouse Barcelona are reportedly keen on snapping up the former Schalke and Manchester City star on a free transfer.
Sane has been on the books of Bayern since 2020 when he joined from City. The Germany international winger has been very good for Bayern since then and has established himself as an important player in the team. At 28, Sane is at the top of his game and would be able to make an immediate impact at Barcelona.
The winger has made two substitute appearances and has scored one goal in two substitute appearances in the UEFA Champions League for Bayern so far this seaso…
Leonardo Bonucci hopes Italy can use their Euro 2016 win over Spain as motivation for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against the same opponent.
Vicente del Bosque took his European champions to France hoping to claim a third consecutive title, but they were dumped out in the last 16 by Antonio Conte s Italy.
Both sides have appointed new coaches since then, but Bonucci admits he still gets a thrill from just thinking about their incredible 2-0 victory.
When I think about Paris, I get excited, he said at a news conference.
Those memories really pump me up because we put one of the strongest national teams in the world to the sword, although in that very moment they weren t at their best physically.
I really hope to transmit this feeling to t…